Yes, plus as Ive already said Signalling and Telegraph. The transformers powering track circuits and relay racks are on 24/7/365
Refrigeration and Cooking for our large catering effort. To an extent preheating Pullman Dining Trains.
Water and dirty water treatment. The modern buildings are a lot more thermally efficient that the historic buildings which in the UK are difficult to insulate without causing damage through Damp and Humidity problems.
Could some heritage railways not do more to generate their own energy using solar panels. Quite a few lines have modern ancilliary buildings used for workshops etc these would in particular lend themselves to having solar panels fitted as they would not impact on the appearance of traditional structures. Even roofs of traditional buildings could be used if the panels were not visible from normal viewing locations.
Perhaps slightly off topic, plans are afoot for Bridgnorth to have its first McDonalds and Starbucks which says a lot about the town which is pleasant enough but without the railway not a natural destination for tourists.
Pre covid, we stayed at Minehead but were not over impressed but we are dog walkers and not sunbathers. My wife and I like heritage railways and indeed used to regularly visit the GCR at Rothley where we lived and so while in Minehead we considered riding on the ESR but we found it difficult to make a day of it partly because of the need to exercise the dogs (which were extra IIRC) and uncertain as to what we would find at Bishops Lydeard. It lacked that decisive factor to make us change our mind. Yes, Minehead station was well worth seeing and the sight and sound of trains in the distance as we walked the hills charming but we put no money their way that fortnight. In contrast, the SVR is somewhere where we could make a day but only because we know the area, its stations and museum. It is much about marketing as trying to sell an experience, how can you make a day of it and appeal to those of one's family who are not so interested in long rides in pleasant countryside travelling at just 25mph.
I would not say getting a McDonalds is a sign of progress!
On my visits to the West Country I stay near Tavistock. Tavistock is known as the town that booted out Mc Donald's as long ago as 2006. It is a lovely place slightly larger population wise than Bridgnorth. There are a couple of supermarkets on the fringes of the town but it is very much a traditional small shop keeper's town with plenty of butchers, bakers etc. There are three pasty outlets as well which given its prominence during the heyday of mining in the adjacent Tamar Valley is no surprise. There are plenty of foodie opportunities their to eat in or take away - but its McDonald's essential? No I think not and I dare say a few others would say the same.
Whilst running Minehead - Watchet probably makes economic sense it would demoralise the volunteer workforce who may then decide to vote with their feet.
Again the volunteer workforce would probably be very much against any form of sharing or giving up what they have sweated blood, toiled and shed tears over.
Short running isn't a good idea. It has been adopted by a well known operation in the top left corner of Wales and on certain days one can't get a full run in - just shuttles. The action is divisive and seems to split supporters' opinions. Some argue it safeguards the financial future in uncertain times - but there are plenty who are moaning about it.
As for letting Network Rail in that is a different matter.
I really enjoy visiting heritage railways and have visited standard gauge lines every year ever since my parents took me to the then recently reopened Dart Valley in 1969.
However, I have always looked on heritage lines as keeping something going when the national system rejected it and as a consequence preserved the right of way and maintained the infrastructure.
If it became desirable to assimilate a heritage line back into the network or perhaps share it for commuter services I would very much welcome it.
The nearest that he have had to this situation so far is the Dartmoor Line which has gone from failed heritage to successful reincorporation into the network. I would far sooner go to Okehampton station when I am in the area and catch an hourly GWR DMU 7 days a week that turn up on the odd weekend of operation and get trundled up to Meldon Viaduct or down to Sampford Courtenay with a class 08 or hired in tank engine.
Given that Bridgnorth is twice the population size of Okehampton and Bewdley is also significantly larger could there not be an argument for bringing the SVR back on to the network perhaps as a shared venture with Network Rail picking up on some of the maintenance costs.
