Robyn's passed her test!

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 15 Sep 2010, 12:58

It's not that roll makes me feel quesay Richard, it's just sheer fright and that optical illusion you describle is exactly what does it for me. My ears give me plenty of problems but that's another story entirely

A good case in point is Berkhamstead station, where nothing stops except the real slow trains, is built on a sharp curve and whalloping through there on a Pendolino you appear to be travelling horizontally along the platform and about to demolish all the buildings on it

A similar thing happens on the Leighton Buzzard curves just before the tunnel. It seems you're travelling against the cutting and how it doesn't slam into the tunnel portal is a miracle

Another aspect of the Pendolino I hate is the tiny windows. I find the thing to be utterly claustrophobic and that is a big problem for me as that's something else I suffer with

Modern cars I find are terribly claustrophobic for me...

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 15 Sep 2010, 13:13

They really do need to sort out the MK-Euston line, there are two sections in quick succession where I think it goes from the fast track to the normal track and quite often people get thrown off their feet when caught unawares. It is worse on the LM train though, normally because it's totally packed.
That reminds me, must get my train ticket for tomorrow!

Trainman · Unread post by **Trainman** » 15 Sep 2010, 19:49

We've strayed a little from the topic, but

RichardW wrote: I had a very odd experience on a Pendolino a couple of months ago - probably around MK somewhere Going round a corner and looking out the window it appeared that the groud was sloping up away from the train - and yet this was across a piece of land where there were additional tracks. So it can't have been sloping Presume it was some sort of optical illusion due to the tilt of the train and speed combined which meant it felt like a natural 1g upright situation, when in fact it clearly wasn't! I rather enjoyed the trip (London - Glasgow return) actually - apart from the 1.5 hours spent outside Preston station with OH wire problems, and passing the branch line to Lanark but having to go all the way into and out of Glasgow again to get down it, meaning I was within 3 miles of the end of the journey, but it took nearly another 2 hours to complete. And they wonder why we prefer our cars!

Richard, Much as we would love to be able to call at more stations the DfT have decreed that we are a long distance TOC (Train Operating Company) and therefore that is the reason why the majority of our London/Glasgow services at first stop Warrington. Leaving the likes of London Midland, East Midlands and Scotrail to transfer to short distance customers.

CitroJim wrote: Another aspect of the Pendolino I hate is the tiny windows. I find the thing to be utterly claustrophobic

Jim, you should try First Class, you can have a whole window to yourself

sorry couldn't resist

Xac wrote:They really do need to sort out the MK-Euston line, there are two sections in quick succession where I think it goes from the fast track to the normal track and quite often people get thrown off their feet when caught unawares.

Xac, what can I say, Good old Network Rail, don't you just love them ???

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 15 Sep 2010, 19:56

First Class on Virgin is indeed lovely, especially with the free wifi

When there was the rail disruption during the snowy period earlier this year they were letting normal ticket holders into First Class seats.
Normally on the few occasions I catch the Virgin train I either stand by the doors in the First Class or try and get to the jump seat by the toilet as many people don't realise it's there

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 15 Sep 2010, 21:48

I've enjoyed a bit of role-reversal this evening

Robyn came around to see me earlier and ended up giving me a lift to Tesco, collecting Siany and her friend from Majorettes and taking us all home

Not dad's taxi but Robyn's taxi

It's an expensive one though... True to form, her car was running on fumes and it cost me £20 in petrol

She's driving like a good 'un. Sensibly cautious. I hope she continues like that...

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 15 Sep 2010, 21:50

Ah the old "Can I give you a lift dad? Oh shucks I'm low on fuel *innocent look*" technique

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 15 Sep 2010, 21:54

Xac wrote:Ah the old "Can I give you a lift dad? Oh shucks I'm low on fuel *innocent look*" technique

Yep, that's it! Works every time as well

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 15 Sep 2010, 22:42

A simple restricting technique, would be an American car with massively thirsty engine. My International light truck (with 345in³ low-compression motor and lumpy cam) would do about 30 miles for £15 in commute mode.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 16 Sep 2010, 08:09

Jim wrote
"collecting Siany and her friend from Majorettes"

just make sure Robyn does not try pug twirlling,

regards malcolm

red_dwarfers · Unread post by **red_dwarfers** » 16 Sep 2010, 18:12

Nice one

It's been nearly three years since I passed

Time soon goes and you wonder how you would have coped without.

A tip - Even on the roads you could drive with your eyes closed, treat each bend, junction or other hazard like its the first time you've driven on it. Get your observations right every time, its very easy to look and not see. Basically, strive to make yourself a better observer than anyone else on the road.

citroenesque · Unread post by **citroenesque** » 16 Sep 2010, 20:02

And never let the 'instructor' leave your side. It helps to sort of imagine that there's someone there, observing and judging what you do. Pretty soon you'll become your own worst critic and sharpen up continuously. Never slack.