Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363122/29650/26] Posted by a-driver at 21:07, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
From National Rail.......not mentioned on JourneyCheck.....
Route(s) affected
between Maidenhead and Reading
Description
A fault with the signalling system is means all lines are blocked between Maidenhead and Reading. Stations between these stations will not be served.
Trains will be cancelled or revised.
Disruption is expected until 21:00.
Trains between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport / Maidenhead can still run but may be delayed
Route(s) affected
between Maidenhead and Reading
Description
A fault with the signalling system is means all lines are blocked between Maidenhead and Reading. Stations between these stations will not be served.
Trains will be cancelled or revised.
Disruption is expected until 21:00.
Trains between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport / Maidenhead can still run but may be delayed
All lines appear to be open though.
As ever, in the interests of continuity and ease of future reference, I have merged two topics here.
CfN.
Re: Disruption 10/07/2025 In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [363120/30443/20] Posted by Clan Line at 20:38, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
*Sits on hands*
*Fails, hands escape and fly to the keyboard*. The utility and value to passengers and to the industry of that Waterloo-Bristol through service that ceased to run only a few years ago. Class 159, three carriages, well timed departures from Waterloo that didn't impose a peak fares massacre (as well as an easier-to-understand fares structure, and, often, advance fares available). Oh, and comfy seats and, though busy, spare seats every trip plus a trolley service for drinks and a bite.
Mark
..............you forgot the noisy, but working, air-con ! My daughter travelled from Kent to Warminster today. WAT to SAL - 3 car 159, everything worked, busy but comfortable. SAL to WMN (middle of the afternoon !!) - 3 car 166, full and standing, absolutely sweltering .......
At least on Sunday morning she will have a 159 all the way from WMN to Clapham

What other trains? Only Scotsman and one home fleet loco operating. Out from Bishops Lydeard by one, back by t'other.
Mum and I did the journey last Wednesday. Lovely day out. We did see evidence of lineside fires. Later that week and earlier this week the WSR were using diesels for their running days and for the other leg of Scotsman services. They pressed the former GWR HST Castle set into service that is currently residing on the WSR
Mum and I did the journey last Wednesday. Lovely day out. We did see evidence of lineside fires. Later that week and earlier this week the WSR were using diesels for their running days and for the other leg of Scotsman services. They pressed the former GWR HST Castle set into service that is currently residing on the WSR
Given recent incidents such as this, the lineside fires you mention and the ongoing tinder dry conditions steam trains shouldn't be running at all.
The Fire Brigade are likely to be busy enough dealing with wildfires without having to cover totally avoidable risks such as this.
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/25277018.oxfordshire-historic-steam-train-caused-1-5-miles-fires/
Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363118/29650/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 20:21, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
From National Rail.......not mentioned on JourneyCheck.....
Route(s) affected
between Maidenhead and Reading
Description
A fault with the signalling system is means all lines are blocked between Maidenhead and Reading. Stations between these stations will not be served.
Trains will be cancelled or revised.
Disruption is expected until 21:00.
Trains between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport / Maidenhead can still run but may be delayed
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363117/29726/18] Posted by bobm at 20:11, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
https://transwilts.org/2025/07/11/no-transwilts-trains-on-sunday-13th-july/
GWR are warning of disruption on some routes this Sunday (13 July) because of crew availability.
No services will operate on the following routes this Sunday and customers should not attempt to travel between Westbury and Weymouth (No bus replacement able to operate), and between Swindon and Westbury (A very limited bus replacement will operate).
A reduced, amended timetable will also be in place for trains between Westbury and Bristol Temple Meads. On this route, customers should change their plans if possible and only travel if necessary. Fewer trains will run, and those that do will be extremely busy. Some further services may also be cancelled or delayed at short notice.
Because of the late-notice changes, and the complexity of updating timetable systems, journey planners will not show changes correctly before Sunday morning.
Customers who had already bought tickets between Westbury and Weymouth for this Sunday 13 July will be able to use them on Saturday 12, or Monday 14 July, or if they do not travel they can claim a full refund at www.GWR.com/refunds.
Further information will be available on our webpage at www.gwr.com and customers can check before they travel at www.gwr.com/check.
