Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: How well travelled are YOU? In "Introductions and chat" [379444/32458/1] Posted by TaplowGreen at 21:48, 11th September 2026 |      |
If you think they all head to Bath, try visiting Windsor sometime!
It sometimes feel that most of them visit Bath ... and Windsor and Stonehenge, many of them visiting two or even three of those in a day. Away from the "Honey Pots" there are so many places worthy of so many more visitors from USA residents than they get.
To be fair, they tend to be very pleasant in Windsor, like the Japanese. Probably pleased to be away from the madness of London for a few hours!
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [379443/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 20:55, 11th September 2026 | |
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06
Facilities on the 20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3.
Facilities on the 20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3.
| Re: How well travelled are YOU? In "Introductions and chat" [379442/32458/1] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:53, 11th September 2026 | |
I shall choose my words carefully here, posting my personal view - not the official view from the Coffee Shop forum.
Any visitors from the USA are very welcome to visit one of our local attractions near Nailsea -Tyntesfield (National Trust).
Tyntesfield, a Victorian Gothic mansion with a sprawling estate, was built up on the fortune made by the first Baron, Lord Wraxall, based on shit. Bird shit, in his case, but Donald Trump could feel at home here.
(Sorry - did I say that out loud?
)CfN.
| Re: West Wilts Rail User Group - 16th September 2026 In "Diary - what's happening when?" [379441/32313/34] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:05, 11th September 2026 Already liked by grahame | |
Posting here, simply to 'bump' this topic / event.
It looks to be a very interesting talk from the guest speaker, and the venue is very convenient for train travellers to and from Trowbridge - the meeting times are tailored accordingly.
CfN.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [379440/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 18:53, 11th September 2026 | |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 has been delayed at Gloucester and is now 12 minutes late.
This is due to congestion.
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 has been delayed at Gloucester and is now 12 minutes late.
This is due to congestion.
| Re: How well travelled are YOU? In "Introductions and chat" [379439/32458/1] Posted by grahame at 18:50, 11th September 2026 | |
If you think they all head to Bath, try visiting Windsor sometime!
It sometimes feel that most of them visit Bath ... and Windsor and Stonehenge, many of them visiting two or even three of those in a day. Away from the "Honey Pots" there are so many places worthy of so many more visitors from USA residents than they get.
| Re: Train named after Cornish 9/11 hero Rick Rescorla In "Who's who on Western railways" [379438/21257/2] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:31, 11th September 2026 Already liked by FarWestJohn | |
From the BBC:
Poppies made of scallop shells honour 9/11 victims
Cornish-born Rick Rescorla helped get people out of the World Trade Center's South Tower during the 9/11 attacks - Image © PA Media
A special tribute has been made to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks - including a Cornishman whose actions are credited with helping save lives.
The Veterans Charity invited people to Hayle, Cornwall, to be part of a "poppy production line" using about 6,000 scallop shells to create 2,977 poppies - one for each of the victims of the attacks that happened 25 years ago on Friday.
Among the victims was Rick Rescorla, originally from Hayle, who was a security worker who managed to get people to safety after planes crashed into the World Trade Center.
Iain Henderson, trustee of The Veterans Charity, said the project was a "fitting tribute" to Rescorla and everyone else who died.
(BBC article continues)
Cornish-born Rick Rescorla helped get people out of the World Trade Center's South Tower during the 9/11 attacks - Image © PA Media
A special tribute has been made to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks - including a Cornishman whose actions are credited with helping save lives.
The Veterans Charity invited people to Hayle, Cornwall, to be part of a "poppy production line" using about 6,000 scallop shells to create 2,977 poppies - one for each of the victims of the attacks that happened 25 years ago on Friday.
Among the victims was Rick Rescorla, originally from Hayle, who was a security worker who managed to get people to safety after planes crashed into the World Trade Center.
Iain Henderson, trustee of The Veterans Charity, said the project was a "fitting tribute" to Rescorla and everyone else who died.
