Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Model railways - marshalling your train for the right time in history In "Railway History and related topics" [371070/31454/55] Posted by ray951 at 16:25, 14th January 2026 |      |
Building a model railway - could you run a Dukedog hauling a load of dogfish and a toad? How about a Western Diesel on the front of a rake of Mk 5 carriages? Could a class 101 unit be seen at the same time as class 195?
Doesn't Model Railways Rule 1 apply - namely "It's my railway, so I can run what I like." Image not available to guests
| Re: Model railways - marshalling your train for the right time in history In "Railway History and related topics" [371069/31454/55] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:18, 14th January 2026 | |
Ah, yes. Thanks, grahame. Image not available to guests
"Pioneering ... 1804", anyone?
CfN. Image not available to guests
| Re: Llangollen Canal - Whitchurch, Shropshire canal breach: 22 Dec 2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371068/31316/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:03, 14th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
'England's canals are not valued by government', says chairman of Shropshire trust
Image not available to guests
Michael Limbrey is chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust
England's canals are not valued enough by the government and need more funding support, the chair of a waterways trust says.
Michael Limbrey has spoken out after the collapse of the Llangollen canal in Shropshire that left narrowboat owners stranded, just before Christmas. "[Canals are] part of the history and the landscape of our country," said Limbrey, chair of Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust (MWRT), in north Shropshire. "A whole network of waterways spreading across our country don't seem to be valued."
But, the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) says it is investing more than £480m into infrastructure maintenance by the Canal and River Trust (CRT). Defra stressed the waterways are much-valued by the government, especially because of the wide range of benefits they provide.
Several boaters were left without their homes when the canal collapsed, just outside Whitchurch on 22 December, and repairs could cost millions. On Tuesday Paul Stowe, whose family owns a boat left hanging over a huge hole when the collapse happened in the early hours, saw it refloated after a salvage operation.
MWRT is currently reviving the Montgomery Canal, which branches off the Llangollen Canal.
Image not available to guests
Limbrey described as "shocking" the breach of the Llangollen Canal, which is expected to cost millions of pounds to restore
"The government contribution to the maintenance to the canals is not as much as it should be," said Limbrey. "They're part of the history and the landscape of our country, we have stately homes, we have castles, we have many historic structures, Roman remains... that are valued. Yet these thousands of miles of canal... a whole network of waterways spreading across our country don't seem to be valued in the same way as these individual spots are."
Limbrey said following the collapse, which he described as "shocking" and "devastating", he saw a lot of commentary about money online. "The comments that came through were, 'Why bother with canals, why should money be spent on the canals?'"
"The canal network is such an asset right across the country. It's got access for so many people for recreation, for wellbeing, it's got the canalside businesses, it's got an amazing range of structures, locks and weirs and bridges - all built on the canal 200 years ago. All of these things add up to this amazing resource... people can just walk onto the towpath and get on it and enjoy for free, at any time."
The CRT was set up in 2012 to replace the publicly-owned British Waterways. Back then, the government agreed to provide a grant to the charity across the first 15 years, amounting to about £740m in total.
Defra said this was primarily to support its infrastructure maintenance programme, to ensure navigability and public safety, while the CRT became established and developed alternative sources of funding.
The government also provided a permanent endowment fund, now worth about £1bn, that generates a further quarter of its income. The CRT and Defra signed a memorandum of understanding in 2012 that said the CRT would move towards greater self-sufficiency over time, reducing its reliance on public funding.
Defra said the grant agreement was clear that there was no obligation for the government to fund the charity beyond 2027. However, following a review it has agreed a further 10-year grant funding package of £480m, from 2027. This, it said, was because it recognised the CRT was providing good value for money and delivering a wide range of public benefits.
Image not available to guests
Michael Limbrey is chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust
England's canals are not valued enough by the government and need more funding support, the chair of a waterways trust says.
Michael Limbrey has spoken out after the collapse of the Llangollen canal in Shropshire that left narrowboat owners stranded, just before Christmas. "[Canals are] part of the history and the landscape of our country," said Limbrey, chair of Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust (MWRT), in north Shropshire. "A whole network of waterways spreading across our country don't seem to be valued."
