Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: A fear of driving / on the rise In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [365364/30694/49] Posted by ChrisB at 08:33, 9th September 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The number of drivers who seem to think they have right of way joining motorways/dual carriageways is quite scary.
Nightmare! Or those already on the motorway who don't move over a lane when approaching an on-slip so that traffic can join....nor those joining who think they can join at 30mph & pick up speed after joining.....
Re: Server slow ... In "News, Help and Assistance" [365363/30293/29] Posted by grahame at 08:27, 9th September 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Information post - purely out of interest for members
The subject is "server slow" and not "server broken" - and it has been slow overnight ... such a classic case of an overenthusiastic automated crawler, from not one but a whole suite of hosts.

So that's up to 6 pages per second. Where do they come from? Let's look an example:
8.160.129.10 IP info & Whois online
Host Name: Undefined. Country: China. City: Beijing. Coordinates: lat: 39.911; lon: 116.395. Network: 8.160.128.0/22. Type: Hosting Spam rate: 28.00%
Host Name: Undefined. Country: China. City: Beijing. Coordinates: lat: 39.911; lon: 116.395. Network: 8.160.128.0/22. Type: Hosting Spam rate: 28.00%
We have a wonderful resource at the Coffee Shop ... which means a wonderful range of pages published - and the word "public" is there in the very word "published". I have tools which help me notice - often without but sometimes with manual intervention - these heavy automated uses, even if (as in this case) the requests pretend to be human / don't admit to being crawlers. They may not be noticeable looking at each individual hit ... but I can see patterns

Note - the first report is BST and the second GMT - so they are at different times; the second report is after I referred 8.160 requests back to the receptionist to reduce automata load on our worker server. The changes last December which added the receptionist have given me this capability

Re: Weston-super-Mare - Birnbeck Pier plan 'in jeopardy' as RNLI pulls out - June 2025 In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [365362/30411/31] Posted by Timmer at 06:36, 9th September 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I know this may cause offence to some, but when I look at the picture above, I think the best thing that can be done to Birnbeck pier is to dismantle it. Of course that won’t happen because it’s listed so it will remain continuing to decay.
No trains will call Gloucester 27 September- 5th October 2025 In "Cross Country services" [365360/30703/43] Posted by infoman at 06:10, 9th September 2025 Already liked by Mark A | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Due to an upgrade of the Gloucester signal box.
https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/planned-engineering
How times have changed,I recall many years ago that a similar engineering work
was taking place, and a temporary train station was constructed near Over?
Can't recall the exact location or which year it was.
Re: Camping coaches In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [365359/22085/47] Posted by broadgage at 04:47, 9th September 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Have now obtained more detail re the above.
A common arrangement was to park perhaps 10 or 12 living coaches in an otherwise unused railway siding. Alternate vehicles would have the large canvas awning on different sides, thereby allowing a very considerable living area under cover in addition the space within the vehicle. Mains drainage and water supply was provided.
Older coaches were originally heated by a stove burning wood or coal, and this was retained when used for living. An extended chimney was fitted to prevent smoke nuisance. A restricted electricity supply was included in the rent.
The track was maintained in working order, with a connection to the main line to permit removing a condemned coach and adding a newer one. A horse or a Land Rover was used for this if the track was judged unsuitable for a locomotive.
Used for housing railway staff, and for the poor, and in more scenic locations as holiday homes.
Had an acceptable safety record, the main risk being over turning of the coach in a high wind when the canvas awning formed wind sail. Ballast weights were sometimes added to minimise this risk.
Use under OHLE was a risk if anyone climbed onto the roof, or the hetal stove flue was too close.
From Conde Nast Traveller
England finally has its own luxury sleeper train – and we were the first on board
The first ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales is a fresh take on the golden age of rail travel, offering a slower, softer and more nourishing way to experience this green and pleasant land
Name of train? Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train
Passenger occupancy? 18 cabins in total; three grand suites and 15 suites, all sleeping two people each
Itinerary? There are currently three itineraries, all departing from London: to the Lake District, Wales, or our chosen destination, Cornwall. A mystery fourth journey is currently in the works
Starting price: Suites start at £6,300 per person, and grand suites at £15,300 per person
The first ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales is a fresh take on the golden age of rail travel, offering a slower, softer and more nourishing way to experience this green and pleasant land
Name of train? Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train
Passenger occupancy? 18 cabins in total; three grand suites and 15 suites, all sleeping two people each
Itinerary? There are currently three itineraries, all departing from London: to the Lake District, Wales, or our chosen destination, Cornwall. A mystery fourth journey is currently in the works
Starting price: Suites start at £6,300 per person, and grand suites at £15,300 per person
Rich, stupid, or both?
Rich, certainly. But I see nothing stupid in enjoying luxury train travel. Comparable to staying at the Savoy, or to first class air travel, or even in ones own yacht.
The market for such luxury must be limited, but I suspect that they will find enough customers to make it worthwhile. Americans in particular would love it.
Perhaps the King could hire it occaisionaly if the Royal train is to be withdrawn ?
Re: A fear of driving / on the rise In "Media about railways, and other means of transport" [365357/30694/49] Posted by Sixty3Closure at 22:27, 8th September 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Having learnt to drive at a mature age and then almost immediately been ill for a long time I never quite got that period where you pass your test and then drive at every opportunity. Means I'm a very nervous and reluctant driver.
I also wonder that as someone who recently passed their test am I more aware of other people's bad driving? Amazing the number of people who don't indicate, block roads, box junctions and so on. I watched some of the driving/parking near our local supermarket and maybe my driving isn't so bad

