Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Paddington to Weston Super Mare 20:30 07/04/26 In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [374001/31851/10] Posted by Mark A at 23:10, 7th April 2026 |      |
Things conspired against GWR this evening. I think it was that the train, on Platform 9, sat down with a fault, departure time came and went, and the TM first directed passengers for Reading to another imminent departure, before a few minutes later, the train now cancelled, sending the rest (a capacity load of passengers) off to the 21:00 to Bristol which might have been on 4.
They'd just had enough time to put themselves on the later train when the train that they'd left was 'Uncancelled' and they were directed to return. I'd spent a disgraceful amount of time leaving the cancelled service as I was checking other options so didn't really take part in the shuffle.
The train, reinstated, was announced as running fast to Swindon, which caused another smaller helping of alarm and despondency, made up just a little time and dropped me down in Bath just late enough to miss the hourly bus home. Hey ho. There are worse dæmons in the skies this night.
Mark
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:P29920/2026-04-07
| Re: A personal update - a.k.a. why I have not checked the TVM at Melksham In "Introductions and chat" [374000/31810/1] Posted by Oxonhutch at 22:27, 7th April 2026 | |
You got me Graham! I have been looking on Google Maps all over the West Country for this site but I failed due to one simple error that you squarely landed me in. I assumed that the trackside grey box in each of the photos was the same one, taken from two different sides (down to the detail of the yellow protective fences) - therefore, I was looking for a double track junction. I could find none of these that matched the two buildings in their respective backgrounds. Well done Sir!
It was only a few hours - honestly
| Re: A personal update - a.k.a. why I have not checked the TVM at Melksham In "Introductions and chat" [373999/31810/1] Posted by grahame at 20:59, 7th April 2026 | |
Taken from a short line that's been on my "bucket list" for years but only has a sporadic service and things have never quite aligned. They did yesterday with Easter engineering works.
Well - perhaps it's too small or too obscure - the Laverstock curve in Salisbury. The only passenger trains on it are occasional specials, and Cross Country diversions between Southampton Central and Basingstoke when the direct line is closed.
| Re: Motability - merged posts, ongoing developments and discussion In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373998/21006/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:52, 7th April 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Changes to mobility scheme will 'cost lives'
Kay Millar said she will be forced to stay at home if she can't afford her car any more (image © Kay Millar)
A wheelchair user has said changes to a driving scheme for disabled people will "cost lives".
Kay Millar, 29, from Frome, has limb paralysis and arm weakness and has been in a wheelchair since the age of 12. She is a user of the Motability scheme, for recipients of disability benefits, who can use payments to lease cars.
From July, VAT and a premium tax will apply to most new leases, along with higher mileage charges, although the company running the scheme has said it is looking at bringing in exceptions.
"We worked for years to make sure disabled people can access the world, this will force them into their homes," added Millar, who is a teacher by profession.
The rules to access the Motability scheme are about to become more strict, including a new 10,000-mile-per-year restriction on 1 July. Drivers who go over 30,000 miles in three years will have to pay 25p per extra mile.
Millar says in the two years she's been part of the scheme, she has covered 42,000 miles and doesn't "overuse" her car. "I live an active life, I became disabled when I was younger and have made the best of it," Millar said. "I play basketball, I surf, I support vulnerable people that I have to drive to see."
However, she said she is "most concerned" about going to hospital appointments. "My specialists are based in Surrey and London, I drive about two to three times a week for treatment or therapy," Millar added. "It's not possible for me to get a different car with my specifications. I'm a low-income person. I'm in a pickle."
She added that she is worried about more vulnerable people than her. "It's not safe for every disabled person to access public transport, especially if you're vulnerable."
A spokesperson for Motability Operations said the government announced new taxes for the scheme, which means prices will increase from July. "Changing the mileage allowance of future leases lowers insurance and maintenance costs and increases the vehicle's resale cost, which reduces the cost of a lease," the spokesperson said. "We understand that, in some circumstances, people may need to drive more than the mileage allowance. We will be introducing an exceptions process for very limited situations."
Kay Millar said she will be forced to stay at home if she can't afford her car any more (image © Kay Millar)
A wheelchair user has said changes to a driving scheme for disabled people will "cost lives".
