Does Locomotive Services Ltd plan to rival the Jacobite steam train? We ask LSL's MD! | Ep 39
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- Is the Jacobite Steam Train about to have a powerful rival in the new partnership between Locomotive Services Ltd & the Scottish Railway Preservation Society? We speak to LSL Managing Director Tony Bush to find out!
We preview a not-to-be-missed interview coming very soon with former Transport for London Commissioner, Andy Byford (known in the US as ‘Train Daddy’)
We take a thrilling ride on the Ffestiniog Railway’s Gravity Train
Some shocking images from the CPKC Final Spike Steam Tour in Mexico highlight the true dangers of trespass - as a woman is tragically killed while attempting to take a selfie with Canadian Pacific 2816
And… Avanti West Coast welcomes the final refurbished Pendolino back to the fleet, completing the biggest ever UK fleet upgrade
Link to the Flying Scotsman trespass video we mention: • Train Spotter Almost K...
In this episode:
00:00 Intro
04:25 Results from our General Election transport promises poll
11:33 Railway news round up
15:04 Is the Jacobite steam train about to have a rival? Interview with LSL MD Tony Bush
36:32 Andy Byford interview preview
46:07 Ffestiniog Railway Gravity Train and Paul Lewin interview preview
51:18 Railway trespass
55:43 The Quiz
01:00:01 Avanti West Coast welcome final refurbished Pendolino
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Credits:
Presenters - Nigel Harris (@railnigel on X) & Richard Bowker CBE (@SRichardBowker). General Manager: Stef Foster (@stefatrail) - Розваги
In these often grim times, there aren’t many things that can make me sit for an hour or more with a smile on my face. The weekly Green Signals programme is the most reliable reason for that happening, so my hearty thanks to all of you for this pleasant effect. By way of a topical aside, my son and his gf are presently holidaying in Dolgellau, so I told them of your weekend visit to the FR. Predictably, they carried on paddle-boarding, etc., and didn’t turn up to see you and represent me, although they did, being enterprising youngsters, walk over the new Barmouth Bridge. I enjoyed a lovely return trip from Sheringham to Holt yesterday, on the North Norfolk Railway aboard the beautifully-refurbished Class 104 DMU BRC&W Driving Trailer No. M56182. First-class - literally! That’s my quick-fire railway news, for what it’s worth. Thanks as always.
Thanks Mike. What a lovely post. So glad you love the show.
I grew up in Lancashire and for a while, my local station was Chorley. Such happy memories of "White Liner" 104s on the ManVic - Blackpool North trains. Happy days!
Cheers. Richard
@@GreenSignals Thanks, Richard. For this trip, the unit had gone straight ahead at Preston, as it was showing Heysham as its destination. Glad to have evoked happy memories - the NNR is well worth a visit.
Great show as ever. Got me home following judging the railway challenge, which was also great - I know Nigel was there - hope you can give it a shout out on your next episode.
Thanks Chris. Nigel said the challenge was a tremendous event.
Nigel will wholeheartedly agree with me regarding the unbelievable behaviour of enthusiast's and observers who think it is perfectly acceptable to stand cess side to view steam locomotives passing. Nigel may recall my letter to Rail after Tornados first run to Edinburgh where I came so close to striking trespassers. I will always push the message to stay off the railway lines and to watch train from a safe distance. This message cannot be understated and never ignored.
Crash pillar repairs on MK1s have been a standard repair across preservation for decades, it's nothing new.
Excellent work by Tony Bush of LSL and the SRPS.
The less said about where else Mr. Hosking spends his money, the better
Why,s that? Hosking,s is a very sucessfull buisiness man, unless your alluding to donation,s to the Tory Party?
It's the first time I have spoken to tony and he was indeed impressive.
Keep up the good work everyone.
From us all at The Independent Brigg Line Rail Group
That is so kind. Thank you!
