Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363485/29650/26] Posted by a-driver at 20:53, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Consistency being maintained.....
Delays to services between London Paddington and Reading
Following a broken down train at Twyford some lines will be reopened shortly. Disruption is expected until 17:15 22/07.
Train services between London Paddington and Reading may be delayed by up to 15 minutes.
Delays to services between London Paddington and Reading
Following a broken down train at Twyford some lines will be reopened shortly. Disruption is expected until 17:15 22/07.
Train services between London Paddington and Reading may be delayed by up to 15 minutes.
Broken down freight train.
Re: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh rail line closed after tracks flooded - 22/7/2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363484/30481/51] Posted by ChrisB at 20:45, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Lines reopen in the morning
Re: Bus Service 205 In "Transport for London" [363483/30357/46] Posted by Surrey 455 at 20:25, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
We have decided to change the 30 and 205 bus routes because there is no economic or environmental reason to run more buses than is required at the busiest time of day, location and direction. Usage of both has markedly reduced since the pandemic
•Weekday usage on route 30 has decreased by 25% weekdays, 13% on Saturdays and by 13% on Sundays
•Weekday usage on route 205 has decreased by 19% weekdays, 15% on Saturdays and by 12% on Sundays
•Weekday usage on route 30 has decreased by 25% weekdays, 13% on Saturdays and by 13% on Sundays
•Weekday usage on route 205 has decreased by 19% weekdays, 15% on Saturdays and by 12% on Sundays
Couldn't they have just reduced the frequency of both buses without changing the routes?
From the BBC:
Timelapse shows heritage railway track repairs
Timelapse footage has been released showing engineers completing repairs on a section of track after a landslip closed a heritage railway line.
The Severn Valley Railway, which runs for 16 miles (26km) from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, to Bridgnorth, Shropshire, suffered a landslip in January.
It meant trains could only run to Hampton Loade, cutting out the Bridgnorth section of the line.
On Friday, the line will officially reopen as the famous Flying Scotsman locomotive steams into Bridgnorth.
Timelapse footage has been released showing engineers completing repairs on a section of track after a landslip closed a heritage railway line.
The Severn Valley Railway, which runs for 16 miles (26km) from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, to Bridgnorth, Shropshire, suffered a landslip in January.
It meant trains could only run to Hampton Loade, cutting out the Bridgnorth section of the line.
On Friday, the line will officially reopen as the famous Flying Scotsman locomotive steams into Bridgnorth.
Re: Bristol Airport - proposals for expansion and bus services - merged posts In "Buses and other ways to travel" [363481/22894/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:31, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
From the BBC:
Airport's new £60m transport hub officially opens

The new facility was officially opened by airport CEO Dave Lees (left), MP Sadik Al-Hassan (centre) and council leader Mike Bell (right)
A new £60m transport interchange has been officially opened at Bristol Airport.
The facility, one of the largest of its kind in the region, can hold an extra 2,000 parking spaces, as well as significantly expanding the number of bus and coach spaces. It will also home the airport's new "drop and go" zone and offer better pedestrian links to the terminal.
Dave Lees, chief executive of the Airport, said the new development was "really important as it represents a milestone in terms of improving the facilities for our customers". "Gone are the days of passengers having to walk up slopes here," he added, explaining that the number of bays for coaches and buses had been doubled, as well as the addition of new covered access routes, covered seating and toilet facilities. This signifies the airport's "level of ambition" as it "looks to the future", he added.
The project has taken more than two years to complete, and is part of a wider £400m "airport transformation programme" to improve transport links. Currently only about 15% of airport customers arrive at the site by bus.
North Somerset Council leader Mile Bell said the new facility was a "fantastic new piece of infrastructure" for customers but stressed that there was still work to be done. "I think we all recognise that we've still got more to do to make the access routes easier and introduce mass transit, particularly from Bristol city centre so people can get here easier, faster and cheaper using public transport," he said. Meanwhile, he added, passengers should "give public transport a try" and avoid antisocial parking in local communities around the airport.
