Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2026 In "London to the Cotswolds" [374630/31371/14] Posted by charles_uk at 16:18, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
17:05 Didcot Parkway to Evesham due 18:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on a train earlier.
18:51 Evesham to Oxford due 19:50 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on a train earlier.
This is due to a fault on a train earlier.
18:51 Evesham to Oxford due 19:50 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on a train earlier.
| Re: Oxford to Didcot quad tracking In "Railway History and related topics" [374629/31957/55] Posted by Mark A at 16:10, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
Thanks for this.
Mark
| Re: Oxford to Didcot quad tracking In "Railway History and related topics" [374628/31957/55] Posted by stuving at 15:26, 30th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | ![]() |
It was suggested in the Westminster Gazette of 12 April 1910 that the construction of the Ashendon to Aynho line, together with the Great Central and Great Western Joint Line, gave GWR the same extra capacity as quadrupling through Oxford almost to Banbury. Thus it is unlikely they would do it later than that, or before they had done the main line into Didcot (1892). By then the possibility of the GW/GCR route was presumably already known about, so the window for ever quadrupling Didcot-Oxford narrows to little or nothing.
| Re: Paddington to Bristol <-> service updates and amendments - ongoing discussion In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [374627/18525/10] Posted by JohnM at 15:18, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
Disruption has been reported between Bristol Temple Meads and Chippenham.
Train services may be delayed after leaving due to a speed restriction because of high track temperatures.
I haven't even got my shorts out yet Train services may be delayed after leaving due to a speed restriction because of high track temperatures.

| Oxford to Didcot quad tracking In "Railway History and related topics" [374626/31957/55] Posted by Mark A at 12:49, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
Did GWR ever form the intention to quadruple track Oxford to Didcot? I'm thinking of the way that line increasingly sat at the centre of a set of converging lines - at first, to the south, from two directions on the GW main line itself - and the Didcot Newbury and Southampton line then came onto the scene - and then to the north, the lines to
Perhaps the relief of this stretch by the building of the 1910 line via Bicester took the focus elsewhere from any ambition to quadruple the track south to Didcot.
Was there an intention though? Plans, or perhaps an early intention to route the Great Western Main Line itself via Oxford?
Turning to the present day: the relieving line via Thame long closed, a busier network ... and there's Oxford, still connected to Didcot by a double track railway with three 'Inconvenient' intermediate stations, no offence intended. There must be a ghost of the 'If only' here, and also, how those stations avoided being zapped I don't know.
Mark

| Re: East - West Rail update (Oxford to Bedford) - ongoing discussion In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374625/1219/28] Posted by ChrisB at 12:25, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
Depends on the day. Once MK-OXF EWR is open, then it'd simply be two changes, from May 18th.
MKC - OXF
OXF - BRI
BRI - EXD
If theyu went today -
MKC - EUS
PAD - EXD
| Re: East - West Rail update (Oxford to Bedford) - ongoing discussion In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374624/1219/28] Posted by Mark A at 12:21, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
A friend from Milton Keynes has just mentioned that they'll be heading for Exeter by train, which put me in mind of East - West Rail, but in it's impending form would this involve Milton Keynes to Bletchley (change trains) to Oxford (change trains) to Didcot (change trains) to Swindon (change trains) to Bristol (change trains) and finally Exeter? If so, ouch.
Mark
| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine and Rev Wilbert Awdry - ongoing discussion In "The Lighter Side" [374623/16895/30] Posted by ChrisB at 11:57, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
Ad today as tickets to the Hammersmith Apollo on sale tomorrow.
Refers to Christopher as 'author'
| Re: Mousehole, Cornwall: a bus route change (for the worse) In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374622/31600/5] Posted by Mark A at 11:55, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
Think the boat's the Mount's Bay nautical equivalent of an Optare bus. Glad you've mentioned ferries, as there would surely have been a bit of too-ing and fro-ing between Mousehole, Newlyn and Penzance. All horribly weather dependent though.
Mark
| Re: Storing petrol In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374621/22213/51] Posted by Witham Bobby at 11:19, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
The crude oil price has now reached $125 ! No significant shortages as yet.
If this carries on, I perceive some risk of shortages, of transport fuel and also of natural gas.
If this carries on, I perceive some risk of shortages, of transport fuel and also of natural gas.
I notice that BP have made bumper profits ... have to wonder where the extra income goes.
A barrel of oil is 159 litres. So at £1.85 / litre (diesel at the place up the road) you are looking at £294 ( = almost $400) per barrel - that's 3.5 times price at the pump that it costs on the world market. Put the other way round, the world price is still only 50p per litre, marked up in Melksham to £1.85 ...
Your numbers omit the massive amount of tax on a litre of petrol or diesel. With duty, VAT on the fuel, and VAT on the duty, the pump price to the motorist is 50% tax for diesel and just over 40% for petrol, according to figures I just checked on the RAC website
And even at these sky high fuel and tax prices, rail travel can still often look expensive and probably not taking you to exactly where you want to be
| Re: Mousehole, Cornwall: a bus route change (for the worse) In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374620/31600/5] Posted by chuffed at 10:23, 30th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | ![]() |
Is that the fairy with the ferry in the second Foto. ??

