Copeland Rail Users Group Newsletter Spring 2015

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1 Copeland Rail Users Group Newsletter Spring 2015 It would be a cliché to apologise for the late running of this edition: I will merely say that at present I am clearly a 142 Pacer to Keith Bradshaw s Class 143 DMU. I d like to add my thanks to Keith not only for producing so many (timely) newsletters, but also for his help and advice in the handover. Thanks also to all those who contacted me at crugnewsletter@gmail.com to suggest items for inclusion in the current edition. This is much appreciated, and I would be delighted to hear from you again, as well as other CRUG members, via this address. If the internet is not your thing, please send copy, enquiries, comments and criticism to me at the postal address on the back page. While the newsletter will continue to reflect CRUG s core interests, such as an extract from the Community Rail Partnership s annual report for 2014, a report from the railway press on invitations to tender for the Northern franchise and other news relevant to the line we promote and preserve, where space permits there will also be other articles reflecting members interest in railways in general. I hope it contributes to an edition that has something for everyone - including those of you who prefer to read your newsletter in the smallest room. Sonia Batten, Editor CRUG meetings Held at Seascale Methodist church hall on Gosforth Road, Seascale on the third Saturday of each month (including August) at 13:30. All welcome. Changes to the CRUG team Jacky Lewis and Andrew Woolass have stepped down from their respective roles as Treasurer and Vice-Chairman and take our thanks and best wishes with them.

Extract from the Community Rail Partnership Annual Report 2014 Line Report for 2014 The year 2014 proved to be a very eventful period for the Community Rail Partnership of the Cumbrian Coast.

2 Extract from the Community Rail Partnership Annual Report 2014 Line Report for 2014 The year 2014 proved to be a very eventful period for the Community Rail Partnership of the Cumbrian Coast. The CRP is now recognised within the County Council s development plan and associated visions as the body to deliver many of the stated objectives, and as a result the CRP worked with the Council on the initial plans to transform Maryport and Workington into hub stations. With the appropriate funding now in place, it is anticipated that both schemes will progress to fruition in The lack of adequate rail services to the nuclear industry has long been a bone of contention. Neither current timetabling not capacity is remotely adequate to address the suppressed demand. Consequently, much time and effort has been expended on planning, advising and obtaining the required data and evidence to substantiate a revised timetable within the new franchise. This evidence proves that a majority of workers reside north of the Sellafield site, and the introduction of new rail services would undoubtedly alleviate the congestion on the A595. It is hoped that the forthcoming Invitation to Tender will reflect a new approach to nuclear need also saw the re-emergence of the Moorside project. If approved, it will provide a massive boost to the West Cumbrian economy and will be heavily dependent on rail for the huge movements of both freight and passengers. An essential component of the planning process for governmental approval is a coherent transport strategy, and discussions continue with both Cumbria County Council and NuGen on the necessary delivery mechanisms. 2

In view of the potential demand for future rail services the shortcomings of current infrastructure came very much to the fore during 2014.

3 In view of the potential demand for future rail services the shortcomings of current infrastructure came very much to the fore during Previous studies commissioned by the CRP proved that investment in infrastructure was essential. Existing shortcomings included resignalling, extension to passing loops, station facilities, platform capacity, etc. Network Rail now has Cumbrian Coast enhancement as priority within the control periods. Responding to the DfT consultation process relating to the refranchising process was a priority task during From all the engagement sessions one message came through loud and clear that the various communities served by the Cumbrian Coast railway wanted to see improvements at every level. During a visit by Department for Transport officials responsible for compiling the Invitation to Tender process all aspects were re-emphasised. The challenge of providing all-year round Sunday services was another area of much focus during The economic and social impact of not running rail services south of Whitehaven has always been a major area of concern, and an independent report was commissioned by the Railway Consultancy to provide detailed data. This was followed by a funding bid for a twenty-six week trial during the summer months in Unfortunately this bid was unsuccessful, but the need for comprehensive Sunday services remains undiminished. The CRP is in dialogue with both the DfT and all bidders shortlisted for the new franchise on this issue, and it is hoped that the new franchise arrangements will see Sunday services established on the line. The CRP would like to place on record its appreciation to all volunteers involved in the line, particularly Friends groups helping to enhance stations and facilities. The complete report can be found at 3

Fish Suppers on the Ratty Call Dalegarth to book your place on 019467 23192 for an evening diesel departure and a fish & chip supper at Fellbites Café, Dalegarth for Boot Station.