But, the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) says it is investing more than £480m into infrastructure maintenance by the Canal and River Trust (CRT). Defra stressed the waterways are much-valued by the government, especially because of the wide range of benefits they provide.
Several boaters were left without their homes when the canal collapsed, just outside Whitchurch on 22 December, and repairs could cost millions. On Tuesday Paul Stowe, whose family owns a boat left hanging over a huge hole when the collapse happened in the early hours, saw it refloated after a salvage operation.
MWRT is currently reviving the Montgomery Canal, which branches off the Llangollen Canal.
Image not available to guests
Limbrey described as "shocking" the breach of the Llangollen Canal, which is expected to cost millions of pounds to restore
"The government contribution to the maintenance to the canals is not as much as it should be," said Limbrey. "They're part of the history and the landscape of our country, we have stately homes, we have castles, we have many historic structures, Roman remains... that are valued. Yet these thousands of miles of canal... a whole network of waterways spreading across our country don't seem to be valued in the same way as these individual spots are."
Limbrey said following the collapse, which he described as "shocking" and "devastating", he saw a lot of commentary about money online. "The comments that came through were, 'Why bother with canals, why should money be spent on the canals?'"
"The canal network is such an asset right across the country. It's got access for so many people for recreation, for wellbeing, it's got the canalside businesses, it's got an amazing range of structures, locks and weirs and bridges - all built on the canal 200 years ago. All of these things add up to this amazing resource... people can just walk onto the towpath and get on it and enjoy for free, at any time."
The CRT was set up in 2012 to replace the publicly-owned British Waterways. Back then, the government agreed to provide a grant to the charity across the first 15 years, amounting to about £740m in total.
Defra said this was primarily to support its infrastructure maintenance programme, to ensure navigability and public safety, while the CRT became established and developed alternative sources of funding.
The government also provided a permanent endowment fund, now worth about £1bn, that generates a further quarter of its income. The CRT and Defra signed a memorandum of understanding in 2012 that said the CRT would move towards greater self-sufficiency over time, reducing its reliance on public funding.
Defra said the grant agreement was clear that there was no obligation for the government to fund the charity beyond 2027. However, following a review it has agreed a further 10-year grant funding package of £480m, from 2027. This, it said, was because it recognised the CRT was providing good value for money and delivering a wide range of public benefits.
| Model railways - marshalling your train for the right time in history In "Railway History and related topics" [371067/31454/55] Posted by grahame at 15:56, 14th January 2026 | |
Building a model railway - could you run a Dukedog hauling a load of dogfish and a toad? How about a Western Diesel on the front of a rake of Mk 5 carriages? Could a class 101 unit be seen at the same time as class 195?
To help modellers get it right (or embarrass them into buying more models that are right together, the rail modelling companies describe three products by eras; I've put this with examples into a GWR context
| Era | Name | Years | Example |
| 1 | Pioneering | 1804 - 1869 | North Star 2-2-2 |
| 2 | Pre-Grouping | 1870 - 1922 | Lode Star 4-6-0 |
| 3 | Grouping | 1923 - 1947 | Pendennis Castle 4-6-0 |
| 4 | Early British Railways | 1948 - 1956 | County of Dorset 4-6-0 |
| 5 | Late British Railways | 1956 - 1968 | Evening Star 2-10-0 |
| 6 | British Rail Pre-Tops | 1957 - 1971 | D821 Greyhound |
| 7 | British Rail Tops | 1971 - 1986 | Brush 47 |
| 8 | BR Sectorisation | 1982 - 1997 | HST |
| 9 | Privatisation | 1996 - 2008 | Thames Turbo |
| 10 | Network Franchising | 2006 - 2017 | Same Ole Trains |
| 11 | Present Day | 2014 on | IET |
| Re: Realtime trains In "Across the West" [371066/31450/26] Posted by REVUpminster at 15:50, 14th January 2026 | |
GWR not showing the stock number or formations today. Cross Country still there. Is the stock situation so bad??
