The Lost Stations of Oxford
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ค. 2020
- Please SUBSCRIBE and follow on Instagram: @rediscoveringlostrailways.
A journey through Oxford examining the rise, fall and remains of the city's lost railway stations. Might you consider supporting my channel even more? www.buymeacoffee.com/rediscov...
rediscoveringlostrailways@protonmail.com - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
As a person in my 20's whilst may not be considered the standard audience for this content i find it fascinating and it has great production quality!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the film. Looking at my TH-cam stats, these films seem to appeal to a certain age group, but I'm glad that they can be widely enjoyed!
I am also in my 20s and enjoy watching these videos very much. I’m curious to know the age range of the typical audience?
@@thetelephoneprankster4254 I can tell you 60+ is the answer. Glad to have everyone aboard and to know you're enjoying these films.
I’m still in my 30s (just!) and I’ve been fascinated with disused railways since I was a young child. My dad sparked my interest when he showed me where a railway line used to be in Uxbridge (the West Drayton to Uxbridge Vine Street branch). As a young boy, I couldn’t understand why they would remove a functioning railway line. To this day, I still can’t believe just how many useful lines have been criminally ripped up and built over.
My home city! Rewley Road Station was there until the late 1990s - albeit as a Kwik Fit garage at the end. The swingbridge is due to be restored. As a side note, the tin shack style waiting room at Abingdon Road Halt could also be found at nearby Appleford station until it was removed in about 2010. I spent many, many hours sat inside it waiting for my train to college in Oxford, in the late 1990s.
Ah yes I heard about this example of a waiting room still about and saw a few pictures. I'm sorry it's gone, but glad to hear you enjoyed the film! Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series.
Might you consider supporting my channel even more? www.buymeacoffee.com/rediscovering - Can you believe it? Weeks of planning, editing and reviewing and I manage to say Rewley Road closed in 1851. It didn't. It closed in 1951. I'll get my coat...
💚
I'll overlook it, this time. LOL
Don’t beat yourself up, this is one of the best documentaries on railways I’ve seen in a long time
@@thomasthornton2002 you're very kind - it was a simple slip of the tongue upon which I didn't pick up!
Could have been worse....you could have called your wife by a different name..!!
As someone who used to go to school in the fifties, by steam train on the now lost line between Broom Junction and Redditch, I'd like to express my appreciation of these wonderfully atmospheric productions. Always nostalgia inducing, enhanced by a great choice of music, I look forward to each one.
Many thanks indeed for your kind words about my film. I'm so glad that they bring such enjoyment.
Brilliant! A fascinating film about stations I had no idea even exisited. Your commentary was superb. Camera work was amazing. What would the scenery be like today if some of the stations featured had survived? More please!
Plenty more to come - stay tuned!
I lived in Oxford when the old station still stood on the corner before being relocated. I think it was used as a car repair shop with car hire next door. I lived there during the rebuild of the working station which got rid of Brett’s Burgers ☹️. I know people in Oxford who’ll find this fascinating. Another lovely video which interests me personally, thank you.
You're very kind. Do share with those who will enjoy it. Spread far and wide!
Rewley Road station ended its days as a tyre fitting centre (although the sidings behind still recieved a lot of domestic coal traffic into the 80s (hitched a ride on the 08 shunting in and out of there a couple of times as a lad....even helped wind the Sheepwash Bridge open and shut.....it was left open for water traffic unless a shunt was needed) and the building was occupied by protesters trying to save it for its last year........
.......and Brett's Burgers was an intuition among many students and rail enthusiasts........when it wasn't on fire obviously.....😉
I remember back in the day when Hinksey yard was being reopened as a ballast depot. Some numpty decided a bit of Newspeak was necessary and called it a virtual quarry. The natives went bersi que.
How bizarre! I think such types exist in every profession...
These are very interesting films for local historians as well as railway enthusiasts! I remember Rewley Road Station from my first couple of years living in Oxford (at the time, I think it was a car tyre depot or something similar). It was wonderful to hear, at the time of its dismantling, that it would have a new lease of life at the Bucks Railway centre.
