Reading to Shalford train - platform 15a

[whole diary]

[johoare]

Whilst I was at Reading yesterday, the 16.51 Shalford train was announced as a platform change and going from platform 15A.. I can't quite work out how that was going to happen and that the train could make it onto the correct line (via Wokingham) from 15A but I'm sure/hopeful that someone on here can enlighten me how it worked?

[paul7575]

Leave towards Paddington, then take a left at the new junction once over Vastern Rd bridge, head down the ramp behind the BMW dealers, then pass under the main lines through the re-opened 'Southern' underpass.

Paul

[eightf48544]

One of the benefits of the remodelling of Reading is that units from the depot for the Guildford line no longer have to cross the main lines to start their journey. They just pop through the tunnel and are away without holding up any HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train).

When the flyovers at the Western End are complete then there will be even fewer conflicting moves.

Trains will flow smoothly through Reading

[stuving]

On the other hand, steam trains wanting to come in from Newbury and leave via Wokingham - like today's Victoria-Bristol on its way back (122E) - go through P8 and turn off down the spur. I wonder what that would do when it's all finished.

[ellendune]

On the other hand, steam trains wanting to come in from Newbury and leave via Wokingham - like today's Victoria-Bristol on its way back (122E) - go through P8 and turn off down the spur. I wonder what that would do when it's all finished.

Probably the same or P7 as there would be little conflict on the short section of the DM from the turnout from P7/8 to the spur. Alternatively it could take the route under the flyover and use either P14/15 and the tunnel.   

[johoare]

Leave towards Paddington, then take a left at the new junction once over Vastern Rd bridge, head down the ramp behind the BMW dealers, then pass under the main lines through the re-opened 'Southern' underpass.

Paul

Thanks for that. The driver had confused me a bit by being at the other end of the train (non Paddington end) when I was there 

[Chris from Nailsea]

Some train drivers have a mischievous sense of humour ...   

[IndustryInsider]

Though reversing (propelling) at 90mph is perfectly possible in a Turbo, it would be rather frowned upon by management.     Not sure if there are any locations remaining on FGW^▸ (First Great Western) where propelling is allowed, but it used to be quite common practice.   For example at Stratford-Upon-Avon it was still regularly being done until less that ten years ago when the station layout meant getting trains shunted out of Platform 1 and into Platform 2/3 with the minimum of delay was necessary, so the train was propelled nearly quarter of a mile.

[Network SouthEast]

Indeed propelling is still allowed IndustryInsider. A mischievous driver's rules question asked by some managers is this:

Q: When is the only time you are allowed to propel a train on a running line without permission from the signaller?

A: For uncoupling one train from another.

Anyway, going back to why a driver would be in the back cab. My suggestion... they are going home and happen to live somewhere along the route.

Also, don't forget that on FGW^▸ (First Great Western) drivers wear blue shirts. No other uniformed staff for FGW wear blue shirts. So if someone was in the back cab and wearing a white or pink shirt, then the chances are they are a conductor/train manager/ticket examiner or even a manager!

[Southern Stag]

Though reversing (propelling) at 90mph is perfectly possible in a Turbo, it would be rather frowned upon by management.     Not sure if there are any locations remaining on FGW^▸ (First Great Western) where propelling is allowed, but it used to be quite common practice.   For example at Stratford-Upon-Avon it was still regularly being done until less that ten years ago when the station layout meant getting trains shunted out of Platform 1 and into Platform 2/3 with the minimum of delay was necessary, so the train was propelled nearly quarter of a mile.

The sleeper is still propelled between Penzance station and Long Rock depot sometimes although the 08 shunter is used more often now. Until a couple of years ago it was exclusively propelled. Any tours terminating at Penzance which aren't operating in top and tail mode have to be propelled between the station and Slopers Sidings, a short distance outside of the station.

[IndustryInsider]

Indeed propelling is still allowed IndustryInsider. A mischievous driver's rules question asked by some managers is this:

Q: When is the only time you are allowed to propel a train on a running line without permission from the signaller?

A: For uncoupling one train from another.

No more than three feet, mind! 

[eightf48544]

I wonder how many times 50+ wagon unfitted freights were propelled into refuge sidngs!