Could be localised ... for Melksham I'm seeing
165136 on the 06:30 to Southampton (called at 06:42)
166201 on the 07:21 to Worcester Forgate Street (called 08:15)
08:20 to Swindon - Cancelled
09:09 to Westbury - Cancelled
10:02 to Swindon - Cancelled
11:31 to Westbury - Cancelled
158767 planned for the 12:33 to Swindon
What I meant if you click a particular train say 2T12 it would bring up what stock 150 158 165 or 166 . I just checked and the London trains are now displaying but not the locals.
This might just be an Exeter depot position as the trains out of Laira and Long Rock are showing.
| First-ever UK Town of Culture competition launched In "Introductions and chat" [371065/31453/1] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:21, 14th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
First-ever UK Town of Culture competition launched
Image not available to guests
Thousands of towns across the country have a chance to become the UK's first-ever Town of Culture as part of a new competition aimed at boosting local pride.
The contest will run alongside the existing UK City of Culture contest, which was won by Bradford in 2025.
Three finalists will be chosen by an expert panel, with the winner awarded a £3m prize and two runners-up receiving £250,000 each. It has been launched as part of efforts to "restore pride in communities" with applicants encouraged to showcase their "unique stories", the government said.
Towns can start applying now and the strongest candidates will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 in funding towards their final bid.
The first title will be awarded for 2028 when the winning town will start a year-long programme of cultural celebrations.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the competition was a chance for towns to "make a real difference to their local community".
"Great culture is not confined to our largest metropolitan centres; it is everywhere, rooted in communities across the country," she said. Her Wigan constituency is "fiercely proud" of its contribution to UK culture, she added, "from brass bands to Northern Soul".
Chairing the panel which will choose the UK Town of Culture for 2028 is Sir Phil Redmond, the television producer who created Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks. "Town of Culture is all about celebration, and that means actually telling us why your town is great," he told BBC Breakfast. He said the panel wants to hear "passionate, authentic voices", with pitches focused on the "unique story" of each place.
Isla Telford, co-founder of Urban Wilderness CIC, is working on a pitch for the town of Longton in Staffordshire. The town has a "really proud history of ceramics" and a "giant carnival" each year that tells the story of a pig, she told Breakfast. "It's a town that is very kind, we look after each other. We have creativity and talent running through our veins," she said.
Image not available to guests
People are "at the heart of everything" in Ledbury, community project leader Nic Sims said
Community project leader Nic Sims, pitching the town of Ledbury in Herefordshire, said the local art gallery and poetry festival are highlights. "It's about bringing the rural element of what we've got around us that really makes these areas unique," he told Breakfast.
Another town planning to enter is Grimsby in Lincolnshire, which one resident told the BBC has been "overlooked" in the past.
In Scotland, Paisley and Perth are both potential bidders for the prize, the Scotsman newspaper reported.
Sir Phil said the impact of the prize for the winning town could be hugely significant, based on what has happened in the places that won the UK City of Culture title. He said about a decade later you see a "second wave" when young people who grew up in the area enter local positions of power and say "why can't we do it again?".
In Bradford, which has just finished its year as City of Culture, the impact has been felt "massively", said Richard Dunbar, who led audience engagement for the city's programme. "It renewed our pride on a scale we couldn't imagine," he told the BBC.
Millions more people visited the city during 2025 and the investment helped fund thousands of events and training for young people, Dunbar said. "It gives you that pride, but what it also does is gives the place and the people an opportunity to realise how good their place is, how good the arts is, how good they can tell their story," he added.
Image not available to guests
Northampton, with a population larger than some cities, could still apply
Towns of all sizes across the UK are being encouraged to apply for the title. Towns like Reading, Luton and Northampton have populations larger than some cities, but they would still be eligible for UK Town of Culture because they do not have city status. The only towns that cannot apply are those which are part of Greater London.
To ensure towns of all sizes are represented, the competition's three finalists will include one small town (with under 20,000 population), one medium town (20,000 to 75,000) and one large town (over 75,000).
