Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Steam excursion - except there's much more diesel than steam! In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [361177/30223/47] Posted by PhilWakely at 13:03, 3rd May 2025 Already liked by Timmer |      |
https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2025/05/steam-locomotive-34046-braunton-to-pass-through-dawlish-this-saturday.html
[personal opinion piece] So that's about 4 hours behind a diesel, half an hour for a loco change, an hour and a quarter behind a steam engine on the main line, then a final section on a heritage line where you could travel behind a steam engine anyway.
The tour starts with a diesel locomotive at Poole, where it will depart at 06:34. The train will then pass through Bournemouth (06:47), Brockenhurst (07:17), Southampton Central (07:40), Eastleigh (07:56), Salisbury (08:50), Warminster (09:16), Westbury (09:25) and Taunton at 10:23, where 34046 Braunton is attached.
With 34046 now on the front of the train, 34046 Braunton will pass through Tiverton Parkway (11:15), Dawlish Warren (11:52), Dawlish (12:10), Newton Abbot (12:16), Paignton (12:34) and Kingswear at 13:15.
With 34046 now on the front of the train, 34046 Braunton will pass through Tiverton Parkway (11:15), Dawlish Warren (11:52), Dawlish (12:10), Newton Abbot (12:16), Paignton (12:34) and Kingswear at 13:15.
[personal opinion piece] So that's about 4 hours behind a diesel, half an hour for a loco change, an hour and a quarter behind a steam engine on the main line, then a final section on a heritage line where you could travel behind a steam engine anyway.
Said excursion passing Ellerhayes Bridge, between Cullompton and Exeter. Braunton only acting as a figurehead with the diesel(s) doing the work!
| Re: Bath Spa station - dealing with future capacity issues - ideas? In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [361176/30230/21] Posted by IndustryInsider at 12:42, 3rd May 2025 | |
This much vaunted "capacity increase" has been achieved by wholesale shortening of the trains outside of this "core". The Cardiff - Portsmouth service now shows one solitary return trip daily by a 5 car train. As I reported a couple of months back, 4 weeks daily commuting from Warminster to Southampton was an appalling experience - but I'm so glad to know it produced more seats from Westbury to Bristol !
Which, I guess, is hardly surprising given the DfT instruction to GWR to make significant cost savings which resulted in the cancellation of the entire Class 769 project and the ‘early’ withdrawal of most of the Castle Class sets.
Fleet and capacity wise, I really don’t see how GWR could do much better with what they’ve currently got to work with. But I agree that the customer experience leaves a lot to be desired as a result.
| 5 people survive 36 hours in alligator-infested swamp after plane crash: Bolivia In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [361175/30233/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:33, 3rd May 2025 | |
From the BBC:
Five people have been rescued after spending 36 hours atop a plane in an alligator-infested swamp in the Amazon after it was forced to make an emergency landing, local authorities said.
The small plane was found by local fishermen in Bolivia's Amazonas region on Friday having been missing for 48 hours.
The survivors - three women, a child and the 29-year-old pilot - were rescued in "excellent condition", Wilson Avila, director of the Beni Department's emergency operations centre, said.
A search and rescue mission was launched on Thursday after the plane disappeared from the radar of the Beni Department in central Bolivia.
The pilot told local media that an engine failure had prompted an emergency landing near the Itanomas River during a flight from Baures in northern Bolivia to the city of Trinidad.
Andres Velarde said that the plane had suddenly started to lose altitude and he had been forced to land the craft in a swamp near a lagoon. The five that had been on board stood on top of the plane and were "surrounded by alligators that came within three metres of us". Velarde added that he believed petrol leaking from the plane had kept the predators at bay. They also saw an anaconda in the water, he said.
While awaiting rescue, they ate local cassava flour one of the passengers had brought. "We couldn't drink water and we couldn't go anywhere else because of the alligators," Velarde said.
After fishermen discovered the craft, a helicopter was sent to transport the survivors to hospital.
Ruben Torres, Director of the Beni Region Health Department, said that there had been "a lot of speculation about the case" and "many theories" after the plane went missing. "I am really happy because in the end all the institutions joined together to be able to find the missing people and save those lives," he told Reuters.
The small plane was found by local fishermen in Bolivia's Amazonas region on Friday having been missing for 48 hours.
The survivors - three women, a child and the 29-year-old pilot - were rescued in "excellent condition", Wilson Avila, director of the Beni Department's emergency operations centre, said.
A search and rescue mission was launched on Thursday after the plane disappeared from the radar of the Beni Department in central Bolivia.
The pilot told local media that an engine failure had prompted an emergency landing near the Itanomas River during a flight from Baures in northern Bolivia to the city of Trinidad.