(BBC article continues)
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [379437/28982/26] Posted by bradshaw at 18:01, 11th September 2026 | |
Funded by Rock Rail with Alstom also having maintenance contract.
https://mediacentre.tpexpress.co.uk/news/tpe-unveils-gbp-1bn-battery-train-fleet-to-transform-rail-travel-across-the-north
| Re: Ryanair - routes, schedules, incidents and issues (merged posts) In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [379436/29076/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:51, 11th September 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Ryanair boss O'Leary defends 'high-fare rapists' airlines remarks
Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has refused to apologise to a rape crisis centre which criticised him for describing rival airlines as "high-fare rapists".
Speaking to journalists, O'Leary said some people were "desperate to get to Ryanair's low fares because they can't afford to fly with the high-fare rapists around Europe".
O'Leary doubled-down on his choice of words when asked about them at the time, and later refused to apologise when the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) wrote to him asking for apology, in a letter seen by the BBC.
Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris said it was "clearly an inappropriate use of language" and that O'Leary "should have moved to rectify it".
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told UK radio outlet LBC that victims of rape are "not going to be rushing to book tickets with him, let's be honest".
O'Leary made the comments on Thursday while talking to journalists ahead of Ryanair's yearly meeting with shareholders.
Asked by a reporter from the Press Association whether the language was appropriate, he said: "Absolutely."
"British Airways, Lufthansa, and everybody else's high fares, I'll happily offend them on a regular basis," he added.
Asked whether it would offend sexual assault victims, he said rape was "a terrible crime".
Following O'Leary's comments, the DRCC's chief executive Rachel Morrogh wrote to O'Leary accusing him of trying to get a headline with his comments. She said the DRCC had received calls from rape victims who were "upset and distressed because of what you said".
She offered O'Leary training on the impact of sexual violence and urged him to apologise. "I can't imagine you would ever use the term so flippantly again if you truly understood [what] it was like to survive rape," she wrote.
In response, O'Leary said: "I am quite clear that no remarks of mine could possibly trivialise the heinous crime of rape." He added that as he had not "trivialised the heinous crime of rape" he would "not be issuing any apology or accepting your offer of training".
It is not the first time O'Leary has offended people while talking about his business. In 2004, he reportedly called the owners of Stansted Airport "a bunch of overcharging rapists" in a row over airport charges.
He has also previously called some of his own staff "lazy bastards" and once said to passengers looking for a refund "we don't want to hear your sob stories".
In June, he said the airline would "reluctantly" stop charging parents to sit next to children after a watchdog investigation was opened, but insisted its previous policy complied with laws.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has refused to apologise to a rape crisis centre which criticised him for describing rival airlines as "high-fare rapists".
Speaking to journalists, O'Leary said some people were "desperate to get to Ryanair's low fares because they can't afford to fly with the high-fare rapists around Europe".
O'Leary doubled-down on his choice of words when asked about them at the time, and later refused to apologise when the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) wrote to him asking for apology, in a letter seen by the BBC.
Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris said it was "clearly an inappropriate use of language" and that O'Leary "should have moved to rectify it".
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told UK radio outlet LBC that victims of rape are "not going to be rushing to book tickets with him, let's be honest".
O'Leary made the comments on Thursday while talking to journalists ahead of Ryanair's yearly meeting with shareholders.
Asked by a reporter from the Press Association whether the language was appropriate, he said: "Absolutely."
"British Airways, Lufthansa, and everybody else's high fares, I'll happily offend them on a regular basis," he added.
Asked whether it would offend sexual assault victims, he said rape was "a terrible crime".
Following O'Leary's comments, the DRCC's chief executive Rachel Morrogh wrote to O'Leary accusing him of trying to get a headline with his comments. She said the DRCC had received calls from rape victims who were "upset and distressed because of what you said".
She offered O'Leary training on the impact of sexual violence and urged him to apologise. "I can't imagine you would ever use the term so flippantly again if you truly understood [what] it was like to survive rape," she wrote.
