At Ground Engineering Magazine today, discussing lack of good quality asset knowledge/record drawings means renewals are much more complex than needed. Looking at Crossrail & knowing how good their records are in comparison - some people have it easy (except for on-network part)

Testing team is in Taff's Well Depot today. It looks good - I can't wait to visit once it is finished. Nothing beats a new, clean depot.

Today's spot - in my top 10 googly eyes stuck on a poster. Almost makes Frida look like a zombie.

Utter bollocks from the TaxPayers' Alliance - Network Rail is responsible for most delays, so we should not have any form of joined up railway. Demented, economic fundamentalists - as usual
telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/04/2…

Part of the area up for renewal - can't come soon enough. Tight renewal and maintenance budgets have real-world implications.

Southend just got another new ride 👀. We’ll see folks Saturday!

Yesterday was a little different - the BBC's #WorldServicePresents with David Lammy - how Britain should invest in its soft power and move away from populist politics.

We’re investigating exactly what happened, but it appears that a car struck part the level crossing, breaking part of the barrier, and some of the debris on the track struck the train’s electrical pick-up equipment. This meant train had lost power and couldn’t move forward (2/3)

OLE bridge clearance Uzbek style.
Noel Dolphin Garry Keenor (He/Him)

Labour's plan for an integrated and publicly owned rail body has been endorsed by Keith Williams.

- A huge embarrassment for the government as the author of their five-year rail review backs the opposition: railwaygazette.com/uk/williams-re…

Thought for the day:
'For those outside looking in, the railway industry is impossible to understand. For those inside looking out, it is impossible to explain'.
Modern Railways Editorial 2018.

Given it is being discussed rather a lot, here's what the current and future railway organisational structure for the GB rail system should look like (useful context will come from watching this #Railnatter podcast: youtube.com/watch?v=OBx3iT…)...

Elec trains to Morecambe's new Eden project. I'd vote for that - hence DfT have already ruled out supporting projects like it. DfT are supporting local projects, decided locally - as long as they entirely align with DfT decisions.
lep.co.uk/news/transport…

If you only read media/social media you'd think the world is divided into those who'd ban all cars & those who'd scrap all public & active transport. Most people are sensible & want more transport options. Hence only 13% trust the Gov with transport.
ippr.org/media-office/s…

Fixing the rot on Great Western infrastructure is complex & difficult. However, NR taking 18months to stop it getting worse - is going to be painful.
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questi…

Louise Haigh Third option:

Immensely proud of the team & to have played a part in this - I was responsible for the site setup & piled foundations, as well as the tower crane installation & lifting, & assisted with the first few pilecaps. #HS2 #civilengineering #construction

youtu.be/AXWmcvLTONw?si…

So when are we unveiling the next plaque then? #electrifyAllTheThings

To have less parking issues and noise - we need to build houses miles from the station and make everyone drive there. 🤪
coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-…

I feel like 🇮🇳 does not get enough credit for this.

The scale of Indian rail electrification is incredible!