Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [363220/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 21:33, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Monday July 14
1W31 15:52 London Paddington to Great Malvern (18:26) : late arrival from depot, departed +34, arrived Shrub Hill +33 and cancelled thereafter.
19:02 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 21:26 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to congestion.
Last Updated:14/07/2025 17:41
This is due to congestion.
Last Updated:14/07/2025 17:41
Re: Night Riviera Sleeper train - between Paddington and Penzance In "London to the West" [363219/489/12] Posted by TaplowGreen at 19:52, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
23:45 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:55
23:45 London Paddington to Penzance due 07:55 will be started from Reading.
It will no longer call at London Paddington.
This is due to a problem currently under investigation.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363217/29726/18] Posted by rogerw at 18:14, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
BBC Bristol referred to cancellations from Swindon due to a late running freight train. I thought that was a bit strange but your post explains it JayMac
Re: Seagulls, particularly in Cornwall - ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363216/29073/31] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:52, 14th July 2025 Already liked by matth1j, rogerw | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I will consult my own cat as to his opinion on the subjects you raise and get back to you.
Re: Plane crashes at Southend Airport - BBC News 13/07/2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363215/30450/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:18, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Thanks for your posts, JayMac.
Sad news.
Re: Plane crashes at Southend Airport - BBC News 13/07/2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363214/30450/51] Posted by JayMac at 16:12, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Police have confirmed that four people, all foreign nationals, died in the crash. Southend Airport remains closed as of 3pm 14/07/2025.
Re: 30 cancellations on the North Downs this morning In "North Downs Line" [363213/30321/16] Posted by Fourbee at 15:35, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Another email from GWR today extolling the benefits of taking the train to Gatwick Airport:
Trains every 30 minutes from Reading to Gatwick mean you can wave goodbye to travel stress and enjoy a smooth ride, arriving in 90 minutes**
I thought those asterisks would be doing a lot of heavy lifting, but they're not really:
**Average journey time from Reading.
At least there's a nice animation of a 3-car IET in it!
Re: Seagulls, particularly in Cornwall - ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363212/29073/31] Posted by broadgage at 15:20, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
IME, cats do not pursue flying ants in order to eat them.
If however a flying ant lands on a cat, then the cat will pick up the pest in its mouth and eat it. This is believed to be instinctive behavior, in order to destroy any fleas that infest the cat. I doubt that the cat knows the difference between a flea and a flying ant instinct is to destroy either.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363211/29726/18] Posted by JayMac at 15:12, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Root cause was a SPAD by a freight train at Thingley Junction, with the driver unable to continue. The freight train has just resumed its journey with a relief driver.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363210/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 14:48, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
15:15 Swindon to Westbury due 15:59
15:15 Swindon to Westbury due 15:59 will be cancelled.
This is due to a late running freight train.
15:15 Swindon to Westbury due 15:59 will be cancelled.
This is due to a late running freight train.
Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [363209/18719/26] Posted by BBM at 13:04, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Henley Branch now affected:
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service-disruptions/twyford-20250714/
Unavailability of train drivers due to sickness means service between Twyford and Henley-on-Thames has been suspended. Trains running between these stations will be cancelled.
Disruption is expected until 14:00.
Customer advice
Rail replacement transport has been requested.
Disruption is expected until 14:00.
Customer advice
Rail replacement transport has been requested.
Limpley Stoke B3108 bridge damage repair In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [363208/30451/20] Posted by Mark A at 12:05, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
This article lists the road as closed at the Limpley Stoke rail bridge for six weeks from Monday 21st July - with the closure order allowing for 18 months. Not mentioned is any effect on rail traffic so perhaps the work's being done without interruption to that.
Mark
https://www.bathecho.co.uk/news/community/damaged-railway-bridge-close-six-weeks-111747/
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363207/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 10:29, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
09:46 Westbury to Swindon due 10:28
09:46 Westbury to Swindon due 10:28 is being delayed at Trowbridge.
This is due to a fault on this train.
09:46 Westbury to Swindon due 10:28 is being delayed at Trowbridge.
This is due to a fault on this train.
26 minutes late departure from Trowbridge. As it is due to sit at Swindon from 10:28 to 11:05 before returning it should be just the one run that's delayed.
Originally, the 10:02 from Melksham was planned to be at 10:32, and at the time the previous train was 07:50 ... suggested by the community (and perhaps others and an analysis of passenger needs) these trains are now 08:02 and 10:02, with a longer gap then to 12:32.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363206/29726/18] Posted by IndustryInsider at 10:07, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The railway, nationally, has always run on volunteers working additional shifts.
And ironically, since privatisation, salaries have risen to such an extent that those volunteers no longer want the overtime, and their employers have done nothing to fill the gap.That's true, though there are still plenty of additional shifts being worked, just not enough.