His comments were echoed by North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan, who also called for a mass transit to the airport and urged any further expansion of the airport to be "balanced with the views of the community". Telling the BBC there were "swings and roundabouts" with any airport expansion, he said: "This is allowing more people to come here by sustainable means, so I'm hoping it will help. but it's part of what needs to be a larger plan to look at how the airport sits within the wider economic area."

The new facility was officially opened by airport CEO Dave Lees (left), MP Sadik Al-Hassan (centre) and council leader Mike Bell (right)
A new £60m transport interchange has been officially opened at Bristol Airport.
The facility, one of the largest of its kind in the region, can hold an extra 2,000 parking spaces, as well as significantly expanding the number of bus and coach spaces. It will also home the airport's new "drop and go" zone and offer better pedestrian links to the terminal.
Dave Lees, chief executive of the Airport, said the new development was "really important as it represents a milestone in terms of improving the facilities for our customers". "Gone are the days of passengers having to walk up slopes here," he added, explaining that the number of bays for coaches and buses had been doubled, as well as the addition of new covered access routes, covered seating and toilet facilities. This signifies the airport's "level of ambition" as it "looks to the future", he added.
The project has taken more than two years to complete, and is part of a wider £400m "airport transformation programme" to improve transport links. Currently only about 15% of airport customers arrive at the site by bus.
North Somerset Council leader Mile Bell said the new facility was a "fantastic new piece of infrastructure" for customers but stressed that there was still work to be done. "I think we all recognise that we've still got more to do to make the access routes easier and introduce mass transit, particularly from Bristol city centre so people can get here easier, faster and cheaper using public transport," he said. Meanwhile, he added, passengers should "give public transport a try" and avoid antisocial parking in local communities around the airport.
His comments were echoed by North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan, who also called for a mass transit to the airport and urged any further expansion of the airport to be "balanced with the views of the community". Telling the BBC there were "swings and roundabouts" with any airport expansion, he said: "This is allowing more people to come here by sustainable means, so I'm hoping it will help. but it's part of what needs to be a larger plan to look at how the airport sits within the wider economic area."
Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh rail line closed after tracks flooded - 22/7/2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363480/30481/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:19, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
From the BBC:

Train services on a Highland rail line have been cancelled after the tracks were submerged by flood water.
Silt was washed onto the line at Achanalt, east of Achnasheen in Wester Ross, during heavy rainfall overnight.
ScotRail said all services between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh had been suspended.
Replacement bus services have been arranged and train tickets are being accepted on Stagecoach North bus services between Inverness and Dingwall and CityLink buses between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh.
There was also flooding reported at Garve, on the same line.
Met Office weather warnings for rain were in force across the region on Monday and overnight until 06:00.
Engineers arrived at Achanalt on Tuesday morning to carry out inspections.
Network Rail said they had a team on site to clear the debris and inspect the track and level crossing. "Floodwater has subsided, but the debris it's brought with it is blocking the track and the station area," it said in a statement.
ScotRail said they would provide an update on Wednesday's service later.
The rail company also closed part of the train line between Inverness and Aberdeen while repairs, which are now complete, were carried out on the track between Inverness Airport and Nairn.
Replacement buses were provided to take passengers from Aberdeen to Inverness and train tickets were accepted on Stagecoach buses while rail services were disrupted.
Re: Senior Railcard - ongoing issues, merged posts In "Fare's Fair" [363479/26533/4] Posted by Ralph Ayres at 17:47, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
In practice it wont make any difference as the date on the railcard itself is correct. Just check the date on your renewed railcard/receipt is correct. As you probably know you'll need to fill in a new application form.
Presumably that's in case you've got younger in the intervening year and so no longer qualify for that Railcard?
Re: IEP seats in 2025 In "Across the West" [363478/29826/26] Posted by 1st fan at 16:54, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I believe a new design of cushion is being considered/trialed for the 'quarter life' refurb that'll be coming up soon. Worn ones are being replaced ad-hoc. If you have a 'good' train manager if you mention it to them they can log that seat into the fault app.
