The Proposed Lionel Road Station On the West London Orbital Railway
Starting with Lionel Road station may seem a strange place to start, but this important station for supporters of Brentford FC, may in the end define how the new line is designed and built.
This OpenRailwayMap shows the tracks around the stadium, that has been built for the Premier League football club, which is now called the Gtech Community Stadium.
Note.
- In the North-West corner of the map is the Piccadilly Line branch to Heathrow Airport.
- Northfields Depot is prominent, with the station of the same name to its East.
- South Acton station is in the North-East corner of the map.
- Syon Lane station is in the South-West corner of the map.
- The West London Orbital Railway runs between these two stations.
- Lilac sections are electrified and black sections have none.
- South Acton station is also on the North London Line, which runs North-South to Richmond station off the bottom of the map.
- Syon Lane Station is also on the Hounslow Loop Line, which curves across the bottom half of the map to the South-East corner.
- Click the map to show it to a larger scale.
This second OpenRailwayMap shows triangular junction in the middle of the first map to a larger scale.
Note.
- The Gtech Community Stadium sits in the middle of the triangular junction.
- Provision has been made in the layout of the stadium for the station to be on the North-West leg of the triangular junction.
- Kew East Junction is in the North-East corner of the map.
- Old Kew Junction is in the South-West corner of the triangular junction.
- New Kew Junction is in the South-East corner of the triangular junction.
- The lilac track crossing the map is the electrified Hounslow Loop Line.
- The M4/A4 runs across the map
- Only the Southern leg of the triangular junction is electrified.
- Click the map to show it to a larger scale.
These are some of my thoughts.
Lionel Road Station Will Be Unlikely To Be Electrified
Consider
- It will be extremely unlikely that between South Acton station and Old Kew junction will be electrified with third-rail electrification because of safety issues.
- There is a very long chance, that it might be decided to create a 25 KVAC overhead electrified route across London, by means of the North London Line.
- I believe hydrogen trains will be developed for freight services.
- The station will have large numbers of passengers on match-days, so safety may determine an electrification-free station.
- The electrification gap is only 1.4 miles, which is well within range of a battery-electric train.
I think it is more likely that hybrid trains will use what is available.
Will Lionel Road Station Be Step-Free?
Sixty years ago, I used Manchester United station to see a match.
This Google Map shows the station.
Note.
- The station is a single platform tucked in behind the South stand.
- The station entrance is indicated by a red arrow.
- When I went in the 1960s, the train was a steam-hauled shuttle from the city centre.
- This Wikipedia entry gives more details.
I suspect a similar space-saving design could be used at Lionel Road station.
There will be a need for a bridge if the station is used on more than match days.
Will Lionel Road And Kew Bridge Stations Be An Out Of Station Interchange?
This OpenRailwayMap shows the triangular junction, with the GTech Community Stadium in the middle.
Note.
- Lionel Road station will be on the North-West side of the station.
- Kew Bridge station is marked by a blue arrow.
- There appear to be walking routes all over the plot on which the stadium sits.
- All sides of the junction are double track.
I think an Out-Of-Station Interchange would be useful, especially for those who don’t know the area.
How Easy Will It Be To Get To Lionel Road Station From Major London Stations?
These are my best estimates at a degree of difficulty.
- Bank – 1 Change – Take Central Line with a change at Old Oak Common Lane to Lionel Road.
- Blackfriars – 1 Change – Take Thameslink with a change at Brent Cross West to Lionel Road.
- Bond Street- 1 Change – Take Elizabeth Line with a change at Old Oak Common Lane to Lionel Road.
- Cannon Street – 2 Changes – Get out at London Bridge – Take Thameslink with a change at Brent Cross West to Lionel Road.
- Charing Cross – 1 Change – Take Bakerloo Line with a change at Harlesden to Lionel Road.
- City Thameslink – 1 Change – Take Thameslink with a change at Brent Cross West to Lionel Road.
- Euston – 1 Change – Take Watford DC Line with a change at Harlesden to Lionel Road.
- Farringdon – 1 Change – Take Thameslink with a change at Brent Cross West to Lionel Road.
- King’s Cross – 1 Change – Take Thameslink with a change at Brent Cross West to Lionel Road.