I don't drive on motorways though but that's mainly because I've really not mastered slip roads but again I don't seem to be alone in that. The number of drivers who seem to think they have right of way joining motorways/dual carriageways is quite scary.
And (rather in the spirit of Dragons' Den) for that reason I, too, am out.

Re: Weston-super-Mare - Birnbeck Pier plan 'in jeopardy' as RNLI pulls out - June 2025 In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [365354/30411/31] Posted by JayMac at 21:51, 8th September 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
£5million short? (from the RNLI before they pulled out)
Crowdfunders can raise that sort of funds - worth a try, council?
Crowdfunders can raise that sort of funds - worth a try, council?
After the RNLI's due diligence highlighted viability and ongoing maintenance costs concerns I certainly wouldn't be keen to invest.
Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365345/10737/21] Posted by TonyK at 20:18, 8th September 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
In another place, I have seen this picture of the finished product. Does anyone have a photo showing the "before" state of the roof?
Old Miners railway wasn't it?
The East Kent Railway was a Colonel Stevens line - Like the WC&P - but survived in part much longer because is served the coal mine at Tilmanstone which it linked to the main line at Shepherd's Well. It ran on to Eastry, from where branches ran to Wingham and to Sandwich Road. I think an one time it went a bit further too [Edit - to Richborough Port]; I recall reading of it crossing the main Minster to Dover line on a bridge that was so perilous that passengers trains couldn't cross it
Edit to add from The Colonel Stevens Archive on the Wayback machine
Born in great optimism this railway was the only outcome of numerous plans for railways and collieries in the newly discovered Kent Coalfield. Conceived to carry coal it soon reverted to a truly rural railway with a heavy coal flow for a few miles at one end. Holman Stephens was engineer from inception, subsequently becoming director and manager. Running from Shepherdswell to Wingham with an intermittently operating branch to Richborough Port it opened in 1911 with a passenger service from 1916.
Services ebbed away with the final passenger trains in 1948 with progressive closures back to Tilmanstone Colliery over the next 3 years. The line shut with the colliery in the 1980's.
Services ebbed away with the final passenger trains in 1948 with progressive closures back to Tilmanstone Colliery over the next 3 years. The line shut with the colliery in the 1980's.
Yes, ChrisB, it was.
Details are their website, at https://eastkentrailway.co.uk/history/
I'll add the East Kent Railway to our 'abbreviations page' on the Coffee Shop forum.
CfN.

