Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Teen suffers 'life-changing' injuries at steam fair - Netley Marsh, 26 July 2025 In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363673/30497/31] Posted by ChrisB at 15:23, 28th July 2025 |      |
These fairs have to have a council-led HSE inspection before they are allowed to open each time - the council issues a licence to operate.
I suspect Netley council is holding its breath....
| Re: Road and Rail sharing a bridge In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [363672/30503/52] Posted by bobm at 15:22, 28th July 2025 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, PrestburyRoad | |
| Re: Road and Rail sharing a bridge In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [363670/30503/52] Posted by Oxonhutch at 13:19, 28th July 2025 | |
...
If you want a really extreme example of sharing, Google Gisbourne Airport where the railway line crosses the runway.
If you want a really extreme example of sharing, Google Gisbourne Airport where the railway line crosses the runway.
Plus RAF Ballykelly in Northern Ireland when it was still an active airfield.
| Re: Teen suffers 'life-changing' injuries at steam fair - Netley Marsh, 26 July 2025 In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363669/30497/31] Posted by broadgage at 13:10, 28th July 2025 | |
Very sad, though fairgrounds are known, in general, for a rather flexible approach to safety. Any attempt to improve standards is often considered to be an attack on fairground industry, and on those who run it.
| Re: Seagulls, particularly in Cornwall - ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363668/29073/31] Posted by broadgage at 13:04, 28th July 2025 | |
I know of someone who shoots gulls, despite this being illegal in most circumstances.
Apparently, in the dark, they look just like rabbits.
Apparently, in the dark, they look just like rabbits.
It's perhaps somewhat worrying that a shotgun licence has been granted to someone who's unable to tell the difference between a rabbit & a seagull.
If need be, they could probably justify the shooting of gulls. This is permitted in an emergency which includes gulls attacking wildlife, livestock or pets. They keep free range chickens and the gulls regularly harass the poor chickens. They would eat the chicks if they could, but have not YET worked out how to get into the hen house.
Many rare wild birds nest nearby, and the wretched gulls regularly eat the helpless young.
Best to shoot the pests at night when there few witnesses.
| Re: Teen suffers 'life-changing' injuries at steam fair - Netley Marsh, 26 July 2025 In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363667/30497/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:30, 28th July 2025 | |
From the BBC:
Fair 'co-operating' after teenager injured on ride
Organisers of a steam fair where a young woman sustained potentially life-changing injuries to her head say they are working with authorities to establish what happened.
The 18-year-old was taken to hospital after the incident on a ride at the Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show at about 22:50 BST on Saturday.
Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show said it was "co-operating with all parties involved" following the "unfortunate incident".
"No further comment will be made until such time as appropriate and more information is available," it said in a statement on Sunday.
It said any other comments made on social media did not reflect organisers' views and that it "will continue to support all parties involved".
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said officers were liaising with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at the weekend.
A woman, who told the BBC she helped administer first aid to the teenager, said there had been "shock and panic" at the scene. The woman, who did not wish to be identified, said she had not initially realised the severity of what had happened. "One of the girl's friends came down and said how serious it was and some of us offered assistance. It's very shocking it could happen on a fairground ride that young children go on. This must never happen again," she said.
An HSE spokesperson said the incident was "local authority enforced and with Hampshire police".
Organisers of a steam fair where a young woman sustained potentially life-changing injuries to her head say they are working with authorities to establish what happened.
The 18-year-old was taken to hospital after the incident on a ride at the Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show at about 22:50 BST on Saturday.
Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show said it was "co-operating with all parties involved" following the "unfortunate incident".
"No further comment will be made until such time as appropriate and more information is available," it said in a statement on Sunday.
It said any other comments made on social media did not reflect organisers' views and that it "will continue to support all parties involved".
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said officers were liaising with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at the weekend.
