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Great Western Coffee Shop
Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: Spain - 69 dead after two trains collide south of Madrid - 28 October 2026
In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [381595/32669/52]
Posted by JayMac at 21:12, 3rd November 2026
 
Taking a bit of responsibility for once.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6wydqd4yxdyo

Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente has resigned - six days after the high-speed train collision in which at least 69 people were killed and dozens injured.

He announced his decision in Congress, where he had appeared to give the circumstances of last Wednesday's crash near the town of Urda, south of the capital Madrid.

"A transport minister in a country like Spain cannot remain in office after two accidents of this seriousness in less than a year," he said, also referring to a deadly crash in January in Andalusia, southern Spain

The latest tragedy in Urda happened when a state-operated Renfe high-speed train smashed into the back of another stationary train operated by the Iryo company.

continues...

Re: New TfW services to Bristol in December timetable
In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [381594/32236/23]
Posted by ChrisB at 20:47, 3rd November 2026
 
From what I read in Wales Online they are approved now

Transport for Wales (TfW) has been given the go-ahead to run a new cross-border rail service to Bristol. The Welsh Government-owned transport company has secured approval from regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for a two-hourly service from west Wales to Bristol Temple Meads.

GWR, which currently operates South Wales to Bristol Temple Meads services, had objected, claiming that competition from TfW would lead to revenue extraction. However, from the end of this year, it will come under state ownership.

What they failed to report was that approval was only given for 12 months running.....

Re: New TfW services to Bristol in December timetable
In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [381593/32236/23]
Posted by Noggin at 20:13, 3rd November 2026
 
TfW have been running route learning services into Temple Meads for the last couple of weeks.  On Monday I saw a class 150 and two class 153's running together from Temple Meads up to Parkway then reversing to head back to Wales.

I think that I saw one at Temple Meads this afternoon and on the Filton Diamond yesterday evening.

Have seen one in the bay at the south side of the station the last two mornings

Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026
In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [381592/31359/18]
Posted by grahame at 18:50, 3rd November 2026
 
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06

Facilities on the 17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.

Re: West Somerset Railway - Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead
In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [381591/2688/47]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:36, 3rd November 2026
 
The West Somerset Railway is asking people to suggest a new tagline to emphasize it's coastal destinations.  Perhaps the collective creative genius that is the Coffee Shop could come up with a few to help them?
....

I couldn't decide if this merited a new topic, perhaps on the "lighter side", or if it should reside more happily here.  Admins, feel free to move this if appropriate.


Thank you for posting, johnneyw. 

As this appeal relates specifically to the West Somerset Railway, and it would seem out of context to start a new topic elsewhere, I'm content to continue the discussion here.

CfN. 

Re: West Somerset Railway - Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead
In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [381589/2688/47]
Posted by johnneyw at 17:02, 3rd November 2026
 
I suggested (slightly with tongue in cheek) that they could  put a name to some of their seasonal services such as "Bucket and Spade Express" or "Flying Beachcomber".

Re: Oxford Street, London has been pedestrianised
In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [381588/32663/50]
Posted by Marlburian at 15:10, 3rd November 2026
 
600 cyclists flout ban

The participants may get something out of it, but such action serves only to annoy a great many other people.

Free bus plan in Guernsey scrapped over fear it would be too popular
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [381587/32685/5]
Posted by grahame at 15:03, 3rd November 2026
 
From The BBC

Proposals for a free bus service in Guernsey will no longer be considered for next year's budget, deputies who suggested the move have said.

Deputies Sally Rochester and Ross Le Brun put the plan forward as an amendment to the 2027 budget, asking the Policy and Resources Committee for £1.9m to "enable the existing public transport service" to be made free of charge in a one-year pilot.

They have now pulled the plans after "concern from [operator] Stagecoach" that increased passenger numbers could mean certain routes not coping with the additional demand.

Re: West Somerset Railway - Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead
In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [381586/2688/47]
Posted by grahame at 14:57, 3rd November 2026
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea
 
The West Somerset Railway is asking people to suggest a new tagline to emphasize it's coastal destinations.  Perhaps the collective creative genius that is the Coffee Shop could come up with a few to help them?

Here's the article where I read about it:

https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/26691504.west-somerset-railway-seeks-become-key-coastal-attraction/

I couldn't decide if this merited a new topic, perhaps on the "lighter side", or if it should reside more happily here.  Admins, feel free to move this if appropriate.


The article says as a caption to the illustration "One of the many trains that pass through Bishops Lydeard Station along the West Somerset Railway line" and on that basis "County Town to Coast Line" would sound appropriate.

Re: West Somerset Railway - Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead
In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [381585/2688/47]
Posted by johnneyw at 14:35, 3rd November 2026
 
The West Somerset Railway is asking people to suggest a new tagline to emphasize it's coastal destinations.  Perhaps the collective creative genius that is the Coffee Shop could come up with a few to help them?