Kay Millar, 29, from Frome, has limb paralysis and arm weakness and has been in a wheelchair since the age of 12. She is a user of the Motability scheme, for recipients of disability benefits, who can use payments to lease cars.
From July, VAT and a premium tax will apply to most new leases, along with higher mileage charges, although the company running the scheme has said it is looking at bringing in exceptions.
"We worked for years to make sure disabled people can access the world, this will force them into their homes," added Millar, who is a teacher by profession.
The rules to access the Motability scheme are about to become more strict, including a new 10,000-mile-per-year restriction on 1 July. Drivers who go over 30,000 miles in three years will have to pay 25p per extra mile.
Millar says in the two years she's been part of the scheme, she has covered 42,000 miles and doesn't "overuse" her car. "I live an active life, I became disabled when I was younger and have made the best of it," Millar said. "I play basketball, I surf, I support vulnerable people that I have to drive to see."
However, she said she is "most concerned" about going to hospital appointments. "My specialists are based in Surrey and London, I drive about two to three times a week for treatment or therapy," Millar added. "It's not possible for me to get a different car with my specifications. I'm a low-income person. I'm in a pickle."
She added that she is worried about more vulnerable people than her. "It's not safe for every disabled person to access public transport, especially if you're vulnerable."
A spokesperson for Motability Operations said the government announced new taxes for the scheme, which means prices will increase from July. "Changing the mileage allowance of future leases lowers insurance and maintenance costs and increases the vehicle's resale cost, which reduces the cost of a lease," the spokesperson said. "We understand that, in some circumstances, people may need to drive more than the mileage allowance. We will be introducing an exceptions process for very limited situations."
| Re: Coal, for use on steam hauled heritage railways - merged posts In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [373997/12481/47] Posted by broadgage at 19:07, 7th April 2026 | |
I am in general opposed to coal burning on account of it being carbon intensive, and therefore damaging to the environment.
I would accept some small scale coal burning for heritage rail, and road vehicle use. Such coal would be better mined in the UK, than imported.
I would also accept coal use (converted into coke) for iron and steel production. Iron and steel are essential for a modern economy, or even a Victorian economy. Such coal would be better mined in the UK than imported.
Iron and steel are better made in the UK than imported.
Importing coal EXPORTS jobs, and increases carbon emissions due to transport.
We should be reducing coal usage, but domestic production is preferable to imports for that which is still required.
| Re: Caledonian MacBrayne ferries in Scotland In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373996/30034/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:59, 7th April 2026 | |
Another update, from the BBC:
Almost a third of CalMac's ferry fleet out of action
The MV Glen Sannox only returned to service last week
Almost a third of CalMac's ferry fleet is out of action due to technical faults and annual repairs, with the firm's boss warning it is struggling to maintain services.
MV Lord of the Isles became the latest large vessel out of action when it was pulled from the Oban-Barra route on Tuesday due to a problem with its starboard engine.
Six major vessels and four smaller ones are currently unable to sail, causing widespread disruption to west coast routes.
The operator's chief executive, Duncan Mackison, said the firm had been facing an "unprecedented scenario" which had now worsened.
Mackison said: "Almost a third of our entire fleet is unavailable for service, creating a set of circumstances where significant disruption on multiple routes served by major and small vessels is unavoidable. Though the situation appeared to be stabilising, emergent issues across major and small vessels means the unprecedented scenario we find ourselves in has worsened. Everyone at CalMac is acutely aware of the level of disruption many islands on our network have faced recently, and I apologise for that."
He added: "The full service impact of the current issues is being reviewed, and plans will be shared with island communities tomorrow."
MV Glen Sannox, has been hit by a series of faults since returning from an extended annual overhaul in Merseyside in March, the latest being a leak from a fuel pump. It had returned to service last week after a repair to its exhaust system but was withdrawn again on Monday, affecting the busy Troon to Brodick route.
The chartered catamaran MV Alfred is expected back from overhaul and should be able to restore the Troon services on Wednesday.
CalMac has now abandoned plans to temporarily re-deploy Glen Sannox to the Western Isles routes and it will stay on the Arran service once it is fixed.
