Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: This surely has to be a case for 'delay, repay' compensation? In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [372681/29053/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 02:02, 22nd February 2026 |      |
An update, from the BBC:
Nasa boss says Boeing Starliner failure one of worst in its history
Nasa astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded in space for over nine months
Nasa has labelled the botched 2024 Starliner mission, which left two astronauts stranded in space for months, a "Type A" mishap, on par with fatal shuttle disasters of the past, in a newly published report.
The category is the space agency's most severe, reserved for incidents causing more than $2m (£1.49 m) in damage, the loss of a vehicle or its control, or deaths.
On Thursday, Nasa's new boss, Jared Isaacman, blasted Boeing, which built Starliner, and the space agency for poor decision-making and leadership that led to the failed mission.
The incident drew global attention after the pilots were stuck for more than nine months in space before returning home last March.
Isaacman, an amateur jet pilot who was the first non-professional astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, took Nasa's top job in late 2025 after a second nomination by US President Donald Trump. His approval came after a turbulent process in which Trump put forward Isaacman's name for the role but then withdrew it during a public feud with Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk, who is a close ally of Isaacman.
In a statement on Starliner's findings, Isaacman said the spacecraft had faced issues throughout its prior recent missions but had still been accepted for the test. "We are correcting those mistakes. Today, we are formally declaring a Type A mishap and ensuring leadership accountability so situations like this never reoccur."
Nasa's "Type A" grade puts the Starliner incident at the same level assigned to the fatal 2003 Columbia and 1986 Challenger space shuttle disasters.
The agency said in its statement: "While there were no injuries and the mission regained control prior to docking, this highest-level classification designation recognises there was potential for a significant mishap."
Nasa's 312-page report comes after the agency commissioned an independent investigation team to identify the causes behind the troubled mission. Investigators flagged hardware failures, leadership missteps and cultural problems at the organisations that led to conditions that fell short of the space agency's safety standards.
The report also highlighted poor engineering and a lack of oversight at Boeing, which helped turn an eight-to-14-day mission into a months-long ordeal for the test pilots, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.
The pair waited months on board the International Space Station before getting a lift from a SpaceX flight in March 2025. Both pilots have since retired from the agency.
Nasa said it will accept this as the final report and is taking corrective actions to address the findings.
"While Boeing built Starliner, Nasa accepted it and launched two astronauts to space," Isaacman said. "To undertake missions that change the world, we must be transparent about both our successes and our shortcomings. We have to own our mistakes and ensure they never happen again."
Nasa astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded in space for over nine months
Nasa has labelled the botched 2024 Starliner mission, which left two astronauts stranded in space for months, a "Type A" mishap, on par with fatal shuttle disasters of the past, in a newly published report.
The category is the space agency's most severe, reserved for incidents causing more than $2m (£1.49 m) in damage, the loss of a vehicle or its control, or deaths.
On Thursday, Nasa's new boss, Jared Isaacman, blasted Boeing, which built Starliner, and the space agency for poor decision-making and leadership that led to the failed mission.
The incident drew global attention after the pilots were stuck for more than nine months in space before returning home last March.
Isaacman, an amateur jet pilot who was the first non-professional astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, took Nasa's top job in late 2025 after a second nomination by US President Donald Trump. His approval came after a turbulent process in which Trump put forward Isaacman's name for the role but then withdrew it during a public feud with Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk, who is a close ally of Isaacman.
In a statement on Starliner's findings, Isaacman said the spacecraft had faced issues throughout its prior recent missions but had still been accepted for the test. "We are correcting those mistakes. Today, we are formally declaring a Type A mishap and ensuring leadership accountability so situations like this never reoccur."
Nasa's "Type A" grade puts the Starliner incident at the same level assigned to the fatal 2003 Columbia and 1986 Challenger space shuttle disasters.
The agency said in its statement: "While there were no injuries and the mission regained control prior to docking, this highest-level classification designation recognises there was potential for a significant mishap."
