Great Western Coffee Shop

There's a number of people who say "bring back British Railways" and a number who say it's improved out of all recognition since.  It's probably somewhere between - and provided we learn from past schedules and ideas rather than trying to turn the clock back to them, they make an interesting and positive study.   Here's a first example.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/hloop_52.jpg)

Far, far more outbound passengers in those days, throughout the day, headed to work at the docks.

These days it's predominantly a morning in/evening out commute between home station and Bristol TM.

Of course, having the Henbury loop reopened to passengers, with stations at Ashley Hill, Filton proper, and Henbury would be most welcome. Reopening a stub to Henbury only is currently the only show in town. Scheduled for the 10th of Never and totally the wrong option.

Try another and look at the changed here ...

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/saltash_52.jpg)

Taking lessons from the way things were done in the past is like looking at how things are done abroad (pipe down, Hartley!); it's a useful indication that something can work in some circumstances but it's by no means certain that it will be a good idea here, now. Always worth looking around (and aback) for inspiration.

We learn the lessons from history.   We don't try to step back to it, though we may repeat elements that are good in a modern form and context.