Really glad you're enjoying my films - yes it is a relief that this building was given an afterlife when so many similar were just demolished!
Truly amazing video with such amazing facts
Only one could imagine what would have been done to the railways had they survived and still remained in use
Stay safe and keep up the amazing work
Many thanks indeed for your kind words about my film!
Although i'm not familiair with the current situation, i like the way you present 'then and now' in this video and previous ones. Good camerawork and the comments make your videos a joy to watch.
Please carry on. 🚂
You have my word that I will! All good wishes!.
Very interesting, thanks. I live in Oxford and learned a lot of new things. I remember the old central station building when I was a child before the Said was built.
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed the film!
It was such delight to watch and listen to this historical documentary.
The narrator has that, now rare, way with English that is engaging and diverse.
It was a pleasure to be engaged by this journey through Oxford’s railway history.
Thank you.
You're very kind about my narration and my film at large - thank you indeed!
As always superb video!
Well researched and produced, excellent photography and narration. 👍🙂🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you ever so much for your kind words about my film, so glad you enjoyed it!
Absolutely! An exquisite video, with the balance between narration and music just right. Well done!
@@gospelman7222 Many thanks indeed!
A very enjoyable and informative film. I often travel to Oxford by train but had no idea all those Halts had existed. I suspect that if any stations on the periphery of the City were still there intensive development would have covered the green fields we see today.
Yes very likely, so in some cases their closure is probably a blessing. Thanks for your comment!
Aww
Very interesting video. I learnt a lot from it. It also shows how the railways tried to fight back against bus competition and closures were not just a feature of the 1960s.
I'm really glad you enjoyed the film. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!
Truly fascinating, I had no idea of the number of stations in and around Oxford. I live nearby along the Cotswold line from Oxford and will endeavour to spot these locations once I start travelling on trains again in the near future. Keep up the good work!
You have my word that I will. Thank you for your kind words about my film.
Many, many thanks! Another superb look at our lost railway heritage. As one who finds road travel these days less and less enjoyable, how I wish I could travel these delightful lost lines that you so eloquently portray! Today everyone takes many (often meaningless) photos with their smart phones, but some may show endangered things, so maybe more that disappears will be preserved in digital form for future generations, I wonder?
Best regards, Mike
I certainly hope so! Thank you so much for your kind words about my film. I too wish I could travel these lines and to these stations!
I had been planning to return to Oxford (where I studied) this summer, but a certain C-word has ruled that out. So this little film is a wonderful consolation prize, thanks so much, and thanks also for the brief look round the university to set the scene. BTW I do believe the engine at 10:45 is a Webb compound 4-4-0, with the later fitted connecting rods.
I'm so glad the film went some way towards compensating for your postponed visit. The city looked glorious, all the more because this was just after the first set of lockdown measures had been eased and there was no one about - you wouldn't believe that I took those shots of the city at lunch time!
Your narration is simply cosmic! I think you are another John Betjeman. It feels so good! So well done 👍
That's really very kind of you to place me in such esteemed company, thank you 😊
Rewley Road station was a listed building, which may explain why parts of it lasted as long as they did. The reason for this is that some of the cast iron columns were taken from the same moulds as those used in the building of Crystal Palace and are apparently the only surviving examples. It's good that the building is now being well cared for at Quainton Road. Perhaps 1851 is a significant year in the history of the station even if that wasn't when it closed!
Thank you for that fascinating historical tidbit!
I always look forward to your videos. They are very professional and well narrated and are better than most TV programs and videos I have seen about railways. I like your use of maps. Please can you do the Honeybourne line sometime? Stratford Upon Avon to Cheltenham would be nice:)
I'd be delighted to! Thank you for your kind words about my film, I do enjoy making them!
I drove trains between Paddington and Banbury for 19 years. In all that time I only saw a train crossing Kennington viaduct once.
Always good to hear from the perspective of a driver - that really puts into perspective how little this branch is used!
I believe there is 3 or 4 crossings of EWS DB class 66s going into Cowley BMW a day ATM . My young 24 year old brother is training to drive trains between Paddington and Oxford and Worcester at the moment . No doubt they will not be the older BR stock in your days Joseph .