Nasa's 312-page report comes after the agency commissioned an independent investigation team to identify the causes behind the troubled mission. Investigators flagged hardware failures, leadership missteps and cultural problems at the organisations that led to conditions that fell short of the space agency's safety standards.
The report also highlighted poor engineering and a lack of oversight at Boeing, which helped turn an eight-to-14-day mission into a months-long ordeal for the test pilots, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.
The pair waited months on board the International Space Station before getting a lift from a SpaceX flight in March 2025. Both pilots have since retired from the agency.
Nasa said it will accept this as the final report and is taking corrective actions to address the findings.
"While Boeing built Starliner, Nasa accepted it and launched two astronauts to space," Isaacman said. "To undertake missions that change the world, we must be transparent about both our successes and our shortcomings. We have to own our mistakes and ensure they never happen again."
Posting personally here:
The pair waited months on board the International Space Station before getting a lift from a SpaceX flight in March 2025. Both pilots have since retired from the agency.
I congratulate both of them for their remarkable patience and apparently continued good-humour throughout their rather extended space adventure.
CfN.
| Re: Delay / Repay - to be less generous In "Fare's Fair" [372680/31626/4] Posted by Hafren at 01:14, 22nd February 2026 | |
I'm inclined to think 30 minute threshold could be acceptable if it genuinely helps to manage costs, subject to two things that need to be taken seriously:
• The number of times I've had a 15 minute delay but it's been logged as 14 minute so not payable, or 30 minute logged as 29 minute. Someimtes it genuinely just missed the threshold; other times I've had the claim rejected because it was so close. Train booked to arrive xx:10, let's say, and actually arrived a touch after xx:25, but arrival logged as xx:24 – looking at RTT, it was xx:24:45... because the train approached the terminus more slowly than the 'time in section' calculation assumed. Or the delay was 30 minutes because missed connection was 30 minutes later, but it arrived 30 second early, so it was in the 15-29 bracket, but the actual effect of the delay on my life was to all intents and purposes 30 minutes – especially given it meant I had to leave 30 minutes later for my return journey! So if we're getting rid of hte 15 minute threshold, let's apply the 30 minute one more fairly, and make it at least 'in practice' a 29 minute threshold.
• Let's work on reducing niggly small delays... so trains are only delayed when there's a real problem! Then we might have less need for the 15-29 category!
| Re: Model Britain are proud to announce the establishment of their advisory board In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [372678/31657/47] Posted by TonyN at 23:05, 21st February 2026 | |
I was wondering where it might be ...
Milton Keynes
Model Britain is currently in active pre-application dialogue with Milton Keynes Council regarding two potential sites, and with West Northamptonshire Council regarding an additional site located on the Milton Keynes boundary.
From:https://modelbritain.co.uk/investors
| Re: Scope to increase Bristol suburban services? In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [372677/29232/21] Posted by Noggin at 22:19, 21st February 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
Last weekend in The Marches and Wales, I was struck by the number of class 197s around and they are replacing classes 150, 153 and 158 aren't they? ... just asking.
I suspect that the older Welsh stock is largely held together with duck tape, baler twine and livery vinyl by now.
| Re: Squirrels - red or grey, on the railways or otherwise: merged topic In "The Lighter Side" [372676/5560/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:35, 21st February 2026 | |
In an interesting variation on the theme of this topic - from the BBC:
Rare albino squirrel spotted in tree by children
Albino squirrels are thought to a one-in-100,000 genetic occurrence
Two children have spotted and photographed a rare albino squirrel in a churchyard.
James, 11, and Jennifer, eight, identified the animal on Monday at St Martin's Church in Dorking, Surrey, their mother Abigail told the BBC.
Albino squirrels, thought to a one-in-100,000 genetic occurrence, are identified by their white coat with pink eyes.
"I think the people in the churchyard were quite bemused at what we were looking at but the children were really, really excited, especially my son," Abigail said. She said the family were counting squirrels when daughter Jennifer spotted the animals and her son identified it as albino.
James is "very into his animals so he understood what he was seeing" and was "over the moon" with the find, according to his mother. She said: "He was really keen to take some pictures. He sent it to all his friends. He sent it to some of his friends' mums. He sent it to all our family."
Albino squirrels are thought to a one-in-100,000 genetic occurrence
Two children have spotted and photographed a rare albino squirrel in a churchyard.
James, 11, and Jennifer, eight, identified the animal on Monday at St Martin's Church in Dorking, Surrey, their mother Abigail told the BBC.
Albino squirrels, thought to a one-in-100,000 genetic occurrence, are identified by their white coat with pink eyes.
"I think the people in the churchyard were quite bemused at what we were looking at but the children were really, really excited, especially my son," Abigail said. She said the family were counting squirrels when daughter Jennifer spotted the animals and her son identified it as albino.
James is "very into his animals so he understood what he was seeing" and was "over the moon" with the find, according to his mother. She said: "He was really keen to take some pictures. He sent it to all his friends. He sent it to some of his friends' mums. He sent it to all our family."
Lest my colleague on the administrator team here feel aggrieved that he has thus been upstaged, here is a picture of Red Squirrel:
(From https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/features/how-would-you-improve-transport-bristol/ - in the public domain)
CfN.
| Re: Wells - Bath, from April '26 timetable change (for the worse) In "Buses and other ways to travel" [372675/31621/5] Posted by John D at 21:19, 21st February 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
First Bus have now listed all the changes in Bristol, Bath, North Somerset
listed by area and route
Any route not listed isn't changing
Bristol Routes 16, 17, new 18, 19, 25, 37, 39, x39, 41, 42, 43, N43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 47x, 48, 48x, 49, 49x, 50, 73, 77, 349, 522, A4, M4, SB6, T1, X1, X1s, X4, X6, X6a, X7 withdrawn, X9, Y1, Y2
Bath routes 19, 39, x39, 126, 172, 173, 174, new 175, 374, 375, 376, 376a, 376x, 522, A4
North Somerset routes 1, 6, 7, 9, 20, 126, new A2, A3, X1, X5, X5x, X6, X6a, X7, X9, X11, X11x, X18, X21
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/bristol-bath-and-west/news-and-service-updates/updates/service-changes-5th-april-2026
| Re: Model Britain are proud to announce the establishment of their advisory board In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [372674/31657/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:06, 21st February 2026 | |
| Re: Model Britain are proud to announce the establishment of their advisory board In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [372672/31657/47] Posted by grahame at 20:47, 21st February 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
So, is this announcement a lot of management speak ... ?
Thanks for your post, johnneyw.
What struck me about that announcement was the sheer number of words in it: why sum it up briefly in five words when you can add another twenty and hide the meaning completely?
CfN.
It is written to be intelligible only to academics ... and to go over the heads of the rest of us.
| Re: Delay / Repay - to be less generous In "Fare's Fair" [372670/31626/4] Posted by ChrisB at 20:44, 21st February 2026 | |
From the Mirror, via MSN
Rail compensation 'set to be scrapped' for some passengers in major shake-up
Rail passengers will no longer qualify for train compensation unless their journey is 30 minutes delayed, under new proposals reportedly being considered by the government.
Most train companies currently refund 25% of your ticket price if your journey is between 15 and 29 minutes delayed.
If your train is between 30 and 59 minutes delayed, you normally qualify for 50% compensation - this rises to 100% of your ticket price back if you are over one hour delayed.
But under the new rules, rail passengers would only get compensation if their journey is more than 30 minutes delayed.
Any refund due would be awarded automatically - removing the need for passengers to have to fill out “delay repay” forms online, with proof of their ticket.
The Times reports that the proposals are being considered as part of plans to replace “delay repay” schemes with a single system.
