Great Western Coffee Shop

Yesterday, I travelled on a class 165, a class 444, a single deck bus, an open topped double decker, a taxi, and no less than 5 differnt class 158s. A look around public transport in and around part of our region.  And it all fitted together reasonbly well; some very busy trains, some trains rather shorter than I feel they should have been, and some delays which made two connections perilous and caused one to miss completely.  I will write more on specifics when you folks have identified the final pictures at http://www.passenger.chat/27579

What was outstanding?   The politefulness of the public transport industry staff even when under pressure - a general showing of caring for their customers and a willingness to help, and typically being very well informed.  A couple of staff on the periphery who "growled" a bit, but a smile and a kind word thawed even that ice.

The forum is quiet.  Our newsfeeds have been filled with flooding in Kherson, the indicement of Donald Trump, panic over hot weather, the resignation of his seat by Boris Johnson, Prince Harry giving evidence in court, some group of people in Manchester winning virually all of the trophies in their field this year, and migration / immigration.  None of which is really "Coffee Shop" material and in many ways, it's "no news is good news" even I it gives us less to talk about.

Apologies Graham, but another Grahamism.

I had visions of somebody being chopped into small pieces. Perhaps not physically, but ...

Sometimes these are referred to as Tobago: Typo But A Good One.

From yesterday - http://grahamellis.uk/blog893.html

Out on the 09:10, back at 22:55.  Eight people joined the train in the morning - around 25/8 and half a dozen users in the evening. Spoke with several for whom it already (this train just started last month) made a very real difference.  The really busy Saturdays are useful in marketing terms; the daily "drip, drip", even on an early weekday with weather issues effecting services elsewhere (flooded lines!) is far more long-term important.

Fro Interail ...


I get a "can't have been to Specsavers" feeling, or perhaps "cannot have travelled in the UK".  Or have I just been unlucky of late?   Looking at yesterday ... a complete log is depressing.

1. Cancelled "Due to problem with the brakes"

2. Multiple "Cancelled due to points failure"
One train left 42 minutes late / 20 late at destination having skipped stops
One train left 23 minutes late / 2 late at destination having skipped stops

3. One train simply went to "delayed" and disappeared off systems. No reason

4. 5. 6. One train left 4 minutes late due to "disrtuptive passenger" and then hit "running slow due to bad weather", "delayed due to waiting a platform", and "diverted due to bad weather" and arrived 56 minutes late.

7. One train 34 minutes late - bad weather earlier in the journey?

8. One train 10 minutes late - probably due to single line congestion

Arrived back to Melksham at 22:55 rather that 20:51 due to failed connections; final train actually on time!

No pickpockets, no Jellyfish sting, and only had to stand on one train briefly (until they announced it was skipping stops, then lots of people looked unhappy and got off).   Yes, the weather caused problems but there were lots of other issues along the way too - and because they were so varied, I can't see an easy fix.

Yesterday - Twelve trains, six busses and a boat (or was that a ship?). Twelve different stations at which I left or joined trains, several I was at (getting off or on) twice and one I was at three times.  Trespassers lead to once cancellation and a significant change of plans.  One train was to late it missed a connection (onward train started as I ran onto the ongoing platform) and two incidents had me seriously concerned - one as to whether I would make my connection and one for my own safety from a group who were (err) breaking rules in a somewhat isolated spot where I was taking pictures.  Talking of which - some of these are easy, but can anyone identify all 12 stations correctly?

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad01.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad02.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad03.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad04.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad05.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad06.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad07.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad08.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad09.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad10.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad11.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tiad12.jpg)

No 2 is Westbury - that's what it says on the sign!

Sure - a number of them are obvious. The question invites you - this time - to see if you can identify all twelve!

OK, I'll stick my neck out - several complete guesses, some educated guesses.

Melksham
Westbury
Dilton Marsh
Romsey
Millbrook
Netley
Fratton
Portsmouth and Southsea
Fareham
Eastleigh
Southampton Central
Salisbury

You have 9 out of the 12 correct, Phil - which is a pretty good start.

I claim the wooden spoon.  I would have scored one - I'd have guessed Pompe[y], and I hadn't even noticed the Westbury sign.  Mind you, I have an excuse - I've never been to any of the stations, at least not the ones mentioned by PhilWakeley.

6. Woolston. Caught many a train from there.

It's a bit of fun ... I would have a similar issue in places like the Barnstaple branch or the Welsh Valleys!   

I will comment more once the final few are sorted - really interesting day!

I suspect 8 is Portsmouth Harbour rather than Portsmouth & Southsea.

Thanks to PhilWakely ... 9 out of 12 is darned good.  I have corrected and bolded the other three to complete the list.

Melksham
Westbury
Dilton Marsh
Romsey
Millbrook
Woolston
Hilsea
Portsmouth Harbour
Fareham
Eastleigh
Southampton Central
Salisbury

The only one not mentioned was Hilsea ...

Lovely job Phil, well done.
I'm with PrestburyRoad, total 1.
I noticed a station sign but don't know how to enlarge pictures, so didn't.
I was going for Taunton somewhere as that's as famous as Melksham, but hadn't seen any 3rd rail placements there recently.
Portsmouth Harbour, Fareham were part of my pre-teen years as stayed with an Aunt and Uncle in Gosport.
Not been back train-wise since.