A woman, who told the BBC she helped administer first aid to the teenager, said there had been "shock and panic" at the scene. The woman, who did not wish to be identified, said she had not initially realised the severity of what had happened. "One of the girl's friends came down and said how serious it was and some of us offered assistance. It's very shocking it could happen on a fairground ride that young children go on. This must never happen again," she said.
An HSE spokesperson said the incident was "local authority enforced and with Hampshire police".
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2025 In "Across the West" [363666/29650/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:58, 28th July 2025 | |
Cancellations to services at Tilehurst
Due to a points failure at Tilehurst some lines are blocked.
Train services running through this station may be cancelled or revised. Pangbourne will not be served. Disruption is expected until 12:45 28/07.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363665/29726/18] Posted by bobm at 11:45, 28th July 2025 | |
Err ... what sort of repairs are needed to a train that can number into Westbury from the South West, but then not carry on North East to Melksham and Chippenham?
Could be a number of faults occurring en route which require the train to be taken out of passenger service at the first opportunity. Driver vigilance device, other fault in the cab, windscreen wiper failure, door issue etc. Then no available spare to pick up the return working even from Westbury (or possibly crew if the driver took the defective unit to Bristol).
| Re: School trip coach involved in a collision, Wheddon Cross, Somerset 17/07/2025 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [363663/30461/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:35, 28th July 2025 | |
Several recent posts have now been removed from this topic as they contain speculation regarding this sad incident. Those posts have not been deleted, they have simply been removed from public view.
I have now unlocked this topic.
Chris from Nailsea.
| Re: Several reported killed in German train derailment - 27 July 2025 In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [363662/30501/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:19, 28th July 2025 | |
From the BBC:
Three dead after sewage overflow causes German train to derail, say police
Three people have been killed and several others badly hurt after an overflowing sewage shaft caused a landslide that derailed a passenger train in south-west Germany, local authorities say.
Prosecutors said the train crashed between Riedlingen and Munderkingen near Stuttgart on Sunday following heavy rain in the area.
The deluge is believed to have caused an overflow, triggering a landslide on the banks running next to the tracks.
The train driver, another rail employee and one passenger died, while 41 people were injured. On Sunday, German Chancellor Freidrich Merz said he "mourn[ed] the victims" and offered his "deepest sympathy" to their families.
In a post on X, he said he was in close contact with the interior and transport ministers, and had requested that they provide the emergency services with all the support they need.
In a statement shared on Sunday, Ulm police said the train was on a 90 km (55 mile) route between Sigmaringen and Ulm when it derailed.
They said the investigation into the cause of the accident was ongoing, and the site of the incident would remain closed.
Rail traffic will remain suspended and clean-up work will begin on Monday, they added.
Around 100 people were on board the train when at least two carriages derailed in a forested area around 18:10 local time (17:10 BST), German news agency dpa reported on Sunday.
Images of the crash show carriages turned on their sides and heavy emergency service presence as firefighters and emergency teams worked to gain access to trapped passengers. Fallen trees can also be seen at the scene.
In a statement, operator Deutsche Bahn said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and everyone who now has to process this experience."
Three people have been killed and several others badly hurt after an overflowing sewage shaft caused a landslide that derailed a passenger train in south-west Germany, local authorities say.
Prosecutors said the train crashed between Riedlingen and Munderkingen near Stuttgart on Sunday following heavy rain in the area.
The deluge is believed to have caused an overflow, triggering a landslide on the banks running next to the tracks.
The train driver, another rail employee and one passenger died, while 41 people were injured. On Sunday, German Chancellor Freidrich Merz said he "mourn[ed] the victims" and offered his "deepest sympathy" to their families.
In a post on X, he said he was in close contact with the interior and transport ministers, and had requested that they provide the emergency services with all the support they need.
In a statement shared on Sunday, Ulm police said the train was on a 90 km (55 mile) route between Sigmaringen and Ulm when it derailed.
They said the investigation into the cause of the accident was ongoing, and the site of the incident would remain closed.
Rail traffic will remain suspended and clean-up work will begin on Monday, they added.