Compass by West Coast Railtours Compass by West Coast are advertising two railtours later this year, both starting from Whitehaven. Wednesday 17 June dep 06:45 to Bridlington (for 3.

4 Fish Suppers on the Ratty Call Dalegarth to book your place on for an evening diesel departure and a fish & chip supper at Fellbites Café, Dalegarth for Boot Station. Departure dates are Friday 8 May, Friday 12 June, Friday 11 September and Friday 9 October. Inclusive ticket price is Compass by West Coast Railtours Compass by West Coast are advertising two railtours later this year, both starting from Whitehaven. Wednesday 17 June dep 06:45 to Bridlington (for 3.5 hours) and Scarborough (for 2 hours) via Carlisle and Settle. Return at 21:45. Saturday 26 September dep 08:00 to Stirling (for 5 hours) and Perth (for 3.5 hours) via Beattock. Return at 21:00. More details at Thanks to Jonathan Parr for forwarding this information. Since the services were originally advertised the conditions of licence have changed and it is possible that the services may not run. See page 5. 4

5 A statement from West Coast Railways Passenger safety is our number one priority. You may have read or seen news relating to Network Rail (owners of the lines used by West Coast Railways) and West Coast Railways. A recent breach of safety regulations involving one of our trains crossing a red light has [led] to discussions by both parties to establish how this happened and more importantly the preventative measures in place to ensure it can t happen again. Although no one was injured in any way West Coast Railways consider this to be sufficient to carry out a full enquiry with the support of Network Rail and at this time will not be running trains under their current operator licence. It is our intention, where possible, to run our trips as normal, using the licence and services of other train operators, and to the previously advised times and destinations. Should there be any changes, we will advise passengers as soon as possible. Further updates will be posted to reflect any changes. Safety is [of] primary importance to both West Coast Railways and Network Rail and as such both parties MUST be absolutely satisfied with the safety measures in place to prevent any such future happenings, through continued discussions and when both parties are satisfied it is hoped that West Coast Railways will resume operation under licence. Source: West Coast Railways website, Minor corrections to the original text are enclosed within square brackets. 5

Train World: a typically Belgian solution to a typically Belgian problem? Belgium built continental Europe s first railway line in 1835 and still boasts the world s densest rail network.

6 Train World: a typically Belgian solution to a typically Belgian problem? Belgium built continental Europe s first railway line in 1835 and still boasts the world s densest rail network. Belgians ran the world s longest passenger train, which had 70 cars. It has five vintage railways, run by enthusiasts. What Belgium lacks is a national rail museum. Officials couldn t agree where to put it. Now, 178 years after Le Belge [pictured] puffed 15 miles from Brussels to Mechelen, the project has a green light. Work has started just outside Brussels. The centre will be a rail opera of trains past, present and future, promises François Schuiten, the museum designer and popular Belgian comic-book author. Reaching this junction has been a bumpy ride. Just choosing a site entailed regional battles among train lovers from Dutchspeaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia and from the eventual winner, the polyglot Brussels station. Now, before the museum can open, Belgium s SNCB state railway must tackle another, unexpected problem: too many trains. The reasons for the surfeit are hotly debated. Enthusiast Baudouin Dieu tells a story of intrigue. It starts in 1966, when Belgium s last regular steam service ceased puffing. As convoys of condemned steam engines were taken off to the junkyard, enterprising SNCB employees flouted orders and furtively decoupled their favourite locomotives and hid them in remote sidings and dusty corners of rail sheds. The real gems, says Mr Dieu. They stashed them away, without management knowing. The train-savers are respected, but they created a problem for Belgium s railway hobbyists. Even though their country was once a top locomotive manufacturer, exporting to such far-flung places such as Congo, China and Chile, the enthusiasts couldn t get their hands on the country s vintage 6

trains. So they turned to the former Eastern Bloc, where locomotives could be had for ready cash. The fleet of Mr Dieu s heritage association, for example, includes a 1968 Romanian steam locomotive.

