The WR is not really unusual its probably fair to say that a long time ago, before the issues surrounding coal and steam loco hire costs surfaced, they realised that the business model for them was to provide a realistic, cheaper alternative in using heritage diesels, the cheapest of which is Pacer units. They're very economical, easy to repair, somewhat reliable, particularly when you have several sets to choose from and come with easy access to plentiful spares.
Judging by the amount of people who journey on them between Leeming Bar & Leyburn, they must be doing something must be right?
Whilst I don't think that they have a lot of money to hand, what monies they do have seems to stretch a long way and one can only applaud the Financial Controller on this front?
I also suspect that's also down to low overheads, Volunteers who are willing to stick their hands in their pockets to get things done and a few individuals who provide rolling stock for use on a free basis, but supported maintenance.
Yes a lot of people love a steam engine, but the question is, is steam becoming a dying attraction? The reason I say this is that we have had at least two possibly three generations who have been brought up in the diesel era and to them they don't really care that much about what is at the front, more about having a ride on a train and a value for money day out.
I think as a person who visits several Heritage lines, the Wensleydale Railway is value for money and pounds per mile, must rank as one of the cheapest rides in the UK?
The scenery is lovely on the ride up into the Yorkshire Dales.
Perhaps the only negative is the amount of trains it doesn't run due to a lack of signalling. If the WR could double the amount of journeys, I think it would be onto a winner for more walkers and people who wished to hop off for longer in Leyburn?