No services will operate on the following routes this Sunday and customers should not attempt to travel between Westbury and Weymouth (No bus replacement able to operate), and between Swindon and Westbury (A very limited bus replacement will operate).
A reduced, amended timetable will also be in place for trains between Westbury and Bristol Temple Meads. On this route, customers should change their plans if possible and only travel if necessary. Fewer trains will run, and those that do will be extremely busy. Some further services may also be cancelled or delayed at short notice.
Because of the late-notice changes, and the complexity of updating timetable systems, journey planners will not show changes correctly before Sunday morning.
Customers who had already bought tickets between Westbury and Weymouth for this Sunday 13 July will be able to use them on Saturday 12, or Monday 14 July, or if they do not travel they can claim a full refund at www.GWR.com/refunds.
Further information will be available on our webpage at www.gwr.com and customers can check before they travel at www.gwr.com/check.
Re: Air India flight to London Gatwick crashed in Ahmedabad - 12 June 2025 In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [363116/30350/52] Posted by Clan Line at 19:44, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/air-india-plane-crash-report-investigation-pilot-error-switches-london-gatwick-b1237753.html
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363115/29726/18] Posted by Timmer at 19:10, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I know it’s a bit off the Transwilts, but the service at Dilton Marsh since 4pm onwards has been next to non existent with cancellations in both directions with Warminster/Salisbury services being cancelled.
Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [363114/18719/26] Posted by Timmer at 19:05, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Do not travel to be issued this Sunday 13 July between Westbury - Weymouth & Westbury - Swindon and an emergency timetable in operation Westbury - Bristol due to crew availability.
Limited RRB will run Westbury - Swindon.
Customers who have already bought tickets for travel between Westbury and Weymouth this Sunday will be able to use them this Saturday 12, or Monday 14 July.
Must be a lot of Westbury based crew are tennis fans with the men’s final on Sunday.Limited RRB will run Westbury - Swindon.
Customers who have already bought tickets for travel between Westbury and Weymouth this Sunday will be able to use them this Saturday 12, or Monday 14 July.
Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [363113/18719/26] Posted by plymothian at 18:51, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Do not travel to be issued this Sunday 13 July between Westbury - Weymouth & Westbury - Swindon and an emergency timetable in operation Westbury - Bristol due to crew availability.
Limited RRB will run Westbury - Swindon.
Customers who have already bought tickets for travel between Westbury and Weymouth this Sunday will be able to use them this Saturday 12, or Monday 14 July.
Latest on their website.
Due to operational issues the West Somerset Railway had to cancel all planned services on Friday 11th July 2025.
Jonathan Jones – Pratt, Chairman said ‘’Unfortunately the decision was made to suspend operations due to a trackwork incident yesterday. There have also been concerns with staff welfare and ensuring they are working in safe conditions given the extreme weather temperatures. This was a difficult decision to make and I am aware there are disappointed customers at this special time of operations on the line. Our team has been working extremely hard to overcome the challenges but given the excessive heat currently being experienced it has meant no work can be undertaken to the rail during daytime hours, causing the operational issues to be prolonged. Our teams are working exceptionally hard to try to resolve the issues and will be working overnight this evening, when temperatures will have dropped, to fix the current issues. We expect services to operate as planned tomorrow and will be offering additional operational services with Flying Scotsman on Sunday 13th to allow those who missed out on Friday the opportunity to still travel.
Jonathan Jones – Pratt, Chairman said ‘’Unfortunately the decision was made to suspend operations due to a trackwork incident yesterday. There have also been concerns with staff welfare and ensuring they are working in safe conditions given the extreme weather temperatures. This was a difficult decision to make and I am aware there are disappointed customers at this special time of operations on the line. Our team has been working extremely hard to overcome the challenges but given the excessive heat currently being experienced it has meant no work can be undertaken to the rail during daytime hours, causing the operational issues to be prolonged. Our teams are working exceptionally hard to try to resolve the issues and will be working overnight this evening, when temperatures will have dropped, to fix the current issues. We expect services to operate as planned tomorrow and will be offering additional operational services with Flying Scotsman on Sunday 13th to allow those who missed out on Friday the opportunity to still travel.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363111/29726/18] Posted by bobm at 18:36, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 13:05
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 13:05 is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to train crew being delayed.
