Switzerland opens Gotthard Tunnel
If you like scenic rail trips through the Alps then the recent opening of Switzerland’s Gotthard base tunnel will not be welcome. If your business depends on freight links between…
Signalling obstacles in the path of NR’s Digital Railway
Railways and technology go hand-in-hand. Switching from saturated to superheated boilers improved the efficiency of steam locomotives. Introducing electro-mechanical Automatic Warning System (AWS) improved safety. Tilting trains have allowed speeds…
First among equals, but the East Coast disputes continue
ORR’s decision to grant rights to run more open access trains on the East Coast Main Line will be causing angst in York and London. York because it’s the home…
RAIL 800: No winners unless GTR and unions reach a settlement
Strikes are a battle of wills. Each side has its determination tested. That’s been clear with the government’s argument with doctors. It’s clear in the argument between Govia Thameslink Railway…
Thameslink upgrade edges towards end
There were many Network Rail and contractor staff at work over the August Bank Holiday weekend in London. They were busy with the latest phase of NR’s massive Thameslink upgrade…
Save Gresley’s Duck
What a shame The Gresley Society has ditched the duck from a proposed statue of the great locomotive designer that is planned for King’s Cross. Not only was it Sir…
Rising costs plunge Network Rail into crisis
Network Rail is running out of money. It can’t afford its enhancement programme because costs have increased beyond initial estimates. No longer can it borrow private money and public money…
A journey along the Western
Well, who knew? First Great Western has a Writer-on-the-Train. He’s James Attlee and his book chronicling his journeys from Paddington was published in mid-May, entitled Station to Station. Having already…
Will we ever see Eurostar’s Channel Tunnel monopoly end?
I wonder it we will ever see an alternative to Eurostar providing all passenger rail services through the Channel Tunnel? I had great hopes that DB might provide some competition…
The enduring delight of nostalgia
Nostalgia, says the old joke, is not what it used to be. When applied to rail, the concept is as old as rail itself. Doubtless there was a time when…