Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Thoughts, tangents, personal big data. May I bore you for my enjoyment? In "Introductions and chat" [367597/30964/1] Posted by grahame at 20:43, 30th October 2025 |      |
For example, for a typical block of 4K of 16 bit words you need 16 core planes, each with an array of 64x64 cores, and three or four wires threaded through each of them. Tektronix's main competition was DEC's GT40 terminals, based on a computer with core memory. At the start of the 1970s that cost twice as much as a Tek 4010, but the difference dropped over a few years. And customers preferred the live vector display (though no-one liked the light pens!). You also got a proper computer built in, and a free copy of Moonlander.
Indeed - but the 4010 with 1024x768 addressing on an 11" screen was surpassed by the 4014 with 4096x3120 addressing on a 19" and the 4016 on a 26" screen. And they were used for the very high res stuff. All these years later, I can probably let it slip that the profit margin on the 4014 was - err - rather good and at the same time production could not keep up with demand - very long lead shipping times. The production process at times was a bit delicate, and at one time it was said that the rejection rate suddenly shot up to 70% because of the deodorant (or was it perfume?) one of the production staff used. Of course, this was all pretty confidential stuff at the time but 40 years later ....
| Re: What is there to do in Falmouth? Enough for how many people? In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [367596/31002/25] Posted by eightonedee at 20:41, 30th October 2025 | |
Well, 6,000 is a lot of people for what is not a large town centre, confined to a peninsula, but if you don't have that many the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and Pendennis Castle are both well worth a visit. I would imagine both would be absolutely overwhelmed by that number of visitors, and cannot imagine it is remotely possible to arrange a large number of visits to Cornish sites at short notice to absorb them.
I have some sympathy with the cruise line operators having to find something to occupy that number of people for a day. Do they simply go back to Southampton and offer a refund of most of the cost? With the benefit of hindsight, that might have been better, albeit guaranteeing spoilt holidays for all.
| Re: Thoughts, tangents, personal big data. May I bore you for my enjoyment? In "Introductions and chat" [367595/30964/1] Posted by stuving at 20:02, 30th October 2025 | |
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storage_tube; "They were replaced with other technologies, notably core memory."
Somewhere I worked I can remember rows of ladies sat winding core stores. Not my work area, but presumably each one was one bit. There was a programming device, presumably same technology, consisting of eight lamps and nine switches. You set your lamps (1 or 0) and used the ninth switch to load the byte of data. All in the name of hardening equipment for military use.
How the world has moved on.
Somewhere I worked I can remember rows of ladies sat winding core stores. Not my work area, but presumably each one was one bit. There was a programming device, presumably same technology, consisting of eight lamps and nine switches. You set your lamps (1 or 0) and used the ninth switch to load the byte of data. All in the name of hardening equipment for military use.
How the world has moved on.
I'm sure production of core store was automated to some extent, but it remained expensive. Core was also inherently slow, with only modest improvements over time. By the later 1970s it was semiconductor memory that was taking over, and of course since it had learned Moore's Law it got rapidly cheaper and faster.
For example, for a typical block of 4K of 16 bit words you need 16 core planes, each with an array of 64x64 cores, and three or four wires threaded through each of them. Tektronix's main competition was DEC's GT40 terminals, based on a computer with core memory. At the start of the 1970s that cost twice as much as a Tek 4010, but the difference dropped over a few years. And customers preferred the live vector display (though no-one liked the light pens!). You also got a proper computer built in, and a free copy of Moonlander.
| What is there to do in Falmouth? Enough for how many people? In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [367594/31002/25] Posted by grahame at 19:57, 30th October 2025 | |
From the Western Daily Echo
“You then had 6,000 people who could not get around Falmouth – there is not a lot there.
| Re: Thoughts, tangents, personal big data. May I bore you for my enjoyment? In "Introductions and chat" [367593/30964/1] Posted by CyclingSid at 19:37, 30th October 2025 | |
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storage_tube; "They were replaced with other technologies, notably core memory."
Somewhere I worked I can remember rows of ladies sat winding core stores. Not my work area, but presumably each one was one bit. There was a programming device, presumably same technology, consisting of eight lamps and nine switches. You set your lamps (1 or 0) and used the ninth switch to load the byte of data. All in the name of hardening equipment for military use.