MK 1. With total push button door operation on the National network train fleet. So travellers will need to be made awAre of the door operation differences. The work MK1 will always need to keep them in safe tip-top condition. LSL and SRPS are doing a wonderful job. All power to them its very refreshing to see the outcome of their work.
Thanks Chris. We were super impressed with Tony and very grateful for him taking the time to come on the show.
The answer for the quiz would be Sir Peter Parker, who was the Chairman of BR in the 70s/80s. Another great show - really enjoyed the section on trespass, as it's just so important to get the message out there on why it's so important to be safe and responsible on the railway. Really looking forward to the interview with Andy Byford on the 2nd, given all the great work he's done.
Cheers! Interview with Andy goes live today (Tuesday) at midday. It's a belter!
Interesting insights from LSL. Only discovered this podcast recently after being referred due to the uncertainty around West Coast, looking forward to more episodes
Cheers and delighted you've found us!
We'll be sure to keep you abreast of West Coast / slam door stock as we learn more.
Nigel, Richard and Stef, another belter of a podcast, they really do get better and better, thank you!
I can completely endorse Richard's comments regarding his experience with the Midland Pullman. I've been lucky enough to savour two trips on it, one to Paignton last year, and the other to Fort William in 2022.
The train itself is a real head-turner wherever it goes. The service on board is second to none; nothing is too much trouble and the staff are never still! It's also nothing short of miraculous how those gourmet meals are prepared in the confines of the kitchen car and served up beautifully, all whilst being jostled around at high speed! Well done to absolutely everyone at LSL!
Equally well done to the three of you, thank you!:
Thanks Brian.
Totally agree with all those comments on the Midland Pullman. Genuinely have never eaten so much in a single day in my life!
We are new listeners (husband and wife) and we love this podcast series - we are presently working back through episodes since discovering Green Signals. We find episodes relaxing, informative and enjoyable. Love the subject matters, and the view-points and differing view-points ;o) Keep going. This episode is an absolute belter by the way; we nearly broke the like key! Paul & Fiona
What a lovely message. Thank you both so much! We will certainly keep going and hope you enjoy not just the back catalogue but all the episodes to come...... Richard
Liked the new news section. A visual version of RAIL magazine maybe? Great news from LSL, look forward to seeing new things at Bo'ness. Interesting the great relationship they have with ORR, unlike some operators. They seemed to have planned the upgrades really well. Looking forward to the Andy interview, seems a great guy.
Shocking trespass stories but some people just don't understand the danger. Trouble is you can't police the whole lineside for moving trains compared to items in a museum.
For the quiz I'll go for Peter Parker.
Good to see the Avanti upgrade, needed for HS2 maybe?
Another great episode!
Thanks Allan. Great comments as always. And I guarantee you will love the Andy Byford interview. A really terrific guy.
Mind you, the full Paul Lewin interview is brilliant as well!
We are blessed with some very talented people.
Cheers. Richard
'Green Signals' just gets better and better. I now find it compelling viewing. The interviews with senior railway managers, visits to depots and railway works are fascinating, and have helped to broaden my knowledge and understanding of what goes on behind the scenes. I've also enjoyed a memorable day out with my wife on the Midland Pullman (Berwick-upon-Tweed to Fort William) and concur whole heartedly with Richard's comments about the train and, more importantly, the professionalism of its staff. Looking forward very much to seeing how the LSL/SRPS partnership develops.
Another great episode I really liked the interview with Tony Bush no wonder travelling on their set of Mk 1's is so pleasant with the amount of work that's been done to them
Thanks Philip. Really appreciate the feedback. R
Thanks for another brilliant episode; I found the content of this one particularly heartening, especially the interview with.Tony Bush and the snippet of the interview with Andy Byford; can’t wait to see more of that one!
