Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Project Churchward - future regional fleet for the West, new rolling stock to replace DMUs In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [374877/27482/40] Posted by Electric train at 12:36, 7th May 2026 |      |
I would support battery power, and partial electrification, so as to reduce miles run on battery power.
Total electrification is rather problematic due to limited clearances under bridges, but electrification of 95% of a route is much easier.
I have long been of the view that ALL new electric trains should be fitted with batteries for when the wires come down, having incurred the expense of the equipment, may as well use it.
Total electrification is rather problematic due to limited clearances under bridges, but electrification of 95% of a route is much easier.
I have long been of the view that ALL new electric trains should be fitted with batteries for when the wires come down, having incurred the expense of the equipment, may as well use it.
The new buzz words (no pun intended) is skip electrification and or gap electrification. Basically a small area of a few miles is electrified to charge and power trains, on the third rail system talk is of removing conductor rails in some stations where there are know trespass problems especially drunken Friday and Saturday nights trespassing.
Certainly the talk is for Southern third rail train care depots to be de-electrified with the trains moving on batteries, this is to improve staff safety, with only stabling sidings remaining electrified.
It is almost certain that all future passenger rolling stock procurement will have some form of battery powered traction system, if they have a fossil fuel prime mover this is likely to be the secondary system.
| Re: The bus routes linking Plymouth city streets to sandy shores In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374876/31989/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:28, 7th May 2026 | |
| Re: Project Churchward - future regional fleet for the West, new rolling stock to replace DMUs In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [374875/27482/40] Posted by John D at 12:27, 7th May 2026 | |
I would support battery power, and partial electrification, so as to reduce miles run on battery power.
Total electrification is rather problematic due to limited clearances under bridges, but electrification of 95% of a route is much easier.
I have long been of the view that ALL new electric trains should be fitted with batteries for when the wires come down, having incurred the expense of the equipment, may as well use it.
Total electrification is rather problematic due to limited clearances under bridges, but electrification of 95% of a route is much easier.
I have long been of the view that ALL new electric trains should be fitted with batteries for when the wires come down, having incurred the expense of the equipment, may as well use it.
A lot depends on age of structures:
original broad gauge was 15 feet high in centre, and 13'0.5" at 9 foot wide (which is relevant for arches).
Later was 13'3" at centre and 11' at 9feet wide.
Around 120 years ago height went up to 13'6" at centre.
As long ago as 1928 the then Board of Trade decided on 15' for new structures (so most of the cut off lines should be this, and steel or concrete beams were normal for new construction rather than brick or stone arches by 98 years ago.
Seems that 1950s and 1960s modernisation plan didn't envision electrification in GWR territory and number of signal gantries didn't provide clearance for electrification. Although many of these have gone in more recent times.
Potentially there are less structures that need modifying for overhead wires (and to allow W10 or W12 container or multimode freight) on some lines than some think.
Ideally do not want unpowered sections in the wires, or worse still gaps where pantograph has to be dropped. And of course there is now slim fixed bar which has been developed, as a realistic alternative to deeper suspended wires for use in tunnels or under tight bridges.
Although battery electric units can work with wiring gaps, and it is realistic option on branches and lighter use passenger only lines. It is not helpful on freight routes if ever intend to work heavy freight with electric locos (and plenty of routes in Somerset and Wiltshire see heavy aggregate trains) where continuous power (and of course regeneration on downhill or slowing) is important
| Re: Delays to services on all routes - 7.5.2026 In "Across the West" [374874/31992/26] Posted by Electric train at 12:24, 7th May 2026 | |
Probably one of the NR telecom network switching centres on GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway) which is a 2G mobile digital cellular standard specifically for railway use; it is quite old tech now including the backbone system.
I believe work is being done to upgrade to FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System) which is a 4G based system and an improved backbone system, as the GSM-R becomes end of life in 2030.
| Combe Down Tunnel post-closure question In "Railway History and related topics" [374872/31994/55] Posted by Mark A at 12:14, 7th May 2026 | |
Combe Down Tunnel - on its approach from the south, there's a bit of a cutting, and the Two Tunnels route there has a bit of a puddle and wet bed as the tunnel drain has managed to block itself. (Preparations for jetting the drain are in progress.)
