Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Day trip to Chetnole - and a walk to Maiden Newton - report and pics In "Heart of Wessex" [361447/30256/19] Posted by froome at 15:04, 11th May 2025 |      |
"City" of Chetnole?
Written tongue in cheek - but there have been smaller. Remember I am bilingual (American and English):
Maza – the former least populated city in the USA
At 8 square miles and a population of five (yes, five), Maza was both the least populated city in the USA and least densely populated city. The reason for the past tense is that, despite being founded way back in 1893, Maza’s city status was dissolved in 2002.
At 8 square miles and a population of five (yes, five), Maza was both the least populated city in the USA and least densely populated city. The reason for the past tense is that, despite being founded way back in 1893, Maza’s city status was dissolved in 2002.
City Dulas in Anglesey would be a good contender for our smallest 'city'.
| [otd] 13th May (1985) - Melksham Station re-opened In "TransWilts line" [361446/30262/18] Posted by grahame at 12:21, 11th May 2025 Already liked by PhilWakely, Timmer | |
Much of the old content is scattered around the archives.
We have moved forward from nothing to a service that provided for the specific flow of commuters from Melksham to Swindon to various experimental, thin, and unreliable services. Forty years!
The service remains thin and unreliable. We all acknowledge that - and look forward, let's say to the 50th anniversary, where it is appropriate and reliable. The very actions of improving the service and having a service that people can rely on will bring in more passengers, as will population growth, information provision, and local connectivity within Melksham.
| Re: HOW late is your public transport journey? In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [361443/29213/51] Posted by grahame at 11:07, 11th May 2025 | |
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cql23xrwpgko
'Perpetual honeymoon' for stranded cruise ship couple married at sea
They should have been on a round-the-world cruise for the next three years - instead they were stranded in Belfast.
The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship was to depart from Northern Ireland last May, but issues with its rudder stocks meant its guests were marooned in the city for more than four months.
Shipmates Angela Harsanyi and Gian Perroni met while commuting daily from hotel accommodation to the ship, where they were allowed to work remotely during the day while repairs were carried out.
Behind schedule, and on the dry dock, the maintenance work was long enough for the pair of strangers to meet, fall in love and get engaged by the River Lagan.
They should have been on a round-the-world cruise for the next three years - instead they were stranded in Belfast.
The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship was to depart from Northern Ireland last May, but issues with its rudder stocks meant its guests were marooned in the city for more than four months.
Shipmates Angela Harsanyi and Gian Perroni met while commuting daily from hotel accommodation to the ship, where they were allowed to work remotely during the day while repairs were carried out.
Behind schedule, and on the dry dock, the maintenance work was long enough for the pair of strangers to meet, fall in love and get engaged by the River Lagan.
| Re: Day trip to Chetnole - and a walk to Maiden Newton - report and pics In "Heart of Wessex" [361442/30256/19] Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:03, 11th May 2025 Already liked by grahame | |
"City" of Chetnole?
Written tongue in cheek - but there have been smaller. Remember I am bilingual (American and English):
Maza – the former least populated city in the USA
At 8 square miles and a population of five (yes, five), Maza was both the least populated city in the USA and least densely populated city. The reason for the past tense is that, despite being founded way back in 1893, Maza’s city status was dissolved in 2002.
At 8 square miles and a population of five (yes, five), Maza was both the least populated city in the USA and least densely populated city. The reason for the past tense is that, despite being founded way back in 1893, Maza’s city status was dissolved in 2002.
As a citizen of the throbbing metropolis of Taplow I understand.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361441/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 11:02, 11th May 2025 | |
I am getting confused ... and not risking any trains today!
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Further Information
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:11/05/2025 10:21
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Further Information
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:11/05/2025 10:21
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [361440/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 10:55, 11th May 2025 | |
Saturday May 11
1W37 18:52 London Paddington to Great Malvern : cancelled throughgout, "due to an issue with the train crew (TG)" [RTT].
| Re: First Bus and FlixBus strike deal to expand services across South West In "Buses and other ways to travel" [361439/29456/5] Posted by GBM at 10:49, 11th May 2025 | |
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2821xdn4zo
A German travel company has added three connections in Cornwall as part of National Coach Week.
FlixBus said from May 15 passengers would be able to use its service to commute to and from Newquay, Truro and Penzance.
The company, which was founded in 2011, also has depots in Penryn, Plymouth and Exeter.
.....Continues............
| Re: Champion Reflections In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [361438/30259/47] Posted by GBM at 10:30, 11th May 2025 | |
Marvellous photos Phil,for which many thanks.
