Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Reading station work leads to 25 extra train cancellations.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-22011472

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Train hits car on Great Coates level crossing killing two.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-22088463

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

HS2 Euston station total rebuild plan scrapped.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22204998

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Some photo's from the Mid Hants Railway's Diesel gala taken yesterday

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joannec...7633366058520/

And a few from my Cambrian Rail Cruise trip last week (uses regular timetabled services and the Ffestiniog)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joannec...7633291257442/

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Some nice photo's there and although we did not go to the Mid Hants gala my Dad and l went to the Steam Railway last year and thoroughly enjoyed it and we will go back this year as my parents only live 40 miles away.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Bigger Birmingham New Street opens its doors.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...opens-its.html

Very nice indeed.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Long overdue, the concrete monstrosity has been a blight on Brum since the original station was demolished. The second phase ending in 2015 will bring natural daylight into the area of the old concourse.

Shame they can't squeeze more platforms in, but with the possibility the old Curzon Street becoming the HS2 station that would help with some of the chronic over capacity New Street has

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Repairs underway for leaking 'space age' station.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...ing-space.html

A bit embarrassing to say the least.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Ooops!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=Yr5EztEPJS8

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Hope that doesn't affect the Manchester Victoria roof of similar construction...

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/Manches...velopment.aspx

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Crossrail 2 consultation opens.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22522884

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/proj...mes/27405.aspx

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

HS2 rail benefits to economy 'unclear', says National Audit Office.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22543860


Do you think it is worth it?.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

As someone who is pro rail I think we lag way behind and HS2 would be a start the whole line to Scotland needs to be started.

The new lines would free a load of capacity on our largely victorian rail network I think the problem is that greed infests every part of the construction and operating sides of the rail industry not to mention all the quango's/advisors etc with their hand in the taxpayers purse

---------- Post added at 07:28 ---------- Previous post was at 07:26 ----------

Spotted this on one of the rail FB groups

http://www.flickr.com/photos/railmil...in/photostream

Cracking pic :)

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Interesting piece from former Mp John Prescott on nationalised rail stystem

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...#ixzz2TiabHevS

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Taking politics out of it l have to agree on much of what he says.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

My family and l went to see the LNER Class A4 4464 Bittern today in its blue liverie at Dawlish Warren this dinnertime.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LNER_Class_A4_4464_Bittern


http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...tern&FORM=IGRE

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Love the A4's Beautiful loco's

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Heritage Steam under threat due to a lack of coal! Words fail me, we're sat on loads of it

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22681141

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Yes according to Mainline steam tours the Union of South Africa could be heading down this way as well.:D

---------- Post added at 17:09 ---------- Previous post was at 17:08 ----------

Utterly staggering.:(

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

London Bridge station roof donated to vale of Rheidol Railway

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-22706442

That will be a really impressive feature for the line :)

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Yes indeed it is a kind gift and will be great for Rheidol Railway.:tu:

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Tube lines could be sponsored to freeze fares, say Tories.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22745677

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Is there anything they won't monetise? You can be sure it won't be the passengers getting the most of any deals like this

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

The Hammersmith and City Line, brought to you by Cadburys? Or the Pepsi Max Northern Line? Sounds hilarious. But if it freezes fares, why not?

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Does one get a free bar or can when one purchases their ticket.:D

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

As mentioned previously in this thread, Kenilworth plans are given the go ahead this afternoon

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...shire-22750955

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

That's excellent news.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

National Railway Museum under threat from funding cuts.

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/1046..._funding_cuts/

Whatever we do we must keep this national treasure even if we all have to pay a admission fee of some sort.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Fears raised over meeting Thameslink deadline.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22771239

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

l went out dinnertime with my partner and my brother to see the Union of South Africa and she looked absolutely magnificent arriving at Plymouth train station before she makes her way to Par.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LNER_Cl...f_South_Africa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM6b_MQaz94

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Agree it has to be saved, but they really should stop pouring endless amounts of money into trying to get Flying Scotsman running again, other loco's in the collection are in a right state some have suggested they pass them on to some of the preserved lines where they'll get the care and attention they desperately need.

---------- Post added at 15:47 ---------- Previous post was at 15:46 ----------

I'm sure she was steaming up at Crewe heritage Centre the other morning as I went past. Tornado was there too looking resplendent

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Network Rail told by regulator to cut costs by £2bn.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22866696

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Directors bonuses might be a good starting place

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/n...ond-bonus.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Yes l echo the same sentiment but alas l cannot see them giving it up.