- Liverpool Street – 2 Changes – Get out at Stratford – Take the Overground with a change at South Acton to Lionel Road.
- Liverpool Street – 1 Change – Take Elizabeth Line with a change at Old Oak Common Lane to Lionel Road.
- London Bridge – 1 Change – Take Thameslink with a change at Brent Cross West to Lionel Road.
- Marylebone – 1 Change – Take Bakerloo Line with a change at Harlesden to Lionel Road.
- Moorgate – 1 Change – Take Elizabeth Line with a change at Old Oak Common Lane to Lionel Road.
- Old Street – 2 Changes – Go to Moorgate – Take Elizabeth Line with a change at Old Oak Common Lane to Lionel Road.
- Oxford Circus – 1 Change – Take Bakerloo Line with a change at Harlesden to Lionel Road.
- Paddington – 1 Change – Take Elizabeth Line with a change at Old Oak Common Lane to Lionel Road.
- Piccadilly Circus – 1 Change – Take Bakerloo Line with a change at Harlesden to Lionel Road.
- St. Pancras – 1 Change – Take Thameslink with a change at Brent Cross West to Lionel Road.
- St. Paul’s – 1 Change – Take Central Line with a change at Old Oak Common Lane to Lionel Road.
- Tottenham Court Road – 1 Change – Take Elizabeth Line with a change at Old Oak Common Lane to Lionel Road.
- Vauxhall – 2 Changes – Go to Oxford Circus – Take Bakerloo Line with a change at Harlesden to Lionel Road.
- Victoria – 2 Changes – Go to Oxford Circus – Take Bakerloo Line with a change at Harlesden to Lionel Road.
- Waterloo – Direct – Direct train to Kew Bridge.
- Waterloo – 1 Change – Take Bakerloo Line with a change at Harlesden to Lionel Road
Note.
- It does appear that the connections in stations like Brent Cross West, Harlesden and Old Oak Common Lane, will make a lot of difficult cross-London journeys easier.
- But not many journeys to the GTech Community Stadium, finish at Kew Bridge station.
- Most journeys pick up the West London Orbital at Brent Cross West, Harlesden or Old Oak Common Lane, which probably means these three stations should be step-free.
- As I’ve been writing this, I do wonder if now is the time to create a pedestrian connection between City Thameslink and St. Paul’s stations, that I wrote about in A Pedestrian Connection Between City Thameslink Station And St. Paul’s Tube Station.
I do believe though that there are places on the Central Line, where small projects can give a high return on expenditure.
Conclusion
Surprisingly, this is a lot more than just a station for a Premier League football club.
Rail Agreement Signed ‘Subject To Value For Money’
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub heading.
An agreement to reopen a regional rail line has been signed by the transport secretary, subject to the assurance that it delivers good value for money.
These three paragraphs add detail to the story.
Further development work on the Leamside Line, which runs from Pelaw in Gateshead to Tursdale in County Durham, is set to progress as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) initiative.
Regional politicians said the line could provide train links for 100,000 people in the north-east of England, after it closed to passengers in the 1960s.
The document stated the government would ensure resources were available for the Leamside Line reopening “subject to agreement of that business case and assurance that this delivers good value for money”.
Note.
- There is an excellent map in the BBC article.
- It looks like there will be at least five new or refurbished stations at Ferryhill, Sincliffe, Belmont, West Rainton and Penshaw.
- Belmont appears to have an alternative name of Durham Parkway, so will it be a Park-and-Ride for the area?
- There will be an alternative path for freight trains between Newcastle and York.
- In New Direct Rail Link To Seaham: How This Picturesque Seaside Town Will Connect To London Starting December 2025, I described Seaham’s new link to London, courtesy of Grand Central Trains.
- In Arriva Group Invests In New Battery Hybrid Train Fleet In Boost To UK Rail Industry, I talked about Grand Central’s new trains, which should be in service by 2028 to Seaham and Sunderland.
- It was in June 2020, that I wrote about Boris Johnson making a speech about the Leamside Line in Boris Johnson Backs Station Opening Which Could See Metro Link To County Durham.
This important link has been a long time coming.
Will The Rail Improvements Between London and The North East Create More Tourism?
Consider.
- The digital signalling will create more paths for trains between London and the North East.
- Journey times will come down to generally below three hours.
