Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Mr Skrunts on 12 June 2025, 10:56:58

Title: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 12 June 2025, 10:56:58
Just been planning a journey from Kings Cross to Retford/Doncaster

if traveled at 7pm train fare is quoted £127 (and maybe crowded) :-\

Journey north it seems no stop at Retford, so extra cost for 2nd train journey from Doncaster to Retford.
if traveled at 8pm train fare quoted is £31.08 :y

Also its a 15 interval service changing to every to every 30 minutes in the evening, bet service than our our buses into local towns. :y
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 12 June 2025, 11:10:33
I try to avoid public transport as much as is humanly possible, be it train or bus.

Was it not possible to use the mighty Omega, Skruntie?
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 12 June 2025, 11:49:16
I rarely use the train, its more expensive than car hire and fuel  :-\
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 12 June 2025, 12:27:41
Not for me  :y

Tis for GF after she arrives at Heathrow ::)

I have not been on a train since 1992 and cant remember when I last traveled by bus, maybe 90/91
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: TheBoy on 12 June 2025, 13:21:15
Go pick her up in the car.

I suffer trains because my short sighted, dim-witted company doesn't like car travel. So in their minds it better for me to have a hire car to go to the train station 15 miles away, then pay Chiltern £100 for a ticket to travel and park, then bring hire car home.  Despite the fact it's cheaper and quicker to drive, paying for Khan the Khunt's taxes and London parking....
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 12 June 2025, 13:25:20
Go pick her up in the car.

I suffer trains because my short sighted, dim-witted company doesn't like car travel. So in their minds it better for me to have a hire car to go to the train station 15 miles away, then pay Chiltern £100 for a ticket to travel and park, then bring hire car home.  Despite the fact it's cheaper and quicker to drive, paying for Khan the Khunt's taxes and London parking....
That sounds about as retarded as the quest for sustainable aviation when all the waste off a flight has to be incenerated because "it's contaminated" ::)
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 12 June 2025, 13:33:37
Same thing with flight costs

Raised at holiday times etc.

But a friend found out that when he either booked a flight or drove to Germany to see his GF prices rose at holiday times but if she booked for his trip from Germany no price hikes at all for either flight or tunnel bookings. :-\
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 12 June 2025, 13:37:54
I think the last time I used the train was the sleeper from London to Inverness.

The train was old and creaky, not to mention filthy. The bar consisted of a few tins of beer priced about a fiver a tin.

The Orient Express it was not.... :-X ;D



Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: TheBoy on 12 June 2025, 19:57:03
I think the last time I used the train was the sleeper from London to Inverness.

The train was old and creaky, not to mention filthy. The bar consisted of a few tins of beer priced about a fiver a tin.

The Orient Express it was not.... :-X ;D
Sounds like luxury compared to the Chiltern Slug....
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Andy B on 12 June 2025, 20:10:26
2 years ago we travelled to London from Manchester. Each ticket was almost £40 each way (off peak) far easier than driving & no parking at the other end. That was the 1st time I'd been on a train though for years other than the tram into or from Manchester.
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 12 June 2025, 21:12:48
Just drive down and pick her up. Or let her figure it out.
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 13 June 2025, 12:49:53
I have a lifelong love for trains, since 1958, especially those pulled by a steam engine, or a Deltic diesel!

But the modern trains are also a great way to travel long distances, which I have done for work and pleasure over many years.  However, have had no need to use them in recent times  as I just do not need to travel far, and using the Omega is so easy for most journeys.  Only used steam preservation trains in the last 3 years.  I have now no idea on the costs of going by train, even to London, and can only remember that my season ticket for commuting from the Midlands to London, which I did for two years, in the early noughties, cost about £3,500 per annum.  Bet it is far more than that now! ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 13 June 2025, 13:22:00
I have a lifelong love for trains, since 1958, especially those pulled by a steam engine, or a Deltic diesel!

But the modern trains are also a great way to travel long distances, which I have done for work and pleasure over many years.  However, have had no need to use them in recent times  as I just do not need to travel far, and using the Omega is so easy for most journeys.  Only used steam preservation trains in the last 3 years.  I have now no idea on the costs of going by train, even to London, and can only remember that my season ticket for commuting from the Midlands to London, which I did for two years, in the early noughties, cost about £3,500 per annum.  Bet it is far more than that now! ::) ::) ::)


Was this iconic loco also a 2 stroke?

Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 13 June 2025, 13:57:48
With all the apps online for deals and comparing travel there are some good offers to travel.

I had a look into a visit to Edinburgh by train but at £157+ PP I thought the the run up through Jedburgh would be nicer in the Omega.