The government aims to announce a shortlist in the spring, with the winner chosen by early 2027. The government said the plan is part of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's "ambition to restore pride in every part of Britain". It follows the government's Pride in Place strategy launched in November 2025, which involves up to £10bn in funding to 244 towns across the country.
Image not available to guests
Thousands of towns across the country have a chance to become the UK's first-ever Town of Culture as part of a new competition aimed at boosting local pride.
The contest will run alongside the existing UK City of Culture contest, which was won by Bradford in 2025.
Three finalists will be chosen by an expert panel, with the winner awarded a £3m prize and two runners-up receiving £250,000 each. It has been launched as part of efforts to "restore pride in communities" with applicants encouraged to showcase their "unique stories", the government said.
Towns can start applying now and the strongest candidates will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 in funding towards their final bid.
The first title will be awarded for 2028 when the winning town will start a year-long programme of cultural celebrations.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the competition was a chance for towns to "make a real difference to their local community".
"Great culture is not confined to our largest metropolitan centres; it is everywhere, rooted in communities across the country," she said. Her Wigan constituency is "fiercely proud" of its contribution to UK culture, she added, "from brass bands to Northern Soul".
Chairing the panel which will choose the UK Town of Culture for 2028 is Sir Phil Redmond, the television producer who created Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks. "Town of Culture is all about celebration, and that means actually telling us why your town is great," he told BBC Breakfast. He said the panel wants to hear "passionate, authentic voices", with pitches focused on the "unique story" of each place.
Isla Telford, co-founder of Urban Wilderness CIC, is working on a pitch for the town of Longton in Staffordshire. The town has a "really proud history of ceramics" and a "giant carnival" each year that tells the story of a pig, she told Breakfast. "It's a town that is very kind, we look after each other. We have creativity and talent running through our veins," she said.
Image not available to guests
People are "at the heart of everything" in Ledbury, community project leader Nic Sims said
Community project leader Nic Sims, pitching the town of Ledbury in Herefordshire, said the local art gallery and poetry festival are highlights. "It's about bringing the rural element of what we've got around us that really makes these areas unique," he told Breakfast.
Another town planning to enter is Grimsby in Lincolnshire, which one resident told the BBC has been "overlooked" in the past.
In Scotland, Paisley and Perth are both potential bidders for the prize, the Scotsman newspaper reported.
Sir Phil said the impact of the prize for the winning town could be hugely significant, based on what has happened in the places that won the UK City of Culture title. He said about a decade later you see a "second wave" when young people who grew up in the area enter local positions of power and say "why can't we do it again?".
In Bradford, which has just finished its year as City of Culture, the impact has been felt "massively", said Richard Dunbar, who led audience engagement for the city's programme. "It renewed our pride on a scale we couldn't imagine," he told the BBC.
Millions more people visited the city during 2025 and the investment helped fund thousands of events and training for young people, Dunbar said. "It gives you that pride, but what it also does is gives the place and the people an opportunity to realise how good their place is, how good the arts is, how good they can tell their story," he added.
Image not available to guests
Northampton, with a population larger than some cities, could still apply
Towns of all sizes across the UK are being encouraged to apply for the title. Towns like Reading, Luton and Northampton have populations larger than some cities, but they would still be eligible for UK Town of Culture because they do not have city status. The only towns that cannot apply are those which are part of Greater London.
To ensure towns of all sizes are represented, the competition's three finalists will include one small town (with under 20,000 population), one medium town (20,000 to 75,000) and one large town (over 75,000).
The government aims to announce a shortlist in the spring, with the winner chosen by early 2027. The government said the plan is part of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's "ambition to restore pride in every part of Britain". It follows the government's Pride in Place strategy launched in November 2025, which involves up to £10bn in funding to 244 towns across the country.
| Re: Free visitor parking could end in Bristol's residents-only zones In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [371064/31451/21] Posted by Red Squirrel at 14:02, 14th January 2026 | |
If you want to comment on this, you'd better get on with it - the consultation closes today. Shades of H2G2 about this, IMHO:
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/files/documents/10434-notice-of-proposals-tro-202/file
| Bristol and Bath Railway Path - incidents In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [371063/31452/21] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:53, 14th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Officials to decide on CCTV for 'Wild West' path
Image not available to guests
About 22 cameras could be installed between the Staple Hill tunnel and Warmley on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path
A decision on whether to install CCTV on part of a cycle path described as the "Wild West" by one robbery victim is set to be made in the coming weeks, a council has said.
