Recent content by GJEdmunds

The side windows in new trains are extremely small. Why is that? On old trains the windows are like normal car/van windows. What is the purpose of miniaturising the windows - the only thing I can think off is it stops the driver looking sideways and getting distracted?

I've noticed that some very long lengths of old railway track are left in between the tracks instead of being carted away. Why is that? My worry would be that someone could move these tracks and cause a lot of damage.

I'm curious about the London Midland trains which serve the cross city line between Redditch and Lichfield. When they set off they make a noise which sounds as if they are going through very many gears, like an automatic. What type of engine and what type of transmission do these trains have...

Thanks everyone for the information. I think the bell codes are the key to this.

In the old days - before computers etc - how did a signalman in a signal box know which way to send a train. If the signal box was at a junction where a line splits into two - how would the signalman know that the approaching train was to be sent down route A and not Route B.

Thanks very much for the info - now I understand - thats completely answered my question.

How do the Pendolino trains know when to tilt, and by how much, and to which side - I'm assuming it is all automatic?

What is the longest route a driver could learn - and what is the maximum number of routes that can be learnt? And if a driver doesn't travel the route for six months doers he have to re-train?

thanks for those suggestions - i think i'll try them all over the next few weeks - i think i'll just turn up and see what appears

yes thanks for that - that all makes sense now

I want to travel on a single carriage train, just for the sake of it really. Does anything operate from Birmingham Worcester or Coventry? Thanks.

Why did railway wagons carrying coal etc have white diagonal crosses painted on their sides