Excellent
Thank you!
Had a feeling your "Lost Stations" format would be a hit, RLR. Very smooth and informative presentation, well done. I can well imagine how many times the question, "There was a station THERE?" was uttered by viewers.
2:20 Would say the overpass has seen its fair share of "bridge strikes" over the years.
All those halts south of Oxford are more characteristic of a rapid-transit commuter system rather than a steam railway. So many of the station's pictured had, for me, more of an American feel given the choice of wood for their construction rather than the (my perception) traditional British brick/stone.
The Wolvercot Platform view was wonderful. Can say with complete honesty that I don't know of ANY steam rail car ever operating in the United States: what a unique piece of motive power. I take it that is a goods wagon trailing the car--thus a mixed train? Very cool.
Keep up the excellent work.
Thanks so much for your comments, thought and critique. As for all these many halts, I would say that it was a good idea, but the wrong place and time - today, rapid transit if one kind or another would help this beautiful if congested city.
Although I’m not local to this area I still find it fascinating finding out about the railways that served it and other areas in the uk that once had a branch line serving them.
I still associate Oxford and the surrounding area with Inspector Morse, in fact one of the episodes is called The Wolvercote tongue, Wolvercote being one of the closed stations in your film.
Thanks for this.👍
I'm not from the area either, but I have some history with the place...and exploring the lost stations of an old university town or cathedral city is an opportunity to enjoy the architecture at large. As for Morse ‐ a big fan of the books and original show 👍
cant get enough of these already looking foreward to the next one
Not too long to wait - a complete overhaul of my film on the Great Central Railway with narration and sound effects among the improvements!
Another very interesting video! Shame to see so many closed stations but as you mention they slowed down the service on the main lines. I think the best thing for Oxford would be a tramway running from Kidlington through the city centre to Abingdon.
Many thanks!
Fascinating.
Thank you!
Marvellous.
Thank you!
Another excellent production,keep them coming
Many thanks indeed!
Always look forward to these, extremely interesting, they illustrate what a great railway system we once had. Thank you.
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the film, many thanks indeed!
What a great little documentary of these lost stations. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it! Do consider subscribing and enjoy my other films in the series.
Excellent work as always, I’m always left feeling sad at the losses but equally seized with the desire to visit these places.
Many thanks for your comment. I'm sad that these lines and railways are gone, but I wouldn't be able to make my films if they weren't!
Really enjoyed watching your film well done on a very professional production, it's amazing to see what has survived demolition. Keep up the good work. Cheers. Scruff 😊
Thank you, so glad to hear you enjoyed the film!
The plans for the re-opening of the Cowley branch line to passenger traffic are sufficiently advanced to be considered in the Oxford 2040 development plan. As a Blackbird Leys Parish Councillor I have been approached to discuss ways of getting to the new Cowley and Oxford Science Park (not Littlemore) stations. Work cannot start until after the work on Oxford Station and the Botley Road bridge has finished in 2024.
Fingers crossed it works out!
Fascinating and a very enjoyable film, thank you very much.
Thank you eve so much Andrew!
Yarnton had a nice turntable, once it had closed I hit my head on the handle as my brother turned it!
I'm sorry to have been the cause of painful memories!
Thank you! A well designed and edited film. And congratulations on the spoken commentary. The tone of voice and pacing are just right. All very absorbing.
Most kind of you to say so, thank you
I really enjoy your channel, please keep it up. Thank you for doing them.
I'm so glad - many more films to come - next one in August!
Fascinating video amazing how quickly these places disappear and are all but forgotten.
Yes agreed! Many thanks indeed.
Really enjoyed that lovely video. Super presentation, and your choice of music and its subdued volume adds to the atmosphere. It never intrudes, as it often does elsewhere, and becomes the focus, detracting from the subject in hand. Loud intrusive music seems to be the fashion these days - even Micheal Portillo's travels are adversely affected! Congratulations to you. Well structured and edited. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words about my film. Completely agree that noisy intrusive music and gimmicks so often detract from what could be good films!
