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Newbury Today Forum _ Random Rants _ How to use trains

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 11 2016, 08:13 AM

My first one is for Biker1: in practical terms, what does the train time tell you?

For example: the train time table states 07:24. What does that mean?

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 11 2016, 08:29 AM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Oct 11 2016, 09:13 AM) *
My first one is for Biker1: in practical terms, what does the train time tell you?

For example: the train time table states 07:24. What does that mean?

It means the train is scheduled to depart at 07:24 or 7.24AM.
This means depart (start to move) the platform.
I know what you are going to say and yes, the doors may be closed and locked before this in order for the train to depart at this time.
Doors may start to close up to 40secs. before the actual departure of the train.
This is publicised on railway station posters and publications.
I know you will argue the point. Not my rules! tongue.gif

Posted by: Ciderdrinker Oct 11 2016, 12:30 PM

I prefer the under tube method of boarding a train. You wait until the doors are closing and run at them full speed...

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 11 2016, 12:50 PM

I'm not arguing; I just want to clarify whether it its the arrival time or the departure time. So the moral of the story is to be aboard one minute shy of the departure time - at the very latest.


Can you tell me what the definition of On time is?


Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 11 2016, 12:59 PM

Looking at the GWR app, which I find the the most useful of all the apps (with the exception of the TFL app for busses when up smoke), it seems the departure time and the arrival time are the same, which is bound to cause a late arrival or late departing issue.

Is there an official passenger transition target or time allowance for passenger boarding or alighting?

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Oct 11 2016, 04:17 PM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Oct 11 2016, 01:59 PM) *
Looking at the GWR app, which I find the the most useful of all the apps (with the exception of the TFL app for busses when up smoke), it seems the departure time and the arrival time are the same, which is bound to cause a late arrival or late departing issue.

Is there an official passenger transition target or time allowance for passenger boarding or alighting?


If you look at the staff only board near the exit at Reading you can see expected arrival and departure times. 3 mins is the norm between arrival amd departure. The 1730 departure to Newbury from Paddington is due to get in at 1727 into Reading.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 11 2016, 09:50 PM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Oct 11 2016, 01:59 PM) *
Looking at the GWR app, which I find the the most useful of all the apps (with the exception of the TFL app for busses when up smoke), it seems the departure time and the arrival time are the same, which is bound to cause a late arrival or late departing issue.

You're right!
Many of the times on the timetable show the same time for arrival and departure.
Generally the turbo trains can get the station stop done fairly quickly with them being driver only operated (DOO) and with power doors.
The HST's take a minimum of 2 minutes at stations with slam doors and dispatch.
QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Oct 11 2016, 01:59 PM) *
Is there an official passenger transition target or time allowance for passenger boarding or alighting?

There is an official definition of "late" when deciding delay compensation between companies. (Usually a TOC and Network Rail).
As far as the customer information goes a train is late if it is beyond it's timetabled departure time.
If you look at the customer information screens at say Newbury trains are shown as late if only delayed by 1 minute.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 11 2016, 09:52 PM

QUOTE (Ciderdrinker @ Oct 11 2016, 01:30 PM) *
I prefer the under tube method of boarding a train. You wait until the doors are closing and run at them full speed...

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/report-122016-passenger-accident-at-hayes-harlington-station rolleyes.gif
Or if you're lucky http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/woman-cheats-death-after-dragged-4491484 smile.gif

Posted by: Biker1 Nov 11 2016, 08:09 AM

Have you seen those new screens on both platforms at Newbury?
You can see exactly where your late train is now!! biggrin.gif

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 11 2016, 04:36 PM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Nov 11 2016, 08:09 AM) *
Have you seen those new screens on both platforms at Newbury?
You can see exactly where your late train is now!! biggrin.gif

I missed that, but will look-out for them. The GWR app is OK, if not a little awkward for monitoring the train you are actually on.

Posted by: Biker1 Nov 12 2016, 10:05 AM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Nov 11 2016, 06:36 PM) *
I missed that, but will look-out for them. The GWR app is OK, if not a little awkward for monitoring the train you are actually on.

There is one on the wall of each platform building.
They are marked "Staff Information" but are there for all to see!!
Gives location of trains in words and in a schematic map form.

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 3 2016, 09:44 AM

Thought I would comment here as it is a railway thread!
This story is interesting and indeed "history making".
http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/home/20015/aldermaston-photographer-captures-image-of-new-high-speed-train.html
Amusing though that it is referred to as a "high speed electric train" as it will travel no faster than the 40 year old HST's that it is to replace and that it is in fact being powered by diesel as the wiring of the Great Western route is way behind.
Also that the units to be built for the West of England route will be diesel as the wires are going no further west than Newbury.

Posted by: JeffG Dec 3 2016, 10:15 AM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Dec 3 2016, 09:44 AM) *
Also that the units to be built for the West of England route will be diesel as the wires are going no further west than Newbury.

I would have thought they would be dual-powered. using electricity as far as Newbury (or Reading if not stopping at Newbury). It doesn't make any sense otherwise.

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 4 2016, 09:20 AM

QUOTE (JeffG @ Dec 3 2016, 11:15 AM) *
I would have thought they would be dual-powered. using electricity as far as Newbury (or Reading if not stopping at Newbury). It doesn't make any sense otherwise.

You are probably right (that is if they are designed to lower pantograph at speed).
However it is 53 miles from Paddington to Newbury compared with the 306 miles from Paddington to Penzance.
Unfortunately therefore most still on diesel.

Posted by: JeffG Dec 4 2016, 01:34 PM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Dec 4 2016, 09:20 AM) *
You are probably right (that is if they are designed to lower pantograph at speed)

I think you didn't quite get my drift there. That's why I said "as far as Newbury (or Reading if not stopping at Newbury)", i.e. changeover at the last stop before the wires run out. They presumably also need time to start the engines.

Posted by: On the edge Dec 4 2016, 05:17 PM

I'd guess we are on the cusp of a technology change. If we can get a breakthrough with the big battery technology, then its charge up under the wires and battery between gaps to the West. Saving on miles of overhead.

Anyway, full marks to GW for getting some new train sets - even though itvwoukd have been nice if they'd been built here. Perhaps they'll set the pace from now on.

It's also beginning to look like the Government can see the serious error made having a single entity running the track. Hopefully that expensive mistake will also be corrected soon.

Posted by: Biker1 Dec 4 2016, 06:30 PM

QUOTE (On the edge @ Dec 4 2016, 06:17 PM) *
Anyway, full marks to GW for getting some new train sets -

Yes, you could say that even though the decision to allocate and purchase new rolling stock is controlled by the government and the big investment banks. GWR will not own the trains.
Interesting that we are promised that the new trains, which admittedly may be longer and have more seats, will solve the overcrowding problem on GWR for a while.
However, with the ever increasing population of this country, I wonder how long it will be before they too fill up.
Then what do we do?
QUOTE (On the edge @ Dec 4 2016, 06:17 PM) *
charge up under the wires and battery between gaps to the West.

256 miles? That's a big gap!! rolleyes.gif

Posted by: On the edge Dec 4 2016, 10:24 PM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Dec 4 2016, 06:30 PM) *
Yes, you could say that even though the decision to allocate and purchase new rolling stock is controlled by the government and the big investment banks. GWR will not own the trains.
Interesting that we are promised that the new trains, which admittedly may be longer and have more seats, will solve the overcrowding problem on GWR for a while.
However, with the ever increasing population of this country, I wonder how long it will be before they too fill up.
Then what do we do?


We can do what our local politicians suggest when we complain about congested roads; send someone round to draw up a personal travel plan and promote cycling. As you can see, that works.....

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 10 2017, 07:45 PM

The third world crap that is our railway strikes again. App states P7, nope it is P8 and the berk too busy gassing at the entrance didn't have a scooby. Of course the next train is delayed by half hour!!!

Posted by: On the edge Jan 10 2017, 10:25 PM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 10 2017, 07:45 PM) *
The third world crap that is our railway strikes again. App states P7, nope it is P8 and the berk too busy gassing at the entrance didn't have a scooby. Of course the next train is delayed by half hour!!!


What's it got to do with you? They are trying to run a TRAIN service, you are just a passenger.

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 11 2017, 09:07 AM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 10 2017, 08:45 PM) *
The third world crap that is our railway strikes again. App states P7, nope it is P8 and the berk too busy gassing at the entrance didn't have a scooby. Of course the next train is delayed by half hour!!!

http://www.train4change.com/news/great-experiences-with-gwr/ wink.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 11 2017, 09:21 AM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Jan 11 2017, 09:07 AM) *
http://www.train4change.com/news/great-experiences-with-gwr/ wink.gif tongue.gif

Three things angered me:

With 10 minutes to arrival, the app said P7.
When I got to P7 (the place it normally arrives on) there's no notice to say the Plymouth train has been diverted to P8. There's just a pointless 'welcome...' notice.
I return to the gate and there's just a bloke appearing to be chatting to his mate. I ask him where the Plymouth train is and he replies with a don't know I'll have to ask.

This is on top of the announcements being difficult to hear and the information boards being poorly implemented.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Jan 11 2017, 09:26 AM

This of course is the much vaunted public transport we are supposed to be using instead of our private vehicles. Thats of course if the unions let's em run in the first place!

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 11 2017, 09:33 AM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 11 2017, 10:21 AM) *
Three things angered me:

With 10 minutes to arrival, the app said P7.
When I got to P7 (the place it normally arrives on) there's no notice to say the Plymouth train has been diverted to P8. There's just a pointless 'welcome...' notice.
I return to the gate and there's just a bloke there appearing to be chatting to his mate. I ask him where is the Plymouth train is and he replies with a don't know I'll have to ask.

This is on top of the announcements being difficult to hear and the information boards are poorly implemented.

What app. was it?

Posted by: On the edge Jan 11 2017, 09:47 AM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Jan 11 2017, 09:07 AM) *
http://www.train4change.com/news/great-experiences-with-gwr/ wink.gif tongue.gif



It's all about automation and investment. One day, Andy will be met by an auto organ at the barrier, who will be very nice to him guide him to the right train. So when the investment programme is finished, we won't see any 'humans' on the station. Apparently this kitvand software is on beta test right now in railway management, where so far the executive level had been replaced.

Mind, by the time they get it working, Andy will be in his driverless car.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Jan 11 2017, 10:22 AM

QUOTE (On the edge @ Jan 11 2017, 10:47 AM) *
It's all about automation and investment. One day, Andy will be met by an auto organ at the barrier, who will be very nice to him guide him to the right train. So when the investment programme is finished, we won't see any 'humans' on the station. Apparently this kitvand software is on beta test right now in railway management, where so far the executive level had been replaced.

Mind, by the time they get it working, Andy will be in his driverless car.

