A number of narrow-gauge lines survive, largely as a consequence of German reunification, in the former East Germany where some of them form part of the public transport system as active commercial carriers. Most extensive of those still employing steam traction is the Harz mountain group of metre-gauge lines, the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen. Other notable lines are the Zittau–Oybin–Jonsdorf line in Saxony, the Mollibahn and the Rügensche Kleinbahn on the Isle of Rügen on the Baltic coast and the Radebeul-Radeburg line, Weisseritztalbahn in the suburbs of Dresden. Although most rely on the tourist trade, in some areas they provide significant employment as steam traction is particularly labour-intensive.

Even concerning advance fares, looking a week ahead an advance single is £53 (compared to £86 for an anytime single, both with a railcard) so the advance offer doesn't exactly shine, and neither is persuasive unless someone really needs to be somewhere and at that time of the morning.

I seem to recall the DfT chaps and to some extent GWR made plenty of hay with this service though, at the time they axed the services that *did* run at a time that met people's needs.

Mark

I suspect "Ellie" is just as likely to be a ChatGPT bot (or if not, quite possibly soon will be!) - more and more organisations are moving to this technology, saves them a fortune, and let's be honest GWR is not an organisation which is renowned for investing in Customer Service!

A side question as to why this service in normal times is underused is worthwhile; my educated guess is that it's too early in the day, too expensive, relatively slow, little publicised, and there are no equivalent direct services in the opposite direction ...

Didn't they close line for few days last week of October last year too.

Maybe school half term week is week of choice

However the wording of trains that will run, doesn't seem to mention the trains that go to Salisbury, Southampton, Castle Cary, or Yeovil from Bristol, or early service to London from BoA and Trowbridge.  Suggests to me that these are all quietly being axed for duration.

I'm sure Ellie is a real person, but I'm not so sure that she's worried about her job prospects: as a 'customer service advisor' in GWR (soon to be part of GBR), she would appear to be fairly safe in her role. 

Ellie, if you are one of our registered members, please do comment here. CfN.

4:57 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09

04:57 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster, Salisbury, Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.

One out of two - yes to Osnabruck.

Grahame,  your 24 hour holdback is over - can you clear the board?

11:52 London Paddington to Hereford due 14:44 will be terminated at Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:29/08/2025 02:25

15:18 Hereford to London Paddington due 18:29 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:29/08/2025 02:25

Probably best not to discuss this within hearing range of member 'broadgage'. 

Is it relatively new or a summer only service? It's probably something I would have taken advantage of if I knew about it.

Operator defends pilot over fatal helicopter crash

The operator of a helicopter that crashed, killing the pilot and two of the passengers, has criticised a suggestion that pilot error might be to blame.

The R44 aircraft came down near Shanklin, Isle of Wight, on Monday morning during a flying lesson.

Previously, the helicopter's manufacturer Robinson said pilot error was statistically the most likely cause. However, flight school Northumbria Helicopters said the suggestion was "premature" and "deeply insensitive" to the family of 54-year-old flying instructor Simon Hewitt.

Mr Hewitt, from Barton-upon-Humber in Lincolnshire, and passengers Justyna Czoska, 52, and Wojciech Kowalkowski, 49, from Banbury, Oxfordshire, died in the incident. A fourth person, a man in his 30s, remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Previously, Robinson chief executive David Smith said more than 80% of similar crashes were ultimately attributed to pilot error.

In a statement, he said: "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the three individuals who lost their lives, and we are hopeful for a full recovery for the survivor. While we understand there are many questions about what caused this accident, we do not have enough information to speak with any certainty at this time. What is definitive is that in 80-plus per cent of situations, outcomes of these accidents are ruled as pilot error, rather than mechanical failure.

"We have full confidence in the authorities who are investigating this incident. They will thoroughly examine all factors, including the aircraft's maintenance history, the operator, the pilot's actions, and the environmental conditions leading up to the crash. We believe their investigation will provide the clarity and closure needed for the families affected by this terrible event."

However, flight operator Northumbria said it was "very disappointed" at the statement. It said: "At this stage, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has only just commenced their investigation. It is therefore both premature and inappropriate to speculate on the causes of this tragedy."

The firm's statement continued: "Any suggestion of pilot error at this point is not supported by evidence and risks causing unnecessary distress to grieving families, friends, and colleagues. Simon Hewitt was an immensely respected, exceptionally safety conscious and highly skilled flight instructor and commercial pilot, admired both professionally and personally. To imply fault before the facts have been established is not only inaccurate but also deeply insensitive to those mourning his loss."

Previously, Mr Hewitt's family said they had been left "absolutely broken", describing him as "the most wonderful, intelligent, kind man and father".

Ms Czoska's daughters and family said she was "our best friend", while Mr Kowalkowski's relatives said the father of two would be "deeply missed".

The AAIB said its inquiry could take 12 months to complete.

Taunton, probably.  That was from when she was pretending to be 'Lord Dowding'.