2023 RailUK fora positive learnings

[railfan99]

Soon it will be Advent, and then Christmas, so minds may be on other things.

In a positive sense, what have you learnt or experienced through RailUK Fora in calendar 2023?

For me, it was how many fora members were helpful when I was planning an itinerary.

This was of immense help for my Global Eurailpass days, as I intensively travelled on c. six new heritage railways plus many branch lines and the occasional new main line. (As you say, 'track basher').

One, paul1609, even took much of his Sunday to guide me around the excellent Kent and East Sussex Railway, including the site of its yet to be opened main line connection. (Thank you!)

No negativity allowed.

 

[nw1]

Thanks to various forum members (you know who you are!) I have learnt a good deal about 1970s timetables on the SWML out of Waterloo.

Thanks to many of the same people (again you know who you are!) I've also been reminded of service patterns in the peak on the SWML in the late 80s and early 90s, and XC services in the mid-80s (having forgotten many of the details).

A great trip down memory lane to a time when the railway was (IMO) so much better - and in the case of the 1970s, some interesting new information.

So many thanks to all of you who answered my queries!

I also found @TT-ONR-NRN's Australia trip reports very interesting, providing great insight not only into NSW's railways, but also NSW's scenery.

 

[BrandanM]

Where do I start?!

I knew next to nothing about the railway prior to joining RailUK. There's some incredibly knowledgeable and helpful forum members.

I've learned a great deal about fares, routeing and ticketing terms and conditions in particular.

 

[507021]

Meeting @Cowley and @djpontrack is a highlight for me, two absolute gents who were both there for me at really difficult times of my life. I will always be very grateful to them both. While @prod_pep and I met elsewhere, he deserves a mention as it was him who helped me become more interested in UK railways, and rekindle my passion for the 507s and 508s we both grew up with. We're now both involved in the attempt to preserve 507001, a cause we're both very passionate about.

 

[The_Train]

The lengths lots of people go to keep us all updated of progression with fleets, both new and old. Whilst we do sometimes after filter through the "wibble", most of the info is a massive help for me to be able to keep my website updated, particularly when it comes to units as I have no access to inside systems so rely heavily on people providing the gen on places like this! So thanks to everyone for this

 

[GRALISTAIR]

The people who provide quality electrification updates. Love them