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 13:05 is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to train crew being delayed.
Let me guess ... because the crew are coming in on a delayed Berks and Hants semi-fast .... this arrangement does not seem to be robust.
In the end it departed 12 minutes late - four minutes after the West of England service arrived. At least it ran.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363110/29726/18] Posted by John D at 18:07, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
seems to be an epidemic affecting Turbos today - or maybe the warm weather.
Warm weather doesn't create faults, but it does reduce the ability to use worn or poorly fitted components without problems.
In a way any poor / shoddy maintenance tends to show up as problems and faults more quickly. The old adage a stitch in time saves nine applies, and if get lots of breakdowns, run out of usable trains short term.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363109/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 18:03, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
And 4 more gone ...
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:14 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
20:14 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
... it was 158769 on earlier services so perhaps not a turbo failure this time
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363108/29726/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 18:02, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
20:14 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:14 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363107/29650/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 18:00, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Cancellations to services between Reading and Didcot Parkway
Due to a points failure between Reading and Didcot Parkway some lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 20:00 11/07.
Re: Seagulls, particularly in Cornwall - ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363106/29073/31] Posted by JayMac at 17:55, 11th July 2025 Already liked by Timmer | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The fewer we have around our residents parking area, the better, as far as I'm concerned.
The b*st*rd sh*t*hawks seem to delight in congregating on the cars and sh*tting all over them.
What other trains? Only Scotsman and one home fleet loco operating. Out from Bishops Lydeard by one, back by t'other.
Mum and I did the journey last Wednesday. Lovely day out. We did see evidence of lineside fires. Later that week and earlier this week the WSR were using diesels for their running days and for the other leg of Scotsman services. They pressed the former GWR HST Castle set into service that is currently residing on the WSR
Re: Seagulls, particularly in Cornwall - ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363104/29073/31] Posted by broadgage at 17:48, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Press report regarding gulls dying after gorging on flying ants https://www.wsfp.co.uk/news/seagulls-die-after-gorging-on-flying-ants-495683
That was some years ago, but it seems that similar conditions are now occurring.
Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [363103/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 17:29, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Friday July 11 : problems near Hereford
1W02 11:52 London Paddington to Hereford (14:44) : delayed Oxford (+16), held Great Malvern (+31) and Ledbury (+53), arrived +66.
In consequence:
15:18 Hereford to London Paddington due 18:29 will be terminated at Reading.
It will no longer call at Didcot Parkway and London Paddington.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
Last Updated:11/07/2025 17:13
This train departed +56.It will no longer call at Didcot Parkway and London Paddington.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
Last Updated:11/07/2025 17:13
18:57 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 21:18 will be started from Reading.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
Last Updated:11/07/2025 17:13
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
Last Updated:11/07/2025 17:13
Later:
1W27 13:50 London Paddington to Great Malvern (16:15) : departed +19, arrived +28.
1P38 16:32 Great Malvern to London Paddington (19:29) : departed +29, held Norton, currently +47 at Honeybourne.
Numerous dead gulls have been seen locally. Reported as being due to gorging on flying ants. Some claim that these insects are toxic if eaten in large numbers, others claim that the birds overeat to such an extent that they become too heavy to fly, and expire of heat stress.
Note to self: go easy on flying ant consumption, particularly if intending to fly.
Re: Seagulls, particularly in Cornwall - ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363101/29073/31] Posted by broadgage at 16:47, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Numerous dead gulls have been seen locally. Reported as being due to gorging on flying ants. Some claim that these insects are toxic if eaten in large numbers, others claim that the birds overeat to such an extent that they become too heavy to fly, and expire of heat stress.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363100/29726/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:47, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
seems to be an epidemic affecting Turbos today - or maybe the warm weather.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363099/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 16:39, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363098/29650/26] Posted by grahame at 16:37, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The train being used on the Slough to Windsor route has developed a fault, and we have been unable to fix the problem.
No spare trains are currently available, therefore the service along this route is suspended until further notice.
