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Is this a problem elsewhere?

It's unusual to that degree, I suspect. The turn around at Severn Beach is unusually long - looking at St Ives, Falmouth Dock, Newquay, Looe, Gunnislake, Exmouth, Okehampton, Barnstaple, Henley, Marlow, Windsor, Greenford the are all just a few minutes to keep that valuable train set running. Swindon used to have a long layover on the Cheltenham Spa services when they were alternate Sprinter and HST services, but they typically were shut down there.   Not a terminus as such, but there is an issue at times with trains terminating at Westbury.

So, signalling chums: would it be possible to tweak the signals or rules so that trains could pull about 500m out of the station after dropping off passengers, and then reverse back in for the next service?

That would very much depend on local circumstances.  At the end of a dead-end single-line branch, like Looe or Barnstaple, then yes, probably.  Where there are fixed signals and complications of "wrong" direction moves, far less easy

Not sure how Severn Beach fits in to that with "The bins" coming up the single track and shunting into the power plant; they can just about be seen from the platform at Severn Beach.

It's been a long time since I was there, but I don't think Severn Beach is a dead-end is it?  I need to refresh my knowledge.  I'll look at some track plans

‘Revving’ of engines would only usually occur when the compressor speed up in enabled to quickly build up air…when it’s been lost due to the engines being shut down!

Electrification would avoid these concerns  :)

The "blindingly obvious" solutions is electrical so that the power to keep the train warm during layovers is not generated by a Diesel engine running while it sits there.     A number of choices

1. An electric train, with overhead power all the way from Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach

2. A train that arrives, ticks over and leaves Severn Beach on batteries

3. A train that connects in to a land supply of electricity at Severn Beach

Option 1 - there are lots of tried and tested trains that could be used.   But infrastructure is needed.  Options 2 and 3 are more leading edge stuff as regards the rolling stock.   Option 3 also needs infrastructure work at "The Beach".

There are also other choices

4. Put up some sort of sound baffling

5. Tell the complainant that he's being unreasonable

6. Change the timetable to reduce layovers (e.g. run  through to / from SVB with every train not just alternate ones)

The curve/chord linking Severn Beach Station to the main line at Pilning was ripped up and built over, in part at least, a fair few years ago.

If there's any worry that the DMU engines would not start after a 30 minute break, or that the lights would go out, or that the air would leak away... then it makes me wonder whether it's the design or the maintenance of the trains that  leaves a bit to be desired.

To address points 4 and 5:
5. He’s not being unreasonable.

While electrifying the whole route would be my preferred option, number 3 is an interesting concept here. I don't think there is any station building here now, but there is obviously an electricity supply, and you could add a few solar panels onto the platform somewhere as a back-up.

Alterations to services between Bristol Temple Meads and Severn Beach via Clifton Down

Due to flooding between Sea Mills and Shirehampton the line is closed. Disruption is expected until 12:00 12/02.

Train services between Bristol Temple Meads and Severn Beach via Clifton Down and Avonmouth will be terminated at and started back from Clifton Down.

Flood warning for Somerset coast at Portishead and Portbury Dock, seafront properties and Portbury Dock areas

Updated 2:49pm on 12 February 2024

This flood warning has been issued for the high tide on Tuesday morning. The forecast high water is at 9:45 AM on 13/02/2024 with a level of 7.94 mAODN with south easterly force 4 winds. Please note all tide times are in local time and refer to the high-water time at Avonmouth.

Areas most at risk include the coastline between Portishead Point and Avonmouth including Portishead Ashlands Nature Reserve and the Royal Portbury Dock. The flooding of property may occur one or two hours before and after the high tide time. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one and consider activating any property flood protection products you have.

This flood warning is not expected to be re-issued during this spring high-tide period. Drier weather is forecast for Monday but some showers again on Tuesday.

Our incident response staff are closing flood gates and checking defences. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.

This message will be updated by 2:00 PM on 13/02/2024, or as the situation changes.

Flood warning area: Coastline between Portishead Point and Avonmouth including Portishead Ashlands Nature Reserve and the Royal Portbury Dock.