Unusual route (for me) - reading to Thatcham via tulehurst!

[whole diary]

[BerkshireBugsy]

Caught the 1900 from London to reading (which went on to Bristol) hoping to catch a Berwyn service to Thatcham. We boarded the train (a 165 from memory) on p7 only be told about dispatch time the train had developed a fault and had been pulled from service. I was also led to believe there were signalling issues outside of the station although I don't have the details on this.

To cut a long story short FGW^▸ (First Great Western) found a spare diagram which we boarded on platform 13b at reading. Once I heard the announcement I was surprised because I didn't believe there was a direct route from the northern platforms onto the Kennet line so we ended up going west to tulehurst and then back around the western side of the Reading west triangle.

Is there a link on the forum showing the complete track layout once all work in the area has been completed? I seem to remember seeing a map (may have even been posted by Paul) somewhere along the line. I'm just curious to know if this is a temporary arrangement.

[Southern Stag]

It is just a temporary arrangement, the new flyover will link Reading West to the relief lines at Reading. I still believe not all platforms will be accessible, but more than now. The new signal installed at Tilehurst certainly seems to have been a worthwhile addition, services being diverted that way has happened quite a few times now.

[TonyK]

I also spell "reading" with a small "r". It makes perfect sense if you have been there.

[BerkshireBugsy]

I also spell "reading" with a small "r". It makes perfect sense if you have been there.

Totally agreed FTN

I used to give reading the status of a capital R but after a while felt it didn't deserve the extra effort required to touch the shift Burton

[stuving]

I also spell "reading" with a small "r". It makes perfect sense if you have been there.

And in so many ways, too.
I remember looking at the Early Learning Centre in Reading (when it had a shop front) and wondering if there was a Reading Learning Centre in Earley.

[paul7575]

It is just a temporary arrangement, the new flyover will link Reading West to the relief lines at Reading. I still believe not all platforms will be accessible, but more than now.

Not quite, the connection is via the 'Reading Feeder Line' which is almost at level and passes under the flyover, the latter will be carrying the main lines.

This is the opposite way round to the original plan, which had the east and west chords on flyovers over the main lines.

Without searching for the drawing, cos I'm using a mobile, I think there will be routes between Reading West and all the through platforms except P9.

Paul

[TonyK]

I also spell "reading" with a small "r". It makes perfect sense if you have been there.

And in so many ways, too.
I remember looking at the Early Learning Centre in Reading (when it had a shop front) and wondering if there was a Reading Learning Centre in Earley.

Shades of the "Fair's fair fayre in Fareham"?