Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [381552/28982/26] Posted by ray951 at 15:14, 2nd November 2026 |      |
The Green 175’s are waiting to be returned to Wolverton - too many defects identified.
(Incidentally, there is an IET that has been repainted into GBR livery at Eastleigh).
(Incidentally, there is an IET that has been repainted into GBR livery at Eastleigh).
Can be seen here in this post https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxjdzPWENBJPF-Gq1S3koGbXAAV4BfYf5D
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [381551/32456/31] Posted by Marlburian at 15:05, 2nd November 2026 | |
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [381550/28982/26] Posted by a-driver at 14:58, 2nd November 2026 | |
The Green 175’s are waiting to be returned to Wolverton - too many defects identified.
(Incidentally, there is an IET that has been repainted into GBR livery at Eastleigh).
| Re: Isn't it great that we are all different! Madrid to Narbonne In "Introductions and chat" [381549/32680/1] Posted by grahame at 14:30, 2nd November 2026 | |
I should have asked if your next move from Narbonne was going to be towards Béziers. That would give you a chance to see (or glimpse, more likely) the Etang de Montady as you whizz past. The other interesting feature there, the "three tunnels" crossing inside the ridge at Le Malpas, is a bit hard to see.
I wasn't looking out - indeed standing on the ongoing train. Narbonne station was a zoo this morning!
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [381548/32456/31] Posted by broadgage at 13:40, 2nd November 2026 | |
Reported cyber attack on supermarket fridges and freezers.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq1kd1nee80eo
If such attacks become more widespread, there is clearly the potential on food supplies, underlines the importance of keeping a stock.
| Re: Bristol Tramways In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [381547/22238/47] Posted by grahame at 13:40, 2nd November 2026 | |
Apologies for a slight delay. I've spent the last week in the Netherlands, and most of my attempts to access this forum were rebuffed, inasmuch as I understand it, on the grounds that it thought I was a wet arachnid.
Sorry about that - same would have happened (but you may have had other concerns) if you had visited Iran.
For future reference, I can probably enable specific access if you generate an error pages such as via http://vcrp.uk/missing.html and email me (graham --at-- sn12 --dot-- net) the response.
| Re: 9th October 2026 - TravelWatch SouthWest, Taunton In "Diary - what's happening when?" [381546/32460/34] Posted by ChrisB at 12:48, 2nd November 2026 | |
Interesting - As I stayed on the 'cancelled' train, but it was still over 30mins late at TAU, I claimed direct with XC & got my comp.
| Re: Bristol Tramways In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [381545/22238/47] Posted by Red Squirrel at 11:57, 2nd November 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Apologies for a slight delay. I've spent the last week in the Netherlands, and most of my attempts to access this forum were rebuffed, inasmuch as I understand it, on the grounds that it thought I was a wet arachnid.
But I am home now, and here is the photo:
This view is from inside the Old Station, but the staircase is very close to the first entrance as you head up the incline. The subway was more or less at the point where Brunel's original terminus meets the 1870's extension. So It seems very likely that it could have been directly accessed from the level of the tram terminal.
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [381544/28982/26] Posted by bobm at 11:47, 2nd November 2026 | |
103+110 (the Green ones) have been on a siding next to the shed in Laira since arriving on 1 October 2026.
There seems to be no effort to get these trains in service or even move them.
One problem seems to have arisen with the 175s is one door will not open unless kicked if it is in a station with a cant.
There seems to be no effort to get these trains in service or even move them.
One problem seems to have arisen with the 175s is one door will not open unless kicked if it is in a station with a cant.
Could they be waiting for 13th December, for final preps not to be the responsibility of the TOCs shareholders, and for them to come into service at that date as a quick win for the new operator?
Slightly facetious but launching a "new" train with the previous operator's logos on day one might be more an own goal than a quick win.
| Re: Vintage transport film. In "Railway History and related topics" [381543/32682/55] Posted by Witham Bobby at 10:12, 2nd November 2026 | |
Interesting video of a large electrical transformer being transported by rail.
