Nine electric main line trains, 2 diesel trains, 3 metro-ish trains, one Uber. 1 sloping lift and numerous vertical ones. A handful of escalators and travelators. 29 hours from Melksham. No flights.

Three planned trains were cancelled, each of them leading us to drop back a train. In the UK case, we had a substatial buffer and caught the ferry anyway, but each of the German train cancellations cost us an hour. No trains were late enough to cause us to miss a connection, but slower-than-previous immigration at Hoek, and a faulty lift at Beurs, each put us back one metro and caused a missed plan at Rotterdam Central.   So we arrived in our destination town at 21:41 rather than the 18:39 suggested by the journey planner.  Which, however, was no big deal.  There were still two further trains in the hourly cycle had we needed them, and we had eaten on the way including a rather tasty chilli on the German ICE.  And I had emailed the hotel to update out estimated time of arrival.

But it is dark, so pictures from our base for the next couple of days will have to wait until the morning.

---

---

So in summary, in the Netherlands, the lifts don't work.  In Germany, the timetable does not work. And in the UK the ticket gates and fare system don't work.   All around, there are pockets of crowding and even extreme crowding, but the majority of trains are somewhere between comfortable and quiet.

 
From the Mirror, via MSN

 
From the Guardian, via MSN

 
Sweepstake on the date of the first bridge bash?

 

Hopefully, those trains will be fixed during the next six weeks of school holidays? 

 
All looking OK to my eyes.  The new southern walk/cycle way is now open.  Though no cycling yet unless you’re a VIP and ignore the signs, as the northern walkway is now being worked on…and is unlikely to make the end of August deadline as previously acknowledged.  No major issue there IMHO.

When both are open I am guessing cyclists will be guided to use the northern walkway into Oxford and the southern walkway out towards Botley…but I’m sure many will stay on the road.

Works on the road look quite near completion now with the concrete flood protection finished so not much other than the road surface and associated furniture to lay.

I’m sure it’ll continue to look like a bit of a building site for a while to come, but I see no obvious reason why this latest, much delayed, deadline can’t be met.

 
I have updated the heading of this topic, purely for clarity. 

 
From the BBC:

 
This would win my vote. (The programme's just turned up from some file-clearing... I recall the cost was £55 per person)

I'm sure I've told the tale of how it went on the day somewhere here but can't track it down.

Basically, despite the hairiness of the schedule, everything worked to time, including breakfast, which was arriving immediately we left Euston in somewhat grim weather. I recall kippers.

Rather later, and with the sun out, no passengers were lost at Blaenau Ffestiniog - and despite the opportunity, none at Porthmadog either.

The descent of the Ffestiniog railway involved beer.

How no one managed to vanish while walking across the town at Porthmadog I've no idea.

The wait at a rather faded Porthmadog BR station - a large gathering suddenly feeling far from home - in failing light and with no train in sight was very moody. There was considerable relief when a class 37 appeared through the gathering gloom from further up the line, with 'Train 'A'... I seem to recall that once aboard, the train took us out from beneath the shadow in which Porthmadog sits at that time of day in November to reveal an impressive sunset across the sea, at which point one of the stewards appeared and asked if we'd like the carriage lights to be turned off. As it happened, yes we did - and once they were out he was round again: "G & T anyone?" - and I think he sold a carriage-full, especially as everyone was already swooning at the sunset.

Then, at Machynlleth, more passengers - from a failed service train. The staff happily tucked them away where they could, including in the fiddle carriage next to the carriage with the kitchen in it and the class 37 set to its task of hauling the entire consist at a stately pace up to Talerddig...

Mark

InterCity VIP Charters
Tournament House Paddington Station London W2 1HQ
THE SNOWDONIAN
SATURDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 1988

TRAIN "B"

GOOD MORNING and a warm InterCity welcome to The Snowdonian - another 'first' in our programme of Luxury Days Out. We hope you will take the time to read this leaflet carefully as it contains important information about the itinerary and timings for today. As you may be aware, the arrangements cover two separate trains with the passengers off each train travelling in opposite directions over the privately-owned narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway. If all goes to plan, the two groups will 'cross' in Porthmadog!

Thus, Train "B" will leave Euston at 08.40 and breakfast will be served as we welcome aboard guests joining at Watford Junction (08.56). Following the map overleaf, the route now will be via Rugby and Stafford to Crewe where we stop briefly for operational purposes before heading along the North Wales coast line via Rhyl to Llandudno Junction. Here the train reverses before joining the branch line to Blaenau Ffestiniog (arrive 13.20).

