Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| New Performance Low for Salisbury to Exeter - 12/11/25 In "South Western services" [368100/31089/42] Posted by PhilWakely at 18:26, 13th November 2025 |      |
Whilst the majority of services between Salisbury and Exeter St David's on Wednesday, 12th November 2025 were run to time [given the 'emergency' timetable, that should be a given!], every single service between Salisbury and Exeter St David's was operated by a single 3-car 159 unit!
40+ pax were waiting on the platform at Pinhoe for the busiest service west of Yeovil, 1L03 (0533 Salisbury to Exeter St Davids), which arrived some 10 minutes down and was already crush-loaded. First Class was declassified and several pax were stood in the rear cab of the unit! It lost another couple of minutes whilst folk got onto the train. It then crawled to Exeter Central, despite having clear signals all of the way and arrived 17 minutes down.
The busiest Up service, 1L72 (1725 Exeter St David's to London Waterloo) was similarly crush-loaded as it pulled into Pinhoe later in the day
First Class on 1L03
| Re: Minehead Rail Link Group In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [368099/17237/28] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:09, 13th November 2025 | |
Thank you for your very informative and useful post, autotank.
I certainly hadn't heard about that before.
| Re: 150s In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [368098/31080/24] Posted by REVUpminster at 18:07, 13th November 2025 | |
150232 is on it's way from Wolverton to Exeter depot. Don't know if it is the one that's been missing for sometime and this will bring up the full compliment of twenty 150s
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K47122/2025-11-11/detailed#allox_id=0
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K47122/2025-11-11/detailed#allox_id=0
150233 going in reverse to Wolverton today.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K47177/2025-11-13/detailed#allox_id=0
| Re: Problems with IET trains from April 2021 In "Across the West" [368097/24934/26] Posted by a-driver at 17:53, 13th November 2025 | |
Across the whole entire GWR IET fleet, there’s approximately 100 engines isolated. If they’re rectifying 3 a day, that’ll be over a months worth of worth excluding new failures. Add to that, the countless speed restrictions in place because of track defects and the picture is grim.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [368096/29711/14] Posted by Witham Bobby at 17:26, 13th November 2025 | |
The forecast severe weather for tomorrow, Friday 14th November, has got the GWR Hereford services cut back to Great Malvern
For example
14/11/25 09:52 London Paddington to Hereford due 12:46 will be terminated at Great Malvern.
It will no longer call at Colwall, Ledbury and Hereford.
This is due to severe weather.
Last Updated:13/11/2025 15:26
It will no longer call at Colwall, Ledbury and Hereford.
This is due to severe weather.
Last Updated:13/11/2025 15:26
| Re: Minehead Rail Link Group In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [368095/17237/28] Posted by autotank at 16:52, 13th November 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby, Mark A | |
Not sure it's been mentioned here, but GWR are running a shuttle service from Taunton to Bishops Lydeard on Tuesday 25th and Friday 28th November in connection with the Rail 200 'Inspiration' exhibition train. Travel is free, but you need a pre-booked ticket for the exhibition train at Bishops Lydeard (which is also free!). Get yours here -->> https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/inspiration-railway-2002-travelling-exhibition-train-visit-to-west-somerset-railway
| Re: "First Class" on a 166 In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [368094/31087/20] Posted by WSW Frome at 15:55, 13th November 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
Many of the end sections of 165/166 stock still contain the former first class sections as used in the Thames Valley. They have undergone very little modification apart from re-trimming and removal of the reading lights! A few still display first class signs.
On BRI - WEY direct services there are no first class fares anyway and probably not on GWR PMH-CDF services. More people are recognising the extra comfort available but always worth a try to bag such a better seat.
| Re: Exeter to Barnstaple "commute from hell" In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [368093/31055/24] Posted by grahame at 15:32, 13th November 2025 | |
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple
Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple the line is closed.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 02:00 17/11.
Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple the line is closed.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 02:00 17/11.
