UK: Toy Train Firm Bids For West Coast Franchise

[John Ashworth]

West Coast: Toy Train Firm Bids For Franchise

A toy firm that bid for the West Coast Main Line franchise after it was bungled by Government officials has spoken of its surprise at receiving a response...

Toy train company makes child's play of west coast mainline bid

"Bigjigs Rail has been running an efficient and cost-effective service since 2005, and have had many customers over the years who are delighted with the service we offer...

"No delays – our track is not affected by sun, rain, snow, wind or leaves. Our trains run whatever the weather!

"Safety – our safety record speaks for itself; we have never had nor never will have an accident"...

But perhaps the most surprising aspect is the response the company received. The letter – complete with model train – landed on the desk of... a civil servant in the Department for Transport, who took the trouble to send a charming reply on Christmas Eve, full of recommendations for taking the bid forward. You can read it in full on the Bigjigs website but his considered and thoughtful recommendations included:

"While perfect for the in-home market, wooden carriages are unlikely to meet modern crashworthiness standards for operation on the heavy rail network. Aluminium might be a better bet.

"Your ratio of 1/3 first class, 1/3 standard and 1/3 guard's van is rather wasteful of space. Perhaps building accommodation for the guard's van into the first class coach would be a good approach"...

How mandarins turned down toy trains for West Coast

With the West Coast Mainline in disarray a toy train company put in a unique bid to run the line, and received a response which they claim proves the government has a sense of humour...