Chris Ogilvie
@ogilvie.org.uk
One time rail- & Yorkshireman. Economic migrant 🇮🇹. Italian heritage rail traveller 🚂
🚢 Discovering cargo ships are the ultimate travel experience.
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisOgilvie
🚢 Discovering cargo ships are the ultimate travel experience.
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisOgilvie
Pinned
Chris Ogilvie
@ogilvie.org.uk
· May 25
Pietrelcina - such a regular I’m invited to the staff pics, and the 3hr pranzo at a restaurant.
But seems to be a roster error, 2 train drivers want a lift back to the depot with me! 🚗
But seems to be a roster error, 2 train drivers want a lift back to the depot with me! 🚗
Francis Bourgeois: ‘Trainspotters thank me for stopping the bullies’.
His wildly enthusiastic videos about trains made him one of social media’s most unlikely stars. Now he’s a TV host and fashion model. And he has a girlfriend. His next station stop: outer space.
www.thetimes.com/article/b50f...
His wildly enthusiastic videos about trains made him one of social media’s most unlikely stars. Now he’s a TV host and fashion model. And he has a girlfriend. His next station stop: outer space.
www.thetimes.com/article/b50f...
January 15, 2026 at 10:21 AM
Francis Bourgeois: ‘Trainspotters thank me for stopping the bullies’.
His wildly enthusiastic videos about trains made him one of social media’s most unlikely stars. Now he’s a TV host and fashion model. And he has a girlfriend. His next station stop: outer space.
www.thetimes.com/article/b50f...
His wildly enthusiastic videos about trains made him one of social media’s most unlikely stars. Now he’s a TV host and fashion model. And he has a girlfriend. His next station stop: outer space.
www.thetimes.com/article/b50f...
Reposted by Chris Ogilvie
I was 20 when HS2 was announced. Great to know i’ll probably be in my late 60s when the Birmingham-Manchester section starts work let alone finishes. Seems like a country doing things the right way!
January 14, 2026 at 7:55 AM
I was 20 when HS2 was announced. Great to know i’ll probably be in my late 60s when the Birmingham-Manchester section starts work let alone finishes. Seems like a country doing things the right way!
Reposted by Chris Ogilvie
My most popular blog post of last year (I write weekly) explored the thought experiment of how the Swiss would have done it.
You get very different outcomes!
www.freewheeling.info/blog/swiss-hs2
You get very different outcomes!
www.freewheeling.info/blog/swiss-hs2
This is how the Swiss would have done HS2 — Freewheeling
HS2 has become a case study in how not to build infrastructure. But what if we’d taken a different path entirely? In this post, I imagine how the Swiss would have done it: starting with the timetabl...
www.freewheeling.info
January 14, 2026 at 9:07 AM
My most popular blog post of last year (I write weekly) explored the thought experiment of how the Swiss would have done it.
You get very different outcomes!
www.freewheeling.info/blog/swiss-hs2
You get very different outcomes!
www.freewheeling.info/blog/swiss-hs2
Reposted by Chris Ogilvie
Reposted by Chris Ogilvie
I call on my party and my government to remove themselves entirely from X and communicate with the public where they actually participate online and can be protected from such illegality.
January 8, 2026 at 12:31 PM
I call on my party and my government to remove themselves entirely from X and communicate with the public where they actually participate online and can be protected from such illegality.
Shocking murder of train manager at Bologna tonight.
The 34 year-old was walking to his car when he was stabbed and killed.
Murderer still on the run.
The 34 year-old was walking to his car when he was stabbed and killed.
Murderer still on the run.
January 5, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Shocking murder of train manager at Bologna tonight.
The 34 year-old was walking to his car when he was stabbed and killed.
Murderer still on the run.
The 34 year-old was walking to his car when he was stabbed and killed.
Murderer still on the run.
Reposted by Chris Ogilvie
Yesterday, Tren Maya introduced its newest train, the Pa’tal, on a special run between Cancun and Mérida! 🚆 🇲🇽
These new units are made to run on long distances across the Yucatán Peninsula.
Let’s take a closer look at them 👀
These new units are made to run on long distances across the Yucatán Peninsula.
Let’s take a closer look at them 👀
January 1, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Yesterday, Tren Maya introduced its newest train, the Pa’tal, on a special run between Cancun and Mérida! 🚆 🇲🇽
These new units are made to run on long distances across the Yucatán Peninsula.
Let’s take a closer look at them 👀
These new units are made to run on long distances across the Yucatán Peninsula.
Let’s take a closer look at them 👀
Isn’t it odd news sites never report 20k airtrips/day in 100 planes on routes of direct trains?
Or half of China Rail in GB but 10% track??