A great test of the loading gauge calculations
We called them OGLOs - Out of Gauge Load
Signalled with the bell code 2-6-3 if it required adjoining lines to be blocked
The reaction of today's elf 'n safety to having these men loose on the wagons can only be imagined
| Re: Isn't it great that we are all different! Madrid to Narbonne In "Introductions and chat" [381542/32680/1] Posted by stuving at 10:10, 2nd November 2026 | |
I should have asked if your next move from Narbonne was going to be towards Béziers. That would give you a chance to see (or glimpse, more likely) the Etang de Montady as you whizz past. The other interesting feature there, the "three tunnels" crossing inside the ridge at Le Malpas, is a bit hard to see.
| Re: Late November and Christmas closure of Paddington & alternative travel options In "Across the West" [381541/32677/26] Posted by NickB at 09:18, 2nd November 2026 | |
I checked the planner for a journey that I’m rostered to make - Maidenhead to Tottenham Court Road on 28th December. This clocks in at a whopping 2 hours!!
I can’t help but think that the proposed journey is somewhat convoluted and not efficient for the passengers. The proposed plan is train from Maidenhead to Slough, road replacement service to Hillingdon Station(?!?), Hillingdon to Paddington.
Why not take passengers to their intended destination of Paddington rather than doing half the job and dropping them at Hillingdon which incurs a further hour of tube travel after the road replacement service.
| Re: ADHD diagnosis now gets you a disabled persons railcard In "Fare's Fair" [381540/32679/4] Posted by Trowres at 09:09, 2nd November 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
Erm ... Excuse me. 
I was born in 1959 and I am certainly not a millionaire. I reached the necessary age to qualify for a Senior Railcard - which I have to pay for - and I'm still a taxpayer in my retirement.
CfN.
I was born in 1959 and I am certainly not a millionaire. I reached the necessary age to qualify for a Senior Railcard - which I have to pay for - and I'm still a taxpayer in my retirement.
CfN.
Thank you for "biting", Chris.
My point was that it is easy to select a sub-group of beneficiaries that might be considered unworthy of the "benefit" of a railcard, and in doing so bring down opprobrium upon the whole group (see also various other types of benefit).| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [381539/31359/18] Posted by JohnM at 08:34, 2nd November 2026 | |
It gets better - the 8:26 Paddington Bristol service that I'm having to catch at Chippenham is only 5 coaches. More standing, but at least it's warm.
| Re: 9th October 2026 - TravelWatch SouthWest, Taunton In "Diary - what's happening when?" [381538/32460/34] Posted by Mark A at 08:23, 2nd November 2026 | |
After the traditional disrupted journey to TWSW, delay repay failed at the first attempt *snip*
Rejected by GWR again, but passed to Crosscountry as they hosted the musical chairs episode at Bristol. This is quality service from the delay repay system as it's the opposite of that otherwise far-too-common practice of deflecting issues and asking the customer to do the runaround. An example of the latter was that I raised something with a national supermarket brand that has in the last few years been taken over by asset strippers. A faulty freezer being an injury accident waiting to happen. Their response 'Oh, that store (branded by us) is an independent one, nothing to do with us, raise it with them'.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [381537/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 08:05, 2nd November 2026 | |
Now on its way but the 07:45 from Westbury to Swindon is stuck at Trowbridge waiting for it to clear the single line.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [381536/31359/18] Posted by JohnM at 08:04, 2nd November 2026 | |
ETA now 8:05, and the 8:02 Swindon service showing as delayed. Shouldn't be too much of a problem for the 8:02 passengers given that the Worcester service stops at Swindon. And the lucky so-and-so's haven't had to hang around in the cold for 50 mins
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [381535/31359/18] Posted by JohnM at 07:51, 2nd November 2026 | |
Yes, that would be nice. Unfortunately after departing Trowbridge at 7:39 it's now showing as delayed
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [381534/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 07:42, 2nd November 2026 Already liked by JohnM | |
Currently standing on a cold Melksham platform waiting for the 07:21 Worcester Foregate Street service, ETA 07:48 due to fault on train...
Never mind, I'm sure it will be back on time by Foregate Street
We could really do with a bit of warmth, a cup of coffee, a loo, and someone to reassure you that it really will turn up.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [381533/31359/18] Posted by JohnM at 07:37, 2nd November 2026 | |
Currently standing on a cold Melksham platform waiting for the 07:21 Worcester Foregate Street service, ETA 07:48 due to fault on train...
| Re: ADHD diagnosis now gets you a disabled persons railcard In "Fare's Fair" [381532/32679/4] Posted by TaplowGreen at 07:04, 2nd November 2026 Already liked by Mark A, JayMac | |
I feel an apology is owed from me to TaplowGreen. Sorry.