Sometime in the late seventies/early eighties, I've a recollection of visiting and across the cutting, there were works under way, and a big ramp of soil blocked the cutting about half way to the tunnel - the work for some reason I'm thinking was connected with a pipeline construction. I recall gazing at it and thinking 'Well that puts a stop to doing anything useful with the route'. Visiting again some time later, the earthwork had gone, the cutting returned to its previous state. I'm now wondering if I imagined this though. There *is* what looks like an 11Kv electricity supply crossing at the appropriate place, but that's on poles and installing it wouldn't have needed earthworks there. Perhaps I've simply imagined seeing this temporary earthwork - or perhaps someone else also recalls this event.
Mark
| Re: Delays to services on all routes - 7.5.2026 In "Across the West" [374871/31992/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:14, 7th May 2026 | |
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1l7eyg67v3t
"National Rail says the fault is now resolved, but warns passengers to expect "major disruption" until the end of the day"
| Re: Project Churchward - future regional fleet for the West, new rolling stock to replace DMUs In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [374870/27482/40] Posted by broadgage at 11:11, 7th May 2026 | |
I would support battery power, and partial electrification, so as to reduce miles run on battery power.
Total electrification is rather problematic due to limited clearances under bridges, but electrification of 95% of a route is much easier.
I have long been of the view that ALL new electric trains should be fitted with batteries for when the wires come down, having incurred the expense of the equipment, may as well use it.
| Re: Delays to services on all routes - 7.5.2026 In "Across the West" [374869/31992/26] Posted by grahame at 10:34, 7th May 2026 | |
Delays to services on all routes
Due to issues with communication systems:
Train services running across the whole Great Western Railway network may be delayed. Disruption is expected until 11:00 07/05.
Customer Advice
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What has happened?
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There is a fault with the railway communication system that allows drivers and signallers to speak to each other.
-
What are we doing about it?
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Network Rail technicians are working to resolve the fault. We are able to run trains but have to do so at a reduced speed on some lines, so there will be some delays.
-
What are your options?
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We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today.
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As trains are still running you should travel as normal and catch your intended train.
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If your train is cancelled, you may travel on either of the two services before, or two services after, your original train. If these are peak services or less flexible, you can still travel with your original ticket, at no extra cost.
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If you miss a connection as a result of being delayed, you can use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the next available train.
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For more information:
-
Use the National Rail Enquiries real-time journey planner to check if a journey by rail is currently possible. If you are at a station please check the live departure boards or speak to a member of station staff.
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Let us help you:
-
If you're already travelling when disruption happens, we'll get you where you need to go. If you miss the last train of the day due to cancellation or because another train was delayed, we wont leave you stranded.
-
If you require help, further information or would like to provide feedback, to help us improve in the future:
Speak to staff at the station or on the train. Use the Customer Help Point on the platform.
Message us on X @GWRHelp, Facebook Messenger @gwruk, Instagram @gwruk or WhatsApp 07890 608043. Our team is available daily between 06:00 and 23:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 23:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Call our Customer Support team on 03457 000 125, who are available between 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 17:00 Saturday and Sunday, or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950, who are available 24 hours a day.
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Delay Repay:
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If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can apply for Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
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Last Updated:07/05/2026 09:36
Due to issues with communication systems:
Train services running across the whole Great Western Railway network may be delayed. Disruption is expected until 11:00 07/05.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
There is a fault with the railway communication system that allows drivers and signallers to speak to each other.
-
What are we doing about it?
-
Network Rail technicians are working to resolve the fault. We are able to run trains but have to do so at a reduced speed on some lines, so there will be some delays.
-
What are your options?
-
We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today.
-
As trains are still running you should travel as normal and catch your intended train.
-
If your train is cancelled, you may travel on either of the two services before, or two services after, your original train. If these are peak services or less flexible, you can still travel with your original ticket, at no extra cost.
-
If you miss a connection as a result of being delayed, you can use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the next available train.
-
For more information:
-
Use the National Rail Enquiries real-time journey planner to check if a journey by rail is currently possible. If you are at a station please check the live departure boards or speak to a member of station staff.