No spare trains are currently available, therefore the service along this route is suspended until further notice.
..............unhappy tourists/commuters, happy taxi drivers.
I'm not in the UK at the moment and they seem to do things differently here. As I understand it earlier today, there was a fault on the train we were waiting in, and we all transferred to another just along the platform. There seems to be an appreciable supply of parked trains at most operating centres, some of which I suspect are spare donors but some are in running order, and this provision of a few spares - no doubt each given a run from time to time - seems to make sense. I would prefer and older train occasionally to no train.
Such a system could not be easily adopted in the UK due to the rolling stock leasing regime and the need for every train to pay its way every day.
Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363097/29650/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:22, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Another Turbo has sat down.
Cancellations to services between Newbury and Bedwyn
Due to a broken down train between Newbury and Bedwyn fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
What has happened?
The train operating the Newbury/Bedwyn shuttle has failed.
What are we doing about it?
Some long distance GWR Westcountry services will call additionally and rail replacement transport is being arranged.
Due to a broken down train between Newbury and Bedwyn fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
What has happened?
The train operating the Newbury/Bedwyn shuttle has failed.
What are we doing about it?
Some long distance GWR Westcountry services will call additionally and rail replacement transport is being arranged.
...........and another
Cancellations to services between Slough and Windsor & Eton Central
Due to a fault on this train between Slough and Windsor & Eton Central fewer trains are able to run on the line.
Train services running to and from these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Updated;
Customer Advice
The train being used on the Slough to Windsor route has developed a fault, and we have been unable to fix the problem.
No spare trains are currently available, therefore the service along this route is suspended until further notice.
..............unhappy tourists/commuters, happy taxi drivers.
Re: rail minister says HS2 is 'too fast' In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [363096/30441/49] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:15, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
HS2 was conceived to provide extra capacity (sorely needed in many places, not just on the London to Birmingham route) and to be fit for the future
Lord Hendy now saying that it didn't need to be constructed with such high speed limits in mind does not fully explain the tunnels, many of which are for NIMBY reasons, the viaducts instead of earthworks, the slab track, or the bat tunnel, and several other specification extravagances
Lord Hendy now saying that it didn't need to be constructed with such high speed limits in mind does not fully explain the tunnels, many of which are for NIMBY reasons, the viaducts instead of earthworks, the slab track, or the bat tunnel, and several other specification extravagances
Judging by Hendy's comments, it would appear that the 225mph running speed was the greatest "specification extravagance" of them all!

Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363095/29650/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:11, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Another Turbo has sat down.
Cancellations to services between Newbury and Bedwyn
Due to a broken down train between Newbury and Bedwyn fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
What has happened?
The train operating the Newbury/Bedwyn shuttle has failed.
What are we doing about it?
Some long distance GWR Westcountry services will call additionally and rail replacement transport is being arranged.
Due to a broken down train between Newbury and Bedwyn fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
What has happened?
The train operating the Newbury/Bedwyn shuttle has failed.
What are we doing about it?
Some long distance GWR Westcountry services will call additionally and rail replacement transport is being arranged.
...........and another
Cancellations to services between Slough and Windsor & Eton Central
Due to a fault on this train between Slough and Windsor & Eton Central fewer trains are able to run on the line.
Train services running to and from these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363094/29650/26] Posted by Timmer at 16:09, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Another Turbo has sat down.
Cancellations to services between Newbury and Bedwyn
Due to a broken down train between Newbury and Bedwyn fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
What has happened?
The train operating the Newbury/Bedwyn shuttle has failed.
What are we doing about it?
Some long distance GWR Westcountry services will call additionally and rail replacement transport is being arranged.
Due to a broken down train between Newbury and Bedwyn fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
What has happened?
The train operating the Newbury/Bedwyn shuttle has failed.
What are we doing about it?
Some long distance GWR Westcountry services will call additionally and rail replacement transport is being arranged.
Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363093/29650/26] Posted by lbraine at 16:02, 11th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mini melt down at Reading taking place. Announced as an issue getting u its out of Reading Traincare Depot.
Three missing Thames Valley services (Delayed)
Cancellation to Basingstoke and Newbury
Seems the Class 387 don’t like the heat !