Honestly Chris, the interview with Andy is superb as is the one with Paul Lewin...... Cheers Richard
Another great episode. Regarding the difficult topic of trespass in the wake of the CPKC final spike tour, I noticed earlier this week that Ed Dickens, who leads Union Pacific's steam programme over in the States, shared a new emblem aimed at educating people to keep back trackside. UP is taking its 4014 Big Boy locomotive on a multi-state tour in Aug/Sep and the effort is about encouraging people to stay 25 feet back. I think Ed would be a great person for Green Signals to interview someday. Maybe you can blag a trip to Cheyenne!
Hello chaps. Excellent viewing/listening once again.
No idea as to the answer of the quiz question this week (again!): so glad I won my mug several weeks ago.
Excellent. An honest comment if ever there was one!
Cheers. Richard
Another brilliant episode. Some top class blather! I particularly enjoyed the interview with Tony Bush. As you said, so professional, but I enjoyed the subtle implied digs, such as emphasising the importance of working with the ORR... Keep up the great work, the three of you. Cheers, Rob
Thanks Rob. Honestly, all the interviewees this week - Tony, Paul and Andy - were brilliant. And wait till you hear the full interviews with Andy and Paul!
Thanks SO much for the Super thanks. It's really appreciated.
Cheers. Richard
Thoroughly enjoying this episode and the interview with LSL. The partnership with the SRPS sounds fantastic and along with the detailed work going on with the rebuilding of the Mark 1 stock to futureproof them is to be admired.
Yes, it's an excellent interview and work they're doing really is fantastic.
Excellent work by the guys at LSG. Certainly a fascinating interview with Tony Bush of LSL.
Glad you enjoyed it! He was super to talk to. R
I was on an LSL Mk1 set in March. It was absolutely immaculate and equipped with CDL.
It does sound as if they finish everything to a very high standard.
Thank's again guys an hr well spent, very informative. a Brit running the TTC and Amtrack my god changed days indeed, he seems more than able.
He is outstanding. Wait till you hear the full interview!
As always great episode. The partnership between LSL and SRPS sounds like an exciting thing for Scottish railtours.
Looking forward to the full interviews with Andy Byford and Paul Lewin. To pickup on Nigel’s comment about Paul putting his had to his heart when discussing the FWHR, as a Ffesty myself it certainly does find its way right into your core. It’s special that’s for sure.
What happened in Mexico was truly awful. Trespassing is a real problem and you’re right us enthusiasts are not free from blame.
Congrats on the 4000 mark! No surprise because your “blathering” as you call it is really compelling. Interesting, well thought and highly knowledgeable discussion with a bit of banter - what’s not to love! 🎉🎉
As a srps member what a great broadcast on UA-cam and interview with LSL. Very encouraging news for the future of srps railtours to Kyle and Fife circle tours
Thanks Alistair. Glad you enjoyed it. It's really great news, isn't it?
Gentlemen/Stef. It is a wonderful podcast you have going, with all the ongoings and up to date content you bring to the table. What a great thing I have subscribed to. Keep up your excellent work. My very best wishes. Iain (BFG)
You are most welcome and thank you for such a lovely post / comment.
Cheers. Richard
I am a relative newcomer to your very interesting channel. Compelling viewing for sure. Needless to say, I like trains but I cannot claim to be nerdy about them. I was introduced by my son via his earlier suggestion to watch Don Cofey's channel. I have learned a lot about train journey management, and the variety of signalling systems and enjoy the very relaxing countryside scenery. Green Signals, I like the title, is of a different order. Informed discussions about the nuts and bolts of railway management, train making, preservation societies, inevitably politics and much else delivered in a warm, friendly manner leavened with plenty of humour. Compelling viewing and a lesson for those channel presenters who boringly spew multiple facts without taking a breath. I am a confirmed regular and to my surprise, my wife watches attentively.
Agree refurbished Pendolinos are great, especially that they are reconfigured for extra Standard class accommodation. However what you actually sit on feels like layers of cardboard stuck together and is a big deterioration on the previous seats.
Thanks Julian. Very interesting. I actually really like the new seats. I'm not trying to be contrary either - I only do that for effect with Nigel (!!)