Also, since privatisation, there has been a significant uplift in the number of daily services run without enough additional drivers taken on.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363204/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 09:46, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
Facilities on the 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47.
Will be formed of 3 coaches instead of 2.
Facilities on the 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47.
Will be formed of 3 coaches instead of 2.
Re: Night Riviera Sleeper train - between Paddington and Penzance In "London to the West" [363203/489/12] Posted by bobm at 07:39, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
It was a late night too. Service started behind schedule from Penzance as crew were delayed getting to the train due to yesterday’s problems.
Re: "More trains than usual needing repair" In "Across the West" [363202/30447/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 07:20, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Exeter's turn today.........
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton
Due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 12:00 14/07.
Customer Advice
As we do not have sufficient carriages to operate the full advertised train service there will be a reduced frequency of trains operating between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton.
Re: Night Riviera Sleeper train - between Paddington and Penzance In "London to the West" [363201/489/12] Posted by TaplowGreen at 06:31, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Up sleeper terminated at Reading this morning, a rude awakening for all concerned.
Reports suggest the loco failed.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363200/29726/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 06:26, 14th July 2025 Already liked by grahame | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Or are you saying GWR have accepted a contract that can only be performed if volunteers choose to help up, and GWR cannot incentivise the staff to volunteer. Illogical (but if DfT are involved, plausible)
The railway, nationally, has always run on volunteers working additional shifts.
And ironically, since privatisation, salaries have risen to such an extent that those volunteers no longer want the overtime, and their employers have done nothing to fill the gap.
Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [363199/29711/14] Posted by 1st fan at 00:32, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I was on the 1958 Great Malvern to London Paddington train yesterday. I was on this service because the 19:57 was cancelled “This service was cancelled due to late arrival of an inbound service (YI)”. This was delayed outside Oxford because there was and I quote a “dangerous dog on the platform” at Oxford. We made up time and were only 3 minutes late when approaching Paddington. Then we were delayed outside Paddington because they switched the platform at the last minute from 9 to 12.
Re: Plane crashes at Southend Airport - BBC News 13/07/2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363198/30450/51] Posted by JayMac at 00:06, 14th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Reported elsewhere that this was a Beechcraft King Air B200. That's a twin engine turboprop, and this one was operated by Zeusch Aviation who specialise in medevac and transplant flights. They also operate private charters. This flight was headed to Lelystad, Netherlands which is their home base. There are no further details yet on the nature of this flight, or how many were aboard.
Details of the aircraft from the Zeusch Aviation website:
With its versatile performance capabilities, including the ability to land and take off from short and unpaved runways, our King Air B200 can be used for Medevac and Organ transport.
In medevac configuration, the aircraft carries a Lifeport PLUS-system which incorporates a stretcher for a single patient, as well as high-tech medical equipment including Compresses Air, a Vacuum system, a 3-outlet 1000 Watts inverter and a 3,500-litre oxygen system. Additional equipment can be added with the requisite patient care administered by up to two clinicians, depending on each individual mission.
In medevac configuration, the aircraft carries a Lifeport PLUS-system which incorporates a stretcher for a single patient, as well as high-tech medical equipment including Compresses Air, a Vacuum system, a 3-outlet 1000 Watts inverter and a 3,500-litre oxygen system. Additional equipment can be added with the requisite patient care administered by up to two clinicians, depending on each individual mission.
Plane crashes at Southend Airport - BBC News 13/07/2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363197/30450/51] Posted by JayMac at 23:44, 13th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
From the BBC:
An aircraft has crashed at London Southend Airport.
Essex Police said it was alerted to a 12-metre plane on fire at the site in Southend-on-Sea shortly before 16:00 BST on Sunday.
John Johnson, 40, from Billericay, Essex, was watching planes with his wife and children when he saw a "huge fireball".
The airport said it would be closed until further notice and passengers due to travel tomorrow should contact their airline for information. The airport added all flights to and from the site had been cancelled. A spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with those affected by today's events and all passengers impacted by this disruption. "We will restart flight operations as soon as possible and will continue to update the public on developments."
A huge cloud of black smoke is rising into the air. There is fire on the ground and also filing the cloud of thick smoke. It is coming from the edge of an airfield with trees just behind it. The sky is clear blue, in stark contrast with the 'fireball'.
Mr Johnson was at the airport with his wife and children to watch aircraft activity as "my sons are really into planes". His family waved at the pilots of the aircraft before it went down, he said. "You could see [the pilots] smiling and we all kind of smiled back, the aircraft then turned 180 degrees to face its take off point, powered up its engines and powered past us, carrying on down the runway," he told the BBC. "It took off in probably three or four seconds. It started to bank heavily to its left. I said to my wife, that's unusual. We don't find aircraft normally turning at that stage in their ascent. Within a few seconds of that, the aircraft almost inverted and hit the ground. There was a huge fireball."