In response, O'Leary said: "I am quite clear that no remarks of mine could possibly trivialise the heinous crime of rape." He added that as he had not "trivialised the heinous crime of rape" he would "not be issuing any apology or accepting your offer of training".
It is not the first time O'Leary has offended people while talking about his business. In 2004, he reportedly called the owners of Stansted Airport "a bunch of overcharging rapists" in a row over airport charges.
He has also previously called some of his own staff "lazy bastards" and once said to passengers looking for a refund "we don't want to hear your sob stories".
In June, he said the airline would "reluctantly" stop charging parents to sit next to children after a watchdog investigation was opened, but insisted its previous policy complied with laws.
| Re: How well travelled are YOU? In "Introductions and chat" [379435/32458/1] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:37, 11th September 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Posting this here somewhat lightheartedly:
Of those 3.9 million US residents who visited the UK, I reckon about 3 million of them have Bath as their destination. Some of them are a pain in the proverbial, milling about in huge groups and generally getting in the way.
However, I did have a great chat with two older American men in a traditional pub in Bath, many years ago. They had ventured out from their hotel to sample an old English pub. We fell into conversation about licensing laws, as they were initially puzzled by the particular wording of the UK signs on the bar, asking for ID.
CfN.
Of those 3.9 million US residents who visited the UK, I reckon about 3 million of them have Bath as their destination. Some of them are a pain in the proverbial, milling about in huge groups and generally getting in the way.
However, I did have a great chat with two older American men in a traditional pub in Bath, many years ago. They had ventured out from their hotel to sample an old English pub. We fell into conversation about licensing laws, as they were initially puzzled by the particular wording of the UK signs on the bar, asking for ID.
CfN.
If you think they all head to Bath, try visiting Windsor sometime!
| Re: Earley Station, Reading - facilities, footbridge, improvements In "South Western services" [379434/31384/42] Posted by stuving at 16:20, 11th September 2026 | |
The hairier Earley footbridge features in this document from Wokingham Borough Council. A repair to it is in the pipeline, to extend its life by 15 years. A list of risks includes that once repairs are under way, elements of the bridge may be found to be in worse condition than previously thought.
Mark
https://wokingham.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s81089/Capital%20Monitoring%20202526%20-%20Q2.pdf
Mark
https://wokingham.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s81089/Capital%20Monitoring%20202526%20-%20Q2.pdf
That WBC proposal was for work to start in September 2025. And now its start has been announced - first step, close it from October to April 2026.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKWOKBC/bulletins/426de88
Station footbridge to shut for essential maintenance
We’ll be closing the footbridge near Earley station, which crosses the railway and A3290, for refurbishment from mid-October until next April.
We’ll let you know the exact start dates nearer the time.
While there are no safety concerns, we need to refurbish parts of this early 1970s structure to maintain its condition and extend its working life.
Once we start, we’ll be shutting the station car park for use as a site compound, though the parcel collection and charity drop boxes will remain accessible.
We’ll be replacing the footbridge ramps to the same dimensions as before, but with steel steps instead of concrete ones on either side.
We’ll be closing the footbridge near Earley station, which crosses the railway and A3290, for refurbishment from mid-October until next April.
We’ll let you know the exact start dates nearer the time.
While there are no safety concerns, we need to refurbish parts of this early 1970s structure to maintain its condition and extend its working life.
Once we start, we’ll be shutting the station car park for use as a site compound, though the parcel collection and charity drop boxes will remain accessible.
We’ll be replacing the footbridge ramps to the same dimensions as before, but with steel steps instead of concrete ones on either side.
You'll notice they have chosen their words a bit better this time, ambiguitywise. As to Network Rail's little bridge, I've not noticed any works or news there but I've just seen something that implies they did the work a few weeks ago. I can't confirm that from the EAS because I have not worked out where it is.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [379433/32456/31] Posted by GBM at 16:09, 11th September 2026 | |
That was my thoughts, what do we use D cells for now?
