Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Kernow Connect - a new Okehampton to Bodmin line In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [375043/32014/28] Posted by eXPassenger at 18:12, 12th May 2026 Already liked by alexross42 |      |
I am pleased to report that all porcine aviators are fed, watered and ready for action.
| Re: Vauxhall Bridge introduces vehicle weight limit from 1 July 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [375042/32016/51] Posted by ChrisB at 17:47, 12th May 2026 | |
It says there's exemptions for buses....
| West Wiltshire Rail User Group meeting, Trowbridge, 20 May 2026 In "TransWilts line" [375041/32018/18] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:41, 12th May 2026 Already liked by grahame | |
...
South Western Railway was nationalised a year ago ... and on 20th May, Andrew Ardley of SWR will be talking to the West Wiltshire Rail User Group in Trowbridge. Easily reachable at the Bethesda Church Hall - 100 yards from Trowbridge Station, and timed for people arriving from and returning to other stations including Melksham and Chippenham. SWR still have a few services to Warminster and Westbury, though they have "rationalised" away their services at Trowbridge and Bradford-on-Avon leaving those stations without any through trains from London. It will be very interesting to hear what Andrew - a good friend over may years - has to tell us, including an update on what they are doing on their core line in the south of the county.
In amongst the "don't know" elements is the passenger voice and I worry if and how that will get due weight into the future. We have good friends at Transport Focus which, however, has lacked authority. Marketing words suggest a positive future for them, but from what I have seen the toothlessness may still remain. We will see; as an advocate of public transport I really hope for a mainstream strong and informed passenger voice / advocate.
No conclusions here - an explanation, a look ahead into a rather foggy crystal ball, and an encouragement to come along on 20th May. Join me on the 18:10 train from Melksham; return on the 21:22 from Trowbridge.
South Western Railway was nationalised a year ago ... and on 20th May, Andrew Ardley of SWR will be talking to the West Wiltshire Rail User Group in Trowbridge. Easily reachable at the Bethesda Church Hall - 100 yards from Trowbridge Station, and timed for people arriving from and returning to other stations including Melksham and Chippenham. SWR still have a few services to Warminster and Westbury, though they have "rationalised" away their services at Trowbridge and Bradford-on-Avon leaving those stations without any through trains from London. It will be very interesting to hear what Andrew - a good friend over may years - has to tell us, including an update on what they are doing on their core line in the south of the county.
In amongst the "don't know" elements is the passenger voice and I worry if and how that will get due weight into the future. We have good friends at Transport Focus which, however, has lacked authority. Marketing words suggest a positive future for them, but from what I have seen the toothlessness may still remain. We will see; as an advocate of public transport I really hope for a mainstream strong and informed passenger voice / advocate.
No conclusions here - an explanation, a look ahead into a rather foggy crystal ball, and an encouragement to come along on 20th May. Join me on the 18:10 train from Melksham; return on the 21:22 from Trowbridge.
I've added it to the Coffee Shop forum's calendar.
| Re: Vauxhall Bridge introduces vehicle weight limit from 1 July 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [375040/32016/51] Posted by John D at 17:33, 12th May 2026 | |
18t limit is going to cause problems for the new electric double deck buses that are built to 19t or 19.5t limit.
cue a series of bus diversions.....
| Lorry gets stuck in Somerset road it was sent to repair - May 2026 In "The Lighter Side" [375039/32017/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:21, 12th May 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Lorry gets stuck in road it was sent to repair
Contractors are working on Butleigh Moor Drove near Walton in Somerset - Image © Rik Keith-Hill
A lorry has been recovered after getting stuck on a road it was sent to repair.
Somerset Council has confirmed contractors are working on Butleigh Moor Drove near Walton.
The local authority said the road was constructed on peat and had experienced "significant movement and rutting". It added: "Issues of this nature can occasionally arise when carrying out works in these conditions." The vehicle was removed on Monday.
Somerset Council said the site would be assessed to determine the best way to complete the repairs.
Contractors are working on Butleigh Moor Drove near Walton in Somerset - Image © Rik Keith-Hill
A lorry has been recovered after getting stuck on a road it was sent to repair.
Somerset Council has confirmed contractors are working on Butleigh Moor Drove near Walton.
The local authority said the road was constructed on peat and had experienced "significant movement and rutting". It added: "Issues of this nature can occasionally arise when carrying out works in these conditions." The vehicle was removed on Monday.
