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Sideshoots - associated subjects => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: grahame on November 02, 2019, 12:20:58



Title: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 02, 2019, 12:20:58
I take a lot of pictures out of the window as I travel around on public transport ... most of them come out of very poor (British understatement) quality ... but never the less they provide me with a later reminder and occasionally record something that I share later.

Here are 20 "through the window" pictures - all taken by me personally during October 2019.   One is actually quite reasonable  ;D ;D but all together they illustrate the great variety that is the British Isles.

One each, please, for the first 24 hours.  Can you identify the places I was passing as I took each of these pictures?

1. Pilning - Western Pathfinder
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_01.jpg)

2. Bangor - RA
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_02.jpg)

3. Thingley Junction - Rogerw
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_03.jpg)

4. Taff Wells - Reginald25
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_04.jpg)

5. Drogheda - Worcester_Passenger
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_05.jpg)

6. Red Cow -  Stuving
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_06.jpg)

7. Milton Keynes Central - IndustryInsider
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_07.jpg)

8. Rhyl(ish) - Celestial 
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_08.jpg)

9. Pontypridd - SandTEngineer
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_09.jpg)

10. Irish Sea (middle thereof) - Stuving
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_10.jpg)

11.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_11.jpg)

12. Westbury - Stuving
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_12.jpg)

13. Norton Bridge - JontyMort
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_13.jpg)

14. Worcestershire Parkway - JontyMort
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_14.jpg)

15. Swansea - Brooklea
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_15.jpg)

16. Wellington = Adelante_CCT
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_16.jpg)

17. Dublin Heuston - Worcester_passenger
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_17.jpg)

18. Marchwood - RA
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_18.jpg)

19. Shrewsbury - AMLAG
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_19.jpg)

20. Cheltenham Spa - Ellendune
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_20.jpg)


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: SandTEngineer on November 02, 2019, 12:26:15
9. Pontypridd


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: Bmblbzzz on November 02, 2019, 12:36:31
20 has a somehow Newport-ish look to me.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: AMLAG on November 02, 2019, 12:41:01

19 = Shrewsbury, looking towards Wolverhampton with carriage sdgs on the left.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: Western Pathfinder on November 02, 2019, 13:01:41
Starting at the top here Not Taunton but Pilning 🤔


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: ellendune on November 02, 2019, 13:04:22
20 has a somehow Newport-ish look to me.

I think Cheltenham might be insulted at the thought that it looked 'Newport-ish' (No offence Newport).

I believe that this the southbound platform at Cheltenham - Yes they do have trains direct trains to Maesteg, which of course do go through Newport.  


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: IndustryInsider on November 02, 2019, 13:14:28
7. Milton Keynes Central.

A wild guess.   ;D


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: Celestial on November 02, 2019, 13:21:50
8. Rhyl.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: Worcester_Passenger on November 02, 2019, 13:57:18
17. Dublin Heuston



Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: Reginald25 on November 02, 2019, 15:15:59
4 Taffs Well


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 02, 2019, 16:11:38
Quite a correct list there ...ranging from the odd blindingly obvious one (read the ****ing sign) to some trickier

1. Pilning - Western Pathfinder
4. Taff Wells - Reginald25
7. Milton Keynes Central - IndustryInsider
8. Rhyl(ish) - Celestial 
9. Pontypridd - SandTEngineer
17. Dublin Heuston - Worcester_passenger
19. Shrewsbury - AMLAG
20. Cheltenham Spa - Ellendune

I have given you no. 8 ... though it's actually in the middle of a long station-less stretch - between Flint and Prestatyn -but I think Prestatyn is more or less a suburb of Rhyl these days?


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: Adelante_CCT on November 02, 2019, 18:32:48
16 - Wellington?


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: rogerw on November 02, 2019, 19:58:16
3 Approaching Thingley Junction


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: JontyMort on November 02, 2019, 21:31:21
I take a lot of pictures out of the window as I travel around on public transport ... most of them come out of very poor (British understatement) quality ... but never the less they provide me with a later reminder and occasionally record something that I share later.

Here are 20 "through the window" pictures - all taken by me personally during October 2019.   One is actually quite reasonable  ;D ;D but all together they illustrate the great variety that is the British Isles.

