Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Online buying pitfalls In "Fare's Fair" [378150/32356/4] Posted by Trowres at 22:20, 12th August 2026 |      |
It appears, Hafren, that BRFares.com now offers that "buy a ticket now" functionality. I haven't tried it yet.
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378149/32340/26] Posted by eightonedee at 22:13, 12th August 2026 | |
For anyone planning ahead for 2081, I can report that the colander approach was only partly successful. I was eventually able to work out that I needed a greater distance from it to the piece of paper I used as a screen in time for the peak eclipse, and the diffusion of light around the edge of the moon diminished the effect of the claimed 90%+ eclipse by increasing the extent of apparent uncovered sun.
Here in the Goring Gap there was a considerable reduction in light levels, and a very welcome dip in the temperature.
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378148/32340/26] Posted by Marlburian at 21:52, 12th August 2026 | |
Just a slight dimming here in Tilehurst. Had I not been waiting for it, I probably wouldn't have noticed a thing.
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378147/32340/26] Posted by johnneyw at 21:47, 12th August 2026 | |
Just in case anyone missed it......
Special effect graphics worthy of "Eric" on Ask the Family!
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [378146/28982/26] Posted by plymothian at 21:46, 12th August 2026 | |
RMT are moving into dispute with GWR over a breach of Health and Safety regarding 175s.
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378145/32340/26] Posted by johnneyw at 21:43, 12th August 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
We took a look from the top of the road in an area with 95/96% totality. The most interesting aspect was the strange quality of the fast fading light but even at only 4-5% of the evening sun, I didn't get dark. We didn't manage to get any suitable eclipse specs so Sally, my other half, armed herself with a colander from the kitchen and a sheet of white paper which sort of worked.
Still, enjoyed a conversation with another couple who chose the same vantage point as ourselves and was quite impressed with a the effort made by a considerable gathering of people I spotted on a nearby hilltop....hope it was worth the effort.
| Re: 29th Nov 2026 - GWR trains to/from Euston via East West Route In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [378144/32359/10] Posted by Mark A at 21:41, 12th August 2026 | |
A route between the GWML eastbound at Old Oak Common, and eastbound on the West Coast Main Line - it physically exists? But perhaps not for passenger use or not cleared for Class 80x for some reason?
Mark
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378143/32340/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 21:38, 12th August 2026 Already liked by johnneyw | |
Just in case anyone missed it......
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378142/32340/26] Posted by stuving at 21:37, 12th August 2026 | |
Well, that was interesting, I thought. 94% was a bit dimmer than I expected, but in terms of quality it was as much a modified dusk as an eclipse. Rather like the sun setting into a thick bank of cloud. I could see the whole thing trough an upstairs window, using my 1999 eclipse specs, and up to the interesting bit standing at the back door (but only because I'd cut down some bits of shrub and tree).
The light afterwards never did really return to being full sunlight, as it was already being modified by dusk. But it did turn off the porch light, which had come on as it thought it got proper dark.
Rather optimistically, I tried to get a photo with my "ordinary" camera and the very very dark glasses. Earlier in the day it was hopeless, as the camera insisted on focusing on the filter. But around gloomax there wasn't enough light on the filter for that, and the geometry was straighter, so I did in fact get a little image of sorts.
| Re: 29th Nov 2026 - GWR trains to/from Euston via East West Route In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [378141/32359/10] Posted by stuving at 21:35, 12th August 2026 | |
A look at www.realtimetrains.co.uk shows that on Sunday 29th Nov 2026 a number of trains will be running to / from Euston (rather than Paddington) via Oxford Parkway, Bicester Village, Winslow and Milton Keynes.
And the same on Saturday 28th, and no trains using Paddington either day. The EAS, oddly, does not show (that I can see) possessions over all that time to justify that closure, but does have this cryptic note:
WORK DETAILS = MAINTENANCE. HS2 EXTENDED ALB AND 29HR 2TT
I take it that's an HS2 all line block, for something or other, and advantage is being taken of this for extended maintenance possessions. I just can't see any of those, only overnight ones that happen most weekends. Odd.
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378140/32340/26] Posted by Oxonhutch at 21:31, 12th August 2026 | |
Through an aluminium pinhole on to a white tee-shirt.
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [378139/31163/26] Posted by IndustryInsider at 21:16, 12th August 2026 Already liked by NickB | |
Huge fire next to Slough Station, Windsor line is closed and it sounds as if Slough Station may be closing soon, message is stay away.