| Re: Storing petrol In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374619/22213/51] Posted by Mark A at 10:03, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
Thread from @bartgonnissen.bsky.social in which he talks through fuel for ships and current issues.
https://bsky.app/profile/bartgonnissen.bsky.social/post/3mkp7aqdfpt2q
It links his other thread which is cat photo heavy, but not for a good reason, as he's flagging the issue of "Cat fines" which hopefully do not come the way of retail diesel supplies.
https://bsky.app/profile/bartgonnissen.bsky.social/post/3m6orddzjrc2a
Mark
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2026 In "London to the Cotswolds" [374618/31371/14] Posted by charles_uk at 09:58, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
The first off-peak up service of the day - the 08:18 Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington - has been short-formed a few times over the last few weeks. Today JourneyCheck is reporting:
Facilities on the 08:18 Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington due 10:26.
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 9. Service full and standing from Oxford. First class is declassified. There are no reservations on this service.
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 9. Service full and standing from Oxford. First class is declassified. There are no reservations on this service.
Earlier the busy 06:43 Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington train was another short-form. The 11:52 Paddington to Hereford service and return run are also planned to be short-forms, as is the 18:57 Paddington to Great Malvern train.
The 14:53 Paddington to Worcester Foregate Street and the return run can be added to the list of today's short-forms.
| Re: Storing petrol In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374617/22213/51] Posted by Oxonhutch at 09:50, 30th April 2026 Already liked by grahame | ![]() |
Missing off Graham's diagram is tax. I suspect HMG is quietly making a killing at the pump, as well as the corporation and windfall taxes on BP et al.
| Re: Storing petrol In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374616/22213/51] Posted by Mark A at 09:45, 30th April 2026 Already liked by PrestburyRoad | ![]() |
Still finding this price comparison map site useful. Diesel vs petrol has opened up quite a gap, I'm led to believe that this is because electric vehicles has softened the demand for petrol.
Mark
https://fuelmap.co.uk/
| Re: Mousehole, Cornwall: a bus route change (for the worse) In "Buses and other ways to travel" [374615/31600/5] Posted by GBM at 09:25, 30th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | ![]() |
'… and seeing how the residents feel after a while”
I can save RF some time there. They'll continue to be reduced or ex-users of the bus services and will have poorer life opportunities as a result. Some may become 'Disgruntled voters'. Good that the MD of Go-Ahead has met with residents and is moved to investigate suitable vehicles for the route. I hope he comes up with something. Difficult to imagine that they wouldn't be useful elsewhere too - nearest to Mousehole I'm thinking of the 16 Penzance to St Ives via... lanes... that used to use an Optare** too.
Mark
** Apologies if it wasn't and I'm simply calling all small buses 'Optares'...
Yes, Optare's, and similar (Darts, etc).I can save RF some time there. They'll continue to be reduced or ex-users of the bus services and will have poorer life opportunities as a result. Some may become 'Disgruntled voters'. Good that the MD of Go-Ahead has met with residents and is moved to investigate suitable vehicles for the route. I hope he comes up with something. Difficult to imagine that they wouldn't be useful elsewhere too - nearest to Mousehole I'm thinking of the 16 Penzance to St Ives via... lanes... that used to use an Optare** too.
Mark
** Apologies if it wasn't and I'm simply calling all small buses 'Optares'...
Bigger Optare than that used in Mousehole mind. More tail swing/overhang in the bigger Optares.
| Re: Storing petrol In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374614/22213/51] Posted by grahame at 09:11, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
The crude oil price has now reached $125 ! No significant shortages as yet.
If this carries on, I perceive some risk of shortages, of transport fuel and also of natural gas.
If this carries on, I perceive some risk of shortages, of transport fuel and also of natural gas.
I notice that BP have made bumper profits ... have to wonder where the extra income goes.

