Working on a train

[GodAtum]

I was thinking I could work on the train for a whole day as long as I had internet access. It would have to be a comfortable 1st class seat so probably an HST. My route could be the 1006 Paddington - Penzance arriving at 1511. Returning to Paddington on the 1600. Be a nice way to work rather then being stuck in an office! Anyone tried anything similar?

 

[CC 72100]

I was thinking I could work on the train for a whole day as long as I had internet access. It would have to be a comfortable 1st class seat so probably an HST. My route could be the 1006 Paddington - Penzance arriving at 1511. Returning to Paddington on the 1600. Be a nice way to work rather then being stuck in an office! Anyone tried anything similar?

Can't comment for actual 'work', but I swear that doing a HST to Newquay and back (staying on the set in Newquay after chatting with the TM) was certainly productive for getting essays done. I think the lack of internet access made that easier, as mobile internet signals were very hit and miss on the branch.

Made doing practice essays for an exam in the week a lot easier, so you never know!

 

[twoag]

If your using 3G for internet access you may struggle if you need to be permanatly connected (bit of emailing should be fine). Signal will vary, drop out, switch to 2G Gprs speeds especially in the more hilly parts.

 

[ANorthernGuard]

I work on a train all day, however I am not allowed internet access (during anything Safety Critical, no surprise there obviously) and the 2nd mans seat tends to be rather uncomfortable, so comfort may not be great but I wouldn't swap it.

 

[ainsworth74]

For a semester at Uni I had a seminar on a Monday afternoon, when I was travelling back to Uni on the Monday morning I would normally spend the time doing my preparatory reading/note taking. I have to say my preparation for those seminars when I was doing it on the train was always very good and I quite enjoyed working on the train. I did consider doing a trip specifically to do work but never had the money.

 

[user15681]

I like the idea, but wouldn't it cost a lot?

 

[LE Greys]

For a semester at Uni I had a seminar on a Monday afternoon, when I was travelling back to Uni on the Monday morning I would normally spend the time doing my preparatory reading/note taking. I have to say my preparation for those seminars when I was doing it on the train was always very good and I quite enjoyed working on the train. I did consider doing a trip specifically to do work but never had the money.

I've done something similar, and written quite a few essays whilst on trains (yet another reason for always travelling in the quiet coach) as well as writing many chapters of books, some of which have been scribbled on the inside of bags originating from the buffet car. It's also useful to be able to write up notes if you go to somewhere for research. Apart from occasional handwriting problems (mainly involving the Northallerton points) I tend to find it a very comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Working in cars or buses can give me motion-sickness, but that's never been an issue on trains.

So far, I've never missed a station because of writing, but come close on a few occasions.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Often - a midday run to say Bristol and back (or Cardiff) gives you a good working slot with good at seat service and peace and quiet - try not to look out of the window too much ! Some very good 1st off peak fares available.

 

[DarloRich]

Often - a midday run to say Bristol and back (or Cardiff) gives you a good working slot with good at seat service and peace and quiet - try not to look out of the window too much ! Some very good 1st off peak fares available.

I am a regular train worker and find my mobile office most comfortable but then i do use EC/GC up and down the ECML so am a bit spoiled. You do get some odd looks breaking out the old lap top on a stupid o'clock service mind!

I find it OK to work on a lightly loaded XC hst but very hard on a Voyager. I have similar issues with Virgin but can work on a Pendo at a push.

 

[W-on-Sea]

Happy to work (for an hour or two, anyway) with my laptop on a FGW HST, 2nd Standard Class - best place I've found being the table seat at the "west" end of Carriage C.

If you're doing wifi with a dongle, it needn't cost a lot, if you get an all-in package. T-mobile do quite a decent rate of I think £30 for three months. Only catch is that once you've used your "monthly fair allowance" access to videos or other streaming services is severely restricted, but everything else works as it should.

 

[Shimbleshanks]

I bought an HP mini computer a few years ago precisely so I could write up notes etc on the move. I like to think that, provided I can get a seat, I can work on anything. I even wrote up 500-odd words on a Pacer coming back from Hull to London the other day.
That said, a 'proper' table beats those airline-style fold-up jobs hands down.

At a pinch I can work on coaches though only on motorways and decent trunks roads.

Time is too valuable a commodity to waste staring out of the window...