Recent content by KevinTurvey

I've used the TPE ones extensively, the LNER ones less frequently and the Avanti ones on occasion so far. I do sympathise with the comments on the seat/bar/cushion issue, but I've never noticed the bad ride ride quality. I appreciate they get a bit lively above 110 but not really more so than...

As far as Edge Hill goes it is very close to 86, 80 & 79 bus routes, so I guess most people would either get the bus or even walk into town - its only just over a mile. Most of the housing stock in the area however, has been replaced, so I imagine a lot more people live around Edge Hill...

Attached below is a picture taken in Feb 1989 looking back at the platform extension works, taken from a Liverpool - Leeds bound train passing through 13 (formed very unusually of MK1 compartment stock this time) The extension works must have been considerable looking at where the blockwork...

A lot of this behavior happens in the north of England because of the pacer/sprinter mentality when a 30/40m train stops at a 200m+ platform, especially at the busier stations you would not get a seat if you spread along the platform, or perhaps even be able to board. Although most trains now...

I am speaking from a north of England perspective, but I recall the later 80's and earlier part of the 1990s we had a run of hot summers, much warmer than the early 80's. I recall 1984, 1990 and 1995 being particularly warm and sunny, 1981 to 1983 the exact opposite. From 2000 to 2006 we had a...

I agree with some of the points regarding Preston station. Priority should be given to replacement/improvement of the stairs and ramps which are too steep and narrow and are non-compliant with modern standards. Platforms 1 & 2 and 5 & 6 are narrow. I think it would help in the short term...

To be fair, I think the tax issue is actually quite an important one. In past times there was always an appetite for overtime, (not a rail or TOC related employer) because for most it was still taxed at the basic rate. Now many similar jobs pay 40-50K so overtime is a definite no no, as...

Just reminiscing slightly, I recall when Liverpool had no direct service to Sheffield at all, and it was only(!) 40 years ago this year that hourly direct trains started. A few of these (all 31 hauled typically 4 coaches) also ran on to Hull, Doncaster, and Norwich. When they first started I...

Will the taking control by Liverpool City Region mean loss of integration with the rest of the network as far as through ticketing is concerned, and becoming like Metrolink? I certainly hope not. Currently I can purchase one ticket to travel between Birkenhead and Stafford (random example) Will...

If they gradually migrate to Calder Valley services and maybe Leeds-Carlisle/Lancaster services as the main TRU is complete, I think is a sensible option for their final years until replacement. They are 20 years old now, but still are decent and capable units. I think they should remain in...

I've looked at the Network Rail video and can't help thinking the car park density looks a bit on the low side. Can they not rejig to provide more spaces on here - I suspect it will be full by 07:00

I think Holyhead might be worth a shout, station rebuilt in 1851 and still has semaphores. New Avanti trains date from last year.

Daily Express, say no more! For a newspaper specialising in Princess Diana, Madelaine McCann, or how much house prices have gone up, it cannot be taken seriously on any matter of technical reporting. All of the Reach plc newspapers (and they own a lot of them) are a joke.

I must admit I've never been a fan of West Coasts maroon/brown, to my eyes just looks a bit drab on their locomotives, also a bit difficult to photograph successfully. (although might be the sensor on my camera!)

I have mixed feelings about Virgin. In the early years to about 2003 there were some very substantial fare increases, plus reliability (Hatfield and WCRM aside) in the early 2000's took a nosedive. Then introduction of 8 car Pendolinos and 4 car Voyagers caused massive overcrowding issues...