Somerset Council said the site would be assessed to determine the best way to complete the repairs.
| Re: Vauxhall Bridge introduces vehicle weight limit from 1 July 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [375038/32016/51] Posted by ChrisB at 17:20, 12th May 2026 | |
Yet again, something else - Most Thames London bridges that needs £millions chucked at them....ideally. Where is it all going to come from, or is the UK bust?
| Re: [otd] 12 May 1986 - Opening of Winnersh Triangle Station In "North Downs Line" [375037/27470/16] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:12, 12th May 2026 Already liked by eightonedee | |
Those were the days when a new railway station could be built for just £375,000.
| Vauxhall Bridge introduces vehicle weight limit from 1 July 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [375036/32016/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:02, 12th May 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Weight limit introduced on Vauxhall Bridge
The new restriction has been described as "safety critical" by Transport for London - Image © Getty Images
A new weight restriction will be introduced on Vauxhall Bridge from 1 July after a recent assessment found signs of deterioration, according to Transport for London.
The 18‑tonne limit has been described as "safety critical" by TfL and will remain in place while the transport authority develops plans to address structural concerns and sets out a long‑term strategy for the bridge.
Emergency vehicles and buses will be exempt from the restriction, with no changes to routes.
Carl Eddleston, TfL's director of streets and network operations, said: "While the bridge remains safe, limiting heavier vehicles helps us protect and keep it open while we develop the long‑term improvements it needs."
A diversion route will be put in place for vehicles weighing more than 18 tonnes travelling both northbound and southbound.
TfL said the bridge did not currently pose a risk to users and that the measures were being introduced to prevent further damage.
Vauxhall Bridge carries about 39,500 vehicles each day, of which around 200 – roughly 0.5% of traffic – weigh more than 18 tonnes and are typically heavy goods vehicles. The bridge has already been subject to restrictions since 2023 for vehicles exceeding 44 tonnes gross weight or 11.5 tonnes per axle.
Eddleston added: "Safety is our top priority, and we know how important Vauxhall Bridge is for people travelling across London. This is why we're taking this precautionary step to introduce a weight restriction to the bridge. We are sorry for any disruption caused by the restriction, and we'll continue to monitor the area closely, ensuring we keep people updated as this work progresses."
A wider problem
Vauxhall Bridge is not the only crossing facing concerns about its structural condition, amid wider issues affecting London's bridges.
These restrictions come three months after the closure of Albert Bridge in west London, which was shut to motor vehicles in February when a crack was found in a cast-iron component. The cost of the repairs will be around £8.5m and it is expected to remain closed for up to a year.
Albert Bridge is expected to be closed to traffic for about a year - Image © Getty
The 138-year-old Hammersmith Bridge, in south-west London, also closed to motor vehicles when cracks appeared in its pedestals in 2019.
Broadmead Road Bridge, a main route in Redbridge, is another structure which has been shut to traffic, since July 2023.
Last year, the Department for Transport announced a £1bn investment in local highways enhancement projects, along with a new structures fund to help councils repair and renew bridges, flyovers and tunnels.
The new restriction has been described as "safety critical" by Transport for London - Image © Getty Images
A new weight restriction will be introduced on Vauxhall Bridge from 1 July after a recent assessment found signs of deterioration, according to Transport for London.
The 18‑tonne limit has been described as "safety critical" by TfL and will remain in place while the transport authority develops plans to address structural concerns and sets out a long‑term strategy for the bridge.
Emergency vehicles and buses will be exempt from the restriction, with no changes to routes.
Carl Eddleston, TfL's director of streets and network operations, said: "While the bridge remains safe, limiting heavier vehicles helps us protect and keep it open while we develop the long‑term improvements it needs."
A diversion route will be put in place for vehicles weighing more than 18 tonnes travelling both northbound and southbound.
TfL said the bridge did not currently pose a risk to users and that the measures were being introduced to prevent further damage.
Vauxhall Bridge carries about 39,500 vehicles each day, of which around 200 – roughly 0.5% of traffic – weigh more than 18 tonnes and are typically heavy goods vehicles. The bridge has already been subject to restrictions since 2023 for vehicles exceeding 44 tonnes gross weight or 11.5 tonnes per axle.
