GAUGE THE ISSUE: The Gravy Gala

[@Squid1562]

The railway isn't run for your engines convenience it has to make M O N E Y

[@welshy_fireman8768]

Ivor the engine reference. ..YES MY LORDS

[@rothevator4009]

£15 for what you described sounds very reasonable to me. But I've only ever done the B&W once, and I've barely seen the Beatties or the T9 in person, so such an event would be quite a new experience for me and I'd get a lot more out of it than a local probably would.

[@Geardproductions]

Those guys had nothing to complain about. Over here in the states, galas (Our gala is equivalent are called photo charters usually) are HUNDREDS more expensive and some require you to go multiple days, which means a hotel, food, etc. Paying £15 for a gala is nothing and my usual one charter per year would increase dramatically at those prices!

[@HSMiyamoto]

I think you are talking about "mainline excursions." Chris is talking about special events on heritage lines, like the "Polar Express" or "Santa Train" you see at literally every rail museum before Christmas; the "four miles out and back again" kind of line.

[@cowpoke1873]

On the Strasburg railroad's reunion of steam event between 475 and 611, they had a photo charter ticket that was nearly $500.

[@benaharding]

Excellent video, Chris. During my time working at Bodmin, coal was costing between £250-£300 per tonne. The locomotives would burn around half a tonne of coal per return trip, so £125 per trip. On average they ran four trains a day, this equates to £500 a day. If the four locomotives ran 4 trips per day that is £2000 in coal alone! That is before you have paid a daily hire fee, money for oil and water let alone a paid staff should there not be volunteers to cover the turns due to the extra demand! So I concur with everything you say. Sadly, railways do not make big money.. the government subsidies the main line and volunteers are the subsidy for heritage lines, but that support isn’t enough...

[@chrishohman6534]

Very well put Chris! As a hardworking fireman in training over here in the USA, we see the same thing day in and day out.....

[@barleyarrish]

i am a cornish resident 5 miles from lands end, and for quite a few years i have travelled with my wife to the B&D at the end of the summer for the beer festival, using the main line. and more and more of my steam and beer loving chums joined in. this year B&D scrapped this annual event. and i calculate they lost with my friends close to £1000. several of my friends whilst enjoying the day did have large familys and that knocks a large hole in the family budget. my best chum and myself were investigating volunteering to help the B&D but the cost of travel for us was out of the question. B&D have amassed considerable funds and would like to extend their track, but there is staunch opposition from the cyclists, but the funds are there. road travel from the east to bodmin is now vastly improved with the dueling between Temple and Higher Carblake. for a short time i worked the markets with a friend, and our motto was an old one, stack'em high, and sell 'em cheep. this was a good buisness model and we would sell out quickly and be on our way while our competition stood around with their higher prices. whilst i would agree with the fact that the preserved railway has to make ends meet, if they lose customers with higher prices they are mis-reading the 'market forces and their buisness model' and would do better to get more bums on seats! and in the case of the lovely B&D not scrap successfull and popular events.

[@trainmaster844]

Here's an interesting way to make a profit off a Gala weekend for those who aren't looking to pay for a ticket to ride... have them pay for a "Photographer's Pass" instead. The Friends of Milwaukee Road #261 in the USA did this thing back in October when they ran some Fall Foliage trips with a "Railfan Pass" option that allowed people to support the group and the engine, whilst chasing the train as they normally would if they hadn't paid for tickets to ride.

[@TheOnlyTYRE]

Christopher Kovacs hello i'm subscribed to you.

[@Juxen4021]

Similarly, the Nickel Plate 765 group had a railfan pass for the Joliet Rocket in Chicago, where with a reasonable cost, a railfan could partake in a private event at Chicago and support the running of the 765.

[@HSMiyamoto]

A "Photographers Pass" might get the scroungers to pay up if it included admission to run-bys and maybe some cheap refreshments.

