Great Western

Just seen the post up stream, an O gauge version for the Dapol chassis would be order for one at least from me !

Fair point, not everyone wants to fly, factor in airport parking charges, check in time, location of the airport, romance of the sleeper (?) the service becomes attractive. The Cornish Sleeper there isn't an air service as far as i'm aware, that service also uses cross resource from the main GWR operation to keep costs down, Would the ETS/ETH jumpers still need plug connecting from loco to stock ? As far as im aware (I stand corrected) the Dellner connections only transfer brake and electronic control information ?

From what I recall Scotrail used a lot of cross resource from the domestic side to crew the sleeper services which kept costs as low as you could expect. Since Serco have taken over a lot of that cross resource has been removed which brings in risk, if say a Stirling Guard went sick at late notice they could simply pull another guard in that's largely been removed now. The choice of Class 92 and 73 was lets say poor, the Class 90s were and are widely suitable for the service generally reliable and known by crews. Taking long stored Class 92s then running them through works was always going to be risky, the Class 73s on the Highland portions in multiples was even more a bizarre choice - I think the choice of GB as traction supplier was also poor as I demanded a complete traction change. Maybe DB didn't offer or even bid for the work in the first place, the Class 67s had their problems and restrictions granted but again were a known beast to crews. The new MK5 stock is going to really kick the operation into the 21st centenary and I'm looking forward to using the vehicles next year. However, the choice of using Dellner couplers and again fitting traction with another point of failure isn't a good idea, especially in the weather the sleeper encounters. Countries who have heavy snow most of the year use screw couplings, why does CS/GB/CAF think they wont experience issues? I think taking the Sleeper from the main Scotrail operation was flawed, this 'news' is a warm up for Scottish Government that unless Serco can increase their profit once the new vehicles arrive they'll want to terminate their contract or at least get more money at the first break point. I can see Serco walking away, as they contractually can in 2022 with Scottish Government going begging to Scotrail to take the operation back on with a nice big golden thank you of course.

I know before the resignalling the chargeman would issue movement authority to the driver upon arrival of the inbound working. For example a terminating service would arrive in on platform 3, the chargeman would say that once you've been down the Brickyard and come back into platform 2 proceed down as far as clear or proceed only to the train prep board, and await a handsignal to draw forward. Easy, clear and understood.

As most will be aware the even station curves to the left if looking from the East Gantry, there was an issue with trains coming in on the dots (so onto a odd numbered platform) with a train already in there. This was especially bad on platform 5, drivers were instructed to proceed at a speed which they could stop short of obstruction which some drivers took to be 5mph. The problem was real, its a real butt tingling moment when you round into platform 5 and see a 158 way back from the cross staring at you!

You can Sir.

I know I've not been the most positive about the various projects, but you have my heartfelt condolences Dave.

20 years, due for renewal now in 2020 I think - whats the betting they wont get a renewal...... South West Trains and Southern were on the brink of signing 20 year deals to when the SRA pulled the plug - only Chiltern managed to sign before the policy change. Ironically how many TOCs have gained unofficial/unintended 15-20 year deals with a fraction of the improvements, if any Chiltern managed? Great Western 1996 to 2022 (probably). South West Trains 1996 to 2017. Virgin West Coast 1997 to 2020 (at least). Then those second round contracts who are getting extensions on the short deals. East Midland Trains. Cross Country TPE South Eastern If long term 'fund it yourself' deals had been let I wonder what kind of network we'd have now ?

Don't get me started on Bristol Temple Meads Resignalling Scheme.....

I would treat it as starting a train ahead of the signal, get the driver to contact the controlling Signaller to confirm the signal is showing a proceed aspect. Failing that, have the driver visually confirm the signal is showing a proceed aspect prior to moving the train by looking out the cab window/door - although this method could result in SPAD if the signal was to be put back in the seconds since the driver checked and moved the train. Verbally confirm with the Signaller prior to moving the train I would say.

For the last I don't know how long there has been a Mon-Thurs Wootton Bassett Junction to Westerliegh Junction T3 Possession to carry out various works, mainly OHL work with the HOP train. What amazes me is how little work the train actually does each night, the block is usually granted about 2315 and handed back before 0400 the units returning to the home base at Swindon before the morning London bound services start to arrive into Swindon from the West. Like Mr Stationmaster has said the amount of time available to really crack on with work is there, its just not being used efficiently. We have reversible signalling upto Chipping Sodbury why could ALO working be introduced with the HOPS trains doing what it was intended to do? The overnight service between Bristol Parkway and Swindon via Hullavington is very light, and eastbound only in the main so running all services reversible wouldn't present an issue at all.

I thoroughly enjoy my work as a ROC Signaller, I don't allow ARS to play trains I actively monitor my panel for conflicts and manually route set for the majority of my trains. ARS is a must to keep the job going when your doing the paperwork for six possessions, line blocks or managing incidents. Modern signalling for me isn't a massive, expensive game of Simsig its a potentially dangerous proposition. Ironically, there are a number of ex NX Panel Signallers who do let ARS run the job only touching the controls when they absolutely have to! So please don't insult me, and my fellow 'new bread' of signallers with 'playing playstation, computer game' bla bla rubbish!

We're being briefed to the extent of Swindon by May and Bristol Parkway by June 2018 - as in to treat the wires as live from those dates...were having our AC training refreshed this month.

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Once the storage boards had been completed I set up the boards that are ready, I underestimated how big the layout would be! I'm awaiting some replacement internal bracing and clip/catches for the sides before I can finish off boards 1.2.3,5 and build board 4.

I took the opportunity thus afternoon to assemble the two 2x3 storage boards with integral scenic breaks. Started off with assembling the internal bracing. Then fitted the side framework and ends, the scenic break needs a hole cutting once the templot plan is here to allow access in and out. I then screwed the framework together, to add strength to the glued joins. Fitted and secured the tops the frame, job done - well once both had been done anyway.

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Last night I assembled two of the scenic boards, they went together very easily and nicely well worth the money. There also remarkably light considering, although they will of course become heavier once the layout is added on top,

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Stoke Gifford IET Depot has been open in one form or another for about a year now, initially hosting the test trains then from 16th October 17 the operational passenger traffic Class 800s. At the moment there are three on and off each weekday, with what are now occasional test trains to and from North Pole. The plans for SPM is to continue to service the 'West' DMU fleet for the foreseeable future, maybe even the short formed HST sets when they come into service.

As one delivery man left, another arrived this time from Shapeways with my 3D printed check rail chairs.

Either two huge shipments of Class A have arrived, or hopefully there my new baseboards

Just had a call from Model Railway Solutions, my boards are being delivered Thursday, all being well I should have the frames laid for mid next week work permitting.

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