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Post by Admin Team on Mar 18, 2005 10:51:36 GMT
Right - you Underground Know-alls!
I've received the following email with a plea for help. Personally I haven't any idea of where to start on this, so I thought I'd throw it open to suggestions:
'Hi there,
my name is Roger Mason and I'm studying at the Academy of Music Ministry in
Coventry (www.nexustrust.co.uk). The college is a charity which is financed
largely by donations and sponsors. As a student I will be involved in the
college's 'rag week' this May, and as part of a fund-raising effort I have
decided to do a sponsored 'visit every London underground station'.
I am aware of a world record, which I believe currently stands at 19hrs 18m
45s, and thought that if I were to do this I might as well have a go at
breaking it!
I have come unstuck though in which route would be most effective, and was
wondering if you would be able to advise me as to which would be the
fastest?
Many thanks for your help in this matter,
Roger'
I've said I'll get back to the guy asap, so your early response would be welcome..........
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solidbond
Staff Emeritus
'Give me 118 reasons for an Audible Warning on a C Stock'
Posts: 1,215
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Post by solidbond on Mar 18, 2005 11:19:06 GMT
The problem with this, is that, due to the competitive nature of the challenge, and the fact that you could end up with the world record, those who have tried, whether they succeed or not, tend to keep their route secret, to prevent others from using the same route, and possibly beating the record if they get improved connections. This is why it is generally something that is worked out by the individual, and from what I gather, sometimes takes months of planning. For the record you also have to ensure you follow the rules laid down by Guinness. Also, I'm not sure where the record stands at the moment, as it is impossible to do the WHOLE system, until Heathrow T4 re-opens  |
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Post by Dmitri on Mar 18, 2005 12:20:04 GMT
The problem with this, is that, due to the competitive nature of the challenge, and the fact that you could end up with the world record, those who have tried, whether they succeed or not, tend to keep their route secret, to prevent others from using the same route, and possibly beating the record if they get improved connections. I can't say much more than to agree with you  . Thus, I don't think the guy will get anything except very general suggestions like 'start early from Amersham', 'pay special attention to the stations with unfrequent service (Chesham)', 'be aware that some stations close earlier or don't open on Sundays' etc. etc. There was a discussion on TTF about that matter some time ago, too. Some of the relevant threads are: billz1064.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=General&action=display&n=1&thread=1104801819billz1064.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=General&action=display&n=1&thread=1105040679billz1064.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=General&action=display&n=1&thread=1106745086For the record you also have to ensure you follow the rules laid down by Guinness. Also, I'm not sure where the record stands at the moment, as it is impossible to do the WHOLE system, until Heathrow T4 re-opens But, it's better to ask Guinness anyway. To Dave: I hope it isn't against your rules to refer to the another forums here. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2005 12:25:51 GMT
I have met via another forum Geoff Marshall the current record holder for the tube challenge. He has made to date 8 attempts at it, there are several other groups of people doing it and they all keep their routes secret from each other, Geoff told me he done practice runs over sections to gauge the best options, I'm afraid you will have to work out what you think is the best route yourself as none of the others will give their formula away..
I believe the official record has been suspended until the Heathrow extension has opened.
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Post by Admin Team on Mar 18, 2005 22:59:49 GMT
Thanks for the responses one and all, though I'd (perhaps stupidly?) been hoping that we could have come up with a few ideas.
I certainly don't dispute what's been posted - I'm sure you're all spot on!
But - come on - get you tube maps out and see if you can put up some routes! I was hoping this could be a bit of fun!!!
If you want to keep them 'secret' I understand - PM me if you prefer, or I'll let you know the enquirers email address.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2005 2:38:44 GMT
Thanks for the responses one and all, though I'd (perhaps stupidly?) been hoping that we could have come up with a few ideas. I certainly don't dispute what's been posted - I'm sure you're all spot on! But - come on - get you tube maps out and see if you can put up some routes! I was hoping this could be a bit of fun!!! If you want to keep them 'secret' I understand - PM me if you prefer, or I'll let you know the enquirers email address. Ah! I read this post a bit too seriously! I'll certainly be quite happy to see what I can work out with a tube map and some working timetables! |
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Post by Admin Team on Mar 19, 2005 9:28:18 GMT
Well done Alan - that's the spirit!
Looking forward to ideas!
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Post by Hurricane on Mar 19, 2005 19:20:11 GMT
I think Alan should use the following formula.
Start at the point that has the earliest passenger train departure and finish at the point with the latest arrival. In-between would be mapped out from there
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2005 2:28:10 GMT
I think Alan should use the following formula. Start at the point that has the earliest passenger train departure and finish at the point with the latest arrival. In-between would be mapped out from there That's exactly what I'm doing! It's proving quite tricky though! I know the record attempt shown on the ITV series 'The Tube' used buses and a lot of running between certain stations... I don't know any bus routes, or have any bus timetables, so I'm trying to avoid that! May not break any world records, but it's giving my 'little gray cells' (as Hercule Poirot would say) some excercise! |
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Post by Martin H on Mar 20, 2005 22:46:20 GMT
According to Geoff Marshall's own website, while Heathrow T4 is closed, you still need to go there, on the replacement bus service! This might put a dampener on things for the next 18 months. www.geofftech.co.uk/tubechallenge/therules.htm |
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Colin
Advisor
My preserved fire engine!
Posts: 11,310
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Post by Colin on Mar 21, 2005 3:12:01 GMT
How about something more simple like visiting all the stations in Zone one or all those inside the circle line - without using the circle line. I imagine it would be easier for someone to try first time.
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Post by setttt on Apr 4, 2005 16:27:28 GMT
if there's still any interest in this, the episode of 'the tube' featuring the record attempt is on sky travel tomorrow at 5pm
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Post by citysig on Apr 4, 2005 19:28:45 GMT
If I recall, a popular "ending" is to end up at Baker Street and catch the last Amersham. Tight connection yes, but as I have said elsewhere before, I am open to bribery discussion should I happen to be on that shift. (Gotta keep plugging this until I make my fortune, and maybe someday someone else will choose this route and I'll be quids in ) |
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. Thus, I don't think the guy will get anything except very general suggestions like 'start early from Amersham', 'pay special attention to the stations with unfrequent service (Chesham)', 'be aware that some stations close earlier or don't open on Sundays' etc. etc. There was a discussion on TTF about that matter some time ago, too. Some of the relevant threads are:
