Recent content by fluff

This is fairly common unfortunately, even at high speed locations where the view of approaching trains is limited. I've had a few near misses at speed as people have scrambled out of the way at the last second and no doubt many other drivers have. If possible I stop and talk to such people...

If you have the good fortune to be travelling on my train and there is a genuine reason as to why you cannot get off in time, I would be perfectly happy for you to pull the passcom. I'll come and investigate, tell you not to worry about it, apologise if the exit has been blocked by other...

I think your first assumption was probably right. They were unpleasant people, but we can't deduce anything else about them from such a short observation. They were just somewhat aggressive with their responses. People do this all the time, whether they are autistic or not. I see it in traincrew...

Thank you, I'm aware of the issues autistic people face. I'm one myself. Most neurotypical people would probably consider my social communication skills to be poor and I wouldn't disagree. That does not automatically make me rude, arsey or arrogant. In every other respect, my communication...

What autism? Are you just assuming these people are autistic or do you have some sort of qualification for diagnosing autism? Contrary to popular opinion most autistic people are not trainspotters and most trainspotters are not autistic.

Blackpool North.

Unless I'm misunderstanding you, that's a wrong side failure which is very serious indeed.

You are correct. It is not the same everywhere.

The track arrangement at Barrow means that services from the Preston direction can only arrive into platform one.

Balshaw Lane Junction on the WCML between Wigan and Preston. The WCML changes from two to four tracks with the routes to & from the slow lines being 75mph. Plenty of freights use the slow lines.

If you honestly believe that a fault with the doors has prevented you from getting off, then yes, operate the nearest passcom/call for aid. The traincrew must then investigate before starting the train. On the other hand, don't do it if you have missed your stop because you were listening to...

It shouldn't be possible to get locked in on a class 185 unit. If the system decides the toilet needs to be placed out of use, it should allow anyone inside to leave first, then lock the door, so your experience suggests a fault with the system. Using the emergency alarm if you do find...

This is really really important. Trains have smooth steel wheels running on smooth steel rails. There is very little friction between the two surfaces. Hence stopping distances can be very long. I think mention was made earlier of running at lower speeds such that the train would be able to...

When driving road vehicles you should always be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear. At least you should if driving appropriately. Hence you can drive anywhere without hitting things that are hidden round corners. Train drivers don't have this luxury. Most of the time we...

Class 158s were used briefly on Cumbria - Manchester Airport services due to the late delivery of class 175s. I think there were only six units to cover eleven unit diagrams. Due to reliability issues class 142, 150, 153 and 156 were sometimes used to cover for 175s in the early days.