Capt. Osbert Twinge Bt. KCB.

Nice day. ❤️

A pleasure to meet you, Sir!

Puffins standing around on grass with a mysterious intruder

Spot the odd one out... 🤔

#birds 🪶

They seemed to have been reasonably common once - but I was quite surprised to see the sign!

Heh. I'll take an early over anything!

Workington still has a perfectly decent sign for a branch of FADS.

The St Neots branch closed pre-millennium. Goodness' knows when the rest went.

Quite the survivor.

Snap. 😁

At last, back on earlies again.

For weirdos like me who aren't much good at sleep, these are by far and away the best shifts to do. Get up, get in, get done, enjoy the rest of the day.

Happy Thursday, folks.

Have a train.

Dud. 😉

Scotrail shenanigans.

Followers fron the other place may be aware of my occasional penchant for measuring the ride quality of a section of track by observing the impact upon a glass of red wine.

Tonight, I present the effect of twenty seconds in the Northallerton area upon a glass of LNER's Tempranillo.

Today hasn't been the best of days, so tomorrow calls for an adventure.

No real plans, no real aims, just with the intention of maybe seeking out:

- Trains
- Seaside
- Good pints
- Good food

We shall see where the rails take me...

For now, have a train.

Young 'un here:

'Living Doll' by Cliff Richard and the Young Ones.

Then...

'Yeah' by Usher (which I have precisely zero recollection of).

Real pity that ZSL didn’t consult a railway historian before installing this sign. Some may says it’s an otter disgrace

To be honest, it's why I don't do a great deal on here. I actually see *very* little politics on Twitter, which is just how l like it! Can't say the same over here as it's where many of the (dare I say...) 'angry' accounts decamped to and, frankly, I've not the energy for it!

Happy 'Shortest Social Shift Ever At ATW' day to all those who celebrate.

Not quite feeling it tonight, so time to raise a pint of 'Old Rosie'. You can tell I spent my student days in Somerset...

Can't promise you'll see Newport, but time will tell. 😉

Sunday Roast day in the Control.

So, if you're planning a trip on TfW's network anytime soon, or just want to treat yourself, then *please* give this service the support it deserves.

Bravo indeed.

Long time listeners will know that I'm fond of an on-train meal. Childhood trips aboard Intercity's Pullmans, a trip or two on Belmond and latterly, GWR's incredible offerings linger in the memory.

I'll put my cards on the table, though: this has been the best one I've ever had.

What matters, though, is the cost of the food. £27.95 for a dining experience of this quality in 2025 is, frankly, beyond belief. I'd be delighted to be served this meal in a quality restaurant, never mind on a train with glorious views of the Marches.

I'm in rapture.

As with anything like this, the first thing people will want to consider is the cost...

Fares vary, and food is only available if you're in First. However, an upgrade for this trip from Manchester to Hereford will set you back a little over £20 on top of your Standard fare.

Time for pud, and I've gone for the rhubarb.

Small, perfectly formed and indescribably delicious - though I do confess to a clotted cream fetish.

Additional points for *perfect* pastry.

😋

Shrewsbury 'box.

We interrupt this broadcast to remind you that I once signalled a train from here and that it remains a career highlight.

😎

Genuinely, the beef was perfectly tender, but with an excellent little crunch at the edges, whilst the Welsh cheddar crumb deserves to be sprinkled over anything and everything you can find.

I could have eaten this again and again and again, and gladly will!

The above was, perhaps, a little like a 'fish espresso' - small but potent! As it was, I was a little fished-out and actually quite glad that I'd decided to forego the cod in favour of the braised beef and a drop of Malbec.

I cannot put into words how utterly sublime this was.

The 'custard' is lukewarm, which makes for an interesting contrast with the warmer crab. The chunks of apple tucked within lend a welcome acidity.

I'd only suggest this if you *really* like your fish - it wouldn't be to all tastes - and it's not easy to eat with a fork(!), but it's very good.

This menu has been concocted by a Michelin-starred chef, so there's some interesting stuff!

To start, I've decided to try the Seaweed Custard with crab, apple and dill.

The aroma is strong, to say the least, but it looks decent!

All aboard TfW's Premier Service!

TfW launched their new dining menu last week so, today, a jaunt to Hereford to try it out.

There's two options - a 'full' menu, plus a lighter selection for non-believers.

SPOLIER: This is, hands down, the best train meal I've ever had...