MV Lord of the Isles only returned at the weekend after problems with its main engine put it out of action last week. However an "ongoing technical issue" with the ship's starboard main engine means an amended timetable - using the MV Isle of Mull - will run through to the end of Wednesday.
CalMac's west of Scotland network has been under sustained pressure in recent weeks, with many ferries under maintenance and others facing unplanned repairs.
The state-owned operator last month said it was facing a "critical" situation due to a shortage of vessels due to technical faults and planned maintenance.
CalMac has been forced to reposition multiple vessels on its island routes and said plans were "under constant review".
(BBC article continues)
The MV Glen Sannox only returned to service last week
Almost a third of CalMac's ferry fleet is out of action due to technical faults and annual repairs, with the firm's boss warning it is struggling to maintain services.
MV Lord of the Isles became the latest large vessel out of action when it was pulled from the Oban-Barra route on Tuesday due to a problem with its starboard engine.
Six major vessels and four smaller ones are currently unable to sail, causing widespread disruption to west coast routes.
The operator's chief executive, Duncan Mackison, said the firm had been facing an "unprecedented scenario" which had now worsened.
Mackison said: "Almost a third of our entire fleet is unavailable for service, creating a set of circumstances where significant disruption on multiple routes served by major and small vessels is unavoidable. Though the situation appeared to be stabilising, emergent issues across major and small vessels means the unprecedented scenario we find ourselves in has worsened. Everyone at CalMac is acutely aware of the level of disruption many islands on our network have faced recently, and I apologise for that."
He added: "The full service impact of the current issues is being reviewed, and plans will be shared with island communities tomorrow."
MV Glen Sannox, has been hit by a series of faults since returning from an extended annual overhaul in Merseyside in March, the latest being a leak from a fuel pump. It had returned to service last week after a repair to its exhaust system but was withdrawn again on Monday, affecting the busy Troon to Brodick route.
The chartered catamaran MV Alfred is expected back from overhaul and should be able to restore the Troon services on Wednesday.
CalMac has now abandoned plans to temporarily re-deploy Glen Sannox to the Western Isles routes and it will stay on the Arran service once it is fixed.
MV Lord of the Isles only returned at the weekend after problems with its main engine put it out of action last week. However an "ongoing technical issue" with the ship's starboard main engine means an amended timetable - using the MV Isle of Mull - will run through to the end of Wednesday.
CalMac's west of Scotland network has been under sustained pressure in recent weeks, with many ferries under maintenance and others facing unplanned repairs.
The state-owned operator last month said it was facing a "critical" situation due to a shortage of vessels due to technical faults and planned maintenance.
CalMac has been forced to reposition multiple vessels on its island routes and said plans were "under constant review".
(BBC article continues)
| Re: Birmingham's new railway stations on Camp Hill Line In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373995/30899/51] Posted by bobm at 18:38, 7th April 2026 Already liked by grahame | |
So MOV, KIH and PIR to add to the national database.
| Re: Birmingham's new railway stations on Camp Hill Line In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373994/30899/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:01, 7th April 2026 | |
From the BBC:
New railway stations open to the public
Journeys to Birmingham New Street will take about 12 minutes from Moseley Village
Three new railway stations have opened to the public in Birmingham as part of a £185m project to reinstate links to the city centre.
Camp Hill Line stations Moseley Village, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road opened on Tuesday, allowing locals access to neighbourhood services for the first time since World War Two.
Trains will run twice an hour along the route between the city centre and Kings Norton. Two others opened on a line to Wolverhampton last month.
Estimated journey times to New Street are expected to be about 12 minutes from Moseley Village, 15 minutes from Kings Heath and 17 minutes from Pineapple Road.
(BBC article continues)
Journeys to Birmingham New Street will take about 12 minutes from Moseley Village
Three new railway stations have opened to the public in Birmingham as part of a £185m project to reinstate links to the city centre.
Camp Hill Line stations Moseley Village, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road opened on Tuesday, allowing locals access to neighbourhood services for the first time since World War Two.
Trains will run twice an hour along the route between the city centre and Kings Norton. Two others opened on a line to Wolverhampton last month.
Estimated journey times to New Street are expected to be about 12 minutes from Moseley Village, 15 minutes from Kings Heath and 17 minutes from Pineapple Road.