-
Let us help you:
-
If you're already travelling when disruption happens, we'll get you where you need to go. If you miss the last train of the day due to cancellation or because another train was delayed, we wont leave you stranded.
-
If you require help, further information or would like to provide feedback, to help us improve in the future:
Speak to staff at the station or on the train. Use the Customer Help Point on the platform.
Message us on X @GWRHelp, Facebook Messenger @gwruk, Instagram @gwruk or WhatsApp 07890 608043. Our team is available daily between 06:00 and 23:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 23:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Call our Customer Support team on 03457 000 125, who are available between 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 17:00 Saturday and Sunday, or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950, who are available 24 hours a day.
-
Delay Repay:
-
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can apply for Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
-
Last Updated:07/05/2026 09:36
And from the BBC
Expect 90-minute delays and cancellations over radio system fault - National Rail
published at 10:12
10:12
National Rail says the disruption is caused by "a fault with the radio system between the driver and the signaller".
"Some services may be delayed by up to 90 minutes or cancelled as a result," it says.
"Major disruption is expected until the end of the day."
published at 10:12
10:12
National Rail says the disruption is caused by "a fault with the radio system between the driver and the signaller".
"Some services may be delayed by up to 90 minutes or cancelled as a result," it says.
"Major disruption is expected until the end of the day."
| Re: Mid Cornwall Metro - Newquay, St Austell, Truro & Falmouth In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [374868/27102/25] Posted by John D at 10:32, 7th May 2026 | |
Is this launch day for the Mid Cornwall Metro?
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:V08371/2026-05-07/detailed#allox_id=1
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:V08370/2026-05-07/detailed#allox_id=0
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:V08371/2026-05-07/detailed#allox_id=1
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:V08370/2026-05-07/detailed#allox_id=0
Yes, also in a Press Release, along with other timetable improvements in 10 days time
https://news.gwr.com/news/gwrs-new-timetable-set-to-unlock-further-economic-growth-across-the-south-west-and-wales.
Although in best traditions of PR spin, no mention of changes that could be seen as negative, odd train dropped here and there etc, or shorter allocated trains elsewhere to allow these extra services.
| Re: Return of The Scotsman In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374867/31979/51] Posted by PhilWakely at 10:21, 7th May 2026 Already liked by JayMac | |
Nice to see The Flying Scotsman returning to the northbound timetable.
A good PR exercise for LNER would have Flying Scotsman, the locomotive, hauling the inaugural service of The Flying Scotsman out of Kings Cross
| Delays to services on all routes - 7.5.2026 In "Across the West" [374866/31992/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 10:19, 7th May 2026 | |
Delays to services on all routes
Due to issues with communication systems:
Train services running across the whole Great Western Railway network may be delayed. Disruption is expected until 11:00 07/05.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
There is a fault with the railway communication system that allows drivers and signallers to speak to each other.
-
What are we doing about it?
-
Network Rail technicians are working to resolve the fault. We are able to run trains but have to do so at a reduced speed on some lines, so there will be some delays.
-
| Re: Mid Cornwall Metro - Newquay, St Austell, Truro & Falmouth In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [374865/27102/25] Posted by bradshaw at 09:34, 7th May 2026 | |
Is this launch day for the Mid Cornwall Metro?
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:V08371/2026-05-07/detailed#allox_id=1
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:V08370/2026-05-07/detailed#allox_id=0
| Re: The bus routes linking Plymouth city streets to sandy shores In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374864/31989/5] Posted by LiskeardRich at 08:26, 7th May 2026 | |
There is an error in that report, the number 9 connects Exeter to Sidmouth.
The 95 is the Exmouth - Haven holiday park open top service
| Re: WH Smith: their presence in railway stations and other locations - merged topics In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374863/22143/51] Posted by TaplowGreen at 07:48, 7th May 2026 | |
Sadly, "WHSmiths" is no longer the loved and respected core brand it once way, and "TGJones" as a name throws away what little (High) street cred remained.
Times change, and so have their markets. In my youth, I commuted to school in 4EPB slammers - 6 seats aside looking at a wall of broad sheet and tabloid papers opposite me as work commuters caught up on the morning's news on their way to work in The City or Whitehall. These days, they are all looking at little screens, brief cases gone replaced by packs, and a bowler hat would be seen as fancy dress.