Eddleston added: "Safety is our top priority, and we know how important Vauxhall Bridge is for people travelling across London. This is why we're taking this precautionary step to introduce a weight restriction to the bridge. We are sorry for any disruption caused by the restriction, and we'll continue to monitor the area closely, ensuring we keep people updated as this work progresses."
A wider problem
Vauxhall Bridge is not the only crossing facing concerns about its structural condition, amid wider issues affecting London's bridges.
These restrictions come three months after the closure of Albert Bridge in west London, which was shut to motor vehicles in February when a crack was found in a cast-iron component. The cost of the repairs will be around £8.5m and it is expected to remain closed for up to a year.
Albert Bridge is expected to be closed to traffic for about a year - Image © Getty
The 138-year-old Hammersmith Bridge, in south-west London, also closed to motor vehicles when cracks appeared in its pedestals in 2019.
Broadmead Road Bridge, a main route in Redbridge, is another structure which has been shut to traffic, since July 2023.
Last year, the Department for Transport announced a £1bn investment in local highways enhancement projects, along with a new structures fund to help councils repair and renew bridges, flyovers and tunnels.
| Re: Kernow Connect - a new Okehampton to Bodmin line In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [375035/32014/28] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:36, 12th May 2026 Already liked by alexross42 | |
With thanks for posting this news almost simultaneously, alexross42 and old original, I've merged your posts here, for clarity and continuity.
CfN.
| Well here's a new one..... In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [375034/32014/28] Posted by old original at 16:13, 12th May 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
new electrified railway from Okehampton to Bodmin via Launceston.........
Won't be holding my breath...
https://www.cornish-times.co.uk/news/cornwall-rail-connection-plans-gain-momentum-with-kernow-connect-scheme-906262
| Kernow Connect - a new Okehampton to Bodmin line In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [375033/32014/28] Posted by alexross42 at 16:02, 12th May 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
I haven't seen this mentioned on the forum and only first learned of it today - more details here - https://www.cornish-times.co.uk/news/cornwall-rail-connection-plans-gain-momentum-with-kernow-connect-scheme-906262
Interesting. It raises many questions!
A useful infographic on the project is attached
| Re: Strathspey Railway: Aviemore - Boat of Garten - Broomhill In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [375032/19172/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:59, 12th May 2026 | |
From the BBC:
'The Traitors railway' buys North Yorkshire Moors locomotive
The locomotive is nicknamed the "Pocket Rocket" - Image © Andrew Jeffery
A heritage railway used as a location for The Traitors has bought a new locomotive.
Aviemore-based Strathspey Railway has appeared in three series of the reality TV show, which is filmed at Ardross Castle near Alness.
The volunteer-run company has purchased a steam loco nicknamed the "Pocket Rocket" from North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR).
Officially known as British Railways Standard Class 4MT 2-6-0 No 76079, it requires a full overhaul before being put to use on Strathspey's 10-mile (16km) route between Aviemore and Broomhill, via Boat of Garten.
The locomotive was built at Horwich Works, near Bolton, in 1957. It had hauled services between Grosmont and Whitby on the Esk Valley Line.
NYMR chief executive Laura Strangeway said the Highland railway was a "fitting new home" for No 76079.
Strathspey Railway director Gordon Kirk added: "She is a locomotive with real character and main line pedigree, and we look forward to undertaking the work needed to return her to steam for the enjoyment of visitors to the Highlands for many years to come."
Last year, a mystery American donor gave £1m to Strathspey Railway. The company said the "exceptionally generous" gift would help cover costs for operating and refurbishing its locomotives.
As well as featuring in The Traitors, the railway appeared on screen in the BBC drama Monarch of the Glen and ITV's Doctor Findlay.
The locomotive is nicknamed the "Pocket Rocket" - Image © Andrew Jeffery
A heritage railway used as a location for The Traitors has bought a new locomotive.
Aviemore-based Strathspey Railway has appeared in three series of the reality TV show, which is filmed at Ardross Castle near Alness.
The volunteer-run company has purchased a steam loco nicknamed the "Pocket Rocket" from North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR).
Officially known as British Railways Standard Class 4MT 2-6-0 No 76079, it requires a full overhaul before being put to use on Strathspey's 10-mile (16km) route between Aviemore and Broomhill, via Boat of Garten.