- There is a lot of excellent walking in the area.
- The North-East doesn’t just host top-class football and athletics.
- A trip could be combined with a day-trip to Edinburgh, Glasgow or the Scottish Borders.
- I have met Americans, who’ve started their holiday in Europe, in Edinburgh and worked their way down via York and London to Paris by train, and then flown back non-stop to the United States.
As I’ve spent a couple of enjoyable weekends in Newcastle and Sunderland, I don’t see why the area can’t attract tourists.
Should The East Coast Main Line Be Renamed?
Consider.
- It is one of the oldest long-distance main lines in the world.
- It links two of the UK’s capitals.
- It is 331 miles long, which is covered in four and a half hours.
- There are some of the world’s best hotels at either end.
- There is good shopping at either end.
- There is no Trump hotel in London or Edinburgh.
Perhaps, it should be called High Speed East Coast?
John Baxendale’s Thermometer
Over the years, I’ve been involved with lots of innovative ideas.
When I worked at ICI Mond Division in Runcorn, one of the guys, that I worked with was John Baxendale, who was a fairly local lad, with unusually for the late 1960s, a very keen interest in surfing. John would often drive up to the North of Scotland in his green Morris Minor Traveller for a few day’s surfing.
Workwise, I remember John most for an electronic thermometer he built, that measured the temperature of a body by its black-body radiation, which is described in this Wikipedia entry.
He developed the thermometer to measure the temperature of remote objects and used to calibrate it on a handy ear, which is a very convenient black-body at 36.9 degrees C.
Major Revamp Of Wales’ Busiest Station Gets Go-Ahead
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
Plans for a major revamp of Wales’ busiest railway station have received final approval.
These three paragraphs add more details.
The £140m upgrades to Cardiff Central – including a new brick arch rear entrance, larger concourse and improved waiting areas – aim to support passenger growth and reduce overcrowding.
Better accessibility for people with reduced mobility and additional retail and cycle facilities are also among the changes.
Work is due to start in the middle of next year with the aim of completing most of it within three years.
Note.
- The new entrance on the south side of the station, was opened in September 2015.
- A new Platform 8 was added in 2017, which allows sixteen local trains per hour to run between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street stations, to serve the twenty railway stations in the city.
- All platforms are bi-directional, which surely improves the flexibility of the rail network in Cardiff City centre.
- Access from the station to the Principality Stadium has improved greatly in recent years.
- The station will remain open during the works.
Cardiff’s railways are a comprehensive mix of local and inter-city trains.
I have some thoughts on Cardiff Station.
The Cardiff & Valleys Day Ranger
This very useful ticket, is the ideal way to explore the Cardiff and Valleys area and I’ve used it several times.
- I usually buy it from one of the two ticket offices in Cardiff Central station, but in one case, I did buy it in Paddington to save time.
- According to Transport for Wales, you can buy it on a local train from the conductor.
- It costs about £16 for an adult, but railcard apply.
I actually find taking a train up the valleys, is a good way to clean out my lungs.
Sights To See On The Cardiff & Valleys Lines
Google AI makes these suggestions.
The Cardiff & Valleys Lines offer historic castles (Cardiff, Caerphilly, Castell Coch), world-class museums (St Fagans, National Museum Cardiff, Big Pit), industrial heritage (Rhondda Heritage Park, Royal Mint Experience), and stunning nature in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, with scenic railway journeys connecting these sites for history, culture, and outdoor adventure.
Hopefully, when the new Stadler trains and tram-trains are fully operational on the Cardiff & Valleys Lines, someone will write a full guide.
Is Formula One Likely To Go To Hydrogen Fuel?
Formula One has a long term aim of decarbonising or at least going net-zero.
I’ve never been to an electric-car race, but it must be more boring to many to have motor-racing without the smells and the noise.
I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this answer.
Formula One is unlikely to switch to hydrogen fuel in the immediate future, as its current strategy is focused on using 100% sustainable “e-fuels” from the 2026 season. However, F1 leadership has stated that hydrogen is a potential long-term solution for the 2030s and beyond.
This article on the BBC is entitled Formula 1 boss Ross Brawn Says Hydrogen Could Be Future Fuel.
