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Great British Railway Journeys - BBC2

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  • 27-01-2012 9:21pm
    #1
    steamengine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,372 ✭✭✭


    Great British Railway Journeys, Series 3 Episode 21, based on Bradshaw's railway guide, features Bray to Dublin next Monday, 18.30 on BBC2. The next 4 episodes are all based in Ireland.
    Should be interesting. Details here


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    #2
    Judgement Day
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    Can't see how this is going to be done in a positive light. I was up in town last week and (apart from the druggies - see elsewhere) the course of the line is in a disgusting state. Everything that doesn't move is destroyed by graffiti; the most historic feature on the line (Cloncurry's Towers) has been partially dismantled and the adjoining bathing pavilion, railings etc are wrecked; lineside rubbish is everywhere - much of it IE's own track materials etc.etc. The only station that I noted between Connolly and Greystones that was in a reasonable state was the latter. Private houses, the bandstand in Blackrock Park, the Aviva Stadiium (again), lineside retaining walls - even on Killiney Head - have now been defaced. There must be thousands of Euros outstanding for trespass from these pond life who are ruining their country for Irish and visitors alike. It used to be that the only graffiti on the line would be the occasional 'Free Nicky Kelly' or similar in the same spot on the coast wall near Booterstown - God be with the days. I have given up writing to Dick Fearn about it but I haven't given up on my campaign to get something done - more another day.


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    #3
    steamengine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,372 ✭✭✭steamengine


    At the end of tonight's program featuring the IOM, which incidentally didn't include the steam trains, they showed a clip of a DART south of Bray which due to the nature of the terrain should be almost graffiti free. I doubt they will do an extended DART run, as the program series goes into a lot of peripheral issues related to railways, but doesn't actually spend a lot of time on the rails per se. They showed a brief shot of a training simulator too, presumably IR's. In general I would expect any of the episodes next week to be a mixed bag but it's an interesting series nevertheless.


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    #4
    wellboytoo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭wellboytoo


    Judgement Day wrote: »
    Can't see how this is going to be done in a positive light. I was up in town last week and (apart from the druggies - see elsewhere) the course of the line is in a disgusting state. Everything that doesn't move is destroyed by graffiti; the most historic feature on the line (Cloncurry's Towers) has been partially dismantled and the adjoining bathing pavilion, railings etc are wrecked; lineside rubbish is everywhere - much of it IE's own track materials etc.etc. The only station that I noted between Connolly and Greystones that was in a reasonable state was the latter. Private houses, the bandstand in Blackrock Park, the Aviva Stadiium (again), lineside retaining walls - even on Killiney Head - have now been defaced. There must be thousands of Euros outstanding for trespass from these pond life who are ruining their country for Irish and visitors alike. It used to be that the only graffiti on the line would be the occasional 'Free Nicky Kelly' or similar in the same spot on the coast wall near Booterstown - God be with the days. I have given up writing to Dick Fearn about it but I haven't given up on my campaign to get something done - more another day.
    Your name heralds your outlook on life I think not the programme,I watch it quit a bit and it is a light touch of an area with sound bites of local culture and sites of interest in, but Portillo does wear lovely shirts!


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    #5
    AlekSmart
    Registered Users Posts: 14,005 ✭✭✭✭AlekSmart


    wellboytoo wrote: »
    Your name heralds your outlook on life I think not the programme,I watch it quit a bit and it is a light touch of an area with sound bites of local culture and sites of interest in, but Portillo does wear lovely shirts!

    Indeed wellboytoo,the first thing I wondered was who's Mr P's tailor !

    However,full marks to the man,for making an entertaining and informative series which actually might just introduce a few new faces to take an interest in Railway Travel.

    It's also kind of sad,that with the passing of Garret Fitzgerald,the Houses of the Oireachtas are notably lacking in any Public Representative capable of exhibiting the same level of interest that Portillo does,never mind making such a series :(


    Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one.

    Charles Mackay (1812-1889)



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    #6
    steamengine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,372 ✭✭✭steamengine


    AlekSmart wrote: »
    Indeed wellboytoo,the first thing I wondered was who's Mr P's tailor !

    However,full marks to the man,for making an entertaining and informative series which actually might just introduce a few new faces to take an interest in Railway Travel.

    It's also kind of sad,that with the passing of Garret Fitzgerald,the Houses of the Oireachtas are notably lacking in any Public Representative capable of exhibiting the same level of interest that Portillo does,never mind making such a series :(

    +1 .......full marks indeed.