7 trains. So they turned to the former Eastern Bloc, where locomotives could be had for ready cash. The fleet of Mr Dieu s heritage association, for example, includes a 1968 Romanian steam locomotive. To make it Belgian, he says, you just change the wheels and repaint it. The rediscovery of Belgium s hidden train treasures comes at an opportune moment because enthusiasts in the East are awakening to their own heritage, and supplies of their steam engines are drying up. Train World curators have been grappling with the vast number of pieces they have uncovered: 208 locomotives, passenger and freight cars. To divvy up the giant train set, SNCB managers organised a secret meeting with directors of Belgium s rail heritage associations. Following some horsetrading, an agreement was reached at the meeting. Each association is taking possession of moth-balled Belgian rail stock to restore and use, on condition that they are willing to lend the pieces back to Train World for special exhibitions on request. We re going to recapture the fascination of the train, said François Schuiten. Visitors will enter the domed Art Nouveau ticket hall of Schaerbeek station, previously the departure point for night trains to Italy and France. Computerised images will bring the history of Belgium s railways to life. Behind the high-tech curtain will be the trains themselves; overhead, a giant walkway will take visitors over the signalman s cottage, revealing a vast model railway inside. Erik Sclep, the SNCB spokesman, says that finding the site and managing the vast collection posed a typically Belgian problem. Giving each part of the country its own piece of rail history and shuttling trains around, he said, as he stood amid the muddy potholes of Schaerbeek station, offered a typically Belgian solution. Source: extracted from an article written by Frances Robinson for the Wall Street Journal on 19 March Train World is due to open later in 2015 and its website is 7

8 Get on track with railway walks Join a group of people enjoying walking trips. Each walk starts at around 10:30 from Barrow station. Join it by catching the 10:10 train out of Barrow on the second Thursday of each month. A programme of two- to three-hour walks will run in Each walk has been mapped out using every station between Grange and Millom. The walks are about five miles long, taking up to three hours and can be over rough ground (occasionally very wet underfoot). Most walks end in the vicinity of an agreeable place to eat and drink. New walkers will be made very welcome. Thursday 7 May: Ulverston station-conishead-bay Horse Canal Foot- Ulverston station Thursday 14 May: Black Combe from Silecroft (10:45 train from Barrow) Thursday 11 June: Askam-Dunnerholme-Kirby-in-Furness station Thanks to Jonathan Parr for forwarding this information. The first named will be the station where the walk begins, the last named where it ends. Assuming the timetable does not change in 2015, the walk starttime coincides with the arrival of the 10:10 train from Barrow. For more details contact Richard Scott on rik.scott48@gmail.com or

9 The Northern franchise The invitations to tender for the next Northern (and TransPennine Express) passenger franchise were issued by the Department for Transport at the end of February. The ITTs set out the minimum requirements which must be included by bidders in their proposals. Last year Abellio Northern Ltd., Arriva Rail North Ltd. and Govia Northern Ltd. were shortlisted for the Northern franchise. Bids are now required to be submitted by 26 June 2015 with the aim of the contract being awarded in late 2015 and the franchise starting on 1 April Bids must include proposals for: Withdrawal of ex-british Rail Pacer DMUs Ordering a minimum of 120 new-build DMUs or battery-electric multiple-unit cars capable of operating under their own power for significant distances Modernising all rolling stock Doubling the number of services on many routes Providing more commuter, off-peak and Sunday services Investing at least 30m to improve stations Creating a Customer & Communities Improvement Fund to invest around 13.8m to deliver benefits for passengers Free wi-fi on all trains by 2020 The Coalition government Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, said that the publication of the ITTs was great news for passengers across the north, who will finally get a rail service that matches up to the booming economy in this region. Source: The Railway Gazette 9