When I came off the search link Google was showing the same trip on an add for £15 after discounts. ::)

So some good deals out there. :y

Am wanting a few days days away and do some sight seeing so maybe will be looking on the google again for some nice B&B by the coast or in the country side.

Maybe a drive up Past Newcastle, then through the National Parks to Edinburgh maybe onto Aberdeen, then go west maybe to Glasgow and the return South.

I have relatives in Newcastle & Aberdeen so maybe some catching up to be done.
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 13 June 2025, 14:06:34
Our local train line is the South Western Trains Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo, and it's pretty good to be honest. Although expect to pay £85-95 for a day return to Waterloo. :o 

Doesn't seem long ago that it was about £25!  :-\   ::)

Under the tutelage of British Rail the line was downgraded to single track from Salisbury down, and trains used to run every other hour either way and they were always late as they had to wait in a siding somewhere for the train coming the other way to pass. After privatisation, the line was re-dueled, stations were upgraded and restored, and the trains now run every hour on the hour each way.  :y

South Western Trains was recently nationalised, so I fully expect the service to decline, prices to go up even more and the sandwiches will be stale. Sigh...  ::)
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 13 June 2025, 15:06:40
Our local train line is the South Western Trains Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo, and it's pretty good to be honest. Although expect to pay £85-95 for a day return to Waterloo. :o 

Doesn't seem long ago that it was about £25!  :-\   ::)

Under the tutelage of British Rail the line was downgraded to single track from Salisbury down, and trains used to run every other hour either way and they were always late as they had to wait in a siding somewhere for the train coming the other way to pass. After privatisation, the line was re-dueled, stations were upgraded and restored, and the trains now run every hour on the hour each way.  :y

South Western Trains was recently nationalised, so I fully expect the service to decline, prices to go up even more and the sandwiches will be stale. Sigh...  ::)

British Rail was well known for it's sandwiches......for all the wrong reasons. :)
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: TheBoy on 13 June 2025, 15:47:24
But the modern trains are also a great way to travel long distances
In general, a car is similar cost (or cheaper if London bound), and faster. Plus you are guaranteed a seat.  Plus your return journey can be guaranteed, unlike rail.
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: TheBoy on 13 June 2025, 15:51:30
Our local train line is the South Western Trains Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo, and it's pretty good to be honest. Although expect to pay £85-95 for a day return to Waterloo. :o 

Doesn't seem long ago that it was about £25!  :-\   ::)

Under the tutelage of British Rail the line was downgraded to single track from Salisbury down, and trains used to run every other hour either way and they were always late as they had to wait in a siding somewhere for the train coming the other way to pass. After privatisation, the line was re-dueled, stations were upgraded and restored, and the trains now run every hour on the hour each way.  :y

South Western Trains was recently nationalised, so I fully expect the service to decline, prices to go up even more and the sandwiches will be stale. Sigh...  ::)
As I'm sure Tunnie will confirm, after the Chiltern Mainline had the 2 single track sections dualled back around 20 years ago, BIcester North to London was 32 minutes, and the station was so busy they had a multistorey and 2 other onsite carparks.

Now they have slowed* all trains to just under and hour, and they have mothballed the 2 other carparks, and removing all but the ground floor of the multistorey.

*Makes HS2 look slighlty more viable
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: tunnie on 13 June 2025, 16:27:48
Oh wow, big changes then. I did see a YouTube doc on the good days of Chiltern was around the time I was using it.

I suspect Covid and WFH has dropped off quite a bit of traffic as well, no longer Mon-Fri needed.

I try and use the bus, there is one from Camberley to Heathrow and it's just £3 for a one way fare.
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: tunnie on 13 June 2025, 16:41:17
I'll also add the Flightline bus had excellent WiFi, joined some meetings on the bus and was a flawless connection.

Leg room was acceptable, could be quicker but they appear to limit these full size coaches to 56mph as well and don't do 70mph down the M3/M25.
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 13 June 2025, 16:47:07
I have a lifelong love for trains, since 1958, especially those pulled by a steam engine, or a Deltic diesel!

But the modern trains are also a great way to travel long distances, which I have done for work and pleasure over many years.  However, have had no need to use them in recent times  as I just do not need to travel far, and using the Omega is so easy for most journeys.  Only used steam preservation trains in the last 3 years.  I have now no idea on the costs of going by train, even to London, and can only remember that my season ticket for commuting from the Midlands to London, which I did for two years, in the early noughties, cost about £3,500 per annum.  Bet it is far more than that now! ::) ::) ::)


Was this iconic loco also a 2 stroke?

