Recent content by Crepello

Thanks for the photo - interesting to see how NR and the fire service collaborate. Good work by the latter - I gather British fire apparatus only carry about 400 gallons, with tankers rarely available. That's *not* a lot of water for a good-sized brush fire.

Apologies if this perspective's already been discussed (a few minutes' searching turned a blank) but the Evero first class seating seems a definite downgrade vs the 390s - no individual overhead lamps, and no recline on the seats (as far as I could determine). Reduction in first capacity also...

IMHO the only "sneaky" element are folks demanding compensation for weather delays that are entirely beyond the TOC's control... Completely sympathize with entities limiting their exposure in these days of compensation culture and minimal personal accountability!

Newcastle's also a great city - and wonderful people; stay there at least for a night, if your schedule permits. Echo the above comments about the northerly sections of the WCML (Shap - and also Beattock if you fancy more great scenery). Recently had the pleasure of a few days on a BritRail...

Similar experience at Penzance, several weeks ago: A GWR 802 arrived, head to toe graffiti over several coaches - looked utterly hideous. 25 years since I'd the pleasure of inhabiting the UK but reflected that in all my years on the rails, I'd never seen anything like it. Back in the day, sets...

Inopportune timing for me, having arranged to be in touring UK that week on a BritRail Pass; probably my last opportunity due to declining health. Can I ask: What degree of disruption is usual for TOCs the one day immediately before and after they're striking? And what % of services are...

But as previously mentioned - I'd PAID for that reservation - the able-bodied, shifty-looking occupant of the seat had not. All very well to claim "computer says no" as justification for a freeloader's paradise -yet again. No reservations displayed - It seems you feel the TOC's failure should...

Oh, I'd have happily explained that I had a reservation for that seat, and that he'd refused to move when politely requested. "Some dude" - that's how you'd refer to a fare paying passenger?? But yep, preventing the train leaving as I'd concerns about a trouble-causer who may endanger public...

All too believable, alas :( Problem is, it's widely tolerated in the UK - and indeed, had you addressed them I don't doubt you'd have become a target for all four. Was pleased to see a situation handled rather better in the US, within recent months: I was aboard an Amtrak twixt DC and NYC; a...

I pointed out to the gentleman that I was holding a printed reservation (APTIS, no less!) for the seats, whereas he was not. This seemed reasonable grounds to claim what I had paid a supplement for - had the situation been reversed, I'd have moved and apologized. He continued to find this...

A knucklehead tried this back in the (dearly missed) days of VT; departure from Euston to my beloved hometown. I'm only in the UK once every few years, and like to ensure I enjoy every journey. "Ohh - the reservation indicators aren't working so it looks like you're not reserved any more -...

I'll be visiting Blighty that week, first time in a goodly while. Anyone know the likely impact of the OT ban on Northern services? From what I hear, they can be spotty even on a good day; wondering if I should plan to travel aboard NatEx road coaches...

It didn't get much airtime - couple of shots of contestants, while the camera operator was standing in a bathroom... not the roomiest of filming environments! Then all off a sudden the sun was up, and they were sprinting past GBRf-liveried 92 043 on the blocks at Glasga Central. Always a fun...

Responses to my point about staff attitude were appreciated - to which I say: Even workers in the hospitality business have rights and conditions! - Why "even" - is hospitality inferior to other sectors? And why would they *not* have rights/conditions? Could it be that there is nothing to...

I'm a big fan of CS, its operators and staff. and generally have little patience for the naysayers. That said, am saddened to learn (from twitter) that the catering staff often refuse to continue service when trains are delayed. I get that they've already worked a long shift... but they're in...