The locomotive was built at Horwich Works, near Bolton, in 1957. It had hauled services between Grosmont and Whitby on the Esk Valley Line.
NYMR chief executive Laura Strangeway said the Highland railway was a "fitting new home" for No 76079.
Strathspey Railway director Gordon Kirk added: "She is a locomotive with real character and main line pedigree, and we look forward to undertaking the work needed to return her to steam for the enjoyment of visitors to the Highlands for many years to come."
Last year, a mystery American donor gave £1m to Strathspey Railway. The company said the "exceptionally generous" gift would help cover costs for operating and refurbishing its locomotives.
As well as featuring in The Traitors, the railway appeared on screen in the BBC drama Monarch of the Glen and ITV's Doctor Findlay.
| MOVED: Hi from Tulyar5 In "Introductions and chat" [375031/32013/1] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:41, 12th May 2026 | |
This topic has been moved to Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions.
https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=19172.0
| Re: So what do we expect of a nationalised GWR? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375030/32002/40] Posted by Witham Bobby at 14:20, 12th May 2026 Already liked by rogerw | |
Some thoughts on what might be desirable outcomes:
Rolling stock that is compatible with other rolling stock in terms of couplings and inter-operability
Enough rolling stock to provide services that don't become crammed with passengers
An amount of spare capacity so that "more trains needing repairs than normal" does not result in cancellations
Traincrews that can work different types of rolling stock/multiple units/locos rather than having limited and specialised capabilities
Trains running on different routes that provide proper connections at stations where they meet
Improved attention to important basics like lineside vegetation and waterways/drains clearance
Reduction in cash spent on consultants to tell railway managers stuff they should already know
Enough spare traction at strategic locations so that failed trains are not stranded for hours on end waiting rescue
| Re: So what do we expect of a nationalised GWR? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375029/32002/40] Posted by broadgage at 12:52, 12th May 2026 | |
Less legroom.
Fewer tables.
Shorter trains.
No buffets.
| Re: So what do we expect of a nationalised GWR? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375028/32002/40] Posted by PhilWakely at 11:58, 12th May 2026 | |
2 A trustworthy fare system so we can just swipe in and out and know the cost +
3 Advance fare quotas at lower fares reduced or even eliminated -
3 Advance fare quotas at lower fares reduced or even eliminated -
The cost of a ticket from A to B, whether walk-up ticket or a discounted Advance ticket, to be the same, whether bought direct from GBR or from a third-party retailer (in other words, third-party retailers should not be allowed to undercut the 'official' price; and all proceeds to be put back into the railways.
| Re: So what do we expect of a nationalised GWR? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375027/32002/40] Posted by ChrisB at 09:49, 12th May 2026 | |
Many electric scooters are already carried on trains.
| Re: South Western Railways Waterloo - Bristol services axed In "South Western services" [375026/25368/42] Posted by CyclingSid at 08:13, 12th May 2026 | |
On Saturday I was at Bosham station when a train went down the other track (towards Chichester). I "belatedly" noticed it was in GWR livery with a Southern logo in the side. Gone before I could fully take it in.
| Re: So what do we expect of a nationalised GWR? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375025/32002/40] Posted by grahame at 05:09, 12th May 2026 | |
So - what may the next 15 years bring for Great British Railways as a track and train nationalised organisation? As I was travelling yesterday, I jotted down some possibilities - positive and negative - for the passenger. Which would be a result of GBR and which might have come anyway, whoever operates the services, I know not. What I do know is that there are may positive and negative outcomes possible in future years - anything from radical positive change to negative changes, via stagnation and direction changing where (IMHO) long term thought and planning would be best.
Here are 90 items I came up with, ranging from the probable to the fanciful ...
