Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2008 20:09:18 GMT
I wasn't sure where to put this but this seems like a good place.
Hopefully we can all discuss operating preserved LU stock on this thread.
The difficulties of operating preserved LU rolling stock for private owners are enormous, even if you can get the CTC for it.
When Cravens was formed to buy the 60ts we were given some help from within but were mainly looked at as just a bunch of 'trainspotters' who wouldn't succeed but as history has shown, we did it and will continue doing it, sadly I don't think the private maintenance companies will be opening the doors with big happy smiling faces to too many like CHTL.
Buying stock is not the problem, where you keep it is. Resources too are a big problem that's why LTM can only have 'examples' for display, of course the 38ts is an exception rather than the rule, look how long it took just to get the funding for the 38ts and how long will it be before the 'Q' stock comes out to play.
To operate a 'preserved' train you require exactly the same things as an operational train, an accepted 'Maintenance Policy' which must be adhered to, plus more. Fire safety exemption certificate e.g. seats and paint, does it have SCAT, where can it operate as restrictions do apply, the list isn't endless but these are some of the things that are in the way 'so to speak'.
If you can fulfill above then there's the extra insurance that might be required whilst operating, someone has to pay for delays or what happens if your 'tour is on SSL and you breakdown in a TS between say, two A60's, that needs planning for.
When I organised the first tour of the Cravens Unit back in 95' the Operational Safety Plan was 2 pages, the last one I did was nearer 30 pages, the Maintenance Policy is around 60 pages.
Even if you succeed in getting all this together and want to 'tour' say over 3 lines you will need the Authorisation of all the GM's who's line you are on and if one says no (as happened on the District) then all your hard work goes out the window.
I could go on and on as I did the planning of 'tours' for 10 years on LU, most were succesful in operating for which I am greatly indebted to many of the Managers I came into contact with on LU, it also has advantages if you work fot LU as I did and can talk the talk.
Hopefully we can all discuss operating preserved LU stock on this thread.
The difficulties of operating preserved LU rolling stock for private owners are enormous, even if you can get the CTC for it.
When Cravens was formed to buy the 60ts we were given some help from within but were mainly looked at as just a bunch of 'trainspotters' who wouldn't succeed but as history has shown, we did it and will continue doing it, sadly I don't think the private maintenance companies will be opening the doors with big happy smiling faces to too many like CHTL.
Buying stock is not the problem, where you keep it is. Resources too are a big problem that's why LTM can only have 'examples' for display, of course the 38ts is an exception rather than the rule, look how long it took just to get the funding for the 38ts and how long will it be before the 'Q' stock comes out to play.
To operate a 'preserved' train you require exactly the same things as an operational train, an accepted 'Maintenance Policy' which must be adhered to, plus more. Fire safety exemption certificate e.g. seats and paint, does it have SCAT, where can it operate as restrictions do apply, the list isn't endless but these are some of the things that are in the way 'so to speak'.
If you can fulfill above then there's the extra insurance that might be required whilst operating, someone has to pay for delays or what happens if your 'tour is on SSL and you breakdown in a TS between say, two A60's, that needs planning for.
When I organised the first tour of the Cravens Unit back in 95' the Operational Safety Plan was 2 pages, the last one I did was nearer 30 pages, the Maintenance Policy is around 60 pages.
Even if you succeed in getting all this together and want to 'tour' say over 3 lines you will need the Authorisation of all the GM's who's line you are on and if one says no (as happened on the District) then all your hard work goes out the window.
I could go on and on as I did the planning of 'tours' for 10 years on LU, most were succesful in operating for which I am greatly indebted to many of the Managers I came into contact with on LU, it also has advantages if you work fot LU as I did and can talk the talk.