Champion is looking great and sounding marvellous,one slight concern was early on in the day she was dispensing large quantities of white smoke,from both exhausts ,enough to put the Chimney in Rome to shame !
However once fully warmed up and having been allowed to stretch her legs a bit normal service was restored and the usual mid grey Clag returned,hope to ride behind again before much longer.
Any chance of reflective tour washup please Western Pathfinder?Champion is looking great and sounding marvellous,one slight concern was early on in the day she was dispensing large quantities of white smoke,from both exhausts ,enough to put the Chimney in Rome to shame !
However once fully warmed up and having been allowed to stretch her legs a bit normal service was restored and the usual mid grey Clag returned,hope to ride behind again before much longer.
Would be interested to know your thoughts - too long/too expensive/etc.........
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361437/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 10:09, 11th May 2025 | |
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 13:32
13:32 Swindon to Westbury due 14:48
Additional 13:32 Swindon to Westbury due 14:48 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Additional Information
The additional bus will no longer run as the train is now reinstated.
13:32 Swindon to Westbury due 14:48
Additional 13:32 Swindon to Westbury due 14:48 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Additional Information
The additional bus will no longer run as the train is now reinstated.
| Re: Day trip to Chetnole - and a walk to Maiden Newton - report and pics In "Heart of Wessex" [361436/30256/19] Posted by grahame at 09:58, 11th May 2025 | |
"City" of Chetnole?
Written tongue in cheek - but there have been smaller. Remember I am bilingual (American and English):
Maza – the former least populated city in the USA
At 8 square miles and a population of five (yes, five), Maza was both the least populated city in the USA and least densely populated city. The reason for the past tense is that, despite being founded way back in 1893, Maza’s city status was dissolved in 2002.
At 8 square miles and a population of five (yes, five), Maza was both the least populated city in the USA and least densely populated city. The reason for the past tense is that, despite being founded way back in 1893, Maza’s city status was dissolved in 2002.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361435/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 09:51, 11th May 2025 | |
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 13:32
13:32 Swindon to Westbury due 14:48
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 13:32 Swindon to Westbury due 14:48.
Additional Information
For customers travelling between Swindon and Westbury taxis have been arranged to run from Swindon to Westbury at 13:32 calling Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge. For customers at these stations intending to travel beyond Westbury, the taxis will set you down at the station you require between Westbury and Weymouth, please inform the taxi driver. The taxis are from Bath Taxis Limited. Before getting in any taxi vehicle please check with the driver that they are working on behalf of GWR, the driver should not ask for payment.
13:32 Swindon to Westbury due 14:48
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 13:32 Swindon to Westbury due 14:48.
Additional Information
For customers travelling between Swindon and Westbury taxis have been arranged to run from Swindon to Westbury at 13:32 calling Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge. For customers at these stations intending to travel beyond Westbury, the taxis will set you down at the station you require between Westbury and Weymouth, please inform the taxi driver. The taxis are from Bath Taxis Limited. Before getting in any taxi vehicle please check with the driver that they are working on behalf of GWR, the driver should not ask for payment.
| Re: Day trip to Chetnole - and a walk to Maiden Newton - report and pics In "Heart of Wessex" [361434/30256/19] Posted by TaplowGreen at 09:48, 11th May 2025 | |
Part 1
Friday 9th May 2025 ... 06:32 Melksham towards Southampton, change at Westbury (06:48 arrival to 06:50 departure) onto the train towards Weymouth. The risky change works, as I understand it "usually" does from regulars. You know who they are because they position themselves for a rapid sprint though the subway!
The train calls on request at Thornford (where we picked up three people), Yetminster (which we skipped) and Chetnole (where it stopped just to let me off.
The city of Chetnole is situated a few hundred yards from the station, which is set in the countryside. Makes sense really, as a railway station in the city itself and no-where near the railway would not make sense. More seriously, the station is a rare survivor of the major cull around 60 years ago, said to have been because of the narrow lanes making it hard to run replacement buses. These days, it's well kept though not wheel chair accessible, and I wonder if it much more use could be made of it by extending Chetnole (OK, it's a village really) toward the station - Cranbrook and Copplestone stile - and there are a handful of others in GWR territory where it has happened or there's obvious potential.
Friday 9th May 2025 ... 06:32 Melksham towards Southampton, change at Westbury (06:48 arrival to 06:50 departure) onto the train towards Weymouth. The risky change works, as I understand it "usually" does from regulars. You know who they are because they position themselves for a rapid sprint though the subway!