I suspect there is an element of personal taste?
Thanks!
Thanks Bob. that's really kind and much appreciated.
And wait till you hear our interview with Andy Byford next Tuesday! You will love it.
Your mission - should you choose to accept it - is to tell every railroad fan in the US about it and get them to sign up to the channel!
Cheers. Richard
The safety message is such a difficult one to address and the community relationship managers at NR do a fantastic job but having seen plenty of of videos of level crossing misuse they just show that people do not understand the dangers they put themselves in
Agree with all of that Richard.
Thanks from the tissington trail in Derbyshire for a great podcast. Long may it continue. Best regards John K..
Thanks John! Really do appreciate that.
And I love the Tissington trail! I used to live in Bakewell. ran my fastest half marathon on the TT. Very happy memories and such a beautiful part of the world.
Cheers. Richard
Hello chaps. Excellent viewing/listening once again.
No idea as to the answer of the quiz question this week: so glad I won my mug several weeks ago!
Well done on the previous win! And thanks for the comment 🙂
That final refurbished Pendolino was the first one I travelled on, it broke down at Weedon and caused chaos on the WCML.
Oops. They have been pretty reliable since though.....
@47:33 - much as an 80-mile 2-foot gauge system would be amazing, the FfWHR is only ("only!") 40 miles of railway 😉
Quite right. Brain fade on my part - what was in my head was my annual trip on the Snowdonian - which does give you 80 miles of railway, by going both ways over both lines in the day! My Apologies.
Thanks David. You just can't get the staff these days.....🤣🤣🤣
Thanks
Great show as always but one small correction - the Ffestiniog Welsh Highland Railway is 40 miles of railway - 80 miles is the distance travelled on the round trip of the Snowdonian. Congratulations to the Alstom team at Widnes who have delivered a refurbished Pendolino every two weeks for the last two years. It leaves a big hole in the order book at Widnes, but with work of that quality, it should not be long before it is filled. It was financed by Angel Trains who can confidently say that Pendolino asset condition is such that it could run at 250kph on HS2 from 2030 for 10-15 years till the country gets its act together. Iconic, yes.
Great spot on the mileage. Yes, Nigel kicked himself almost immediately after the show was published but it was too late to change then.
Enjoying this episode so far guys.
Mr Hosking seems to have quite a few fingers in quite a lot of pies.
Thanks Callum, glad you're enjoying it!
It's quite ironic to think of the dangers of the gravity train in the context of so much discussion around door locking safety issues! How does the ORR let the FR get away with it? The clearances are horrifyingly tight passing through bridges etc. I heard of someone making a video leaning out of the window of the normal train, and the camera filmed the person's head being knocked off! Possibly it's an exaggerated story...!
Glad you both survived unscathed!!
Its a good point!
Well done again chaps. Fav podcast by far. I want Richard’s 40!! All the best -
John pickup in Cheltenham
Can't wait for Paul's interview, he has been very helpful to us at Llangollen to get over our troubles.
Thanks Philip - it was a brilliant interview with Paul and we can't wait to share the full piece with you soon.
Brilliant interview with Tony Bush. His professionalism was evident. I didn't realise just how much work had been put into the Mk.1 coaches, but after hearing his description, I would have no fears about safety in one of his company's vehicles.
On the topic of trespass, I have seen many railways around the world where there is no lineside fencing (e.g., USA, Switzerland, New Zealand, etc.) yet most people do not feel the urge to walk on the tracks, yet in Britain people seem to disengage their brain cells. I know that Brightline in Florida has a problem with cars on crossings, but that is American driving for you! Any thoughts on this subject?
Totally agree Mervyn. I had no idea either how much they had done to their Mk1's and it's impressive. Re Brightline, it's a really good question. might be worth trying to get someone on the show who knows about cars on crossings. We will get on it!