I hope that refurb also includes proper buggy space provision and a redesigned bike space hook allowing for thicker rimmed bike wheels. Normal USB and USB-C charging sockets would also be very useful - Chiltern's ongoing Class 168 refresh is featuring those.
I hope that refurb also includes proper buggy space provision and a redesigned bike space hook allowing for thicker rimmed bike wheels. Normal USB and USB-C charging sockets would also be very useful - Chiltern's ongoing Class 168 refresh is featuring those.
Very good news if they are looking at seat cushion redesign. Don’t remember seeing the Train Manager actually.
Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363477/29650/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:32, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Consistency being maintained.....
Delays to services between London Paddington and Reading
Following a broken down train at Twyford some lines will be reopened shortly. Disruption is expected until 17:15 22/07.
Train services between London Paddington and Reading may be delayed by up to 15 minutes.
Re: 'French infantry at Waterloo' - caption for an image In "The Lighter Side" [363476/30479/30] Posted by TonyK at 16:04, 22nd July 2025 Already liked by Oxonhutch, TaplowGreen | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
C’est magnifique, mais ce n’est pas la gare.
(Apologies to Pierre Bosquet)
Never trust anything you read on the internet.

- Abraham Lincoln, 1808
Trains not calling at Crewkerne from July 28. In "South Western services" [363475/30480/42] Posted by bradshaw at 14:21, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Just appeared on SWR’s X site
From Monday 28 July, until further notice, trains will not call at Crewkerne due to temporary speed restriction.
A connecting bus service will run from Yeovil Junction to Axminster calling at Crewkerne.
A connecting bus service will run from Yeovil Junction to Axminster calling at Crewkerne.
More detail from their website
We are experiencing some of the driest conditions for around 200 years, and in the Crewkerne area this has dried out and shrunk the clay soil embankments that support our tracks. This is a problem known as ‘soil moisture deficit’, which Network Rail explains here.
Because track levels have been disturbed, our trains cannot travel safely at their normal speeds, meaning we have to implement a 40mph speed restriction on four miles of track. Unfortunately, track levels cannot be restored to normal until ground conditions improve.
Why can’t trains call at Crewkerne?
If trains continue to call at Crewkerne it will create delays that will quickly spread along the West of England Line, leading to cancellations and large gaps between services.
As a result, we have had to make the difficult decision for trains not to call at Crewkerne.
When will trains call at Crewkerne again?
We will restore train services as soon as we possibly can, but until further notice, trains will not call at Crewkerne.
As hot and dry conditions are set to continue, we are warning customers that additional speed restrictions and further timetable changes are likely to be necessary west of Salisbury over the summer. We are carefully monitoring embankment and track conditions to understand when changes will be needed.
Because track levels have been disturbed, our trains cannot travel safely at their normal speeds, meaning we have to implement a 40mph speed restriction on four miles of track. Unfortunately, track levels cannot be restored to normal until ground conditions improve.
Why can’t trains call at Crewkerne?
If trains continue to call at Crewkerne it will create delays that will quickly spread along the West of England Line, leading to cancellations and large gaps between services.
As a result, we have had to make the difficult decision for trains not to call at Crewkerne.
When will trains call at Crewkerne again?
We will restore train services as soon as we possibly can, but until further notice, trains will not call at Crewkerne.
As hot and dry conditions are set to continue, we are warning customers that additional speed restrictions and further timetable changes are likely to be necessary west of Salisbury over the summer. We are carefully monitoring embankment and track conditions to understand when changes will be needed.
Re: The variety that is rail travel. In "The Lighter Side" [363474/30464/30] Posted by eightonedee at 13:50, 22nd July 2025 Already liked by grahame | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Is the Molli Bahn station Heiligendamm?
Re: Bus Service 205 In "Transport for London" [363473/30357/46] Posted by matth1j at 12:18, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
we’re sorry to learn of the inconvenience this may cause to your journeys and those of the community you support.
... and wonder, if they are only learning of that now, how poor was the reach of their consultation or them taking note of the inputs it generated?

See also: https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=30475.msg363433#msg363433 
CfN.

CfN.