The train calls on request at Thornford (where we picked up three people), Yetminster (which we skipped) and Chetnole (where it stopped just to let me off.
The city of Chetnole is situated a few hundred yards from the station, which is set in the countryside. Makes sense really, as a railway station in the city itself and no-where near the railway would not make sense. More seriously, the station is a rare survivor of the major cull around 60 years ago, said to have been because of the narrow lanes making it hard to run replacement buses. These days, it's well kept though not wheel chair accessible, and I wonder if it much more use could be made of it by extending Chetnole (OK, it's a village really) toward the station - Cranbrook and Copplestone stile - and there are a handful of others in GWR territory where it has happened or there's obvious potential.
"City" of Chetnole?
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [361433/18719/26] Posted by grahame at 09:04, 11th May 2025 Already liked by Timmer | |
Extend the bus to Westbury if the trains not running? Or is that too much like common sense?
| Re: Day trip to Chetnole - and a walk to Maiden Newton - report and pics In "Heart of Wessex" [361432/30256/19] Posted by grahame at 09:02, 11th May 2025 | |
Given a station just out of the town/village, it can be rewarding to look for the pavement alongside the road that eased access to it - something that holds good even for long-vanished stations. That's something from which Chetnole doesn't benefit, mind - and even the village's 30 mph limit ends at the village boundary.
At Chetnole, you walk us the steps and though a gate direct onto the main carriageway a few yards from the blind bridge brow of the lane over the railway. Not ideal, and as I walked during the day I found that cars are far quieter ( to me at least ) than they used to be - a combination, perhaps, of engineering, electrics, and my own more limited hearing. BUT - care taken knowing these limitations and it's OK.
That was the site of Cattistock Halt, opposite is Cattistock Cricket Club where I spent many hours trying to play that game.
It looked to me as if that cricket pitch was sloping ... not a test match wicket?
If open the Fox and Hounds at Cattistock would have been the better choice. The Chalk and Cheese used to be called the Brewery Inn. One of three pubs open when I moved there in 1976, the others were the White Horse and the Castle. The latter had a terrace on to the river.
Not knowing the walk / paths, I stopped briefly at the Post Office and store in Cattistock for a can of coke which I drank in the bus shelter, secure in the knowledge that I was not depriving anyone who was waiting for the bus of a seat. And the proceeded to Maiden Newton so that opportunities to get lost, explore, etc were not lot in the need to catch the next train.
The only bus now is the school bus to Beaminster School. There was a regular run years ago running Dorchester, Maiden Newton to Evershot and Yeovil but that stopped some years ago.
I explored the option of walking the route in two halves, picking up a bus / dropping off from a bus on the A37. But there isn't one. Ironically, a coach full of what looked like work people rushed by as I crossed that road. It truly is a public transport desert!
Holywell or Evershot Tunnel was built at the behest of the land owner, Lord Ilchester. The WSWR would have preferred a cutting. Plans at Dorchester Record Office show that the north entrance of Evershot Tunnel needed the cuttings deepened and extended before opening of the line. The road over the tunnel at this point had to be diverted.
Like other Dorset rivers, the Frome has parallel roads on either side - the winter and summer ways. These form a circular walk to Evershot or to Rampisham.
Like other Dorset rivers, the Frome has parallel roads on either side - the winter and summer ways. These form a circular walk to Evershot or to Rampisham.
Fascinating - although I ended up tired at the end of the day, I really saw and learned a lot and the filling in information from members does so much to add to the picture. I may well look to walk from Maiden Newton onwards to Bridport later this summer. The walk to Dorchester more dubious - looks like a long way and perhaps mostly a road walk?
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [361431/18719/26] Posted by Timmer at 08:56, 11th May 2025 | |
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Warminster
Due to a shortage of train crew between Westbury and Warminster fewer trains are able to run on all lines.
Train services running through these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today. Due to a shortage of train crew, we won't be able to run as many trains between Westbury and Warminster as we would like. Planned engineering works are taking place between Warminster and Southampton Central so we already have rail replacement buses running between these stations. We may not be able to run trains to Warminster to meet with the rail replacement buses.
The best way to complete your journey if you're travelling between South Wales / Bristol / Bath and Southampton Central is to take the next available train to Reading. You can then change there for services towards Southampton Central or towards South Wales / Bristol / Bath depending on which direction you're travelling in. Don't worry, your tickets will be accepted at no extra cost on these routes.