Andres Velarde said that the plane had suddenly started to lose altitude and he had been forced to land the craft in a swamp near a lagoon. The five that had been on board stood on top of the plane and were "surrounded by alligators that came within three metres of us". Velarde added that he believed petrol leaking from the plane had kept the predators at bay. They also saw an anaconda in the water, he said.
While awaiting rescue, they ate local cassava flour one of the passengers had brought. "We couldn't drink water and we couldn't go anywhere else because of the alligators," Velarde said.
After fishermen discovered the craft, a helicopter was sent to transport the survivors to hospital.
Ruben Torres, Director of the Beni Region Health Department, said that there had been "a lot of speculation about the case" and "many theories" after the plane went missing. "I am really happy because in the end all the institutions joined together to be able to find the missing people and save those lives," he told Reuters.
| Re: Bath Spa station - dealing with future capacity issues - ideas? In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [361174/30230/21] Posted by Clan Line at 08:41, 3rd May 2025 | |
How long ago was this "preposterous" idea put forward as being the gospel truth by GWR with regards to the Cardiff - Portsmouth route ?
Until not long before Covid, which was the big nail in that coffin. Instead of that, the core Bristol<>Westbury section has had a decent capacity increase thanks to the additional trains introduced from summer ‘23.
This much vaunted "capacity increase" has been achieved by wholesale shortening of the trains outside of this "core". The Cardiff - Portsmouth service now shows one solitary return trip daily by a 5 car train. As I reported a couple of months back, 4 weeks daily commuting from Warminster to Southampton was an appalling experience - but I'm so glad to know it produced more seats from Westbury to Bristol !
| Re: A very easy riddle In "The Lighter Side" [361173/30228/30] Posted by grahame at 08:33, 3rd May 2025 Already liked by PhilWakely | |
Makes me wonder whether the train companies have policies allowing red squirrels to travel while banning the greys? 
Don't I recall problems with greys at Redhill - but then isn't discrimination based on race / colour frowned upon?
| Re: A very easy riddle In "The Lighter Side" [361172/30228/30] Posted by froome at 08:29, 3rd May 2025 Already liked by PhilWakely, rogerw | |
Makes me wonder whether the train companies have policies allowing red squirrels to travel while banning the greys?
| Re: Bath Spa station - dealing with future capacity issues - ideas? In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [361171/30230/21] Posted by froome at 08:26, 3rd May 2025 | |
Yes, Bath Spa's one advantage at present is that its platforms are relatively wide, so can cope with large numbers at present. Getting them all on and off the trains is a challenge, which the staff there do their very best to cope with.
My biggest gripe with the current station layout is that the lift on the London-bound platform is exceptionally poorly located and also too small. Its location means that passengers wishing to use it from the entrance have to 'mix' with many of the passengers who are getting off trains from both platforms (via the subway fro those who have arrived on westbound services and from the stairs from those arriving on eastbound services). This leads to huge congestion at the pinch points here, which can lead to considerable delay and no doubt to bad behaviour as people try to get through. From there the route to the lift is then ridiculously contorted and very difficult to negotiate with large luggage/bicycles etc. And the lift is far too small to cope with the demand, and in recent times has had notices requiring no more than two people use it at any time (which many people ignore, especially groups of tourists who may not understand what the notices say).
| Re: Walk to Pilning and return by train - 3rd May 2025 In "Diary - what's happening when?" [361168/30211/34] Posted by grahame at 06:19, 3rd May 2025 | |
Walk from Severn Beach to Pilning - Lunch at the Plough - then getting the parliamentary train service back from Pilning station Saturday 3rd May 2025
Ann invites you to join her on Saturday 3rd May for a walk from Severn Beach station to Pilning, followed by lunch at the Plough and then catching the afternoon ‘parliamentary train service’ from Pilning Railway station back to Temple Meads.
[snip]
*Catch the 09.46 from Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach, arriving at 10.24. (This train is from Weston Super Mare)
*Walk is along quiet roads with only one busy road to cross – it should take about 1.5 hours.
*Lunch is at the Plough in Pilning (Pilning Street, Pilning, BS35 4JJ) – the pub opens at 12 noon and does food from 12 noon to 2 pm
*Then the short walk to Pilning station for the 15.32 departure to Bristol Temple Meads. There are no facilities at Pilning apart from a shelter
.
* The cost for this journey (Pilning to Temple Meads) is £5.80 without a railcard or £3.85 with a railcard - either buy tickets in advance or take a chance of buying them on the day.