Now until next Monday
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [368092/29711/14] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:30, 13th November 2025 | |
Maybe this conversation should be moved to the Problems with IET Trains thread https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=24934.0
Fair point, ray951.
I have therefore split off a couple of posts relating specifically to the IET engine problems, moved them to 'Across the West' and merged them with the existing topic there, at https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=24934.msg368061#msg368061
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2025 In "TransWilts line" [368091/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 14:43, 13th November 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 points failure.
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00 will be cancelled.
This is due to a points failure.
Looks like we missed ...
UID P09526, identity 2M26. TSC 25485001
13:14 Swindon to Westbury
This service is cancelled.
This service was cancelled due to a points failure (IB).
13:14 Swindon to Westbury
This service is cancelled.
This service was cancelled due to a points failure (IB).
| Re: Exeter to Barnstaple "commute from hell" In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [368090/31055/24] Posted by grahame at 14:36, 13th November 2025 | |
Good for any journey whose ticket has not yet been bought. It will be cheaper.
Not necessarily
Anytime day single Paddington to Copplestone £149.50
Anytime day single Paddington to Exeter St Davids £149.50
Bus fare £3
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2025 In "TransWilts line" [368089/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 14:27, 13th November 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 points failure.
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00 will be cancelled.
This is due to a points failure.
| "First Class" on a 166 In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [368088/31087/20] Posted by Clan Line at 14:11, 13th November 2025 Already liked by GBM | |
I travelled from Fareham back to Warminster yesterday afternoon. The train looked about a third full overall. I went into the very rear of the train where there were four nice large tables with 2 + 2 seating - completely empty. At Southampton 3 men got in and started to settle down when one of them commented - "isn't this 1st class" ? After a bit of discussion about lack of signs, etc, they stayed put. As soon as the train moved away, the guard appeared from the rear cab - they asked him if they were in 1st Class - he confirmed they weren't.
It doesn't say a great deal about the generally perceived quality of the rolling stock on this line when half decent 2 + 2 seating with tables is now often mistaken for 1st Class. "Let them eat cake !"
PS: I was really impressed with the electric buses running down the old railway line to Gosport ! Comfy seats too.
| Re: Exeter to Barnstaple "commute from hell" In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [368087/31055/24] Posted by ChrisB at 12:31, 13th November 2025 | |
Good for any journey whose ticket has not yet been bought. It will be cheaper.
| Re: Exeter to Barnstaple "commute from hell" In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [368086/31055/24] Posted by grahame at 12:10, 13th November 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
And now completely closed from Crediton to Barnstaple
Alternatively, You may use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the following local bus services between Exeter and Barnstaple:
Alternatively, You may use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the following local bus services between Exeter and Barnstaple:
However, the bus fare is a maximum of £3 single so we'd suggest buying your ticket on the bus
Good for local journeys. For passengers already in possession of tickets such an advance from Ham Street to Eggesford, or Portsmouth Harbour to Portsmouth Arms, it may be best to use the original ticket.
| Re: Mid Cornwall Metro - Newquay, St Austell, Truro & Falmouth In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [368085/27102/25] Posted by Andy at 11:45, 13th November 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby, GBM | |
The entire South West so easily feels constrained in capacity and services. Makes me wonder what the optimum levels of both might be.
Mark
Mark
I wonder if, complementing the hourly Newquay-Falmouth service, extending the Newquay-Par trains to a couple of Newquay-Plymouth runs at peak times might prove popular, particularly in summer.
| Re: Unease after village crowned world's most beautiful - Bibury, Gloucestershire In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [368084/30727/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:17, 13th November 2025 | |
Topic now moved to where I should have put it originally.
CfN.
| MOVED: Unease after village crowned world's most beautiful - Bibury, Gloucestershire In "Across the West" [368083/31086/26] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:15, 13th November 2025 | |
Fair comment, TaplowGreen.