[@FlyinBlaney]

I would definitely pay 15 to see a Beattie, a 2-6-4, or a Hughes Crab!

[@kineticrail]

Completely agree. If you want an opinion when it comes to how and what is done at an event you should be prepared to put something back into the system to make it possible. I know some lines that have downsized there guest locos due to cost because not enough people came through the door.

[@railduskchaser]

Love the vid Chris - as always, well presented and engaging / humourous :) Also has a point to it - in this case, galas cost more than standard days and so need support.

[@metropod]

Today, July 20th, 2019 (on basically one of the hottest days of the year, the heat index is about 106F) hundreds of people are paying between $35 and $50 a head to ride around on one of the museum subway trains here in New York. I've been doing those trips since I was a small child (I actually remember my first ride, over 25 years ago when I was 5) and actually used to work at the Transit Museum, and I NEVER heard anyone complaining about the costs. Maybe I was just lucky to have people who appreciate what their money was going to. Then again, one of the more common tours is the primary overhaul complex at Coney Island, were people sometimes get to see the museum trains being worked on. (as an aside, I absolutely love the look on people's faces when the museum trains pass through the stations. Slightly slack jawed, eyebrows slightly furrowed in confusion, and their heads tracking the train as it passes. And when they put the old trains in actual regular passenger service, something they will do for special occasions, the confused looks as they stand at the doors if they should get on or not is almost as priceless.)

[@HSMiyamoto]

Photographing the NYC museum subway train -- or chasing one -- without paying for a ticket is a wee bit more trouble, I'll warrant, than chasing a little branch line loco going back and forth on the same little track, which is what Chris is talking about.

[@dthead]

If I get back to England on holidays ( from Australia), Bodmin is high on my list now to go and pay for a ride, no matter the cost ! As always Chris an excellent presentation.

[@standard_gauge]

At multi day Gala events I go for two days. One day filming lineside, from the public side of the fence! I buy a one day rover ticket and use it to go up and down filming the stations, people etc. I also use the line's catering facilities. This way I get the shots I want and don't feel I am freeloading.

[@paullawrence6926]

Can't wait for the Beattie Well Tank episode. I went to the Bodmin and Wenford last year when on holiday, and absolutely loved it. But it is a shame it doesn't get as many regular visitors

[@ewannewton979]

it's the best bit getting up at half 3 in the morning and lighting the fire

[@NirateGoel]

What about the getting covered in oil bit?

[@ewannewton979]

@@NirateGoel of course coming of shed a different color that's sticks to u for the week

[@dougalmcdougal8682]

Very well said Chris. I see this often at the Boness and Kinneil railway often. Seems to be more people outside the fence at Gala days without a ticket than there is inside.

[@BrockwellLanemodelrailway]

I think the future for preserved lines will see the unprofitable short lines with no room for expansion, loose members and rolling stock to the bigger successful ambitious lines. Meaning some will close down for a second time.

[@railduskchaser]

I can see where this is coming from, but it also depends on what those smaller lines do to evolve. Example - Bala Lake Railway. Lovely line, wouldn't trade a day on a Hunslet for anything. Now compared to the Ffestiniog, Welshpool or the Tallyho, it seems small beer. However, it has got off its backside and is making itself "easily accessible" by extending into Bala Town Centre itself - the heart of the town centre. By doing this and upgrading its facilities, it will grow and thrive [one sincerely hopes]. The lines that loose members will be the ones that seem isolated and so its members see the railway as "their railway", putting off new would-be volunteers with a class system that 1930s Eton would be proud of - semi public humiliations and all.

[@17arailwayvideos19]

Being a volunteer on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, I completely agree with what this video's saying, and I think it's worthwhile comparing the price of a day's entertainment at a heritage railway gala (perhaps £15-£25) to that of a day out at somewhere like, say, a theme park (around £50-£60). So really you're getting a full day's entertainment for a relatively small cost when compared to other tourist attractions. And I know which I'd rather go to...