Fair play to the SWR managers concerned for pitching up given the circumstances, it must have been quite uncomfortable for them. Would be good to see Hopwood et al at Paddington (or indeed anywhere!) doing a similar session during a GWR meltdown, seeing (and hearing) what their customers have to put up with at first hand may concentrate a few minds.........
I’d rather have the top brass from the DfT and Network Rail. They’re the ones inflicting the misery.
Re: Bus Service 205 In "Transport for London" [363471/30357/46] Posted by grahame at 11:15, 22nd July 2025 Already liked by matth1j, Worcester_Passenger, Mark A | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I have dropped TfL a note asking for official advice ... let's see how / if they respond.
I am a repeated but not frequent use of bus service 205 from Paddington to St Pancras, interchanging from main line trains from Wiltshire where I live to onward services via Eurostar and also to places like Cambridge. I am also a passenger advocate advising others how best to travel and a number of us have mobility and sensory issues that mean we need to minimise interchanges, distance moved and level changes, even if lifts are provided.
I am disappointed to read that the through bus will no longer run from Paddington to Kings Cross as from a weeks time. We heard this news late in the day as I understand that consultations have been with London residents - which we are not - we are visitors who together help make your city work and help you justify the public transport which is usually very good.
1. What consultation was done and reach put out to groups like ours who use London's services but don't live there?
2. Is there an alternative I have missed of direct surface provision that works without an extra interchange for those who find the underground difficult?
You say "no personal information" BUT you are very welcome to share my details and get back in touch as appropriate - indeed I encourage you to do so to help make systems / alternatives better and well known - Graham
I am disappointed to read that the through bus will no longer run from Paddington to Kings Cross as from a weeks time. We heard this news late in the day as I understand that consultations have been with London residents - which we are not - we are visitors who together help make your city work and help you justify the public transport which is usually very good.
1. What consultation was done and reach put out to groups like ours who use London's services but don't live there?
2. Is there an alternative I have missed of direct surface provision that works without an extra interchange for those who find the underground difficult?
You say "no personal information" BUT you are very welcome to share my details and get back in touch as appropriate - indeed I encourage you to do so to help make systems / alternatives better and well known - Graham
Reply just received:
Ref: 21753394
22 July 2025
Dear Mr Ellis
Thank you for contacting us on 15 June regarding the recent changes to bus route 205. We truly appreciate hearing from passengers like yourself who not only use our services but also advocate for others, especially those with mobility and sensory needs.
We understand your disappointment at the withdrawal of the through service between Paddington and King’s Cross, and we’re sorry to learn of the inconvenience this may cause to your journeys and those of the community you support.
Your concerns have been shared with our Network Development Team, who have provided the following explanation.
We have decided to change the 30 and 205 bus routes because there is no economic or environmental reason to run more buses than is required at the busiest time of day, location and direction. Usage of both has markedly reduced since the pandemic
•Weekday usage on route 30 has decreased by 25% weekdays, 13% on Saturdays and by 13% on Sundays
•Weekday usage on route 205 has decreased by 19% weekdays, 15% on Saturdays and by 12% on Sundays
There is therefore excess capacity even at the busiest time on the combined corridor between Baker Street station and Paddington on routes 27 and 205, with six buses required to meet demand but twelve scheduled. We have a duty to make best use of public money and many competing objectives to fulfil with a limited budget. We have not cut frequencies on the City Road as part of this scheme.
It does mean that some journeys newly require the passenger to interchange or use a different route. All such trips can be made with one change of bus using same-stop interchange at stops that have facilities such as seating, lighting and shelter. We are also increasing frequency on route 27 at the busiest times. We also fairly newly have the wholly step-free Elizabeth line which parallels some of the route. The Circle and Hammersmith & City line have been upgraded as well between Paddington and Whitechapel. We have also invested in step free access at various stations along these lines such as Paddington, part of Euston Square, Kings Cross St Pancras, Moorgate, Liverpool Street and Whitechapel.