---------- Post added at 15:45 ---------- Previous post was at 15:43 ----------

DFT confirms Thameslink rolling stock order.

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/s...ock-order.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Some encouraging news! :)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22948171

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

That's excellent news.:tu:

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Tortoise disrupts rail services - Official!

http://railwayeye.blogspot.co.uk/201...-official.html

I laughed out loud at this bit :)



---------- Post added at 18:57 ---------- Previous post was at 18:33 ----------

Hatfield and Stainforth line to reopen in July.

Source

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Steam locomotive Bittern marks record run.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23109971

Oh what wonderful memories of the great heydays of steam.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Brilliant British engineering :)

Reunited on 3rd of July at NRM.. hmmmmm may have to use a priv and go have a peep

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

We went to Botley yesterday to see the Tangmere 34067 stop for water and she looks a lovely sight but alas the batteries went funny just at the moment l was about to take some photo's.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Magnificent Mallard: The world's fastest steam locomotive.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23137106

What a sight the great gathering will be today up in York.:)

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

We went to Waterloo yesterday and what a big station it is and while we were there it was also nice to see Cuneo's statue there as well.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

For sale in Kent: One railway with Birchley House.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...233920?SThisFB

Any takers.:D

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

DfT confirms second Intercity Express order.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...y-express.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Not seen a javelin in action, but it's good that they're being built (or assembled) in the UK

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Luckily my Dad took us to St Pancras where there were some Javelin's in action and they looked impressive.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Heatwave continues to disrupt train services.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...upt-train.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Appeal court rejects all HS2 protests.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...s-all-hs2.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Massive lightning strike on Manchester Piccadilly disrupts trains

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...ester-23416589

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Yes l heard that there were severe problems up that way.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Dozens die as Spanish train derails in Galicia.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23442018

What a terrible tragedy.:(

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

The footage from the trackside camera is terrible. My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones in this horrific incident.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

RIP

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Some signal boxes to be preserved

Good to hear this, so much of our railway history has been lost

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23451290

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

That's excellent news.:tu:

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

They'll probably be turned into 'affordable homes for local people'... :)

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Breaking news: Another terrible rail incident :(

http://news.sky.com/story/1121900/sw...engers-injured

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

if this is true then Ryanair are reprehensible *******s

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Its very sad when we have these terrible accidents and my thoughts and condolences go to the family's and loved ones.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Rail Regulator rejects services from Blackpool and Shrewsbury to London again

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...n-bid-for.html

Privatised rail so much more choice we have :rolleyes:

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Eh? A private railway operator wants to run these services, is told by a government agency that it can't, and this is the fault of privatisation?

Bizarre.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

That's my point Chris, the operator wants it to run, there's demand for the service in both regions yet they're told they cant.

The now defunct Wrexham & Shopshire service wasn't able to call at stations the route to London passed through due to the way agreements were drawn up.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Railcare in crisis after takeover talks break down.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...called-in.html

l can't say l am surprised at this.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

New order is signed for Derby-built trains.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...igned-for.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Well yes, the public service routes and service levels were devised back in the day by OPRAF and companies have bid for franchises based on those. It would be unfair for those franchises, once agreed, to be undermined by open-access operators. Such operators are welcome to fill in any gaps they perceive in the franchised schedules but they can hardly expect to be allowed to steal business from the companies that won the franchises.

Aside from that, the reasons quoted for this particular refusal are not denial of access to lucrative stations, but denial of access to the tracks themselves for capacity reasons. It's worth pointing out that BR didn't face such capacity issues because BR was running the railways the way the civil service ran the empire, I.e. in a state of managed decline. I've not looked up the specifics but I'm willing to bet that Blackpool and Shrewsbury have in the past had direct connections to London, and I'm also willing to bet that it was the nationalised operator that shut those routes down. It is a private operator that wants to bring them back, and when the capacity issues are resolved I expect they will be allowed to do it.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

First Great Western apology over passengers stranded on train.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23571002

l cannot say l am surprised by FGW because as for their customer service they must be the worse in the country and to top that their trains are always overcrowded as well.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Yes we used to have Virgin down here Heero and they were excellent but the trouble is with FGW is they are always overbooked for the amount of seats they have and they should be putting more rolling stock on as you should not have the elderly or disabled people standing up when they have booked and reserved their tickets.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