South Gloucestershire Council wants to install 20 cameras on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path between the Staple Hill tunnel and the old Mangotsfield railway station, with two more at Warmley Waiting Room.
It comes after nine incidents along the South Gloucestershire section of the path were reported to Avon and Somerset Police in 2025. The force said issues were not always reported.
Following a consultation, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is expected to make a decision on the proposals by 29 January.
Image not available to guests
There were nine reports of anti-social and suspicious behaviour on the South Gloucestershire section of the path in 2025
Maths tutor Rowan Brunswick, 35, was robbed at knifepoint in 2024 and said the path is like the "Wild West" at night. Brunswick, whose bike was stolen during the incident, previously welcomed the council's plans.
According to police, there were nine reports of anti-social and suspicious behaviour along the section which runs through South Gloucestershire in 2025. These included:
- One report of youths with a suspected stolen motorbike
- One report of a bicycle being stolen
- One assault between schoolchildren
- One report of youths riding at speed on an e-bike
- One report of drug use
- One report of stolen property damaged and abandoned
- Three reports of suspicious behaviour
A police spokesperson said the force was aware of concerns about safety "especially during the darker evenings".
"South Gloucestershire neighbourhood police carry out routine patrols of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path," they added. "We'd encourage anyone who uses the path to report any incidents of crime or anti-social behaviour as soon as possible."
Image not available to guests
A police spokesperson said issues on the cycle path were not always reported
A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said the 2025 consultation on an improvement project for the path "generated a strong level of interest".
"We would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond and attend our drop-in events," they added. "After carefully reviewing all the responses, we submitted a full business case to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority just before Christmas. We expect a decision on funding for these improvements in the coming weeks."
Image not available to guests
About 22 cameras could be installed between the Staple Hill tunnel and Warmley on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path
A decision on whether to install CCTV on part of a cycle path described as the "Wild West" by one robbery victim is set to be made in the coming weeks, a council has said.
South Gloucestershire Council wants to install 20 cameras on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path between the Staple Hill tunnel and the old Mangotsfield railway station, with two more at Warmley Waiting Room.
It comes after nine incidents along the South Gloucestershire section of the path were reported to Avon and Somerset Police in 2025. The force said issues were not always reported.
Following a consultation, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is expected to make a decision on the proposals by 29 January.
Image not available to guests
There were nine reports of anti-social and suspicious behaviour on the South Gloucestershire section of the path in 2025
Maths tutor Rowan Brunswick, 35, was robbed at knifepoint in 2024 and said the path is like the "Wild West" at night. Brunswick, whose bike was stolen during the incident, previously welcomed the council's plans.
According to police, there were nine reports of anti-social and suspicious behaviour along the section which runs through South Gloucestershire in 2025. These included:
- One report of youths with a suspected stolen motorbike
- One report of a bicycle being stolen
- One assault between schoolchildren
- One report of youths riding at speed on an e-bike
- One report of drug use
- One report of stolen property damaged and abandoned
- Three reports of suspicious behaviour
A police spokesperson said the force was aware of concerns about safety "especially during the darker evenings".
"South Gloucestershire neighbourhood police carry out routine patrols of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path," they added. "We'd encourage anyone who uses the path to report any incidents of crime or anti-social behaviour as soon as possible."
Image not available to guests
A police spokesperson said issues on the cycle path were not always reported
A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said the 2025 consultation on an improvement project for the path "generated a strong level of interest".