The consultation on this change ran between 21 October 2024 and 10 January 2025. A total of 1,359 responses were received of which 22 were from stakeholders, including MPs, parliamentary bodies, politicians, local authorities, statutory and advisory bodies, accessibility groups, community groups and charities, local business and user groups. Detail on all this can be found in the consultation report can be found herehttps://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/30-205-bus-proposals
Thanks again for contacting us. If there is anything else we can help you with, please reply to this email. Alternatively, you can call us on 0343 222 1234 and we'll be happy to help you.
Kind regards
Katie Childs
Customer Service Adviser
Transport for London Customer Services
22 July 2025
Dear Mr Ellis
Thank you for contacting us on 15 June regarding the recent changes to bus route 205. We truly appreciate hearing from passengers like yourself who not only use our services but also advocate for others, especially those with mobility and sensory needs.
We understand your disappointment at the withdrawal of the through service between Paddington and King’s Cross, and we’re sorry to learn of the inconvenience this may cause to your journeys and those of the community you support.
Your concerns have been shared with our Network Development Team, who have provided the following explanation.
We have decided to change the 30 and 205 bus routes because there is no economic or environmental reason to run more buses than is required at the busiest time of day, location and direction. Usage of both has markedly reduced since the pandemic
•Weekday usage on route 30 has decreased by 25% weekdays, 13% on Saturdays and by 13% on Sundays
•Weekday usage on route 205 has decreased by 19% weekdays, 15% on Saturdays and by 12% on Sundays
There is therefore excess capacity even at the busiest time on the combined corridor between Baker Street station and Paddington on routes 27 and 205, with six buses required to meet demand but twelve scheduled. We have a duty to make best use of public money and many competing objectives to fulfil with a limited budget. We have not cut frequencies on the City Road as part of this scheme.
It does mean that some journeys newly require the passenger to interchange or use a different route. All such trips can be made with one change of bus using same-stop interchange at stops that have facilities such as seating, lighting and shelter. We are also increasing frequency on route 27 at the busiest times. We also fairly newly have the wholly step-free Elizabeth line which parallels some of the route. The Circle and Hammersmith & City line have been upgraded as well between Paddington and Whitechapel. We have also invested in step free access at various stations along these lines such as Paddington, part of Euston Square, Kings Cross St Pancras, Moorgate, Liverpool Street and Whitechapel.
The consultation on this change ran between 21 October 2024 and 10 January 2025. A total of 1,359 responses were received of which 22 were from stakeholders, including MPs, parliamentary bodies, politicians, local authorities, statutory and advisory bodies, accessibility groups, community groups and charities, local business and user groups. Detail on all this can be found in the consultation report can be found herehttps://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/30-205-bus-proposals
Thanks again for contacting us. If there is anything else we can help you with, please reply to this email. Alternatively, you can call us on 0343 222 1234 and we'll be happy to help you.
Kind regards
Katie Childs
Customer Service Adviser
Transport for London Customer Services
I note ...
we’re sorry to learn of the inconvenience this may cause to your journeys and those of the community you support.
... and wonder, if they are only learning of that now, how poor was the reach of their consultation or them taking note of the inputs it generated?
Re: Fifteen hurt after double-decker bus hits bridge - Eccles, Manchester, 21/7/2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363470/30478/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:13, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
An update, from the BBC:
Bus driver arrested after 20 injured in bridge crash
The driver of a double-decker bus that crashed into a canal bridge injuring 20 people, including three who were seriously hurt, has been arrested.
A passenger was thrown from the top deck when the vehicle's roof was torn off as it struck the Bridgewater Canal Aqueduct on Barton Lane in Eccles, Salford on Monday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.
The force said a 19-year-old woman, and two men, one aged in his 20s and another in his 40s, sustained serious injuries and remain in hospital in a stable condition.
The driver, a man in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Police said 17 other people were also treated at the scene for injuries that were "non-life threatening or life-changing".
Barton Lane has since been reopened, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said it has launched an "immediate and urgent" investigation into the circumstances of the crash. This includes why the 100 service bus was "not taking its usual route", a TFGM spokesman said.

Police said there are height restriction warnings in place by the bridge, including hanging chains and signs.
Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester Vernon Everitt said: "We are working closely with the investigation team at Greater Manchester Police and the bus operator, Stagecoach. This is clearly a distressing situation for everyone involved and we'd like to thank emergency services for their swift response."
The road was closed into Monday evening with diversions in place as authorities worked to move the damaged bus.

Labour MP for Worsley and Eccles Michael Wheeler said the crash was "unacceptable". "It's not the first time this has happened, so after understanding what's happened we need to do everything we can to make sure it doesn't happen again," he told BBC Radio Manchester.
A bus has previously had its roof ripped off after striking the same bridge in April 2023.
The driver of a double-decker bus that crashed into a canal bridge injuring 20 people, including three who were seriously hurt, has been arrested.
A passenger was thrown from the top deck when the vehicle's roof was torn off as it struck the Bridgewater Canal Aqueduct on Barton Lane in Eccles, Salford on Monday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.
The force said a 19-year-old woman, and two men, one aged in his 20s and another in his 40s, sustained serious injuries and remain in hospital in a stable condition.
The driver, a man in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Police said 17 other people were also treated at the scene for injuries that were "non-life threatening or life-changing".
Barton Lane has since been reopened, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said it has launched an "immediate and urgent" investigation into the circumstances of the crash. This includes why the 100 service bus was "not taking its usual route", a TFGM spokesman said.

Police said there are height restriction warnings in place by the bridge, including hanging chains and signs.
Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester Vernon Everitt said: "We are working closely with the investigation team at Greater Manchester Police and the bus operator, Stagecoach. This is clearly a distressing situation for everyone involved and we'd like to thank emergency services for their swift response."
The road was closed into Monday evening with diversions in place as authorities worked to move the damaged bus.

Labour MP for Worsley and Eccles Michael Wheeler said the crash was "unacceptable". "It's not the first time this has happened, so after understanding what's happened we need to do everything we can to make sure it doesn't happen again," he told BBC Radio Manchester.
A bus has previously had its roof ripped off after striking the same bridge in April 2023.
Re: IEP seats in 2025 In "Across the West" [363469/29826/26] Posted by IndustryInsider at 10:31, 22nd July 2025 Already liked by PrestburyRoad, Witham Bobby, Mark A, 1st fan, Timmer | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I believe a new design of cushion is being considered/trialed for the 'quarter life' refurb that'll be coming up soon. Worn ones are being replaced ad-hoc. If you have a 'good' train manager if you mention it to them they can log that seat into the fault app.
I hope that refurb also includes proper buggy space provision and a redesigned bike space hook allowing for thicker rimmed bike wheels. Normal USB and USB-C charging sockets would also be very useful - Chiltern's ongoing Class 168 refresh is featuring those.
Re: Fifteen hurt after double-decker bus hits bridge - Eccles, Manchester, 21/7/2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363468/30478/51] Posted by matth1j at 09:24, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Telegraph report has video, with a warning that some may find it distressing:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/d8f0daef75f202c5
('gifted' link, non-subscribers should be able to view I believe)
Re: Timetable colours In "The Lighter Side" [363467/30471/30] Posted by matth1j at 09:18, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Am I correct in thinking that this forum is predominantly male?Not sure why nature has decided that one in 12 males should suffer from the condition,
Off the top of my head... 
The reason more males than females are color blind is primarily due to genetics, specifically how the genes for color vision are inherited on the X chromosome. This is known as X-linked recessive inheritance.
Here's a breakdown:
Chromosomes and Sex Determination:
Females typically have two X chromosomes (XX).
Males typically have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
The genes responsible for the most common types of color blindness (red-green color blindness) are located on the X chromosome.
Recessive Trait: Color blindness is caused by a recessive gene. This means that a person needs to inherit two copies of the faulty gene (one from each parent) for the trait to be expressed, unless they only have one X chromosome.
Why Males are More Affected:
Males have only one X chromosome. If that single X chromosome carries the faulty gene for color vision, they will be color blind because there's no second X chromosome to provide a healthy, dominant gene to compensate.
