Great Western Coffee Shop

Just to warn anyone planning an early run to Gatwick - this morning the line was closed until midday or so for over-running works.

Not sure where - I was concentrating on planning my journey using the "Basingstoke-Woking zigzag" to get from Reading to Guildford so didn't investigate further, but I was unaware that overnight works were underway.

From about 9 trains were running as far out as Wokingham, flagged as "This service was cancelled between Wokingham and Reading due to a problem with engineering equipment outside engineering works (MV)".  Quite why the earlier trains didn't get that far out I have no idea.

There is work overnight in the EAS since last year for Reading Spur, but for the nights of 7/8 and 8/9. I guess that might have been moved or extended to at least 9/10, and something ran down the hill and got stuck.

There was a bus from Ascot replacing the last train last night, and that runs tonight (and for two more nights) - so presumably the work continues (and it is just that one train affected). But that doesn't mean it'll overrun again, does it?

The problem was caused by a broken down Road Rail Vehicle which suffered a seized axle.

Initial attempts to drag it clear were stopped for fear it would damage the railhead.

Eventually the equipment normally used for derailments had to be summoned to lift it clear so the line could be reopened shortly before 2pm.

Thanks both

I had a meeting in London yesterday, so did not go home on the North Downs - all OK today!