Glasd they provided an answer to the meaning of "delayed" - train not moving yet towards destination & until it does, we are unable to work out an estimate of the amount of delay....just still getting later basically.

The timing for Great Western Railway (GWR) returning to public ownership is based on the government's phased nationalization schedule under the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024. 

While specific dates for later transitions can occasionally shift based on the exact end of franchise periods, the December 13, 2026 date aligns with the expected expiration of GWR's current contract.

Why this date?
* Contract Expiry: The government is bringing operators back into public hands as their existing private contracts expire to avoid paying compensation to the private firms. GWR's current agreement with the Department for Transport (DfT) is scheduled to conclude in late 2026. 
* The Three-Month Rollout: Since the 2024 Act, the government has been nationalizing roughly one operator every quarter. For example, South Western Railway transitioned in 2025, and West Midlands Trains followed in early 2026. 
* Autumn 2026 Window: Official projections and timelines from the DfT and major news trackers (such as The Guardian's nationalization tracker) place GWR in the "Autumn 2026" bracket, specifically targeting mid-December to coincide with the winter timetable change—a standard point for major administrative shifts in the rail industry. 

The final operator, CrossCountry, is currently projected to be the last to transition in late 2027.

That's the western end of Rotterdam Centraal, as seen by somebody still half asleep, or from a camera with a hazy memory.

On a train that could do with a visit to the carriage wash?

GW returns to public ownership on 13th December, announced this morning.

Some of our regulars from Melksham are aware that if they want to get to London earlier than the 10:02 but not pay £££ for the 08:02, they should split at Chippenham,  and use part of their saving for a coffee at the Hungry Hare.

The 16:39 from Melksham ran on time ... then an hour to wait in Swindon for the 18:04 to Paddington. Good job I am "robust" as at around 17:30 that flagged up as "delayed".  No indication why, no indication by how much ... and so a quick trip to the staffed counter where they told me it hadn't yet left Gloucester

Could the advance ticket quotas have sold out at the good price on the earlier trains?

Good price - but - WHY sell me a ticket that has me waiting nearly an hour at Swindon, then is followed by tight changes at Paddington and Stratford?   Would it not be logical to offer an earlier train into Paddington

20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06

20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06 will no longer call at Kemble, Stroud and Stonehouse.
It has been delayed at Westbury and is now 29 minutes late.
This is due to a points failure.

The Coffee Shop was offline for a period this afternoon.  Problem identified, and up and running again.  Excuses explanation to follow ...

The Coffee Shop was offline for a period this afternoon.  Problem identified, and up and running again.  Excuses explanation to follow once I have completed by analyse.

No data has been lost

Freight locomotives will I suspect move to hydrogen in place of diesel.  Also it should not be underestimated the use that batteries could be used to maintain even the heaviest of trains once on the move

Multi-million cross-border train contract set for sign off


Image © Translink

A multi-million pound contract for new cross-border trains is expected to be rubber stamped by Taoiseach (Irish PM) Micheál Martin during a visit to Belfast.

The Department for Infrastructure said the overall investment totals £540m, with more than £200m being contributed by the department. The Irish government will match this amount, with additional funding provided through a peace fund.

The Belfast to Dublin Enterprise fleet is due for delivery from late 2028.

It is understood the taoiseach will be joined by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly for the signing, along with Tanaiste (Irish Deputy PM) Simon Harris.

It is one of a number of engagements planned during the taoiseach's visit on Thursday.

Martin is also due to meet political leaders at Stormont as well as local business chiefs.

Although battery electric units can work with wiring gaps, and it is realistic option on branches and lighter use passenger only lines.  It is not helpful on freight routes if ever intend to work heavy freight with electric locos (and plenty of routes in Somerset and Wiltshire see heavy aggregate trains) where continuous power (and of course regeneration on downhill or slowing) is important

I would support battery power, and partial electrification, so as to reduce miles run on battery power.
Total electrification is rather problematic due to limited clearances under bridges, but electrification of 95% of a route is much easier.
I have long been of the view that ALL new electric trains should be fitted with batteries for when the wires come down, having incurred the expense of the equipment, may as well use it.