OS in post CFN.
Our bathroom portable radio used D x 2...........OS in post CFN.
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [379432/28982/26] Posted by Kernow Otter at 14:30, 11th September 2026 | |
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd94y7d7qyzo
And meanwhile in the North, a fleet of new trains to serve the PM's constituency amongst others. No mention of the new stock being privately owned however.
Two tier transport?
| Re: How well travelled are YOU? In "Introductions and chat" [379431/32458/1] Posted by Kernow Otter at 14:25, 11th September 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, GBM | |
22 on that list. Serving in the Royal Navy helped......
| Re: How well travelled are YOU? In "Introductions and chat" [379430/32458/1] Posted by LiskeardRich at 14:05, 11th September 2026 | |
I tried to find stats for travellers from the UK rather than USA - and I found holiday vacation countries only. Other data offered from behind a firewall but way out of budget. Whilst the majority of journeys are for vacation, https://www.finder.com/uk/credit-cards/outbound-tourism-statistics
I’ve done 6/10 on that list in the last 3 years.
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [379429/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 14:01, 11th September 2026 | |
Journeycheck now saying disruption is likely to last until next Tuesday (15th).
Probably best not to let TG see that.
Oops - too late!
Now (03:00 on 10th) saying "until end of 11th"
Noting some peak hour long distance trains have added calls today at one or two of Slough, Maidenhead and Twyford, and that does seem logical. Hope they have the capacity.
We're now back to close of play on the 14th......
London Paddington
Due to vandalism of railway equipment between Reading and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day on 14/09/26.
| Re: Barnstaple to Exeter overcrowding, September 2026 In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [379428/32479/24] Posted by eightonedee at 13:13, 11th September 2026 Already liked by GBM | |
You invest to get a return, but GWR see no return in the South West but are prepared to ride on the backs of others. Taxpayers, Stakeholders, third parties.
Some more passing loops and increased services would give them more passengers, more revenue
Some more passing loops and increased services would give them more passengers, more revenue
But surely the infrastructure elements are the responsibility of Network Rail, and funded by them (ie. us!). Coincidentally, today is the 25th anniversary of the announcement of the intention to take Railtrack back into public ownership on "a very good day to get out anything we want to bury".
The current rolling stock crisis has also been precipitated by the Government's order to GWR to reduce its leasing commitments, resulting in the cancellation of the class 769 programme (although may simply have been a trial run for the current problems with the 175s) and reduction in its fleet, and the Government decision to curtail the Oxford and Bristol electrification, so that GWR have ended up operating a reduced Electrostar fleet and retaining Turbos in the Thames Valley.
There's still every reason to criticise aspects of GWR's performance, notably the inconsistent standard of passenger information as constantly highlighted by posts on this forum. But we do need to bear in mind that First Group/GWR primarily have (and have had since 2022) a time limited management contract. It is unreasonable to expect any substantial capital investment from them, and its not their responsibility when it comes to track and fixed infrastructure. Hopefully when GBR is one unified body this might help, but comments such as DfT waiting to see the outcome of the procurement of rolling stock in Scotland before undertaking further procurement, and that the new Trans-Pennine battery trains are due to enter service in 2034 do not give hope of an early improvement.
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [379427/28982/26] Posted by IndustryInsider at 11:30, 11th September 2026 Already liked by GBM | |
There's a section on the class 175 problems in this week's Green Signals podcast and weekly You Tube video, including an interview with Barry Milsom of GWR. See https://www.greensignals.org/podcast/more-diversions-gwrs-plan-to-keep-customers-on-trains-over-christmas/ at 14.55
(it also includes a piece on diversions during the up-coming blockades between Reading and Paddington that members will find of interest).
(it also includes a piece on diversions during the up-coming blockades between Reading and Paddington that members will find of interest).
