Rail Focus - Chris 🏳️🌈
@railfocus.bsky.social
Freelance transport & engineering journalist, railway campaigner and self proclaimed engineering nerd.
http://Youtube.com/@Rail_Focus
he/him/they/them 🏳️🌈
http://Youtube.com/@Rail_Focus
he/him/they/them 🏳️🌈
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 Looking at the excellent work carried out by the team at #Alstom to modernise the 20 year old Class 220 units as part of a £75m investment in CrossCountry's entire fleet.
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
#CrossCountry
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
#CrossCountry
Refurbished Class 220 Voyager Revealed! CrossCountry 220 033
YouTube video by Rail Focus
youtu.be
February 13, 2026 at 3:05 PM
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 Looking at the excellent work carried out by the team at #Alstom to modernise the 20 year old Class 220 units as part of a £75m investment in CrossCountry's entire fleet.
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
#CrossCountry
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
#CrossCountry
I don't understand how the neo gothic entrance is supposed to make the tower block fit any better with its surroundings. A modern glass building perched on an oversized faux cathedral?
‘Why can’t the existing railway station be given a gentle and historically sensitive upgrade without the addition of an architecturally redundant tower block?’ – Charles Saumarez Smith explains why plans to redevelop Liverpool Street station are an architectural train wreck
Liverpool Street station is on schedule to be an architectural train wreck
Plans for a widely opposed redevelopment of London Liverpool Street have been approved – why, asks Charles Saumarez Smith, when there is a better, less costly alternative?
buff.ly
February 12, 2026 at 11:17 PM
I don't understand how the neo gothic entrance is supposed to make the tower block fit any better with its surroundings. A modern glass building perched on an oversized faux cathedral?
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 Taking a look onboard the recently refurbished CrossCountry Class 220, also includes a brief overview of the Class 220 and 221 Super Voyagers.
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
Refurbished Class 220 Voyager Revealed! CrossCountry 220 033
YouTube video by Rail Focus
youtu.be
February 12, 2026 at 6:39 PM
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 Taking a look onboard the recently refurbished CrossCountry Class 220, also includes a brief overview of the Class 220 and 221 Super Voyagers.
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
Reposted by Rail Focus - Chris 🏳️🌈
Reposted by Rail Focus - Chris 🏳️🌈
All the problems with Britain's railways
YouTube video by Gareth Dennis
youtu.be
February 12, 2026 at 4:16 PM
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 Taking a look onboard the recently refurbished CrossCountry Class 220, also includes a brief history of the Class 220 and 221 Super Voyager.
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
#CrossCountry #Alstom #Class220
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
#CrossCountry #Alstom #Class220
February 12, 2026 at 3:04 PM
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 Taking a look onboard the recently refurbished CrossCountry Class 220, also includes a brief history of the Class 220 and 221 Super Voyager.
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
#CrossCountry #Alstom #Class220
▶️ youtu.be/vp3yVGYY2po ◀️
#CrossCountry #Alstom #Class220
Given that continued overdependence on fossil fuel can only end with resource wars and or climate catastrophe, either way people like Andrew Neil are basically saying their children and grandchildren can deal with the consequences.
The average U.K household pays 39p - 50 U.S cents - a day to fund a clean, secure, domestic energy system.
This is a bargain, which would have cost even less if Andrew Neil’s right wing heroes had invested North Sea oil and gas revenues instead of using them to fund tax breaks for millionaires.
This is a bargain, which would have cost even less if Andrew Neil’s right wing heroes had invested North Sea oil and gas revenues instead of using them to fund tax breaks for millionaires.
February 11, 2026 at 11:36 AM
Given that continued overdependence on fossil fuel can only end with resource wars and or climate catastrophe, either way people like Andrew Neil are basically saying their children and grandchildren can deal with the consequences.