Out of interest, and I don't wanna derail thread but why your deep interest. In driverless cars?

Posted by: gel Jan 11 2017, 10:33 AM

QUOTE (JeffG @ Dec 4 2016, 01:34 PM) *
I think you didn't quite get my drift there. That's why I said "as far as Newbury (or Reading if not stopping at Newbury)", i.e. changeover at the last stop before the wires run out. They presumably also need time to start the engines.

Assembled in the North East as shown on recent Michael Portillo TV prog:
http://press.hitachirail-eu.com/pressreleases/hitachi-unveils-first-uk-built-intercity-express-train-1686468


Posted by: JeffG Jan 11 2017, 10:49 AM

QUOTE (gel @ Jan 11 2017, 10:33 AM) *
http://press.hitachirail-eu.com/pressreleases/hitachi-unveils-first-uk-built-intercity-express-train-1686468

QUOTE
In addition to building new fleets, Hitachi will maintain the trains at newly built facilities. By 2020 Hitachi will become one of the largest maintainer of UK trains. In total Hitachi will have 281 trains running on the UK network, carrying millions of passengers along intercity and commuter routes.

It's never going to happen. The unions will still be arguing over who closes the doors.

Posted by: On the edge Jan 11 2017, 11:30 AM

QUOTE (je suis Charlie @ Jan 11 2017, 10:22 AM) *
Out of interest, and I don't wanna derail thread but why your deep interest. In driverless cars?


Simply that it will bring a massive real paradigm change. Get it right and its good use of technology to solve some intractable problems in a sustainable way. It should help us make roads and therefore travel quicker and safer. It should eliminate a major domestic capital cost and ongoing mantenance worry. It should make the city and urban street scene cleaner and more pleasant. It should eliminate the signigicant downsides of mass public transport.It opens up much commercial potential. And no, I've no personal financial or other interest in the development of this technology.

Posted by: On the edge Jan 11 2017, 11:34 AM

QUOTE (gel @ Jan 11 2017, 10:33 AM) *
Assembled in the North East as shown on recent Michael Portillo TV prog:
http://press.hitachirail-eu.com/pressreleases/hitachi-unveils-first-uk-built-intercity-express-train-1686468



Yes, very good; Hitachi are a good firm. Perhaps I'm getting too old but what would be wrong with us designing the train and managing its build. Perhaps, perhaps, but it might be too late.

Posted by: gel Jan 11 2017, 12:10 PM

Bombardier (Canadian) have had to downscale their UK operations as thanks to EU open tender process that we follow slavishly, meaning they can't compete on UK public sector contracts so too much rolling stock is from mainland EU especially Germany.

Financing is a key part of these proposals and Siemens have such an outrageously good credit rating they can always outbid virtually anyone in this area of tender.
Hopefully when we've left evil empire, we won't be so ham strung.
Would you ever expect to see anything other than French built trains in France/ German in Deutschland etc

I'm not hopeful that Khan's replacements for the Boris Bus will be UK built.

Posted by: Turin Machine Jan 11 2017, 12:27 PM

QUOTE (On the edge @ Jan 11 2017, 11:30 AM) *
Simply that it will bring a massive real paradigm change. Get it right and its good use of technology to solve some intractable problems in a sustainable way. It should help us make roads and therefore travel quicker and safer. It should eliminate a major domestic capital cost and ongoing mantenance worry. It should make the city and urban street scene cleaner and more pleasant. It should eliminate the signigicant downsides of mass public transport.It opens up much commercial potential. And no, I've no personal financial or other interest in the development of this technology.

Muchof your concerns seem to stem from green issues? A little puzzled as to how driverless cars would address this. Electric cars maybe but driverless? How? And as to domestic capital costs you still need to buy the this thing. Not trying to be contentious but I don't see the argument.
I would enjoy discussion on the subject though

Posted by: Andy1 Jan 11 2017, 12:28 PM

QUOTE (On the edge @ Jan 11 2017, 11:30 AM) *
Simply that it will bring a massive real paradigm change. Get it right and its good use of technology to solve some intractable problems in a sustainable way. It should help us make roads and therefore travel quicker and safer. It should eliminate a major domestic capital cost and ongoing mantenance worry. It should make the city and urban street scene cleaner and more pleasant. It should eliminate the signigicant downsides of mass public transport.It opens up much commercial potential. And no, I've no personal financial or other interest in the development of this technology.


so you get in a driverless car to drive to a paperless office, to login into your wireless laptop to do a job which could have been done from home in the first place. Remote working where possible should be promoted by employers, for employees. Just wondering how a driverless car reduces traffic if everyone was to own one.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 11 2017, 02:20 PM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Jan 11 2017, 09:33 AM) *
What app. was it?

GWR

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 11 2017, 02:24 PM

QUOTE (Andy1 @ Jan 11 2017, 12:28 PM) *
so you get in a driverless car to drive to a paperless office, to login into your wireless laptop to do a job which could have been done from home in the first place. Remote working where possible should be promoted by employers, for employees. Just wondering how a driverless car reduces traffic if everyone was to own one.

Because driving can be managed and therefore optimised. Would also put the Piggy Bank out of business!.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Jan 11 2017, 02:48 PM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 11 2017, 03:24 PM) *
Because driving can be managed and therefore optimised. Would also put the Piggy Bank out of business!.