Looks like it was brought under control before it caused thousands of pounds worth of improvements.
| Re: Cornish mainline and branch line delays - ongoing discussion In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [378138/28556/25] Posted by RailCornwall at 20:47, 12th August 2026 | |
Hourly service only TRU - FAL on Thu 13 Aug 2026 due heat related weather disruption.
| Re: Okehampton In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [378137/18334/24] Posted by RailCornwall at 20:46, 12th August 2026 | |
Buses replace trains throughout Thu 13 Aug 2026 due heat related weather disruption.
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378136/32340/26] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:44, 12th August 2026 | |
Posting here from my desk in the South-facing study in our house in Nailsea, I can say that I was very underwhelmed at this eclipse.
I noticed a slight reduction in the exterior daylight, and there were just a few squawking birds flying about - but that was about it, really.
Chris from Nailsea.
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378135/32340/26] Posted by stuving at 20:43, 12th August 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
On the opposite end of that see-saw, the eclipse lands bang in the middle of the evening peak: electricity generation vs consumption data is going to be... absorbing**.
Mark
** Varies by individual and also, various different values of 'Absorbing'.
Mark
** Varies by individual and also, various different values of 'Absorbing'.
I very much doubt that there will be any serious consequences for electricity supply.
The eclipse has been known about for a long time, and any shortfall in generating capacity will be met by pumped storage generation, or by quick starting OCGT plant. Demand is reduced at this time of year if compared to winter.
Looking at the generation curves, solar does have a small bite taken out at its right-hand foot. But it has already dropped well down its cosine hump by then, so it would not matter a lot. With so little wind today there is a big CCGT intake in the mix and, with cross-channel, a missing 1 GW or so will barely register.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [378134/31359/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 20:28, 12th August 2026 | |
21:20 Westbury to Chippenham due 22:01
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 21:20 Westbury to Chippenham due 22:01.
Further Information
Due Station Status
21:20 Westbury 21:20
21:32 Trowbridge 21:32
21:45 Melksham 21:45
22:01 Chippenham 22:01
23:20 Chippenham to Westbury due 00:03
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 23:20 Chippenham to Westbury due 00:03.
Further Information
23:20 Chippenham 23:20
23:36 Melksham 23:36
23:51 Trowbridge 23:51
00:03 Westbury 00:03
| 29th Nov 2026 - GWR trains to/from Euston via East West Route In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [378133/32359/10] Posted by hoover50 at 20:22, 12th August 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
A look at www.realtimetrains.co.uk shows that on Sunday 29th Nov 2026 a number of trains will be running to / from Euston (rather than Paddington) via Oxford Parkway, Bicester Village, Winslow and Milton Keynes.
| Re: Railway Accident Photography In "Railway History and related topics" [378132/32353/55] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:13, 12th August 2026 | |
One of the well-thumbed volumes on my own shelves ...
I can vouch for the volume of volumes on grahame's bookshelves - many railway related, such that they could form a whole case of their own in the British Library. I have browsed through some of them.
CfN.
| Re: Trump hid in catering truck in secret plane swap over Iran threat, reports say In "Your rights and redress" [378131/32352/6] Posted by broadgage at 19:21, 12th August 2026 | |
Perhaps Trump should have stayed in America, in deep bomb resistant shelter, with plenty of guns.
Isn't that what he is trying to build under his "beautiful, beautiful ballroom" ?
Yes, but I presume that he has an older bomb proof that could still be used.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [378130/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 18:51, 12th August 2026 | |
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [378129/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:58, 12th August 2026 | |
Huge fire next to Slough Station, Windsor line is closed and it sounds as if Slough Station may be closing soon, message is stay away.
https://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/26459437.slough-fire-trains-cancelled-due-massive-blaze/?fbclid=IwVERTSATphPxwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHkZoc_3MnSiYL33_QjOVsXwZBBk602QU5TBtRlqdcxkqtyqf9qixgICp5QRN_aem_KSV7HO-zDZOwN1eJR2F1Qw&sfnsn=scwspwa#Echobox=1786550372
| Hot weather - changes for 13th August 2026 In "Across the West" [378128/32358/26] Posted by grahame at 17:41, 12th August 2026 | |
Sharing for GWR and Network Rail
Ahead of tomorrow's (Thursday 13 August) anticipated hot weather and the accompanying amber weather warning, our teams are working together to ensure the vast majority of planned services operate as usual. We are advising customers to check before they travel and carry water, and we're very grateful for their patience and understanding during this period.
We are also planning some reductions in service to help minimise further disruption and reduce the stress on rail infrastructure in the extreme heat. This includes:
* In the Thames Valley, we anticipate changes to our stopping services between London and Reading/Didcot Parkway, with trains not calling at Slough, Maidenhead and Twyford.