Well, I am not a diesel enthusiast as such, but these great engines had "opposed pistons", with no cylinder head, and with two huge engines were very powerful.  Their official top speed was 100 mph, but they regularly exceeded that.  I just know that they sounded great, with an unforgettable roar when pulling out of stations, or out on the line when accelerating.  They may not have been as impressive, for me, as the Gresley A4 pacific steam engines they replaced on the East Coast main line, but we love those that are preserved now! :-* :-* :D ;)
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: TheBoy on 13 June 2025, 20:46:48
I suspect Covid and WFH has dropped off quite a bit of traffic as well, no longer Mon-Fri needed.
Probably less than some of us might believe.  I think people drive in now, or use one of the coaches, or use WCML instead, again playing into HS2's plans with their claims about capacity issues there.

That and the £100 a day by the time you have paid for parking at a Chiltern station.
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: tunnie on 13 June 2025, 22:05:09
I suspect Covid and WFH has dropped off quite a bit of traffic as well, no longer Mon-Fri needed.
Probably less than some of us might believe.  I think people drive in now, or use one of the coaches, or use WCML instead, again playing into HS2's plans with their claims about capacity issues there.

That and the £100 a day by the time you have paid for parking at a Chiltern station.

Even back in 2007-10 era, I was paying around £600-700 a month to go into Londinium all in
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 16 June 2025, 07:38:44
I have a lifelong love for trains, since 1958, especially those pulled by a steam engine, or a Deltic diesel!

But the modern trains are also a great way to travel long distances, which I have done for work and pleasure over many years.  However, have had no need to use them in recent times  as I just do not need to travel far, and using the Omega is so easy for most journeys.  Only used steam preservation trains in the last 3 years.  I have now no idea on the costs of going by train, even to London, and can only remember that my season ticket for commuting from the Midlands to London, which I did for two years, in the early noughties, cost about £3,500 per annum.  Bet it is far more than that now! ::) ::) ::)


Was this iconic loco also a 2 stroke?

Well, I am not a diesel enthusiast as such, but these great engines had "opposed pistons", with no cylinder head, and with two huge engines were very powerful.  Their official top speed was 100 mph, but they regularly exceeded that.  I just know that they sounded great, with an unforgettable roar when pulling out of stations, or out on the line when accelerating.  They may not have been as impressive, for me, as the Gresley A4 pacific steam engines they replaced on the East Coast main line, but we love those that are preserved now! :-* :-* :D ;)

They are two stroke and until the class 68 arrived (about ten years ago), were the most powerful passenger diesel Loco in the UK
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: cam.in.head on 16 June 2025, 08:54:43
im with you on this one . the deltics sound great and they regularly have them
m in use in howarth near me . fantastic to hear and feel the engine roar !
otherwise not much into the modern trains (or much modern anyway ) and dontoften use trains much nowadays due to the prices .
buses however we do use. many times we buy a day ticket and spend a saturday just riding around wherever the next bus goes to . sound wise theyre ok ish but no match for the fantastic sounding gardner 6lxb found in many 80's buses like the olympians and also the leyland engines found in the 70's atlanteans . fantastic times .
same with modern cars i suppose . older cars and engines you could recognise by their sound but not now !
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 16 June 2025, 09:14:14
I'm find all this fascinating.  out of interest what sort of power out do these have. :y
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: TheBoy on 16 June 2025, 14:29:13
I have a lifelong love for trains, since 1958, especially those pulled by a steam engine, or a Deltic diesel!

But the modern trains are also a great way to travel long distances, which I have done for work and pleasure over many years.  However, have had no need to use them in recent times  as I just do not need to travel far, and using the Omega is so easy for most journeys.  Only used steam preservation trains in the last 3 years.  I have now no idea on the costs of going by train, even to London, and can only remember that my season ticket for commuting from the Midlands to London, which I did for two years, in the early noughties, cost about £3,500 per annum.  Bet it is far more than that now! ::) ::) ::)


Was this iconic loco also a 2 stroke?

Well, I am not a diesel enthusiast as such, but these great engines had "opposed pistons", with no cylinder head, and with two huge engines were very powerful.  Their official top speed was 100 mph, but they regularly exceeded that.  I just know that they sounded great, with an unforgettable roar when pulling out of stations, or out on the line when accelerating.  They may not have been as impressive, for me, as the Gresley A4 pacific steam engines they replaced on the East Coast main line, but we love those that are preserved now! :-* :-* :D ;)

They are two stroke and until the class 68 arrived (about ten years ago), were the most powerful passenger diesel Loco in the UK
Chiltrn use some Class 68's.  Not that it improves the service, obviously ;D
Title: Re: Travel Costs (Train)
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 16 June 2025, 15:58:56
I'm find all this fascinating.  out of interest what sort of power out do these have. :y

Class 55 (Deltic) is 3300bhp (two engines rated at 1650bhp each)

The 680s on my little project are a mere 150bhp each (four fitted)