Well worth a read:

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/delivering-the-delayed-oxford-station-bridge-replacement-before-and-during-the-8-day-blockade-26-02-2026/

Lack of spare locos and traincrew at depots

Lack of inter-operability between classes of loco

Few places where there are crossovers to enable rescue locos to reach a failed train conveniently

Lack of lay-by loops and refuge sidings where a train can be placed "out of the way"

The lighthouse was built in 1862 at a cost of £75 by Hennet, Spinks and Else of Bridgwater, based on a design by James Abernathy, whose work was chosen over that of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Culprit seems to have been the 6V50 Wembley-Merehead.

Moving again after standing for >3 hours. (passed Kintbury 16:52 and Bedwyn 20:22).

What are the barriers to achieving a rescue in less time?

Interesting the article mentions concrete slabs added in 1940s.   Manvers Street had a tram route until 1939 so wonder if these slabs were part of its track removal and replacement.

Of course with those big rotary diamond saws that fit on front of large bobcat machines, can probably cut the road surface into manageable size pieces in couple of days.  That leaves 5.9 months to remove it and lay new stronger road
...... But as this is a Council run job, it will probably be couple of blokes doing odd bits of work between sitting in their van having long tea breaks which explains the timescale

Not sure this has been mentioned yet, there's a 5-part series with Michael Portillo to be found on the iplayer

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002v462/great-japanese-railway-journeys-series-1-1-osaka-to-nagoya

I was called in, urgently, just before the weekend after abnormal test results.  "Day Surgery" ward but I ended up being admitted and only being discharged this afternoon - Monday.  Seeing so many other patients far worse off than I am is very humbling;  I have lost the best part of a stone, weaker on my feet and tubed up, but nothing malignant. Probably a "day surgery" op later in the year.  Discomfort but no pain; brain working ... a bit wobblier on my feet but still, already, well enough to use the bus home.

Swan hit by train rescued by rail staff


Rescuer Jorge, a rail incident officer at South Western Railway, has been described as a "wildlife whisperer"

A swan had a lucky escape thanks to rail staff who rescued the bird after it was hit by a train.

The animal caused minor delays for commuters travelling on the Wraysbury line between Windsor and London Waterloo on Thursday morning.

Staff from Network Rail Wessex and South Western Railway (SWR) were on hand to rescue the injured bird from the tracks before transporting him to a nearby animal centre.

Suffering a broken wing and a leg injury, the swan is being cared for by specialist vets at the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton.

Warning: Some readers may find the below images distressing

"The Network Rail team were amazing, as always," a statement from the Swan Sanctuary said. "He has been given pain relief and, unfortunately, has a broken wing which has now been strapped, along with an injury to his leg. He'll be under close observation over the coming days, and may require surgery once he's stable."

The sanctuary added it hosts training for staff at Network Rail and the Highways Agency so they are equipped to save animals that wander on to the roads and tracks.


The swan suffered a broken wing and a leg injury after being hit by a train

A mobile operations manager (MOM) from SWR, dubbed a "wildlife whisperer", lifted the bird from the track. In a post on social media, SWR wrote: "Today's unexpected rail drama: a rogue swan causing absolute chaos on the Wraysbury line. Enter Jorge the MOM — part incident officer, part wildlife whisperer — who successfully negotiated the bird's peaceful surrender."


Specialist vets quickly tended to the swan's injuries

British Museum?

Wondering if your leaflet, regarding the arrangements for the buses, has a scoop. Also thinking that even the walk from the station to the Guildhall isn't brilliant from the accessibility perspective, but what's a city to do...

Quote
Big trip planned with a tour company for Italy, France, Austria, Germany. Afraid to book it as to what’s going on in the world. Have never been to Europe!!

18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56

20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
Last Updated:16/04/2026 17:55

Neither morning Hereford bound service made it all the way today:

1W01 0952 London Paddington to Hereford cancelled between Great Malvern and Hereford due to late arrival of an inbound service (YI)
1W02 1152 London Paddington to Hereford cancelled between Worcester Shrub Hill and Hereford due to late arrival of an inbound service (YI)

with the return runs similarly affected.

Ex-keeper Manninger dies after car hit by train


Alex Manninger made his debut for Austria in 1999

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train.

Police said the incident happened at about 08:20 local time (07:20 BST) at a level crossing near Salzburg.
...

Salzburg police said first responders used a defibrillator on Manninger, who was alone in the car, after he was freed from the vehicle, which was dragged along by the train, but could not resuscitate him.

Police also said that the train driver was unharmed.

(BBC article continues)