Yes, a good interview - well worth a listen...as is the previous section on the GWR diversions.
| Switzerland: Five dead and dozens injured in coach crash in Alps - 10 Sep 2026 In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [379426/32483/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:11, 11th September 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Five dead and dozens injured in coach crash in Swiss Alps
The coach was carrying dozens of Dutch nationals - Image © Jon Duschletta/EPA/Shutterstock
Five people have died and dozens are injured after a tourist coach crashed in the south-eastern Swiss Alps, police say.
The Dutch tour bus hit a safety barrier in a roadworks area, left the road and overturned between Susch and Zernez in the Graubünden region late on Thursday afternoon.
Swiss police said on Friday that the deceased had not yet been identified.
They added that the other 40 people on board the coach - whose injuries ranged from serious to minor - had been transported to hospitals by rescue helicopters and ambulance crews.
The coach reportedly left the Netherlands on Monday and was on a day trip to Switzerland from Austria when the crash happened.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said his thoughts were everyone involved, and King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima said their hearts went out to everyone affected by "this great tragedy".
Swiss President Guy Parmelin posted on X that he was "deeply shocked" by the incident and offered his "sincere condolences" to the families of the victims.
A photo released by police showed the coach lying on its side beside a narrow country road - Image © Graubünden cantonal police
Graubünden cantonal police said three people were seriously injured in the incident.
It added that seven helicopters from both Switzerland and Austria had been involved in the rescue effort, alongside fire departments and the Plaiv road rescue service.
Graubünden's public prosecutor's office and police are investigating the circumstances that led to the crash.
Zernez is the entry point for visitors to the Swiss National Park, a vast Alpine reserve stretching more than 100 sq km (40 sq miles) across the mountainous Engadine valley.
The coach was carrying dozens of Dutch nationals - Image © Jon Duschletta/EPA/Shutterstock
Five people have died and dozens are injured after a tourist coach crashed in the south-eastern Swiss Alps, police say.
The Dutch tour bus hit a safety barrier in a roadworks area, left the road and overturned between Susch and Zernez in the Graubünden region late on Thursday afternoon.
Swiss police said on Friday that the deceased had not yet been identified.
They added that the other 40 people on board the coach - whose injuries ranged from serious to minor - had been transported to hospitals by rescue helicopters and ambulance crews.
The coach reportedly left the Netherlands on Monday and was on a day trip to Switzerland from Austria when the crash happened.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said his thoughts were everyone involved, and King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima said their hearts went out to everyone affected by "this great tragedy".
Swiss President Guy Parmelin posted on X that he was "deeply shocked" by the incident and offered his "sincere condolences" to the families of the victims.
A photo released by police showed the coach lying on its side beside a narrow country road - Image © Graubünden cantonal police
Graubünden cantonal police said three people were seriously injured in the incident.
It added that seven helicopters from both Switzerland and Austria had been involved in the rescue effort, alongside fire departments and the Plaiv road rescue service.
Graubünden's public prosecutor's office and police are investigating the circumstances that led to the crash.
Zernez is the entry point for visitors to the Swiss National Park, a vast Alpine reserve stretching more than 100 sq km (40 sq miles) across the mountainous Engadine valley.
| Re: Barnstaple to Exeter overcrowding, September 2026 In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [379425/32479/24] Posted by grahame at 11:08, 11th September 2026 Already liked by IndustryInsider, Mark A | |
You invest to get a return, but GWR see no return in the South West but are prepared to ride on the backs of others. Taxpayers, Stakeholders, third parties.
But then that is the very way the system has been designed to work.
* The operator has been able to invest his own money if he wishes and can see a return to him on that. And we've seen that done on longer franchises such as Chiltern in its earlier phases.
* The local authority or wider taxpayers can invest is they get a return in a more buoyant local economy - more local business, more local tax, etc
* Third parties can invest if they get a business return - for example a developer building a new station at Bristol Brabazon or Cranbrook to be able to turn open countryside or a derelict site into more valuable land for houses.