South West Trains in my area. Used to be in Croydon where Southern have done a great job compared to Connex. SWT still cattle trucks.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

King's Cross Station redevelopment near completion.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-23596709

Its only my own personal opinion but l think they have done a fine job here.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Seems service to Shrewsbury are a possibility again

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23613488

---------- Post added at 21:09 ---------- Previous post was at 21:05 ----------

There's some fabulous station redevelopment gone on the last few years, such a shame New Street lost it's fine station in the 60's though they're doing a good job on redeveloping it so far.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Yes my brother lives in the Midlands and he is pretty impressed with how New Street is looking and indeed l have seen some fine photo's of it in some of my books and DVD's and it was mightily impressive back then..

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

All London Tube ticket offices to close, union claims.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-23670036

Somehow l cannot see this scenario coming true.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Rail fares to rise by average of 4.1% in January 2014.

http://www.theguardian.com/money/201...s-rise-january

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

On my occasional visits to London I see vast numbers of people going through tube stations and only tiny numbers of them using the staffed windows.

TBH the unions have been their own worst enemy on the Tube. If they are responsible for forcing up the operating costs due to strike disruption or unreasonable wage demands, then they become part of the economic case for automation.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Waterloo International platforms set to reopen.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...ms-set-to.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

London Overground set to be hit by Bank Holiday strike.


http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...to-be-hit.html


It seems Bob Crow is up to his tricks again.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

So ... have I got this straight ... Bob Crow thinks the best way to convince everyone how essential train guards are, is to have the train guards not turn up for work for two days.

:scratch:

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

King's Cross project marked by giant hashtag.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...marked-by.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Train operator fined for dangerous 'shambles'

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...dangerous.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

First signs of major shake-up in ticketing rules.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...r-shakeup.html

And about time too.:tu:

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

RIP

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Don't know if this is of interest but you can currently get Train Sim 2013 for 47p! (steam key)

More info on HotUKDeals

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

That is a bargain.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Rail must end Victorian legacy -- Network Rail chief.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...an-legacy.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

HS2: New chairman seeks cross-party backing

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24278772

Yes it would be good if all parties can get together on this.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Rail mobile internet speeds set to get faster in UK.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24332287

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

First celebrates last-minute Great Western deal.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...t-western.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

First air-conditioned tube train goes in display.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...rain-goes.html

Now that would be nice.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Thousands claim compensation after Southeastern rail delays.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24652536

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Storm disruption goes on as more trees block lines.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...-as-trees.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Overnight work brings trains back after storm.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...ains-back.html

Well at least my brother can get to London this morning after yesterdays chaos.:)

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

ORR reveals five-year budget for Network Rail.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...udget-for.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

MPs give green light to HS2.

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/...-light-to.html

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

This is unbelievable

Network Rail get fines for the railway being unsafe, but you can't make it idiot proof

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-24865671

Never a thought given by people like this to save no time at all, they ruin people's lives, not only that of their own family, but possibly that of the poor driver who comes round the corner at 70mph to see her in front of them.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

l was at Torquay station recently with family and some drunk idiot went straight onto the track to get to the opposite platform and the thing is as you say how do we stop these idiots.:(:td:

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

You can go a long way to doing it if you have both the money and the willingness to spend it. Providing automatic gates along each platform would stop most of these people, but the cost would be prohibitive.

I saw something similar at a local station a couple of years ago. A man was waiting by the ticket office, and suddenly decided to leave the station. I was on the platform opposite the ticket office. Rather than just walk up to the ticket office and walk out through the gate next to that, he decided to jump down on the tracks, cross them and leave through the gate next to me.

Now, you could argue that neither gate was particularly well signposted (they aren't), but we were both standing a couple of feet from the footbridge, which doesn't exactly blend into the background.

However, I wonder why people do this. It doesn't save enough time to be worth bothering about. It's not that much effort to go up/down stairs, and a lot of stations do have ramps, hills or lifts now. I can only conclude it's for the thrill.

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Virgin train derails and crashes into buffers at Chester station.

http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/20/virgin.../?ITO=facebook

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

RIP

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Pendolino's proposed for ECML

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-25340545

Re: Train Spotters Corner
 

Anything that improves train travel has to be a good thing and l have always been impressed with the Pendolino's the couple of times l have been on them on journeys to relatives.