Reading Station improvements

[whole diary]

[tom m]

I spotted a cross country using the north downs line to reverse at reading (plat 8 to 13) as it had come in from the South and was headding north I presume. I seemed an awkward way of doing things, presumably when the improvements to the west of the station are complete this will mean that this move is no longer needed:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C74160/2014/07/10/advanced

[BerkshireBugsy]

I went through RDG^‡(resolve) yesterday for the first time since the new signage had been put up and I think it is very effective. I also like the addition of the new shops on the over bridge although I can't see me using any of them. Good work (imho)

[paul7575]

I spotted a cross country using the north downs line to reverse at reading (plat 8 to 13) as it had come in from the South and was headding north I presume. I seemed an awkward way of doing things, presumably when the improvements to the west of the station are complete this will mean that this move is no longer needed:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C74160/2014/07/10/advanced

It's been happening since the 'Southern' underpass re-opened, and in the transitional period when the old depot in the triangle was still in use by FGW^▸ (First Great Western) a whole load of their empty stock made the similar moves.   There have also been (and may still be) XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) empty stock reversals in the Kennet Bridge loop, which is another way of getting from the main to relief side east of the station.

Paul

[Thatcham Crossing]

I noticed passing through today a "Lands End Pasty Co." shop being fitted out on the overbridge.

I love a pasty, but do we need 2 pasty shops at RDG^‡(resolve)?

[grahame]

I love a pasty, but do we need 2 pasty shops at RDG^‡(resolve)?

No, but has been explained to me that having two competing businesses of the same type close to each other helps keep the standards up at both of them, and it also helps attract a wider potential customer base as they'll come from further afield to a centre of excellence.   Told to me by the one remaining jeweller in Melksham just after their competition had closed.  Does what applies to Jewellers in Melksham also apply to Pasty shops in Reading? 

[eightf48544]

Apparently it's a well known retail phenonmenon. I've heard as  two ice cream sellers do better if they are both near the centre of the beach rather than at either end.

[TaplowGreen]

I noticed passing through today a "Lands End Pasty Co." shop being fitted out on the overbridge.

I love a pasty, but do we need 2 pasty shops at RDG^‡(resolve)?

You can never have too many pasties.

[Chris from Nailsea]

Member broadgage would probably agree ... 

[JayMac]

Well, I've stopped buying pasties from The Pasty Shop on stations since the prices went up and the BiTE Card discount went down. 

[TaplowGreen]

Member broadgage would probably agree ... 

Great minds think alike - there you are you see - who needs Pullmans or Travelling Chefs......FGW^▸ (First Great Western) should go to Dewdneys or Pilgrims Pasties in Plymouth, load up a trolley with Oggies, and dish them out to weary travellers on their trains........I promise you customer satisfaction will rocket (along with cholestorol!!!) 

[ChrisB]

From Get Reading

The Queen to officially open Reading Station on Thursday
 
Queen Elizabeth will be visiting Reading on Thursday to officially open the station   

It is just a few days until the Queen will visit the new pedestrian walkway and name a train when she officially opens the new Reading Railway Station on Thursday.

Her Majesty will hear about the ^895 million redevelopment of the station while she views the new transfer deck.

She will also meet members of the station and Network Rail staff who have been involved in the six-year project.

The Queen will join Network Rail chairman Richard Parry Jones for a plaque unveiling before moving outside the terminal for a group photograph with construction workers.

Her Majesty will also view a display on the restoration of Dawlish station, in Devon, where the mainline was severely damaged in the winter storms.

Part of the visit will also include the naming of the new High Output Plant System (HOPS) train which will be used in the electrification the Great Western Mainline.

The 23-vehicle train is described as a factory on rails and is the first of its kind to be used on Britain's railways.

The redevelopment of Reading Station has included two new entrances, five additional platforms, a 110-metre long passenger bridge and extended platforms. Work on constructing a viaduct flyover in West Reading, which will result in the widening of Cow Lane, is ongoing and is due to be completed in 2015.

Thousands turned out to see the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in April 1989 for the opening of Reading railway station after a ^20 million redevelopment.

[Silver]

Let's hope she isn't travelling by train from Windsor as the signals through the Thames valley are not robust enough to ensure that she will arrive on time.....

It's great having a re-vamped station, just sad that the infrastructure to get passengers there is currently not fit-for-purpose as evidenced by the signalling fiascos on both Monday morning and evening along the mainline into London.

[insider]

Well to host the queen later this morning, from 0900 the B side of the transfer deck will be closed to general public.

There are loads of things being set up this morning lots of giant TV screens and sound systems....and lots of things being cleaned!!!

There will be lots of additional staff / security on hand to direct "normal passengers"

On a separate note Network Rail have installed 4 self service giant touchscreen info points. 2 on transfer deck and 2 on western gateline.

[stuving]

There were signs yesterday saying the northern entrance would be closed 9:00 to 14:00. Also that the main public viewing area was there. I don't think it is finished, but it has been made to look pretty, though with a hoarding round it. They also say there will be viewing areas inside the station for those with tickets. Which I may be - depending on exactly when I get back today.

[TaplowGreen]

If there's a signal failure will they pay for a taxi for Her Maj to get to Reading from Paddington, or will she be told to get the Picadilly Line to Heathrow and catch the bus?