To travel between Reading and Southampton Central, you will need to either use direct Cross Country services or GWR services between Reading and Basingstoke and then South Western Railway services between Basingstoke and Southampton Central. Your tickets will also be accepted on these services at no extra cost.
If you are travelling between South Wales / Bristol / Bath and Portsmouth, you should also travel via Reading. If you're travelling from South Wales / Bristol / Bath towards Portsmouth, you should take the first available train to Reading. You should then change at Reading for trains to Guildford. You should then change again at Guildford for South Western Railway services towards Portsmouth. If travelling in the other direction, you should take the first available South Western Railway service to Guildford and change there for trains towards Reading. You should then change at Reading for trains towards South Wales / Bristol / Bath. Don't worry, your tickets will be accepted at no extra cost on these routes.
Due to a shortage of train crew between Westbury and Warminster fewer trains are able to run on all lines.
Train services running through these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today. Due to a shortage of train crew, we won't be able to run as many trains between Westbury and Warminster as we would like. Planned engineering works are taking place between Warminster and Southampton Central so we already have rail replacement buses running between these stations. We may not be able to run trains to Warminster to meet with the rail replacement buses.
The best way to complete your journey if you're travelling between South Wales / Bristol / Bath and Southampton Central is to take the next available train to Reading. You can then change there for services towards Southampton Central or towards South Wales / Bristol / Bath depending on which direction you're travelling in. Don't worry, your tickets will be accepted at no extra cost on these routes.
To travel between Reading and Southampton Central, you will need to either use direct Cross Country services or GWR services between Reading and Basingstoke and then South Western Railway services between Basingstoke and Southampton Central. Your tickets will also be accepted on these services at no extra cost.
If you are travelling between South Wales / Bristol / Bath and Portsmouth, you should also travel via Reading. If you're travelling from South Wales / Bristol / Bath towards Portsmouth, you should take the first available train to Reading. You should then change at Reading for trains to Guildford. You should then change again at Guildford for South Western Railway services towards Portsmouth. If travelling in the other direction, you should take the first available South Western Railway service to Guildford and change there for trains towards Reading. You should then change at Reading for trains towards South Wales / Bristol / Bath. Don't worry, your tickets will be accepted at no extra cost on these routes.
| Re: Champion Reflections In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [361429/30259/47] Posted by Western Pathfinder at 08:29, 11th May 2025 Already liked by GBM, PhilWakely | |
Marvellous photos Phil,for which many thanks.
Champion is looking great and sounding marvellous,one slight concern was early on in the day she was dispensing large quantities of white smoke,from both exhausts ,enough to put the Chimney in Rome to shame !
However once fully warmed up and having been allowed to stretch her legs a bit normal service was restored and the usual mid grey Clag returned,hope to ride behind again before much longer.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361428/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 07:56, 11th May 2025 | |
10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 13:03
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Now changed to
10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 13:03
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46 will be reinstated.
It will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46 will be reinstated.
It will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Still cancelled for my station, then ...
| Last minute at "fill my seat" prices on Eurostar In "Fare's Fair" [361427/30260/4] Posted by grahame at 07:39, 11th May 2025 | |
Has anyone come across - used - this?
https://snap.eurostar.com/uk-en
Spontaneous travel starts here
Get ready to embrace that "pack your bags, we’re off" feeling. With Snap, you can book a spur-of-the-moment trip to one of Europe’s most exciting cities and still enjoy the same great experience on board.
You pick your travel dates and time slot*, we pick your train times, and you get up to 50% off the price of your tickets**. Sometimes it pays to be spontaneous.
If you can be flexible with your travel times, this is the deal for you. Invite up to three friends or travel buddies and enjoy the same comfort and style you’ve come to expect from a Eurostar trip with the added bonus of a lower fare. Just so you know, we can’t guarantee that you’ll all be seated together.
Get ready to embrace that "pack your bags, we’re off" feeling. With Snap, you can book a spur-of-the-moment trip to one of Europe’s most exciting cities and still enjoy the same great experience on board.
You pick your travel dates and time slot*, we pick your train times, and you get up to 50% off the price of your tickets**. Sometimes it pays to be spontaneous.