Cryptic? Gibberish? Or just cryptic gibberish? dry.gif

Posted by: On the edge Jan 11 2017, 03:10 PM

QUOTE (Turin Machine @ Jan 11 2017, 12:27 PM) *
Muchof your concerns seem to stem from green issues? A little puzzled as to how driverless cars would address this. Electric cars maybe but driverless? How? And as to domestic capital costs you still need to buy the this thing. Not trying to be contentious but I don't see the argument.
I would enjoy discussion on the subject though


You certainly arn't being contentious, all very valid points. Driverless cars against today's environment (fossil fuel / individually owned / proximity located) is actually feasibile today. Like most things, it's the next wave developments that bring the gain. So, if we extend the vision:-
- if you can simply 'call up' transport to arrive within minutes, why would you want to personally own and maintain it? Particularly if you had a choice of size / quality etc. on call.
- if your transport was designed simply to get you (and your immediate belongings) from a to b, it would not necessarily be as big / heavy as today's versions.
- if you didn't own it you wouldn't need to park it, if fact you wouldn't really care if someone else used it next provided when your next one came it was pristine. Common user vehicles can when not in use can be stacked rather than parked.
- with greater working from home your 'into work' commute is likely to be less distant a d less frequent.
- using separate transports for each leg of your journey means massively extending the on board 'fuel' store and so range.
All of this makes electric propulsion, even with today's store technology even more viable. On top of that there are trials on going to enable wireless power transmission in addition.
The main things getting in the way:
Need to remove the concept that 'your car' helps define you as a person
Understand you don't need to 'own' essentially domestic utilities
Need to substantially up 'service industry' ethos substantially
Need to properly plan and managed change, conceptually and economically

That is just the ramblings of an old man without stimulants; but it's getting closer technically. We could have a very pleasant future; which is sustainable and viable which is why we should concentrate on the vision and get some decent politicians.

Posted by: On the edge Jan 11 2017, 03:18 PM

QUOTE (Andy1 @ Jan 11 2017, 12:28 PM) *
so you get in a driverless car to drive to a paperless office, to login into your wireless laptop to do a job which could have been done from home in the first place. Remote working where possible should be promoted by employers, for employees. Just wondering how a driverless car reduces traffic if everyone was to own one.


Paperless office is here now as is working from wherever you want, for rather more people than can be imagined. The trouble is the wetware, particularly that in managerial or supervisory positions. It is hideously frustrating trying to get them to see this. However, you might have heard a recent pronouncement from the Bank of England, who see the end of a vast range of middle class jobs over the next decade. This should excite, get on top of this and we are riding the wave of the next industrial revolution, stand back and the wave is a tsunami.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 11 2017, 08:17 PM

QUOTE (je suis Charlie @ Jan 11 2017, 02:48 PM) *
Cryptic? Gibberish? Or just cryptic gibberish? dry.gif

I could reply but there is no educating pork.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Jan 11 2017, 08:29 PM

Snow tomorrow. Wonder if it will be the wrong kind for the trains?

Posted by: je suis Charlie Jan 11 2017, 09:35 PM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 11 2017, 09:17 PM) *
I could reply but there is no educating pork.

But you have replied, fail 1
Still gibberish fail 2

Not quite got the hang of this have you?

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 11 2017, 10:06 PM

QUOTE (TallDarkAndHandsome @ Jan 11 2017, 09:29 PM) *
Snow tomorrow. Wonder if it will be the wrong kind for the trains?

It may well be, who knows?
The misuse of this phrase which was never used by BR is mainly used by those who do not understand it's meaning and is often used to ridicule.
This maybe justified as the railway, as we all know, is far from perfect but I thought it may help the interested few on this forum to know how the term was coined.
Extract from Wiki (to save you looking it up) is a very good explanation..........

The phrase originated in a comment by British Rail's Director of Operations Terry Worrall on 11 February 1991 whilst being interviewed by James Naughtie. He explained that "we are having particular problems with the type of snow, which is rare in the UK". Naughtie replied "Oh, I see, it was the wrong kind of snow," to which Worrall replied, "No, it was a different kind of snow". The exchange prompted a headline in the London Evening Standard saying "British Rail blames the wrong type of snow" which was swiftly taken up by the media and other papers. The cold snap had been forecast and British Rail had claimed to be ready for the coming snow. However, the snow – which was not deep enough for snowploughs or snow blowers to be effective – was unusually soft and powdery, finding its way into electrical systems and causing short circuits and traction motor damage. For traction motors with integral cooling fans and air intakes pointing downwards – the type that is still common on British electric multiple units – the problem was made worse as the air intakes sucked up the loose snow. Meanwhile, the snow also became packed into sliding door mechanisms and into points, causing them to fail. In addition, low temperatures resulted in problems with electric current collection from the third rail.
Many electric services had to be replaced by diesel haulage, and emergency timetables were introduced. Long delays were commonplace – up to eight hours in some cases. The disruption lasted over a week.


When you see one of the 40 year old HST's coming through Newbury at 110mph enveloped in snow while cars and lorries struggle to get anywhere even in the RIGHT kind of snow you MAY understand.
These great trains are about to be replaced by new ones from Hitachi.
I wonder how they will cope with "the wrong kind of snow"? rolleyes.gif

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Jan 11 2017, 10:18 PM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Jan 11 2017, 10:06 PM) *
It may well be, who knows?
The misuse of this phrase which was never used by BR is mainly used by those who do not understand it's meaning and is often used to ridicule.
This maybe justified as the railway, as we all know, is far from perfect but I thought it may help the interested few on this forum to know how the term was coined.
Extract from Wiki (to save you looking it up) is a very good explanation..........

