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Post by NoOnions on Dec 25, 2009 14:44:44 GMT
Dear All,
I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas Day?
Let's hope Santa has brought SE Trains some rolling stock that works when it gets a bit chilly during the coming year!
NoOnions
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Post by heofgreatwisdom on Dec 25, 2009 19:10:06 GMT
He has. It's called "Tornado", its big and heavy and it does not have any aversion to rain,ice,snow and if there happens to be a points failure then a shovelful of hot coals usually cures the problem. I reiterate NoOnions wishes and add mine for a much better New Year. And my thanks to all for an interesting and informative site.
HOGW
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Post by NoOnions on Dec 26, 2009 17:39:47 GMT
It's amazing that the country that brought the train to the World can't manage to run a service when it gets a bit cold. It's been over 200 years since the first steam hauled train. We now have a service that has air-con (except my 06:29 service! - grrr!), automated announcements, doors that open at the push of a button (even those that require GPS approval!) - but a small bit of snow and cold is able to stop derail the service. We then find that a Steam Train is still able to run. Indeed, I believe that steam trains, due to their weight, did not suffer from 'leaf fall'. On top of that, I'm pretty sure that Rainham to London was quicker in the steam days (I know that you guys and girls will be able to confirm this). I'm so glad our lovely Government allowed SE Trains to charge us above inflation for our 'improved service'... Merry Christmas all! NoOnions
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Post by O.V.S.Bulleid on Dec 26, 2009 21:46:51 GMT
May I echo NoOnions in wishing all GoVex passengers a very Happy Christmas. I would wish you all a prosperous New Year but I see that fares are going up on Saturday at a higher rate than many will experience in their pay advices - Scrooge now works for GoVex it seems.
Some enthusiasts might say that my very able pacifics slipped heavily if anyone waved a wet leaf in front of them but the application of computer controls and technical interference in good railway operation has replaced good management - and a competant engine crew could operate my locomotives more efficiently than any office bound manager ever could.
Go back just 20 years - who would have accepted up to 5 minutes late as being on time? My friends the only "on time" value that really counts is the exact time shown in the timetable. If that essential belief is dropped because of DfT franchise reporting then the operators are on a slippery slope and they extend the journey time thinking that this will put things right - it won't!
Try and push people onto an over-charged, over-hyped train to North London instead of where passengers wish to go and they will go to any road operator putting out coaches with comfortable seats and working toilets who sees an opportunity.
Will the next government be any better - seriously, having read their publications, I doubt it... The things that will make life better for all will be a move towards not having to commute on 5 days a week when technology can do better by moving your workplace to home on 2 - 3 days a week - far more time saved than any ChavLine Train. This will do more for commuters than any amount of money spent on making railways steadily worse by poor management.
My best wishes to all O.V.S.Bulleid
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