[@ChristheXelent]

Excellent point.

[@barleyarrish]

for a single person yes but for a family on a tight budget?

[@ChristheXelent]

Then the railway still wins on value. Bodmin's 2017 Family ticket for one Adult and Two Children has sat at £23 on a normal day, £25 on an Event. While Thorpe Park in Surrey currently charges all entrants over 12 years old at £51.50, regardless of the size of the family.

[@kupferbergbahn7952]

Every time I've filmed at a railway I always pay to go in and I never film at the line side. People have to support and give money to heritage railways if they want them to keep running or if they want to see their favourite steam engine running.

[@sodorfan100]

I understand this entirely. I'm from America. And I volunteer my time on a heritage railway. I hear people complaining about the prices of special trains, a lot especially when they have no idea on what my heritage railroad spends on essential stuff.

[@TigerTailsTV]

I went to a railway recently as a guest of one of the directors and felt quite guilty about my free ride, so I made sure to spend some cash in the cafe, and will go back when it reopens in the spring as a full paying passenger. I totally agree with the message of this video. A heritage railway will only be there if they can afford to be there. Use it or lose it, people.

[@martw5291]

The only time I've turned my nose up at a Gala was the Bluebell's Flying Scotsman Flying South. £10 for a platform ticket for everyone (including life members), no justification when every train had been sold out at extremely high ticket rates alone.

[@cogidubnus1953]

So presumably you registered your protest by not attending...I expect, given the fame and popularity of the loco there were half a dozen folk prepared to take your place...it's called supply and demand...if on the other hand you did attend, then case proven m'lud...

[@suprememeowmix9613]

Over here in the states it’s worse. I work with a gigantic 0-6-0 switcher, and the bituminous coal ain’t cheap. We have a 3 to 2 ratio for coal. 2 tons of anthracite for every 3 tons of bituminous. Our host railroad decided not to donate coal, and we got put in a real pickle. Luckily we sold enough tickets and got enough donations to cover the cost of the coal and wood pallets to start her up

[@rogo23]

Ooooohhh......gravy

[@nitramretep]

I agree with your comments. That is not a lot of money to ask for considering the amount costs involved.

[@JakeBSteam]

Well said Chris, Couldn't agree more.

[@welshy_fireman8768]

Ivor the engine, god i loved that show

[@benattwood8786]

They were whinging about £15? At the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway Steam Gala last year it was £25, this year for the Caledonian Reunion it will be £30, and it was (and this year especially given how special the event is, will be) worth every penny.

[@benattwood8786]

Oh and the best bit is, Bo'ness is less than an hours drive from Edinburgh and probably little over an hour from Glasgow, so is easily accessible. For Bodmin to be charging £15 (going by Chris' arguments), I wouldn't just say it was reasonable, but really a bloody good deal. I only wish I had been there.

[@olly5764]

How superbly put! We had someone complaining a few years ago about the price of our gala, when asked what he would pay for a day out behind 60009, 6233 or 34027, he happily replied "Oh sixty or seventy quid" at which it was pointed out that three days with them plus the other locos plus overnight running and a goods train for £66 wasn't so bad. I will add, most linesiders are not free loaders, and picture posted on Facebook or in a magazine is good free publicity, but it certainly won't pay the bills to ensure the future of such events. One of the best value for money things a linesider can do if they don't want to actually buy a ticket, is to go to the station buffet and but a cup of tea, as they are normally at a price that most folks consider reasonable, snd the mark up for tea and coffee is huge, so both railway and linesider win.