A barrel of oil is 159 litres. So at £1.85 / litre (diesel at the place up the road) you are looking at £294 ( = almost $400) per barrel - that's 3.5 times price at the pump that it costs on the world market. Put the other way round, the world price is still only 50p per litre, marked up in Melksham to £1.85 ...
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [374613/10737/21] Posted by Western Pathfinder at 07:39, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
The low spring sunshine should light that up nicely,say early May ?..
| Re: Storing petrol In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374612/22213/51] Posted by broadgage at 05:30, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
The crude oil price has now reached $125 ! No significant shortages as yet.
If this carries on, I perceive some risk of shortages, of transport fuel and also of natural gas.
| Re: Your pint could come with a surprising health benefit ... In "The Lighter Side" [374611/31925/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 02:32, 30th April 2026 Already liked by broadgage | ![]() |
7 pints per day will provide all the B6 needed. This is excellent news
Don't tell broadgage.

| Re: Thomas the Tank Engine and Rev Wilbert Awdry - ongoing discussion In "The Lighter Side" [374610/16895/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 00:53, 30th April 2026 | ![]() |
Please do post an update here in June!

| Re: 'Battery Bill': UK's first electric quarry loco named by pupil In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374609/31953/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:52, 29th April 2026 | ![]() |
Hmm.

While I obviously commend Cillian Gallagher on his success, I'm not sure this isn't taking things a bit too far:
From the BBC:
Minimum age to be a train driver lowered to 18
Eighteen-year-olds will be allowed to drive trains after the minimum age was lowered from 20 in a bid to tackle driver shortages.
(BBC article continues)
Eighteen-year-olds will be allowed to drive trains after the minimum age was lowered from 20 in a bid to tackle driver shortages.
(BBC article continues)

He's a five-year-old!

| Re: 'Battery Bill': UK's first electric quarry loco named by pupil In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374607/31953/51] Posted by Oxonhutch at 22:23, 29th April 2026 | ![]() |
Glad to see that the original spoon and notch handles have been retained. Always nice to make an 08 go and stop. At least the start-up faff is now obviated. I wonder if the loco still has old corks capping the coupling-rod oil reservoirs and a large BSW? spanner to undo the underside nut to let the rainwater out of the same?
08s are still steam engines below the waist

| Re: Why some trains will not be stopping at Banbury In "Cross Country services" [374606/31951/43] Posted by Oxonhutch at 22:12, 29th April 2026 Already liked by 1st fan, GBM | ![]() |
Can it be anything to do with Banbury being a ticket split station with enormous price differentials? Pity if your train didn't stop, Sir...
| BLB Solicitors, based in Trowbridge, ceases trading from midday on 30 April 2026 In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [374605/31956/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:55, 29th April 2026 | ![]() |
As it has happened so suddenly, I'm posting here for information, in case any of their clients are not aware of this development.
From the BBC:
Clients left 'stunned' as solicitors cease trading
Clients say they have been left "stunned" after a solicitors firm announced its sudden closure after the sale of the business fell through at short notice.
BLB Solicitors, based in Trowbridge in Wiltshire, confirmed in a letter sent to some clients that it will cease trading from midday on Thursday after being placed into administration.
...
BLB Solicitors has offices in Bath, Bristol, Bradford-on-Avon, Swindon, Almondsbury and Trowbridge, and employs more than 40 lawyers across its six locations.
A letter sent by the firm to clients on Tuesday read: "We would strongly recommend that you instruct another firm of solicitors to continue to act on your behalf."
(BBC article continues)
Clients say they have been left "stunned" after a solicitors firm announced its sudden closure after the sale of the business fell through at short notice.
BLB Solicitors, based in Trowbridge in Wiltshire, confirmed in a letter sent to some clients that it will cease trading from midday on Thursday after being placed into administration.
...
BLB Solicitors has offices in Bath, Bristol, Bradford-on-Avon, Swindon, Almondsbury and Trowbridge, and employs more than 40 lawyers across its six locations.
A letter sent by the firm to clients on Tuesday read: "We would strongly recommend that you instruct another firm of solicitors to continue to act on your behalf."
(BBC article continues)
| Re: East - West Rail update (Oxford to Bedford) - ongoing discussion In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [374604/1219/28] Posted by ChrisB at 21:16, 29th April 2026 | ![]() |
Brand-new battery-electric multiple units will eventually operate on EWR, with an order for a new fleet expected soon.
So the wires should allow the batteries to power the non-electrified parts?
| Urgent repairs needed to Cambridge railway station pub In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374603/31955/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:56, 29th April 2026 | ![]() |
From the BBC:
Urgent repairs needed to city railway station pub

