Over The Top Overground News?
As usual wth on-line news snippets, this is NOT an article about another expansion of Mr Khan's London Transport empire.
The reporter has picked up the undeniable fact that, assuming the expansion of Heathrow Airport goes ahead, it will need more and better train services.
Such trains would, by definition, travel into Surrey and Berkshire. You may wish to enlarge the extract below.
fbb could not copy and paste for some obscure technology (or personal incompetence) reason.
Yet another non news item appears on line.
Proposals for a link from the Southern region lines ...
... and a link from the west, off the Great Western main line ...
... have been around for years. But more will be needed for the third runway and its associated terminal, probably a big flashy new Terminal 1 as we don't have one of them any more.
What You Need Is More Drivers
Looking at on-line pictures of steam locomotives, you can rarely spot the driver and fireman. If the train is travelling at speed, the fireman will be manning the fire and the driver will be looking forwards to see the signals.
When the loco is static in the yard, the lads may well be off for a wad and a mugga!
Here are a few shots with staff in place as here, awaiting the next move for Stepney ...
... and here in the cab of a Schools class ...
... but at rest. These, however, are more active ...
... doing some clever shunting stuff! But mostly, in photographs, you simply do not spot the driver and fireman. They are far too busy for a photo call.
Then what do you do with your mide8l footplate crew when the loco is having a nap in the engine shed. Do we need a god-like hand and huge over-scale tweezers to remove "the lads" or do they remain glued to the floor for ever?
Oxford Rail are asking £12.50 ...
... for the two exquisitely painted OO scale staff.
Heidi In A Hurry?
Why isn't it up and running. The stations are finished. The signalling is finished. The track has been finished for years!
Dodgy Dotto Decision?
Holiday makers visiting the Isle of Wight in relatively recent times will remember Dotto trains. These italian imports ran in Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin.
fbb was familiar with the Ryde Dotto as it ran from Ryde sea front along the coast to a terminus in Appley Park.
Various liveries appeared under Council management ...
Now comes news of a return for the Dotto - sort of.
If the "application process" does not open until September", we will not be seeing the train this season.
And there's more.
And for the Dotto Train spotters amongst our loyal readers, here is the Shankln version ...
... and similar in Sandown.
There's A Surprise!
And Good News For Some?
Closed Pecorama
Will Be Open ...
... on four glorious summer days.
On Gala Days, multiple trains are run, sometimes with guest locomotives but with many of the home fleet in steam.
Although the site is not fully open this year, it looks as if someone will be looking after the gardens.
The views are superb from the railway ...
... and the days will be well worth the money.
Tomorrow we look at rye.
Or maybe Rye?
Next Marshlink blog : Monday 22nd June