    The following subject matter Link is off topic, but contains a self admission of railway enthusiam by the present Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Whether such enthusiasm will ever be translated into a re-opened line in Youghal or anywhere else in this country here is the thousand dollar question.

    Portillo is more than a tailor's dummy/railway guide, he did his bit in securing the future of the then threatened Settle-Carlisle line whilst he was Minister for Transport in Maggie Thatcher's government.

    Looking forward to the Irish episodes tomorrow !!!


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    #7
    Judgement Day
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    wellboytoo wrote: »
    Your name heralds your outlook on life I think not the programme,I watch it quit a bit and it is a light touch of an area with sound bites of local culture and sites of interest in, but Portillo does wear lovely shirts!

    Is that you Bertie? http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0704/economy.html :D


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    #8
    Itssoeasy
    Registered Users Posts: 39,758 ✭✭✭✭Itssoeasy


    Is the Dublin bray the first episode ?


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    #9
    steamengine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,372 ✭✭✭steamengine


    Well it's the 21st episode or the first of the Irish based episodes !

    Fair dues to Portillo, two spins on the DART and one on the LUAS red line ! In the cab through the tunnel sections at Bray Head was the best bit for me - must get the box set when it comes out ! :D


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    #10
    Cookie_Monster
    Registered Users Posts: 24,490 ✭✭✭✭Cookie_Monster


    I watched the first two series when still at home, found it lacking in rail tbh, a lot more focused on what's around it, very little covered on the route and it's history.

    That said still a great series.


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    #11
    corktina
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,733 ✭✭✭✭corktina


    its not about Rail..It's about BRADSHAWS and the journeys he describes. Thats the charm of the programme, it appeals to non-trainspotter rail lovers. Can only be good for Rail generally.


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    #12
    Andrew Flexing
    Registered Users Posts: 657 ✭✭✭Andrew Flexing


    Not trying to be a smart alec but "Great British Railway Journeys; Bray to Dublin"? I don't get it.

    my URBAN EXPLORATION YouTube channel: https://www.facebook.com/ASMRurbanexploration/



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    #13
    murphaph
    Registered Users Posts: 19,018 ✭✭✭✭murphaph


    Andrew Flexing wrote: »
    Not trying to be a smart alec but "Great British Railway Journeys; Bray to Dublin"? I don't get it.
    The RoI has managed to build a handful of miles of new rail since 1922, and none of it as impressive as the costal route to Bray, which was all built by....the Brits!


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    #14
    newmug
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 3,571 ✭✭✭newmug


    Andrew Flexing wrote: »
    Not trying to be a smart alec but "Great British Railway Journeys; Bray to Dublin"? I don't get it.


    I was thinking the same. I just didn't want to ruin the thread by starting anti-brit stuff.


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    #15
    Andrew Flexing
    Registered Users Posts: 657 ✭✭✭Andrew Flexing


    murphaph wrote: »
    The RoI has managed to build a handful of miles of new rail since 1922, and none of it as impressive as the costal route to Bray, which was all built by....the Brits!


    "Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country". Seem to be forgetting that we are not part of their country (again)!

    They'll proabably do a show about the 'British Lions' next...

    my URBAN EXPLORATION YouTube channel: https://www.facebook.com/ASMRurbanexploration/



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    #16
    Jehuty42
    Closed Accounts Posts: 560 ✭✭✭Jehuty42


    murphaph wrote: »
    The RoI has managed to build a handful of miles of new rail since 1922, and none of it as impressive as the costal route to Bray, which was all built by....the Brits!

    Have we actually built any new rail lines or alignments since 1922?


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    #17
    steamengine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,372 ✭✭✭steamengine


    Clearly Dublin-Bray is not a British Railway journey, however in Bradshaw's time c. 1840, it could have been construed that way, due to Ireland being part of the British Empire.

    The title of the series 'Great British Railway Journeys' which is a BBC title is really generic, without any intention to patronise as far as I can see. In fact MP ran over the points raised at the beginning of last night's episode and showed the inside title page of Bradshaw's guide showing the journeys related to 'Great Britain and Ireland' .

    The Irish content, so far, of this series is excellent IMO and leaves me to wonder why we have left it to the 'Brits' to produce a program of this calibre about our railways. ;):)


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    #18
    Judgement Day
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    Jehuty42 wrote: »
    Have we actually built any new rail lines or alignments since 1922?

    Off the top of my head. :D

    Ballinacourty branch - from the point where it diverged from the Dungarvan/Waterford line.

    Silvermines branch.

    Kilmastulla.

    Mungret Cement Siding.