Around 100 people were on board the train when at least two carriages derailed in a forested area around 18:10 local time (17:10 BST), German news agency dpa reported on Sunday.
Images of the crash show carriages turned on their sides and heavy emergency service presence as firefighters and emergency teams worked to gain access to trapped passengers. Fallen trees can also be seen at the scene.
In a statement, operator Deutsche Bahn said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and everyone who now has to process this experience."
| Re: Road and Rail sharing a bridge In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [363659/30503/52] Posted by Noggin at 10:39, 28th July 2025 | |
Road/rail sharing is a reasonably common thing in Switzerland, though I can't think of an example where it includes a single-carriageway bridge.
If you want a really extreme example of sharing, Google Gisbourne Airport where the railway line crosses the runway.
| Re: Seagulls, particularly in Cornwall - ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [363658/29073/31] Posted by Gordon the Blue Engine at 10:38, 28th July 2025 Already liked by PrestburyRoad, GBM | |
On the outside terrace at The Idle Rocks hotel in St Mawes there are water pistols on the tables which are very effective in deterring seagulls landing on the wall and eyeing up your food. Not so good for over-the-shoulder ice cream pirates of course.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [363657/29711/14] Posted by TonyN at 10:09, 28th July 2025 | |
GWR services are now calling at Worcester Foregate Street
| Re: Road and Rail sharing a bridge In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [363656/30503/52] Posted by stuving at 09:55, 28th July 2025 | |
The Rendsburg High Bridge over the Kiel Canal has a 42 metre clearance, and a spectacular spiral on the north side for trains to loose / gain height. "The required maximum incline of 1:150 (a one-metre gain in altitude for every 150 metres in distance) made it necessary to build elevated embankments and access bridges of about 5.5 km (3.4 mi) at each side" says WikiPedia
And that's shared with a road crossing too - but that's a transporter so at low level.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [363655/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 09:49, 28th July 2025 | |
Monday July 28
Not a good start to the week:
Due to a shortage of station staff at Worcester Foregate Street the line is closed.
Train services running through this station have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
We have been informed that Worcester Foregate station is closed this morning to trains, due to staff sickness.
As a result GWR services will not call at the station. Customers are advised to use Worcester Shrub Hill to make their journeys instead.
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 07:52
Train services running through this station have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
We have been informed that Worcester Foregate station is closed this morning to trains, due to staff sickness.
As a result GWR services will not call at the station. Customers are advised to use Worcester Shrub Hill to make their journeys instead.
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 07:52
In consequence:
07:13 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 09:42 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a shortage of station staff.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 07:03
08:56 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 11:27 will no longer call at Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a shortage of station staff.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 07:49
09:56 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 12:23 will be started from Oxford.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 07:30
10:59 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 13:25 will no longer call at Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a shortage of station staff.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 08:03
06:52 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 09:29 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 07:29
07:50 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 10:14 will no longer call at Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a shortage of station staff.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 08:02
This is due to a shortage of station staff.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 07:03
08:56 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 11:27 will no longer call at Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a shortage of station staff.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 07:49
09:56 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 12:23 will be started from Oxford.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 07:30
10:59 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 13:25 will no longer call at Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a shortage of station staff.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 08:03
06:52 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 09:29 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 07:29
07:50 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 10:14 will no longer call at Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a shortage of station staff.
Last Updated:28/07/2025 08:02
Meanwhile
1P02 05:23 Hereford to London Paddington (08:24) waited at Foregate St for 38, arrived Paddington +35.
| Re: 16th August 2025 - Buses to Imber In "Buses and other ways to travel" [363654/29807/5] Posted by grahame at 09:24, 28th July 2025 | |
16th August 2025 ...
Our event attracts hundreds of people and can overload the car parks in Warminster town centre if everyone tries to park there. Fortunately Warminster is well served by buses and trains from the surrounding towns, as well as cities such as Cardiff, Bristol, Bath, Salisbury, Southampton and Portsmouth and so we strongly recommend that you use these if at all possible.
