Geoff Endacott

Nowadays the most popular hobby is winding people up online. Geoff Endacott

Press release here: http://www.4-traders.com/FIRSTGROUP-PLC-4001947/news/FirstGroup-New-Intercity-Express-Train-to-be-named-after-Paddington-Bear-author-Michael-Bond-25787651/ Geoff Endacott

They are using real water. A model would use diluted water. Geoff Endacott

It has been named Michael Bond on one end and Paddington Bear on the other end. Geoff Endacott

Mind you it looks as though Hornby will beat us to it. Geoff Endacott

Thanks. I had already come across that one. Geoff Endacott

The kit we had didn't include a chassis. Geoff Endacott

...and I must admit that Hadrian's idea to move the traction tyres from the wheels to the rails seemed quite inspired. It might even catch on. Geoff Endacott

If it continues to grow at that rate he will end up featuring on Sir David's programme on the other channel. Geoff Endacott

With just two weeks to go advance tickets are selling fast. (Well, four, actually.) I had wondered whether or not it was worth setting up an online booking facility, but it is the only way we can accept payment by card. In common with most clubs, it's cash only on the door because the technology needed to accept card payments is prohibitively expensive. Since the abolition of cheque guarantee cards we can't take cheques either. So if you want to pay by card, please book now: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/423199 . Geoff Endacott

So in order to keep to HST timings without the wires they will need to stick a Class 67 on the front. At least there are plenty to spare. Geoff Endacott

What's with all this talk of black puddings? Is it the nickname for the Trans Pennine Class 802s? Geoff Endacott

If this link works it shows a double set at Lower Basildon (near Pangbourne, between Reading and Didcot) with pantograph raised. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155379389772545&set=gm.2048350548741988&type=3&theater I have now read elsewhere that this was the first electric working of a Class 800 in passenger service west of Reading. Has the Sonning problem been fixed? Geoff Endacott

Maybe they are fitted with Schrodinger's pantographs which can be up and down at the same time. Geoff Endacott

Safety has improved. If the slightest thing goes wrong it stops moving. Geoff Endacott

Marcus Trescothick and Alastair Cook. Geoff Endacott P.S. You just beat me to it.

It's not just the lack of access for the emergency services which is a problem. During the Taunton sleeper train fire, local residents were the first on the scene. They were helping people to escape before the emergency services arrived. If it happened now, the would be rescuers would be stuck behind the palisade fencing. Geoff Endacott

It's not just the Class 800s which are short formed due to lack of staff. http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/S73184/2017/12/24/advanced Geoff Endacott

Stuck for last minute preset ideas? You can always buy a ticket for the Calne Show from the comfort of your armchair for the very reasonable price of £5.50. https://www.wegottickets.com/event/423199 Geoff Endacott

Luddites would be tearing down the wires. Geoff Endacott

800023 was reported solo today on 1A03, so I make that 11 sets turned out for 12 diagrams, of which two failed. That's 75% availability. (Or is that 75% reliability?) Geoff Endacott

"The future is further away than you think." Professor Heinz Wolff. Forty years ago the HSTs were viewed as an interim solution. Professor Wolff was right. Geoff Endacott

Single 5-car set on 1B05 Paddington to Swansea so they are one set short again today. Eleven in traffic against a requirement for twelve. Geoff Endacott

What's so impressive about that? After forty years we should be getting a much better timetable. Geoff Endacott

Meanwhile, 800010/17 failed today on 1C16. Train terminated at Swindon then ECS to Stoke Gifford. I was waiting for it at Chippenham. Geoff Endacott