(BBC article continues)
| Electrifications comes to the London to Frome train In "London to Kennet Valley" [373993/31850/8] Posted by grahame at 17:55, 7th April 2026 | |
18:08 London Paddington to Frome due 20:00
18:08 London Paddington to Frome due 20:00 will be reinstated.
It will be terminated at Newbury.
It will no longer call at Kintbury, Hungerford, Bedwyn, Pewsey, Westbury and Frome.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Will be formed of 4 coaches instead of 9. First class not available. There are no reservations on this service.
18:08 London Paddington to Frome due 20:00 will be reinstated.
It will be terminated at Newbury.
It will no longer call at Kintbury, Hungerford, Bedwyn, Pewsey, Westbury and Frome.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Will be formed of 4 coaches instead of 9. First class not available. There are no reservations on this service.
| Re: TGV collides with lorry in Northern France In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373992/31849/52] Posted by stuving at 16:52, 7th April 2026 Already liked by matth1j | |
There was a collision early this morning between a TGV and a military transporter vehicle at a level crossing at Bully-les-Mines (Pas-de-Calais). This was not a high-speed line, of course
Sorry - why "of course"?There are no level crossings on high-speed lines, in the sense that applies in France.
| Re: TGV collides with lorry in Northern France In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373991/31849/52] Posted by WSW Frome at 16:50, 7th April 2026 Already liked by matth1j | |
High speed lines are designed with no level crossings.
| Re: TGV collides with lorry in Northern France In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373990/31849/52] Posted by matth1j at 15:12, 7th April 2026 | |
There was a collision early this morning between a TGV and a military transporter vehicle at a level crossing at Bully-les-Mines (Pas-de-Calais). This was not a high-speed line, of course
Sorry - why "of course"?| Re: TGV collides with lorry in Northern France In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373989/31849/52] Posted by ChrisB at 12:52, 7th April 2026 | |
From the BBC
One dead as high-speed train collides with lorry in France
A train driver has died after his high-speed passenger train collided with a lorry carrying military equipment at a level crossing in France.
A number of injuries have also been reported following the incident, which took place on Tuesday morning between Béthune and Lens in the north-western Pas-de-Calais region.
Two people were critically injured while 11 others sustained minor injuries, French media reports.
The region's President Xavier Bertrand confirmed the death of the TGV driver and described the accident as a "terrible tragedy".
"My thoughts are with his family, his loved ones and all the staff at who are mourning his loss," he wrote on X.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said he was heading to the scene along with the head of France's state-owned rail operator SNCF.
Tabarot said the collision involved a heavy goods vehicle, while news site Franceinfo reported that it was a truck that had been transporting military equipment.
It said the incident occurred shortly before 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT), citing a local official.
The train had been travelling from Dunkirk to Paris.
The regional rail network, TER Hauts-de-France, said traffic between Béthune and Lens would be disrupted until mid-morning, with services on certain lines resuming gradually.
[.../cont.]
A train driver has died after his high-speed passenger train collided with a lorry carrying military equipment at a level crossing in France.
A number of injuries have also been reported following the incident, which took place on Tuesday morning between Béthune and Lens in the north-western Pas-de-Calais region.
Two people were critically injured while 11 others sustained minor injuries, French media reports.
The region's President Xavier Bertrand confirmed the death of the TGV driver and described the accident as a "terrible tragedy".
"My thoughts are with his family, his loved ones and all the staff at who are mourning his loss," he wrote on X.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said he was heading to the scene along with the head of France's state-owned rail operator SNCF.
Tabarot said the collision involved a heavy goods vehicle, while news site Franceinfo reported that it was a truck that had been transporting military equipment.
It said the incident occurred shortly before 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT), citing a local official.
The train had been travelling from Dunkirk to Paris.
The regional rail network, TER Hauts-de-France, said traffic between Béthune and Lens would be disrupted until mid-morning, with services on certain lines resuming gradually.
[.../cont.]
| TGV collides with lorry in Northern France In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373988/31849/52] Posted by stuving at 12:40, 7th April 2026 | |
There was a collision early this morning between a TGV and a military transporter vehicle at a level crossing at Bully-les-Mines (Pas-de-Calais). This was not a high-speed line, of course, but the direct impact at speed on such a heavy vehicle destroyed the drivers cab, and killed the driver. The load on the transporter (a bridge, most likely self-deploying) was thrown into a garden.