Excellent work, as usual!
Many thanks for your comment!
Very interesting thank you. I was born near Oxford Road Halt, and worked for 2 years at Littlemore Hospital which is shown to the right in the photo of Littlemore Halt, and had no idea at the time that there had ever been stations there.
I wondered what that grand building was - now I know- thank you! It is often the case that these places are hiding in plain sight, which makes their discovery all the more exciting I find! Thanks for you comment.
I've had this saved to watch for over a year, and boy, was it worth the wait! As always, complimented by following your journey via google maps on the 2nd laptop. I'm so appreciative of your hard work, research, great photography, and such a professionally delivered presentation. Many thanks - I'm gonna spoil myself now by re-watching some of your other films 😃
So very glad you enjoyed the film and that it was worth the wait! I hope my films stand up to a second viewing - next one out in the next couple of weeks!
@@RediscoveringLostRailways Yep they sure do - really enjoyed a re-watch of your Great Central Main Line film. Looking forward to your upcoming works. Many thanks again 😃
I was told there used to be a halt at Cassington and I know from personal experience that there used to be the remains of an engine shed along with a turntable just a little way down the old tracks from Worton too.
See my film 'Death of a Branch Line' which covers Cassington Halt and all stations to Fairford!
@@RediscoveringLostRailways Thanks for the info. Another fascinating program.
Excellent , very interesting . Very nicely produced .Many thanks .
Very kind of you to say so, thank you. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series.
Great research, interesting commentary, and superb filming, with really helpful mapping: thank you. Let's hope the £215m Oxfordshire Growth Deal for homes, roads and railways looks kindly on the upgrading of the Cowley branch for passengers!
It would be shortsighted if they didn't! Many thanks for your kind words about my film!
Really interesting! I'm all for their return !
Here here! Many thanks for your comment.
The stations may be reduced, but rail is the only way to get to what is one of the worst traffic black spots in the UK. When forced to go there, I park at Didcot Parkway and get the train in.
Very wise indeed!
Superb quality and fascinating
Very kind of you to say so, thank you
Extremely interesting... Thank you my friend...
My pleasure. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series.
Love your channel!!
So glad to have you aboard!
Superb upload as per usual , i like the new format etc'
Always happy to get the approval of one of my long term subscribers! Thank you!
Great vid..amazing how nature reclaims
Yes just so! Many thanks for your comment.
No no your fine don't get your coat lol.
I'm very glad to say I finally found the time to watch your new video and as usual I'm very impressed with it and your work in general.
So i just wanted to say thanks for sharing m8y 😎
All the very best.
🙂🍻👍🏻
Thanks for being so understanding! This film must've gone through about 20 drafts before I was satisfied - so to make such a silly error cannot help but niggle! Many thanks again!
Excellent and informative video!
Glad you enjoyed it! Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!
@@RediscoveringLostRailways already have done! Keep up the good work!
I have been to the Buckinghamshire Railway Center, back in 2004. I do like the Victorian architecture. Granted there isn't much left of the period.
I've never actually managed to enter myself despite having been nearby many times!
An excellent and fascinating film. Well produced with interesting narration.
Very kind of you to say so, thank you. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!
A fascinating film. Rewley Road Swingbridge has now been beautifully restored by the Oxford Preservation Trust.
Thank you and that's great news!
Well done and very informative!
Many thanks indeed!
Fascinating insight.
Many thanks indeed. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series.
Great presentation, and tolerable background music (probably the first time I've ever said that!). I do recall that in the 1950's and 60's there was a derelict crane by the track on the site of the Wolvercot halt. I imagine the lane by the Plough public house, which now stops at the railway line, would have given access to the halt. This line is now extremely busy with Southampton Docks freights thundering through at speed, so I do not think I would recommend crossing the line at this point.
Crossing has been closed for a fair few years now, the Bridge opposite The Plough only providing access to the canal towpath......although there is still a BR crossing/trespass sign in the bushes....