Here's the article where I read about it:

https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/26691504.west-somerset-railway-seeks-become-key-coastal-attraction/

I couldn't decide if this merited a new topic, perhaps on the "lighter side", or if it should reside more happily here.  Admins, feel free to move this if appropriate.

Edit to add that the only place I could find to make any suggestions to them is from a day old post (2 Nov?) on their Facebook page headed something like "What's in a name".

Re: Isn't it great that we are all different! Madrid to Narbonne
In "Introductions and chat" [381584/32680/1]
Posted by grahame at 13:31, 3rd November 2026
 
Not train related but I did wonder if you tried to explain why you couldn't lift their luggage or just politely decline? I have what is an essentially a hidden disability which means I can't lift more than a couple of kilos although I actually look fit and healthy. I've got into argument with couriers who refuse to accept I'm not going to help them carry something as there's 'nothing wrong with you'. Conversely when I started to explain why I can't lift a 25kg bag of salt into the car it got a bit long winded. I've also been told off for 'making' my other half carry the shopping.

I explained that I no longer have the ability to lift heavy weights above my head (and I did not add the words "just like you say you can't"). Sounds very similar to your limits.

With - both - of our limitations, there's a fascinating study for us to see the assumptions people make on sight, how they react, and how much and how often we need to explain.

Re: Isn't it great that we are all different! Madrid to Narbonne
In "Introductions and chat" [381583/32680/1]
Posted by Sixty3Closure at 13:04, 3rd November 2026
 
Not train related but I did wonder if you tried to explain why you couldn't lift their luggage or just politely decline? I have what is an essentially a hidden disability which means I can't lift more than a couple of kilos although I actually look fit and healthy. I've got into argument with couriers who refuse to accept I'm not going to help them carry something as there's 'nothing wrong with you'. Conversely when I started to explain why I can't lift a 25kg bag of salt into the car it got a bit long winded. I've also been told off for 'making' my other half carry the shopping.

Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026
In "Across the West" [381582/31163/26]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 12:19, 3rd November 2026
 
From National Rail

Route(s) affected
Between Abbey Wood and Heathrow Terminal 4 / Heathrow Terminal 5 / Maidenhead / Reading, and also between Shenfield / London Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5

Description
A speed restriction over a defective track at Hayes & Harlington means trains will run at a reduced speed on some lines. Trains running between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminals / Reading may be revised.

Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Not going down well with the public!!!

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/major-london-train-line-to-endure-delays-all-day-because-of-defective-track/ar-AA2gEnSJ?ocid=socialshare

Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR)
In "Across the West" [381581/28982/26]
Posted by REVUpminster at 10:32, 3rd November 2026
 
This time last year sunflowers were no problem, but became a problem this year.

They were a problem and identified from the start

Now apparently 2 guards needed when they operate in multiple on lines with short platforms.

Because, when a passcom or call for aid is activated in the rear, unstaffed unit, there's no one to attend the potential emergency or reset the system.

This was't the "novel system" of working multiple units to Barnstaple that Mark Hopgood was talking about earlier.

I suppose the guard could travel in the rear unit and both unit's would be staffed. How did it work in Wales with multiple units or were there no short platforms.

Edit to clarify quoting - Grahame


Re: Caledonian MacBrayne ferries in Scotland
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [381579/30034/5]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 10:14, 3rd November 2026
Already liked by Witham Bobby, Western Pathfinder, Phil
 
A pity it wasn't built at a British yard.
That didn't go well for the Scottish Government having their ferries built locally.

The clue there is in the words "Scottish Government" - the procurement process was manipulated to favour Ferguson Marine, the yard itself had no experience in constructing the size or type of ferries required for years, they warned they could not hit the financial targets and their bid was the most expensive tendered.

Plenty more detail here

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-62839605

The whole thing was a stitch up so that the First Minister could wave a saltire.

Re: SWR and Reading
In "South Western services" [381578/32684/42]
Posted by Mark A at 09:10, 3rd November 2026
 
Those will be the ones. Thanks.

Mentioning Napier Road, and not particularly rail-related, that extension of Napier Road that is a footpath - that runs beneath the GWML etc in a deep bridge once used by the rail access to was it the biscuit factory? Looking at that, a bit of a planning fail as whaat could be a quality route for people on foot or cycle, that does exist in some form, but it's wildly dysfunctional and intimidating.

The housing already built there is essentially on an island and at first I was reassured that it's served by a bus - but checking, that seems to be a once-a-day service, the other end of the route being... Goring.

Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR)
In "Across the West" [381577/28982/26]
Posted by a-driver at 08:16, 3rd November 2026
 
This time last year sunflowers were no problem, but became a problem this year.

