Great Western Coffee Shop

Spotted at Chippenham:

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/chairramps.jpg)

HST on the left, IEP on the right

As the IEP ramp is shorter, will the slope to the train be steeper, or is the floor lower?

Different platforms have different heights. So the slope to train varies across the network with existing ramps.

It'll be the same with new ramps, even if the floor of the IET is lower.

Are these in addition to ramps on the trains or instead? I know I've seen ramps kept on board on different sorts of trains (I'm insufficiently geeky* to identify the train types, but eg smallish ones that go from Bristol to Malvern) but perhaps it varies according to type? I suppose platform storage means station staff can access them quicker and use them for any door; whereas train storage means they're available to train staff at unstaffed stations. 

*That's geeky, a good thing, as opposed to nurdy, which is not good; just in case any train geeks were feeling insulted!

Other new hardware spotted was a new information screen at (I think) Didcot.  Able to show a diagram of the formation which is more necessary with the IEP trains (IETs??) because depending on whether you have a 9, 5 or 5+5 coach set you will need to look in diferent places for first class or bike space. 

I have also seen 5 and 10 car station stop signs at Didcot Parkway.

I'd rather like to see a couple of those installed at my local (main line) station.

Not because we need them, or that they'd mean anything - but they'd give the impression that NLS is rather more grand than it is.  ;) :D ;D

That sounds very useful.  :)

There is a new-ish sign at Didcot Parkway - seems to be a one off.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/didcis1.jpg)

Discussed here - http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=18103.msg211383#msg211383 (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=18103.msg211383#msg211383)

Meanwhile at Chippenham....

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/chipiet.jpg)

Train configuration information screens like this seem to be fairly common across the French railway network and I think they can be very useful.

The platform ends at Paddington have acquired "S" signs on sticks between the tracks and facing the cab side windows.  Presumable pulling into the platform fully before stopping is more important with the longer IEP trains

Or levelling with platform-side water supplies

hadn't thought of that.  Mind you the HSTs also used these water supplies did they not and will they not be wrongly spaced for the new coach length?

Bring back water troughs (or track pans as they are called in the USA) and save the commuters having to shower BEFORE they arrive at the station !

Hmmm, the humble hosepipe might just overcome this issue?!  ;)

which are already attached....