The phrase originated in a comment by British Rail's Director of Operations Terry Worrall on 11 February 1991 whilst being interviewed by James Naughtie. He explained that "we are having particular problems with the type of snow, which is rare in the UK". Naughtie replied "Oh, I see, it was the wrong kind of snow," to which Worrall replied, "No, it was a different kind of snow". The exchange prompted a headline in the London Evening Standard saying "British Rail blames the wrong type of snow" which was swiftly taken up by the media and other papers. The cold snap had been forecast and British Rail had claimed to be ready for the coming snow. However, the snow – which was not deep enough for snowploughs or snow blowers to be effective – was unusually soft and powdery, finding its way into electrical systems and causing short circuits and traction motor damage. For traction motors with integral cooling fans and air intakes pointing downwards – the type that is still common on British electric multiple units – the problem was made worse as the air intakes sucked up the loose snow. Meanwhile, the snow also became packed into sliding door mechanisms and into points, causing them to fail. In addition, low temperatures resulted in problems with electric current collection from the third rail.
Many electric services had to be replaced by diesel haulage, and emergency timetables were introduced. Long delays were commonplace – up to eight hours in some cases. The disruption lasted over a week.


When you see one of the 40 year old HST's coming through Newbury at 110mph enveloped in snow while cars and lorries struggle to get anywhere even in the RIGHT kind of snow you MAY understand.
These great trains are about to be replaced by new ones from Hitachi.
I wonder how they will cope with "the wrong kind of snow"? rolleyes.gif


Twas a joke. I use the trains every day. We are lucky in Newbury with GWR. I would say they never go 110mph as you well know. 90 is about top speed. Given what the commuter is paying we should have bullet trains (or at least something comparable) as per Japan.
I do understand though that these private companies are having to pay for decades of stagnation under BR.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 11 2017, 10:25 PM

QUOTE (je suis Charlie @ Jan 11 2017, 09:35 PM) *
But you have replied, fail 1
Still gibberish fail 2

Not quite got the hang of this have you?

Err, I never said I wouldn't reply; I'm just not sure about the audience. OK, I'll now explain in language you might understand: oink, oink!

Posted by: je suis Charlie Jan 12 2017, 12:29 AM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 11 2017, 11:25 PM) *
Err, I never said I wouldn't reply; I'm just not sure about the audience. OK, I'll now explain in language you might understand: oink, oink!

Nope, still lost me mate me and I suspect the rest of the forum.

Posted by: On the edge Jan 12 2017, 07:02 AM

QUOTE (TallDarkAndHandsome @ Jan 11 2017, 10:18 PM) *
Twas a joke. I use the trains every day. We are lucky in Newbury with GWR. I would say they never go 110mph as you well know. 90 is about top speed. Given what the commuter is paying we should have bullet trains (or at least something comparable) as per Japan.
I do understand though that these private companies are having to pay for decades of stagnation under BR.


Go along with that TDH, the dreadful thing, which I think Biker was also implying, is that rather than the bullet train, if only we'd not let BR stagnate,our 40 year old HST trains demonstrate we'd have had something even better. I just hope we can revive and nurture the skills and acumen that we clearly had once, now the dead hand of Europe is being lifted.


Posted by: On the edge Jan 12 2017, 07:06 AM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Jan 11 2017, 10:06 PM) *
It may well be, who knows?
The misuse of this phrase which was never used by BR is mainly used by those who do not understand it's meaning and is often used to ridicule.
This maybe justified as the railway, as we all know, is far from perfect but I thought it may help the interested few on this forum to know how the term was coined.
Extract from Wiki .................


Well, well, so the wiles of sophisticated journalism do it again! A bit like 'Crisis, what crisis?' and 'There is no such thing as society'.

Very deep Biker!! smile.gif

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 12 2017, 08:55 AM

QUOTE (TallDarkAndHandsome @ Jan 11 2017, 11:18 PM) *
I would say they never go 110mph as you well know. 90 is about top speed.

The line speed on the through lines at Newbury is 110mph as is much of the line between here and Exeter. The HST's do this every day come rain, fog, snow.
The 90mph you speak of is the maximum speed of the turbo units.
QUOTE (TallDarkAndHandsome @ Jan 11 2017, 11:18 PM) *
Given what the commuter is paying we should have bullet trains (or at least something comparable) as per Japan.

The Japanese "bullet" trains or Shinkansen use new lines that were built specifically for that purpose as do the TGV's of SNCF.
We try to run trains on lines that were built over 150 years ago with no knowledge of the speeds that would be required of a 21st century railway.
When we do try to build new lines and trains in the same way as Japan, France and several other countries http://stophs2.org/ happens! rolleyes.gif

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Jan 12 2017, 09:41 AM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Jan 12 2017, 08:55 AM) *
The line speed on the through lines at Newbury is 110mph as is much of the line between here and Exeter. The HST's do this every day come rain, fog, snow.
The 90mph you speak of is the maximum speed of the turbo units.