"We would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond and attend our drop-in events," they added. "After carefully reviewing all the responses, we submitted a full business case to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority just before Christmas. We expect a decision on funding for these improvements in the coming weeks."
| Re: Mobiles on the London Underground - ongoing developments In "Transport for London" [371062/30631/46] Posted by bobm at 13:48, 14th January 2026 Already liked by PrestburyRoad | |
Sadly I doubt it will be followed by the introduction of quiet carriages.
| Re: HS2 - Government proposals, alternative routes and general discussion In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371061/5138/51] Posted by Mark A at 13:43, 14th January 2026 | |
One Uy Hoang has captured, for Google Streetview, a glimpse of actual tangible HS2 phase 2a embankment - from the towpath of the Staffs and Worcs Canal.
Mark
https://tinyurl.com/3vje36vw
| Free visitor parking could end in Bristol's residents-only zones In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [371060/31451/21] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:23, 14th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Free visitor parking could end in restricted zones
Image not available to guests
Bristol City Council could scrap free visitor permits in residents-only parking zones
Free parking for people visiting those living within residents' parking zones in Bristol could be scrapped.
People living in areas impacted by the schemes currently get between 50 and 70 free visitor passes a year and can purchase the same number as they get for free for £1.30 per permit.
Bristol City Council is proposing an end to the free allocation of visitor permits, saying it will reduce short car journeys, encourage people to use public transport, and prioritise parking for residents.
The council also hopes to make visitor permits available only in batches of 10 at a cost of between £20 and £25 per batch. A consultation on the proposals will end on Wednesday.
(BBC article continues)
Image not available to guests
Bristol City Council could scrap free visitor permits in residents-only parking zones
Free parking for people visiting those living within residents' parking zones in Bristol could be scrapped.
People living in areas impacted by the schemes currently get between 50 and 70 free visitor passes a year and can purchase the same number as they get for free for £1.30 per permit.
Bristol City Council is proposing an end to the free allocation of visitor permits, saying it will reduce short car journeys, encourage people to use public transport, and prioritise parking for residents.
The council also hopes to make visitor permits available only in batches of 10 at a cost of between £20 and £25 per batch. A consultation on the proposals will end on Wednesday.
(BBC article continues)
| Re: HS2 - Government proposals, alternative routes and general discussion In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371059/5138/51] Posted by Red Squirrel at 12:40, 14th January 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
According to Rail
RAIL understands that the DfT still holds the land between Birmingham and Crewe with HS2’s compulsory purchase order powers for the now-cancelled Phase 2 expire on February 11. It’s thought discussions are under way to decide how to proceed.
| Re: Mobiles on the London Underground - ongoing developments In "Transport for London" [371058/30631/46] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:29, 14th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
High-speed mobile to be across Tube by end of year
Image not available to guests
Mobile phone coverage is expected to be across the entire network by the end of 2026
More stations and underground sections of the Tube network across London now have high-speed mobile coverage, Transport for London (TfL) has said, including the first sections of the Circle and District lines.
The entire Elizabeth line is covered, as are Euston Square, Cannon Street and Battersea Power Station.
King's Cross St Pancras, Gloucester Road, Warwick Avenue and Vauxhall are due to go live in the next few months.
TfL said it also expected the vast majority of the Northern and Metropolitan lines to have coverage in the tunnels by the end of summer 2026.
The coverage will also host the new Emergency Services Network, which, when fully operational, will be able to give first responders immediate access to data.
Work will continue throughout 2026, with installation work along sections outside central London, and where smaller tunnelled sections need to be treated individually.
About 400 engineers are regularly working on the project overnight.
It is part of the mayor's manifesto to improve digital connectivity in London to increase innovation, productivity and growth.
Image not available to guests
Engineers work overnight to install equipment
More information and coverage details are available at tfl.gov.uk/get-online.
Image not available to guests
Mobile phone coverage is expected to be across the entire network by the end of 2026
More stations and underground sections of the Tube network across London now have high-speed mobile coverage, Transport for London (TfL) has said, including the first sections of the Circle and District lines.
The entire Elizabeth line is covered, as are Euston Square, Cannon Street and Battersea Power Station.
King's Cross St Pancras, Gloucester Road, Warwick Avenue and Vauxhall are due to go live in the next few months.
TfL said it also expected the vast majority of the Northern and Metropolitan lines to have coverage in the tunnels by the end of summer 2026.