Fascinating - thanks. I lived at Yarnton as a boy. There was a small marshalling yard at the start of the Witney line; the driver of the little tank engine used to allow me on the footplate.
How wonderful! I wish I could have done that! Many thanks indeed.
me too
Very good and most interesting...thanks for sharing.
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the film. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!
Fascinating history and, reflecting on it, sad at the same time. Thanks for uploading. I just hope that the varsity line is actually completed/reinstated to its current full specification and not subject to any cutbacks ( as the Scottish Borders line had been ) due to financial constraints. If this is successfully done, it would go some way to decreasing the sadness of all those earlier closures.
Yes I agree. Alas, I'm not holding my breath, but I really hope it works out!
I love all these railway videos I would love a video on the old uckfield railway or spa valley railway
Thank you - I'll certainly look into your recommendation!
Great video well made and really interesting
Many thanks indeed. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!
Excellent. Considering I lived in Witney between 1958 and 1984 (my parents right up to 2017), I didnt know about all the halts around Oxford. Just about remember the trains at Witney station before the Beeching axe fell.
I suppose that since most of them closed before 1930 and they were such slight structures it is no wonder they've faded from memory. As for the Fairford branch it would've made an attractive heritage line!
love this....and love the commentary too. Will you be doing any more lost rail line vids too?
Thank you! Yes - huge film coming out in August, a complete overhaul of my film about the GCR, I've got the Princes Risborough and Watlington Railway coming out, the Ramsey Branch Lines, the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, the Hadleigh Branch among others...
I live in New Hinksey, so this was a fascinating little eye-opener.
I think I know more about other people's local history than I do my own thanks to making these films! Really glad you enjoyed it!
Another great video thanks for sharing.Would like to visit one day
You should! Lots of wonderful places to explore, notwithstanding the lost stations!
@@RediscoveringLostRailways Have now subscribed to you 👍be great if you subbed back 🙂
Brilliant job, I wish I could create my videos of the professional standard of yours. Can't fought your gr8 work in putting these videos together.
So glad you enjoyed this episode. Editing these films really is the most rewarding process 😀
I remember going to Oxford from Wycombe, change at Risborough onto an old 2 carriage train that nearly tipped off the track!! It was the original Broad gauge line to Oxford from London via Maidenhead and Wycombe!!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories!
Oxford lost its second line to London (via Cowley) in 1963: near Wheatley was a bow-girder bridge over the A40 that was removed for use on a line somewhere in Wales. Until fairly recently track remained between Princes Risborough and Thame for use by oil trains: there are 'plans' to reinstate the Oxford-Cowley stub of the line for some sort of passenger service.
Yes I've heard of these plans... Wouldn't it be great if they became reality?
@@RediscoveringLostRailways Somehow I think it will remain a pipe-dream, esp. in view of the crashed economy
Yes. The A40 bridge girders were removed gor reuse on one of tge Welsh Valley lines, ironically to provide a bridge over a new dual carriageway.....
I've actually travelled over them but can for the life of me remember the name of the place.....
I never knew there was a Witney line. That should be reinstated tomorrow as far as I am concerned.
I imagine it would do a lot to relieve the commuter traffic to Oxford etc
Thank you for another excellent video, it was well worth the wait. I was familiar with a few of the closed stations, Morris Cowley, and Littlemore to name but 2, so I was pleasantly surprised and pleased to learn about the others. I'm now eagerly awaiting the GCR Full Length video and your future productions. Do you have any plans to do features/films on the closed lines from Oxford (towards Witney and via Thame)?
I've made a film about Princes Risborough to Watlington which will be out later this year. I hadn't planned on the Thame branch only because there's so much that is stripped away to facilitate the cycle path and my film just becomes a trip along a cycle path if you see what I mean! Really glad you enjoyed the film.
@@RediscoveringLostRailways Now, I'm really looking forward to the Risborough - Watlington film, shame it never made it out to Wallingford. Are you aware of the narrow gauge loop that used to exist at Chinnor? It ran into the Saw Mill, unfortunately all housing now. I think there's a very small portion of track (few feet,) still visible though.
