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A few paths in the system for testing overnight on 5th February; http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/DID/2017/02/05/0001-0800?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt

I wouldn't be too optimistic on that point and I doubt a definitive answer to your very pertinent question will ever make its way into the public domain. A redacted version citing 'commercial confidentiality' is the best that can probably be expected. Any answer given will use 'alternative facts' which mean that DafT can still present its chosen narrative of 'introducing new, modern, state-of-the-art trains that have reduced journey times for customers'. Completely ignoring the substantial sum of taxpayer money that will be pi55ed away on leasing costs for the next 30 years.

Indeed. My late father worked for the 'Procurement Executive' of the Ministry of Defence during the 1970s and 80s on the development and purchase of night vision equipment for the army (electronic night sight equipment mounted on main battle tanks, not torches I hasten to add!). I recall his views at the time were that, generally, industry would try to 'pull the wool over your eyes', particularly with regards to costs, if you weren't on the ball. The most effective civil service negotiators apparently were those that had worked in similar roles in industry previously and were now in the MoD; effectively poachers turned game-keepers. There weren't many of them because of the relative differences in remuneration between the public and private sectors at the time.

It would be great to have confidence in DafT and their contract negotiators wouldn't it? Based solely on Modern Railways respected Industry and Technical Editor Roger Ford's comments previously though, I suspect that the contract will probably be seriously deficient in the key areas that you highlight. After all, it seems that DafT has managed to negotiate leasing costs that are disproportionately expensive compared with what First Group has been able to negotiate subsequently for their order. To say nothing of the contract variation costs now being incurred with the increased number of bi-mode units being ordered.

All you wanted to know about TC liveries is on this website; http://www.bloodandcustard.com/bournemouth1966.html#Liveries

Some more about Bernie's departure now; http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/38723001

Other hats may have been thrown into the ring; https://twitter.com/AlastairDalton

"After review, the ruling on the field stands" Seahawks defense has given up 103 penalties for 925 yards in the regular season, with Atlanta yielding 113 for 974 yards. On the offensive side, Seattle 117 penalties for 970 yards, with Atlanta 104 for 847 yards. Broadly, pretty similar, so I stick by what I said - I hope the officials are awake . Zomboid has been charged a Timeout for his challenge. Either way, I hope it's a great game and whoever wins stuffs either the Cheeseheads or the Cowgirls in the NFC Championship game next week.

Just depends which Seahawks team turns up this evening ! Despite injuries the Seahawks defense was still ranked 5th overall in the regular season but they'll still have their work cut out to contain the Falcons passing game. Just have to hope that on offense Rawls has as good a game against the Falcons as he had against the Lions last week. It has the potential to be a really great game - just have to hope that the officials are on the ball - but in my (admittedly biased Seahawks view) it's too close to call.

Lovely image Martin. Looks very N gauge !

Yes, you might be thinking of this one in York from a couple of years ago. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-30917888

As sung by Ron Moody when playing Fagin in Oliver ?

Winter sunrise over Yorkshire.

Manor Racing look to be the first casualty of 2017; http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/38530855

A list of all Network Rail level crossings as at September 2016 is here . The page also contains a link to data in an Excel file which provides additional information, including type of level crossing installed.

Chapter and verse on the 6 REPs and their history here; http://www.bloodandcustard.com/bournemouth1966.html#Fleetchanges You'll need to scroll down the page a fair way.

Depending how 'watertight' the contract between the parties to the TOC(s)/NR alliance is, and also the scope for realistic day-to-day operational flexibility/co-operation between the parties, I would suggest that there will need to be some industrywide mechanism to arbitrate disagreements, presumably involving yet another third party. Unless of course the Office Rail and Road (ORR) is going to get roped in too. God help us !

Following up on my earlier post, there's not much more on the press release from the Department for Transport; https://www.gov.uk/government/news/transport-secretary-puts-passengers-at-the-heart-of-the-railway But the final sentence on the written statement to Parliament gives the game away; "I will bring forward a new strategy for rail in due course which will provide greater detail on our plans." https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/rail-reform-future-of-the-rail-network

I see that neither Grayling or the BBC Transport Correspondent make any mention of the impact of these arrangements on the freight operating companies in that piece (or open access operators for that matter). Disappointing, but probably not all together surprising. I would guess that they haven't yet worked out the details or unfortunately the risks involved.

And the open access operators too. Be interesting to see how it would work on the East Coast mainline with the resident TOC and two open access operators.

Thanks for posting Titan. It's an ambitious plan and I hope, as proposed, it survives the pressure on Network Rail's budget. I'm guessing that this work also ties in with the alterations that have been discussed for Huddersfield station?

Or, alternatively, a sign that 'the majority of drivers' are habitual law breakers whose perception of their driving ability probably exceeds their actual ability. When eventually caught they should be dealt with using the maximum penalties that the appropriate laws allow. Personally, I'd like to see ALL speed limits much more rigorously enforced, particularly in built-up areas and much stiffer penalties applied.

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Very sad news. Condolences to those affected by this tragic accident.

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