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grahame
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« on: July 25, 2020, 19:16:31 » |
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https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/320374Petition
To consider a Rail Enthusiasts Railcard to do trainspotting at railway stations.
Trainspotting is a hobby which is open to all ages & only requires a notebook & a pencil, or a camera to record photos/videos of trains.
At some stations there are ticket barriers. This means spotters are encountering these to pursue the hobby. If a railcard was introduced they’ll be able to this. More detail at the link given - it suggest fees ... looks like a sort of platform ticket for those of us who do not have a criminal record, and aren't on a police "watchdog" list. What do members think?
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Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
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PhilWakely
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« Reply #1 on: July 25, 2020, 19:18:35 » |
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Although not actually sold, ticket offices still do have the ability to sell platform tickets if this is just to get onto the platform.
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« Last Edit: July 25, 2020, 19:48:05 by PhilWakely »
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JayMac
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« Reply #2 on: July 25, 2020, 22:34:27 » |
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Hammer to crack a nut.
Rail enthusiasts should be welcome, barriers or not. We are extra eyes and ears who will gladly report issues to rail staff.
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"Build a man a fire and he'll be warm for the rest of the day. Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."
- Sir Terry Pratchett.
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ellendune
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« Reply #3 on: July 25, 2020, 22:37:26 » |
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Hammer to crack a nut.
Rail enthusiasts should be welcome, barriers or not. We are extra eyes and ears who will gladly report issues to rail staff.
Ok but what if the platform is already crowded with genuine passengers? |
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TaplowGreen
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« Reply #4 on: July 26, 2020, 07:45:06 » |
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Hammer to crack a nut.
Rail enthusiasts should be welcome, barriers or not. We are extra eyes and ears who will gladly report issues to rail staff.
Ok but what if the platform is already crowded with genuine passengers? Or indeed, crowded with trainspotters in a state of near ecstasy because a train such as The Flying Scotsman is expected to pass through? I noted a number accounts of genuine, fare paying customers being shoved out of the way in these circumstances. I think a Railcard scheme would be a good idea so that genuine trainspotters could be recognised, especially given the number of occasions upon which terrorist attacks have taken place at railway stations...........how do you know that innocent looking chap with the camera and the notepad is merely writing down train numbers to add to his collection, or has more sinister intentions? |
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GBM
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« Reply #5 on: July 26, 2020, 07:58:49 » |
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At face value it seems a good idea, and one I would consider.
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Personal opinion only. Writings not representative of any union, collective, management or employer. (Think that absolves me...........)  |
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broadgage
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« Reply #6 on: July 26, 2020, 13:57:04 » |
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Hammer to crack a nut.
Rail enthusiasts should be welcome, barriers or not. We are extra eyes and ears who will gladly report issues to rail staff.
Ok but what if the platform is already crowded with genuine passengers? Then train spotters should be particularly careful not to add needlessly to congestion. Presuming that they hold a valid ticket, then they are just as entitled to use the platform as are other passengers. Train spotters who do NOT hold a valid ticket could reasonably be excluded at busy times IMHO▸ . |
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU▸ is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
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JayMac
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« Reply #7 on: July 26, 2020, 14:56:16 » |
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Or indeed, crowded with trainspotters in a state of near ecstasy because a train such as The Flying Scotsman is expected to pass through?
The number of rail enthusiasts out to see the daily Class 80x Azumas▸ at 0540 from Edinburgh Waverley and 1000 from London King's Cross really isn't a cause for concern. Flying Scotsman without the definite article on the other hand...   |
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"Build a man a fire and he'll be warm for the rest of the day. Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."
- Sir Terry Pratchett.
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TaplowGreen
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« Reply #8 on: July 26, 2020, 16:47:16 » |
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Or indeed, crowded with trainspotters in a state of near ecstasy because a train such as The Flying Scotsman is expected to pass through?
The number of rail enthusiasts out to see the daily Class 80x Azumas▸ at 0540 from Edinburgh Waverley and 1000 from London King's Cross really isn't a cause for concern. Flying Scotsman without the definite article on the other hand... ..........sadly sometimes it's all for nothing  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBBK2hjcPuA |
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grahame
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« Reply #9 on: July 26, 2020, 17:18:34 » |
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I can't help wondering if - because they have paid - "train spotters" would feel they had a right rather than a privilege to be at (say) the extreme end of the platform as a steam train pulled in. "Please stand back" from station staff being met with "why should I - I paid to be here" rather than compliance.
Lateral thinking - existing railcards to be "smart" and include a platform ticket in their benefits - swipe in and out at gates. And a new railcard for those who don't othewise qualify - perhaps a slightly higher price than the normal ones - with the platform ticket / card withdrawn on misuse such as on travelling with a railcard but no ticket.
Oh - I sometimes take the view that "I am not a train spotter ..." but I did photograph one of the trains coming though Melksham this morning and looking back at the pictures, I can tell you it was 66846 on the front and 70812 on the back.
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Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
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Robin Summerhill
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« Reply #10 on: July 26, 2020, 17:52:26 » |
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Bearing in mind the derogatory use of the term in popular culture, I wonder how many hardy individuals would apply for a "Trainspotters Railcard" in the first place
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TaplowGreen
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« Reply #11 on: July 26, 2020, 19:32:46 » |
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Bearing in mind the derogatory use of the term in popular culture, I wonder how many hardy individuals would apply for a "Trainspotters Railcard" in the first place
I think trainspotters are looked upon with affectionate bemusement rather than in a derogatory way. I played rugby with a chap who was also a spotter and with our pitches being near the railway line there were often good natured shouts of "did you get that one Nick?" as a train roared past during a match.....live and let live, it's a harmless hobby. |
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« Last Edit: July 26, 2020, 22:22:00 by TaplowGreen »
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JayMac
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« Reply #12 on: July 26, 2020, 23:27:49 » |
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live and let live, it's a harmless hobby.
I agree. I've little time for those who choose to chase an odd shaped ball around a muddy pitch on a cold windswept January afternoon. Leather on willow in glorious Summer sunshine is more my thing. But each to their own. 😜 |
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"Build a man a fire and he'll be warm for the rest of the day. Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."
- Sir Terry Pratchett.
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JayMac
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« Reply #13 on: July 26, 2020, 23:42:40 » |
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I think trainspotters are looked upon with affectionate bemusement rather than in a derogatory way.
There's a hierarchy too. Line bashers look down on those who collect loco numbers. Loco spotters look down on carriage spotters. Carriage spotters look down on those who collect freight wagon numbers. And they all look down on bus enthusiasts. |
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"Build a man a fire and he'll be warm for the rest of the day. Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."
- Sir Terry Pratchett.
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Robin Summerhill
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« Reply #14 on: July 27, 2020, 00:31:45 » |
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There's a hierarchy too. Line bashers look down on those who collect loco numbers. Loco spotters look down on carriage spotters. Carriage spotters look down on those who collect freight wagon numbers. And they all look down on bus enthusiasts.
For those of a certain age   |
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