GreedyHarry

If the MTR component is at all influential then watch out for an epidemic of stop-skipping to maintain punctuality. That is one technique they have used in their Melbourne franchise where they maximise their profit by punctual running and " reliability" but leave passengers behind all the time. It is so bad there that the renewal (due in November) specifies they may not omit stops as a means of achieving performance targets.

And GWR have started on the Severn Beach Branch recently running fast from Temple Meads to Clifton and vice-versa. Personally, I'd rather have a late running train rather than no train at all. Maybe I am odd in that way.

"Portway Parkway" is one of five new stations approved by the govenment https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-station-boost-for-passengers-thanks-to-16-million-government-investment

 

And as I walked along the up platform at Clifton Down today, I saw what look very much like the preparations for the installation of a ticket vending machine.

Hopefully they will change the name to Partway Porkway.

Great photos Craig. Looking forward to some more next weekend! Hope the weather is kind to you.

Glad you've made it down here Jim. Nice to see some photos I recognise. Temple Meads to Parkway and back sounds like an excellent days work!

Not much evidence on the ground of impending electrification around Patchway today.

 

A Cardiff - Taunton local approaches Patchway Station at the end of the climb out of the Severn Tunnel.

 

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Looking the other way, a down HST passes Patchway Junction.

 

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Hopefully 'The Blue Bridge' is safe from modernisation. It only carries a footpath between two fields these days but does give pretty good views.

Hello, would it be better to have new titles. That way people trying to research specifics will find it easier to use and those just browsing will still look anyway. As I've said before your photos are very good and have helped with my layout. I'll look forward to your next instalment.

Bah Humbug! What dull a World it would be without a bit of humour A very Merry Christmas to all railway workers and replacement bus divers!

Blimey is the long term weather forecast that bad?

Can I add my support to the idea that these reminiscences should be recorded. We used to visit family in Yeovil and would often change at Westbury as there were less direct trains from Bristol. The way the railway seemed in the 70's and 80's was a world away from today and the photos and stories on this thread should be recorded so as we never forget that way of life.

Brilliant, glad you're back with more pics of this area and era as it will help with my model, which although is fictitous has a basis in fact. Although I was brought up in Northavon, I was around ten at the time so memories are hazy. Thanks again.