RoscoTrain107

Morning so a bit of an update

As you know back in February I released a preview of my next intro which will take over in the Summer

I can confirm it will be from July onwards regardless what video it might be

At the moment based on my editing of my content from my recent Northwest Tour 2026 its likely going to be either one of Stafford or Liverpool Lime Street which the new intro will take over however I will reveal more on that nearer the time

So this evening it’s Wigan North Western which premieres tonight at 8pm so do join for that

So for now take care and have a good one

7 hours ago | [YT] | 44

RoscoTrain107

When I think of a station that I would visit its not just about the big major hubs and sometimes its not about just what’s at the station itself

Let’s say for example a rural station that on the face of it may feel like its in the middle of nowhere but either it’s surroundings rural or development or variety makes up for that.

So rewind back to April 18th on my previous travel prior to my Northwest Tour 2026 which was on the Berks & Hants Line with Newbury, Thatcham and Reading West

1. Newbury
Newbury at first might lack variety on a normal day and simple in terms of what’s available however if say GWML between Didcot Parkway and Swindon is shut which Bristol and Swansea services and freight that heads towards South Wales like Margam or Sevenside Sita then it can be chaos.

Newbury Station whilst it might look simple but have to say the development around it has grown especially in the past few years alone

The only criticism I would say along with the next station is that on my last two visits there in March 2025 and of course April this year I can sympathise with the locals of missing that all day hourly direct London Paddington to Bedwyn service being 7 days a week and to be honest GWR can no longer justify its down to cost it was reduced to a shuttle service between Newbury and Bedwyn and a electric service London Paddington to Newbury.

And reinstating it fully whilst retaining a London Paddington - Newbury direct service alongside well can’t come soon enough

2. Thatcham
Only been to this station twice now with April this year and my only visit prior being October 2022 and whilst services may lack overall but in a way the station isn’t too bad at all.

The tall footbridge there whilst needed however one thing missing which is something that has been addressed recently at both Tilehurst and Theale stations which is lifts.

Now of course there are access to both platforms on both sides however the problem is that whilst the down platform is accessible for step free access via a ramp however if using the car park there then to get to the Up platform you have to go via the level crossing across the rails.

The problem with that, say your train is bound for Reading or London Paddington then you have to be at the station around 5-10 minutes early before it arrives

The level crossing can go down around 2-4 minutes before a train comes whether it’s passing through or arriving from Newbury or departing towards Newbury.

Whilst Thatcham as I mention with the London - Bedwyn service being missed at Newbury that realistically needs to be reinstated however you do have another option close by which is the River Kennet not far from the down platform.

Not only the River Kennet connects close by to Thatcham but it also is not too far from either next stop towards Reading at Midgham and also Aldermaston and how do I know because I have been to those two before eventhough that was back in January 2023 but I even at both of those passed the time to walk to and from eventhough Aldermaston is a bit tricky to find the River Kennet.

3. Reading West

As I put on my community post on my visit there back on April 18th on a good day could describe as the Berkshire version of the Wild Wild West

I admit fast forward to now that maybe back then was a bit slightly over the top in a way if I was honest

So maybe make it a bit easier

The first question about Reading West is, it the best station in appearance? For me the answer is No

Is it difficult to spot at? Not really eventhough most of the platforms on both sides are narrow with the only exception being at the rear of the Up Platform.

I admit with Reading West whilst freight variety on a given day to and from Southampton especially that bypass Reading itself however in terms of the station its not a good look and still feels a bit worn down.

Whilst some of the old FGW signage has been retained for now and of course a new station building on Tilehurst Road which opened in January 2024 however the access to both platforms can be tricky.

One time had a footbridge until 2019 when the overhead wires turned up meant it had to be removed but in terms of practicality there isn’t much you can do about not even platform widening.

Whilst served by hourly local Reading - Newbury and half hourly Reading - Basingstoke services respectively however it does have a bit of rough feel of it surroundings and in terms of an appearance it sort of stuck in two eras resulting in an identity crisis.

So those are my station reviews of the 3 stations back from April 18th.

Would I do one in practice for real? Well maybe not

The reason for that is if I was to do one then a lot of research into the background of the station in question first and knowing the station layout prior to travelling which may take minutes or days or weeks.

Detail is everything overall whether its station descriptions on my main spotting videos on my channel or station reviews if I was ever to do one for real.

Anyway that will do for now and maybe on community posts going forward could do station reviews even some from my recent Northwest Tour 2026

What do you think?