Cheers. Richard
Good evening guys 😊 What another cracking episode especially the interview with Tony from SLS 👍🏻 I did the Blue Pullman to Oban from Preston and I must say like you Richard the service was second to none even in first class. It was a very long day at 21 hours for my wife doing her hair at 03.30 lol 😂 Sad about railway trespassing as my daughter is a BTP officer at Network Rail Manchester and has cleaned up many times 58:57 afterwards. Not nice 😢 Years ago we had to wait monthly or weekly for your favourite magazine to appear in your local shop. Buy how we’ve moved on and now got two railway experts talking real railway stuff filled with great humour 🤣 Oh and not forgetting Steff 😍
Thanks Stevie. That's such a kind message!
We do try and keep the humour going - even if it' to suggest the man on the left is talking tosh!
Cheers. Richard
Just to pick up on a comment made about "the man on yer left" hidden behind the mic. Serious point, for those not blessed with good hearing, we rely on seeing the lips move to boost what we hear. The mic used is not positioned that well and your lips are often obscured. Please don't be offended but perhaps you could consider a slight move to help.
Thats a very fair point Dennis. We will do our best to adapt the positioning! Thanks for the feedback. Cheers. Richard
Great interview with Tony Bush at LSL. Incredible what they due with a mark1. Think the short Midland Pullman will be a winner. I would have thought they might be interested in the pair 477xx shove duffs at HNRC. As the one they hire will not be fitted with new signalling systems by the owning group. As the concept seems a winner. Plus the rebuilt locos would be ready to go by then. I also think they need an East Coast base. Perhaps a joint working operation with established company they already have links with.
Thanks. Agree - the Saphos Mark 1s are really top notch.
It's sad about the situation with 2816 in Mexico. There's even footage of the loco having to be escorted by guards walking along the line in front of the train while the loco crawled along at a snail's pace. It's astounding to see the sheer number of folks down there who are just simply unaware of what most of us consider common sense rail safety in this modern age. Hopefully the public learns some sense after this incident. I don't anticipate 2816 returning to Mexico any time soon, or CPKC being too keen on running another excursion or officer special of any sort down there for a while.
In terms of trespass. BTP used to do a lot of visits to schools and did organise trips. I got some old primary school photos in the attic when we visited swansea station and the btp offices there. We had a trip on a hst from Bridgend and back and it was brilliant.
Problem is now the photos and videos we were shown then parents would kick off if they were shown now but they diddrive home the message.
I've been teaching my 4yr old to make shureshe knows how to behave if she's with me and my wife etc catching a train or coming out to photograph trains with me.
People always got excuses and I think a tougher line needs to be taken
Education is crucial Anthony. Totally agree.
Fantastic video , the best yet.
Having witnessed the extent of rebuilding work being carried out on some of the first Mk1s at Crewe, it was truly amazing .
This was in the early days of operation when they were running with volunteers for the support crews .Great times. We all knew that LSL would become the best tour company in the UK.
I wish them all the best with their new venture.
Thanks Graham. That's really kind. And we agree, this was one of the most fun shows to record.
Sounds impressive what has been done with Mk 1s
Richard
The scenic railways of Scotland are woefully under-exploited. Proper panoramic coaches, like in Switzerland and Canada, would be a real draw.
The mark 2 stock without air conditioning provide a good view out.
The snag is exploiting it in a way which is profitable. Very difficult for the likes of Scotrail to squeeze money out of the Scottish Government for something like this when they’re still heavily dependent on BR era DMUs for daily operations. It’s the likes of LSL’s commercialism, with SRPS volunteers that will make it possible.
Let’s hope they succeed.
Re ; heathrow express- as a gullible tourist in a hurry when the piccadilly line was out because of " trespassers on the track" I plead guilty! Nice ride- never again.