[@rothevator4009]

Totally second the tea/coffee idea. And so many railways are developing some very smart cafes and restaurants to buy said hot drinks from. Severn Valley's Kidderminster eating establishment ( I forget what it's called) is superb. If I'm heading to an SVR gala, I always get breakfast there. Scrambled eggs and beans on toast, freshly cooked, at a reasonable price, in a well-ventilated, clean cafe. Proper job :)

[@ChristheXelent]

Agreed, not all linesiders freeload. I never said they all do, as my crew and I lineside on a frequent basis. But, it helps to give something back to the railway for putting on a show to begin with; something we all commit ourselves to. And I agree that paying for refreshments is a good way for both parties to benefit from events. Catering is one of those things all railways are beginning to rely on for income and image. And if you're standing around in the freezing cold waiting to a train to pass half an hour late, a hot drink is a blessing. But as you imply, it benefits the railway if purchased from them.

[@olly5764]

Agreed mate, and I realise you weren't accusing anyone of free loading, I was trying to frame my point in a way where I couldn't be accused of the same!

[@joelightrailway2362]

Yes indeed I will agree too. When I go to these railways with gala events, I don't go and buy a gala rover ticket as I'm more interested filming steam or diesel action at great line side locations. The only time I pay money on a gala event is when I want to go on the platform ticket as I like to look around like trade sand. However if I want to get to a great location to film some shots, then I will pay a gala rover ticket to get to that location.

[@mikebrown3772]

Oh dear! I think you might have upset the inhabitants of Truro and Falmouth by referring to Penzance and Plymouth (Devon) as Cornwall's main towns. :)

[@sparkshot]

Good vid and very informative. Think the nail is well and truly home. I find steam event prices to be high but it isn't something I whinge against as I want them to survive so I gladly pay. With modern traction technology competing against the older less economic variety (steam) it makes sense they would cost more anyway....is partly why the Beaching Axe came down. So yeah. Cough up if you want steam galas and such like to continue!

[@davidchandler7810]

Couldn't agree more Chris. If you love something and want it to continue, you should support it how you can. As someone who really enjoys photography I understand wanting to be the lineside all day, but even if I don't intend to travel on the trains much I will still buy a ticket for the gala. The show costs extra to put on, and if the numbers don't add up then the railway might not continue to do these events in future. 15 quid isn't much money really, especially compared to going to football or rugby these days which I do from time to time as well. You'll never please some people though...

[@barleyarrish]

for a single person yes but what about a family?

[@davidchandler7810]

Well yes, the price of buying gala tickets for a family would add to more and that cost may be prohibitive to some - note I said support how you can. Are you saying a railway should not charge more for a special event which costs more money to stage?

[@barleyarrish]

there is no doubt in my mind that this represents good value for money, and for me it represents an affordable good day out. and i have had the joy of riding the brake behind a beatie. however if the price was lower would the increase in attendance balance the books? as i have mentioned previously the cancellation of the late summer beer festival at B&W this year lost in the region of £1000 just with the people i know who look forwards to that event. why would a successfull and popular event be cancelled? and as is the case with disappointment, it is very hard to win people back. i am a great believer in market forces and you charge a price that the market can stand and that your buisness can support. so it makes no difference whether or not one believes what price represents good value for money that is purely a subjective value. but there is the rub, i believe that if you can offer a product at a very affordable price and get more bums on seats as a result why would i want to charge more? it is all to easy to price yourself out of the market. i know several local pubs that are up for sale as the punters voted with their feet. i would hate to see the same thing happen to our preserved railways. what i am saying is this, if you can make a good return with an 'attractive' pricing structure then you are ahead of the game. that is a policy i have always found to work for me.

[@cogidubnus1953]

So, using the same logic, it could well be that the increased cost to the railway of the beer, among of course other things, (like coal for example), actually priced the event out of a perhaps already tenuous viability. Do you really suppose that any preservation society would have cancelled a profitable event without very good reason?

[@dkbmaestrorules]

Entirely agree, I definitely think there should be some kind of photography pass at these events if you're not going to ride the trains - and it should be that you don't receive a timetable until you've bought either a ticket or a pass!

