I get that.  Finn is a popular mascot on the Coffee Shop forum: you, on the other hand ... 

 

While correcting grahame's typo in the above quote, I'll also question Isambard Kingdom Brunel's lack of foresight in not future-proofing that particular length of the GWR: whatever was he thinking of? 

 

Finn has the necessary paperwork for both countries we're visiting. A story for another day after the picture is identified. He was checked at the point of entry. I wasn't.

 

 
My understanding is that fire extinguishers, among other emergency equipment, are kept within compartments accessible to train staff on board.

To avoid their misuse, understandably. 

 
By the way, did our Coffee Shop forum mascot Finn also go there?  Does he have a British passport, dual nationality or electronic travel authorisation?

See https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=29537.0 

 
I now know where it is, but I cheated, so I won't post an answer here. 

 
From the BBC:

 
John, in reply No. 5, Graham linked to my post back in 2017 on the subject of grade separation at Didcot East but I could not see the link to the original diagram I posted in the search result. So below is the diagram and the text is in the link found by Graham above.

 

Indeed. There are few areas of Plymouth and its surrounding areas already better served by public transport than this one.

 
Nice to see you posting again.  Retirement can be so busy. 

Returning to topic.  Domestic users also had to apply for fuel coupons.  They were never used but focussed the mind.

Weekend leisure driving was also discouraged.

 

You are so funny. 

 
Afterwards.....

 
The line east of Didcot was quadrupled (and remains 4 track), there was a short section west of Didcot.   

Money was clearly tight, as never managed to extend 4 tracks throughout west and north of Didcot, although did quadruple Challow to Wantage Road (1932-34) including the stations, so fast trains could overtake stoppers and freight.  And was a section with 4 tracks approaching Swindon.

It would be relatively easy to reinstate lifted freight loops Didcot-Oxford.   Of course it's unclear if actually need 4 tracks, or if 3 tracks with a reversible slow in the centre would be sufficient

Near Oxford the (partly former) freight yards make doing section north of Crowley Bridge easy to have 4 running tracks.   The layout of Oxford station suggests would be better to have freight on centre tracks with outside ones as fast, off top of my head can't think of any passenger tracks that pass the station non stop.

The big problem really is flat junction at Didcot, the fast line from London has to cross everything on flat due to lack of flyover, really need to be able to segregate to avoid conflicting moves.     Obviously really need any flyover lines and how it arranges fast-slow etc to be consistent with layout nearer Oxford.

I do wonder if a new line diverging south of Radley, passing between Abingdon and Sutton Courtenay, passing north of Sutton Wick, crossing A34, then heading direct to near Challow is better option.  But I am thinking big, with a Bristol - Bath - Corsham - Swindon - Abingdon (new station) - Oxford - Bicester - onwards East West route

 
No comfort for those who can only use accessible toilets but at least there is a second smaller toilet for those who can access those. 

 
Taunton 

 
A much needed two weeks off from the full time care of Mumsy. With a week abroad.

Where were we today, 4th May 2026?

 
Public transport should be one of the last forms of transport to be reduced to save fuel, the first measure should be as with the 1973 fuel crisis a temporary measure to reduce fuel consumption a 50 mph speed limit on all roads was introduced.  (This did result in the 1974 of the introduction of the National speed limit of 60 mph and 70 mph)

 

Agreed.

Three tracks to Radley are likely to form part of the Oxford<>Cowley reinstatement AIUI.  There is available width within the existing boundary.

South of there?  Costly to say the least.  Three stations and two Thames crossings within a few short miles to deal with for starters!

Grade separation at Didcot East (and DID<>OXF electrification) would be much higher on the priority list IMHO.

 

They do, yes.

 

 
You can tell there’s an election due! Luke is vote hunting!
The parallel road has a bus every 10 to 15 minutes weekdays right into the city centre.
Why would anyone dive down a back alley (for that is the approach to the old Laira Halt) to a station?

 
Given the number of both passenger (limited stop expresses & stoppers) and freight services using this line some quad tracking would probably be a 'nice to have' and make timetabling easier but I think completion of the electrification to at least Oxford and preferably onwards to Banbury should be a higher priority so that the PAD<>BAN service can fully utilise the Class 387's.

 
From Plymouth Live

 
What's the difference between an egg and a cornish gig etc etc.

Mark

 
I have added the date to "On This Day" - to be noted during today along with the Festival of Britain opening to the public, and the first WECA mayor being elected.

"OTD" is really my editorial call and I try to avoid flooding it with closures.  However, we do now have 15 significant railway closures spread through the year, and I am happy to add a few more - like this one - which looks and feels significant.

 

Top advise is - if in doubt - read the official sites very carefully.

the ETA is for the UK.

If you and your "we" company are British, you each should have a UK passport.   That is even if you are a dual national. If you are dual national, best to hold a UK passport in addition to the other, though you can obtain (costs a lot more than a UK passport) a certificate of authourisation.  Your UK passport should be valid on the day you return to the UK.

and the EES is for the Schengen area or Europe.

Again, if you are British, you should have a UK passport and this needs to be valid for at least three months after your return to the UK, and that must be within 10 years of the original validity.  OR if you are dual and hold a passport from a Schengen / EU country, that passport will suffice for your entry into and exit from the Schengen area.  Entering under EES (and Norway is part of Schengen) you'll probably have photo and finger prints taken, and the Schengen computers will enforce the rule that you can only spend 90 days in any 180 period in Schengen.

In summary - if you are "just" British - as I am for example - no need for and ETA,  and this year the EES is done on the fly.  Just need a UK passport with 90 days validity left.    For a cruise, they will insist on insurance too.

 

I used to have a view of the creek where their boats are stored from upstairs at the family pile just up the hill but over the past (50+) years the Holm Oak at the corner of the road has grown and now obscures that vista.  While I wouldn't wish anyone to fell it, I must say that I rather miss the sight of the water there.

 
Been over for a Saturday day trip during gig weekend a few times as our daughter in law was rowing with her local team.
Great atmosphere (expensive mind).
Lovely day out.
Was looking to do a few days breakaway for my Wife and I, but hotels mostly fully booked up in the quieter parts of the year.

 
If the thermal transfer has taken place ie. The plug has melted and torched the carriage lining, then no RCD can put that ‘back in the box’ and a proper emergency is then underway.

Incidentally do GWR trains carry fire extinguishers in passenger carriages? I recall them being stripped out of TFL trains many years ago due to misuse.