Why are / were they called Inter City 125s? Was that the top speed (and not 90 or 110)? tongue.gif

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 12 2017, 11:05 AM

QUOTE (TallDarkAndHandsome @ Jan 12 2017, 10:41 AM) *
Why are / were they called Inter City 125s? Was that the top speed (and not 90 or 110)? tongue.gif


They do 125mph (which is their maximum service speed) on lines that are signalled and aligned for that speed.
Mainly on those between London and Bristol, and London and Edinburgh.
E.g. if you catch an HST from Newbury to London it will (can wink.gif ) run at 125mph on the section between Reading and Paddington.
The maximum speed ever achieved by an HST is 148mph.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 12 2017, 01:05 PM

I like the old 125s. What a great train that has lasted well for all this time! It looked cool when I was a kid and we all got excited when we knew it was passing by!

"the fastest diesel-powered train in the world"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InterCity_125

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 12 2017, 01:17 PM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 12 2017, 02:05 PM) *
I like the old 125s. What a great train that has lasted well for all this time! It looked cool when I was a kid and we all got excited when we knew it was passing by!

"the fastest diesel-powered train in the world"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InterCity_125

Yes, I think many may regret their passing.
The new trains have smaller windows, NO buffet and have a diesel engine throbbing away under most if not all carriages.
Oh well, progress!

Posted by: JeffG Jan 12 2017, 02:09 PM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Jan 12 2017, 01:17 PM) *
have a diesel engine throbbing away under most if not all carriages.

After the wires run out, presumably.

Posted by: Turin Machine Jan 12 2017, 02:10 PM

Yup, progress, gotta love it. When I was younger I could cross the Atlantic in 3 1/2 hours. So much for progress.

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 12 2017, 03:15 PM

QUOTE (JeffG @ Jan 12 2017, 03:09 PM) *
After the wires run out, presumably.

Yes, well, London to Penzance only the first 53 miles to Newbury!
That is presuming the pantograph(s) can be lowered and the engines started at speed!

Posted by: Andy1 Jan 12 2017, 06:56 PM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 11 2017, 02:24 PM) *
Because driving can be managed and therefore optimised. Would also put the Piggy Bank out of business!.


A traffic jam is a traffic jam whether the cars are driverless or not. You can't optimise that.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 12 2017, 08:34 PM

QUOTE (Andy1 @ Jan 12 2017, 06:56 PM) *
A traffic jam is a traffic jam whether the cars are driverless or not. You can't optimise that.

Er, you can. Whether you make traffic jams a thing of the past is another thing, but with automated driving you can make travel more efficient. Rather like under certain conditions you can increase traffic flow by reducing speed limits. That's a form of optimisation.


Oink, oink! tongue.gif

Posted by: Andy1 Jan 13 2017, 08:21 AM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 12 2017, 08:34 PM) *
Er, you can. Whether you make traffic jams a thing of the past is another thing, but with automated driving you can make travel more efficient. Rather like under certain conditions you can increase traffic flow by reducing speed limits. That's a form of optimisation.


Oink, oink! tongue.gif


Err - a traffic jam is a traffic jam whether the car is automated or not that can't be optimised, it can't be. As most of the cars will be electric by then as well, then of course that part will need to be optimised but my comment wasn't about that.

Posted by: JeffG Jan 13 2017, 09:03 AM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Jan 12 2017, 03:15 PM) *
Yes, well, London to Penzance only the first 53 miles to Newbury!
That is presuming the pantograph(s) can be lowered and the engines started at speed!

So the "diesels throbbing away" will be irrelevant to Newbury commuters. We discussed the changeover earlier in this thread. I imagine the engines would be started and the pantograph lowered at the last electrified stop.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 13 2017, 09:25 AM

QUOTE (Andy1 @ Jan 13 2017, 08:21 AM) *
Err - a traffic jam is a traffic jam whether the car is automated or not that can't be optimised, it can't be. As most of the cars will be electric by then as well, then of course that part will need to be optimised but my comment wasn't about that.

Driverless cars means the car could be programmed for optimum efficiency, which includes speed and route management. That would mitigate the effect of traffic jams. You can't do anything about too many people wanting to be in the same place at the same time, but you can control the flow of traffic and therefore reduce the severity and likelihood of jams.

Optimising flow doesn't = fast. Optimising means making the best from what you have.

Posted by: Andy1 Jan 13 2017, 09:49 AM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 13 2017, 09:25 AM) *
Driverless cars means the car could be programmed for optimum efficiency, which includes speed and route management. That would mitigate the effect of traffic jams. You can't do anything about too many people wanting to be in the same place at the same time, but you can control the flow of traffic and therefore reduce the severity and likelihood of jams.

Optimising flow doesn't = fast. Optimising means making the best from what you have.



So, when there's a traffic jam, the cars stop moving, it can't be helped. Speed change isn't going to change that and taking alternate routes won't either because on a B road for instance there would be too many variables for that automated car to deal with. It will never be like Demolition Man, no matter what type of marketing is used.

Posted by: On the edge Jan 13 2017, 10:51 AM

QUOTE (Andy1 @ Jan 13 2017, 09:49 AM) *
So, when there's a traffic jam, the cars stop moving, it can't be helped. Speed change isn't going to change that and taking alternate routes won't either because on a B road for instance there would be too many variables for that automated car to deal with. It will never be like Demolition Man, no matter what type of marketing is used.


Be careful with that! 'Too many variables' used to be a classic stop line for technology Luddites back in the 50s and 60s.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 13 2017, 01:03 PM

QUOTE (Andy1 @ Jan 13 2017, 09:49 AM) *
So, when there's a traffic jam, the cars stop moving, it can't be helped.

The point is driverless cars could avoid a jam developing by using accident avoidance systems and by managing the flow of traffic at pinch spots. And should a jam occur, they can reduce the effect of the jam becoming worse.