How the world has moved on.
| Re: Portishead Line reopening for passengers - ongoing discussion In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [367592/231/28] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:52, 30th October 2025 | |
From WECA, see https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/news/final-enabling-works-underway-for-portishead-line/
Final enabling works underway for Portishead Line
Reopening the Portishead railway line to passengers for the first time in 60 years is moving closer with the final phase of enabling works now underway, paving the way for construction to start in 2026.
The multi-million-pound project was given the green light by the Department for Transport (DfT) back in July thanks to an over £47 million government funding boost.
The reopening of the line, which was axed in the 1960s during Beeching cuts, will slash travel times in half and help reduce road congestion.
New stations will be built at Portishead and Pill, with trains initially running hourly along the line to/from Bristol Temple Meads in 2028.
This new phase of preparatory works includes clearing vegetation and trees along sections of the disused line. Clearing the land will create the space needed to build temporary construction compounds, car parks, the two new stations, and the railway line itself.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
"In a new chapter here in the West, the final enabling works are underway to move towards building two new stations and reopening the Portishead railway line.
“Working with North Somerset Council, the government, Network Rail, and GWR, this investment in new train stations at Pill and Portishead will cut congestion, give people a quicker, greener travel option, and unlock sites for much-needed new homes.
“We have secured a record £752 million from government for further transport improvements over the coming years, with an ambition for four trains per hour at stations across our growing regional rail network.”
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:
"I know trains from Portishead have been a longtime coming, which is why it’s great to be able to announce a start to works that will pave the way for construction in 2026. It is really happening!
“When journeys to Temple Meads make a return to train timetables, the reopened Portishead to Bristol line will transform our region as 50,000 people are connected back into the rail network.
“This makes the line more than just the new stations at Portishead and Pill, because when passengers finally pull into platforms at Temple Meads, they will also be able to enjoy all the benefits of onward travel.
“These are journeys that will unlock the West and the rest of the country, whilst also creating inward and outward investment that’s key to an estimated £43m of economic growth each year.
“As always, it’s joint effort and I’d like to thank the continued support of our partners at the West of England Combined Authority, Network Rail, Department for Transport and GWR.”
Sadik Al-Hassan, MP for North Somerset, said:
“I know how important the reopening of these two stations in Pill and Portishead are to the residents of North Somerset, and the understandable scepticism following years of broken promises.
“The project has resembled more a rollercoaster than a train over the past decade, but the delivery of this long-awaited trainline shows what we can achieve working together. I can't wait to take that first train, and I will keep pushing every step of the way to make sure delivery meets expectations.”
Marcus Jones, Network Rail Western Route Director, said:
“This week marks the start of our work to reopen the Portishead line as we begin clearing vegetation to allow for construction work to begin early next year. This project has been a long-standing ambition and we’re excited to now be at the delivery phase.
“Working closely with our partners at the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, North Somerset Council and GWR, we’ll be delivering faster, greener travel options for communities that haven’t been directly on the railway network for more than 60 years, and opening doors to economic opportunities across the region.”
Matt Barnes, Great Western Railway’s Head of Strategic Service Development, said:
“It is exciting to see the start of these preparatory works – a major milestone in realising this long held ambition for train services between Bristol and Portishead as part of the wider Metro West programme.
“Great Western Railway is focused on working with our partners to help bring to fruition the reopening of this route for communities in the region.”
The clearance works, which begin in Portishead and continue onward to Pill, follow on from comprehensive ecological works which have helped to protect local wildlife and their habitats. The works will continue to be closely monitored by qualified ecologists.
Two new railway stations have opened in the region since 2023 - Portway Park & Ride and Ashley Down - with five more in total planned including North Filton, Henbury and Charfield as part of a wider £400 million investment.
To find out more go to: Portishead rail line: MetroWest Phase 1 - WEST
Reopening the Portishead railway line to passengers for the first time in 60 years is moving closer with the final phase of enabling works now underway, paving the way for construction to start in 2026.
The multi-million-pound project was given the green light by the Department for Transport (DfT) back in July thanks to an over £47 million government funding boost.
The reopening of the line, which was axed in the 1960s during Beeching cuts, will slash travel times in half and help reduce road congestion.
New stations will be built at Portishead and Pill, with trains initially running hourly along the line to/from Bristol Temple Meads in 2028.