I've seen it suggested in Devon / current topic that the movement of 6th form education from across North Devon into Exeter has lead to a rather significant rise in train (wannabe) or bus (oops!) traffic from Barnstaple, and because that's where the rise came from, the funding should come from the educators. Who knows - perhaps the 175 program that's not (it seems) gone as planned HAS been partly funded by the education department?
| Re: Portishead Line reopening for passengers - ongoing discussion In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [379424/231/28] Posted by chuffed at 10:58, 11th September 2026 | |
View this email in a web browser | Network Rail Communities
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter with an update from the Portishead Line. Please get in touch if you have any questions. You’ll find all our details at the end of this email.
Community drop-in events
Our next drop-in events will be held on:
Wednesday 7 October, 4.30 to 7.30pm, Somerset Hall, Portishead
Wednesday 14 October, 4.30 to 7.30pm, St George's Church Hall, Easton-in-Gordano
Everyone is welcome to attend. Our team will be available with more information and to take any questions.
Please note the change of times for both events from previously and a new venue at Easton-in-Gordano.
Rail Minister visit
The Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, visited Portishead to see progress made on the project so far. He was joined by Marcus Jones, Great Western route director for Network Rail, Joanna Grew, Great Western route strategy director for Network Rail and GWR, Sadik Al-Hassan, MP for North Somerset, Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, and Emma Blackham, transport director for West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
Progress in Pill
Work is in full swing in Pill. The cuttings alongside the railway are being excavated to create space for a second railway line and a platform for the new station. One the cuttings are excavated, they're strengthened with over 1,600 steel roads, drilled up to seven metres deep into the cutting, which are then grouted to secure them.
The garages next to Avon Road railway bridge are being demolished as we prepare to build a new bridge next spring. And we're building a haul road from Marsh Lane bridge to our site compound at Lodway Farm to prevent construction traffic driving through Pill.
The right of way from Marsh Lane bridge towards Pill and the route under Avon Road bridge are now suspended. Diversions are in place, see map below.
Work continues to install new drainage on Underbanks. The road is closed to all traffic but the pavements are open to pedestrians. Four-way temporary traffic lights are also in use near Pill Memorial Club as we improve the road, pavements and bus stops. Both pieces of work are expected to be completed in November.
Progress in Portishead
In Portishead, the next stage of work to build a new road and roundabout will see Harbour Road closed overnight for two weeks to all traffic and pedestrians while we install drainage and asphalt.
From 8pm on Monday 19 October until 6am on Sunday 25 October
Road closed: 8pm to 6am each night
Road reopens: 6am to 8pm each day
From 8pm on Monday 9 November until 6am Sunday 15 November
Road closed: 8pm to 6am each night
Road reopens: 6am to 8pm each day
The one-way system on Harbour Road also continues at all times until November. Traffic can only travel east, towards the roundabout. A diversion via Wyndham Way and Station Road is clearly signposted. See below map.
And along the railway line, we're installing culverts and preparing for earthworks, which could be noisy.
Sheepway bridge
Work continues until October to strengthen Sheepway bridge. The bridge is closed to all traffic and pedestrians and a diversion is clearly signposted. Buses cannot travel along Sheepway and will be diverted via The Portbury Hundred.
Passengers travelling to Bristol: use the existing bus stop on Portbury Hundred, beyond the pedestrian footbridge near Station Road.
Passengers returning from Bristol: alight at Sainsbury's, Portishead, and take the dedicated shuttle bus back to Sheepway.
A shuttle bus runs between the Portbury end of Sheepway and Sainsbury's in Portishead from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, every 20 minutes, calling at:
· Elm Tree Park
· Station Road
· Wyndham Way – temporary bus stops near Portbury Hundred roundabout
· Sainsbury's, Portishead
Bus stops at Conference Close, Portishead Ecology Park and Shipway Farm are suspended during the closure.
