National Rail chat thread: Complaining about extortionate fares edition - General

[img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1164025/threads/nationalrail/fpbr.png[/img] A trolley service of drinks and light refreshments is available in this thread. [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_395]:siren:[b]Class 395 Appreciation Station[/b]:siren:[/url] [b][highlight]What this thread should be used for[/highlight][/b] Discussion pertaining to anything rail related in the United Kingdom (we don't really want to know about how awesome france's TGV network is). All TOC's are welcome (including London Under/Overground). If you need help using the network (cheap fares, ticket types, route etc), just ask! [b][highlight]Frequently Asked Questions[/highlight][/b] [b]I'm american / german / swedish, what the fuck is National Rail?[/b] [quote=Wikipedia]National Rail is a title used by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) as a generic term to define the passenger rail services operated in Great Britain (before the adoption of the term National Rail, "Great Britain Passenger Railway" was used). ATOC is an unincorporated association whose membership consists of the passenger train companies of Great Britain which now run the passenger services previously provided by the British Railways Board (from 1965 the Board used the title British Rail). National Rail generally does not include services that do not have a BR background; this distinction is important because National Rail services share a ticketing structure and inter-availability that do not necessarily extend to other services. The National Rail logo was introduced by ATOC in 1999, and was used on the Great Britain public timetable for the first time in the edition valid from 26 September in that year. Rules for its use are set out in the Corporate Identity Style Guidelines published by ATOC, and available on its website.[1] The current edition is dated 2006, but there has been at least one previous version, dated 2000. The NR title is sometimes described as a "brand" but this, according to ATOC, is incorrect. The 2000 guidelines said: 'It has not been designed as a brand or identity, but to explain to rail travellers that there is a National Rail network and material carrying this descriptor covers all passenger Train Companies.'[/quote] [b]Can I see a route map?[/b] Sure you can (click for a zoomable PDF): [url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/maps/nationalrailoperatorsmap.pdf][img]http://ahb.me/23F8[/img][/url] [b]What about a list of operating companies (TOC's)?[/b] NB: This list does not include defunct operators (such as Island Line Trains, who are now a subsidary of South West Trains) [quote=Wikipedia]As of 2011, there are a number of train operating companies, which are listed below. Arriva Trains Wales c2c Chiltern Railways CrossCountry ([b]NO LONGER A DIVISION OF VIRGIN[/b]) East Coast East Midlands Trains First Capital Connect First Great Western First ScotRail First TransPennine Express Gatwick Express Grand Central ("open access" operator) Heathrow Express ("open access" operator) Hull Trains ("open access" operator) London Midland London Overground Merseyrail National Express East Anglia Northern Rail Southern Southeastern South West Trains Virgin Trains[/quote] [b]You guys are just sad trainspotters in anoraks.[/b] Not true: [quote=Wikipedia]Those who are "trainspotters" make an effort to 'spot' all of a certain type of rolling stock. This might be a particular class of locomotive, a particular type of carriage or all the rolling stock of a particular company. To this end, they collect and exchange detailed information about the movements of locomotives and other equipment on the railway network, and become very knowledgeable about its operations.[/quote] [b][highlight]Stuff wot is going on like (including engineering works)[/highlight][/b] PM me and I'll add it to here. Formatted as follows: AREA (TOCCODE): DETAILS Brockenhurst - Lymington Heritage Line (SWT): All the old slam-doors have been withdrawn due to safety concerns, and replaced with the oh-dear-god-this-is-so-incredibly-loud-on-revup Class 158, even though the line is electrified. Weekends now operate Class 450 Desiro's. London (TFL): Extensive engineering works right across London, mainly at weekends. [url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/livetravelnews/realtime/track.aspx?offset=weekend]Check before you travel, ya donkey.[/url] [b][highlight]FP Media (photos wot we has taken innit)[/highlight][/b] [img_thumb]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1164025/threads/nationalrail/ld_javelin.jpg[/img_thumb] Class 395 "Javelin" at St Pancras station, taken from inside another 395 - leach139 [b][highlight]FP Guides[/highlight][/b] [quote=leach139] [b]National Rail travel in London using standard zone faring[/b] Fairly common knowledge, but might be worth confirming for you guys: [b]if you're using Oyster PAYG or a PAPER travelcard, you can travel on 99% of national rail services WITHIN THE ZONES.[/b] There's a London Connections map [url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/maps/London_Connections.pdf]here[/url]. Tips: Services this isn't good on - SouthEastern High-Speed St Pancras <> Stratford, you'll need a standard ticket - Gatwick Express (in its entirety) Heathrow Express (in its entirety), and Heathrow Connect (between Hayes & Harlington & Heathrow), these use private tickets. If you're coming into london by train, buy a ticket to the first station call within the zones (can be cheaper than going to a terminal), get off, and either find an Oyster Reader (the yellow pads on the platform) or leave the station using your ticket then reenter using your London transport system (be it paper or oyster). Do the opposite when leaving, but remember one golden rule with oyster: [b]DO NOT TAP OUT ON THE PLATFORM UNLESS YOU'RE NOT LEAVING THE STATION, AND ARE CONNECTING WITH A TRAIN TO LEAVE LONDON.[/b] If you tap out on-platform then tap again when you go through the gates, the system will think you're entering the system when you tap out (it can't tell the difference) and you'll get maximum fared as a result. This also applies if you tap out on platform if you're going tube -> tube, your oyster won't be valid and a ticket inspector will rape you in the anus. The only exception to this rule is if the oyster reader is purple - these are dotted around at certain intersections, for the love of god tap this, it verifies your route so you won't get overcharged. [b]Be aware though, these do not tap you in or out of the system, if you're leaving london you'll still need a yellow reader.[/b] I think that's it. [/quote] [b][highlight]Handy links[/highlight][/b] [url=http://www.southernrailway.com/]Southern[/url] - You should be buying your mainline rail travel from these guys - not only is their mixing board a breeze to use, they have a money-back guarantee if you don't pick your tickets up. Supports most TOC's. [url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/ldb/?livedepartures.asp]National Rail Departure Boards[/url] - Handy for checking departures and delays from your local station before you get down there and realize everything is delayed 2 hours. Accurate to within 5-10 minutes. There is a better alternative (accurate to the minute), but it shall not be named here for varying reasons. [url=http://www.atoc.org/about-atoc/rail-settlement-plan/routeing-guide]ATOC Routeing Guide[/url] - If you need to verify that the route you're about to take is valid or not, use this. [b]READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST.[/b] Don't use if you aren't a member of MENSA. [b]One last thing:[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUo1Ghx3QyI[/media]