This new phase of preparatory works includes clearing vegetation and trees along sections of the disused line. Clearing the land will create the space needed to build temporary construction compounds, car parks, the two new stations, and the railway line itself.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
"In a new chapter here in the West, the final enabling works are underway to move towards building two new stations and reopening the Portishead railway line.
“Working with North Somerset Council, the government, Network Rail, and GWR, this investment in new train stations at Pill and Portishead will cut congestion, give people a quicker, greener travel option, and unlock sites for much-needed new homes.
“We have secured a record £752 million from government for further transport improvements over the coming years, with an ambition for four trains per hour at stations across our growing regional rail network.”
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:
"I know trains from Portishead have been a longtime coming, which is why it’s great to be able to announce a start to works that will pave the way for construction in 2026. It is really happening!
“When journeys to Temple Meads make a return to train timetables, the reopened Portishead to Bristol line will transform our region as 50,000 people are connected back into the rail network.
“This makes the line more than just the new stations at Portishead and Pill, because when passengers finally pull into platforms at Temple Meads, they will also be able to enjoy all the benefits of onward travel.
“These are journeys that will unlock the West and the rest of the country, whilst also creating inward and outward investment that’s key to an estimated £43m of economic growth each year.
“As always, it’s joint effort and I’d like to thank the continued support of our partners at the West of England Combined Authority, Network Rail, Department for Transport and GWR.”
Sadik Al-Hassan, MP for North Somerset, said:
“I know how important the reopening of these two stations in Pill and Portishead are to the residents of North Somerset, and the understandable scepticism following years of broken promises.
“The project has resembled more a rollercoaster than a train over the past decade, but the delivery of this long-awaited trainline shows what we can achieve working together. I can't wait to take that first train, and I will keep pushing every step of the way to make sure delivery meets expectations.”
Marcus Jones, Network Rail Western Route Director, said:
“This week marks the start of our work to reopen the Portishead line as we begin clearing vegetation to allow for construction work to begin early next year. This project has been a long-standing ambition and we’re excited to now be at the delivery phase.
“Working closely with our partners at the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, North Somerset Council and GWR, we’ll be delivering faster, greener travel options for communities that haven’t been directly on the railway network for more than 60 years, and opening doors to economic opportunities across the region.”
Matt Barnes, Great Western Railway’s Head of Strategic Service Development, said:
“It is exciting to see the start of these preparatory works – a major milestone in realising this long held ambition for train services between Bristol and Portishead as part of the wider Metro West programme.
“Great Western Railway is focused on working with our partners to help bring to fruition the reopening of this route for communities in the region.”
The clearance works, which begin in Portishead and continue onward to Pill, follow on from comprehensive ecological works which have helped to protect local wildlife and their habitats. The works will continue to be closely monitored by qualified ecologists.
Two new railway stations have opened in the region since 2023 - Portway Park & Ride and Ashley Down - with five more in total planned including North Filton, Henbury and Charfield as part of a wider £400 million investment.
To find out more go to: Portishead rail line: MetroWest Phase 1 - WEST
| Donor offers £1m to restore Brunel's 'other bridge' in Cumberland Basin, Bristol In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [367591/31001/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:28, 30th October 2025 | |
From the BBC:
'Brunel's other bridge' has sat unused on the Cumberland Basin for 57 years
An anonymous donor has promised to contribute half of the funds needed to restore "Brunel's other bridge".
The 176-year-old Grade II-listed swing bridge in the Cumberland Basin, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was closed 57 years ago and replaced by the Plimsoll Bridge.
Charity Brunel Swivel Bridge Group aims to restore it in time for its 180th anniversary in 2029, at a cost of £2m.
Geoff Wallis, secretary of the group, said: "We are thrilled to have been promised £1m towards restoring this incredibly important bridge."
Once restored, Mr Wallis said the bridge, known locally as "Brunel's other bridge", will provide a new link between the north and south sides of the docks for walkers, runners, cyclists and wheelchair users.
Group leaders are negotiating a lease with the council so the restoration can take place in time for the target completion date of 2029.
Mr Wallis said: "It's early days for the project still, and we're talking to senior people in the council, but so far folk have been very supportive. I think we all share the vision. The problem is there are practical issues about another bridge turning across the entrance to an operational harbour."
The bridge was constructed in 1849, a few years after Brunel's SS Great Britain. For 120 years it carried a road across Brunel's Entrance Lock to Bristol City Docks, rotating on four fixed wheels driven by a hydraulic mechanism. Following its closure, the bridge was placed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register in 2011.
