Recent content by philabos

The Frankford Jct derailment had over speed protection installed by the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1950's. Amtrak deactivated the system for eastbound trains (including the train that derailed) , but it was still active for westbound trains. Service was restored quickly because they...

Typical approach for the long distance trains is to line everyone up on the platform at a single entry where crew can scan tickets. Rain, snow, sleet , children and bags notwithstanding. Generally intermediate stations between Washington and New York, Philadelphia for example, do require...

This has been quite a discussion. What actually happened in connection with the sand train is still unknown, but the investigation appears to focus on equipment. The DP power could certainly be a contributing factor with regard to the severity. The main lines in the US are in better condition...

As already mentioned, population and geography make the UK ideal for railways. In the US, we have great distances that frankly are ideal for air. The northeast does have density, and is more closely aligned with the U.K. Even there, everything you have is far better, from frequency to...

Amtrak is replacing their newest equipment first. I get it, the per mile revenue is sky high. Service used by politicians, media, finance on expense accounts. Perhaps the only Amtrak trains so utilized. Most of the rest of the fleet nearing 50 years. There is consideration being given to replace...

No question about that. We were alone in the car out of East Grinstead, no surprise there, but 4 of us at Victoria. I can certainly understand why they don't want to break up sets, it was the tph. Of course a one day sample is not instructive thus the reason for my post.

Thanks for the responses. Must have been a slow day.

I recently returned from the UK and while there we used the Victoria-East Grinstead service mid day. I believe it was a 12 carriage formation and happily for us operates every 30 minutes. Quite convenient. However in both directions I was reminded of a line from an old song, 15 cars and 15...

Over here in the US, several years ago Amtrak and the Federal Railroad Administration came up with a plan to bypass some coastal running which would eliminate some slow curves and make the train more competitive with flying between New York and Boston. The locals became outraged, the Connecticut...

I just crossed on a cruise ship New York to Southampton. There are actually quite a few ships on the route in April and October when seasonal transiting between Europe and the Caribbean. The fares are also quite reasonable with food, entertainment and even alcohol included. Cheaper than a stay...

Just to conclude, we did complete our trip today behind the S15 847 today. Weather was fairly good with the occasional shower. MK1 stock which was fine for me. Brought back memories of early 80s on BR. Staff very helpful and friendly. They apparently had a number of group coach tours. Good...

If I understand correctly, you can buy a ticket at Victoria which includes the Bluebell? We were going to buy a zone 1-2 card, but perhaps it is better to go for the 1-6?

Yes we are planning on the 1145 from EG and that would give us about an hour at Sheffield Park. We may decide to stay longer and take the second train back. Much will depend on weather. I understand it can rain on occasion in the UK.

Yes, noted on the website. We are going May 9 so should be ok.

Thanks to all. Yes, I noted that on their website. IOW a bit far with the wife since we have a dinner reservation in London at the Marksman. Looks like the Bluebell. We are going midweek so probably the default set but even MK1 would be a treat for me. Figure I can buy her a tea at East...