For For those who do not wish or are unable to do the walk but would like to meet up for the social at the Plough – catch the number 12, Stagecoach bus from either Bristol Parkway or Severn Beach. It is an hourly service in each direction. From Bristol Parkway direction, the best stop is Swanmoor Bridge which is about a 20 minute walk from the Plough. This stop is also the best option if coming from Severn Beach direction too.
To get a rough idea of number please e-mail me on ae.light - at - btinternet.com
This is run in conjunction with Bristol Rail Campaign - and it is open to everyone
Ann invites you to join her on Saturday 3rd May for a walk from Severn Beach station to Pilning, followed by lunch at the Plough and then catching the afternoon ‘parliamentary train service’ from Pilning Railway station back to Temple Meads.
[snip]
*Catch the 09.46 from Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach, arriving at 10.24. (This train is from Weston Super Mare)
*Walk is along quiet roads with only one busy road to cross – it should take about 1.5 hours.
*Lunch is at the Plough in Pilning (Pilning Street, Pilning, BS35 4JJ) – the pub opens at 12 noon and does food from 12 noon to 2 pm
*Then the short walk to Pilning station for the 15.32 departure to Bristol Temple Meads. There are no facilities at Pilning apart from a shelter
.
* The cost for this journey (Pilning to Temple Meads) is £5.80 without a railcard or £3.85 with a railcard - either buy tickets in advance or take a chance of buying them on the day.
For For those who do not wish or are unable to do the walk but would like to meet up for the social at the Plough – catch the number 12, Stagecoach bus from either Bristol Parkway or Severn Beach. It is an hourly service in each direction. From Bristol Parkway direction, the best stop is Swanmoor Bridge which is about a 20 minute walk from the Plough. This stop is also the best option if coming from Severn Beach direction too.
To get a rough idea of number please e-mail me on ae.light - at - btinternet.com
This is run in conjunction with Bristol Rail Campaign - and it is open to everyone
I will be joining Ann - I love this walk. Also "symbolic" of my ongoing commitment to public transport campaigning (and to walking around 20 miles every week to follow the Melksham Daily Mile from last month). Look forward to seeing old friends and new.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361167/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 02:48, 3rd May 2025 | |
A summary from yesterday - of 18 calls planned, just 7 happened.
Southbound at 06:32, 20:39 and 23:12
Northbound at 07:21, 08:02, 18:52 and 21:31
Early evening calls at 19:09 and 20:22 were cancelled, even though the line had been re-opened by that time.
| Re: A very easy riddle In "The Lighter Side" [361166/30228/30] Posted by Red Squirrel at 23:28, 2nd May 2025 Already liked by GBM, PhilWakely | |
It goes without saying, I hope, that the Lake District is a good place for a red squirrel to commune with their fellow ruddy rodents. Hence my comments about the land of my kin.
| Re: Subtle train time changes In "London to the Cotswolds" [361164/20838/14] Posted by IndustryInsider at 20:52, 2nd May 2025 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, Mark A, Timmer, eightonedee, RichardB, Western Pathfinder, rogerw | |
I thought I’d resurrect this old thread to report that the 08:18 WOS-PAD is going from a 5-car to a 9-car from the timetable change.
It’s a very popular train that is currently always full and standing from Oxford, sometimes very overcrowded, so great news.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361163/29726/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 19:41, 2nd May 2025 | |
I have to ask ... why does it take so LONG to get a failed locomotive out of the way? Is it part of a more general set of things that seem for whatever reason to take fare longer to sort out when things go wrong? No backup plans? No spares/staff around? Extra Health and safety requirements? Everyone a specialist?
I'd point that question at Hopwood if I were you, after all it's his trains that are being cancelled and his customers inconvenienced. Given that, I'm sure he's all over those responsible and should be able to address your points.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361162/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 19:35, 2nd May 2025 | |
"Short" runs this evening too - the 17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury and the 20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa both missing out Melksham. Makes sense to be reversing TransWilts trains at Bathampton - remembering that 2 out of 3 passengers along the single line on a normal day are going through (not from or too Melksham) and so this is the best solution for them.
Oops - and sadly that's not what they have done with the evening trains after all
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be terminated at Swindon.
It will no longer call at Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to a broken down train earlier today.
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:05
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:05 will be started from Swindon.
It will no longer call at Westbury, Trowbridge, Melksham and Chippenham.
This is due to a broken down train earlier today.
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be terminated at Swindon.
It will no longer call at Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to a broken down train earlier today.
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:05
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:05 will be started from Swindon.
It will no longer call at Westbury, Trowbridge, Melksham and Chippenham.
This is due to a broken down train earlier today.