[@shadyhaze2013]

Well said and well put Chris! I volunteer on a miniature railway (5 and 7 &1/4 inch dual gauge) here in Australia and the running cost is high enough! I have lost count of the amount of people I have had to say no to wanting a free ride or a look at the other locos in the shed both on maintenance days and public running days just because they think there entitled. I also live in a area where our fire and rescue/natural disaster response services (CFA Victoria and SES Victoria respectively) are also volunteer based, and when you hear some people complaining that they took to long to get to the fire to save there house, or some other pack of (insert insult here), it drives me up the wall! If I see a donation box with either of these services logos on them all the loose change I have goes straight in it every time! And the same goes for any heritage railway, miniature railway, volunteer organisation or anywhere else where the members give up there free time for other enjoyment or safety. Sorry for the rant everybody!

[@mattsmocs3281]

You speak the truth, coming from a volunteer on America’s most foamer complaint rail museum, also what is that clip at the end from?

[@ChristheXelent]

The end clip was from the UK 1970s TV show 'Ivor The Engine'

[@kupferbergbahn7952]

Ivor The engine.

[@mattsmocs3281]

Chris Eden-Green thank you

[@mattsmocs3281]

Tedthetrain productions hey ted

[@patrickwebb7311]

Mat's Mocs Let me guess...Steamtown? You poor man, even if it's not Steamdown, you don't deserve complaints. Thanks for helping keep history running.

[@MysticMindAnalysis]

I had no idea people seriously insisted getting steam galas for free. I'd say £15 is about average for an adult gala ticket! Do these people not realize that some recent galas have been cancelled due to a combination of engine failures and low turnout? I'd like to see them try and dodge train fares on the main line network.

[@foxcell]

I agree on all your points mentioned first time I went to a gala was the SVR spring steam gala in 2012 my first time to go to a steam gala and I got up at the crack of dawn. Pre booked tickets for the event which I did not mind paying plus the Cally goods No 828 and GNR N2 would be in attendance as well as Bittern I loved every minute of it a really good day out.

[@owenmeschter9888]

I couldn't agree more. Screw those whiny twits who demand what they want and don't do anything to help support it happening. Volunteers should be seriously respected for making the trains run in the first place, and I don't see a lot of photographers supporting them or even thanking them for running the trains while they trespass to take their precious photos and avoid paying a very fair price of 15 pounds. When will they understand that that little 15 pounds can go a long way, and is the only thing (along with donations) that keeps their favorite railway's, and locomotives, running?

[@highdownmartin]

Nice one Chris. Well said. Without the financial support of enthusiasts, railways have to scale their operations back to turn a loss into a narrow profit ( having just read about the churnet valley's new GM basically running it like a business No criticism . ) That railway like the Bodmin line can't afford to fail so they have to scale things back to only run the most economic/ lucrative service. The enthusiasts then moan" why don't they......"when they wouldn't bloody pay for it previously. I was at a SVR Autumn gala few years ago and got incensed at some linesiders who were only there to take pictures and not travel, whining that the weekends working timetable,A4 ,glossy paper ,glue bound, many pages and utterly comprehensive and professionally written and produced, was, wait for it, a fiver! So the SVRdidnt even get £5 between the four of them. I'm a BR driver and Bluebell fireman and get priv rate on some steam railways and always put more than the difference back in the various collection boxes around the place The fact is some of these "enthusiasts" are cunts who'll spend all their money and time on themselves ( look at their camera gear!!) and do nothing but complain and dodge contributing. Rant not over but curtailed. Keep up your good work

[@finndahuman57]

Now you wonder why we dont have Heritage Railways in America

[@TankEngine75]

You Guys Don't?

[@Reading3412Studios]

Tank Engine 75 we have museums and tourist operations

[@highpath4776]

Agree with some points made but. Gala's tend to be added out of tourist season, and add a few extra passengers, maybe get a few to join as members (and most railways the member discounts don't apply on Gala Running days). It also gives litterally members a chance to 'play trains' Indeed I would not recommend the general public to go to most advertised Gala's , the timetables are normally too intense and something has to get cancelled, visting or new in service/ just going out of service locos have a habit throwing a wobbly. Pres railways also allow the disel locos a run out at end of season galas - thanks! But if you do want a cheap day out, expect little and be surprised to maybe get more , then go find them.