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    #19
    corktina
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,733 ✭✭✭✭corktina


    and the LUAS


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    #20
    L1011
    Registered Users Posts: 68,505 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    The show name does actually appear to be "Great British Railway Journeys Goes To Ireland" for those objecting to it.


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    #21
    etchyed
    Registered Users Posts: 674 ✭✭✭etchyed


    MYOB wrote: »
    The show name does actually appear to be "Great British Railway Journeys Goes To Ireland" for those objecting to it.
    Yes, and Portillo is being very careful with his language. There isn't any air of imperialism or claiming Ireland as British to it whatsoever. Anyone who bothered to watch before jumping to conclusions would see this.


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    #22
    Losty Dublin
    Registered Users Posts: 13,087 ✭✭✭✭Losty Dublin


    Judgement Day wrote: »
    Off the top of my head. :D

    Ballinacourty branch - from the point where it diverged from the Dungarvan/Waterford line.

    Silvermines branch.

    Kilmastulla.

    Mungret Cement Siding.

    Add to the list Kyle's crossing and Lavistown Loop for one. There is also the substantial realignment of the DSER lines from Killiney to Bray, those on Bray head and the long tunnel to Greystones and those other inward deviations made around Kilcoole and Newcastle. We should also remember the extension lines in and around the North Wall, albeit built by the dock board and up north the Viaduct at Greenisland and the Dargan bridge in Belfast. Oh and Inch Abbey in Downpatrick.

    I'm actually shocked at you for forgetting them, Parky :p:D


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    #23
    Tarabuses
    Registered Users Posts: 727 ✭✭✭Tarabuses


    murphaph wrote: »
    The RoI has managed to build a handful of miles of new rail since 1922, and none of it as impressive as the costal route to Bray, which was all built by....the Brits!

    I thought that route was built by William Dargen. They hardly brought the navies over from Britain did they?


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    #24
    Judgement Day
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    Losty Dublin wrote: »
    Add to the list Kyle's crossing and Lavistown Loop for one. There is also the substantial realignment of the DSER lines from Killiney to Bray, those on Bray head and the long tunnel to Greystones and those other inward deviations made around Kilcoole and Newcastle. We should also remember the extension lines in and around the North Wall, albeit built by the dock board and up north the Viaduct at Greenisland and the Dargan bridge in Belfast. Oh and Inch Abbey in Downpatrick.

    I'm actually shocked at you for forgetting them, Parky :p:D

    I think Jehuty42 meant only new lines in 'The Free State'! :p


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    #25
    corktina
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,733 ✭✭✭✭corktina


    Tarabuses wrote: »
    I thought that route was built by William Dargen. They hardly brought the navies over from Britain did they?

    by British money I guess is meant....on the other hand, Irish capital paid for the Festiniog Railway I think.

    That series is exactly the sort of thing RTE should be producing and flogging overseas. The one thing this Country has going for it is its BEAUTY. Hopefully a few people will be inspired to travel here as a result of it.


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    #26
    Itssoeasy
    Registered Users Posts: 39,758 ✭✭✭✭Itssoeasy


    Dundalk looking well. And the mkIIIs in dundalk are they still there ?


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    #27
    Losty Dublin
    Registered Users Posts: 13,087 ✭✭✭✭Losty Dublin


    Judgement Day wrote: »
    I think Jehuty42 meant only new lines in 'The Free State'! :p

    It's all the US of Europe, isn't it? :D


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    #28
    Judgement Day
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    Losty Dublin wrote: »
    It's all the US of Europe, isn't it? :D

    Not my corner of a foreign field....:D


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    #29
    Losty Dublin
    Registered Users Posts: 13,087 ✭✭✭✭Losty Dublin


    Judgement Day wrote: »
    Not my corner of a foreign field....:D

    You can be our answer to Andorra or Sealand then :)


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    #30
    kingshankly
    Registered Users Posts: 7,563 ✭✭✭kingshankly


    Itssoeasy wrote: »
    Dundalk looking well. And the mkIIIs in dundalk are they still there ?

    Yes still there and portillo was an absolute gent when I met him might sound a bit pompous but was very approachable


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    #31
    AlekSmart
    Registered Users Posts: 14,005 ✭✭✭✭AlekSmart


    Tarabuses wrote: »
    I thought that route was built by William Dargen. They hardly brought the navies over from Britain did they?

    William Dargan..."The man with his hand in his pocket".....what a wonderfully apt nickname...even more so in today's Ireland :D


    Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one.

    Charles Mackay (1812-1889)



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