You're post was just a hook to hang my anger on. My anger at how the issue has been framed by a large section of the media both traditional and social. I'm a DSB Railcard holder and some of the stuff I've read on Twitter and Facebook from right wing commentators is even more disturbing than the traditional media coverage. Piers Morgan, Julia Hartley-Brewer and their ilk have large audiences and their 'othering' and 'us and them' invective is lapped up by many. It's deeply disturbing.
Once again, TG. Sorry.
You're post was just a hook to hang my anger on. My anger at how the issue has been framed by a large section of the media both traditional and social. I'm a DSB Railcard holder and some of the stuff I've read on Twitter and Facebook from right wing commentators is even more disturbing than the traditional media coverage. Piers Morgan, Julia Hartley-Brewer and their ilk have large audiences and their 'othering' and 'us and them' invective is lapped up by many. It's deeply disturbing.
Once again, TG. Sorry.
No apology needed, no offence taken, but thanks anyway.
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [381531/28355/22] Posted by grahame at 06:17, 2nd November 2026 | |
07:14 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 08:32
09:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 10:11
11:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 12:29
13:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 14:15
17:00 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 18:18
19:15 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 20:32
21:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 22:12
Facilities on the 21:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 22:12.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 5. First class not available. There are no reservations on this service.
Additional Information
Please use any available seat according to the class of travel on your ticket. If no seats are available, we would be grateful if you could make sure that those who need them most are able to use them.
Alternatively, you can use your ticket to travel on either of the two GWR services that are immediately before or after this service at no additional cost. You can see how many coaches our services have with the 'Live Times' feature on the GWR app, or speak to staff for further information.
09:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 10:11
11:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 12:29
13:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 14:15
17:00 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 18:18
19:15 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 20:32
21:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 22:12
Facilities on the 21:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 22:12.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 5. First class not available. There are no reservations on this service.
Additional Information
Please use any available seat according to the class of travel on your ticket. If no seats are available, we would be grateful if you could make sure that those who need them most are able to use them.
Alternatively, you can use your ticket to travel on either of the two GWR services that are immediately before or after this service at no additional cost. You can see how many coaches our services have with the 'Live Times' feature on the GWR app, or speak to staff for further information.
"according to the class of travel on your ticket." - Eh? the replacement id a standard class only train (and I suspect too short to cope at certain parts of the diagram) so under what circumstances would ticketed passengers using it have to be careful where they sit?
| Re: ADHD diagnosis now gets you a disabled persons railcard In "Fare's Fair" [381530/32679/4] Posted by grahame at 05:56, 2nd November 2026 | |
I woke early this morning, in the dis-quieting belief I might need to pour oil on troubled waters on this thread. But it looks to me as I wake, before first light and at first glance, that our membership has done us proud in having hindsight and putting us back on a more even keel - thank you.
We have - and we do rightly - stray into some very difficult topics in the Coffee Shop and railcards and "qualification" for them ares such a topic. I qualify for some journeys for 3 or 4 (age, disability, 2 together, and Network South East if I split an Didcot or Salisbury). And I suppose I could use friends and family if someone would hire me a child. Extra expenses and restrictions that come with age or disability (and I hate that word) can be significant and hidden. A topic worthy of dispassionate and much more general coverage - probably in a more general thread that this one.
| Re: ADHD diagnosis now gets you a disabled persons railcard In "Fare's Fair" [381529/32679/4] Posted by JayMac at 02:40, 2nd November 2026 | |
I feel an apology is owed from me to TaplowGreen. Sorry.
You're post was just a hook to hang my anger on. My anger at how the issue has been framed by a large section of the media both traditional and social. I'm a DSB Railcard holder and some of the stuff I've read on Twitter and Facebook from right wing commentators is even more disturbing than the traditional media coverage. Piers Morgan, Julia Hartley-Brewer and their ilk have large audiences and their 'othering' and 'us and them' invective is lapped up by many. It's deeply disturbing.