Old Miners railway wasn't it?
From the BBC:

Redundant railway equipment and materials from a mainline network are to be donated to a heritage railway.
The agreement between South Eastern Railway and volunteer-led East Kent Railway is aimed at working towards reestablishing freight trains on the heritage railway for the first time since 1987. It is the first scheme of its kind in Kent, according to Network Rail.
David Davidson, chief operating officer for the South Eastern Railway, said he was "excited about the possibilities" that the agreement could being, as well as the "potential to support economic growth in East Kent". He added: "Wherever we can, we will work with heritage railways across our network to forge a new partnership so that materials that would otherwise be recycled elsewhere to be re-used can find a new purpose."
East Kent Railway runs heritage trains on a four-mile (6.4km) round trip between Shepherdswell and Eythorne.
The donated railway materials will include rails and sleepers, as well as other items no longer needed for the mainline railway. In return, East Kent Railway will provide South Eastern Railway with the use of its facilities, such as for training. Under the agreement, both organisations will also work together to explore opportunities for the reestablishment of commercial freight traffic over the East Kent Railway.
Matthew Plews, general manager of the East Kent Railway Trust, said: "This agreement provides a framework for a deeper collaboration which will benefit us both, both in the short term and into the future."
Re: Weston-super-Mare - Birnbeck Pier plan 'in jeopardy' as RNLI pulls out - June 2025 In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [365339/30411/31] Posted by grahame at 17:22, 8th September 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
£5million short? (from the RNLI before they pulled out)
Crowdfunders can raise that sort of funds - worth a try, council?
Crowdfunders can raise that sort of funds - worth a try, council?
A few things struck me reading the post that's quoted
"It is with genuine regret and disappointment" ... and my eyebrows raised at the word "genuine" - why did they have to add that word? It almost reads as if they'r looking to boost a decision when it's not really genuine ... or that other things where they say they regret things are not genuine.
"committed to raising £5m towards the cost". The current Town Council precept is WsM is £164 for a band D house which raises £4.5 million per year. The Public Works Loan Board over a ten year period would charge 5% interest at current rates - total repayment £7.5 million, which equates to £25 per household per year for the next decade. Inflation is your friend here - that £25 will be less significant by 2035.
"Grade II listed" and that means that the council has a legal heritage responsibility.
"This current project cannot go forward, but our ambition for the pier remains. We will continue looking for solutions and hope that at some point in the future an answer will be found" ... and I find myself wondering why the headline is "restoration scrapped" rather than than just reporting a hurdle. Is there something of a PR exercise (or even a convenient excuse) for the council? Are they [just] wording this in such a way that they replace a concrete scheme with wishful hopes and somewhat wriggle out of their duty of care?
Re: 16 dead after historic funicular railway derails in Lisbon - 3 September 2025 In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [365337/30681/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:05, 8th September 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
From the BBC:
Lisbon funicular crash victim was 'transport enthusiast'

The third British victim killed in the Lisbon funicular crash has been named by police.
David Young, 82, from Holyhead on Anglesey, was among 16 people who died last Wednesday when the Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a building in Portugal's capital. His family described him as a "lifelong transport enthusiast", saying it was a comfort that "his final moments were in pursuit of the hobby which gave him so much happiness".
Over the weekend Cheshire Police confirmed the other British victims were Kayleigh Smith, 36, and her partner Will Nelson, 44.
Known to most as Dave, he was raised in Auchterarder, Perthshire, but moved to Holyhead in 1980 where he had a "long career as a customs officer". "In retirement he enjoyed visiting heritage railways and tramways around the world," his family said.
Llinos Medi, MP for Ynys Môn, sent her condolences to Mr Young's family and "to those who have been affected".
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "deeply saddened" by the incident. "His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident," a spokesperson said. "We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time."
The city's funicular railways - Glória, Lavra, Bica and Graça - are a popular tourist attraction and known for their yellow tram-like vehicles.
Officials said a cable along the railway's route snapped, but the rest of the mechanism was functioning properly. The brakeman tried to apply emergency brakes but failed to prevent the derailment. The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Nationals of Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, France, Britain, Ukraine and the US are among the dead, according to police.