The coverage will also host the new Emergency Services Network, which, when fully operational, will be able to give first responders immediate access to data.
Work will continue throughout 2026, with installation work along sections outside central London, and where smaller tunnelled sections need to be treated individually.
About 400 engineers are regularly working on the project overnight.
It is part of the mayor's manifesto to improve digital connectivity in London to increase innovation, productivity and growth.
Image not available to guests
Engineers work overnight to install equipment
More information and coverage details are available at tfl.gov.uk/get-online.
| Re: The Red Arrows, RAF display team - popular with members of the Coffee Shop forum In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [371057/31444/31] Posted by Phantom at 11:42, 14th January 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
After the awful reports about what was going on in and around the team a few years ago, this is a big step
No doubt as much about promoting a female to the lead role as making a clear statement previous problems are resolved
| Re: Realtime trains In "Across the West" [371056/31450/26] Posted by grahame at 11:25, 14th January 2026 | |
GWR not showing the stock number or formations today. Cross Country still there. Is the stock situation so bad??
Could be localised ... for Melksham I'm seeing
165136 on the 06:30 to Southampton (called at 06:42)
166201 on the 07:21 to Worcester Forgate Street (called 08:15)
08:20 to Swindon - Cancelled
09:09 to Westbury - Cancelled
10:02 to Swindon - Cancelled
11:31 to Westbury - Cancelled
158767 planned for the 12:33 to Swindon
| Re: HS2 - Government proposals, alternative routes and general discussion In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371055/5138/51] Posted by Noggin at 10:37, 14th January 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
As the present platforms at Manchester Picc are already at high level (The Metrolink trams in the undercroft are at ground level), I would be interested to see how that would work.
The original HS2 plan has the new lines on the east side of the station.
Actually my guess is that they would put the platforms underneath Piccadilly and then follow the alignment of the proposed 1970's Picc-Vicc tunnels to get to Victoria and the Transpennine line, with an extra west-bound branch to enable Manchester to Glasgow HS.
In Antwerp they put platforms on two levels, a lower one for HS services and an upper level for regional services. If I were Andy Burnham I'd be looking at ways to do that and have a few intermediate stations to effectively build an S-Bahn.
A pair of tunnels for regional services would also have the benefit of reducing traffic on the Oxford Road corridor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picc-Vic_tunnel
| Realtime trains In "Across the West" [371054/31450/26] Posted by REVUpminster at 10:34, 14th January 2026 | |
GWR not showing the stock number or formations today. Cross Country still there. Is the stock situation so bad??
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371053/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 10:22, 14th January 2026 | |
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham
Due to a broken down train at Melksham the line is blocked. Disruption is expected until 12:00 14/01.
Train services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham will be cancelled.
Customer Advice
A freight train has broken down on the line between Westbury and Swindon; as a result we are unable to operate our service.
Due to a broken down train at Melksham the line is blocked. Disruption is expected until 12:00 14/01.
Train services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham will be cancelled.
Customer Advice
A freight train has broken down on the line between Westbury and Swindon; as a result we are unable to operate our service.
Oops
09:46 Westbury to Swindon due 10:28
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
Last Updated:14/01/2026 09:30
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
Last Updated:14/01/2026 09:30
"we are unable to operate our service". With no suggestion about what customers - that first one (the 10:02 at Melksham) is the busiest northbound of the day - should do. This is where a volunteer presence at the station would be so helpful ... but that is a subject for a fresh thread.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371052/31359/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 10:18, 14th January 2026 | |
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham
Due to a broken down train at Melksham the line is blocked. Disruption is expected until 12:00 14/01.
Train services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham will be cancelled.