@@tobyrosoman7438 I wasn't aware of that, no. Very glad you're looking forward to the film!
Thank you.
My pleasure
Agreed - this was a very fine documentary. I often look at the notice about the former railway in Hinksey Park. My own knowledge is minuscule compared to yours, but if I may point out one possible minor emendation: large car ferry trains run down to Southampton East Docks and Purfleet Deep Water Dock on every weekday - the Class 66 locos always run round in Hinksey Yard. So what is described as Morris Cowley M.A.T. is in heavy use.
Thank you - I had no idea how often it was used and couldn't find information on the subject, so I'm really grateful! Glad to hear you enjoyed the film 🙂
@@RediscoveringLostRailways I couldn't discover the meaning of M.A.T. but I would guess Mini Assembly Terminal. It is huge!
exellent as usual.
Thank you very much! It was a delight to make this one - beautiful early summer's day cycling around the city!
I believe that you may find my memories of Radley from 50+ year ago quite note worthy as they are most specific regarding the closure of the station, a most remarkable story in short. My family are from Lower Radley, just over the bridge, and indeed my father is still there. If you would welcome such details then do feel free to reply. Regards. Mark.
I'd be delighted to hear it - as would others here, no doubt!
@@RediscoveringLostRailways Thank you for the reply and the invitation to write a piece about Radley Station.
I actually have a lot of experience of the place and many fond memories - and some that are not so. I mention
the latter because if I were to jot such things of my experiences then some readers might well be aghast at
the specifics quoted. I mention this as it will be an essential detail to my story; that of an eight year old and the
incidents that I fell upon. Some are most unpleasant but without their inclusion, the station wouldn't be seen as
it truly was in the 1960's, both prior to, and after it was demolished. Granted, it is an extraordinary tale, but not
one that is completely romantic for such a former, wonderful establishment of Victorian origin.
If you wish to read such a personal history then I will proceed. Thank you for your interest. With regards. Mark.
A lovely video, but so sad that so many stations are now lost. As you mentioned, how would it be if the railway had remained open after all? Thank you for sharing this at such a difficult time. Cheers from me in Australia
My very great pleasure! Always happy to hear from a cousin down under. I think some of these halts were in rather absurd locations, but even if a few of them had been kept it might help with present day congestion!
Very enjoyable video.
Thank you very much indeed!
Very good and very Interesting...
Many thanks indeed!
Rewley Road station closed in 1951, not 1851: I used to pass the run-down building in the '60s when it was being used as a tyre-depot. It looks a lot better today.
Slip of the tongue! Goes to show all the prep one can do and mistakes can still be made!
@@RediscoveringLostRailways 👍
Love this video I will be sharing it with my rail working mates at Oxford station today ! Did you know upon researching the very useful "Scottish library maps" service online of older maps overlaid to today present day maps , the Oxford to Witney line that went on to Fairfield actually traversed one of RAF Brize Norton's runways today . There is a lot of information online as well of the Abingdon branch line that joined from Radley and that my friend owns a professional standard model railway layout of the Branch line station in its heyday which was frequently used for transportation export of MG cars across the world untill 1970s closure . It would be worth an episode in future ? Thanks
Thanks you for your kind words about my film. Yes, do share! May I also recommend this excellent website, which I advise checking out: www.railmaponline.com/UKIEMap.php I'll certainly be using this to help me make my film about the Fairford branch...
Really interesting.
Many thanks indeed!
great video of my home city i live near the old station at morris cowley holt
Thank you very much indeed. A fine city indeed!
Idly looking for some edification, I chanced across your 'treatise' on Oxenford's railways. We regularly pass below - on our narrowboat - some of the bridges shown in the video, especially the dreaded swing bridge (which I remembered being in action many years ago) and which obstructs the navigation between the Glorious Thames and the ditch that the Oxford Canal has become in recent years.
I digress.
I have long wondered where the line below Iffley went and also the disused (new pedestrianised) bridges that pass over the River - now effectively a lock cut to where it joins the other streams at Christchurch meadow. Now I know; thus thanks!