Mr Wallis added: "I'm looking forward to standing on the lock gates over there and seeing these 75 tonnes of historic structure moving silently towards me."
| Re: Thoughts, tangents, personal big data. May I bore you for my enjoyment? In "Introductions and chat" [367590/30964/1] Posted by Mark A at 18:21, 30th October 2025 | |
| 'Most bashed' rail bridge hit three times in a week - Ely, Cambridgeshire In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [367589/31000/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:50, 30th October 2025 | |
From the BBC:
The roof and sides of a van were ripped off when it got stuck under the bridge last week
A railway bridge dubbed the "most bashed" in Britain has been hit again — three times so far this month.
Network Rail awarded the dubious accolade to the structure in Stuntney Road/Bridge Road in Ely, Cambridgeshire, with 18 incidents recorded in 2023-24. It has been struck again with three vehicles hitting the low bridge last week.
Network Rail said: "Our maintenance teams carried out thorough inspections after each incident and confirmed there was no structural damage to the bridge." The company confirmed three separate incidents of vehicles bashing the bridge on 20, 22 and 24 October.
Local residents took to Facebook group Spotted in Ely to comment on the latest spate of strikes. One called it the "Britney bridge — Hit me baby one more time" after the singer Britney Spears's hit single. And several added, sarcastically: "If only there was a warning sign".
In previous years, lorries and large vans, including one carrying trays of tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables, have all got wedged beneath the bridge.
The bridge has been hit many times over the years despite warning signs
| Re: Thoughts, tangents, personal big data. May I bore you for my enjoyment? In "Introductions and chat" [367588/30964/1] Posted by grahame at 16:26, 30th October 2025 | |
an Interdata minicomputer close coupled to a storage tube
I can't even begin to imagine...
Mark
I can't even begin to imagine...
Mark
From the archives ...
Real:
Imaginary:
| Re: Rail trespassers warned to 'stay off the tracks' by Network Rail and Police In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [367587/30982/51] Posted by matth1j at 16:14, 30th October 2025 | |
Shocking CCTV shows balaclava-clad teen 'playing chicken' with high-speed train at level crossing
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15242289/video-death-CCTV-teen-chicken-high-speed-train-crossing.html| Re: Thoughts, tangents, personal big data. May I bore you for my enjoyment? In "Introductions and chat" [367586/30964/1] Posted by CyclingSid at 16:06, 30th October 2025 | |
For those who might want to re-visit the digital days of yore:
https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/reading%E2%80%99s-digital-revolution-exhibition
Not been, but there again I was an analogue endangered species.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [367585/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 15:55, 30th October 2025 | |
1W02 11:52 London Paddington to Hereford (14:44) : +7 at Oxford, +17 at Shrub Hill, arrived Ledbury +19 and cancelled thereafter.
15:18 Hereford to London Paddington due 18:29 will be started from Ledbury.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:30/10/2025 14:43
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:30/10/2025 14:43
16:30 update:
17:04 Didcot Parkway to Evesham due 18:23 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Last Updated:30/10/2025 16:05
18:51 Evesham to Oxford due 19:50 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Last Updated:30/10/2025 16:05
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Last Updated:30/10/2025 16:05
18:51 Evesham to Oxford due 19:50 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Last Updated:30/10/2025 16:05
| Re: Nasa’s supersonic passenger plane makes first flight In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [367584/30996/52] Posted by Clan Line at 14:39, 30th October 2025 | |
That's quite a misleading headline from The Telegraph.
Agree, that 1 + 0 seating just won't catch on !
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2025 In "TransWilts line" [367583/29726/18] Posted by bobm at 14:36, 30th October 2025 | |
17:50 Gloucester to Westbury due 19:26
17:50 Gloucester to Westbury due 19:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
17:50 Gloucester to Westbury due 19:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Was previously terminating short at Swindon.
| Re: drop in bus event for North Somerset In "Buses and other ways to travel" [367582/30922/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:27, 30th October 2025 | |
| Junction Railwayana - Collectors' fairs 2026 In "Railway History and related topics" [367581/30999/55] Posted by grahame at 12:40, 30th October 2025 | |
From Junction Railwayana in a Facebook Post
BRISTOL RAILWAYANA COLLECTORS FAIR & AUCTION.