Greater Anglia has applied for permission to the roof of the former ticket office, which is now a pub at the Cambridge station - Image © Getty Images
"Urgent repairs" were needed to ensure the future of a city railway station's pub, a train operator said.
Greater Anglia has applied for permission to Greater Cambridge Shared Planning to make changes to the roof of the former ticket office, which is now a pub at the Cambridge station. It said work would include replacing flashing, slates and improving drainage.
The work was necessary, it said, because of widespread defects in the roof and water damage affecting the toilets and other internal areas of the building.
The Old Ticket Office is part of the original 1845 Cambridge railway complex and was converted into a pub in 2018.
In its application to the partnership between Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council, Greater Anglia said: "As a matter of urgency, Greater Anglia are looking to address any progressive damage such as timber decay and mould to the existing structure."
It stressed the importance of the structure, saying: "Cambridge Station is a prominent building with extensive sightlines from the Station Square and beyond. Failure of the roof materials is resulting in water ingress that is impacting on the existing building structure and operation of the Old Ticket Office public house."
The application stated that the scheme "is to refurbish a section of station roof located to the north of the main station building, over the public house". It added: "The pub is in daily use by the tenant, and they will continue to require access during the duration of the works."
A Greater Anglia spokesperson told the BBC: "We have submitted for listed building consent to carry out essential repairs to the Old Ticket Office pub at Cambridge railway station. These works will address areas of deterioration and are being progressed as a priority to protect the building and support the tenant. Subject to listed building consent, we expect work to begin later this year and take around three months to complete. The pub will remain open during this time and we do not expect any impact on customers using the station."

Greater Anglia has applied for permission to the roof of the former ticket office, which is now a pub at the Cambridge station - Image © Getty Images
"Urgent repairs" were needed to ensure the future of a city railway station's pub, a train operator said.
Greater Anglia has applied for permission to Greater Cambridge Shared Planning to make changes to the roof of the former ticket office, which is now a pub at the Cambridge station. It said work would include replacing flashing, slates and improving drainage.
The work was necessary, it said, because of widespread defects in the roof and water damage affecting the toilets and other internal areas of the building.
The Old Ticket Office is part of the original 1845 Cambridge railway complex and was converted into a pub in 2018.
In its application to the partnership between Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council, Greater Anglia said: "As a matter of urgency, Greater Anglia are looking to address any progressive damage such as timber decay and mould to the existing structure."
It stressed the importance of the structure, saying: "Cambridge Station is a prominent building with extensive sightlines from the Station Square and beyond. Failure of the roof materials is resulting in water ingress that is impacting on the existing building structure and operation of the Old Ticket Office public house."
The application stated that the scheme "is to refurbish a section of station roof located to the north of the main station building, over the public house". It added: "The pub is in daily use by the tenant, and they will continue to require access during the duration of the works."
A Greater Anglia spokesperson told the BBC: "We have submitted for listed building consent to carry out essential repairs to the Old Ticket Office pub at Cambridge railway station. These works will address areas of deterioration and are being progressed as a priority to protect the building and support the tenant. Subject to listed building consent, we expect work to begin later this year and take around three months to complete. The pub will remain open during this time and we do not expect any impact on customers using the station."
| Re: GWR website limited to one journey (single or return) per transaction In "Fare's Fair" [374602/31948/4] Posted by Surrey 455 at 19:27, 29th April 2026 Already liked by Mark A | ![]() |
I have also noticed that you have to re-enter a username/password each time you use it. The login screen is not mobile friendly and probably doesn't meet accessibility guidelines.
GWR also appear to have removed the option to pay via Google Pay/Wallet.
GWR also appear to have removed the option to pay via Google Pay/Wallet.
The same thing has happened to the SWR app. It's annoying having to log in every time. Google Pay also disappeared but I notice today that it seems to have come back.
I might permanently switch to the Trainsplit app which I use from time to time because I cannot see any way of selecting a via / avoid option on the SWR app. Being able to avoid Clapham Junction on journeys to Sussex makes the fare a lot cheaper for me.
| Re: Gritting lorries, their names and their drivers In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [374601/31129/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:15, 29th April 2026 | ![]() |
I have commented previously on the rather apposite relevance of her name, on another topic, at https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=31355.msg370394#msg370394
CfN.