Martin listens from Balmoral, north of Winnipeg MB CAN
Thanks guys; another great podcast. Interesting that LSL is seen, in some quarters, as the charter operator to hate. But I found Tony very posiitive and professional. I think there is an untapped charter market in Scotland (running them was a part of the Abellio Bid). Interesting item from Alistair Dalton in the Scotsman about the former LNER 'Beaver Tail' Observation Car operated by the Strathspey Railway suggests there is demand out there.
Love the lack of a red rosette comment - I haven't a clue whateither of your political persuasions are, unlike certain other podcasters,who wear their politics heavily on their sleeve, so keep up the good work.
Thanks Gordon! Yes, I saw that piece from Alistair D. Wouldn't it be wonderful? I also love the idea of Glacier Express style carriages on the WH. Now that would be amazing!
Re politics, I am very careful to keep my personal views to myself as you astutely observe - but a bit of banter from time to time is always fun. Especially if it's at the expense of the 'man on the left'!
Cheers
Richard
@@GreenSignals Yes, spent some time with Abellio on their successful franchise Bid, in the end it fell to politics, but we were acutely aware of the potential arising out of the tourist market. Whilst their bid reflected that with a small programme of steam haulded specials. But, we always had to keep in mind that it was just an anciliary activity. I think there is a market there for LSL/SRPS to exploit.
That would be superb, a tour of the Crewe LSL MPD. Perhap,s an interview with Mr Hosking, that would be a first. He must have poured million,s into our Heritage railway,s, seem,s a reticent chap though.
We will do our best!
Hello great podcast every way do you know about anything about LNER New CAF feet can you keep us update they look really nice
What a great question. We will see what we can do.......
Concerning the Tories coming in a distant last in your poll in which you asked viewers to vote on which party had the manifesto most beneficial to rail, it's hardly surprising.
Since Thatcher that party has largely and consistently been pro - car , pro - road and anti-public transport and especially anti-rail. We've seen the most vital leg of HS2 cancelled ( Handsacre to Manchester ), the strategically vital Derby works brought to the edge of closure by ministerial dithering, and endless foot-dragging on genuinely setting up Great British Railways rather than simply talking about it.
Oh, and thanks for the shout out. Yes I did watch some of the T20 cricket here and very good it was too, with a full and of course lively stadium with plenty of drama , even though the West Indies team were playing their matches in other countries nearby.
Gaelic speaker here - Tom na Faire (the depot in FT WIlliam) is pronounced "tom na fara" and not "tom na fayre" like Tony pronounced it. The faire part in IPA is farʲə/
Thanks Alasdair. Really great feedback. Will let Tony know!
Tapadh leat!
Richard
PS - hope I got that right......
Hi Richard - you did get it right! Really enjoying the podcast.
JT was on a 37 at Carlisle this week.
I didn't know what "superthanks" meant, so I have looked it up. Apparently it involves an animation on top of a video, which I am quite sure I don't want. What other forms of support exist? Patreon for instance?
The best waste of a hour....keep it comming😊
Your wish is our command!
@@GreenSignals see you next week
Wrt safety of members of the public around trains, thinking about the safety of the platform edge is instructive. If someone falls from a platform when a train is arriving then the likely result is death or life changing injury - similar outcome to falling from a cliff. So why would people respond differently to the two hazards? People are wary of heights thanks to millions of years of evolution - railways haven't been around long enough, so safety needs to be more of a learned behaviour
It's a very thoughtful question. Why would you respond differently to two similarly serious dangers. I suspect the difference in perceived risk is the reason. Education critical.
1:02:40 is it really? haven't low-quality, short-lasting materials been used that are already showing wear after 2 years or less?
That would be very typical of the Scots to paint the engines blue 🔵.
Love what LSL do, shame Jeremy Hoskins funds the likes of Laurence Fox
Thanks
Wow Chris, Thanks! Really appreciate that.
Thanks
Thank you! That's SO kind. Cheers Richard
Thanks
Thanks Stuart - really appreciate it!
Thanks
Thanks Brian. That's so kind and is much appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks Roddy. Really appreciate it!