The crossing (no. 96) has four half-barriers, and it is unclear at the moment how the vehicle got to be there with them down. It was last in a convoy of civilian vehicles returning from an exercise, and the driver has already been detained for a variety of manslaughter.
From the Luxembourg Times:
TGV collides with lorry, one dead and two in critical condition
Driver of lorry carrying military equipment has been arrested after fatal level-crossing smash
A collision between a TGV high-speed train and a lorry on Tuesday morning at a level crossing in Pas-de-Calais, northern France, killed the train driver, and left two people in critical condition and 11 with minor injuries, local authorities said.
The lorry driver has been taken into custody, AFP has learnt from a judicial source. The lorry was carrying military equipment, according to a spokesperson for the local prefecture.
An earlier provisional toll had put the number of injured at 27.
On Tuesday morning, large numbers of rescue workers and technical teams were deployed around the scene of the accident, AFP journalists observed, noting that the front of the train was badly damaged.
At around 07:00, the TGV travelling from Dunkirk to Paris, with 243 people on board, collided with a lorry at a level crossing in the town of Bully-les-Mines, between Béthune and Lens, the Pas-de-Calais prefecture said in a statement...
Driver of lorry carrying military equipment has been arrested after fatal level-crossing smash
A collision between a TGV high-speed train and a lorry on Tuesday morning at a level crossing in Pas-de-Calais, northern France, killed the train driver, and left two people in critical condition and 11 with minor injuries, local authorities said.
The lorry driver has been taken into custody, AFP has learnt from a judicial source. The lorry was carrying military equipment, according to a spokesperson for the local prefecture.
An earlier provisional toll had put the number of injured at 27.
On Tuesday morning, large numbers of rescue workers and technical teams were deployed around the scene of the accident, AFP journalists observed, noting that the front of the train was badly damaged.
At around 07:00, the TGV travelling from Dunkirk to Paris, with 243 people on board, collided with a lorry at a level crossing in the town of Bully-les-Mines, between Béthune and Lens, the Pas-de-Calais prefecture said in a statement...
| Re: Taunton station - services, facilities, improvements, events and incidents In "London to the West" [373987/15526/12] Posted by Phantom at 11:39, 7th April 2026 | |
That will be very handy when dashing to the train after the cricket
Not passing any pubs will stop the diversion tactics too
| Re: New overnight train service at Gatwick to launch In "North Downs Line" [373986/31828/16] Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:11, 7th April 2026 Already liked by Surrey 455 | |
Cardiff to London connecting with the Gatwick train at Reading perhaps, but I doubt you’ll see IETs/387s heading to Gatwick from Cardiff any time soon!
I really wasn't thinking of an IET or 387 to Gatwick - though I recall a stylised advert showing an IET passing over a jammed motorway on its way to Gatwick, don't I? Rather looking back and seeing if there were any learning lessons from the 158 that under Wales and West used to make its way from South Wales into London. As purely a paper exercise ... what might be possible? Lots of "yes, but" questions such as how to make optimal use of the stock for previous and subsequent journeys, and the Heathrow and Paddington connections are not great. As a socially useful service it mops up all sorts of flows - though you might have the Welsh government preferring you to fly from Cardiff, or an express coach being an alternative.
23:45 at Swansea
01:30 - 01:45 at Bristol Temple Meads
03:15 arrival at Reading from the west
carries on at 03:24 / 03:30 to Gatwick
(03:40 bus leaves to Heathrow)
(04:13 train leaves towards Paddington)
04:55 arrival at Gatwick
01:24 from Gatwick - arrived Reading
(02:34 arrival of existing connection from Paddington)
(00:15 bus arrival from Heathrow)
02:44 arrival at Reading
02:50 departure towards the west
04:15 - 04:30 at Bristol Temple Meads
06:45 at Swansea
After an itinerary like that, I think most people would need another holiday.