Upon arrival at Blaenau Ffestiniog, please make your way as quickly as possible to the waiting Ffestiniog Railway train which will depart at 13.30, it is important that this train leaves punctually if delays are to be avoided elsewhere today. This train will run non-stop to Minffordd (arrive 14.21) before arriving at Porthmadog at 14.30. We strongly recommend that passengers make the inter-station transfer in Porthmadog where both the facilities of the town itself and the terminus of the Ffestiniog Railway will be available during the waiting period. ~~Please note that although the Ffestiniog and BR stations at Minffordd are adjacent~~ there are virtually no facilities available in the area of the stations and very little cover in the event of inclement weather.

At Porthmadog, the Ffestiniog Railway are arranging to have the full facilities of their terminus open during the afternoon; these include a cafeteria, a small gift shop and their own museum. Their own staff will be on hand to help with any questions you may have about the railway. Please leave about 20 minutes for the transfer to the BR station.

The return BR train leaves Porthmadog BR station at 16.25 and travels via the Cambrian Line to Shrewsbury; a 3-course dinner will be served as the train passes through the West Midlands before joining the West Coast main line at Rugby. The train is due to arrive Watford Junction at 22.34 and Euston at 22.55. A service of soft and alcoholic drinks will be available from the trolley during the day at tariff prices and a selection of wines will also be available to accompany your meal.

PLEASE remember that upon arrival at Blaenau Ffestiniog and Porthmadog/Minffordd, it is important you take all your belongings with you when you leave the train. Although both BR trains being used today are of identical formation so that your coach/seat allocation will be the same for outward and return journeys, you will actually be travelling in different trains.

Finally, thank you for travelling with us today and we hope the weather will be kind so that we can enjoy the magnificent Welsh scenery. We welcome any comments you may have about today's tour, or any other aspect of our programme, at the above address - in any event we look forward to welcoming you and your friends aboard other InterCity Land Cruises in the near future. Please ensure you have everything with you when you finally leave the train and have a safe journey home!

Mark

 

.......and ironically, she's got Mandelson's old job! 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/20/andy-burnham-labour-cabinet-profiles

 
From next week the 32 bus Truro to Falmouth will run hourly daytime via Perranwell station and Ponsanooth.
The 32A will run hourly Truro to Falmouth via Devoran with last buses at 2245 from Falmouth and 2340 from Truro.
There is a large gap on school day afternoons from Truro though.
This should help out while the trains are unreliable.

 

It's incredible how the British Systems seem to need someone on the gateline to assist the very high proportion of people who need help, the Dutch system we have been using today just works, and in Germany where we are now there are no gatelines - just male and female dragons on trains who keep the passengers well in order.   

The UK system with its complexities to produce loopholes, and two partial systems with gates and on-train checking seems to have ended up as the worst of three worlds.

 

The layout was in the signal school along the road to Liphook on the right before Longmoor Bridge. The layout apparently went to the Army School of Transport museum, as did the German sleeper ripper. Not sure if the Army School of Transport museum has survived much defence cost-cutting since.

The Longmoor box was in the middle of the platform of Longmoor Downs station. Levers on the first floor and all the interlocking on the ground floor. I think Longmoor Downs box looked a bit like an economy version of the Southern style boxes.

 
Had problems on Saturday, wonderful new tickets didn't scan at Reading, didn't scan at Southampton, didn't scan at any of the checks. Helpful train manger on Cross Country said to tell Reading these tickets don't work if you are trying to save printer ink, stick a new cartridge in.

Not entirely sure of the benefit of the new tickets, the ticket checking device just shows a picture of the old style ticket for checking!

 
Cancellations to services between Reading and Newbury

Due to a fault with the signalling system between Reading and Newbury fewer trains are able to run.

Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 16:30 20/07.

 

NR are constructing an accessible passenger bridge over the tracks (replacing a bridleway across a now closed level crossing); They have closed the southbound platform (towards Oxford) for the duration as that platform is only accessible via the bridge; the new easement allows travel north to Heyford or Banbury (for XC southbound to Oxford) to travel south.

 
Interesting, as Network Rail are quoted in today's Oxford Mail saying that they are on target to complete by August 31st, and possibly earlier.

 
Been to Oxford this morning. Saw what I could of the works as the train pulled into the station. I would guess they are going to need a man with a very big stick if it going to be completed by Aug 24th.

 
There are some easements (Section E) that specifically mention Tackley and a Routing Point easement which came into force last month; whether that would have an effect I don't know.