If you can be flexible with your travel times, this is the deal for you. Invite up to three friends or travel buddies and enjoy the same comfort and style you’ve come to expect from a Eurostar trip with the added bonus of a lower fare. Just so you know, we can’t guarantee that you’ll all be seated together.
| Re: Putting a number on the effect on passengers of cancellations In "Smoke and Mirrors" [361426/30257/3] Posted by grahame at 07:09, 11th May 2025 Already liked by Fourbee | |
It seems logical to me to include catchment population and scheduled service frequency amongst the factors in measuring the effect of cancellations on passengers as well as the cancelation rate, but my initial algorithm is quite a basic one. I have chosen population rather than journey numbers because journey numbers are heavily influenced by the very lack of an appropriate (reliable and frequent enough) service.
Place,population,gap,cancellation,factor
Bath Spa,100000,12,3,3600000
Bradford-on-Avon,10000,20,3,600000
Chippenham,40000,30,3,3600000
Frome,25000,50,3,3750000
Melksham,25000,120,6,18000000
Salisbury,45000,30,2,2700000
Swindon,250000,12,4,12000000
Tisbury,2500,60,1,150000
Trowbridge,40000,20,3,2400000
Warminster,25000,45,3,3375000
Yeovil Pen Mill,50000,75,3,11250000
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [361425/29650/26] Posted by Electric train at 06:33, 11th May 2025 | |
ORR» has made it quite clear to NR that working on a !live" railway is basically no longer permitted without very stringent control measures
Would it be a good idea if the Office of Rail and Road also had responsibility for regulation of road safety? It might, for example, encourage ORR to develop policies that minimise overall casualties, instead of deterring people from using rail and pushing them onto a more dangerous mode of transport.
The ORR regulate health and safety (eg 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act for workforce safety) for the entire mainline rail network in Britain, as well as London Underground, light rail, trams, and the heritage sector, were as for highways this duty lies with the H&S Executive
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [361424/29650/26] Posted by grahame at 06:13, 11th May 2025 Already liked by GBM | |
(Caution: this is a joke)
Might be interesting to see how that works out. Perhaps everytime a repair is necessary on a motorway we can shut it completely until it’s fixed.
Customers/drivers can just find another way home, like taking the M40 and M5 rather than the M4.
Might be interesting to see how that works out. Perhaps everytime a repair is necessary on a motorway we can shut it completely until it’s fixed.
Customers/drivers can just find another way home, like taking the M40 and M5 rather than the M4.
Many a true word written or asked in jest - "reductio ad absurdum". At times it feels like the spirit of thoughtful comedy. And that is - emphaticlally - not - a joke.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361423/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 06:06, 11th May 2025 | |
10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 13:03
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [361422/29650/26] Posted by NickB at 00:22, 11th May 2025 | |
(Caution: this is a joke)
Might be interesting to see how that works out. Perhaps everytime a repair is necessary on a motorway we can shut it completely until it’s fixed.
Customers/drivers can just find another way home, like taking the M40 and M5 rather than the M4.
| Re: Champion Reflections In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [361421/30259/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:26, 10th May 2025 Already liked by PhilWakely, Western Pathfinder, GBM | |
Thank you for those excellent 'reflections', PhilWakely.
| Re: Two plus Three seating in class 150? In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [361420/30255/25] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:20, 10th May 2025 Already liked by broadgage, Timmer, GBM | |
Yes, please don't send broadgage off on that one again.
| Re: Final Destination: Riding Britain’s Trains to the End of the Line In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [361419/30253/49] Posted by Ralph Ayres at 23:13, 10th May 2025 | |
Chesham - Alex Horne, though "lesser-travelled-to" is being stretched a bit I feel. Anyone fancy a trawl through the station usage figures to work out the real least-used? I'd go for some of the current/former ferry ports being likely candidates.
| Champion Reflections In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [361418/30259/47] Posted by PhilWakely at 23:06, 10th May 2025 Already liked by Kempis, Timmer, Andy, Western Pathfinder, Mark A, GBM, Clan Line | |
Vintage Trains ran the 'South Devon Explorer' railtour from Birmingham New Street to Plymouth via Banbury, Bath and Bristol on Saturday, 10th May 2025. The tour was headed throughout by an immaculately turned out Class 52, D1015 'Western Champion'. The return leg had a brief diversion up the South Devon Railway to Buckfastleigh and was assisted from the rear by Class 37, 37240. Weather conditions for photography were perfect.
I photted the outward leg of the tour at Ellerhayes Bridge, between Cullompton and Exeter; the South Devon Railway deviation at Dartington; and finally at Gibraltar Bridge, Cullompton.
As you would expect, photters were out in their numbers! I would have liked a wider angle shot of the tour by the River Dart, but any wider than this would have resulted in a swarm of cameras and photters in the image!