One each, please, for the first 24 hours.  Can you identify the places I was passing as I took each of these pictures?

[snip] - edit by Grahame

13.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_13.jpg)

[snip] - edit by Grahame


I think 13 is Norton Bridge.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 02, 2019, 22:10:27
I think 13 is Norton Bridge.

Indeed - the station that was closed because there was no bridge to get onto the platform any longer - ironically named "Norton Bridge"

3 Approaching Thingley Junction

16 - Wellington?

All correct


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: stuving on November 02, 2019, 22:45:08
How about 10 is "somewhere in the Irish Sea"?


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 02, 2019, 22:49:43
How about 10 is "somewhere in the Irish Sea"?

That's just about as accurate as I might have been - "Halfway between Holyhead and Dublin"


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: RA on November 02, 2019, 23:10:40
18 is a view of Marchwood ERF and power station.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: eightonedee on November 02, 2019, 23:48:20
Is 12 Acton?


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: MVR S&T on November 02, 2019, 23:58:39
12 is Westbury, or possiblly Eastleigh or maybe St Denys, near Southampton?


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 03, 2019, 00:46:56
12 is Westbury, or possiblly Eastleigh or maybe St Denys, near Southampton?

Is 12 Acton?

So ... which might it be?   Yes, I know it's quite a tricky one!


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 03, 2019, 00:51:05
18 is a view of Marchwood ERF and power station.

Yes, taken from MS Aurora on 1st October if you're wondering about the viewpoint.  The Waterside line runs just behind and many suggest it would be an excellent way to get commuters and others into and out of Southampton and beyond from that side of the water.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 03, 2019, 07:29:30
8.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_08.jpg)

This ship - which I have seen for many years when passing by - has always had me wondering.   The location is known as Llanerch-y-Mor and it's a former Irish Sea ferry - the Duke of Lancaster - which has been there for a number of decades (yes, decades).  A couple of links I found when searching:
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/duke-lancaster-gets-mystery-black-12895861
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45626924

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_30.jpg)


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: JontyMort on November 03, 2019, 08:56:35
I think 13 is Norton Bridge.

Indeed - the station that was closed because there was no bridge to get onto the platform any longer - ironically named "Norton Bridge"


Also it had the platform - and the junction itself - only on the fast side of the formation, which probably the more pertinent reason for the closure. To be fair, the new non-conflicting layout is much better, and a good compensation for the loss of a station in the middle of nowhere.

The ex-London Midland seat pattern narrowed it down considerably. Apologies for re-posting all the photos in my reply - it isn't obvious from the text that this will happen!


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 03, 2019, 09:21:05
I think 13 is Norton Bridge.

Indeed - the station that was closed because there was no bridge to get onto the platform any longer - ironically named "Norton Bridge"


Also it had the platform - and the junction itself - only on the fast side of the formation, which probably the more pertinent reason for the closure. To be fair, the new non-conflicting layout is much better, and a good compensation for the loss of a station in the middle of nowhere.

The ex-London Midland seat pattern narrowed it down considerably.

I don't live in the area / dangerous to comment, but the de-facto closure of Norton Bridge, Stone (since re-opened), Barlaston and Wedgewood (both still officially open, I think, but no trains for many years) without formal consultation at the time was / is very worrying - a possible dangerous precedent.  "Look - this isn't working / stands in the way of future development" as a public question is one thing, but de-facto closure then taking a look years later and saying "it makes no sense to have it as it is now" looks like - well - an abuse of position.   Perhaps Norton Bridge was a sensible closure for the modern age - but I saw no fair test / evaluation of that prior to it being institutionally vandalised so even if it was the right decision, it still smells fishy to me.

Quote
Apologies for re-posting all the photos in my reply - it isn't obvious from the text that this will happen!

