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Post by thc on Jun 9, 2013 18:12:11 GMT
How about Croxley View? XF The primary school I attended, over 30 years ago, was on Croxley View. I remember watching the blue Class 501s trundling along back to Watford Junction at the bottom of the school field first thing in the morning - I think the last one went through at just after 9am. THC
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Post by thc on Jun 8, 2013 8:14:00 GMT
I hear you on Watford West, however the station on Ascot Road is well over the boundary into Watford. Cassio Bridge is more accurate historically and geographically than Croxley Green, which is over a mile away - and far nearer Croxley station in any case. Not that the LNWR bothered with such accuracy when they named their branch terminus, of course...
THC
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Post by thc on Jun 7, 2013 13:53:31 GMT
Today's article is on a subject I've been banging on about for a while - the patent unsuitability of 'Ascot Road' as a name for one of the new stations and its replacement by the historic name for the area, 'Cassio Bridge'. I wrote recently to Mayor Thornhill, the relevant cabinet and ward members at Herts CC and the relevant bods at TfL about this. Here's hoping... www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/10470655.Names_in_the_frame_for_new_rail_link_stations/ THC
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Post by thc on Apr 26, 2013 6:17:43 GMT
I'd hope a station around Poyle/Colnbrook industrial/employment area also would be provisioned. Provisioned? Gah. What's wrong with 'provided'? THC
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Post by thc on Nov 27, 2012 15:53:40 GMT
...and breathe! Always remember that "the best is the enemy of the good". The development of the London Overground concession and the Class 378s were always about maximising the potential afforded by limited circumstances; the move to a fifth car for the Class 378s is costed, affordable and entirely consistent with that approach. Why is everything always so overwrought in jrt world? THC
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Post by thc on Oct 14, 2012 17:49:05 GMT
Post Croxley link, I wonder if a major rebuild of Rickmansworth station might end up being worthwhile. That way, you could lengthen the platforms so Chiltern could stop longer trains there, add more platforms so the fast lines could be extended there, and have decent length bay platforms for terminal services. That way, all services from the Watford direction could run to Rickmansworth and either run on to Chesham/Amersham/Aylesbury or terminate, and London-bound services could be concentrated on serving Ricky, making the most of the capacity available on both the mainline and the branch. The operational change you propose is fanciful but the Ricky station rebuild was on the drawing board at least twice. The most recent chance was lost with the scrapping of the early-90s iteration of Crossrail, which promised a rebuild to a 4-track station on the straight line by the car park site. That car park site now of course is home to a Waitrose, further eroding any prospect of a Ricky rebuild. THC
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Post by thc on Sept 30, 2012 12:52:47 GMT
I was very pleased to be able to board 20+ retired Railwaymen at Rickmansworth (one in a wheelchair) and that was by far and away the highlight for me. My father, a former Ricky driver, was one of them. Thank you. :-) We are now planning the 'C' Stock tour, which as most of you will know will definitely be an emotional day for me! When I spoke to my dad afterwards he let slip the little nugget that he was the guard on the very first 'C' stock unit in passenger service, in September 1970. It would be a lovely symmetry to see him on the 'C' stock farewell tour too! THC
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Post by thc on Sept 26, 2012 15:44:34 GMT
I did a return journey from Kings Cross to Amersham (12.20 on) and was staggered at the number of people who were doing the same. A good 150 or so got off the train at Amersham and back on again 20 minutes later. At this rate I expect the last train before depot tonight will be packed.