So "disruption until 20:00" is the operational description. Anyone who hopes to head from Melksham to Cheltenham Spa (agreed not a huge flow) at 20:25 won't get there until - what - 11 p.m. or later? [Edit - looked it up - 23:31!]
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361161/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 19:23, 2nd May 2025 | |
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Swindon via Melksham
Following a broken down train earlier today between Trowbridge and Chippenham the line has now reopened. Disruption is expected until 20:00 02/05.
Train services between Westbury and Swindon via Melksham are returning to normal but some services may still be cancelled, delayed or diverted.
Customer Advice
-
We're sorry for the delay to your journey.
-
A freight train locomotive had broken down on the line between Trowbridge and Chippenham. Engineers from the freight company fixed the locomotive and it has now been able to move clear of the line.
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We are now able to re-instate our train service, the first service from Westbury will be the 18:37 Westbury to Swindon and the first train from Swindon the 20:14 Swindon to Westbury.
-
For the trains that are not running we have requested replacement road transport to run between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham and Trowbridge. Please check the stations Onward Travel Information poster and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop. 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.
-
Following a broken down train earlier today between Trowbridge and Chippenham the line has now reopened. Disruption is expected until 20:00 02/05.
Train services between Westbury and Swindon via Melksham are returning to normal but some services may still be cancelled, delayed or diverted.
Customer Advice
-
We're sorry for the delay to your journey.
-
A freight train locomotive had broken down on the line between Trowbridge and Chippenham. Engineers from the freight company fixed the locomotive and it has now been able to move clear of the line.
-
We are now able to re-instate our train service, the first service from Westbury will be the 18:37 Westbury to Swindon and the first train from Swindon the 20:14 Swindon to Westbury.
-
For the trains that are not running we have requested replacement road transport to run between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham and Trowbridge. Please check the stations Onward Travel Information poster and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop. 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: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361160/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 18:31, 2nd May 2025 | |
"Short" runs this evening too - the 17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury and the 20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa both missing out Melksham. Makes sense to be reversing TransWilts trains at Bathampton - remembering that 2 out of 3 passengers along the single line on a normal day are going through (not from or too Melksham) and so this is the best solution for them.
I have to ask ... why does it take so LONG to get a failed locomotive out of the way? Is it part of a more general set of things that seem for whatever reason to take fare longer to sort out when things go wrong? No backup plans? No spares/staff around? Extra Health and safety requirements? Everyone a specialist?
| Re: In memory of the Weymouth Harbour Tramway on the anniversary of last use In "Railway History and related topics" [361159/30229/55] Posted by bradshaw at 17:34, 2nd May 2025 Already liked by grahame, Mark A, rogerw | |
This is what the tramway route might have been! An 1856 scheme put forward by the WSWR. The source is a hand drawn map in the National Archives that I came across when researching the line's history.
john Lucking in his book on the Weymouth Harbour Tramway (OPC 1986) writes this:-
the meeting of the Council resolved to render assistance to facilitate the conveyance of goods from the quay to the station except having a tramroad in front of the Esplanade or in the public streets(p7)
This plan explains why that decision was made. Imagine 1850s Weymouth with trains along the sea front!
| Re: Taplow-Hassocks In "Fare's Fair" [361158/30198/4] Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:15, 2nd May 2025 | |
Thanks again all, paid the £51.40 in the end.
Meeting an old schoolfriend from Plymouth who's living down there now, we're visiting a new(ish) craft ale Tap room which comes highly recommended, will report back!
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361157/29726/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:11, 2nd May 2025 | |
20:14 Swindon to Westbury due 20:57
20:14 Swindon to Westbury due 20:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
| Re: Bath Spa station - dealing with future capacity issues - ideas? In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [361156/30230/21] Posted by Mark A at 16:59, 2nd May 2025 | |
How long ago was this "preposterous" idea put forward as being the gospel truth by GWR with regards to the Cardiff - Portsmouth route ?
Until not long before Covid, which was the big nail in that coffin. Instead of that, the core Bristol<>Westbury section has had a decent capacity increase thanks to the additional trains introduced from summer ‘23.
I wholeheartedly agree with the extra local capacity and especially the doubling of services it brings to Keynsham and Oldfield Park, and the big improvements at Dilton Marsh and between Warminster and Salisbury. Excellent. What more short trains do, ironically, at Bath Spa is to boost that "hot spot" of people milling about at the top of the stops on the eastbound platform.
Radical question - if the stop boards were moved forward (as they are at Melksham) so that local trains stop away from the platform entrance, would that help spread people out?
It might enable a more orderly approach to the exits.
Playing in Bath Spa's favour is that there's a bit of space on the platforms.