He called 999 to report the incident.
'Running towards it'
James Philpott, a bartender at the Rochford Hundred Golf Club, had been in a hut in the middle of the course when he felt "a big heatwave".
"I looked up and there was a massive fireball, basically," he told the BBC. "Everyone was just quite shocked… we haven't seen anything like this.
People were sort of running towards it to see if anyone was injured."
People were evacuated from the course due to its close proximity with the crash, but Mr Philpott said some people remained in the clubhouse as it was further away.
The chairman of Westcliff Rugby Club, which is near Southend Airport, said people at the club did not have to evacuate following the plane crash. Pete Jones said: "That didn't happen in the end [police] changed their mind. We've got a big event there, 250 people, and they just said no, you don't have to evacuate." Mr Jones said the aircraft went down about 1,000m from the clubhouse and that people there could see smoke in the aftermath.
Essex Police said it was working with the Air Accident Investigation Branch. Ch Supt Morgan Cronin said: "In these very early stages it is vital we gather the information we need, and continue supporting the people of Essex." The force asked people to keep its emergency lines open by using its dedicated major incident portal when contacting them about the incident.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to the incident at 15:58 and has asked people to avoid the area if possible. A spokesperson said: "Crews from Southend (two), Rayleigh Weir and Basildon (two), along with off-road vehicles from Billericay and Chelmsford attended. "We are continuing to work at the scene with our emergency services and aviation partners."
The transport secretary said her "thoughts are with all those involved" in the Southend Airport crash and that she was receiving "regular updates". In a post on X, Heidi Alexander said: "I'm aware of the tragic incident at Southend Airport this afternoon. The emergency services are on scene and are advising the public to avoid the area where possible. I am monitoring the situation closely and receiving regular updates."
Earlier in the evening the Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh and the Southend City Council's cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, said they had been made aware of the incident. David Burton-Sampson and Matt Dent posted on X that their thoughts were with those involved and with the emergency services responding to the incident.
Essex Police said it was alerted to a 12-metre plane on fire at the site in Southend-on-Sea shortly before 16:00 BST on Sunday.
John Johnson, 40, from Billericay, Essex, was watching planes with his wife and children when he saw a "huge fireball".
The airport said it would be closed until further notice and passengers due to travel tomorrow should contact their airline for information. The airport added all flights to and from the site had been cancelled. A spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with those affected by today's events and all passengers impacted by this disruption. "We will restart flight operations as soon as possible and will continue to update the public on developments."
A huge cloud of black smoke is rising into the air. There is fire on the ground and also filing the cloud of thick smoke. It is coming from the edge of an airfield with trees just behind it. The sky is clear blue, in stark contrast with the 'fireball'.
Mr Johnson was at the airport with his wife and children to watch aircraft activity as "my sons are really into planes". His family waved at the pilots of the aircraft before it went down, he said. "You could see [the pilots] smiling and we all kind of smiled back, the aircraft then turned 180 degrees to face its take off point, powered up its engines and powered past us, carrying on down the runway," he told the BBC. "It took off in probably three or four seconds. It started to bank heavily to its left. I said to my wife, that's unusual. We don't find aircraft normally turning at that stage in their ascent. Within a few seconds of that, the aircraft almost inverted and hit the ground. There was a huge fireball."
He called 999 to report the incident.
'Running towards it'
James Philpott, a bartender at the Rochford Hundred Golf Club, had been in a hut in the middle of the course when he felt "a big heatwave".
"I looked up and there was a massive fireball, basically," he told the BBC. "Everyone was just quite shocked… we haven't seen anything like this.
People were sort of running towards it to see if anyone was injured."
People were evacuated from the course due to its close proximity with the crash, but Mr Philpott said some people remained in the clubhouse as it was further away.
The chairman of Westcliff Rugby Club, which is near Southend Airport, said people at the club did not have to evacuate following the plane crash. Pete Jones said: "That didn't happen in the end [police] changed their mind. We've got a big event there, 250 people, and they just said no, you don't have to evacuate." Mr Jones said the aircraft went down about 1,000m from the clubhouse and that people there could see smoke in the aftermath.
Essex Police said it was working with the Air Accident Investigation Branch. Ch Supt Morgan Cronin said: "In these very early stages it is vital we gather the information we need, and continue supporting the people of Essex." The force asked people to keep its emergency lines open by using its dedicated major incident portal when contacting them about the incident.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to the incident at 15:58 and has asked people to avoid the area if possible. A spokesperson said: "Crews from Southend (two), Rayleigh Weir and Basildon (two), along with off-road vehicles from Billericay and Chelmsford attended. "We are continuing to work at the scene with our emergency services and aviation partners."