But I do believe, that the trucks, vans and transporters that accompany Formula One will be decarbonised earlier and hydrogen could play a major part, due to its proven longer range.
Hydrogen coaches are being developed and could be launches next year and are likely to have a 1,000 km. range, so expect to see some of these vehicles in the fleet of vehicles following Formula One.
Sepp Blatter Eviscerates Gianni Infantino Over Trump, Ronaldo And Saudi Arabia
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the Daily Telegraph.
This is the first paragraph.
Sepp Blatter can no longer bring himself to say Gianni Infantino’s name. Instead, the Swiss administrator – who ran Fifa from 1998 to 2015 until he left amid an enormous corruption scandal – refers to Infantino only as “my successor” and “the leader” as he takes his adversary to task ahead of Friday’s World Cup draw.
The article is worth a full read and the video is worth watching.
I’m Watching The World Cup Draw With A Sick Bucket
Here’s the bucket, which is an ideal accompaniment to when Trump appears on television.
Note.
- I have seen a number of American presidents and Trump isn’t even worth rating.
- As Putin and Mohammed bin Salman’s friend and apologist he certainly doesn’t deserve any form of Peace Prize.
- And who was the strumpet in the lizard costume?
- I thought Robbie Williams had more sense than to provide entertainment.
- Who’s this black guy in a red hat?
- Rio Ferdinand seems to be doing a good job.
But then everybody has a realistic price.
I actually suspect, I won’t watch much of the World Cup, as I can find better things too do. I certainly won’t watch any matches, where Trump is present.
Sheffield Wednesday Placed In Administration
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
Does this mean that the City of Sheffield will now work a six-day week?
New Direct Rail Link To Seaham: How This Picturesque Seaside Town Will Connect To London Starting December 2025
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on Travel and Tour World.
This is the first paragraph.
Starting December 2025, the picturesque seaside town of Seaham in County Durham will become even more accessible with a new direct rail link to London. This marks an exciting chapter in the town’s history, as Seaham’s first direct rail service will make it easier for tourists and business travelers alike to visit this charming coastal destination. Known for its stunning clifftop vistas, rocky beaches, and no fewer than 10 fish and chip shops, Seaham is already a popular spot for day-trippers, and this new rail service will only add to its appeal.
This section in the Wikipedia entry for Seaham station, gives the current rail services from the town.
As of the May 2021 timetable change, the station is served by an hourly service between Newcastle and Middlesbrough. Most trains continue to Hexham (or Carlisle on Sunday) and Nunthorpe. Two trains per day (three on Sunday) continue to Whitby. All services are operated by Northern Trains.
With Grand Central trains, serving Seaham four times per day in each direction, Seaham could be a very convenient place to explore the North-East of England.
If the timing of the services is right, Seaham could also become popular with visiting football fans at Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland, wanting to combine an away match with a weekend away.
This Google Map shows the town.
Note.
- The station is indicated by the red arrow.
- Beaches stretch along the town.
- There is a port with a lighthouse.
- There is even a 5-star hotel; Seaham Hall on Lord Byron’s Walk. The hotel has 21 suites and a spa.
- I can certainly see the hotel having a zero-carbon mini-bus meeting all eight Grand Central Trains.
I don’t think Grand Central Trains will be short of passengers on this route. Especially as from 2028, they will serving the town with new Hitachi battery-electric trains.
Conclusion
How many other towns in the UK could benefit from a four trains per day service to London?
Will Sweden Win Because They Have More Mothers In The Team?
I am posting this at half-time with the Lionesses two-nil down.
I think that Sweden has two mothers in the team and England has none.
I base my question because of four things.
- I played a game of real tennis once, with a sports psychologist and she felt that in real tennis, there could be an improvement in female players after childbirth. As real tennis has a universal computerised handicap, increase or decrease in performance is easily measured.
- There have also been a number of female athletes who have improved after childbirth.
- Mothers fight for their children.
- C and myself had three children in a short space of time. As we had no help and I was working from home, she looked after the elder two and I had the baby sitting on my desk in a plastic chair.
I would even take George across Regents Park to a client, if I needed to see someone. Sometimes, he would even be kidnapped by the secretaries.
One outcome, was that I was closest to George than my other two children and when he died, a psychologist, who knew me well, felt I grieved like a mother.
The Anonymous Widower 