High Street WHSmiths were bookshops and oft held wonderful finds ... they have become much more convenience stores as TGJones and been looking for a role. In stations, oh dear, they have become quick stops for last minute and travelling needs at prices distinctly in excess of what you pay away from the station.
I will be in Swindon for an hour this afternoon; I doubt I'll be using the WHSmiths as I wait for my specific advance train. I may buy a coffee on the onward train if the trolley appears before Didcot. Perhaps I am turning into a grumpy old man, but I look back wistfully at customer service days in which a snack and drink could be bought at the station only just above High Street prices, and where I could get on the train, stop at the buffet counter to grab a coffee before finding a seat ... some things have not improved in the passenger experience.
Times change, and so have their markets. In my youth, I commuted to school in 4EPB slammers - 6 seats aside looking at a wall of broad sheet and tabloid papers opposite me as work commuters caught up on the morning's news on their way to work in The City or Whitehall. These days, they are all looking at little screens, brief cases gone replaced by packs, and a bowler hat would be seen as fancy dress.
High Street WHSmiths were bookshops and oft held wonderful finds ... they have become much more convenience stores as TGJones and been looking for a role. In stations, oh dear, they have become quick stops for last minute and travelling needs at prices distinctly in excess of what you pay away from the station.
I will be in Swindon for an hour this afternoon; I doubt I'll be using the WHSmiths as I wait for my specific advance train. I may buy a coffee on the onward train if the trolley appears before Didcot. Perhaps I am turning into a grumpy old man, but I look back wistfully at customer service days in which a snack and drink could be bought at the station only just above High Street prices, and where I could get on the train, stop at the buffet counter to grab a coffee before finding a seat ... some things have not improved in the passenger experience.
Like Woolworths and BHS, thought the same format would work forever, and failed to move with the times. RIP.
| Re: WH Smith: their presence in railway stations and other locations - merged topics In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374862/22143/51] Posted by grahame at 07:15, 7th May 2026 | |
Sadly, "WHSmiths" is no longer the loved and respected core brand it once way, and "TGJones" as a name throws away what little (High) street cred remained.
Times change, and so have their markets. In my youth, I commuted to school in 4EPB slammers - 6 seats aside looking at a wall of broad sheet and tabloid papers opposite me as work commuters caught up on the morning's news on their way to work in The City or Whitehall. These days, they are all looking at little screens, brief cases gone replaced by packs, and a bowler hat would be seen as fancy dress.
High Street WHSmiths were bookshops and oft held wonderful finds ... they have become much more convenience stores as TGJones and been looking for a role. In stations, oh dear, they have become quick stops for last minute and travelling needs at prices distinctly in excess of what you pay away from the station.
I will be in Swindon for an hour this afternoon; I doubt I'll be using the WHSmiths as I wait for my specific advance train. I may buy a coffee on the onward train if the trolley appears before Didcot. Perhaps I am turning into a grumpy old man, but I look back wistfully at customer service days in which a snack and drink could be bought at the station only just above High Street prices, and where I could get on the train, stop at the buffet counter to grab a coffee before finding a seat ... some things have not improved in the passenger experience.
| Re: Night Riviera Sleeper train - between Paddington and Penzance - ongoing discussion In "London to the West" [374860/31911/12] Posted by TaplowGreen at 06:23, 7th May 2026 | |
......and again tonight......
23:45 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:55
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 8.
Additional Information
Due to a train fault we are unable to operate this evenings Sleeper service between London Paddington and Penzance.
We have arranged for this service to be operated by one of our regular Intercity Express Trains which will offer a Standard and First Class seating service only.
23:45 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:55
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 8.
Additional Information
Due to a train fault we are unable to operate this evenings Sleeper service between London Paddington and Penzance.
We have arranged for this service to be operated by one of our regular Intercity Express Trains which will offer a Standard and First Class seating service only.
Not many more months and GWR will be back under public ownership and I reckon thr government will get its way and scrap the sleeper service.
You have to remember it’s FirstGroup paying out of its own pocket to keep it going.