I know there are easements coded in journey planners that are not mentioned in that document, so you can't always be sure you've got all the pieces of the puzzle (I won't mention them explicitly in case they get fixed as they are useful).

 

Wow, a fellow Cadet at Longmoor!
I also had a week there.  Loved the O gauge layout for signal training in the Longmoor box.
(Was it the Longmoor box, or was there another box at Longmoor station as well)?
Think my highlight was being allocated to one of the small steam tanks one morning.
Being enthusiastic I arrived very early, well before the military crew arrived.
One the footplate, another military guy came up from the engine behind and asked me to move forward 100 yards so he could get out before 'us'.
Took the engine forward and stopped when he shouted to.
They then went out on their duty.  A short while later my crew arrived for their duty.

As said above, that could never happen again these days with all the paperwork.

 
Today (20th July) showing several main line and Newquay problems.
Shortage of staff and stock.

Including a Plymouth - Paddington terminated at Exeter.  It then forms a cancelled Paddington to Penzance (but only from Exeter).

 

To be honest the Cornish branch lines (especially) have been so hopelessly unreliable recently that I would imagine more people are opting for rubber wheels, whether attached to a car or a bus.

 
... but are any of your "via Didcot"s actually not via Didcot (station), neither passing through nor calling at the station, but rather taking the avoiding curve? 

 
Notes written along the way - UK elements are more useful to Coffee Shop members so a details log just for the first bit

.....


Uber - home to station. First time, far too easy, quick to turn up and low cost.  Noted vehicle registered in South Gloucestershire.

Quiet but yet +8, -3 on / off train.  Supposed to be Frome to Swindon but had only started from Westbury due to staff shortage.

TVM broken.  Ticket issuing / checking not available on train - system problem.

Swindon display - train showing with varios zones - 1 to 10 - but yet no indiaction as to which zone for A.  Train busy and a few ninutes late due to "busy platforms and delays at previous stations". Real time trains (indusrty feeds) showing "A" in the middle but in fact as I expected turned out to be at then back.  My seat (ADV ticket) correctly flagged but occupied by a well installed young lady.  Lisa (Interrail, no reservation) took the seat next ton her which was reserved Swindon to Reading, but no-one claimed it.  I found an unoccupied Bristol to London reserved but not taken up along the carriage.   

Noticable flow off at Didcot. Being a Sunday, no direct Bristol to Oxford trains.

...

10 minutes late into Paddington, 5 more minutes to even clear the platform and a queue for the overworked lifts to the Elizabeth line. They arrive already full at the level we were joining them at.  Then Lisa's Interrail pass failed to work the ticket barriers and we had to queue to speak to the overworked barrier helper who was overworked to put it mildly.

Liverpool Street - Elizabeth line to National Platform level - involves three lifts, including the sloping one which was overworked and queuing, and a final one with a limit of 4 people and an awkward turn in. So we arrived on the concourse within 5 minutes of our outboard train at 19:30, to find it cancelled. 

With my advanced "this train only" I asked at the informtion desk and was advised to travel on the 20:30.  Polite, but por advise - he should have asked where we were going (passenger-centric) rather than looking at the next train (operation-centric) and suggested the 20:00.   I asked about this train, and once he thought for the passenger agreed we could catch it which was, indeed, the direct Harwich (boat) train.

The Harwich train platform was only announced 5 minutes before it left - real scramble to get on in time, and indeed the barrier failed on Lisa's ticket again.  But made it, and reached Harwich more or less on time.  Notes being written from the ship - headed down for breakfast and we will be sending when on land and in Schengen.

....

Posting from the Netherlands ... more to follow though not as detailed!

 
My comment (posted personally, not as the official view of the Coffee Shop forum) is that you have highlighted here the ludicrous inconsistencies in the Routing Guide.

(Declaration of interest: I have met Trowres several times, over many years, and had the pleasure of working with him on campaigns such as promoting rail services at Dilton Marsh).

CfN. 

 
An update, from the BBC:

 
It mighty be difficult to retain the rising sun on Midsummer's Day hitting the Altar Stone.

Today I visited the sites of several of the WWI camps in the Wylye Valley (two were served by branches off the Warminster-Salisbury railway) and drove past Stonehenge around 0545;  there were just a few camper vans parked on nearby tracks.

Really I should have returned through Larkhill Camp, but opted for the A303. The car park at the Stonehenge visitor centre was very busy, and as soon as I got to the A303 roundabout to the west of the stones the traffic was jammed up on the two-lane carriageway heading towards Amesbury. Then there was the usual "zipping" as the two lanes became one, and we crawled around in first gear for a mile or so. Then everything speeded up just as we passed the stones. Traffic coming the other way was also very slow-moving.

