28/4 (and 29/4) Down line points failure Southcote Junction, Reading-Newbury

[317362]

Failed in the afternoon on Monday 28 April. Up trains could get through as could anything on the Basingstoke line. It was just down trains to the Newbury line impacted (and any returns)

The problem was announced fixed and the 1710 Reading-Newbury was advertised as reinstated and running. It got to Reading West and promptly headed back to Reading (from the down platform, unusual but essential) with driver announcing the failure had reappeared. Was fixed later again and trains started running.

Excitingly, same fault today struck in the afternoon. No trains down, up unaffected. The problem was announced fixed in time for the 1710 Reading - Newbury to run and this time it escaped through Reading West.

I don't recall this exact fault in many years of travelling here, and I assume all linked.

 

[Amlag]

There seems in last few months to have been a noticeable increase in ‘points problems’ with resultant numerous train cancellations and disruptions on NR Western. eg most recently Padd-Rdg, Bristol Parkway, Exeter, N. Abbot, Westbury and Crediton come to mInd.

Are there some underlying NR organisational etc problems ( eg staff, skills and component examination, maintenance and shortages ) that now need urgent Senior NR Management attention ?

 

[High Dyke]

There seems in last few months to have been a noticeable increase in ‘points problems’ with resultant numerous train cancellations and disruptions on NR Western. eg most recently Padd-Rdg, Bristol Parkway, Exeter, N. Abbot, Westbury and Crediton come to mInd.

Are there some underlying NR organisational etc problems ( eg staff, skills and component examination, maintenance and shortages ) that now need urgent Senior NR Management attention ?

There's been other locations too, recently. I'm aware of a location where the same set of points failed three times in eight days. Yes, it could be suggested there is a skill shortage of qualified technicians. As for attention by senior NR management, this is the sort of situation their 'modernising maintenance' plan has created.

 

[FGW_DID]

I don't recall this exact fault in many years of travelling here, and I assume all linked.

Yes, same set of points both times.