THC
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Post by thc on Jul 11, 2012 7:54:45 GMT
£60m worth of entertainment? I see it closing in a few years when the novelty value has worn off and Emirates getting a refund on their ten year sponsorship. Don't blame me, I didn't vote for him. And to think the TfL contribution to the Dangleway would have, with the originally-promised DfT funding, paid for GOBLIN electrification *and* left some spare change... Boris's transport "policy" is nothing more than a series of gimmicks. I despair. THC
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Post by thc on Apr 10, 2012 9:38:04 GMT
Paul, the area you refer to is the subject of a masterplan by Westfield (details at www.westfieldlondondevelopment.co.uk/ ), which is in the process of applying for planning permission from Hammersmith & Fulham Council. Unfortunately, therefore, the vision you outline will have to be filed under "pipe-dream"... THC
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Post by thc on Dec 15, 2011 23:59:48 GMT
I've been following this project for years and have all the literature I can find on the Met in Watford and today is the first time I've ever come across any suggestion that the Met was considering extending beyond its town centre site at 44 High Street (Jamie Thompson on u.t.l beat you to the same idea by a whole afternoon). Care to substantiate or provide a source? THC Here it is - details on Page 18 www.croxleyraillink.com/media/30034/croxley%20rail%20link%20alternatives%20review%20report.pdfXF I'm still quite sceptical, although not of yours and mrjrt's sourcing now having seen that link. Thank you for taking the time to reply (and to mrjrt and mikebuzz for your contributions to the debate on a pet subject of mine). My scepticism is borne of having read much of the source literature and having all the books cited, including the excellent 'West of Watford' by Goudie and Stuckey, and never before seeing mention of Metropolitan aspirations beyond 'Watford Central' (and I know my Met aspirations - Moreton Pinkney or Worcester anyone?) I grew up a stone's throw from these lines, in the ex-LT cottages next to the Grand Union Canal just above Cassio Bridge Lock, so I've followed the development of this scheme since reading about it in the Croxley Resident in late 1978 (I was aged 7 and really excited that it was going to happen at last!) and done my own research over that time. Indeed, I worked for SDG (the report authors) for a number of years when I was in my teens/early 20s and, while I wouldn't ever besmirch their excellent and well-deserved professional reputation, I'd like to see the source of their claim for myself. I'm a doubting Thomas, after all. :-) Maybe I'll drop them a line and ask. THC
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Post by thc on Dec 15, 2011 0:01:55 GMT
Tunneling from the Met Station to Watford Junction was an option which was considered in the past, however the costs were prohibitive and the Croxley Link solution is seen as being far more beneficial to wider area around Watford XF I've been following this project for years and have all the literature I can find on the Met in Watford and today is the first time I've ever come across any suggestion that the Met was considering extending beyond its town centre site at 44 High Street (Jamie Thompson on u.t.l beat you to the same idea by a whole afternoon). Care to substantiate or provide a source? THC
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Post by thc on Dec 14, 2011 8:11:08 GMT
A fantastic day. I've been talking this scheme up for years to anyone that would listen, including on here. Finally it looks as if we'll see it built. Oh yes. :-)
THC
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Post by thc on Oct 24, 2011 9:56:15 GMT
Oh Mr Bengley, I long for the day I can offer you my seat, and can witness what we actually do. With respect, MetControl, I think it's Peter Hendy that should be looking over his shoulder... ;D THC
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Post by thc on Aug 12, 2011 10:36:31 GMT
The public consultation for the Croxley Rail Link scheme ends on 18 August. If you would like to lend your support (or indeed register your opposition) to the scheme then please follow the link and complete the survey. www.croxleyraillink.com/latest-news/croxley-rail-link-consultation-period-ends-18th-august.aspxHCC and the other scheme partners will submit the 'Best and Final Funding Bid' in September 2011 as part of the next stage in the funding process. Maybe this link is finally on the way to being built... THC
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Post by thc on Jul 15, 2011 9:14:08 GMT
I agree that it is an idea worthy of further consideration, if not for the Harrogate line then for others. I was mildly amused to note the idea being roundly poo-poohed by the cognoscenti of the uk.railway newsgroup, who clearly know best about these things.
THC
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Post by thc on Jun 26, 2011 20:46:27 GMT
See my avatar for an example.
THC
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Post by thc on Jun 12, 2011 17:52:53 GMT
Fantastic! I've never done the Chesham line so here is the perfect excuse! Thanks for the info. Unfortunately you won't have seen the best bits - the view across the Chess valley on the way into Chesham are a joy to behold on a sunny day. Which today patently wasn't. THC
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Post by thc on Jun 11, 2011 5:37:28 GMT
Are we likely to see any 'S' stock in service at Amersham in the near future?