UK rail companies are being nationalised as private contracts expire, with a goal to bring all major operators into public ownership by October 2027.
The cost of compensation will be funded by taxpayer money once all the rail compensations are nationalised, as opposed to be paid by private operators.
Around £138million was paid out to rail passengers in the 2023-24 financial year. A Department for Transport spokesperson told The Mirror : “We do not comment on speculation.
“This Government is overhauling our railways and building back public trust so that passengers can rely on trains that run on time.
“Our reforms are making ticketing simpler throughout passengers’ journeys – from rolling out more contactless tech at stations and trialling pay-as-you-go fares, to making it easier to claim delay repay, including through our upcoming GBR app.”
It comes after Trainline revealed rail passengers are missing out on more than £80million a year in compensation for delayed journeys.
Trainline has launched a petition calling on the Government to enable “one click” claims to be made by all online ticket buyers.
Trainline chief executive Jody Ford said: “Six minutes of form-filling after a delayed train is unacceptable.
“With years of innovation and industry cooperation, we’ve made huge progress in simplifying ticket buying, but compensation must be just as easy when journeys are disrupted.
“Passengers want rail reform that focuses on what matters to them, and ‘one-click’ delay repay is a practical change the industry and Government can do together.”
Rail passengers will no longer qualify for train compensation unless their journey is 30 minutes delayed, under new proposals reportedly being considered by the government.
Most train companies currently refund 25% of your ticket price if your journey is between 15 and 29 minutes delayed.
If your train is between 30 and 59 minutes delayed, you normally qualify for 50% compensation - this rises to 100% of your ticket price back if you are over one hour delayed.
But under the new rules, rail passengers would only get compensation if their journey is more than 30 minutes delayed.
Any refund due would be awarded automatically - removing the need for passengers to have to fill out “delay repay” forms online, with proof of their ticket.
The Times reports that the proposals are being considered as part of plans to replace “delay repay” schemes with a single system.
UK rail companies are being nationalised as private contracts expire, with a goal to bring all major operators into public ownership by October 2027.
The cost of compensation will be funded by taxpayer money once all the rail compensations are nationalised, as opposed to be paid by private operators.
Around £138million was paid out to rail passengers in the 2023-24 financial year. A Department for Transport spokesperson told The Mirror : “We do not comment on speculation.
“This Government is overhauling our railways and building back public trust so that passengers can rely on trains that run on time.
“Our reforms are making ticketing simpler throughout passengers’ journeys – from rolling out more contactless tech at stations and trialling pay-as-you-go fares, to making it easier to claim delay repay, including through our upcoming GBR app.”
It comes after Trainline revealed rail passengers are missing out on more than £80million a year in compensation for delayed journeys.
Trainline has launched a petition calling on the Government to enable “one click” claims to be made by all online ticket buyers.
Trainline chief executive Jody Ford said: “Six minutes of form-filling after a delayed train is unacceptable.
“With years of innovation and industry cooperation, we’ve made huge progress in simplifying ticket buying, but compensation must be just as easy when journeys are disrupted.
“Passengers want rail reform that focuses on what matters to them, and ‘one-click’ delay repay is a practical change the industry and Government can do together.”
| Re: Model Britain are proud to announce the establishment of their advisory board In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [372669/31657/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:33, 21st February 2026 | |
So, is this announcement a lot of management speak ... ?
Thanks for your post, johnneyw.
What struck me about that announcement was the sheer number of words in it: why sum it up briefly in five words when you can add another twenty and hide the meaning completely?
CfN.
| Re: Delay / Repay - to be less generous In "Fare's Fair" [372668/31626/4] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:21, 21st February 2026 | |
If you haven't already cast your own vote on this poll topic, there is still plenty of opportunity for our members to do so.
And, if you are not a member but are reading this as a guest, there is still time for you to register here as a new member: it's easy to do, there is no charge and no commitment whatever (other than to follow the published guidelines when posting here, obviously). See http://worker.firstgreatwestern.info/better/about.html and, specifically, http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?action=register .