[@greatportlandstreetmodelra6513]

I want to support an steam railway so I want to ask which railway does need the most financial assistance?

[@HSMiyamoto]

15 POUNDS?! - I would go to a Gala Weekend and bring my mother along for a Gala Weekend. My excuse for not going to railroad museums more often is that the nearest is an hour away, off in the Southern California desert. However, they get plenty of patrons so that's ok.

[@spartainwarrior6445]

3:51 that ain't Cornwall that's the Dorchester road

[@alfiewhittaker3763]

2:10 whats that loco is it LT

[@ChristheXelent]

this train terminates here That's Furness Rly No 20

[@alfiewhittaker3763]

ah thanks also is there a slips on the L&Y pug?

[@exveefan]

I got an interesting question on the topic. Just not sure how to phrase it in a way that is worth thinking.

[@themidlandcompoundarchive9430]

Did I hear there is going to be a slips about the beattie well tanks? Interesting.

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

I’ve paid more than that for a single ticket to go on a single 1-hour trip behind an American gp38 diesel locomotive.

[@bluehighlander0256]

Who are the two oul fellas the imitate the photographers

[@ChristheXelent]

They're the two 'old git' characters from Harry Enfield & Chums

[@alanrobertson9790]

I agree that if you want preserved railways to continue to exist then you have to use them. For this reason I try to use them even though compared to normal trains they are overly full and full of screaming kids. I try to fund them but I can afford to. Facing retirement this may not be possible in the future. Given that footpaths and public rights of way adjoin preserved railways there really isn't much that can stop people getting a freebie. Although getting a free photo may not support the event it does not detract from it either. Its funded by those who are prepared to pay. How many photos are taken by people who won't pay does not affect the issue.

[@rushs11]

Next time you hear complaints on the gala days prices in the UK, tell them the converted rate for special events here in the states. A photo charter can cost north of $3000!

[@Honeydwarf85]

rushs11 As someone from the states I pay 15 bucks to ride behind a diesel.

[@infanterist1917]

I'd have to agree. As an American your currency is worth more then ours so while your paying 15 pounds for a ticket it'd be 30 dollars in the states. Which is a really good price considering most railways in the us charge 20 to 30 each for a 10 to 20 minute ride down the line then stop for about an hour at another station then back onto the train and to your car q5 pounds is really nice sounding to me I'd love to get to go to the UK and see a galla especially since we don't have anything like them around were I live

[@tobyakirkby]

Very well said well done Chris!

[@c.h.s9022]

What are those “beaties” locomotives you mentioned. I’m not very good with British locomotives? Anyone who knows please tell me.

[@highpath4776]

Well-Tank Engines (the water is held in part under the bolier rather than to the sides for example. Beattie was the surname of the designer.

[@c.h.s9022]

High Path Thank you.

[@zangryomani1257]

you know, i was kinda alway under the impresion that heritage engines did actul work and weren't just being historical show's. i gusse that atoumatically x's out the idea of the heritage railway opening up a service that runs from a station to the line tho that might be the case either way

[@icklebean0365]

There are some people out there who don’t appreciate some things.

[@AntoekneeDE]

Great video Chris, keep up the word of common sense!

[@RadListen]

More basic economics and patronising whinging about the costs of running businesses. Good stuff. Keep it coming.

[@J136-u4f]

Yeeeeer terrier and birdcage !

