I haven't posted for a while but have read with interest some of the views and issues with short formations.
This morning I'm on the 7.45 Paddington to Swansea. It's delayed as initially this was a 5-car set and because so many people (mainly traveling to the cricket) couldn't board at Paddington they had to switch it to a longer set. This in turn caused a delay to the service. Considering how full and standing this train was from Paddington and Reading onwards (as a 9 carriage set) it makes you wonder why a 5-car set was booked in the first place when there was going to be such a clear demand for the service.
Boppy.

National rail enquiries now says disruption until end of day rather than the midday it mentioned earlier.

The disruption between Reading and Wokingham making things a lot worse is also quite key. At least usually there is this route as backup but judging by the crowds around platforms 4,5,6 there are delays and cancellations on that line. I had to get to Wokingham but the bus option looked the much preferable means of transport!

Hi,

I'm on the way back from Paddington to Reading this evening on the delayed 23.30.

I was not in the best mood due to the driver delay to have a compulsory break... There was a general groan as you'd expect.

However I have to give credit to the customer host who did a very loud and funny announcement that went down very well.

I'm sure there are people who know him so please pass on thanks. The initial surprise at his style soon gave way to appreciation so well done.

Jeff.

In reference to the London/Paddington centric nature I was wondering if "other place" 24/7 may be an option for future series.

One of the reasons being if you see the A4 notices referring to filming at Reading station it says for Reading 24/7. My assumption was this is a working title for the shooting done there which then becomes part of the Paddington 24/7 programme.

I passed the affected area on 1K71 just now. We reduced speed to around 20mph or so I'd say for a couple of miles and then back up to line speed so not too bad.

Just saw 802001 pass through Reading non-stop at around 08:55.

Looks like most of the seats had their protective covers on still.

Is this one of the 802 units due to come into service shortly?

Just passed two class 345s on train into London just now.

Both were on the relief line heading into London. First I saw was moving under its own power near Hayes and Harrington. Second was further up the line but was being loco hauled.

Ah yes.  Ready to go then!  :-)

Thanks!

Looks like a London bound IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) had broken down this morning at Reading.

I was at the station at 10 and all the passengers were getting off the train and crossing the bridge to board London bound ones on platforms 10 & 11. It was still at there empty at 10.30.

Just passed it on the way into London.

Looks like in an attempt to move it they have connected a third IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train) to it. (There were 3x5 sets all connected - certainly an unusual sight!)

(Minor spoiler warning)

I think one of the moments I've enjoyed most so far was in the first episode in the context of the busy Friday night and someone asking for a first class ticket to Plymouth or Penzance (sorry can't quite remember). Usually this incurs a reaction of disbelief when the person is told the price but not this time - I laughed loudly at the quip by the staff member on receiving payment.

Doh.

I had it in my head it changed start of this week (sorry I'm clearly not keeping up!)

Next week it is! Thanks.

I was hoping to try one of these new services running as an EMU^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit).

Today I managed to make the 16.09 from Paddington. Unfortunately it was a DMU^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit)!

Interesting thanks.

Just saw a loco pulling passenger carriages depart Paddington.

I think the code is 5Z19 - assuming it's moving empty stock?