But can do a video: “Smell from HS2”
“The never-ending fiasco of HS2 is a case study in how not to build”
www.independent.co.uk/voices/edito...
Or half of China Rail in GB but 10% track??
But can do a video: “Smell from HS2”
“The never-ending fiasco of HS2 is a case study in how not to build”
www.independent.co.uk/voices/edito...
The never-ending fiasco of HS2 is a case study in how not to build
Editorial: The fact that this colossal waste of time and money continues to hurt the taxpayer’s pocket even after being cancelled must be used as a stick to beat this country’s once great construction...
www.independent.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Isn’t it odd news sites never report 20k airtrips/day in 100 planes on routes of direct trains?
Or half of China Rail in GB but 10% track??
But can do a video: “Smell from HS2”
“The never-ending fiasco of HS2 is a case study in how not to build”
www.independent.co.uk/voices/edito...
Or half of China Rail in GB but 10% track??
But can do a video: “Smell from HS2”
“The never-ending fiasco of HS2 is a case study in how not to build”
www.independent.co.uk/voices/edito...
As Naples celebrated the new year with a huge midnight fireworks show, a passing Wizzair plane decided to give passengers a view. It took a quick a spin above the city!
January 1, 2026 at 8:12 AM
As Naples celebrated the new year with a huge midnight fireworks show, a passing Wizzair plane decided to give passengers a view. It took a quick a spin above the city!
🎆🎇 Capodanno Happy new year from Naples.
Every corner of the city has exploded with fireworks.
Buon anno for 2026!
Every corner of the city has exploded with fireworks.
Buon anno for 2026!
January 1, 2026 at 12:03 AM
🎆🎇 Capodanno Happy new year from Naples.
Every corner of the city has exploded with fireworks.
Buon anno for 2026!
Every corner of the city has exploded with fireworks.
Buon anno for 2026!
🎇 🎆 19:00 in Naples, Capodanno, new year celebrations have started already.
I brought the drones to record the midnight fireworks. "The city explodes at midnight" I'm told.
I've a good spot in the centre by Piazza Nazionale.
Tune in again in 4.5hrs...!
I brought the drones to record the midnight fireworks. "The city explodes at midnight" I'm told.
I've a good spot in the centre by Piazza Nazionale.
Tune in again in 4.5hrs...!
December 31, 2025 at 6:25 PM
🎇 🎆 19:00 in Naples, Capodanno, new year celebrations have started already.
I brought the drones to record the midnight fireworks. "The city explodes at midnight" I'm told.
I've a good spot in the centre by Piazza Nazionale.
Tune in again in 4.5hrs...!
I brought the drones to record the midnight fireworks. "The city explodes at midnight" I'm told.
I've a good spot in the centre by Piazza Nazionale.
Tune in again in 4.5hrs...!
"Caledonian Sleeper passengers paid £3m for delays since nationalisation.
SNP accused of ‘making a mess’ of the service from London to Inverness since ministers took over its running in June 2023.” 🆓 ⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/a878...
SNP accused of ‘making a mess’ of the service from London to Inverness since ministers took over its running in June 2023.” 🆓 ⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/a878...
Caledonian Sleeper passengers paid £3m for delays since nationalisation
SNP accused of ‘making a mess’ of the service from London to Inverness since ministers took over its running in June 2023
www.thetimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 10:36 AM
"Caledonian Sleeper passengers paid £3m for delays since nationalisation.
SNP accused of ‘making a mess’ of the service from London to Inverness since ministers took over its running in June 2023.” 🆓 ⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/a878...
SNP accused of ‘making a mess’ of the service from London to Inverness since ministers took over its running in June 2023.” 🆓 ⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/a878...
🎟️ “Train journeys available for just £10 in winter ‘rail sale’
Four million discounted tickets will be available from next Tuesday in an effort to boost domestic tourism during the colder months.” 🆓⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/9729...
Four million discounted tickets will be available from next Tuesday in an effort to boost domestic tourism during the colder months.” 🆓⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/9729...
Train journeys available for just £10 in winter ‘rail sale’
Four million discounted tickets will be available from next Tuesday in an effort to boost domestic tourism during the colder months
www.thetimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:29 AM
🎟️ “Train journeys available for just £10 in winter ‘rail sale’
Four million discounted tickets will be available from next Tuesday in an effort to boost domestic tourism during the colder months.” 🆓⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/9729...
Four million discounted tickets will be available from next Tuesday in an effort to boost domestic tourism during the colder months.” 🆓⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/9729...
Reposted by Chris Ogilvie
The EU will introduce the digital euro as a zero fee digital payments infrastructure to replace reliance on Visa, Mastercard, and Apple and Google Pay, with the European Central Bank issuing secure digital cash built and operated entirely in Europe.