Systems like TomTom could be built into the driverless operation. A simple illustration of this is a while back I used my TomTom to tell me the traffic situation it Reading. I saw the traffic was so bad, I took the decision to not bother, thus I avoided adding to the problem. I also hit a jam in Reading once and my TomTom advised me of an alternative route which was longer, but quicker due to traffic congestion. Both incidence were caused by an accident, an accident that might not have happened with computer controlled drivers.

Another one is rubber necking and the inexplicable phenomena of when cars come to a halt on the motorway for no apparent reason. This can be ironed out with computer controlled cars which monitor the road and adjust driving accordingly.

Computer controlled cars will also be able to drive closer together than humans, so improving road capacity.

QUOTE (Andy1 @ Jan 13 2017, 09:49 AM) *
Speed change isn't going to change that and taking alternate routes won't either because on a B road for instance there would be too many variables for that automated car to deal with. It will never be like Demolition Man, no matter what type of marketing is used.

I'm sorry, but that is not the case. Speed management can enhance traffic flow and thus reduce jams occurring.

There are hurdles through. The tech is still quite infantile. Also, there are many places I know how to get to but have no idea of the address, so with out knowing the address, you can't go there easily. Also, who's at fault in an accident cause by malfunction.

My view is driverless cars will put professional drivers out of a job (like taxi and haulage), but it does seem like a 20thC solution that might in itself become redundant with 21stC tech and lifestyles.



PS - Piggy Bank is a euphemism for speed cameras.

Posted by: Berkshirelad Jan 13 2017, 01:33 PM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 13 2017, 01:03 PM) *
Systems like TomTom could be built into the driverless operation. A simple illustration of this is a while back I used my TomTom to tell me the traffic situation it Reading. I saw the traffic was so bad, I took the decision to not bother, thus I avoided adding to the problem. I also hit a jam in Reading once and my TomTom advised me of an alternative route which was longer, but quicker due to traffic congestion. Both incidence were caused by an accident, an accident that might not have happened with computer controlled drivers.


...but blind following of SatNav is what causes people (and driverless cars?) to turn onto railways and rivers rolleyes.gif cool.gif

The fun bit (said with tongue in cheek) is that the 'infantile' tech is programmed to avoid collisions and so will be easy to 'bully' by cars with drivers

Posted by: je suis Charlie Jan 13 2017, 03:35 PM

https://youtu.be/sD7J2t7D1jE

This is driverless cars, not some Orwellian / Jetson mutant. This, this is the future.

Posted by: On the edge Jan 13 2017, 03:56 PM

QUOTE (Berkshirelad @ Jan 13 2017, 01:33 PM) *
...but blind following of SatNav is what causes people (and driverless cars?) to turn onto railways and rivers rolleyes.gif cool.gif

The fun bit (said with tongue in cheek) is that the 'infantile' tech is programmed to avoid collisions and so will be easy to 'bully' by cars with drivers


I just love the idea that something or someone driving better than you is a bully!

Looking forward to being able to security tag my valuables and shop stock, so if some little toad makes off with it, the vehicle just delivers him to nearest Police Station.

Posted by: Turin Machine Jan 15 2017, 07:16 PM

Some of the pro's and con's

PRO
Can finally spend quality time fiddling with radio knobs

Cities with poor public transportation given the opportunity to dump the systemic problem onto Google or whoever

Frees up drivers to be obscene and aggressive toward each other in all sorts of new ways

Massive savings on steering wheel maintenance

No longer necessary to put life at risk each time you want to adjust the wrapper on your cheese and bacon melt

History has proven that new technological advancements never have any unintended fallout

Don’t have to do thing you previously had to do

CON
Drag races only capable of ending in moderately paced ties

Parents miss out on cherished tradition of improperly teaching child how to parallel park

Not yet confirmed whether they come in blue

Science fiction writers forced to come up with new lazy shorthand for futuristic landscape

Won’t get to threaten truant police officers with six weeks of traffic duty anymore

Majority of Beach Boys catalog now irrelevant

Someone definitely going to hack these things


With thanks to 'The Onion'

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 18 2017, 09:47 AM

So when is the 09:41 to Basingstoke 2 minutes late, but isn't? When it's the 09:46 and on time of course! Bloody Reading station!

Posted by: On the edge Jan 18 2017, 10:54 PM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 18 2017, 09:47 AM) *
So when is the 09:41 to Basingstoke 2 minutes late, but isn't? When it's the 09:46 and on time of course! Bloody Reading station!


You are becoming Reggie Perrin! tongue.gif

Posted by: Turin Machine Jan 19 2017, 12:06 AM

"Sorry CJ, ten minutes late, badger on the line at Woolhampton"

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 19 2017, 07:27 AM

QUOTE (On the edge @ Jan 18 2017, 10:54 PM) *
You are becoming Reggie Perrin! tongue.gif

Maybe, but perhaps the meek deserve the crap service we pay for. There was a serious side in that I couldn't initially find the train.

Posted by: On the edge Jan 19 2017, 08:35 AM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 19 2017, 07:27 AM) *
Maybe, but perhaps the meek deserve the crap service we pay for. There was a serious side in that I couldn't initially find the train.


Indeed. The whole rail issue is an object lesson for any de facto monopoly claiming to deliver 'customer service'. Unless you deliver even the basics, you'll earn the undying enmity of those you seek to serve. Very few are going to believe you can actually deliver a new dawn, because you can't even cope with the stuff you have already! All pretty basic 'O' level marketing.