They were a problem and identified from the start

Now apparently 2 guards needed when they operate in multiple on lines with short platforms.

Because, when a passcom or call for aid is activated in the rear, unstaffed unit, there's no one to attend the potential emergency or reset the system.


Edit to clarify quoting - Grahame

Re: Isles of Scilly sea ferry and air services - merged posts
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [381576/11098/5]
Posted by Bob_Blakey at 08:11, 3rd November 2026
Already liked by Witham Bobby, TaplowGreen
 
A pity it wasn't built at a British yard.

Indeed. Appledore Shipbuilders are still in business, although now Spanish-owned, and I'm pretty sure could have done the work. One assumes cost was the deciding factor.

Re: Isles of Scilly sea ferry and air services - merged posts
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [381575/11098/5]
Posted by GBM at 07:51, 3rd November 2026
 
A pity it wasn't built at a British yard.
That didn't go well for the Scottish Government having their ferries built locally.

Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR)
In "Across the West" [381574/28982/26]
Posted by REVUpminster at 07:45, 3rd November 2026
 
This time last year sunflowers were no problem, but became a problem this year.

Now apparently 2 guards needed when they operate in multiple on lines with short platforms.

Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026
In "Across the West" [381573/31163/26]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 07:33, 3rd November 2026
 
From National Rail

Route(s) affected
Between Abbey Wood and Heathrow Terminal 4 / Heathrow Terminal 5 / Maidenhead / Reading, and also between Shenfield / London Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5

Description
A speed restriction over a defective track at Hayes & Harlington means trains will run at a reduced speed on some lines. Trains running between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminals / Reading may be revised.

Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Re: New TfW services to Bristol in December timetable
In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [381572/32236/23]
Posted by grahame at 07:22, 3rd November 2026
 
I don't think ORR has approved them (yet), they might still be amended to normal station, a week or two after approval, but they aren't going to meet the industry standard that final timetable should be available for ticket sales minimum 12 weeks ahead.

But ORR has been known to take 18+ months for new service applications, it seems to operate more at glacial pace, than burning midnight oil to produce prompt decisions

From what I read in Wales Online they are approved now

Transport for Wales (TfW) has been given the go-ahead to run a new cross-border rail service to Bristol. The Welsh Government-owned transport company has secured approval from regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for a two-hourly service from west Wales to Bristol Temple Meads.

GWR, which currently operates South Wales to Bristol Temple Meads services, had objected, claiming that competition from TfW would lead to revenue extraction. However, from the end of this year, it will come under state ownership.

Re: Cornish mainline and branch line delays - ongoing discussion
In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [381571/28556/25]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 06:49, 3rd November 2026
 
Cancellations to services between Par and Newquay
Due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time between Par and Newquay fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
The train service that runs between Par and Newquay will run as a 2 hourly service due to a fault on one of the train sets.

Alterations to services between St Ives and St Erth

Due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time between St Ives and St Erth:

Train services running to and from these stations may be revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day on 08/11/26.

Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026
In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [381570/31359/18]
Posted by grahame at 05:03, 3rd November 2026
 
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10

05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster, Salisbury, Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47

06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Salisbury and Warminster.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

Re: SWR and Reading
In "South Western services" [381569/32684/42]
Posted by Ollie at 00:49, 3rd November 2026
Already liked by Mark A
 
Suspect you're referring to the office blocks on Napier Road, there were plans submitted to demolish them and build flats. Last I saw in news was that it was rejected and was being appealed.

SWR and Reading
In "South Western services" [381568/32684/42]
Posted by Mark A at 22:47, 2nd November 2026
 
Sunday, heading up the SWR line from Reading - and felt like a hillbilly living in a wooden shack up on a hill somewhere - because I headed across to that block of terminus platforms for the 9:18 to Gatwick. No sign of it - because it was (audibly) over the other side of the station on platform 15. Made it across though, and, I'm probably the last person, but now I know... I don't know if many others have that experience or how to address it apart from hitting prospective passengers with a clue-stick as they step off an escalator.

The train set off, and in the gloomy light, promptly ran past a series of vandalised broken-windowed graffiti'd 80s(?) office buildings - enough of them to make me wonder if it had run through a jump-gate into another reality, but noooooh, it was still 2026. This before alighting at... Wokingham and a trip into the unknown, across the land of the Atrebates, I was informed.

.


Re: Vintage transport film - large electrical transformer being transported by rail
In "Railway History and related topics" [381567/32682/55]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:24, 2nd November 2026
Already liked by GBM
 
I continue to enjoy seeing images of 'the gurning twonk' (again, his description, not mine! ) on the right in that picture.

Why on earth didn't you photo it, if you were there, Justin? 

(I do know JayMac personally, by the way - lest any of our readers be startled at my familiarity in such posts).

CfN. 

 
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