(archive.ph/ERzTA)
(archive.ph/ERzTA)
Digital euro: what it is and how we will use the new form of cash
It’s January 1, 2029, the first day of the digital euro. You are in a shop buying milk and bread, and decide to pay with this new money. How exactly will it work?
www.independent.ie
December 29, 2025 at 1:35 PM
The EU will introduce the digital euro as a zero fee digital payments infrastructure to replace reliance on Visa, Mastercard, and Apple and Google Pay, with the European Central Bank issuing secure digital cash built and operated entirely in Europe.
(archive.ph/ERzTA)
(archive.ph/ERzTA)
“Train operators fear being ‘victimised’ by Great British Railways.
Independent freight providers, plus open access Arriva, FirstGroup and Eurostar, voice concerns over the Railways Bill and demand tough regulatory oversight.” 🆓 ⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/a2cb...
Independent freight providers, plus open access Arriva, FirstGroup and Eurostar, voice concerns over the Railways Bill and demand tough regulatory oversight.” 🆓 ⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/a2cb...
Train operators fear being ‘victimised’ by Great British Railways
Independent freight providers, plus Arriva, FirstGroup and Eurostar, voice concerns over the Railways Bill and demand tough regulatory oversight
www.thetimes.com
December 29, 2025 at 7:44 AM
“Train operators fear being ‘victimised’ by Great British Railways.
Independent freight providers, plus open access Arriva, FirstGroup and Eurostar, voice concerns over the Railways Bill and demand tough regulatory oversight.” 🆓 ⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/a2cb...
Independent freight providers, plus open access Arriva, FirstGroup and Eurostar, voice concerns over the Railways Bill and demand tough regulatory oversight.” 🆓 ⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/a2cb...
Reposted by Chris Ogilvie
If only there were trains running between Guildford and Haslemere, eh? Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2025 at 10:58 PM
If only there were trains running between Guildford and Haslemere, eh? Merry Christmas!
🇮🇳 Euronews: “From forts to holy cities: These are India’s best luxury train journeys for 2026.”
www.euronews.com/travel/2025/...
www.euronews.com/travel/2025/...
These are the best Indian luxury train journeys to take in 2026
Heritage, culture, cuisine, and wildlife: India’s top luxury train journeys to take in 2026.
www.euronews.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:40 PM
🇮🇳 Euronews: “From forts to holy cities: These are India’s best luxury train journeys for 2026.”
www.euronews.com/travel/2025/...
www.euronews.com/travel/2025/...
🇪🇺 You won't believe number 4️⃣! Who’s going to tell SNCF?!
Europe’s holiday wish?
More speed, more options, more time for YOU.
While many are winding down, Europe is gearing up: a major high-speed rail plan is set to transform travel by 2040.
Here’s what’s coming ↓
More speed, more options, more time for YOU.
While many are winding down, Europe is gearing up: a major high-speed rail plan is set to transform travel by 2040.
Here’s what’s coming ↓
December 23, 2025 at 11:01 AM
🇪🇺 You won't believe number 4️⃣! Who’s going to tell SNCF?!
⛽️ The weekend before Christmas, everyone is filling up at the pumps.
🍷 But in Italy the pumps are €1/litre, and it's Vino Rosso or Coda di Volpe not diesel or benzina!
Just stopped by Solopaca Cantina to fill-up for the week. Cheers! 🍷🍷
📍 maps.app.goo.gl/WgEoPNTWBBjw...
🍷 But in Italy the pumps are €1/litre, and it's Vino Rosso or Coda di Volpe not diesel or benzina!
Just stopped by Solopaca Cantina to fill-up for the week. Cheers! 🍷🍷
📍 maps.app.goo.gl/WgEoPNTWBBjw...
December 21, 2025 at 1:27 PM
⛽️ The weekend before Christmas, everyone is filling up at the pumps.
🍷 But in Italy the pumps are €1/litre, and it's Vino Rosso or Coda di Volpe not diesel or benzina!
Just stopped by Solopaca Cantina to fill-up for the week. Cheers! 🍷🍷
📍 maps.app.goo.gl/WgEoPNTWBBjw...
🍷 But in Italy the pumps are €1/litre, and it's Vino Rosso or Coda di Volpe not diesel or benzina!
Just stopped by Solopaca Cantina to fill-up for the week. Cheers! 🍷🍷
📍 maps.app.goo.gl/WgEoPNTWBBjw...
🚠 🚠 🚠 🚠 "Now you can look down on Parisians from Europe’s longest cable car.
For only €2, travellers in Paris can avoid traffic in the outer suburbs with a mode of transport that is the height of fashion in South America." ⏬️ 🆓
www.thetimes.com/article/df8a...
