Steam train SPAD Wootton Bassett

[Stedman]

rs1952 said:

Stedman said:

I wonder how much poo the driver+fireman are releasing at the moment.

If the sequence of events we currently think are true are actually true, then it is likely that the driver won't be allowed on railway premises again, let alone a footplate. That might have a bearing on the matter

Quite. I am governed by the same rules.

[rs1952]

Things appear to be getting worse for West Coast Railways:

http://railwayherald.com/uknews/orr-considers-revo...

[legzr1]

They've upset the big guns.

Nothing short of a wholesale management restructure and cast iron guarantees will save them it seems.

[saaby93]

Not surprised
Has anyone seen a public apology or even an apology for what led up to the SPAD?

[heebeegeetee]

saaby93 said:

Not surprised
Has anyone seen a public apology or even an apology for what led up to the SPAD?

I presume they can't can they, until after all inquiries etc?

[saaby93]

heebeegeetee said:

saaby93 said:

Not surprised
Has anyone seen a public apology or even an apology for what led up to the SPAD?

I presume they can't can they, until after all inquiries etc?

Reading between the lines NR were looking for some response probably at director level showing they were taking the SPAD seriously and were changing operating procedures to deal with it
Instead the response was we'll try to get other operators to run our services probably using the same drivers.
I cant see how anyone thought that would go down well

[legzr1]

saaby93 said:

Reading between the lines NR were looking for some response probably at director level showing they were taking the SPAD seriously and were changing operating procedures to deal with it
Instead the response was we'll try to get other operators to run our services probably using the same drivers.
I cant see how anyone thought that would go down well

Probably unintentional on your part to use the term but this sorry episode is about so much more than a 'simple' SPAD.

[Rick101]

saaby93 said:

Instead the response was we'll try to get other operators to run our services probably using the same drivers.
I cant see how anyone thought that would go down well

I'm aware they can be used as long as they are operating under another hauliers safety case but tbh I'm not sure anybody else would touch them at the min.

[rs1952]

Time for a thread bump and an update. NR have lifted the ban on West Coast with immediate effect

http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/state...

[Zad]

That is surprising to say the least! Hopefully they can get things back up and running pretty soon then.

[saaby93]

Zad said:

That is surprising to say the least! Hopefully they can get things back up and running pretty soon then.

New directors new roles

NR said:

We welcome the commitment West Coast Railways has made to improving safety management; the changes to your Safety Management System (SMS); and the three new roles (Director/General Manager, Head of Safety and Non-Executive Director) being introduced to strengthen safety leadership and corporate governance. We note your appointment before services recommence of your new Non-Executive Director and Alex McGregor of Lloyds Register as interim Head of Safety pending the permanent appointment; and for the ongoing engagement of First Class Partnerships to ensure that changes to the SMS are implemented effectively.
We recognise and welcome that you intend to put in place a phased return of services, to allow you and your most experienced staff to implement your new procedures before use with a wider range of services.
We look forward to working closely with you and your new leadership team. This will include reviewing with you in three months the progress made by you in working within your new governance structure and Safety Management System.

A bit better than WCRs previous offering

[saaby93]

bbc have found it now
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-32622534

[W124Bob]

I for one am very surprised, but they still have to convince the Office of the Rail Regulator. If the railpress articles are correct , the OFRR was minded to uphold the ban regardless of any NR decision. I know someone fairly well who drives part time for WCR, despite holding a management position with a mainline TOC. It will be interesting to have a chat with him, he likes to tell everyone what he's been upto for WCR.

[Zad]

I was in glamorous Castleford on Friday afternoon, just going back to the car, and what should trundle past but a Class 47 in WCR livery. Shortly followed by Galatea under steam and a set of carriages! I wasn't expecting it, but it was logical that it would have to come past to reposition for a start at York and the Hadrian service. A nice surprise!

All being well, the Dalesman should be running on Tuesday so hopefully I'll be able to catch it for some photos.