* Services between Truro and Falmouth will be reduced to hourly from half-hourly.
* The Okehampton branch will not operate, with replacement buses running instead. Services on the Barnstaple line will run as usual.
* The local stopping service between Bristol and Salisbury will not run. Cardiff/Bristol-Portsmouth services will continue to run as usual
* The shuttle service between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood will not run. Tickets will be valid on local bus services.
More information is available on our dedicated webpage at www.gwr.com/weather, and we've also issued a joint media release which you can read here: https://news.gwr.com/news/gwr-and-network-rail-advise-customers-to-check-before-travelling-as-new-amber-weather-warning-issued
Any help you can give to make your networks aware would be much appreciated, and as ever if there's anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
We are also planning some reductions in service to help minimise further disruption and reduce the stress on rail infrastructure in the extreme heat. This includes:
* In the Thames Valley, we anticipate changes to our stopping services between London and Reading/Didcot Parkway, with trains not calling at Slough, Maidenhead and Twyford.
* Services between Truro and Falmouth will be reduced to hourly from half-hourly.
* The Okehampton branch will not operate, with replacement buses running instead. Services on the Barnstaple line will run as usual.
* The local stopping service between Bristol and Salisbury will not run. Cardiff/Bristol-Portsmouth services will continue to run as usual
* The shuttle service between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood will not run. Tickets will be valid on local bus services.
More information is available on our dedicated webpage at www.gwr.com/weather, and we've also issued a joint media release which you can read here: https://news.gwr.com/news/gwr-and-network-rail-advise-customers-to-check-before-travelling-as-new-amber-weather-warning-issued
Any help you can give to make your networks aware would be much appreciated, and as ever if there's anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378127/32340/26] Posted by ellendune at 17:23, 12th August 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Up and down the country, the owners of gas-fired power stations will be sitting by the phone, willing it to ring...
Mark
Mark
Up and down the country those of us with solar batteries and arrangement to balance the grid are on notice to sell electricity from the battery to the grid between 6 and 8pm tonight!
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378126/32340/26] Posted by Mark A at 17:13, 12th August 2026 | |
Up and down the country, the owners of gas-fired power stations will be sitting by the phone, willing it to ring...
Mark
| Re: Solar eclipse 12/08/2026 In "Across the West" [378125/32340/26] Posted by Mark A at 17:11, 12th August 2026 | |
Yup, eminently predictable and able to be planned for. A useful 'Teachable moment' for consumers close to the start of the era of electricity consumption pricing by the half hour, though.
Mark
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [378124/31163/26] Posted by NickB at 17:04, 12th August 2026 | |
A genuine question: where does this come back to bite GWR ?
- Shutting down the Didcot stoppers so that Twyford and Maidenhead passengers can only use Elizabeth Line services seems like a win/win as the services run with greater capacity and no pesky stops.
- Delay/Repay can’t be applied to cancelled services because ‘you can just take the Elizabeth Line’, whether that is true or not.
- the season ticket revenue is already banked
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [378123/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:18, 12th August 2026 | |
.................they just keep coming!
Delays to services at Didcot Parkway
Due to a points failure at Didcot Parkway some lines are blocked.
Train services running through this station may be delayed. Disruption is expected until 17:15 12/08.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
There has been a points failure in the Didcot Parkway area. A points failure is a fault with the movable pieces of track that enable trains to change tracks. This affects trains accessing Didcot Parkway from Oxford.
| Re: Online buying pitfalls In "Fare's Fair" [378122/32356/4] Posted by Hafren at 16:13, 12th August 2026 Already liked by Mark A, rogerw, eXPassenger, eightonedee, Trowres | |
It seems to me the traditional act of turning up at a booking office or TVM straight before travelling is about buying a ticket.
But the app-based and web-based systems are about booking a journey.
It's not unusual to see someone buying a ticket on the train mentioning that they had tried to buy a ticket but it was 'too late'. I also see people worrying about catching their 'booked' train, when it turns out they have an Off-Peak Return or whatever; they just think because they bought 'in advance' and have an itinerary attached that it's 'one of those tickets'.
If the big idea is really to replace a significant proportion of the booking office purchases with app usage, the apps need to offer 'buy a ticket now', without messing around with the journey planner. They can pop up a 'not valid until XX' or 'check peak validity' warning when needed, just like a booking clerk can.
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [378121/31355/51] Posted by ChrisB at 16:08, 12th August 2026 | |
Chiltern have more than halved their service after 1100 tomorrow.