For only €2, travellers in Paris can avoid traffic in the outer suburbs with a mode of transport that is the height of fashion in South America." ⏬️ 🆓
www.thetimes.com/article/df8a...
Now you can look down on Parisians from Europe’s longest cable car
For only €2, travellers can avoid traffic in the outer suburbs with a mode of transport that is the height of fashion in South America
www.thetimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 9:58 AM
🚠 🚠 🚠 🚠 "Now you can look down on Parisians from Europe’s longest cable car.
For only €2, travellers in Paris can avoid traffic in the outer suburbs with a mode of transport that is the height of fashion in South America." ⏬️ 🆓
www.thetimes.com/article/df8a...
For only €2, travellers in Paris can avoid traffic in the outer suburbs with a mode of transport that is the height of fashion in South America." ⏬️ 🆓
www.thetimes.com/article/df8a...
The Press just catching up....
"Passengers get slower, smaller trains with fewer seats between Scotland and London, thanks to Britain’s botched and delayed multibillion-pound HS2 scheme, transport insiders have warned." 🆓⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/b86a...
"Passengers get slower, smaller trains with fewer seats between Scotland and London, thanks to Britain’s botched and delayed multibillion-pound HS2 scheme, transport insiders have warned." 🆓⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/b86a...
Why HS2 may lead to smaller, slower trains on west coast main line
Industry insiders are concerned that fewer, shorter non-tilting trains are on order for HS2 — and that journey times will return to those of the 1990s
www.thetimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The Press just catching up....
"Passengers get slower, smaller trains with fewer seats between Scotland and London, thanks to Britain’s botched and delayed multibillion-pound HS2 scheme, transport insiders have warned." 🆓⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/b86a...
"Passengers get slower, smaller trains with fewer seats between Scotland and London, thanks to Britain’s botched and delayed multibillion-pound HS2 scheme, transport insiders have warned." 🆓⏬️
www.thetimes.com/article/b86a...
🇮🇹 Naples EAV, city-owned train operator struggles with Circumvesuviana, 30% fleet availablity & new Stadler trains stuck in Spain...
... it's line to Benevento has 20+ new trains stood a year. Line closed 5 years for refurb, track still not fit, trains graffitied.
📍 maps.app.goo.gl/4rcNKDEoSG51...
... it's line to Benevento has 20+ new trains stood a year. Line closed 5 years for refurb, track still not fit, trains graffitied.
📍 maps.app.goo.gl/4rcNKDEoSG51...
December 20, 2025 at 12:23 PM
🇮🇹 Naples EAV, city-owned train operator struggles with Circumvesuviana, 30% fleet availablity & new Stadler trains stuck in Spain...
... it's line to Benevento has 20+ new trains stood a year. Line closed 5 years for refurb, track still not fit, trains graffitied.
📍 maps.app.goo.gl/4rcNKDEoSG51...
... it's line to Benevento has 20+ new trains stood a year. Line closed 5 years for refurb, track still not fit, trains graffitied.
📍 maps.app.goo.gl/4rcNKDEoSG51...
At a presentation this week Trenitalia revealed a new livery for Frecciarossa 1000 international services - dark grey with red highlights.
Perhaps a new name for the train too?? On the Paris trains??
2 AI photos how it may look...
Perhaps a new name for the train too?? On the Paris trains??
2 AI photos how it may look...
December 19, 2025 at 5:41 PM
At a presentation this week Trenitalia revealed a new livery for Frecciarossa 1000 international services - dark grey with red highlights.
Perhaps a new name for the train too?? On the Paris trains??
2 AI photos how it may look...
Perhaps a new name for the train too?? On the Paris trains??
2 AI photos how it may look...
🇮🇹 Naples' "Vele di Scampia/Sails of Scampia". A 1960s housing scheme of 7 tower blocks.
But became notorious for crime, drugs, mafia & film Gomorrah.
🚁 Took drone to record the final block being demolished.
One tower retained & refurbished for a service centre. 1,250 low rise homes on cleared site.
But became notorious for crime, drugs, mafia & film Gomorrah.
🚁 Took drone to record the final block being demolished.
One tower retained & refurbished for a service centre. 1,250 low rise homes on cleared site.
December 19, 2025 at 9:29 AM
🇮🇹 Naples' "Vele di Scampia/Sails of Scampia". A 1960s housing scheme of 7 tower blocks.
But became notorious for crime, drugs, mafia & film Gomorrah.
🚁 Took drone to record the final block being demolished.
One tower retained & refurbished for a service centre. 1,250 low rise homes on cleared site.
But became notorious for crime, drugs, mafia & film Gomorrah.
🚁 Took drone to record the final block being demolished.
One tower retained & refurbished for a service centre. 1,250 low rise homes on cleared site.