THC
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Post by thc on Jun 1, 2011 19:56:46 GMT
Funnily enough I walked the approximate route of the A&B last week as part of a walk from Wendover to Buckingham. If I'd have known the rail replacement service was due I'd have waited a few days! :-)
THC
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Post by thc on Jun 1, 2011 5:30:38 GMT
Anyone going along to the consultation exhibition today? If so, maybe see you there...
THC
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Post by thc on Mar 18, 2011 5:34:22 GMT
I never knew Dave but his reach is clear. So many nice words about an obvious good guy. My condolences to all that knew him.
Tom
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Post by thc on Feb 5, 2011 20:10:20 GMT
I saw 21003 yesterday and 21005* on Thursday (both on 451) That's a cracking shot of yours at Northwood featured in the new issue of Rail, Julian. Well done. ;D THC
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Post by thc on Dec 29, 2010 19:48:46 GMT
Could Essex decide to withdraw funding then and force the Central line stations outside of Zone 6? In theory, yes, but without seeing the agreement with TfL or the subsidy profile it is not possible to say on what terms any changes could be made. There is nothing on Essex CC's website nor on TfL's regarding subsidy for the Central line but if you were to make an enquiry under the Freedom of Information Act to Essex (as the procuring authority) to obtain further details, they may release a copy of the agreement or, more likely, a summary to you. THC
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Post by thc on Dec 29, 2010 18:08:59 GMT
Absolutely no chance. Given that the largest cuts to local authority funding in a generation are about to take place in England over the next four years, anyone seeking extra subsidy for rail services outside London or the PTE areas will be disappointed. Essex seem fine with it though so why not Hertfordshire or Buckinghamshire? Essex County Council has a history of providing discretionary subsidy for LT/TfL rail services that Hertfordshire CC and Buckinghamshire CC do not and it is this discretion to do so that answers your question. In the current financial climate, local authorities will scale back discretionary services and funding to concentrate on statutory duties. The scale of the funding cuts to local authorities is unprecedented - an average of 27% over four years - and so it is wishful thinking to imagine that either HCC or BCC will choose to spend any spare funds subsidising fares or enhancing marginal services on an already well-used and well-served transport corridor. THC
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Post by thc on Dec 29, 2010 16:22:16 GMT
However I have to feel the residents North of Moor Park should focus their attentions upon their local authority councils and whether they should be providing a subsidy to the operation of the Met Line services, which I rather doubt are commercially viable upon fare revenue alone without the present TfL subsidy levy collected from the residents of councils of the London Boroughs. Absolutely no chance. Given that the largest cuts to local authority funding in a generation are about to take place in England over the next four years, anyone seeking extra subsidy for rail services outside London or the PTE areas will be disappointed. THC
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Post by thc on Dec 26, 2010 19:10:55 GMT
It also coincides with TfL's rubbishy rebranding of the oyster card. TfL's copyright lawyers tend to be very hot on unauthorised uses of the roundel, even for mash-ups, and it is not advisable to cross swords with them. Friendly advice; be careful as some of the things you appear to be doing, from this thread and others, may attract you unwanted (official) attention. THC
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Post by thc on Dec 24, 2010 16:55:21 GMT
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Post by thc on Dec 24, 2010 11:19:31 GMT
As I understand it, the supplier of the footbridge went out of business during its installation, which explains why it has some temporary coverings and a general feel of being incomplete. It has been like that though for over twelve months so quite why the project team has not sourced a replacement supplier is beyond me.
THC
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Post by thc on Dec 22, 2010 15:31:42 GMT
Generalising of any sort is pointless as there are pockets of any classification you care to come up with to be found everywhere. I dare say that commuters too, from whichever station, are an egalitarian lot. That's why labels like "toffs" and "snobs" are unhelpful; they appear borne of envy and smack of a divisive "us" and "them" mentality. When it comes to using the Metropolitan line, or Chiltern Railways for that matter, we are all one class. THC
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