I have taken the liberty of snipping the re-post of all the pictures except the Norton Bridge one; not a problem for me / other admins or moderators as we are all very familiar with "Bulletin Board Markups", once we are aware that something was unintended.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: johnneyw on November 03, 2019, 11:35:51
8.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_08.jpg)

This ship - which I have seen for many years when passing by - has always had me wondering.   The location is known as Llanerch-y-Mor and it's a former Irish Sea ferry - the Duke of Lancaster - which has been there for a number of decades (yes, decades).  A couple of links I found when searching:
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/duke-lancaster-gets-mystery-black-12895861
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45626924

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_30.jpg)

There's a bit more on Wikipedia too. Apparently the interior is in good condition. It also featured on the BBC's Coast in 2011.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/TSS_Duke_of_Lancaster_(1955) (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/TSS_Duke_of_Lancaster_(1955))

Edit - tuned the link - GrahamE


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: JontyMort on November 03, 2019, 12:21:43
With 24 hours up, I think 5 is the Runcorn viaduct.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: stuving on November 03, 2019, 12:27:49
12 is Westbury, or possiblly Eastleigh or maybe St Denys, near Southampton?

Is 12 Acton?

So ... which might it be?   Yes, I know it's quite a tricky one!

Westbury.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 03, 2019, 12:37:05
With 24 hours up, I think 5 is the Runcorn viaduct.

Sorry - it isn't (good guess though - I did pass over that Viaduct too during the month)

Westbury.

Yes


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 03, 2019, 12:39:59
14 gone, 6 to go .... still the odd easy one, but most are now tricky!


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: JontyMort on November 03, 2019, 12:45:06

I don't live in the area / dangerous to comment, but the de-facto closure of Norton Bridge, Stone (since re-opened), Barlaston and Wedgewood (both still officially open, I think, but no trains for many years) without formal consultation at the time was / is very worrying - a possible dangerous precedent.  "Look - this isn't working / stands in the way of future development" as a public question is one thing, but de-facto closure then taking a look years later and saying "it makes no sense to have it as it is now" looks like - well - an abuse of position.   Perhaps Norton Bridge was a sensible closure for the modern age - but I saw no fair test / evaluation of that prior to it being institutionally vandalised so even if it was the right decision, it still smells fishy to me.


I don't live in the area either, but used to work in Stoke. I agree that closure by stealth is a problem in general terms - they have already done Etruria in the Stoke area, and further south you could add Polesworth to your list of WCML stations sacrificed. Specifically, the problem with Barlaston and Wedgwood is what to do with the trains - there is no bay platform at Stone, so LNW's semi-fasts are the only possible way of serving them. IIRC, NR have said that either Wedgwood or Barlaston could be re-opened, but not both. Barlaston seems to make more sense.

It would be far better if there were a rule that once a service is reduced to below x trains per day, closure procedure must be started within 12 months or full service restored.

Stone has a population of 16,000 - by far the most important place to suffer a "temporary" closure during the WMCL upgrade.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: Worcester_Passenger on November 03, 2019, 12:55:04
5. Drogheda.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: stuving on November 03, 2019, 13:14:56
6. Red Cow park and ride Luas stop.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 03, 2019, 17:07:07
5. Drogheda.

Yes. and ...

6. Red Cow park and ride Luas stop.

Yes - a good example of connecting road and rail!


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: RA on November 03, 2019, 17:35:51
As the prerequisite 24 hour period has passed, picture 2 is taken at Bangor, specifically the steps and walkway to the signal box.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: JontyMort on November 03, 2019, 18:07:58
I think 14 is Worcestershire Parkway Low Level, heading north.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 03, 2019, 18:09:57
As the prerequisite 24 hour period has passed, picture 2 is taken at Bangor, specifically the steps and walkway to the signal box.

I think 14 is Worcestershire Parkway Low Level, heading north.

Yes, correct and correct ... which leaves just:

11.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_11.jpg)

15.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_15.jpg)




Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: JontyMort on November 03, 2019, 18:56:12
As the prerequisite 24 hour period has passed, picture 2 is taken at Bangor, specifically the steps and walkway to the signal box.

I think 14 is Worcestershire Parkway Low Level, heading north.

Yes, correct and correct ... which leaves just:

11.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_11.jpg)

15.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_15.jpg)




15... no sign of knitting... River valley? West end of Bath Spa?


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: stuving on November 03, 2019, 19:09:31
15... no sign of knitting... River valley? West end of Bath Spa?

It would be a bit of a surprise to see a NIR class 4000 there. But I don't suppose "Northern Ireland" would really do as an answer, would it?


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 03, 2019, 19:19:36
Bit mixed between 11 and 15, I suspect.

11 is indeed Northern Ireland but, yes, it would be nice to be more specific

15 is somewhere to the west of Bath Spa, but not the west end of Bath Spa. And, yes, I suppose it's in something of a river valley.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: stuving on November 03, 2019, 19:21:36
15... no sign of knitting... River valley? West end of Bath Spa?

It would be a bit of a surprise to see a NIR class 4000 there. But I don't suppose "Northern Ireland" would really do as an answer, would it?
add - apologies, obviously, for misreading the number


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: brooklea on November 03, 2019, 22:04:14
I don’t know, but I suspect 15 might be the IET depot at Swansea.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: froome on November 03, 2019, 22:24:43
8.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_08.jpg)

This ship - which I have seen for many years when passing by - has always had me wondering.   The location is known as Llanerch-y-Mor and it's a former Irish Sea ferry - the Duke of Lancaster - which has been there for a number of decades (yes, decades).  A couple of links I found when searching:
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/duke-lancaster-gets-mystery-black-12895861
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45626924

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_30.jpg)

Yes it does have a fascinating history. We always look out for it whenever we travel up to Bangor, it means we have got past the Deeside industrial area and are now onto the best bit of that coast.

I was going to register a bit of umbrage at being described as Rhyl-ish. It is quite a distance away from Rhyl, and the coast around Mostyn is a wonderful area for bird watching, even from the comfort of the train, compared to Rhyl, which is wonderful for... er, not a lot!


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 04, 2019, 07:10:47
I was going to register a bit of umbrage at being described as Rhyl-ish. It is quite a distance away from Rhyl, and the coast around Mostyn is a wonderful area for bird watching, even from the comfort of the train, compared to Rhyl, which is wonderful for... er, not a lot!

Registration noted.   It's in the middle of a 14 mile stainless stretch between Flint and Prestatyn ... Rhyl a further 4 miles on.   Mileage as quoted from National Rail timetables.

Aside - some members may not realise that I uploaded all the National Rail timetables (which include mileages) to the Coffee Shop a few months back - findable by station. 
- Go to the Station Comparator at the top of every page
- Go to the station you want the timetable(s) for from that comparator
- Page includes link to each timetable the station's train times are on.
Could to with further info on each station page, as it leaves you guessing which particular table you want - never the less something I've found useful when travelling around (and, yes, I put them there for that selfish reason!).

http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/nr_timetables/Table%20075.pdf

I don’t know, but I suspect 15 might be the IET depot at Swansea.

You suspect perfectly correctly  ;D


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: Bmblbzzz on November 04, 2019, 10:19:00
8.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_08.jpg)

This ship - which I have seen for many years when passing by - has always had me wondering.   The location is known as Llanerch-y-Mor and it's a former Irish Sea ferry - the Duke of Lancaster - which has been there for a number of decades (yes, decades).  A couple of links I found when searching:
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/duke-lancaster-gets-mystery-black-12895861
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45626924

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_30.jpg)
What an annoyingly put-together report in the Daily Post! It places a lot of emphasis on a Latvian graffiti artist being invited to paint the ship at some point in the past, mentions that his work can still be seen on one side, and shows every other aspect of the ship but not that! Meanwhile the BBC describes it as "defaced by graffiti" which rather contradicts the claim it was done by invitation, but does show it.


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: grahame on November 07, 2019, 07:55:04

11.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/ftw_201910_11.jpg)

I don't suppose "Northern Ireland" would really do as an answer, would it?

I think I suggested that someone be a bit more specific but no-one has even come close to Portadown so I suspect I'll need to think up some clue.

Oh - oops ...


Title: Re: Through the window - but where was I?
Post by: johnneyw on October 03, 2021, 10:36:52
I just happened upon a recent update with the latest developments for this local landmark and thought that some forum members be interested.  It's reasonably encouraging.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/duke-of-lancaster-cruise-ship-21720999?utm_source=linkCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar



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