CfN.
| Re: Model Britain are proud to announce the establishment of their advisory board In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [372667/31657/47] Posted by johnneyw at 19:54, 21st February 2026 | |
So, is this announcement a lot of management speak saying that it's a sort of UK version of Miniatur Wunderland?
| Re: New Welsh train stations part of £14bn UK government rail funding promise In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [372666/31636/23] Posted by Sixty3Closure at 19:53, 21st February 2026 | |
Interesting to see St Clears is still being talked about although that's all it seems to be. A bit too much of the document seemed to be a wish list.
From a practical point of view I would have a new local station although I suspect it will be change at Carmarthen for most destinations. I do wonder where the station would actually go though as the train line is on the edge of the village and I can't see any obvious places for a station in the village itself. If it is a 'new build' out of town then I can see that creating a lot of different problems and I'd wonder how useful a station that you need to drive to would be considering the likely limited service? I'd probably stick to going to Carmarthen.
| County Durham gritter driver's 40 years of being a 'winter hero' In "Introductions and chat" [372665/31658/1] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:47, 21st February 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Gritter driver's 40 years of being a 'winter hero'
Gary Lawson's bosses said he had rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in 40 years
Missed Christmasses and abandoned shopping are all part of the job, a man who has driven gritters for 40 years has said.
Gary Lawson, from Crook, said he had "seen it all" when working on the roads with Durham County Council since 1986, but said he went home "knowing my friends and family are safe".
The 62-year-old has been presented with an award for his dedication by gritter manufacturer Econ, who said Lawson had "never been late in 40 years of service and had rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in freezing temperatures".
He said: "When the weather turns, it's about getting to the yard as quickly as you can." He added "many a Christmas" had been put on hold, along with him being known for abandoning his grocery shopping to get to work.
Lawson was nominated by four of his managers to win the award on Tuesday for his "unrivalled knowledge of the vehicles and problem-solving abilities". The ceremony heard how he could "manoeuvre his gritter in ways others would never attempt".
Lawson said: "There's been many a Christmas morning when my wife, son and now grandchildren have held off opening presents until I get back from work. It's not easy, but my family is incredibly supportive of my job and understand that it's something I've just got to do."
Gary Lawson has rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in freezing temperatures
Lawson also recalled a call-out on April Fool's Day, with a request to go and rescue three cars on the Teesdale border. "Obviously, I thought he was joking but sure enough, 100m up, the weather changed and I ended up with a cab full of stranded drivers and passengers. Honestly, I've seen it all and sometimes, our experiences make Ice Road Truckers look like toddlers."
Econ Engineering said it wanted to celebrate "winter heroes", adding drivers had to get up in the middle of the night and had an "incredible amount of skill to handle the vehicles, often in dangerous conditions".
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ, said Lawson's "kindness, commitment and dedication to his community and our industry really came across".
Gary Lawson's bosses said he had rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in 40 years
Missed Christmasses and abandoned shopping are all part of the job, a man who has driven gritters for 40 years has said.
Gary Lawson, from Crook, said he had "seen it all" when working on the roads with Durham County Council since 1986, but said he went home "knowing my friends and family are safe".
The 62-year-old has been presented with an award for his dedication by gritter manufacturer Econ, who said Lawson had "never been late in 40 years of service and had rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in freezing temperatures".
He said: "When the weather turns, it's about getting to the yard as quickly as you can." He added "many a Christmas" had been put on hold, along with him being known for abandoning his grocery shopping to get to work.
Lawson was nominated by four of his managers to win the award on Tuesday for his "unrivalled knowledge of the vehicles and problem-solving abilities". The ceremony heard how he could "manoeuvre his gritter in ways others would never attempt".
Lawson said: "There's been many a Christmas morning when my wife, son and now grandchildren have held off opening presents until I get back from work. It's not easy, but my family is incredibly supportive of my job and understand that it's something I've just got to do."