I believe both the Up & Down "sleepers" were IETs last night.
| Re: Night Riviera Sleeper train - between Paddington and Penzance - ongoing discussion In "London to the West" [374859/31911/12] Posted by a-driver at 23:00, 6th May 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
......and again tonight......
23:45 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:55
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 8.
Additional Information
Due to a train fault we are unable to operate this evenings Sleeper service between London Paddington and Penzance.
We have arranged for this service to be operated by one of our regular Intercity Express Trains which will offer a Standard and First Class seating service only.
23:45 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:55
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 8.
Additional Information
Due to a train fault we are unable to operate this evenings Sleeper service between London Paddington and Penzance.
We have arranged for this service to be operated by one of our regular Intercity Express Trains which will offer a Standard and First Class seating service only.
Not many more months and GWR will be back under public ownership and I reckon thr government will get its way and scrap the sleeper service.
You have to remember it’s FirstGroup paying out of its own pocket to keep it going.
| Re: WH Smith: their presence in railway stations and other locations - merged topics In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374858/22143/51] Posted by JayMac at 22:51, 6th May 2026 Already liked by johnneyw | |
How about "The Original Stationery Shop. Post Office Too"
Has an easily remembered acronym.
| Re: Finn and JayMac's travels. Day 2 where were we? In "The Lighter Side" [374857/31984/30] Posted by JayMac at 22:48, 6th May 2026 | |
Sorry, I've just noticed that I was given a 'free entry' to actually name another one.
3. City Hospital station, Belfast.
3. City Hospital station, Belfast.
Correct. I took the train to Bangor from here as the parking was a lot cheaper than the city centre.
| Re: Finn and JayMac's travels. Day 2 where were we? In "The Lighter Side" [374856/31984/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:25, 6th May 2026 Already liked by rogerw | |
And it was the Welsh Bangor that Fiddler's Dram sang about.
From YouTube - but beware, there's some serious hair in this 3 minute clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODu_ZWzLU6s
| Re: Gloucester T Station In "Swindon to Gloucester / Cheltenham" [374855/31988/38] Posted by Mark A at 22:13, 6th May 2026 | |
Here's the 'T' station at... 1:500 mapping, from... not quite sure when.
Also to be found on that map as well as the 25" one: the channel cut across Alney Island for the canal traffic. (Said channel depicted on both as very sorry for itself even at that date... if it was a simple channel across the island with no locks, that filled at each tide, this isn't surprising as it must have been the fastest silting navigation ever, anywhere.)
Mark
https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17.2&lat=51.85880&lon=-2.22422&layers=117746211&b=OSLeisure&o=100
| Re: WH Smith: their presence in railway stations and other locations - merged topics In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374853/22143/51] Posted by Ralph Ayres at 21:58, 6th May 2026 | |
Pinning poor trading partly on the name change seems decidedly tenuous. Any existing customer will simply head to where their local shop always was, and the small number who have never previously shopped there are likely to look through the windows and see that it sells the type of merchandise they are looking for, possibly not even noticing the name above the door.
Perhaps they should have picked a brand name that told potential customers what the shop sells, rather than a completely made up person's name?
| Re: Finn and JayMac's travels. Day 2 where were we? In "The Lighter Side" [374852/31984/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:56, 6th May 2026 | |
Sorry, I've just noticed that I was given a 'free entry' to actually name another one.
3. City Hospital station, Belfast.
| Re: Finn and JayMac's travels. Day 2 where were we? In "The Lighter Side" [374851/31984/30] Posted by JayMac at 21:48, 6th May 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
And it was the Welsh Bangor that Fiddler's Dram sang about.
| Re: Finn and JayMac's travels. Day 2 where were we? In "The Lighter Side" [374849/31984/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:38, 6th May 2026 | |
1. Bangor. That's the one in Northern Ireland, not the one in North West Wales - which I have actually visited, when our daughter was at University there.
| Re: WH Smith: their presence in railway stations and other locations - merged topics In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374848/22143/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:33, 6th May 2026 | |
Make a formal complaint? I'll bet it was recorded on their own CCTV, so she'll have some explaining to do.