The transport secretary said her "thoughts are with all those involved" in the Southend Airport crash and that she was receiving "regular updates". In a post on X, Heidi Alexander said: "I'm aware of the tragic incident at Southend Airport this afternoon. The emergency services are on scene and are advising the public to avoid the area where possible. I am monitoring the situation closely and receiving regular updates."
Earlier in the evening the Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh and the Southend City Council's cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, said they had been made aware of the incident. David Burton-Sampson and Matt Dent posted on X that their thoughts were with those involved and with the emergency services responding to the incident.
Amazon delivery driver dies as train strikes van - BBC News 13/07/2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [363196/30449/51] Posted by JayMac at 23:35, 13th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
From the BBC:
An Amazon delivery driver has died in a crash involving a train and their van at a level crossing.
The train struck the vehicle at the crossing in Lower Road, Teynham, at about 12:45 BST, Kent Police said.
Police, ambulance and the fire service attended but the driver died at the scene.
Southeastern, which operates trains in the area, said it was "deeply saddened" and its thoughts were with the person's family "at this incredibly difficult time".
An Amazon spokesperson said in a statement: "This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver's family and loved ones during this difficult time.
"We will work with police and the delivery service provider as they investigate."
The crash has caused major disruption to rail services in Kent, with the line, between Gillingham and Faversham, blocked for much of the day.
A replacement bus service is in operation.
David Davidson, chief operating officer at Southeastern, said no-one else had been injured.
Passengers from the train involved were transferred onto another train and taken to Sittingbourne for onward travel, he said.
Mr Davidson added: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that the driver of the road vehicle involved in the collision with a train earlier today has tragically died.
"Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."
Steve White, Southeastern managing director, said the company was "fully assisting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch with their investigation to understand exactly what happened".
Southeastern Railway said disruption was expected until the end of the day.
Services running between Gillingham and Faversham reopened shortly after 20:30.
Mr White said the company was expecting to run a full service on Monday.
The train struck the vehicle at the crossing in Lower Road, Teynham, at about 12:45 BST, Kent Police said.
Police, ambulance and the fire service attended but the driver died at the scene.
Southeastern, which operates trains in the area, said it was "deeply saddened" and its thoughts were with the person's family "at this incredibly difficult time".
An Amazon spokesperson said in a statement: "This is a terrible incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the delivery driver's family and loved ones during this difficult time.
"We will work with police and the delivery service provider as they investigate."
The crash has caused major disruption to rail services in Kent, with the line, between Gillingham and Faversham, blocked for much of the day.
A replacement bus service is in operation.
David Davidson, chief operating officer at Southeastern, said no-one else had been injured.
Passengers from the train involved were transferred onto another train and taken to Sittingbourne for onward travel, he said.
Mr Davidson added: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that the driver of the road vehicle involved in the collision with a train earlier today has tragically died.
"Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."
Steve White, Southeastern managing director, said the company was "fully assisting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch with their investigation to understand exactly what happened".
Southeastern Railway said disruption was expected until the end of the day.
Services running between Gillingham and Faversham reopened shortly after 20:30.
Mr White said the company was expecting to run a full service on Monday.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363194/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 20:32, 13th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Rail replacement transport will operate from Chippenham calling at; Melksham; Trowbridge and Westbury.
Rail replacement transport from Westbury will be request stops. Please speak to station staff.
Rail replacement transport from Westbury will be request stops. Please speak to station staff.
Nothing about what people should do from Melksham or Trowbridge - but we did do what GWR asked of us from Melksham which is put out a "don't use GWR" message. What an extraordinary thing for a company to do ...
Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [363193/18719/26] Posted by bobm at 20:30, 13th July 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Here’s one of note: 10:03 and 10:36 London to WoE services cancelled. Yeah it happens, but what’s concerning is the 11:03 Newquay train (making extra stops at Pewsey, Westbury and Castle Cary to cover the cancelled 10:36) is down as a 5 coach IET! Crazy!
Swaps happen at quite short notice sometimes. 800304, a 9-car, is working this train.
Started running late from Pewsey onwards and was eventually 50 minutes late into Newquay. Still well in time for the return trip.
Return trip now delayed 69 minutes due to a lineside fire in east Cornwall. Running non stop Plymouth to London Paddington.
Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [363192/18719/26] Posted by Timmer at 20:02, 13th July 2025 Already liked by Mark A | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Some "is there a Dr here" announcements. Hopefully soemone found! Train was a bit of a sun trap but outside is fairly breezy so hopefully this helped! Someone appeared to be recording as i left the platform.
Is AC that hard to get right in 2025?
I’m really saddened to hear this. It shouldn’t be happening and to think it’s going to be years before the aged and dated rolling in the GWR regional fleet will be replaced should be concerning for all if we continue to see hotter summers going forward.Is AC that hard to get right in 2025?