These days, I hesitate to agree "well served" - the timetable is good, but recent record on actually running the trains is poor - these graphics from the last 4 weekends as I write. And in recent years, Imber bus day has brought rather more crowds by train than the services that have run could comfortably cope with. My personal view would be that it's fine for public transport officianados, but you'll probably be risking disappointment and frustration if you bring along family looking for a fun day out.
Having made that point, Warminster has far more trains that Melksham (a town of similiar size) in the timetable, and many fewer cancellations.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [363653/18719/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 09:17, 28th July 2025 | |
Slight variation but similar impact!
Cancellations to services at Worcester Foregate Street
Due to a shortage of station staff at Worcester Foregate Street the line is closed.
Train services running through this station have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
We have been informed that Worcester Foregate station is closed this morning to trains, due to staff sickness.
As a result GWR services will not call at the station. Customers are advised to use Worcester Shrub Hill to make their journeys instead.
| Re: Road and Rail sharing a bridge In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [363652/30503/52] Posted by grahame at 08:53, 28th July 2025 | |
... to respond to post 3:
How far away from the river crossing would the junction have had to have been to gain/lose enough height to reach the navigational headroom under the Avonmouth bridge (my guess is several miles)
How far away from the river crossing would the junction have had to have been to gain/lose enough height to reach the navigational headroom under the Avonmouth bridge (my guess is several miles)
The Avonmouth M5 bridge has a 30m clearance over the river (not sure at what tide state) so you would need about 1km ramps on each side at 1 in 30, or 2 km for 1 in 60. The Prince of Wales bridge over the Severn has a 37m clearance, the old Severn crossing 47m.
For comparison ...
The Rendsburg High Bridge over the Kiel Canal has a 42 metre clearance, and a spectacular spiral on the north side for trains to loose / gain height. "The required maximum incline of 1:150 (a one-metre gain in altitude for every 150 metres in distance) made it necessary to build elevated embankments and access bridges of about 5.5 km (3.4 mi) at each side" says WikiPedia
| Re: Road and Rail sharing a bridge In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [363651/30503/52] Posted by Sulis John at 08:33, 28th July 2025 | |
No idea how to quote on here - but to respond to post 3:
How far away from the river crossing would the junction have had to have been to gain/lose enough height to reach the navigational headroom under the Avonmouth bridge (my guess is several miles)
A9 - do you mean the Dornoch Bridge - yes definitely a political “no” to a combined road /rail crossing there - though it avoided the possible can of worms of what to do with the bypassed bit.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [363650/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 08:15, 28th July 2025 | |
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be terminated at Worcester Shrub Hill.
It will no longer call at Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a shortage of station staff.
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be terminated at Worcester Shrub Hill.
It will no longer call at Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a shortage of station staff.
| Re: Road and Rail sharing a bridge In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [363649/30503/52] Posted by grahame at 06:36, 28th July 2025 | |
Not wanting to go go the political road,so I am not going to Check what party was in power at the time.
1)Portishead line when the M5 over the river Avon was first mooted,COULD a rail bridge not have been constructed along side?
Those who live in Pill short distance to the railway line which could have crossed the river dropping down to the now park and ride
2)Similar to the second Severn rail crossing could it not have a had a rail line along side?
3)If I recall there was a plan to build a bridge across the A9 road towards Perth,
when plans was agreed for a road/rail bridge the government stepped in and said a road only bridge
So the trains still have to go around the estuary to get to the other side.
4)In my opinion if the party of the day,the Channel Tunnel would have been a bridge for vehicles only,
thankfully the French were stronger in what was best.
We all know who didn't like the railways and very rarely traveled on trains unlike our Queen Elizabeth the second
1)Portishead line when the M5 over the river Avon was first mooted,COULD a rail bridge not have been constructed along side?
Those who live in Pill short distance to the railway line which could have crossed the river dropping down to the now park and ride
2)Similar to the second Severn rail crossing could it not have a had a rail line along side?