Dear followers, just another update on this exciting new event for the South West. Im currently working on the design of a flyer and the basic layout background is done. Now I have to play around with fonts etc and get all the essentials in.
I now can confirm the 3 dates for 2026. This has been a difficult task as I have to work around other established and planned event plus what dates the venue has! The dates are 7th March. 13th June and 5th September.
This event will be held at the BAWA , British Aerospace Welfare Association in Filton , Bristol. 10 minutes from Junction 16 of M5 A38. Bus service from Bristol parkway Station via Stagecoach No 10 with bus stop right outside entrance on Southmead Road. Free onsite parking for over 200 cars, 7 new EV charging points, disabled parking, large sports bar service quality hot bar meals with good menu. This place has everything for a successful, easy to get to and an enjoyable event with over 50 hand picked traders. Any traders interested in stalling at this event please contact Joe Nemeth on 01291 790354 or 07794 399335. Email enquiries to admin@junctionrailwayana.com
Dear followers, just another update on this exciting new event for the South West. Im currently working on the design of a flyer and the basic layout background is done. Now I have to play around with fonts etc and get all the essentials in.
I now can confirm the 3 dates for 2026. This has been a difficult task as I have to work around other established and planned event plus what dates the venue has! The dates are 7th March. 13th June and 5th September.
This event will be held at the BAWA , British Aerospace Welfare Association in Filton , Bristol. 10 minutes from Junction 16 of M5 A38. Bus service from Bristol parkway Station via Stagecoach No 10 with bus stop right outside entrance on Southmead Road. Free onsite parking for over 200 cars, 7 new EV charging points, disabled parking, large sports bar service quality hot bar meals with good menu. This place has everything for a successful, easy to get to and an enjoyable event with over 50 hand picked traders. Any traders interested in stalling at this event please contact Joe Nemeth on 01291 790354 or 07794 399335. Email enquiries to admin@junctionrailwayana.com
| Cheap family fare offer - TO Plymouth, London, Cardiff In "Fare's Fair" [367580/30998/4] Posted by grahame at 09:30, 30th October 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
Advert from GWR than came up sponsored on Facebook:
Interesting choice to highlight the one way fare on what (at first glance) looks like a natural outing for which day or period return prices might be what most people will end up paying.
Went back to Facebook to give a direct link - but my feed has moved on!
| Re: Mostly the South West. Disused Railways. Which should still be here today? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [367579/30990/28] Posted by grahame at 09:12, 30th October 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
8, the A354 bridge over the onward route from Weymouth to the Isle of Portland?
Mark
Mark
Gosh I can see the similarity:
but, no, it isn't.
| Re: Mostly the South West. Disused Railways. Which should still be here today? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [367578/30990/28] Posted by Mark A at 08:47, 30th October 2025 | |
8, the A354 bridge over the onward route from Weymouth to the Isle of Portland?
Mark
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [367577/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 07:32, 30th October 2025 | |
Thursday October 30
Presumably this is indicative of engine failures:
05:16 Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington due 07:24 will no longer call at Honeybourne.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:30/10/2025 01:54
RTT reports it as being a 9-car set, 800 321.This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:30/10/2025 01:54
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2025 In "TransWilts line" [367576/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 05:28, 30th October 2025 | |
On the planned timetable changes which I suspect are the side-effects of the Bath to Bristol closure ...
The 06:06 from Swindon is running to Weymouth rather than to Southampton Central today (this week?). As from the December timetable change, this journey works as a connection at Westbury. Unofficially, it usually does already and is made use of by multiple people on a daily basis.
The 20:06 Westbury to Swindon (and on up the South Cotswold line) is not running - not reported here as a late change, and its disappearance won't make the line stats. And with today's cancellation of the through train from Portsmouth north of Swindon - which has been reasonably substitute for the 21:31 from Westbury, leaves the last running departure from Westbury for Swindon as early as 18:53!
The 22:31 Swindon to Westbury train (due 23:12) is replaced by a bus from Chippenham at 22:46. A connecting train runs from Swindon at 22:06 (toward Bath) - 25 minutes earlier than the normal last train, and the bus gets to Westbury at 23:39 - 27 minutes later than the train would. Not even on the line that's being worked on ;-) ... illustrates the difference between a train service (41 minutes) and a rail / bus alternative (93 minutes).