The third British victim killed in the Lisbon funicular crash has been named by police.
David Young, 82, from Holyhead on Anglesey, was among 16 people who died last Wednesday when the Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a building in Portugal's capital. His family described him as a "lifelong transport enthusiast", saying it was a comfort that "his final moments were in pursuit of the hobby which gave him so much happiness".
Over the weekend Cheshire Police confirmed the other British victims were Kayleigh Smith, 36, and her partner Will Nelson, 44.
Known to most as Dave, he was raised in Auchterarder, Perthshire, but moved to Holyhead in 1980 where he had a "long career as a customs officer". "In retirement he enjoyed visiting heritage railways and tramways around the world," his family said.
Llinos Medi, MP for Ynys Môn, sent her condolences to Mr Young's family and "to those who have been affected".
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "deeply saddened" by the incident. "His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident," a spokesperson said. "We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time."
The city's funicular railways - Glória, Lavra, Bica and Graça - are a popular tourist attraction and known for their yellow tram-like vehicles.
Officials said a cable along the railway's route snapped, but the rest of the mechanism was functioning properly. The brakeman tried to apply emergency brakes but failed to prevent the derailment. The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Nationals of Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, France, Britain, Ukraine and the US are among the dead, according to police.
Re: Three killed in Isle of Wight helicopter crash during flying lesson: 25 Aug 2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [365336/30626/51] Posted by ChrisB at 16:55, 8th September 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The last time I checked, they had raised over £16,000 for the Poles' funeral
From the BBC:
Inquest opens into fatal helicopter crash
An inquest has opened into the deaths of three people killed in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight.
Justyna Czoska, 52, Wojciech Kowalkowski, 49 from Oxfordshire, and 54-year-old flying instructor Simon Hewitt from Lincolnshire were killed when the aircraft came down in a field near Shanklin on the morning of 25 August.
The coroner's officer said Dr Megan Jenkins, home office registered pathologist carried out the post-mortem examination at Southampton's St Mary's hospital mortuary on 27 August and the provisional cause of death was "multiple injuries".
The inquest at Isle Of Wight Coroner's Court has been adjourned until 5 March 2026 for all three victims.
The helicopter left Sandown Airport for a flying lesson on the Isle of Wight at 09:00 BST on Monday 25 August, with four people on board.

Ms Czoska and Mr Kowalkowski (left) and flying instructor Mr Hewitt (right) died in the crash
Witnesses reported the aircraft spiralling before crashing in a field alongside the A3020 at 09:20.
Mr Hewitt from Barton-upon-Humber in Lincolnshire, died in the crash alongside 52-year-old Ms Czoska and 49-year-old Mr Kowalkowski, who were both from Banbury, Oxfordshire.
A fourth person a man in his 30s was taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said an investigation into the crash is likely to take 12 months.
The families of those involved were not in the court but have previously released statements with the family of Ms Czoska currently trying to raise money for the bodies of Ms Czoska and Mr Kowalkowski to be sent back to their native country, Poland, for burial.
An inquest has opened into the deaths of three people killed in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight.
Justyna Czoska, 52, Wojciech Kowalkowski, 49 from Oxfordshire, and 54-year-old flying instructor Simon Hewitt from Lincolnshire were killed when the aircraft came down in a field near Shanklin on the morning of 25 August.
The coroner's officer said Dr Megan Jenkins, home office registered pathologist carried out the post-mortem examination at Southampton's St Mary's hospital mortuary on 27 August and the provisional cause of death was "multiple injuries".
The inquest at Isle Of Wight Coroner's Court has been adjourned until 5 March 2026 for all three victims.
The helicopter left Sandown Airport for a flying lesson on the Isle of Wight at 09:00 BST on Monday 25 August, with four people on board.

Ms Czoska and Mr Kowalkowski (left) and flying instructor Mr Hewitt (right) died in the crash
Witnesses reported the aircraft spiralling before crashing in a field alongside the A3020 at 09:20.
Mr Hewitt from Barton-upon-Humber in Lincolnshire, died in the crash alongside 52-year-old Ms Czoska and 49-year-old Mr Kowalkowski, who were both from Banbury, Oxfordshire.
A fourth person a man in his 30s was taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said an investigation into the crash is likely to take 12 months.
The families of those involved were not in the court but have previously released statements with the family of Ms Czoska currently trying to raise money for the bodies of Ms Czoska and Mr Kowalkowski to be sent back to their native country, Poland, for burial.