Females have two X chromosomes. If a female inherits one X chromosome with the faulty gene, her other X chromosome usually carries a normal, dominant gene that can compensate, allowing her to have normal color vision. In this case, she is a "carrier" and can pass the gene on to her children, but she is not color blind herself. For a female to be color blind, she would need to inherit a faulty gene on both of her X chromosomes, which is much less likely.
In summary:
Males: 1 in 12 are affected by red-green color blindness.
Females: Only about 1 in 200 are affected by red-green color blindness.
This significant difference highlights the impact of X-linked inheritance on the prevalence of color blindness between the sexes.
Re: Fifteen hurt after double-decker bus hits bridge - Eccles, Manchester, 21/7/2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363466/30478/51] Posted by Mark A at 08:21, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
That's the aqueduct carrying the Bridgwater Canal, fairly adjacent to the swing span across the Manchester Ship Canal, the driver appears to have passed very prominent placemaking cues and also an overhead structure from which hang a set of jangly chains intended to warn people in overheight vehicles, in this case apparently to no effect.
Mark
Re: London Waterloo 21/07/25 DO NOT TRAVEL In "South Western services" [363465/30475/42] Posted by Timmer at 07:21, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Looks like things are operating normally into Waterloo this morning which is good news. Let’s hope they really have found the fault this time and that it doesn’t happen again.
Re: Timetable colours In "The Lighter Side" [363464/30471/30] Posted by grahame at 07:17, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Am I correct in thinking that this forum is predominantly male?
Yes ... we're aware that our balance in this and other aspects differs from both the general population and from rail users.
Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [363463/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 06:59, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Tuesday July 22
11:52 London Paddington to Hereford due 14:44 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:22/07/2025 03:43
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:22/07/2025 03:43
Later (09:30) : this has disappeared from JourneyCheck (though it doesn't merit a "reinstated" listing).
Re: IEP seats in 2025 In "Across the West" [363462/29826/26] Posted by infoman at 06:11, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
You learn some thing new every day,
never gave it a though that window seats suffer from wear more than aisle seats.
I know that HST seats were easily removed and could have been swapped over,
although there was no need because they were spring loaded.
Not sure if when IET's are going for a major service,the seats could be swapped over to even out the wear,
or the alternative is to swap the seats over your self,although not sure how easy they are to swap over.
Re: 'French infantry at Waterloo' - caption for an image In "The Lighter Side" [363461/30479/30] Posted by infoman at 05:54, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The film Waterloo must be the only blockbuster film that I know,
that does not come with sub-titles,
even if shown on terrestrial TV.
Please correct me if you have a DVD copy of the film that does have sub-titles.
Surprised considering it was an early 1970's film
Re: Timetable colours In "The Lighter Side" [363460/30471/30] Posted by infoman at 05:49, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Am I correct in thinking that this forum is predominantly male?
regarding the colour blindness condition.
Only one in 200 females suffer from the condition
Not sure why nature has decided that one in 12 males should suffer from the condition,
thankfully I am not one of them.
Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363459/29650/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 05:38, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
See also: https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=30475.msg363433#msg363433 
CfN.

CfN.

Fair play to the SWR managers concerned for pitching up given the circumstances, it must have been quite uncomfortable for them. Would be good to see Hopwood et al at Paddington (or indeed anywhere!) doing a similar session during a GWR meltdown, seeing (and hearing) what their customers have to put up with at first hand may concentrate a few minds.........
P.S. The x34 from Melksham to Chippenham dropped of not just me but seven others as it went via the station. Me thinks it should be a standard part of the route .. and through others days too. While updating the route - Monday to Saturday is serves Trowbridge station but on Sundays it stops short; perhaps Trinity Church would be a better terminus than the back of Sainsbury's?
And adding the morning after ...