For any enquiries, please call our 24-7 helpline or go online
03457 11 41 41
networkrail.co.uk/contact-us
For the latest updates find us on Facebook:
facebook.com/portisheadline
And for more information about the project, visit our webpage:
networkrail.co.uk/portisheadline
| Re: Change to Number 8 service at Temple Meads In "Buses and other ways to travel" [379423/32445/5] Posted by grahame at 09:39, 11th September 2026 | |
Thank you for the replies, I am not sure why, but I am unable to "like" a post
That has been "nagging" at me. I suspect it's beccause our "like" function may communicate with the server(s) using http rather than https protocols and security settings in your browser are too tight to let that through / or you have some anti-tracking software running that thinks your "like" is a tracking mechanism. It's probably not a sensible use of what could be a lot of time to replicate, fix and test when the "like" mechanism as a whole needs sorting - sorry!
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2026 In "London to the Cotswolds" [379422/31371/14] Posted by charles_uk at 09:24, 11th September 2026 | |
A couple so far today:
08:51 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 11:14 will be terminated at Reading.
It will no longer call at Oxford, Hanborough, Charlbury, Kingham, Moreton-In-Marsh, Honeybourne, Evesham, Pershore, Worcestershire Parkway Hl, Worcester Shrub Hill, Worcester Foregate Street, Malvern Link and Great Malvern.
This is due to a fault on this train.
11:58 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 14:23 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
It will no longer call at Oxford, Hanborough, Charlbury, Kingham, Moreton-In-Marsh, Honeybourne, Evesham, Pershore, Worcestershire Parkway Hl, Worcester Shrub Hill, Worcester Foregate Street, Malvern Link and Great Malvern.
This is due to a fault on this train.
11:58 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 14:23 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Barnstaple to Exeter overcrowding, September 2026 In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [379421/32479/24] Posted by REVUpminster at 08:52, 11th September 2026 Already liked by Western Pathfinder, GBM | |
You invest to get a return, but GWR see no return in the South West but are prepared to ride on the backs of others. Taxpayers, Stakeholders, third parties.
Some more passing loops and increased services would give them more passengers, more revenue.
This applies to SWR as well. They were under the same umbrella once long before nationalisation.
They just don't seem to see what is happening to a city like Exeter which has become a hub for most of Devon, Somerset, and Dorset.
| Sutton - 16th most stressful station in the world? In "The Lighter Side" [379420/32482/30] Posted by grahame at 08:06, 11th September 2026 | |
https://brilliantmaps.com/most-stressful-train-stations-in-the-world/
The [maps] show the most stressful train station in most of the countries of the world. They come from fleetlogging.com.
snip
16 Sutton - Sutton, United Kingdom 63.2%
snip
16 Sutton - Sutton, United Kingdom 63.2%
Posted on "the lighter side" based on how hugely terrible the maps are. The maps are stylised, but "Sutton" looks to me to be somewhere near Dunbar ... and it's interesting that it's the only one in the top 100 in the UK.
| Re: Blackpool's Tramtown museum shuts as building deemed unsafe In "Railway History and related topics" [379419/31954/55] Posted by grahame at 07:26, 11th September 2026 | |
From Blackpool Transport posted yesterday, 10th September 2026
Blackpool Heritage Trams aim to feature in this year’s Lightpool Festival, with static displays of two of the best-known trams planned for the October light show.
Blackpool Transport is currently restoring and upgrading the much-loved Western Train and Rocket trams, with support from local transport groups and a team of volunteers.
The iconic Western Train tram - the illuminated twin-car tram, based on a Santa Fe train - is perhaps the most iconic of Blackpool Transport’s heritage fleet. The unique Rocket tram had passengers travelling at a 30-degree elevation when it ran through the 80s and 90s. It is hoped the pair will be able to be viewed up close by visitors to Lightpool– a 10-day, free festival of light-based art installations.