| Re: How was the building of Britain's original railways funded? In "Railway History and related topics" [373985/31846/55] Posted by Witham Bobby at 10:16, 7th April 2026 Already liked by TaplowGreen, Andy E | |
Why was Britain's "abolition" of slavery shameful? (I use quote marks because slavery is far from abolished. It exists in may parts of the world, including here in the UK; imported slaves are detected quite often here, including into the produce industry around Evesham, in spite of employers taking very careful precautions)
Britain's role in the abolition started in the 18th century with the Abolition of Slavery Act, and in the 19th century, with ordinary people deciding not to buy slave-grown sugar; huge campaigning; William Wilberforce, Thomas Clarkson and all; the Slave Trade Act of 1807 and the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833; coercing other nations (such as France, Spain, and Portugal) into signing treaties to end their slave trades and deployed the Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron to intercept slave ships, freeing approximately 150,000 to 160,000 Africans between 1808 and 1860.
I agree that slavery was and is shameful. And it's acknowledged that Britain's role in the slave trade was shameful. But we need to remember that this country recognised this far earlier than many, and spent much by way of blood and treasure to right this grievous wrong. Something that we should all stop and celebrate, once in a while
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2026 In "London to the Cotswolds" [373984/31371/14] Posted by Witham Bobby at 09:53, 7th April 2026 | |
Tuesday 7th April
Starting the working week with a missing train
ECS did not run Stoke Gifford to Great Malvern "because of a problem with the train" according to RTT
07:13 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 09:43 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Last Updated:07/04/2026 06:14
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Last Updated:07/04/2026 06:14
Not a great deal of notice for intending passengers. This cancellation would have been known about by 0440, when the stock did not leave Stoke Gifford
| Re: Commuter thanks stranger who did CPR after cardiac arrest at Liverpool Street In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373983/31845/51] Posted by broadgage at 09:36, 7th April 2026 | |
Just to point out that you don't need to be an expert to use one of these (though it certainly helps you to stay calm!). A bit of familiarity is useful, as is being able to recognise that it needs using, but the machine itself talks you through it and checks if it should be used.
One barrier to availability is that while funding to buy them is relatively easy to generate, the ongoing expense of replacement batteries as they pass their best before date is harder, being somewhat less glamorous. I know of several out of use for that reason.
One barrier to availability is that while funding to buy them is relatively easy to generate, the ongoing expense of replacement batteries as they pass their best before date is harder, being somewhat less glamorous. I know of several out of use for that reason.
Perhaps it would be reasonable for the NHS to fund the battery replacement costs ?
| Re: What new towns built in Britain must deliver in addition to new homes In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373982/31848/40] Posted by ChrisB at 08:57, 7th April 2026 | |
Just as important are the doctors, schools, shops etc....
| Re: New overnight train service at Gatwick to launch In "North Downs Line" [373981/31828/16] Posted by grahame at 08:44, 7th April 2026 | |
Cardiff to London connecting with the Gatwick train at Reading perhaps, but I doubt you’ll see IETs/387s heading to Gatwick from Cardiff any time soon!
I really wasn't thinking of an IET or 387 to Gatwick - though I recall a stylised advert showing an IET passing over a jammed motorway on its way to Gatwick, don't I? Rather looking back and seeing if there were any learning lessons from the 158 that under Wales and West used to make its way from South Wales into London. As purely a paper exercise ... what might be possible? Lots of "yes, but" questions such as how to make optimal use of the stock for previous and subsequent journeys, and the Heathrow and Paddington connections are not great. As a socially useful service it mops up all sorts of flows - though you might have the Welsh government preferring you to fly from Cardiff, or an express coach being an alternative.
23:45 at Swansea
01:30 - 01:45 at Bristol Temple Meads
03:15 arrival at Reading from the west
carries on at 03:24 / 03:30 to Gatwick
(03:40 bus leaves to Heathrow)
(04:13 train leaves towards Paddington)
04:55 arrival at Gatwick
01:24 from Gatwick - arrived Reading
(02:34 arrival of existing connection from Paddington)
(00:15 bus arrival from Heathrow)
02:44 arrival at Reading
02:50 departure towards the west
04:15 - 04:30 at Bristol Temple Meads
06:45 at Swansea
| What new towns built in Britain must deliver in addition to new homes In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373980/31848/40] Posted by grahame at 07:55, 7th April 2026 | |
From LBC
New towns should not just be judged by the number of homes they deliver, but by whether they are properly connected to jobs, education and opportunity through a proper rail infrastructure, writes Mark Hopwood
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373979/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 07:52, 7th April 2026 | |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09 has been delayed between Trowbridge and Westbury and is now 9 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with barriers at a level crossing.
