NXEC GESTAPO

[Ferrybridge Flyer]

For the first time today,i went to Doncaster station to spend a few hours with my camera.It will probably be the last time too.Coming down from the Bus Interchange,there were a group of NXEC staff who were asking folk where they were going.I asked politely if it was okay if i went on the platforms to take photo's,and was answered with"You're supposed to have permission".When i told him it was my first time there he said "Go on,i'll let you on". Gee thanks!!Couldn't believe it.I'll think twice about going there again.If i hadn't been there,one lady would have got on her train and gone without the handbag she'd left on a seat.Why are they trying to make us feel like bad people?On a better note,SCOTS GUARDSMAN looked gorgeous.Full credit to those folk responsible.

[redtoon1892]

I done a post on this subject a while ago regarding my similar experiences at Newcastle central and more recently at Temple Meads, I have also had simliar experiences at Rome & Milan, the latter I can understand given what happened there, no problems in Austria tho.

[52A]

See post under Photo Petition.

[52A]

http://link.brightcove.com/services/lin ... 6849917001

Here is another one, this time the Branson SS assault a railway enthusiast.

[silver fox]

Rediculous! Never hae trouble in York, and you wouldn't have to ask for permision, providing you were at least number 50 in the queue, by the time the 1000th comes along they'd get the message!!

[Ferrybridge Flyer]

Very true silver fox.I just fancied a change and got the bus to Donny.As it happens with SCOTS GUARDSMAN i was glad i went,but i think i'll stick to York in the future.I've never been abused on York station before-a group of guys drinking cans of beer whilst waiting for a train.I was taking a photo when a chorus of "Get a f*****g life" started up.Funny that they weren't bothered by the NXEC staff.Quarter to twelve in the morning,and they're supping beer.It's okay to abuse well behaved members of the public-but woe betide if you want to photograph trains.What a joke.

[giner]

I just got back home to Alberta after a spell in England. I have to agree with you guys about the attitude of station staff in some quarters. You regulars will know from another post that I was down at Stevenage station with camera in hand to see Tornado come through and, although as it happened I missed the event by half an hour or so, the three blokes at the ticket turnstile eyed me as though I was some sort of Cold War leftover. I can't believe the UK these days, surveillance cameras bristling from every conceivable nook and cranny. Is there a more observed society on the planet?

War on terror? I tell ya, the bloody terrorists have already won it.

[silver fox]

I know of someone in York whome went to Newcastle, and got refused on the station with his tripod, so went to a high vantage point with the others, but doesn't do heights, so went down the bottom end of the station to see hords of people using tripods, and at that point, he missed the loco!

[Ferrybridge Flyer]

I think "loco" best describes the NXEC staff nowadays.My next door neighbour,also a railfan,says he was never once stopped on a station during the period of the Northern Ireland "Troubles".Oh for the days of common sense.

[stembok]

Report in Sunday Times that NXEC has struck an outline deal with the government to scrap its East Coast franchise -not unexpected news - and will run the service under a management contract until a new operator can be found, which may be some considerable way off. NXEC originally wished to renegotiate the franchise ,but the DfT rejected this. Also reports that Arriva XC are unhappy. Oh dear, how one feels for them!

[52A]

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/b ... 210941.ece

Story here.

[stembok]

When GNER 'handed in the keys' having overbid for the East Coast franchise it was expected that the price would have to fall from the £1.3 bllion repayments over the term of the franchise accepted by GNER. Instread, National Express -desperate to secure the franchise - bid an even higher figure. Even allowing for the changes in the financial situation since, it was breathtaking in its stupidity. National Express/DfT they deserve each other, though one way or another the traveller and taxpayer will be left to pick up the pieces.

[berwickspotter]

First of all i've never been a fan of NXEC.
but i have to say i've never had any trouble at Edinburgh,berwick,newcastle,york
but i did get turned away at Durham.

[Tom Quayle]

Its stupid I know so lets hope the rumers that they are giving up the franchise are true that'll teach em .

Problem spots Ive found are:
Warrington (on the wrong day)
Basingstoke
Southampton Ctl
Any station on the cumbrian coast south of Drigg

Edited by Rlangham to remove personal information

[Bullhead]

Problem spots Ive found are: Any station on the cumbrian coast south of Drigg

Call me sensitive, but I'm a bit troubled by that posting for two reasons.

First, what has the identity of a signaller, or the type and colour of his car got to do with anything, and should this information be posted on a public forum? Second, do you think that your PTS entitles you (presumably whilst off duty) to wander around on the railway whenever you fancy taking pictures?