Works are also underway to return operational heritage trams to the tracks, however structural welding, electrical systems and axle repairs are all required before any can be safely and reliably returned for passenger tours.
Blackpool Transport is currently restoring and upgrading the much-loved Western Train and Rocket trams, with support from local transport groups and a team of volunteers.
The iconic Western Train tram - the illuminated twin-car tram, based on a Santa Fe train - is perhaps the most iconic of Blackpool Transport’s heritage fleet. The unique Rocket tram had passengers travelling at a 30-degree elevation when it ran through the 80s and 90s. It is hoped the pair will be able to be viewed up close by visitors to Lightpool– a 10-day, free festival of light-based art installations.
Works are also underway to return operational heritage trams to the tracks, however structural welding, electrical systems and axle repairs are all required before any can be safely and reliably returned for passenger tours.
| Re: Blackpool trams don't go to Fleetwood any more In "Buses and other ways to travel" [379418/32481/5] Posted by grahame at 06:58, 11th September 2026 | |
They terminate at Fishers Wharf,and the bus takes you to the Fleetwood stop.
This is due to possible collapse of a building on the tram route.
Surprised that
1)There are no departure display boards on any of the tram stops
2) There are no ticket issuing machines at any of the tram stops
This is due to possible collapse of a building on the tram route.
Surprised that
1)There are no departure display boards on any of the tram stops
2) There are no ticket issuing machines at any of the tram stops
19th Jun 2026 onwards
Lord Street in Fleetwood is currently closed due to a dangerous building.
All trams are terminating at Fisherman's Walk. Stops at London Street, Victoria Street and Fleetwood Ferry cannot be served. A free shuttle bus provided by Wyre Council links Elm Street bus stop (next to Fisherman's Walk tram stop) to Fleetwood Market, running on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays running every 15 minutes between 10am and 3pm. At other times services 5 and 14 serve Fleetwood Market and Fleetwood Ferry.
Lord Street in Fleetwood is currently closed due to a dangerous building.
All trams are terminating at Fisherman's Walk. Stops at London Street, Victoria Street and Fleetwood Ferry cannot be served. A free shuttle bus provided by Wyre Council links Elm Street bus stop (next to Fisherman's Walk tram stop) to Fleetwood Market, running on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays running every 15 minutes between 10am and 3pm. At other times services 5 and 14 serve Fleetwood Market and Fleetwood Ferry.
This is a temporary change - "Sorry for any inconvenience caused and we will resume normal services once the building is made safe or demolished and the road reopens."
| Blackpool trams don't go to Fleetwood any more In "Buses and other ways to travel" [379417/32481/5] Posted by infoman at 06:05, 11th September 2026 | |
They terminate at Fishers Wharf,and the bus takes you to the Fleetwood stop.
This is due to possible collapse of a building on the tram route.
Surprised that
1)There are no departure display boards on any of the tram stops
2) There are no ticket issuing machines at any of the tram stops
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [379416/32456/31] Posted by broadgage at 01:14, 11th September 2026 | |
That was my thoughts, what do we use D cells for now?
OS in post CFN.
OS in post CFN.
D cells are less used than in years gone by, but have the merit of costing about twice as much as AA cells but giving from 6 to 10 times the capacity.
Mainly used in larger torches and lanterns. Four D cells in a torch with a 700 ma bulb will run for about 12 hours, with AA cells under 2 hours.
D cells can also be used, with an adaptor, in railway type Bardic lamps, now that the correct AD 28 batteries are extinct.
| Re: Project Churchward - future regional fleet for the West, new rolling stock to replace DMUs In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [379415/27482/40] Posted by John D at 22:41, 10th September 2026 | |
Nothing yet for GWR, but seems new train orders for UK have started again.
I don't think there has been any non Open Access orders since 2019 (except the 10 extra Elizabeth line trains and the 10 CAF class 387s for LNER)
29 x 5car trains for Transpennine have just been announced (but not until 2034) from Alstom at Derby
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd94y7d7qyzo