I'm glad you enjoyed the film and that it answered some questions, even though it brought to the fore frustrations with the canal/swing Bridge!
Nice one ...
Many thanks indeed 🙂
Very, very good. :)
Thank you very much! Once restrictions are lifted in the UK, there will be more 'Lost Stations of ...' to come!
Great way to spend just under 17 minuets. Many Thanks
You're very kind, thank you. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!
I was interested to hear a reference to proposals to introduce some sort of service between Oxford and (Morris) Cowley. As Oxford's station is a fairly good walk from the city centre I find it difficult to believe that this would be an attractive service.
I imagine that such proposals are dangled in front of the electorate every few years!
I don't know about any other region but Oxford really misses its local trains the roads into town are catastrophically busy during rush hour.
I live near Cambridge and it is a city similarly blighted by congestion!
@@RediscoveringLostRailways It can take an hour to get into Oxford by road from Abingdon (if you can even get out of Abingdon) where as the former branch line would be a short journey through lovely countryside. The roads regularly seize up the accidents in particular the A34 & A40
I would love to see some of these stations restored, perhaps for a metro or light rail? Oxford Station is far too small and the area it is in doesn't provide many opportunities for expansion either, so I do wonder whether a new, larger station should be built to act as a junction (with then regular light rail or metro services taking people to Oxford Station). It could be built near the original stations location in Grandpont, or Hinksey Sidings, or maybe even in Headington near the park and ride?
Thank you for your thoughts and comments - I think I heard that Oxford station is meant to be having an extensive redevelopment, but I stand to be corrected. In any case, I fear that a light rail connection will not be part of their plans...
@@RediscoveringLostRailways Yeah the Oxford station upgrade is currently happening but it only adds one more platform (primarily for the new east west line) and I think the only other change to the station is a new entrance on the west side and some subways for walking. There is apparently a chance this new platform will allow for the Cowley branch line to be reinstated, which would be great, and perhaps would be the start of a new transport network in Oxford.
When younge I imagined I went to another Oxford station called Oxford Goods. No idea if a dream or whatever. However I went through a similar station called Knowle. Turns out that was real.
Not cone across Oxford Goods... A mystery indeed!
Once lockdown restrictions are lifted and better safety measures are enacted, would you consider doing a lost Railway stations of Leeds video? I live 20 seconds or so away from the old station building of Armley Canal Road Station, and I’d love to see more in depth info of former stations in the local area.
I hadn't considered it until now, thanks for the tip... I'll look at some railway maps presently...
excellent video and commentary 👍it's easily done to make a mistake everybody does it not to worry 🤔
Really glad you enjoyed the film, which I made about a year ago - a wonderful early start cycling round Oxford on a beautiful day. As for The Mistake - thanks for your support - still kicking myself! 😁
Wonderful. Eloquent and insightful. Please, please keep the videos AND narration coming. So very well produced. Yes, we will over look the date error this time...but if there's one more...i'm unsubbing!!! ;-)
😂 - must try harder! So glad you enjoy the films. Henceforth, it's narration all the way!
Stations came to a HALT!
All that work laying them.......
Wish they were all open today.......
Yes, I imagine some would be more useful than others, but it would be nice to think they might help with the congestion!
Not sure all deserved saving, some amalgamation would probably have taken place (I mean, a halt less then a mile from the next?), and too much halts would probably have made more fast trains impossible, but you're right, we should be careful, even when stations are closed, that an eventual reopening isn't made impossible, as situations do change. What was once a rural area with scattered houses can be a busy residential area now, and with proper development planning, these areas can be strengthened by further transit-based development.
Agreed. There were clearly too many halts that were just bizarrely positioned as you suggest.
@@RediscoveringLostRailways Yes. I am more a public transport advocate, particularly rail, then a rail history lover, and sometimes, we have to concede a train isn't the best option in a particular case. However, the future isn't set into stone, and things can change either way, and this shouldn't be made impossible (or very costly and thus difficult) to go in a certain direction. Building right up to a right of way makes it virtually impossible to double (quadruple) a line, or (re)open a station or line.
Yes, I agree with all your remarks.