 

 
Thank you, Fourbee, for bravely floating a response. I think that you'd agree that the Routeing Guide is not altogether explicit on the treatment of vias.

Here then, is my initial investigation that caused me to ask the question.

My starting point is the National Rail Journey Planner (JP) and the journey is WESTBURY-OXFORD ; OPEN RETURN.
(The Open Return bit was what I needed, but conveniently avoids the clutter / confusion of advance fares).

FACT1
The JP offers journeys via Melksham at the NOT VIA READING fare and journeys via Reading at the NOT VIA LONDON fare.
Journeys via Bath have been suggested, but with "We have been unable to find a valid fare. Please re-plan your journey".

INVESTIGATION 1
Perusing the Routeing Guide (RG), both Westbury and Oxford are routeing points. The only valid routes specified are using map RB (described as "routes via Reading to Birmingham").
A look at map RB shows that Bath-Swindon-Didcot-(Oxford) is one line on the map, but it doesn't go through Westbury.
There is a separate line on RB that goes Castle Cary-Westbury-Reading(-Oxford).

So Westbury-Reading-Oxford is the only valid route specified in the maps

Westbury-Melksham-Didcot-Oxford is a valid route, I presume, because it is the shortest route.

Westbury-Bath-Didcot-Oxford isn't valid, because it is neither a mapped route, nor the shortest route.

All of the non-advance fares for WSB-OXF are either "not via Reading" or "not via London", so we cannot see any other options that would allow travel via Bath.

In the interests of furthering this investigation, let's try Westbury to Tackley (a station north of Oxford, for which Oxford is the relevant routeing point in the RG - this means that for RG purposes, the same map is used for WSB-TAC as for WSB-OXF).

FACT 2
The JP offers the following:
0705 Westbury via Melksham and Didcot. Fare £138.10 (anytime return route DIDCOT PARKWAY)
0909 Westbury via Reading. Fare £94.90 (SVR return route NOT VIA LONDON)
1112 Westbury via Bath and Didcot. Fare £73.20 (SVR return route DIDCOT PARKWAY)
1512 Westbury via Bath and Didcot. Fare £73.20 (SVR return route DIDCOT PARKWAY)
1554 Westbury via Reading. Fare £71.20 (SSR return route NOT VIA LONDON)
1646 Westbury via Reading. Fare £71.20 (SSR return route NOT VIA LONDON)
1912 Westbury via Bath and Didcot. Fare £73.20 (SVR return route DIDCOT PARKWAY)
2116 Westbury via Melksham and Didcot. Fare £71.20 (SSR return route NOT VIA LONDON)


INVESTIGATION 2
So, we now have fares offered for the route via Bath. But why?
For WSB-TAC, the relevant routeing points are WSB and OXF, so the same routeing restrictions would apply as for WSB-OXF.

BUT...
Whereas for WSB-OXF, the fares are either NOT VIA LONDON or NOT VIA READING (and no others),
for WSB-TAC, the fares are either NOT VIA LONDON or VIA DIDCOT PARKWAY.

Taking the trains in turn:
0705 WSB: This would be valid as the shortest route. Fare offered is cheaper than the NOT LONDON alternative and route does go via DID so all OK

0909 WSB: This is a valid route in the RG. The £94.90 offered is the cheapest valid SSR fare, as the £73.20 VIA DID fare is not valid until 0930.

1112 WSB: Valid via Bath! The fare quoted , £73.20 is the SVR via DID. There is a cheaper SSR fare, which is valid time-wise, but the route restriction is NOT VIA LONDON.

1512 WSB: Same as 1112 WSB.

1554 WSB: The journey is via RDG. This attracts the lowest fare, the £71.20 SSR route NOT VIA LONDON.

1646 WSB: Same as 1554 WSB

1912 WSB: Same as 1112 WSB

2116 WSB: Via Melksham, this attracts the cheapest fare, the £71.20 SSR Route NOT LONDON.

CONCLUSIONS
1. The VIA DIDCOT is forcing some sort of route analysis that is not just a filter of the list of valid routes for the end-to-end journey.
2. Because the VIA DIDCOT option is not offered as an SSR (Super-offpeak), the fares presented by the JP can be counter-intuitive.

I have not established yet whether or not the JP is analysing WSB-DID and DID-TAC as two separate routes specifically for the VIA DID fares, though this would seem to be logical.

Any comments so far?

 
Really good that Faresaver participated.

Mark