This topic has been moved to The West - but NOT trains in the West.
https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=30727.0
| Re: Weather updates, from across our area - ongoing discussion, 2025 In "Across the West" [368082/30953/26] Posted by ChrisB at 11:11, 13th November 2025 | |
From Sky News
Amber weather warning issued for parts of UK - as Storm Claudia brings heavy rain
An amber weather warning has been issued as Storm Claudia looks set to batter parts of the UK on Friday.
Flooding is likely with up to 80mm of rain expected, the Met Office said.
The warning is in place from noon until the end of the day, with it covering parts of Wales, the Midlands, the South West, South East and East of England.
An amber weather warning has been issued as Storm Claudia looks set to batter parts of the UK on Friday.
Flooding is likely with up to 80mm of rain expected, the Met Office said.
The warning is in place from noon until the end of the day, with it covering parts of Wales, the Midlands, the South West, South East and East of England.
| Re: Campaign for Tavistock reopening In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [368081/804/28] Posted by Red Squirrel at 10:57, 13th November 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby, Mark A | |
The Devon Live article above seems slightly at odds with DCC's website, which states:
In Autumn 2022, DCC submitted a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for restoring Tavistock-Plymouth rail services. The selected scheme would deliver a new station at Tavistock, and reinstate approximately 5 miles of track.
[...]
Through the SOBC, DCC is seeking £3 million to further develop the scheme. This would enable DCC to develop the business case, progress the detailed design, and complete the Development Consent Order process. Following this, a final decision would be needed to proceed to constructing the scheme.
Source: Devon County Council[...]
Through the SOBC, DCC is seeking £3 million to further develop the scheme. This would enable DCC to develop the business case, progress the detailed design, and complete the Development Consent Order process. Following this, a final decision would be needed to proceed to constructing the scheme.
So is it £1.5 million, or £3 million?
Followers of the Portishead saga may find reference to the DCO process rather triggering! Is this massively cumbersome process really appropriate to a scheme such as this? Is this really a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project? Reopening the whole route might qualify for this, but surely not a short local railway?
| Re: Exeter to Barnstaple "commute from hell" In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [368080/31055/24] Posted by ChrisB at 10:28, 13th November 2025 | |
And now completely closed from Crediton to Barnstaple
Alternatively, You may use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the following local bus services between Exeter and Barnstaple:
Alternatively, You may use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the following local bus services between Exeter and Barnstaple:
However, the bus fare is a maximum of £3 single so we'd suggest buying your ticket on the bus
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [368079/29711/14] Posted by ray951 at 10:08, 13th November 2025 | |
Maybe this conversation should be moved to the Problems with IET Trains thread https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=24934.0
| Re: Problems with IET trains from April 2021 In "Across the West" [368078/24934/26] Posted by Witham Bobby at 09:46, 13th November 2025 | |
The Oxford Clarion has the reason for the awful performance on the North Cotswold....
A widespread engine fault on GWR’s fleet of intercity trains is causing overcrowding, late running and cancellations on London–Oxford services, and onwards into the Cotswolds. Fuel pumps are said to be “disintegrating”, leading to trains running slow with several engines out of service.
Over the last four weeks, only 60% of Oxford–Paddington services have run to time (or within 5 minutes). Some services have been particularly unpunctual: the 2035 from Oxford has been on time for just 15% of its scheduled runs, with the 1331 little better at 25%.
The engine failures mean that services booked for 9-coach trains are often run with just 5, with passengers being left on the platform at Oxford on occasion. A 9-coach train has 5 engines: GWR withdraws them from service if 3 of the 5 have failed.
Over the last four weeks, only 60% of Oxford–Paddington services have run to time (or within 5 minutes). Some services have been particularly unpunctual: the 2035 from Oxford has been on time for just 15% of its scheduled runs, with the 1331 little better at 25%.
The engine failures mean that services booked for 9-coach trains are often run with just 5, with passengers being left on the platform at Oxford on occasion. A 9-coach train has 5 engines: GWR withdraws them from service if 3 of the 5 have failed.