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09 has been delayed between Trowbridge and Westbury and is now 9 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with barriers at a level crossing.
| Re: Twyford parking rules could change as Elizabeth Line route opens In "London to Reading" [373977/26895/7] Posted by Sixty3Closure at 22:31, 6th April 2026 | |
I think the problem is that there's not a whole lot of options. It was an on going issue when I moved to Twyford in the mid 90s and the proposed solutions don't seem to have changed other than double yellow lines keep pushing the problem further out. There's also a lot more passengers - almost doubled since 1997.
I can't see most commuters switching to buses because of the catchment area and I suspect most would prefer to sit in traffic in their car than on a bus that they've just waited 30 mins for.
The only real option would be to improve the carpark which means building on the allotments which may not even be an option anyway.
| Re: Lydbrook Bridge over the River Wye to remain closed as temporary fix too costly In "Railway History and related topics" [373976/31844/55] Posted by johnneyw at 22:17, 6th April 2026 | |
I think that's the bridge that we used to get to the old Welsh Bicknor Youth Hostel back in our youth hostelling days in the 1970s. Good memories.
| Re: Spur and sidings east of Swindon? In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [373975/31839/10] Posted by ellendune at 20:23, 6th April 2026 | |
It could connect to the Panettoni Logistics park that has taken the Honda Site. So there is some potential.
| How was the building of Britain's original railways funded? In "Railway History and related topics" [373974/31846/55] Posted by JayMac at 20:15, 6th April 2026 | |
A major study by University College London has shown that the source of much of the money that was invested in the nascent railways in the United Kingdom came from a somewhat shameful source. The profits from, and abolition compensation for, slavery. The UK government provided £20m in compensation to slave owners in the 1830s. Equivalent to £17bn today. The amount of compensation given to slaves for the barbarity they were subjected to? Zero. Zilch. Nada.
Those 1830s millions found there way into investments in railway companies. The (original) GWR alone received £6.5m directly attributed to e slavery compensation and from investors who made profits from slavery.
An excellent summary of this piece of history from Paul Whitewick on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/hY-y_41gl3Q?si=7gftP7zXxU1Z6MZY
| Re: Commuter thanks stranger who did CPR after cardiac arrest at Liverpool Street In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373973/31845/51] Posted by Ralph Ayres at 19:19, 6th April 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby, broadgage | |
Just to point out that you don't need to be an expert to use one of these (though it certainly helps you to stay calm!). A bit of familiarity is useful, as is being able to recognise that it needs using, but the machine itself talks you through it and checks if it should be used.
One barrier to availability is that while funding to buy them is relatively easy to generate, the ongoing expense of replacement batteries as they pass their best before date is harder, being somewhat less glamorous. I know of several out of use for that reason.
| Re: Singleton, South Downs - the railway station that 'burned brightly' but briefly In "Railway History and related topics" [373972/31843/55] Posted by CyclingSid at 18:58, 6th April 2026 | |
You might have noticed I have an interest in the Centurion Way and Chichester - Midhurst branch.
Before that, when I was seriously into rebuilding ex-military Land-Rovers, I used to regularly call at Singleton station. The Goods Shed and platforms were occupied by Potters who mainly dealt in ex-military Land-Rovers and Bedford lorries. At one stage they built the gritters/snowploughs for Sussex County Council. Old Mr Potter was a bit of a character, and was of that generation of dealers who had made a living from ex-MoD vehicles after the war which included many characters. I knew a few of them, from buying from them and buying at the MoD auctions.
Needless to see at that time notice of railway architecture and archaeology was zilch.
The "rebuilding" of the station is welcome, and is on my to do list for this summer. Pity about the three tunnels on the Chichester - Midhurst branch, don't mention bats to me, appear to be even worse than GCN (Great Crested Newts) for impeding or killing any restoration project. Did the Bath Two Tunnels have bats, are they still there after the tunnels were opened. A railway tunnel in south Wales had bats and has reopened, although seasonally closed.
