Lets go back to railways - something I like to talk about on here occasionally. Today, we're going to look at the trains that are going to be running on Crossrail/Elizabeth Line from 2017. The trains themselves are built by Bombardier in Derby - and are designated as Class 345s. Elizabeth Line/Crossrail Class 345 in the shed at Bombardier Derby - Image, Transport for … [Read more...]

If you're heading off today Gatwick Airport, you will need to allow extra time for your journey. Gatwick Express service passing Clapham Junction - Image, Economy Class and Beyond According to National Rail Enquiries, as small fire on a section of the track occurred at Gatwick Airport this morning. This in turn has damaged to the electrical 3rd rail, running rails … [Read more...]

Last week Southern Rail gave up running any pretense of running a normal timetable, and cancelled 341 services a day on its network from today (11th July 2016). Alas, Southern Rail operates the Gatwick Express route - and unsurprisingly this has been hit by changes. Gatwick Express train (Class 387/2 Electrostar) service passing Clapham Junction - Image, Economy Class … [Read more...]

At Economy Class and Beyond, I have a very soft spot for the Japanese High Speed network and its trains (see here, here, here, here and here for a few examples when I was last out in Japan) Yes. I can go quite densha otaku when it comes to the JR Shinkasen network. N700 Shinkansen at Shin-Osaka. Image, Economy Class and Beyond. Well, it seems JR Central is … [Read more...]

It seems Govia Thameslink Railway is having major issues running any semblance of a timetable on its Southern Rail network, with an announcement that 341 services a day are to be axed, and a revised timetable to be introduced. Southern Rail service arriving at Clapham Junction station - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. Southern Rail is currently dealing with high levels … [Read more...]

In the United Kingdom, there are a few overnight train sleeper services that still run on the rail network, connecting London to destinations far and wide. Caledonian Sleeper, serving the Lowland destinations (London Euston to Glasgow Central or Edinburgh Waverley) Caledonian Sleeper, serving the Highland destinations (London Euston to Fort William, Inverness, and … [Read more...]

It's been everywhere when you travel on London Transport - the offering of using a Contactless Payment Card (such as a Contactless Visa/Mastercard/American Express) instead of using Transport for London's own Oyster Product. My trusty TfL Oyster Card... but is it an expensive for what it is? - Image, Economy Class and Beyond But is it cheaper to use one than the … [Read more...]

There are many different London Underground maps out there .... and I mean many. TfL Tube and Rail Map - Image, Transport for London - https://tfl.gov.uk/maps However, there's map buried away... and you won't use until its time. Or if you're crossing your legs. Or holding your bladder. It's an Underground Map... that shows where toilets are on the network. An … [Read more...]

With news that Heathrow Express is jacking up its prices to £24 at peak starting today (6th June), what other ways are there in to London and how much do they cost? First things first - it depends where you need to be in London. Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect are great to access West London, parts of the West End and some of the City of London. Other times, you … [Read more...]