From 800301 on RailUKforums:
Pretty much whole fleet replacement of fuel pumps and a full fuel system clean, they are getting about 3 done a day, it requires the whole Generator unit to be dropped from the train for the work to be done, they are getting more back into service but the work can only be done at certain locations.
They haven’t yet determined the cause but it’s being looked into, quite a few 9 car sets are running around on 3 out of 5 engines, if running on 2 it’s likely they will be pulled from service, where rail adhesion has been quite bad yesterday and today they have also been receiving Not to Call orders at certain stations or being held in other places so they are guaranteed a clear run up inclines to avoid getting stranded.
Hopefully it will be sorted soon
They haven’t yet determined the cause but it’s being looked into, quite a few 9 car sets are running around on 3 out of 5 engines, if running on 2 it’s likely they will be pulled from service, where rail adhesion has been quite bad yesterday and today they have also been receiving Not to Call orders at certain stations or being held in other places so they are guaranteed a clear run up inclines to avoid getting stranded.
Hopefully it will be sorted soon
Edited to clarify quotes
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [368077/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 09:28, 13th November 2025 | |
Thursday November 13
05:23 Hereford to London Paddington due 08:24 will no longer call at Honeybourne, Kingham, Charlbury and Hanborough.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:13/11/2025 06:57
Missing out Honeybourne allows the train to have a run at the bank. The schedule allows 18 minutes from Evesham to Moreton, including the Honeybourne stop. Today it took 20 without.This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:13/11/2025 06:57
| Re: Driving licences and tests - ongoing discussion In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [368076/19893/51] Posted by Western Pathfinder at 09:05, 13th November 2025 Already liked by GBM | |
Sid, good morning yes I hey do have epipes,mostly in Yorkshire Ha,
I infact have one ,it's an infernal contraption,which when in use produces more vapour than a Castle at full reg up the Lickey,useful f you need to have both hands free ,but otherwise impractical.
| Re: Exeter to Barnstaple "commute from hell" In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [368075/31055/24] Posted by grahame at 07:58, 13th November 2025 | |
And now completely closed from Crediton to Barnstaple
Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple
Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple the line is closed.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
Due to flooding we are currently unable to run any trains on the Barnstaple branch line; this affects services between Crediton and Barnstaple (Currently Exeter St Davids to Okehampton services are running).
Network Rails remote monitoring equipment detected water exceeding the threshold for closure at three bridges and viaducts, triggering an automatic closure for the safety of all customers.
The safety of customers is our top priority and Network Rail will need to deploy specialist diving teams to inspect the affected structures once water levels recede before services can safely resume.
We will restore the service as soon as it is safe to do so but with heavy rain expected on Friday the closure could continue for several days. We will provide additional updates as we receive more information.
We would urge customers to only travel if necessary whilst the line is closed, and to check before travelling at GWR.com.
-
What are my options:
Limited rail replacement road transport is now in place. Coaches and taxis will shuttle between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple until further notice. Please see station staff for more information.
-
For any passengers at any intermediate stations, please use the help point and road transport will be arranged.
Please use journey planners to see which trains will call additionally at Newton St Cyres request stop.
-
Alternatively, You may use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the following local bus services between Exeter and Barnstaple:
-
Stagecoach South West route:
>5B - Exeter (Bus Station, approximately 13 minutes by foot from Exeter Central train station and 24 minutes by foot from Exeter St Davids train station), Crediton (directly opposite train station), Copplestone (approximately 10 minutes by foot from the train station), Morchard Road (approximately 5 minutes by foot from the train station), Barnstaple (directly opposite the train station)
Journey time on bus route 5B between Exeter bus station and Barnstaple is approximately 2 hours, 20 minutes
Bus service 5B runs up to seven times a day
See https://www.stagecoachbus.com/routes/south-west/5/exeter-bus-station-crediton-or-chulmleigh/XDAO005.O for more information.
