Thanks to all of those who braved a wet night to visit TRAC at Thorncombe last night, particularly those who haven't attended our meetings before.  Andrew Pennington gave a very interesting talk and answered lots of questions about both the Train Planning process and SW issues.

And now for something completely different......our next meeting is on 19th September and is entitled "More of Graham's Mis-Spent Youth".

https://sites.google.com/site/traclubsite/

Grahame, you'll be very welcome.  It's a fact that Thorncombe is in the middle of deepest Dorset and near impossible for public transport.

Thanks Chris.  Just a reminder that the visit by Andrew Pennington (Head of Train Planning at FGW^▸ (First Great Western)) to TRAC is this Wednesday, 20th June.

https://sites.google.com/site/traclubsite/

We look forward to welcoming visitors.

Not strictly on topic, but this should offer some insight to FGW^▸ (First Great Western)'s approach to passenger services:

Thorncombe Railway Activities Club's June meeting will feature Andrew Pennington, FGW's Head of Train Planning:

A Master Class in Train Planning

An introduction to the people and processes that deliver the timetable; hoping to answer the question "why did they do that to my train"?

The train plan has to meet many objectives including customer service, operational performance and cost effectiveness. What does "good" look like for a Passenger, an Operator, an Engineer or an Accountant? Is it possible to keep everybody happy all the time? What role do planners have in meeting current industry objectives and how might this emphasis change with the need to deliver industry efficiency targets arising from the McNulty report?


This is sure to be a fascinating evening, and a valuable insight for those of us who use FGW services.  All are welcome; visitors ^3.00 on the door.  Starts 19:30.  Thorncombe is in west Dorset, between Chard and Lyme Regis.  Full details here:

https://sites.google.com/site/traclubsite/