Peter H

Picture of middle aged man next to a supersonic passenger plane

As a should-have-been engineer and aviator enthusiast I always get quite emotional sat next to one of these. Developed in era of optimism and co-operation with our neighbours it shows that anything is possible.

Thanks.

Image showing class 66 freight loco in pink colour with carriages behind that form the new mobile railway muses in for the 200th anniversary of the railway.

The Railway 200 #InspriationtTrain was hiding in Moor Street this morning.

I like it but can’t help but think there isn’t much shelter at the bottom of the stairs.

Derelict Red Bull runway

Also got to see something that I’ve only ever seen on Google Earth - the incredibly short runway built for the 2008 Red Bull Air Race on the Thames. Went to see if any it felt a bit “exciting” at the time so I sort of wasn’t surprised when it wasn’t repeated.

Bikes in a cable car pod.

Jet taking off from City Airport

View looking over the side of the Woolwich Ferry

Cycled 22 miles around East London today taking in some sights. Used the cable car over the river and the ferry back with a bit of plane spotting at City Airport.

View through glazed roof of SL4 bus looking up at a tall building

View out of the sunroof (yes) of the SL4 at the Citibank building (my old office) which is having some fairly significant work. I know my family think I bang on a bit about this sort of thing but we are very lucky in London with our transport - some parts of the country really struggling. Sunroof!

Also, on a transport related note (as is almost everything I post), this was pretty cool - “buses towards Blackheath” on a bus stop north of the river.

Done the SL4 route both ways a couple of times now and really like it. Heading down the A102 at 50mph in lane 3 on a bus is fun.

Not sure what it is, but not feeling quite as connected to Bluesky as I was the other place. 🫤

Would have been live posting previously but almost forgot about this.

New DLR train passing on bridge between Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations in the summer sunshine.

Bit after the event, but I was at Canary Wharf at the weekend and spotted one of the new DLR trains under test in their “coming soon” wrap. Interesting to see they went for longer cars on a network with very tight gauging. Looking forward to trying them, will be a big improvement I’m sure.

View looking north west from Bishopsgate

View looking south west from Bishopsgate

Both real neighbouring buildings. Left is the old Great Eastern hotel - the ballroom is now Wetherspoon’s Hamilton Hall pub.

Picture of ex Mayor of London hanging out the window of a train.

“What happened to this guy?” etc

You’ll never see 378 001 when you’re out and about. 378/0 trains were short lived- delivered as 3-car units to fit the small North London line platforms, they were extended to 4 cars in a short space of time as the network was upgraded. The fleet renumbered 378/2.

Picture of a Class 378 train at New Cross taken in April 2010 on opening day. The train has “first passenger train” in a sign mounted on the front

Also have a picture of the first train at New Cross back in April 2010. Amazing day and very pleased to have contributed to that project.

End on picture of train 378 001 in London Overground livery inside New Cross Depot

For #FlashbackFriday how about a nice picture of 378 001. Reminded of this when passing New Cross this morning. It was 15 years ago that the new London Overground extension to the East London line opened and 16 years next month since 378s started service.

Don’t think anything will beat the excitement of the Super Nintendo for me (or Super Famicom as I was lucky enough to have). Also the hype around Street Fighter II release was immense. Golden era! (Possibly showing my age)

View looking downhill towards the site of the new Curzon Street station in Birmingham

Tram extension in Birmingham is really taking shape. Lots of work going on along Moor Street Queensway as well with nice new paving going in. In the background the Curzon viaducts stand ready to be connected to the new station.

Photo of Canary Wharf water garden with DLR train in background

Quack

Photo of new Canary Wharf water garden / park

Also, at Canary Wharf I visited the new water garden feature and, have to say, it’s brilliant. Amazing to see wildlife moving back in including nesting birds and a couple of ducks. DLR makes an interesting backdrop too.

View from front of bus entering the Silvertown Tunnel

Had to get a shot of entering the tunnel. Very quiet on a Bank Holiday Monday.

Picture of bus stop flag with new red SL4 tile showing route added and Supeoop banner below

Side view of Superloop liveried bus.

Two Superloop SL4 buses parked at the end of their route in Canary Wharf.

Tried the new SL4 route at the weekend. Really impressed with the service. BYD bus is very comfortable and trip from Lee to Canary Wharf was just over 30 mins. Great addition to the neighbourhood (and free until next year!)

Picture of empty platforms at Birmingham Moor Street.

The normally very good Chiltern Railways having a difficult day. Delays of more than 30 mins but reporting good service / no disruption. Platform displays still showing “on time” 10 minutes after planned departure. Thanks to @realtimetrains.co.uk I could see what was happening.

Extract showing a number of vessels on Marine Traffic

Extract showing a number of vessels on Marine Traffic

Morning. If you’re interested in watching the progress of the Little Ships today the majority seem to have AIS transponders and are showing up on Marine Traffic. #OperationDynamo

Was just saying that here…risky!

And was standing in all aisles and extended dwells by the end.

All seats gone by Leamington Spa and a lot of people standing.

Extract showing train formation and stopping information from Real Time Trains website.

Question: why do Chiltern run 3 car units (or anything other than 5) between London and Birmingham? This morning’s 06:31 is a 3-car unit meaning it will be crammed over the last few stops. Is it not a waste of a peak path?

Pictures of bright white lights in train carriage.

Has the end of night in a nightclub kind of vibe. Also, you realise how much the old seats had worn as you sit noticeably higher thanks to new foam/covers. Good overall though - feels like a decent, high quality train.

Picture of freshly painted Class 168 train.

Refurbed interior of Class 168 train.

Refurbed Turbo on the Chiltern this morning. Nice but lighting is a bit harsh for whose who like a nap on the early train.

Picture of the chain ferry between Studland and Sandbanks

Also passed the chain ferry on the way in to Poole.

Picture of high speed ferry Levante Jet alongside is Poole Harbour

Levante Jet alongside in Poole tonight. DFDS now operating services between Poole and Jersey from last month after it being Condor for many years.