I like the idea of a train thread, not just UK only. I want to talk about the spaceships we use over here in Norway. (NSB Bm 72, NSB Bm 73 & NSB Bm 74) [editline]8th March 2011[/editline] Bragging is cool.

[QUOTE=Spetzaz;28494409]I like the idea of a train thread, not just UK only. I want to talk about the spaceships we use over here in Norway. (NSB Bm 72, NSB Bm 73 & NSB Bm 74) [editline]8th March 2011[/editline] Bragging is cool.[/QUOTE] [img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1164025/threads/nationalrail/swedish.png[/img] I'm going to hell for that

[QUOTE=leach139;28494456][img_thumb]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1164025/threads/nationalrail/swedish.png[/img_thumb] I'm going to hell for that[/QUOTE] Not as cool as snakeeyes; [img_thumb]http://www.vagonweb.cz/fotogalerie/foto/201003/IMGP8239.jpg[/img_thumb] or the speeding bullet; [img_thumb]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5436487392_ac2602d50c_z.jpg[/img_thumb] And also the sounds [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSGKelWwtSQ&feature=related[/media] Iiio, iiiio, iiio, iio, io, io, io, ioooooo. :h:

[QUOTE=Spetzaz;28494550]Not as cool as snakeeyes; [img_thumb]http://www.vagonweb.cz/fotogalerie/foto/201003/IMGP8239.jpg[/img_thumb] or the speeding bullet; [img_thumb]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5436487392_ac2602d50c_z.jpg[/img_thumb] And also the sounds [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSGKelWwtSQ&feature=related[/media] Iiio, iiiio, iiio, iio, io, io, io, ioooooo. :h:[/QUOTE] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe20wmtN-x0[/media] Why do I get a feeling this thread's going to devolve into country-versus-country

That is a really sexy sound though, I've gotta hand it to them. [editline]8th March 2011[/editline] I like the Bm73s sound as well, it sounds like death itself is nearing in, but then you survive and you have a whole new outlook on life. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HfrxXTjXGo&feature=related[/media] Doesn't sound like Star Trek though, the Eurostar wins that one.

I like the shiny one

I very rarely catch the trains (normally just get a coach it's cheaper), but whenever I have, I've had to end up standing up.

I take the Bm 72 to and from school and work every day, and I generally get the whole train for myself. Sometimes there are like 3-4 people in them, but I've never experienced then full on that stretch of rail.

[QUOTE=Spetzaz;28496010]I take the Bm 72 to and from school and work every day, and I generally get the whole train for myself. Sometimes there are like 3-4 people in them, but I've never experienced then full on that stretch of rail.[/QUOTE] I normally take a 221 CrossCountry Voyager to college every day, although it's sometimes a 450 Desiro. Empty 99% of the time :smug:

The 221 CrossCountry Voyager is really nice tho.

Tip of the day before I forget: Class 377 "Electrostar": Annoyed by the incredibly uncomfortable seats in standard class that feel like they've strapped some bricks to a thin layer of fabric? Try moving to the standard class sections of the outer carriages (IE for 4-coach setups <-->, move to an arrow) - these seats are designed for long-distance (they even have luggage racks) - your back will thank you. Obviously though, [b]don't move past the glass door[/b] because the guard will most likely fuck your shit up by penalty faring you for sitting in first class. Also, outer carriages normally have less people in, so if you're stuck standing try moving to an end carriage.

How is this not in this thread already? [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYVJSOFZxDE[/media] In the South West the trains are always late, and there isn't enough leg room! :argh:

Here's some media: [img_thumb]http://f.anyhub.net/246x[/img_thumb] [editline]9th March 2011[/editline] Took it myself /proud

Arriva trains are ugly as fuck

[QUOTE=Tangara;28505444]Here's some media: [img_thumb]http://f.anyhub.net/246x[/img_thumb] [editline]9th March 2011[/editline] Took it myself /proud[/QUOTE] Shame that's an australian signal gantry, you nearly had me

[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3543855389_4484417ee6.jpg[/img] Picture from Blackburn train station (my city/town), this is what we have...what an eyesore :sigh:

Your railway map is so organized.

[QUOTE=ruarai;28833769][img_thumb]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Metro_Trains_Melbourne_Comeng.jpg[/img_thumb] shitty trains we have[/QUOTE] Leave our Comeng trains alone! But if you're going to compare Melbourne's trains to the National Rail, you're better off looking at our long distance rail.

anyone saw that program about train journeys from hell?

Class 185 all the way. To Manchester. [editline]5th April 2011[/editline] [QUOTE=Cypher_09;28731812][img_thumb]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3543855389_4484417ee6.jpg[/img_thumb] Picture from Blackburn train station (my city/town), this is what we have...what an eyesore :sigh:[/QUOTE] Hahaha, a 142! We occasionally get that one stopping at Barrow as a service from Hazel Grove or something like that. It's terrible. I can't believe Northern still use rolling stock from the early 80s.