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Do people agree with me that the overhead masts and other equipment on the GWML are the ugliest and most over-engineered in the country? Previously described elsewhere as strong enough to stand the winds of Jupiter, I would add that aesthetically they are designed by Lego. What a way to ruin the...

Within 10 seconds I had lost interest as they mis-spelt practical as practicle. If they cannot get that right how can the unit's design be right! :(

Thanks for the info. I understand mainline services start on 29th Feb. Is that right and, if so, does anyone have info on the diagrams involved?

I saw my first pair of 387/2 in full GatEx decals this lunch time as I was parking at Waitrose in Horley. A lot of white lining included and with branding that looked much better than the plain red ones passing through on test.

SWT don't seem to have that much faith in the reliability of the 458/5 EMUs, judging by their non-use on diverted Windsor services today (Sat 16/01/16). During a four hour lineside period between Norbiton and Strawberry Hill, only 450 and 455 units were used.

What are "Gary" doors? Can only people called Gary use them? I feel concerned that to personalise doors like this is asking for trouble. :-x

Judging by the number of people who got off at Ashurst this evening, let alone nearer to London, even ten coaches won't be enough. The route is an isolated diesel outpost that should be electrified to allow 12 coaches to operate in the peak, permit the transfer of diesel stock elsewhere and...

My original heading for this thread was "Overcrowding - a reason why never mentioned" was changed by the moderator as it was thought that my question appeared too vague. By my original title, I just wanted to ask why it was that the influx of large numbers of migrants in recent years parallels...

My original question was not based on any ethnic criteria, it was just that if there are eight million more people here than there would be without migration then a fair number of those people are helping to over-burden the railways. I am in no way contending their right to do so, merely the...

When discussing all the reasons for trains being so busy these days, I never hear anyone say that one of the many reasons is the high level of migration into this country. With eight million people in this country not having been born in the UK, there must be an awful lot of space used up that...

My point was the core takes everything eventually, so whether the delay comes from elsewhere it will all swell up in the core and go badly wrong. I'm sure the idea is fine, but problems with getting the disabled on board etc and all the usual human elements will conspire against it. What will...

I keep hearing all this nonsense about 24tph passing through the core of the Thameslink system under London when the route is finished. What are the realistic chances of this happening day after day, hour after hour? I would say there isn't a chance in Hell of this being achieved consistently...

The livery you've missed, of course, is filth. I've never known an area to consistently have trains that are always filthy. White trains are just the worst when not kept clean... and not much better when clean!

You're right about the seats on the 319s. They are SO low for people like me who are quite tall and have back problems. If they were given Class 377 style seats they would be much improved.

The time will come when all this commuting malarkey will come to an end and we can all work from somewhere much nearer, if not actually in, our homes. I shan't see it but workplace work will decline to ease the commute for those who have to go into the city centres. Of course, I suspect we'll...

This must mean that there are too many 319s for Northern, which I always thought was the case. In that case, sending some elsewhere and consolidating other fleets would seem to make sense.

It's just too much hassle and subject to stock availability, that correct allocation of stock to services will only occur when the new Class 700 EMUs are in service and route specific 8 and 12 car train sets are diagrammed to each route. So many Classes and Sub-Classes hardly help efficiency at...

I read somewhere that after Old Dalby the line between Reading and Didcot would be used first for mainline testing. Presumably, that's why electrification is progressing there almost before anywhere else on the GWML.

Yes, but many WILL travel th full distance, and train seats should be designed for the whole distance involved, not a core section. Otherwise, why not have Pendolino seating suitable for Euston - MKC instead of GC?

Tilting on the British Loading Gauge also reduces considerable the internal dimensions of the trains. I always prefer the width of a Mark III compared with a Pendolino. They are very cramped.