So why doesn't anyone listen? Why should they; the bonuses keep on coming; rain or shine. Still, such a good thing Labour got rid of Clause 4 wasn't it!

Posted by: JeffG Jan 19 2017, 07:20 PM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 19 2017, 07:27 AM) *
There was a serious side in that I couldn't initially find the train.

They are long things with wheels and several bits joined together.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 19 2017, 08:54 PM

QUOTE (JeffG @ Jan 19 2017, 07:20 PM) *
They are long things with wheels and several bits joined together.

Yes, but they don't all go to the same place at the desired time.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Jan 19 2017, 11:37 PM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Jan 19 2017, 08:54 PM) *
Yes, but they don't all go to the same place at the desired time.

Yes! Yes they do. The engine bit goes at the pointy end and all the joined up bits follow along, and presumably end up in the same place afterwards. This isn't BA and my luggage you know. Moo moo!

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 20 2017, 12:55 AM

QUOTE (je suis Charlie @ Jan 19 2017, 11:37 PM) *
Yes! Yes they do. The engine bit goes at the pointy end and all the joined up bits follow along, and presumably end up in the same place afterwards.

Agreed, but that describes only one train. JeffG was describing more than one train. Oink, oink!

QUOTE (je suis Charlie @ Jan 19 2017, 11:37 PM) *
This isn't BA and my luggage you know. Moo moo!

That's right. Luggage is packages of stuff you often wear or have worn, or use, when visiting somewhere. Trains are things that take people and luggage to places. Oink, oink!

Anyway, what about the deceptive way that CrossCountry Rail pretended their train was on time?

Posted by: On the edge Jan 20 2017, 07:41 AM

Perhaps we need that Italian chap who made the trains run on time.

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 20 2017, 09:52 AM

QUOTE (On the edge @ Jan 20 2017, 08:41 AM) *
Perhaps we need that Italian chap who made the trains run on time.

What http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36792246 guy? tongue.gif
"the crap service we pay for" but at least we tend not to run them into each other.
Not recently anyway. Long time since Ladbroke Grove.
Crashes due to track and third party involvement more recently buy no lives lost for the last 10 years at the fault of the railway.
(Before anyone mentions it, trams run on different principles to main line railways.)

Posted by: Berkshirelad Jan 20 2017, 10:17 AM

I see in the papers that one guy has used Clause 75 with his Amex card to reclaim half the cost of his Southern Rail season ticket because the service provided was inadequate

Posted by: On the edge Jan 20 2017, 05:21 PM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Jan 20 2017, 09:52 AM) *
What http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36792246 guy? tongue.gif
"the crap service we pay for" but at least we tend not to run them into each other.
Not recently anyway. Long time since Ladbroke Grove.
Crashes due to track and third party involvement more recently buy no lives lost for the last 10 years at the fault of the railway.
(Before anyone mentions it, trams run on different principles to main line railways.)


No, Biker, I meant Mussolini!

(Mind, if he was still around, you wouldn't have seen anything like that........he controlled the media too!)

Posted by: JeffG Jan 20 2017, 07:49 PM

QUOTE (On the edge @ Jan 20 2017, 05:21 PM) *
No, Biker, I meant Mussolini!

You really didn't need to explain. smile.gif

Posted by: Andy Capp Feb 9 2017, 01:03 AM

More dross from our alleged train service: valid tickets dispensed by the hand held devices in Newbury failed to work in any if the gates in Reading and the GWR app ain't working at the moment so a cannot plan my earlier than normal journey tomorrow.

Bl00dy big boo to the train operator!

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Feb 9 2017, 05:00 AM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Feb 9 2017, 01:03 AM) *
More dross from our alleged train service: valid tickets dispensed by the hand held devices in Newbury failed to work in any if the gates in Reading and the GWR app ain't working at the moment so a cannot plan my earlier than normal journey tomorrow.

Bl00dy big boo to the train operator!


Train app worked for me last night. Its a conspiracy! Blame Trump and Brexit.

Posted by: Andy Capp Feb 16 2017, 01:42 AM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Feb 9 2017, 01:03 AM) *
More dross from our alleged train service: valid tickets dispensed by the hand held devices in Newbury failed to work in any if the gates in Reading and the GWR app ain't working at the moment so a cannot plan my earlier than normal journey tomorrow.

Bl00dy big boo to the train operator!

Guess what? That piece of shoite app is not working again. So again I cannot plan my journey for later!

Posted by: Biker1 Feb 16 2017, 08:21 AM

QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Feb 16 2017, 03:42 AM) *
Guess what? That piece of shoite app is not working again. So again I cannot plan my journey for later!

If you are a "social mediarer" you may get a better result from @gwrhelp rather than venting on here.
Don't shoot me, just trying to help! ohmy.gif

Posted by: Andy Capp Feb 16 2017, 09:04 PM

QUOTE (Biker1 @ Feb 16 2017, 08:21 AM) *
If you are a "social mediarer" you may get a better result from @gwrhelp rather than venting on here.
Don't shoot me, just trying to help! ohmy.gif

That is good of you and helpful, unlike the message it leaves when it happens! Just being re-directed to the train timetable would help!

Posted by: Andy Capp Feb 17 2017, 09:21 AM

'Chaos' in Newbury ticket office this morning. If only those ticket vending machines had an interface that was well designed. Not to mention produced legible tickets.

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