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2025 In "TransWilts line" [367575/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 04:56, 30th October 2025 | |
17:50 Gloucester to Westbury due 19:26
17:50 Gloucester to Westbury due 19:26 will be terminated at Swindon.
It will no longer call at Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
17:50 Gloucester to Westbury due 19:26 will be terminated at Swindon.
It will no longer call at Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
19:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Swindon due 21:59
19:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Swindon due 21:59 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham and Swindon.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
19:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Swindon due 21:59 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham and Swindon.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: drop in bus event for North Somerset In "Buses and other ways to travel" [367574/30922/5] Posted by infoman at 03:42, 30th October 2025 | |
another local bus meeting taking place.
https://www.portishead.gov.uk/residents-bus-meeting
| Cross country strike suspended on Saturday 1st November 2025 In "Cross Country services" [367573/30997/43] Posted by infoman at 03:06, 30th October 2025 | |
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/travel-information/disruption/industrial-action
| Re: Mostly the South West. Disused Railways. Which should still be here today? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [367572/30990/28] Posted by grahame at 21:29, 29th October 2025 | |
7. I'll take a bit of a long shot, and venture to suggest that it's Whaddon Bridge at Alderbury, Wiltshire. The railway would have been the Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway.
Again, with my limited knowledge of the area, I wouldn't like to say whether it should still be open - but I suspect not.
Again, with my limited knowledge of the area, I wouldn't like to say whether it should still be open - but I suspect not.
It isn't ... and in fact that's not a line I know at all. Salisbury to Wimborne wasn't it?
There are some old trackbeds - the ones at Seend, on the Devizes flight and at Hamble and Newquay which it would be crazy to get re-instated as part of the national passenger network, and it's really hard to see the line north west of Cortyon coming back - passenger flows covered on the line it was closely parallel to. Similarly, Oxford does need more capacity but not over a swing bridge and the capacity to terminate from the north has been added.
Many - even most - of the others need a rethink and a new context, but I could see a scenario in which ... some far more distant than others.
| Re: Mostly the South West. Disused Railways. Which should still be here today? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [367571/30990/28] Posted by grahame at 21:27, 29th October 2025 | |
17. That's another canal-related one, I think - but I'm rather wary about that now. 
Yes - it is canal related ... canals and railways both follow(ed) valley bottoms and then rise through the same passes from one watershed to the next.
| Re: Mostly the South West. Disused Railways. Which should still be here today? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [367570/30990/28] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:15, 29th October 2025 | |
17. That's another canal-related one, I think - but I'm rather wary about that now.
| Re: Mostly the South West. Disused Railways. Which should still be here today? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [367569/30990/28] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:02, 29th October 2025 | |
7. I'll take a bit of a long shot, and venture to suggest that it's Whaddon Bridge at Alderbury, Wiltshire. The railway would have been the Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway.
Again, with my limited knowledge of the area, I wouldn't like to say whether it should still be open - but I suspect not.
| Re: Mostly the South West. Disused Railways. Which should still be here today? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [367568/30990/28] Posted by grahame at 20:08, 29th October 2025 | |
Here we go .... just four left unidentified which for a set of earthworks and bridges is remarkably good going
1. Hayling Island branch
CyclingSid, and with a fascinating insight
confirmed by eightonedee
2. Foxhangers on the Devizes line
Chris from Nailsea
3. Weymouth to Portland Line at Wyke Regis
eightonedee
4. Yarmouth IOW
Ray951
5. Yatton on the Strawberry Line
ChrisfN
6. Cortyon
MarkA - with an interesting example of a line buit and not used (my understanding is that it was used by a single train)
10. Hamble
Ray951
Interestimg further data from CyclingSid
11. Seend Cleeve, tramway to Seend Iron Works
bradshaw
12. Tramway - Caen Hill, Devizes
bradshaw - also noting tramway
Identified as Prison Bridge by Chris from Nailsea
13. Mangotsfield
chuffed
14. Near Midford, Somerset and Dorset
johnneyw, and yes it could make a useful part of the network
15. Ventnor
PhilWakely
16. Oxford - LNWR Station
ChrisB
18. Newquay
TonyN
19. Yeovil Town
brooklea and bradshaw - plenty of data
20. Midland and South West Juntion towards Ludgershall
Kennet and Avon,
7.
8.
9.
17.