3)If I recall there was a plan to build a bridge across the A9 road towards Perth,
when plans was agreed for a road/rail bridge the government stepped in and said a road only bridge
So the trains still have to go around the estuary to get to the other side.
4)In my opinion if the party of the day,the Channel Tunnel would have been a bridge for vehicles only,
thankfully the French were stronger in what was best.
We all know who didn't like the railways and very rarely traveled on trains unlike our Queen Elizabeth the second
You ask a lot of very good questions - and indeed I am seeing so much that is different in Sweden - not necessarily all 100% positive, and it's huge food for thought.
I have a train to catch ... will be back with further comment on the bridge and so much more.
| Re: Road and Rail sharing a bridge In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [363648/30503/52] Posted by infoman at 06:09, 28th July 2025 | |
Not wanting to go go the political road,so I am not going to Check what party was in power at the time.
1)Portishead line when the M5 over the river Avon was first mooted,COULD a rail bridge not have been constructed along side?
Those who live in Pill short distance to the railway line which could have crossed the river dropping down to the now park and ride
2)Similar to the second Severn rail crossing could it not have a had a rail line along side?
3)If I recall there was a plan to build a bridge across the A9 road towards Perth,
when plans was agreed for a road/rail bridge the government stepped in and said a road only bridge
So the trains still have to go around the estuary to get to the other side.
4)In my opinion if the party of the day,the Channel Tunnel would have been a bridge for vehicles only,
thankfully the French were stronger in what was best.
We all know who didn't like the railways and very rarely traveled on trains unlike our Queen Elizabeth the second
| Re: Several reported killed in German train derailment - 27 July 2025 In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [363645/30501/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:40, 27th July 2025 | |
An update, from the BBC:
Three killed and others injured in German train derailment
At least three people have been killed and several others have been seriously injured after a passenger train derailed in south-west Germany, police say.
Operator Deutsche Bahn said the train crashed at Riedlingen near Stuttgart for "unknown reasons". Reports say there had been a storm in the area shortly before.
Around 100 people were on board the train when at least two carriages derailed in a forested area around 18:10 local time (17:10 BST), German news agency dpa reported.
German Chancellor Freidrich Merz said he "mourn[ed] the victims" and offered his "deepest sympathy" to their families in a post on X.
He said he was in close contact with the interior and transport ministers, and has requested that they provide the emergency services with all the support they need.
In a statement, Ulm police said that current investigations showed "three people were killed and other passengers were seriously injured".
Images of the crash show carriages turned on their sides and heavy emergency service presence as firefighters and emergency teams worked to gain access to trapped passengers. Fallen trees can also be seen at the scene.
Deutsche Bahn said the train was on a 90 km (55 mile) route between Sigmaringen and Ulm when it derailed.
"The exact situation is still unclear at this time," it said on X. "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and everyone who now has to process this experience."
At least three people have been killed and several others have been seriously injured after a passenger train derailed in south-west Germany, police say.
Operator Deutsche Bahn said the train crashed at Riedlingen near Stuttgart for "unknown reasons". Reports say there had been a storm in the area shortly before.
Around 100 people were on board the train when at least two carriages derailed in a forested area around 18:10 local time (17:10 BST), German news agency dpa reported.
German Chancellor Freidrich Merz said he "mourn[ed] the victims" and offered his "deepest sympathy" to their families in a post on X.
He said he was in close contact with the interior and transport ministers, and has requested that they provide the emergency services with all the support they need.
In a statement, Ulm police said that current investigations showed "three people were killed and other passengers were seriously injured".
Images of the crash show carriages turned on their sides and heavy emergency service presence as firefighters and emergency teams worked to gain access to trapped passengers. Fallen trees can also be seen at the scene.
Deutsche Bahn said the train was on a 90 km (55 mile) route between Sigmaringen and Ulm when it derailed.
"The exact situation is still unclear at this time," it said on X. "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and everyone who now has to process this experience."
