Hello Keith.
In case nobody else has yet noticed, may I draw your attention to a new section of the FGW web site detailing work taking place at Reading. You might like to put the following link on to the CRS web site: http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Your-journey/Rail-improvements/Reading-station-improvements
NOTE Just click on the above link and you'll be there.
On that page will be found three 15-minute videos showing (I think) twelve months (filmed in time-lapse) work on rebuilding the station.
Video 1 is at the west end showing construction of the new depot which will replace the existing "triangle" depot, initially for the Thames Turbo fleet but later for the electric outer-suburban trains.
Video 2 shows activity on the north side of the station from the demolition of the signal box through to completion of the new buildings and access deck plus the construction of the new island platforms, now complete with track.
Video 3 is on the south side showing construction of the new station entrance and works to replace the bus and taxi area.
These three films are a fascinating insight into the tremendous scale of the work. The finishing point of all three is just a few days ago (the January snow being a clear marker).
Also on the web page are full details, including timetables, of the 2013 Easter blockade at Reading. Notable features are (as at Christmas 2011) diversion of Bristol and S Wales trains via Oxford and Banbury (reverse) and to Paddington via High Wycombe and diversion of West-of-England services to Waterloo (usually via Westbury and Salisbury). With the three new Reading "southern" platforms already in place, an enhanced service will be provided throughout by SW Trains to Waterloo and a service will also be maintained from the western-end bay platforms to Basingstoke, Bedwyn and Westbury. Special arrangements for the sleeper train are also given: it will be replaced by an HST running to and from Waterloo on a number of nights.
Fascinating stuff. Many thanks for that Derek - we're all the wiser.
In case nobody else has yet noticed, may I draw your attention to a new section of the FGW web site detailing work taking place at Reading. You might like to put the following link on to the CRS web site: http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Your-journey/Rail-improvements/Reading-station-improvements
NOTE Just click on the above link and you'll be there.
On that page will be found three 15-minute videos showing (I think) twelve months (filmed in time-lapse) work on rebuilding the station.
Video 1 is at the west end showing construction of the new depot which will replace the existing "triangle" depot, initially for the Thames Turbo fleet but later for the electric outer-suburban trains.
Video 2 shows activity on the north side of the station from the demolition of the signal box through to completion of the new buildings and access deck plus the construction of the new island platforms, now complete with track.
Video 3 is on the south side showing construction of the new station entrance and works to replace the bus and taxi area.
These three films are a fascinating insight into the tremendous scale of the work. The finishing point of all three is just a few days ago (the January snow being a clear marker).
Also on the web page are full details, including timetables, of the 2013 Easter blockade at Reading. Notable features are (as at Christmas 2011) diversion of Bristol and S Wales trains via Oxford and Banbury (reverse) and to Paddington via High Wycombe and diversion of West-of-England services to Waterloo (usually via Westbury and Salisbury). With the three new Reading "southern" platforms already in place, an enhanced service will be provided throughout by SW Trains to Waterloo and a service will also be maintained from the western-end bay platforms to Basingstoke, Bedwyn and Westbury. Special arrangements for the sleeper train are also given: it will be replaced by an HST running to and from Waterloo on a number of nights.
Fascinating stuff. Many thanks for that Derek - we're all the wiser.