Gary Lawson has rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in freezing temperatures
Lawson also recalled a call-out on April Fool's Day, with a request to go and rescue three cars on the Teesdale border. "Obviously, I thought he was joking but sure enough, 100m up, the weather changed and I ended up with a cab full of stranded drivers and passengers. Honestly, I've seen it all and sometimes, our experiences make Ice Road Truckers look like toddlers."
Econ Engineering said it wanted to celebrate "winter heroes", adding drivers had to get up in the middle of the night and had an "incredible amount of skill to handle the vehicles, often in dangerous conditions".
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ, said Lawson's "kindness, commitment and dedication to his community and our industry really came across".
| Re: Oxford station - facilities, improvements, parking, incidents and events - merged posts In "London to Didcot, Oxford and Banbury" [372663/593/9] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:04, 21st February 2026 | |
Journalists clearly not using the Oxford English Dictionary.
| Re: Model Britain are proud to announce the establishment of their advisory board In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [372662/31657/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:54, 21st February 2026 | |
I was wondering where it might be ...
I noted their logo has a certain similarity to a certain local station.
I noted their logo has a certain similarity to a certain local station.
Hmm.
I think I know where it might be, but I'm not confident enough to name it: if it is where I think it is, I wouldn't exactly describe it as 'a certain local station' - which is causing my doubts.
And before I get the proverbial mickey-taking here - no, I don't think it's Taunton, or Melksham. Nor Nailsea & Backwell, or Kemble.
CfN.
| Re: Oxford station - facilities, improvements, parking, incidents and events - merged posts In "London to Didcot, Oxford and Banbury" [372661/593/9] Posted by ChrisB at 18:40, 21st February 2026 | |
Always "a commuter".....
| Re: Oxford station - facilities, improvements, parking, incidents and events - merged posts In "London to Didcot, Oxford and Banbury" [372660/593/9] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:28, 21st February 2026 | |
From the Oxford Mail:
Oxford train station platform cordoned off amid bad smell
Part of Oxford railway station has been cordoned off due to overflowing sewage causing a stink for commuters.
There is a "whiff" in the air at city centre's train station, according to one commuter, with what appears to be toilet paper spilling out from the pipes.
Images sent in show shredded up wet paper coming from a cover on the platform with liquid surrounding it on the ground.
A commuter told us: "There’s a little whiff, not much. Pretty grim sight when you’re trying to have a tasty Taylors sandwich for lunch though."
The area has been cordoned off with yellow and black tape by workers at the station ahead of it being fixed.
Thames Water, Network Rail and Great Western Railway have all been approached for further information.
Part of Oxford railway station has been cordoned off due to overflowing sewage causing a stink for commuters.
There is a "whiff" in the air at city centre's train station, according to one commuter, with what appears to be toilet paper spilling out from the pipes.
Images sent in show shredded up wet paper coming from a cover on the platform with liquid surrounding it on the ground.
A commuter told us: "There’s a little whiff, not much. Pretty grim sight when you’re trying to have a tasty Taylors sandwich for lunch though."
The area has been cordoned off with yellow and black tape by workers at the station ahead of it being fixed.
Thames Water, Network Rail and Great Western Railway have all been approached for further information.
Charming!
| Re: Model Britain are proud to announce the establishment of their advisory board In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [372659/31657/47] Posted by grahame at 17:37, 21st February 2026 | |
I was wondering where it might be ...
The project team is currently assessing a number of strategically significant UK locations with strong infrastructure and national connectivity. Model Britain is also actively engaging with strategic partners across the technology, heritage, travel, and education sectors who share a vision for celebrating British innovation at scale. A formal opening timeline will be confirmed following site acquisition and planning approval.
