I took this very short video on my iPad yesterday. This is what 450 tons looks like moving at 90mph close up. I thought some of you might like to see it.
My train was held at a red signal yesterday at Castle Cary in Somerset, waiting for a late Inter-City 125 service from the West Country to Paddington. I knew the line speed through the station is 90mph and that it would look spectacular. So I was ready and waiting on the platform with my iPad and pressed record as soon as I saw it come round the corner. The driver gave a short warning whistle at the same time and I reckon it took the train less than 5 seconds to reach the foot crossing just before the station. Because of the speed of the train you can't hear it until about 2 seconds before it reaches you. It's terrifying to think that there are over 6,000 small crossings like that in the UK, relying on the user's alertness or audio visual responses to avoid disaster.
Ian,some years ago whilst we were installing a new comms network in the midlands for(the then) Railtrack,I had to go to one of the nodes which was installed in a trackside building at Blisworth in Northants.I needed to go out to get something from my BT van and the Railtrack safety officer,without whose presence we could not work,reminded me to turn right not left on going outside.The West Coast main line about 2 or 3 meters away!.I stood watching as a fast train approached and as you say ,it was only when it was a very short distance away that it could be clearly heard.Very impressive close up though! EricT
Now at the age where I know I like girls but can't remember why!
I don't understand the obssession with hi viz clothing. If you are on the line or a crossing the driver can't swerve to miss you. It smacks of a box ticking and backside covering exercise.
Hi Viz clothing can be seen a long way off on the railway where there is very little colour. The rules state that if a driver sees a Hi Viz he will blow the horn to warn of his approach. The man on the track must raise his arm to acknowledge the warning and move to a position of safety. The driver will continue to blow his horn if he doesn't get the acknowlegement. The rules also state that if you are within a certain distance of a running line you must not wear earphones or a hood.
He can't swerve to miss you but he can let you know he's coming - if he can see you!
I've just spent 6 weeks at the North West Midlands Mail Centre in Wolverhampton and the wearing of Hi-Vis jackets is compulsory.. despite there not being a single train to run me over A little 'stand up' tug starts running at 1730 daily.. perhaps that's the reason. The driver seemed to blow his horn rather a lot
I suffer from paranoid amnesia. I can't remember who I don't trust.
EricT
A little 'stand up' tug starts running at 1730 daily.. perhaps that's the reason. The driver seemed to blow his horn rather a lot 