Customer Advice
A freight train has broken down on the line between Westbury and Swindon; as a result we are unable to operate our service.
| Re: HS2 - Government proposals, alternative routes and general discussion In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371051/5138/51] Posted by Sixty3Closure at 10:18, 14th January 2026 | |
Without trying to delve into politics my first thought on reading about this is that it was a bit light on dates and actual commitment and will probably not get built.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371050/31359/18] Posted by Andy E at 10:10, 14th January 2026 | |
Looks like chaos on the Trans Wilts this morning. A failed freight near Kintbury on the Berks and Hants has meant that up West Country trains have been diverted over the Trans Wilts. Now though it looks as though infrastructure train 6M50 has failed somewhere south of Melksham blocking that line. 1A73 and 1J74 up passenger trains from the West Country have diverted from Westbury up to Bath/Bathampton Junction and reversed there to continue to London.
| Re: Landslip west of Axminster - message from SWR In "South Western services" [371049/31445/42] Posted by bradshaw at 10:03, 14th January 2026 | |
RTT shows that the line west of Crewkerne is closed for the weekend, with trains running Waterloo to Crewkerne. I presume that this is to what the email refers.
If the slip is west of Axminster I can only assume that terminating trains there would need at least one extra train and a long layover time.
| Re: Northern Powerhouse Rail - plans for east to west high speed rail links delayed again In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371048/5138/51] Posted by Oxonhutch at 08:39, 14th January 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
I remember seeing pictures of Mayfield and seem to remember it existing quite recently. any scope there?
The site is still there with platforms and buildings but disappointingly appears to have been earmarked for non-railway redevelopment.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371047/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 08:36, 14th January 2026 | |
A bit of both - but the end result is the same.
The 07:45 is normally formed from an incoming service from Bristol Parkway. This morning that train started from Temple Meads and arrived at Westbury 14 minutes late at 07:43. For some reason the decision was taken not to run the TransWilts service, even with a late start.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371046/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 07:54, 14th January 2026 | |
And now ...
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:34
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
of if you prefer ...
This service is cancelled.
This service was cancelled due to late arrival of an inbound service (YI).
This service was cancelled due to late arrival of an inbound service (YI).
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371045/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 07:52, 14th January 2026 | |
And now ...
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:34
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371044/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 07:42, 14th January 2026 | |
Well an IET just passed through towards Chippenham (at 06:28), might be related...
Don't think 06:31 is likely Image not available to guests
Don't think 06:31 is likely Image not available to guests
The IET was 1K71 - the 05:10 Bristol Temple Meads to Paddington that usually calls at Kennet Valley stations. Got to Westbury on time (actually a couple of minutes early at 05:48, but say there until 06:14 and left headed back (16 minutes late) up whence it came, passing Bradford Junction ar 06:22 for the second time and headed, though untracked on my system, via Chippenham and Swindon - it has appeared on the trackers again at 07:28 - 21 minutes late - into Reading.
Oh for increased capacity, Bradford Junction to Thingley Junction.
| Crane collapses onto train, Thailand. In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [371043/31449/52] Posted by broadgage at 07:23, 14th January 2026 | |
From BBC news https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c9qeq08g70yt
Contains images of the scene, which some may consider unacceptable, but quoted with fairly clean conscience, as already published on a reputable news site.
Early reports state "at least 22vlives lost" Later reports may give more, or more accurate details.
Early reports state "at least 22vlives lost" Later reports may give more, or more accurate details.
Edit to clarify quoting - Grahame
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371042/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 07:17, 14th January 2026 | |
This could be why an unexpected IET was around and delayed the [06:29/06:31]. That won't account for the scheduled change to 06:31 today ...
Cancellations to services between Reading and Westbury
Due to a broken down train between Reading and Westbury all lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or diverted. Disruption is expected until 08:30 14/01.
Customer Advice
Due to a broken down train at Kintbury, all lines between Reading and Westbury is currently blocked.
-
Our local Newbury to Bedwyn service is also suspended until further notice.
-
Where possible, long distance services will divert.
Due to a broken down train between Reading and Westbury all lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or diverted. Disruption is expected until 08:30 14/01.
Customer Advice
Due to a broken down train at Kintbury, all lines between Reading and Westbury is currently blocked.
-
Our local Newbury to Bedwyn service is also suspended until further notice.
-
Where possible, long distance services will divert.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371041/31359/18] Posted by matth1j at 06:56, 14th January 2026 | |
Actually the 06:46 is delayed, showing as 07:01. But that's probably going to be busier than usual, might wait for the 07:05 anyway.