1 A requirement to scan in and out at the end of each ticket -
2 A trustworthy fare system so we can just swipe in and out and know the cost +
3 Advance fare quotas at lower fares reduced or even eliminated -
4 All named trains and rolling stock to have names removed -
5 All new trains to be British built +
6 An end to the go-stop-go of franchise and management contract changes +
7 And end to operator and government blaming each other; more FOI +
8 Cash ticket sales only available at independent shops -
9 Catering counters on long distance trains +
10 Catering withdrawn from journeys under 200 minutes -
11 Charge for baggage on seats +
12 Charge for big people occupying 2 (or more!) seats -
13 Charge for cycle parking at station +
14 Charge for use of on-train loos -
15 Charges for dogs and bicycles carried by train -
16 Charges for use of luggage space -
17 Closure on inconvenient stations -
18 Connections being improved across previous-operator boundaries +
19 Consistent fare system +
20 Delay repay claims to be made to causer of delay - e.g. freight operator or God (as in "act of god") -
21 Delay/Repay being phased out or made leaner -
22 Electrification extended only in marginal constituencies -
23 Electric scooters to be allowed on trains +
24 Elimination of lots of delay attribution but retain knowledge correction +
25 End of peak times - same fare any time +
26 Eurostar service to be nationalised too and extended to Welsh and Scottish capitals +
27 Extra local stops added into long distance trains -
28 Fewer fare options with better value ones being removed -
29 Fewer staffed stations -
30 First class abolished -
31 First class on turbos re-instated in the 2+2 saloons -
32 Free travel for health service employees +
33 Government agencies being judge, jury and advocates for all side when things go wrong -
34 Groupsave removed in the interest of uniformity -
35 Halts to be built at many bridges, with local trains provided at which train manager locks / unlocks gate +
36 ID required when travelling by train -
37 Improved services only provided if supported by Council Tax -
38 Investment into improved infrastucture +
39 Local Transport authorities getting more and funded regional autonomy +
40 Longer term network-wide service planning +
41 Longer trains +
42 Managers and those with customer responsibility require to use the train / stations they are responsible for +
43 More / all trains becoming driver only operated +
44 More comfortable seats +
45 More electrification and battery trains +
46 Nationalisation of catering on station premises -
47 Network and other regional railcards being scrapped -
48 New generation of double deck trains (low deck between bogies) to increase capacity +
49 New lines and stations opened where appropriate +
50 New railcard available to all - loyalty cards with progressive discount +
51 Off peak and super off peak being reduced in time -
52 Older trains not replaced -
53 Onward travel to be guaranteed between all public transport in, to and from UK +
54 Operating "company" free to replace trains by buses whenever they chose -
55 Peak fares on late evening trains -
56 Peak fares to reflect peak travel times, not when rail can get away with it -
57 Price-per-mile based fare system +
58 Pullman dining and sleeper services no longer running -
59 Quieter services being culled -
60 Radical new fare system, based on 10p per mile +
61 Reduction in shareholder dividends +
62 Reduction of signalling to stop-and-proceed on level crossings -
63 Reductions in line speed / maintenance to lower standards -
64 Removal of financial support to Community Rail Partnerships -
65 Requirement to hold insurance when travelling by train -
66 Reservations no longer being free -
67 Seats in IETs replaces by wooden slat benches in a fit of honesty -
68 Security scanners at platform entrances -
69 Services improved to meet passenger and community aspirations and needs +
70 Services to be reduced where an open access operator has rights to run trains -
71 Staff motivation activity - "write in and tell us your best experience" +
72 Station and train cleaning halved -
73 Stations to be closed when platforms are icy -
74 Stations to be gated by 2035; passenger join single door for ticket checks at other stations +
75 Stations without Access for All to be closed to ensure 100% accessible network -
76 Statutory right to Community Rail input with elected passenger representatives +
77 Sunday services reduced to solve staffing issues -
78 System to let passengers easily call up a taxi and charge if their journey fails +
79 Through ticketing across all stations and other public transport in Europe +
80 Ticket transferrable between buses and trains +
81 Ticket valid via any route offering the fastest journey at that time of day +
82 Train routes to be split to ensure better reliability, through passengers changing -
83 Train service frequency reductions -
84 Trains slowed to improve timekeeping -
85 Trains to be operated by GBR onwards over heritage lines by right +
86 Trains to be repainted in a uniform, nationalistic livery +
87 Transfer of away-from-track maintenance and funding responsibility to local autorities -
88 Transport focus reports being purely academic -
89 UK rover tickets being priced the same for UK residents as for overseas visitors +
90 Update of service level algorithms to more consider social need and environment +
91 Updating system to develop timetables and train lengths to best suit needs +
As just headlines, these may need further explanation - please ask in comments, and please add your own options.
| Re: 52 years a commuter In "Thames Valley Branches" [375023/32011/13] Posted by TaplowGreen at 21:01, 11th May 2026 Already liked by JayMac, Marlburian, JohnM, Witham Bobby, johnneyw, PhilWakely, GBM | |
Steve McCulloch has journeyed between Windsor and Eton Central to Maidenhead since 1974. ITN and on other media websites.
