network
Another famouse heritage object on the national network.
Where is it? Have you been over it on a train? Have you walked under it on a day's exploration?
How much do you know about Britain's rail network? Or the places it serves (which is why it was built)?
If you want to work or volunteer in rail, it will pay you to know a lot about the network. Call it "route knowledge" if you like.
If you waste a train journey with your eyes glued to an iPad, chances are you'll be rubbish at this quiz.
Interesting, isn't it, that heritage carriages have seats that match the windows whilst today's trains have views blocked by pillars!
Check out community rail partnerships (AKA Scenic Rail Britain) where you will find those parts of the national network that heritage rail would give their eye tooth for. You should aim to travel at least once on each of these lines
The Tyne Valley Line Driver's eye view PREVIEW
Even better than a decent window seat are the Driver's Eye Views produced by Video 125. They are really are hard to beat for route learning any line you need or want to know about. Full of information as well as what it says on the tin. I used the Tyne Valley one myself when I needed to know.
And of course, you'll need a ticket! The Edmondson card ticket was an ingenious invention in its day just as the QR code is now. According to Community Rail Partnerships (check them out) not everyone knows how to get one, or even how to plan a journey! Can you? Try planning a journey from wherever you live to Birmingham New Street. Try comparing individual TOC sites, such as Avanti, with National Rail Enquiries and private apps such as Trainline, but don't take their word for anything. Check out Barry Doe's Fare Dealer site and follow his blogs. It could save you money!
While you're waiting, or while you're roaming . . .
The rail industry uses a Canadian IT system called TRUST to keep precise tabs on all movements. There are several web-sites that you can access which draw data ftom TRUST. One of the best-known is Realtime Trains. The track diagram below was taken from OPENTRAINTIMES where you will find the diagrams for most routes as well as information on the trains using them. They are a really good way of getting to know the network (or parts of it - it's rather big!)
It's also good to be well-informed about what's topical and in the news. Rail Advent is a good site for that if you don't know of it.
And finally,
Long, long ago, we had the Ian Allan Locospotters Club. Then came British Rail with their Railriders Club. Now, the Railriders Club has been restarted by a private company and it seems to be going from strength to strength. Check it out and see if what it offers suits you and your family.
