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Branson, Bezos and (to a lesser extent) Musk are all vying to offer space tourism (ie to edge of space and a few minutes of weightlessness). Whilst the number of rockets initially will be inconsequential, its worth remembering that there were few motor cars when they were initially created...

One of the features of train travel today is the often dreadfully uncomfortable seating. It appears clear that those who have specified the seating have no intention of sitting in it themselves or are possibly suffering from some serious deformity. As I write, Iam sitting in an extremely...

As we all know Mallard hit 126mph briefly to claim this record. The reciprocating nature of the piston engine would likely place a barrier to much higher speeds and the hammer blow would likely be significant. The Stanier turbomotive would seem to overcome this issue, but, as far as I am...

Over the years, there have been many different wheel sizes ranging from around 7 feet downwards. What is the science behind why current wheel sizes for rolling stock or locos have been chosen? Is there an absolute minimum size that might be used?

How easy would it be to make a new W12 a freight route via Colne, Skipton, Leeds? There would appear to be fewer tunnels etc than the other routes.

There were an enormous number of steam classes. Were chief mechanical engineers guilty of unnecessary developments of non-standard classes with minor wheel diameter differences, wheel arrangements. It sometimes looks like every little route nedded it's own design of locomotives. Why were the...

When the non-wired section from Leeds to York is completed, wouldnt it make sense to have some electric through trains from bradford fsq/ilkleyskipton to York? I know not many as the route east of Leeds is rather full, but it would free up some platform space and avoid changes for some people.

On the road network, anyone with an appropriate licence can drive anywhere. On the railway, drivers must have route knowledge and specific traction knowledge, which are highly restrictive, reduce flexibility and are very expensive to maintain. What would be required to enable drivers to have the...

With the lockdown etc, there should be plenty of spare paths and trains available so that TPE can train its drivers and crew on the new class which has not yet been fully introduced and is years late. Since doctors and nurses in very close contact with CV positive patients have some good PPE...

I am tired of reading about snow armageddon and suchlike. Despite supercomputers, the predictions don't appear to match the reality for many, although the headline writers are most worthy of blame. Which agencies are the worst? I would like to nominate Daily express Huddersfield Examiner...

How about routing (some?) of these trains via guide bridge, but, instead of going into Piccadilly taking a new flyover over nearly all the tracks going south from Piccadilly to join up with the airport lines. For those passengers wanting to go to Piccadilly there would need to be a travelator or...

I have an undated return ticket to anywhere on Northern network. Whilst I don't think it would be a good idea to try and use it at the present time, is it still valid and if so will it ever expire?

Moderator note: Split from https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/northern-pacer-withdrawals-info.166981/ I wondered if the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) might take a few Pacers in case Metro will fund a regular daily service between Howarth and Keighley, which has occasionally been...

Idly waiting at Mirfield. Impressed by availability of French language. Chose it, directed me correctly in French to choose ticket type I wanted. Once you've chosen simple (single) or retour (return), specific ticket options only in English! Merde!

I have noticed that, particularly up north, when platform extensions take place, they just make the absolute minimum increase for today's needs. Most of the expense and disruption attached relate to getting equipment, workers, on site and often a longer extension to cater for future growth would...

Years ago, triang and hornby produced model engines which had magnetised wheels which enabled them to go round curves faster without derailing. Could an electromagnetic feature on engines and even maybe coaches enable higher speeds on curved conventional track. I do realise that such technology...

Just wondering if anyone had any times for this partially abandoned route as it was more direct than current route via Barnsley.

Went to honley station. Tried to buy ticket. Touch screen all but useless. Eventually got to bit where it said next train available to barnsley was 15.xx. Panic. Checked info display next train 14.20, same on app on phone. Got a promise to pay. Train arrives 14.20, guard very helpful. If I...

Whilst seating comfort is a matter of personal preference, it would appear many find recent train seats to be uncomfortable, lack lumbar support and are too narrow, with seats like wooden boards. This is a general trend, and certain classes / seats are worse than others. This will tend to...

I have two delay repay return Northern tickets as Barnsley to Slaithwaite very late. It looks like I can choose date, start station and end station. Can only travel on Northern. Can I fill in Huddersfield -> Newcastle on ticket and go Huddersfield-> Bradford Interchange, walk Bradford Forster...