Size: 100,000 sq ft immersive miniature world
Visitors Forecast: 700,000+ annually
Investment: £50 million
Location: Central England
Economic Impact: Hundreds of jobs created during and after construction
Size: 100,000 sq ft immersive miniature world
Visitors Forecast: 700,000+ annually
Investment: £50 million
Location: Central England
Economic Impact: Hundreds of jobs created during and after construction
I noted their logo has a certain similarity to a certain local station.
| Re: Steam Museum, Swindon In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [372658/11569/47] Posted by ChrisB at 17:33, 21st February 2026 | |
The next GWR Stakeholdeer conference will be oversubscribed by those wanting to give it a go....
| Re: Model Britain are proud to announce the establishment of their advisory board In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [372657/31657/47] Posted by ChrisB at 17:29, 21st February 2026 | |
Having read further, it appears to be what it says on the tin - Britain in miniature models, with only a smattering of transport.
| Model Britain are proud to announce the establishment of their advisory board In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [372656/31657/47] Posted by grahame at 17:18, 21st February 2026 | |
Model Britain announces the Establishment of Its New Advisory Board - 20 February 2026
Model Britain has formally transitioned from concept to structured delivery with the convening of its inaugural Advisory Board. This milestone establishes the governance framework for a project set to become one of the UK’s most ambitious cultural and educational attractions.
Model Britain has formally transitioned from concept to structured delivery with the convening of its inaugural Advisory Board. This milestone establishes the governance framework for a project set to become one of the UK’s most ambitious cultural and educational attractions.
Having read further, I think this is to do with models of architecture and a picture on Facebook shows kids glancing though a hole in a model roof down onto an underground station. So I think it belongs in "railway attractions" and not "pretty people showing how good clothes look".
Model Britain’s vision is to Explore, Imagine, Inspire. The project will be a large-scale, permanent indoor miniature attraction celebrating British history, innovation, and landscapes. Developed at substantial national scale, it is designed to operate at significant visitor capacity and to offer an immersive experience that blends excitement with deep educational value for children and adults alike.
The attraction will include a structured education programme aligned to national curriculum themes, supporting history, geography, design and technology, and STEM learning for school groups nationwide. The project enters development at a time of renewed national focus on the UK’s experience economy and regional tourism growth, positioning Model Britain to contribute meaningfully to both cultural and economic priorities.
The attraction will include a structured education programme aligned to national curriculum themes, supporting history, geography, design and technology, and STEM learning for school groups nationwide. The project enters development at a time of renewed national focus on the UK’s experience economy and regional tourism growth, positioning Model Britain to contribute meaningfully to both cultural and economic priorities.
| MOVED: Signal failure at Staines 21/2/26 In "South Western services" [372655/31656/42] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:01, 21st February 2026 | |
This topic has been moved to Across the West.
https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=31653.0
| Re: Signal failure at Staines causing problems for Twickenham rugby fans - 21 Feb 2026 In "Across the West" [372654/31653/26] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:00, 21st February 2026 | |
I have moved this topic here, and expanded the heading, as the discussion became wider than just 'South Western services'.
| Re: Helpline for people affected by TfL injuries into 10th year In "Transport for London" [372653/31655/46] Posted by grahame at 17:00, 21st February 2026 | |
And the number is.......? 
How to contact us. You can call The Sarah Hope Line on 0343 222 5678, Monday-Friday 08:00-18:00 (call charges may apply). A voicemail service operates outside of these times. You can also reach us by email at SHL @ tfl.gov.uk
| Re: Delay Repay - GWR, Crosscounty or Trainline? In "Smoke and Mirrors" [372652/31646/3] Posted by grahame at 16:49, 21st February 2026 | |
Surely if you'd purchased an advance single for (for example) London to Penzance from the GWR website and the train was cancelled, there's no reason for GWR not to automatically pay delay/repay as there is no way you could have got to your destination without incurring at least an hour's delay?
A little more complex - if the 14:03 or 17:03 are cancelled, you may be delayed less than an hour - but will still be due some delay/repay. Could be automatic even with that proviso.