Once again, TG. Sorry.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [381528/32456/31] Posted by broadgage at 02:35, 2nd November 2026 | |
Video on preparing, emphasis not on stocks or supplies, but on discretion regarding your supplies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzU7ZV8UFWM
| Vintage transport film. In "Railway History and related topics" [381527/32682/55] Posted by broadgage at 02:14, 2nd November 2026 Already liked by Western Pathfinder, Witham Bobby, rogerw | |
Interesting video of a large electrical transformer being transported by rail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4nqWE26yqk
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [381526/18719/26] Posted by a-driver at 00:39, 2nd November 2026 | |
Half term so too many staff allowed leave to maintain the service. Familiar story. Poor workforce planning.
Cotswold services suffering this afternoon/evening, 2 consecutive longer distance services cancelled.
No. Annual leave is all rostered. Same number of people guaranteed leave during school holidays as there is all year round, and that figures depends on the size of the depot. Great workforce planning.
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [381525/28982/26] Posted by a-driver at 00:31, 2nd November 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby, RichardB | |
103+110 (the Green ones) have been on a siding next to the shed in Laira since arriving on 1 October 2026.
There seems to be no effort to get these trains in service or even move them.
There seems to be no effort to get these trains in service or even move them.
They are in the queue for their fault free running checks before going into passenger service. They’d also have to complete safety/acceptance checks.
| Re: ADHD diagnosis now gets you a disabled persons railcard In "Fare's Fair" [381524/32679/4] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 00:11, 2nd November 2026 Already liked by rogerw | |
Erm ... Excuse me.
I was born in 1959 and I am certainly not a millionaire. I reached the necessary age to qualify for a Senior Railcard - which I have to pay for - and I'm still a taxpayer in my retirement.
CfN.
| Re: Isles of Scilly sea ferry and air services - merged posts In "Buses and other ways to travel" [381523/11098/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 00:03, 2nd November 2026 | |
An update, from the BBC:
New Isles of Scilly passenger ferry on way to UK
The new passenger ferry, Scillonian IV, has departed Vietnam for the UK - Image © Isles of Scilly Steamship Group
A new passenger ferry, set to start a "new era of travel" to the Isles of Scilly, has set off on its journey to the UK.
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group's new passenger ferry, Scillonian IV, departed Vietnam for the UK at 06:00 local time on Saturday (23:00 GMT on Friday), ahead of entering service in March 2027.
The 75m (246ft) vessel started the two-month voyage, travelling from Ho Chi Minh City via the Cape of Good Hope, which was the same route taken by freight vessel Menawethan earlier this year.
Scillonian IV has the capacity to carry 600 passengers and will replace Scillonian III.
Ian Howard, chairman of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, was in Vietnam for the occasion. He said: "Watching Scillonian IV leave Vietnam and begin her journey home was a hugely significant moment for everyone involved in bringing the vessel to life. Reaching this stage reflects the tremendous work, expertise and commitment of the teams who have overseen her construction and the many people who have contributed to the project.
"We're now looking forward to welcoming her closer to home and beginning the next phase of preparations ahead of her entry into service in March. We know how important Scillonian IV is to the future of the Isles of Scilly, and we're excited to be one step closer to introducing her to the communities and visitors she will serve."
The new passenger ferry, Scillonian IV, has departed Vietnam for the UK - Image © Isles of Scilly Steamship Group
A new passenger ferry, set to start a "new era of travel" to the Isles of Scilly, has set off on its journey to the UK.
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group's new passenger ferry, Scillonian IV, departed Vietnam for the UK at 06:00 local time on Saturday (23:00 GMT on Friday), ahead of entering service in March 2027.
The 75m (246ft) vessel started the two-month voyage, travelling from Ho Chi Minh City via the Cape of Good Hope, which was the same route taken by freight vessel Menawethan earlier this year.
Scillonian IV has the capacity to carry 600 passengers and will replace Scillonian III.
Ian Howard, chairman of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, was in Vietnam for the occasion. He said: "Watching Scillonian IV leave Vietnam and begin her journey home was a hugely significant moment for everyone involved in bringing the vessel to life. Reaching this stage reflects the tremendous work, expertise and commitment of the teams who have overseen her construction and the many people who have contributed to the project.
"We're now looking forward to welcoming her closer to home and beginning the next phase of preparations ahead of her entry into service in March. We know how important Scillonian IV is to the future of the Isles of Scilly, and we're excited to be one step closer to introducing her to the communities and visitors she will serve."