-
We're sorry for the delay to your journey.
We will update this message with more information when we have it.
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, message us on X @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:13/11/2025 07:43
Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple the line is closed.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
Due to flooding we are currently unable to run any trains on the Barnstaple branch line; this affects services between Crediton and Barnstaple (Currently Exeter St Davids to Okehampton services are running).
Network Rails remote monitoring equipment detected water exceeding the threshold for closure at three bridges and viaducts, triggering an automatic closure for the safety of all customers.
The safety of customers is our top priority and Network Rail will need to deploy specialist diving teams to inspect the affected structures once water levels recede before services can safely resume.
We will restore the service as soon as it is safe to do so but with heavy rain expected on Friday the closure could continue for several days. We will provide additional updates as we receive more information.
We would urge customers to only travel if necessary whilst the line is closed, and to check before travelling at GWR.com.
-
What are my options:
Limited rail replacement road transport is now in place. Coaches and taxis will shuttle between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple until further notice. Please see station staff for more information.
-
For any passengers at any intermediate stations, please use the help point and road transport will be arranged.
Please use journey planners to see which trains will call additionally at Newton St Cyres request stop.
-
Alternatively, You may use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the following local bus services between Exeter and Barnstaple:
-
Stagecoach South West route:
>5B - Exeter (Bus Station, approximately 13 minutes by foot from Exeter Central train station and 24 minutes by foot from Exeter St Davids train station), Crediton (directly opposite train station), Copplestone (approximately 10 minutes by foot from the train station), Morchard Road (approximately 5 minutes by foot from the train station), Barnstaple (directly opposite the train station)
Journey time on bus route 5B between Exeter bus station and Barnstaple is approximately 2 hours, 20 minutes
Bus service 5B runs up to seven times a day
See https://www.stagecoachbus.com/routes/south-west/5/exeter-bus-station-crediton-or-chulmleigh/XDAO005.O for more information.
-
We're sorry for the delay to your journey.
We will update this message with more information when we have it.
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, message us on X @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:13/11/2025 07:43
| Re: Driving licences and tests - ongoing discussion In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [368074/19893/51] Posted by CyclingSid at 07:39, 13th November 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby, GBM | |
Must admit I can't remember much of my learning to drive a car except my instructor telling me to book a test at Henley, too many failed in Reading on the hill start, and driving out of the test centre car park in Henley flapping my arm out of the window and the examiner saying shut the window its cold. I believe hand signals in cars are long gone, using indicators seem increasingly rare.
HGV learning in the Army on a Bedford RL. The gear stick was back next to you so if you tried to use it like a car you banged your elbow on the back of the cab and got a dead arm. My instructor smoked a very ornate pipe. He was a member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, apparently the more ornate the pipe the higher up you were in the organisation. Can;t remember seeing a pipe being smoked in years. Do they have e-pipes !?
| Re: Unease after village crowned world's most beautiful - Bibury, Gloucestershire In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [368073/30727/31] Posted by TaplowGreen at 06:50, 13th November 2025 | |
Is this article in the correct location?
"Across the West
General rail topics - PLEASE CHECK to see if your topic would be better on one of the other boards first!"
| Re: The roman empire's road system, mapped In "Railway History and related topics" [368072/31067/55] Posted by DR7835 at 23:27, 12th November 2025 Already liked by Mark A, Western Pathfinder, Worcester_Passenger, Witham Bobby | |
Should you wish to navigate your way around the Roman Empire's road network there is naturally a route planner now available on the Interrete!
https://www.omnesviae.org/
Dave
| Re: Recycling rubbish - something of a minefield? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [368071/30854/31] Posted by eightonedee at 23:18, 12th November 2025 | |
There's a recent video on Chis Spargo's YouTube channel on this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuwaOiTHl7U) that explains why there are a lot of changes now under way in rubbish recycling by local authorities.