10 Return of the (or 4472, ) Last summer the National Railway Museum made the decision to manufacture new sections of Flying Scotsman s frames when a trial fitting of the cylinders showed how badly out of alignment and elongated the mounting holes were. Although some remedial work in this area was expected, the amount of welding that would have been required could have led to potential deformation of the frame plates. The new frame plates were manufactured at Arthur Stephenson s Engineers Ltd., Greater Manchester, and were welded to the original frame of the 1920s locomotive, the sole survivor of the A3 class. On its eventual return to Britain s tracks, Flying Scotsman will be painted in BR Green livery and carry the number Andrew McLean, Head Curator at the NRM, said, the loco has been changed so often over the past 90 years that it is now practically impossible to present it in a wholly historically accurate appearance. As well as the currently most wellknown guises of the apple green 4472 and the BR green 60103, Flying Scotsman has also been numbered 1472, 103, and 502. The loco will retain the double chimney and smoke deflectors it carried when the Museum acquired it in This being the case we have decided to present it in its final BR working appearance as far as is reasonably practicable. The image here shows the locomotive s newly-painted cylinders. Remaining works to be undertaken include the commencement of the front end dimensioning, trialling and the final fit of components and reconstruction including the attachment of the new front buffer beam plate. There will be full running-in testing once the locomotive is complete. The NRM is planning a whole season of events and activities from February 2016 to celebrate Flying Scotsman. Source: National Railway Museum, York 10

11 CRUG manifesto: stations Maintain and, where necessary, extend platform lengths Whitehaven platform 2 extended Raise platform heights at additional stations Done at all stations in 2014 Passenger information systems, or at least help phones Promised at least for Maryport in 2014 and ticket machines at Whitehaven and Maryport Maintain notices/promotion Protect and improve parking facilities Additional parking promised in Carlisle in 2014 Promote facilities for cyclists Whitehaven park and ride in 2013 Improve platform access for cyclists and people with disabilities Ensure road signage to/at stations Monitor and improve environment Maintain staffing and opening hours at Whitehaven and Millom Whitehaven booking office is open between 06:15-18:30 (Mon-Fri) and 06:15-17:00 (Sat) regrettably a slight reduction in public access Improve servicing of West Cumbria bay area at Carlisle Since this is the season for publishing manifestos, I reproduce the first section of CRUG s. Due to its length, the remaining sections (services, rolling stock, infrastructure, promotion, ticketing/revenue and commuting/tourism/trade) will follow in subsequent editions. Please note that the manifesto dates from May 2013 and is therefore a work in progress. 11

12 Wanted! Website editor for CRUG If you re interested, please get in touch with Tony Potts or Nigel Gilligan. Get in touch And finally... Chairman: Tony Potts, 5 Highfield Court, Hillcrest, Whitehaven, CA28 6TR. Telephone: Membership Secretary: Nigel Gilligan, nigel@gilligans.org Newsletter Editor: Sonia Batten, 6 The Crescent, Seascale, CA20 1QA, crugnewsletter@gmail.com If you re interested in train operations in real time, visit - follow the link to index of locations and select Carlisle Citadel. It will give the reporting number of trains using platform 2 and the M&C approach lines. From that, you can then visit: and put the reporting number in the top left hand box, press enter and chose the specific service that you are after - you will then get the detailed running performance of that service. Our services seem to be 2C33 and odds upward to Carlisle (down trains) and 2C32 and evens upwards from Carlisle (Up trains). However, there are some duplications and lack of sequences. With thanks to Graham Worsnop for this information. Printed by Graham Lee of Hillingdon Greenprint Ltd. 58 Avenue, Ruislip, HA4 8UQ. Telephone Mobile sales@hillingdongreenprint.co.uk 12

additional exhibition events were held. Wednesday 10th June Ravenglass, Muncaster Parish Hall Tuesday 2nd June Cleator Moor, Civic Centre

Three additional exhibition events were added. These were: Saturday 11th July Braystones Thursday 16 July Sellafield Canteen Wednesday 16th July Whitehaven Civic Hall The Whitehaven Moorside Information