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On my recent visit to the Isle of Wight, a large island just off the British mainland, I saw what was said to be the last hovercraft operating a passenger service anywhere in the world. I was quite surprised by this information, as at one time they were seen as a modern mode of travel, here in...

I awoke about 6 weeks ago with double vision, and after a hospital visit and MRI scan, I was diagnosed with having suffered a minor stroke, or TIA as it is known. Vision all good now, efforts underway to reduce cholesterol, etc.. Long story short, all okay but instructed not to fly anywhere for...

Okay, well I guess something is "unique" or it isn't, so maybe "most unique" is wrong, I will go for unique, as only two of these were built, plus one prototype. Hmm, now as there were two built, maybe I should settle on "unique train service". ;) :D The Stourbridge Town branch line is the...

The trains, which are former London Underground units, will undertake real-world trials and will charge for just 3 and a half minutes before restarting its journey on the Greenford branch line: Battery trains test...

Crumlin Viaduct in Wales was a wonder of the industrial age and a remarkable feat of Victorian engineering. Came across this interesting item: Crumlin Viaduct...

Seeking winter sunshine again, found me back in Portimão for 3 weeks in December 2023. I wanted to visit Lisbon for a few days too, so these are a few photos from that trip. I took the local train from Portimão to Faro the day before, and spent the night in Faro. Early start the next morning...

No, not Nigeria, it's just Portugal! Having forgone my visit to America a few months ago due to catching Covid, I have since treated myself to a fortnight in Turkey, and now just back from a very enjoyable sunny and warm two weeks in southern Portugal. Staying in Portimão, Algarve area, I took a...

Many of the UK nationalised industries had their own film units, to make public information films, or films for staff training purposes. This "Pain Train" film is a training one, trying to show staff how seconds lost through inattention or silly errors will soon mount up. (Also quite...

At least 26 people have been killed and more are feared missing after a railway bridge under construction collapsed in north-eastern India, officials said. India bridge collapse: At least 26 killed at construction site

Shimla, August 14 The Unesco world heritage Shimla-Kalka railway line was damaged near Summer Hill here after a landslide swept away a 50-metre bridge, leaving a portion of the track hanging in the air, officials said on Monday. Youtube short video.

Please see part 1 here: Marigold Hotel trip part one. I had reserved a hotel near the New Delhi train station, they were used to foreign tourists so the bank transfer issues did not arise here. A bit of a kerfuffle next with onward train tickets. I had asked the same online chap to obtain a...

Searching for my “Marigold Hotel”. November 2022. I guess, like so many people, the virus lockdowns knocked me for six. I find I have a lot of “brain fog” these days, partly from lockdowns, but also it seems that I am starting on the slippery slope to age related declining mental ability. I...

I am seeing cheap fares on Saudi Airlines. Anyone flown on them, any horror stories? (Except lack of alcohol!) ;)

Hi Folks, I am visiting the USA this September, and for the first time ever, I am thinking of incorporating some flights, rather than Amtrak rides only. Is there anything to know, or to choose between the budget airlines? I am seeing options such as Spirit, Allegiance, Alaska, etc. One...

Post Covid, my previous use of Hostel type budget accommodation seems less wise. I am planning another jaunt stateside this autumn, and wondering if folk can recommend a cheap (Motel 6, etc) hotel in walking distance to a blue line CTA station? I won't have a US cellphone, so Uber, etc, won't be...

The SW Chief runs between L.A. and Chicago in 2022 just two hours faster than the 1905 trains: Scott Special, also known as the Coyote Special, the Death Valley Coyote or the ]Death Valley Scotty Special, was a one-time, record-breaking passenger train operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa...

Aged 70 now, I am thinking of a last visit stateside in September this year, with a view to finishing my visit at the San Diego gathering in early October. I would like to buy a 10 segment, 30 day coach seat pass for the visit, and am looking for tips or advice on how to get the most train time...

ITALIAN state operator Trenitalia has launched a tender to acquire new rolling stock for Intercity Night services to Sicily. Trenitalia seeks new night train fleet

The test begins: as part of the 175th anniversary celebrations of Swiss railways, Rhaetian Railway (RhB) is making an official attempt to operate the longest passenger train in the world on Saturday, 29 October 2022. The 1910-metre-long train with 100 coaches will travel along the Albula/Bernina...

On a UK railfans website there is discussion about a potential USA rail strike of freight operations around 90 days from now. Given that Amtrak runs over freight lines, outside of the NEC, is there potential for Amtrak disruption too? I am thinking signal workers, track maintenance, etc?