[@jacoblyman9441]

15 pounds for a steam festival, only 85 miles away from a major city? Wow, that actually seems to be a bargain. Try $580 dollars for the Nevada Northern's Winter Photo Shoot nearly 200 miles away from the closest big cities in comparison... I love the NN, I don't intend to disparage it by using it as an example, I think it is one of the best preservation groups here in the USA. But those 15 pounds for four in steam engines at your British example vs. two steam engines & a steam crane at $580 in my American example; makes the gala you talked about a steal in my opinion. Even a single 90 minute long ride on the NN during normal operation with just one steam engine is about $31, that is nearly 25 pounds. And the NN is considered a cheap ticket via American preservation standards... Try looking at the costs groups such as the Durango & Silverton, White Pass & Yukon or the Cumbres & Toltec are charging for a single day trip (non-special event) to see what I mean. Like heck, even if you don't pay the ticket to get into the event, would it be that hard to stop by a gift shop at the station or something and buy a book about the railroad or pick up a t-shirt? Complaining about a 15 pound ticket really just seems petty in my opinion; especially compared to the 'price gouging' going on overseas (although again those prices are needed to help the railroads stay in the black and survive just as much here as over there).

[@otakurailfan]

I guess think money to grow on trees. Would the type of coach matter as well? Considering the amount of times that I rode on the Strasburg Railroad, prices vary from coach to parlor car ($15 to $25) but never changed. Would that effect the price?

[@highpath4776]

IoW Railway and others do have 1st Class, some have observation cars. For the premium it is generally OK, but IoW in summer is over-popular and tourists with kids did not really want to pay the first class, they just wanted a train ride.

[@Nscaleguy1]

People who complain about these thing are kinda taking advantage of the preservation scene in the UK. I'm from the US, and there's only a HANDFUL of locations where one can see British rolling stock here!

[@Shipwright1918]

Pardon my asking, but what is a rover ticket?

[@ChristheXelent]

Shipwright1918 It means you can travel as many journeys on the same line as you like

[@Shipwright1918]

Chris Eden-Green Thanks ever so much for explaining, so it's basically like a rail pass for a heritage line. In that case, sounds like a great thing to me and I'd happily pay for it, most heritage lines here in the States tend to charge per ride and there isn't an equivalent to a rover ticket. If there was, I wouldn't mind spending the extra money on it, it would make it easier to go take photos and videos of the action out on the tracks if I could catch a later train, or jump down the line a stop or two for different views. As you point out in the video the money helps keep the railway up and support all the good stuff during the special events.

[@Interceptor00X]

*Hears 15£, starts laughing* That's nothing compared Slovene prices: Kids aged 6-12: 25€ Adults: 41€ Granted kids up to 6 ride for free. And those are just the standard prices. If there's a special event, like for example the "Santa train" The prices are even higher. 6-12 = 39€ Adults: 75€

[@TERRYBARTLETTRAILMAN28]

well that is the point Chris our engine Clan Line has to make money to earn her keep even when we run railtours it is costings to run her on the mainline I mean as you saw it costs thousands of pounds to run Tornado each time

[@steamrailwilly]

Have any preservation railways in the UK ever consider converting their steam locomotives from coal burners into oil burners, like some of the places here in the States?

[@davidantoniocamposbarros7528]

No

[@steamrailwilly]

@@davidantoniocamposbarros7528 Why?

[@EddieMillerStudios]

🎶Something for nothing and money for free🎶

[@FlyinBlaney]

Reeeeeeeeeee how dare they charge money! Everything should be freeeeeeeee! How dare anything cost anything!

[@weekendrailroader]

Had no idea that the term "foamer" was used in the U.K. :D

[@jacobkilby]

Whether we like it or not, West Somerset is the best value heritage railway in the country by a long shot!

[@Jopsyduck]

This is why Union Pacific converts their steam locos to run on oil.

[@russwright7216]

Couldn't agree more, but the complaining "line siders" are just that complaining "line siders" they rarely if ever financially contribute to any railway operations but are the 1st to hit the keyboard in a tantrum over costs! In my mind if you don't contribute your time as volunteer or as a fee paying passenger you don't get to have an opinion! In my experience those of us who do pay to enjoy the railways and model shows understand the issues and are prepared to support them anyway quite often without question.

[@NathanielKempson]

If you dont pay a ticket at a gala, you dont deserve to be there. simple as that.

[@josephmarrison4606]

Hear hear.

[@Therailwayenthusiast4real]

Heritage railways are to commercialize unfortunately.

[@rosaleal6043]

Gas fired is no dout ore debate the inevitable future fact

[@firefox5926]

0:42 well personal i do thing these things should be free at point of use ... and paid for by government via taxes ... if lots of people want it then i see no reason why govt shouldn't fund it ... after all is not government the way we as civilized sociability decide whats important to us ? this is an endeavor that brings money to shops and job to people in the community's they are in they provide education in history the same way that metal shop class in high schools do for.. well metal work i see no reason why not after all it is tax payer money and if the tax payers think that it is right and proper to see it spent in this way then unless a good case can be made by goverment as to why it shouldnt then i see no reason why it shouldnt

[@JintySteam1]

so are you saying that people should cough up and pay when going to an event? Well I'm sorry I but get more enjoyment out of seeing an engine from the line side going past than being on the train or seeing it arrive and depart at a station. but I see where you are coming from. Railways need to make money to survive but I love filming them go by.

[@ChristheXelent]

No, I'm saying by all means line side. But atleast contribute SOMETHING to the railway for putting on a show for you. Even if it's loose change in a donation box, something from the cafe or a gift from the shop, it all goes towards the railway recuperating its costs. If you don't have enough for a Day Rover, that can be understandable. But if all enthusiasts just watch trains go by without giving something back, their gala weekends cannot happen.

[@erikgustafson9319]

Dear god that bear is hideous

[@ChopperV-8807]

Wow, that hits the nail on the head, at least it did for me. I can't say the same thing for buffs who like to complain they're on povo's choice, and yet will spend the money to travel to heritage railways, only to film and photograph on the lineside, without paying for the privilege of watching the object of their hobby in operation. Steam locos aren't cheap to run and maintain, and if they or heritage railways are going to keep running at all, then they have to pay their way. Sometimes I wanna give up this hobby, just because of all the thankless armchairs and keyboard warriors out there 🙁

[@Samstrainsofficially]

Y'know its funny this is the dismisive tone taken toward those who say £15 is to much or get on the keyboard over galas along with an examination of the costs involved to end up at a conclusion that they are where they need to be out of necessity. Yet, a conciliatory tone of "you've got to feel sorry for them" is struck when a bunch of keyboard kiddies and self appointed model railway experts decide to feverishly, unendingly talk about how that hobby is now completely unafforadable and in the hands of evil manufacturers. Give a leg up to the BS, give a dressing down go the BS in this video. Seems selective.

[@adrianrosenlund-hudson8789]

£15 doesn't seem much when thinking about all the overheads. Break the record over the heads of the freeloaders (a race I particularly despise). I wish the railway preservation folk had enough money to put screens along the track, or stop the train and get down and pass the hat. TELL them some home truths about the cost of running to a Preservation Society

[@jsma9999]

the Betties Will be here when it here,15 Pounds is small Price to pay to Keep the Loco and track going. 1,0000 Pound Per Train Whit 4 Loco's (I'm Being working 250 Pounds Per ton). Mind you Living Australia the near Perstation Line is 2 hours From Were I Live- I'm in a Major City. So Price is Groven Buy Cost and Like hood Who Rocking up, for 2 pounds Why they Winding to see Bettie Well tanks and T9 Wow.

[@michaeliorg7892]

Trains. There should be review of the pere maquette 1225 on this channel.

[@goingnowherefast1834]

but this is mainly british engines, not american

[@gabrielmai5207]

I would to see a tear train

[@stevenlarabee3439]

Turn them in to alcohol fire engines...

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

Your snide remark about people disliking you making paid-for content reminds me of why I left you in the first place.

[@southjerseyboy2844]

First comment, great vid