After the bad experience at Paddington last year - very full, late, and very standing train arrival, people + me off it at the pointy end of the platform and I had to be first off as I was standing against the door - people getting off and mixing with passengers already on the platform, wanting to move down and board the train we'd arrived on, and then for good measure, another shorter IEP appeared as it departed from the other platform face. If anyone finds themselves in that situation, do what I didn't know to do: step off and make your way to the platform end and wait there for a bit to give things a chance to settle.
Mark
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361155/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 16:45, 2nd May 2025 | |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:05
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
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
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
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
At least there is a replacement bus in place (scheduled to arrive Westbury 40 minutes after the train, but better than telling people to wait hours) ... not a clever day today.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361154/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 16:06, 2nd May 2025 | |
The problem is with the freight loco itself and fitters are having difficulty isolating components on it before it can be moved. A rescue loco is on site ready to move it once that becomes possible.
Thanks for that, Bob ....
18:13 Chippenham to Westbury due 18:56
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 18:13 Chippenham to Westbury due 18:56.
Additional Information
Please check the stations Onward Travel Information poster and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop. The coach is operated by Chandlers Coach Travel.
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 18:13 Chippenham to Westbury due 18:56.
Additional Information
Please check the stations Onward Travel Information poster and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop. The coach is operated by Chandlers Coach Travel.
16:23 Westbury to Chippenham due 17:04
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 16:23 Westbury to Chippenham due 17:04.
Additional Information
There will be three MPV taxis from Bath Taxis. 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. Please check the stations Onward Travel Information poster and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop.
Further Information
If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, message us on X @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.
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
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 16:23 Westbury to Chippenham due 17:04.
Additional Information
There will be three MPV taxis from Bath Taxis. 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. Please check the stations Onward Travel Information poster and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop.
Further Information
If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, message us on X @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.
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
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361153/29726/18] Posted by bobm at 15:58, 2nd May 2025 | |
The problem is with the freight loco itself and fitters are having difficulty isolating components on it before it can be moved. A rescue loco is on site ready to move it once that becomes possible.
| Re: Bath Spa station - dealing with future capacity issues - ideas? In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [361152/30230/21] Posted by grahame at 15:49, 2nd May 2025 | |
How long ago was this "preposterous" idea put forward as being the gospel truth by GWR with regards to the Cardiff - Portsmouth route ?
Until not long before Covid, which was the big nail in that coffin. Instead of that, the core Bristol<>Westbury section has had a decent capacity increase thanks to the additional trains introduced from summer ‘23.
I wholeheartedly agree with the extra local capacity and especially the doubling of services it brings to Keynsham and Oldfield Park, and the big improvements at Dilton Marsh and between Warminster and Salisbury. Excellent. What more short trains do, ironically, at Bath Spa is to boost that "hot spot" of people milling about at the top of the stops on the eastbound platform.
Radical question - if the stop boards were moved forward (as they are at Melksham) so that local trains stop away from the platform entrance, would that help spread people out?
| Re: Bath Spa station - dealing with future capacity issues - ideas? In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [361151/30230/21] Posted by IndustryInsider at 15:02, 2nd May 2025 | |
How long ago was this "preposterous" idea put forward as being the gospel truth by GWR with regards to the Cardiff - Portsmouth route ?
Until not long before Covid, which was the big nail in that coffin. Instead of that, the core Bristol<>Westbury section has had a decent capacity increase thanks to the additional trains introduced from summer ‘23.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361150/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 14:54, 2nd May 2025 | |
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00
15:15 Swindon to Westbury due 15:59
15:15 Swindon to Westbury due 15:59 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a broken down train earlier today.
15:15 Swindon to Westbury due 15:59
15:15 Swindon to Westbury due 15:59 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a broken down train earlier today.
| Re: Bath Spa station - dealing with future capacity issues - ideas? In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [361149/30230/21] Posted by Clan Line at 13:28, 2nd May 2025 | |
Ten preposterous ideas ...
7. Make all local trains 5 carriages long and stop them at the end of the platfom where people come on new local entries
How long ago was this "preposterous" idea put forward as being the gospel truth by GWR with regards to the Cardiff - Portsmouth route ? ....................so don't hold your breath for the "local trains".
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [361148/29726/18] Posted by rogerw at 12:36, 2nd May 2025 | |
Just knock the faulty vehicle out of the train and drop it onto the North Loop to await attention from C&W. Nothing booked to run over that today. Oh. Wait.
I know, I know. If only
I know, I know. If only
Guessing on what's wrong with the train - but there IS a siding still at Thingley Junction.
Although the siding is not easily accessible from the Melksham line