Surely about time he went home?
| Finn and JayMac's travels. Day 8 where were we? In "The Lighter Side" [375022/32012/30] Posted by JayMac at 20:24, 11th May 2026 Already liked by GBM | |
Two to guess.
| Re: So what do we expect of a nationalised GWR? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375021/32002/40] Posted by Kernow Otter at 18:33, 11th May 2026 | |
There will doubtless be an attempt to close down the sleeper service.
| 52 years a commuter In "Thames Valley Branches" [375020/32011/13] Posted by Marlburian at 18:19, 11th May 2026 | |
Steve McCulloch has journeyed between Windsor and Eton Central to Maidenhead since 1974. ITN and on other media websites.
| Re: So what do we expect of a nationalised GWR? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375019/32002/40] Posted by TaplowGreen at 13:27, 11th May 2026 | |
Unfortunately, cost cutting is likely their first starter-for-ten, so don't expect additional services anytime soon - especially those that can still be travelled with a change of train. You might persuade (if you can find anyone to talk to with any clout) them to timetable the change better
I wonder if cost cutting may take the form of reinvigorating the ticket office closure programme and other peripheral services rather than the core business of running trains?
| Re: So what do we expect of a nationalised GWR? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375018/32002/40] Posted by Mark A at 13:04, 11th May 2026 | |
Yup, the DfT that, presented with the 'Opportunities' of a rebuilt London Bridge station, thought it was an opportunity to cut services, tidy up the use of the crossover at Lewisham - and also ramp up the number of passengers that needed to use London Bridge as an interchange, severing a slew of through services to places that people want to go (no offence intended, Cannon Street). Said changes were grudgingly and very partially rolled back, but South Eastern services there are still not what they were.
It would be rewarding for the likes of the following approach - an inclusive strategy scorecard - to have a variety that takes a deep dive into rail transport and evaluated the network for improvements in the routes it offers - e.g. interregional services have dwindled but that's not always as a result of decline in popularity and passenger numbers. Useful for everyone and particularly useful for two groups: 'Encumbered travellers' and disabled people.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inclusive-transport-strategy-scorecard/inclusive-strategy-scorecard-summary-of-key-changes-between-2019-and-2023
Mark
| Re: So what do we expect of a nationalised GWR? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375017/32002/40] Posted by anthony215 at 12:46, 11th May 2026 | |
First thing to state is that DfTO confirmed that there would be one GBR overall branding eventually - although the names may remain on those brandings. To commence once all TOCs are nationalised.
GWR Churchward not likely to happen until "the mid-2030s"
GWR Churchward not likely to happen until "the mid-2030s"
Pity porterbrook haven't fitted a class 350/2 with batteries and 3rd rail does as a demonstrator for the north downs line
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [375016/28355/22] Posted by Noggin at 12:40, 11th May 2026 Already liked by Mark A, johnneyw | |
Perhaps a French union might be able to provide one of these for Sunday services?
https://www.eurogunzel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Les-cheminots-ont-manifest%C3%A9-dans-le-centre-de-Nice-en-ce-lundi-sans-train-video-by-France-3-Provence-Alpes-C%C3%B4te-dAzur.jpg
| Re: So what do we expect of a nationalised GWR? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375015/32002/40] Posted by ChrisB at 12:31, 11th May 2026 | |
Unfortunately, cost cutting is likely their first starter-for-ten, so don't expect additional services anytime soon - especially those that can still be travelled with a change of train. You might persuade (if you can find anyone to talk to with any clout) them to timetable the change better
| Re: South Western Railways Waterloo - Bristol services axed In "South Western services" [375014/25368/42] Posted by brooklea at 12:06, 11th May 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
A few weeks ago, seen from a passing train, a SWR 2 carriage 159 set tucked away in the depot east of Bristol Temple Meads. The first time I've seen one anywhere in Bristol since *inserts obvious era*.
Mark
Mark
Some of East Midlands Railway’s Class 158s are being refurbished at Bristol Barton Hill depot. I strongly suspect that it was one of these that you saw (East Midlands Trains having a very similar livery to South West Trains, thanks to their common former franchise parent company, Stagecoach).