So be safe, take care and have a good one

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1 day ago (edited) | [YT] | 54

RoscoTrain107

Next video

Wigan North Western

Premieres on Saturday at 8pm

1 day ago | [YT] | 61

RoscoTrain107

Next Time

A Monday Afternoon in Wigan

And a guest appearance from the Midland Pullman HST in shorter formation

It’s my 3rd visit to Wigan North Western

Premieres Saturday at 8pm

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4 days ago | [YT] | 109

RoscoTrain107

So 1st video of Northwest Tour 2026 from Huyton is now out so do check it out

https://youtu.be/wlLPQUskGD8?si=wqV4a...

4 days ago | [YT] | 5

RoscoTrain107

So Lumo (West Coast) is now up and running between London Euston and Stirling well not yet fully.

This was 222601 from my 1st visit at Oxenholme Lake District when it passed through on a test run from May 12th

A press launch was done on Friday with a partial launch of its service today

However full services operating will be from July 27th

Having seen it up close I have to say the livery looks quite nice on the outside

Seats inside based on some reviews from the press launch say they are comfortable eventhough the Wi-Fi was a bit of an issue

Worth reminding in case some don't look research properly especially some have asked that question why have Lumo gone for Diesel services on London Euston to Stirling when all the route is electrified.

Well one it was quicker in the short term to get the service up and running although Long term electric trains will take over probably 4-5 years time depending when the lease agreement with Beacon Rail lasts which should be until 2031-2032

Likely Hitachi AT300s of some description will come at some point however right now thats not happening yet

The biggest problem is the Power Supply limitations on the WCML especially North of Preston which at the moment Overhead renewals is ongoing which hasn't been replaced as much since the 1970s.

In the short term Lumo probably will take a bit of time to get up to speed and having to trust a main line thats known for some sort of a issue nearly every day somewhere on route is a big ask.

However if Lumo persevere the first 12-18 months will be crucial and can get it to work then GBR once Avanti West Coast gets nationalised in a few years will have a bit of a challenge on their hands.

So question is can Lumo replicate their success on ECML with their West Coast operations or is it going to be a much difficult task than it looks?

Leave your thoughts in the comments below

4 days ago | [YT] | 95

RoscoTrain107

Don't forget Huyton video will be up today at 6:45pm

4 days ago | [YT] | 67

RoscoTrain107

So 1st video of Northwest Tour 2026 comes from Huyton

Two Shorts videos will release one on Friday and one on Sunday

The main video itself will be released on Monday at 6:45pm

I’ve opted to take a few days off after my Northwest Tour 2026 to reset myself and will have a few posts to come on rail topics over the next few days

So that’s an update for now so for now take care and have a good one

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1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 126

RoscoTrain107

So end of my Northwest Tour 2026 it’s time to begin the long journey back from Liverpool to Devon

This Northwest Tour has been a long exhausting one and I’m not going to deny that

So got 11 long form videos to edit so here’s a reminder of what will be coming up over the next several weeks plus some Shorts clips prior to the long form videos from each station being released

May 11th
Huyton
Wigan North Western

May 12th
Oxenholme Lake District
Lancaster
Preston

May 13th
Stoke-on-Trent
Hartford
Acton Bridge
Liverpool South Parkway

May 14th
Stafford
Liverpool Lime Street

So that’s to come

Also regarding my present intro that will change from July regardless what video is released around that time or after although I will mention more about that before end of June

I would also mention that to maintain as high quality as possible that these videos will more likely take time to edit and I’m not going to rush them.

Anyway that’s an update so for now have a good one

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2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 87

RoscoTrain107

My final station of my Northwest Tour 2026 and it was obvious

Liverpool Lime Street

Ok layout wise it’s tricky even on Platform 6 and whilst those who say you don’t have to sign in to spot on the open platforms

Well actually you have to because they will ask and also one condition I was told when I signed in and as you know I don’t take any chances with Network Rail when it comes to terminuses whether it’s Liverpool Lime Street or London Paddington.

The weather was good and to be honest it was 3rd time lucky unlike my previous two with minus 2 and snowy conditions in March 2023 or the absolute pouring rain 🌧️ on my previous visit back in May 2024.

Regarding variety there was a lot including a few new faces since my last visit

Obviously with Class 807 Everos sharing services alongside the 390 Pendolinos on Avanti West Coast

East Midlands Railway have Class 170 Turbostars coming in more often

Transpennine Express one thing that is featured in this is the one Class 397 which is one of 3 journeys a day up to Glasgow Central

323s going into Liverpool especially if it’s a stopping Wigan services is a regular thing now.

Downstairs on Merseyrail and yes before some start saying “oh it’s not the same now it’s just 777s”

At least one thing the 777s despite their teething problems or seats well they doing accelerate well

Anyway that will be that and my filming for my Northwest Tour 2026 is all done and finished although a lot of content including Shorts Videos and long form videos to come over the next few months

So for now take care and have a good one

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 108