Hamburg
The onward train from Hamburg to Odense (the Copenhagen train) only runs every two hours, reservations only, and was fully booked at 16:55 - no valid choice but to wait until the 18:50 which I did. The food court at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof has been a favourite in the past, but this time I chose to sit in the waited restaurant a floor up. A more relaxed atmosphere with enough tables available for me to take an hour without blocking out someone else. My waitress had the best British accent that I have encountered all day - turns out that Natasha comes from "the Surrey Hills" which usually means somewhere like Effingham or Leatherhead. Restaurant a good choice and food enjoyed - though some confusion in ordering off the German menu brought me a different dish to what I intended. Washed down with a pint of regular beer, and a pint of alcohol-free beer as I really didn't want to fall asleep on my onward train and miss Odense.
Hamburg is a massive through station though lots of local trains terminate there. The ICE long distance services, for the most part, carry on to terminate at Altona which I guess has the capacity to do that - never been there though. Long distance German trains these days are often "a bit" late - anything from a few minutes to half an hour and more. And this causes knock-ons waiting for platforms and platform changes. It can be interesting. The 18:19 from the south end of Platform 12 didn't leave until 18:42 ... so the empty train for my 18:50 to Copenhagen only arrived in at 18:45, and pulled further forward that the platform displays indicated, leading to a sea of people flowing along. With just two sets of doors in every 3 carriages, all long distance passengers, and almost all seats reserved, it was a wonder we set off only 5 minutes late! Double wonder because almost everyone had heavy luggage which they struggled with up into the train.
Hamburg to Odense
The only reservation I had been able to get even on the late train was in standard class ... and it turned out that the travel companions I was sharing my bay with had also had to drop back - and were facing a night in Copenhagen Station because they were going to miss the last onward train to Gothenburg ... been away for a long weekend to party and enjoy Hamburg, and to see the museums and memorials in Berlin. They had cases - one so enormous it would not go between the seats. I moved my pack from the overhead rack to between the seats to give them luggage space, and then they heaven their massive object above our head with the younger bearded one concerned the whole way it would fall on us. It didn't - I'm here to tell the tale!
Some Danish trains - and this was one - have what looks like the least aerodynamic front end you can imagine - looks like a big tyre or rubber washer sound the frontage. I'm sure there's a reason. They are getting a bit mature and things like the power outlets weren't working, and it looked like the train had only limited cleans between runs. And it's a five hour run from Hamburg to Copenhagen; there's a new tunnel being built under the sea to cut off a huge dogleg and I would suspect that the current service is being managed on cost rather than on developing its market. It can be done by local trains - change at Flensburg - but on past experience this has proven risky and being stranded there for just shy of 2 hours (connections do not wait) is not recommended to anyone but the hardy.
A buffet man (no trolley but a tray of gooding in a basket on his chest, and a hot water tank on his back) came round once we were in Denmark and it was far too late for me - anyway - getting off at Odense at 22:40. We felt like we were dallying in places, yet arrived there on time; I characterise the journey as a number of fast express sections with awkward little bits changing from one fast line to another across the border, and then around Frederica where the train takes the avoiding curve.
And so to the Cabinn Hotel in Odense - not everyone's cup of tea but provides for my needs. Onwards to breakfast in a few minutes, served (or, rather, buffet selected) in the Penthouse restaurant. Need to catch the 08:29 - defensive scheduling letting me fall back one train during the day and get to my next overnight.
Re: The variety that is rail travel. In "The Lighter Side" [363457/30464/30] Posted by grahame at 04:34, 22nd July 2025 Already liked by Oxonhutch | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
You must both have missed Oxonhutch's getting that one on Saturday, then.
Yes, apparently grahame and I both did: sorry about that, Oxonhutch. 
Yes - I overlooked that - sorry! I'll update the credits when I have a connection good enough to edit / probably overnight
Amendment made - sorry, Oxonhutch - not sure how I missed your post in the first place.
Back to the Quiz - 18 is indeed Morchard Road - thank you AMLAG - which leaves just 17, 21, and the late-added 25
Re: Timetable colours In "The Lighter Side" [363456/30471/30] Posted by grahame at 04:16, 22nd July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I would agree that the colours that ontimetrains use - in my example - concern me because of how visible of otherwise they might be to people who are colour blind. As happens sometimes, what starts as a light hearted question turns out to have some very serious corollaries.