| 5.1 |
The critical success factors for the WLA are as follows:-
1. Membership numbers
2. Locomotive availability
3. Donations
4. Volunteers
5. SVR relationship |
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| 5.2 |
Currently, the WLA has approx. 275No. members, which has remained relatively steady over the last 10 years or so. During the early days of the WLA , when interest in the Westerns was at its highest the membership was approx. 900. Bearing in mind that the WLA’s resources are largely generated from the membership in terms of funding and working members, the WLA cannot afford to see membership numbers decline and must strive to increase numbers to ensure its long-term survival. |
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| 5.3 |
With the running of two locomotives, the WLA has been
fortunate to have at least one locomotive available for
traffic during the SVR’s running seasons. This
benefits the WLA in securing a maintenance allowance
from the SVR regardless, should one of the locomotives
be unserviceable or out of traffic. Revenue can also
be generated from running Driver Experience Courses and
the profile and general interest in the WLA can be maintained
by having at least one locomotive available for traffic
during the year. |
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| 5.4 |
Whilst direct running costs are paid for by the SVR
in terms of oil and fuel, maintenance costs and spare
parts can be extremely costly. The majority of costs
are met from donations or from the SVR’s maintenance
allowance. In the past, the WLA has secured valuable
funds from its members to purchase specific items, not
least the purchase of D1013 in August 2004. Some donations
are made by way of standing order and for those contributing £10.00
or more per month are deemed to be part of the “1000
Club” where a Driver Experience Course is drawn
each year. |
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| 5.5 |
Much of the work to maintain the locomotives and to
run the WLA is undertaken by volunteers. Clearly, without
the volunteer input, the WLA would simply not exist. |
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| 5.6 |
A good working relationship is maintained with the
SVR and is obviously essential if the Westerns are to
remain on one of the leading privately preserved railways.
A Western is normally used on a service train once a
month from June to September and during the SVR’s
annual Diesel Gala event in October. The Western is used
at “Thomas” events and occasionally used
at short notice to help with locomotive failures or to
provide cover for other forms of diesel traction. An
annual meeting is normally held in February between the
WLA Chairman and the SVR General Manager to renew the
Maintenance Allowance, agree finances from the Driver
Experience Courses and discuss any other relevant issues. |
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| 5.7 |
From 2005 onwards, the WLA will be helping the SVR
with its Schools Education Service by providing a Class
52 to help assist with a comprehensive programme of events. |