It was fantastic to see the first refurbished CrossCountry Class 220 (003) today. I must say the new livery has grown on me! The brand new seats certainly seem to provide more leg room and while the padding feels firm, I can confirm the seats are comfortable. 1/2
February 10, 2026 at 8:26 PM
It was fantastic to see the first refurbished CrossCountry Class 220 (003) today. I must say the new livery has grown on me! The brand new seats certainly seem to provide more leg room and while the padding feels firm, I can confirm the seats are comfortable. 1/2
It was fantastic to see the first refurbished @CrossCountryUK Class 220 (003) today. I must say the new livery has grown on me! The brand new seats certainly seem to provide more leg room and while the padding feels firm I can confirm the seats are comfortable. 1/2
February 10, 2026 at 8:25 PM
It was fantastic to see the first refurbished @CrossCountryUK Class 220 (003) today. I must say the new livery has grown on me! The brand new seats certainly seem to provide more leg room and while the padding feels firm I can confirm the seats are comfortable. 1/2
The March issue of @todaysrailwaysuk.bsky.social includes a detailed look at "Bellingham Bridge" (Curzon No.2 Viaduct) and the complex #HS2 approach into Birmingham. Available now!
February 10, 2026 at 9:54 AM
The March issue of @todaysrailwaysuk.bsky.social includes a detailed look at "Bellingham Bridge" (Curzon No.2 Viaduct) and the complex #HS2 approach into Birmingham. Available now!
Cheshire West & Chester councillors managed to stop what was effectively a Section 28 style motion to ban an inclusive event at #Storyhouse. 22 for and 35 against was a significant majority. But this is a worrying sign of what's to come. Imagine if the council had been majority run by Reform.
February 10, 2026 at 8:52 AM
Cheshire West & Chester councillors managed to stop what was effectively a Section 28 style motion to ban an inclusive event at #Storyhouse. 22 for and 35 against was a significant majority. But this is a worrying sign of what's to come. Imagine if the council had been majority run by Reform.
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 South Wales Metro progress, looking at the Cardiff Bay Line upgrade and upgrade of Cardiff Queen Street, which is due to take place in 2027
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
#TransportforWales #SouthWales
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
#TransportforWales #SouthWales
South Wales Metro is Almost Complete!
YouTube video by Rail Focus
youtu.be
February 9, 2026 at 12:21 PM
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 South Wales Metro progress, looking at the Cardiff Bay Line upgrade and upgrade of Cardiff Queen Street, which is due to take place in 2027
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
#TransportforWales #SouthWales
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
#TransportforWales #SouthWales
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 South Wales Metro progress, looking at the Cardiff Bay Line upgrade and upgrade of Cardiff Queen Street, which is due to take place in 2027
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
#SouthWalesMetro #Cardiff
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
#SouthWalesMetro #Cardiff
South Wales Metro is Almost Complete!
YouTube video by Rail Focus
youtu.be
February 8, 2026 at 8:45 PM
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 South Wales Metro progress, looking at the Cardiff Bay Line upgrade and upgrade of Cardiff Queen Street, which is due to take place in 2027
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
#SouthWalesMetro #Cardiff
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
#SouthWalesMetro #Cardiff
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 South Wales Metro progress, looking at the Cardiff Bay Line upgrade and upgrade of Cardiff Queen Street, which is due to take place in 2027
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
February 8, 2026 at 4:08 PM
🚨 Latest Video 🚨 South Wales Metro progress, looking at the Cardiff Bay Line upgrade and upgrade of Cardiff Queen Street, which is due to take place in 2027
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
▶️ youtu.be/MtpSCytUTlQ ◀️
I am planning to release a video today, it may just be a little bit later than usual.
February 8, 2026 at 12:48 PM
I am planning to release a video today, it may just be a little bit later than usual.
If Reform gets into power they're going to try and introduce Section 28 aren't they. No one from the LGBTQ+ community should even be entertaining the thought of voting for Reform.
"Reform councillor Mandy Clare"
"Reform councillor Mandy Clare"
February 7, 2026 at 10:00 PM
If Reform gets into power they're going to try and introduce Section 28 aren't they. No one from the LGBTQ+ community should even be entertaining the thought of voting for Reform.
"Reform councillor Mandy Clare"
"Reform councillor Mandy Clare"
If ever there was an image that exemplifies why pubs are dying it's this. As a non drinker I can't think of walking into a dinghy pub, day or night. I think even if I wanted to support a local, if I asked for a soya latte I'd be shown the door. My modern friendly coffee shop is much more welcoming.
February 7, 2026 at 7:20 PM
If ever there was an image that exemplifies why pubs are dying it's this. As a non drinker I can't think of walking into a dinghy pub, day or night. I think even if I wanted to support a local, if I asked for a soya latte I'd be shown the door. My modern friendly coffee shop is much more welcoming.
Reposted by Rail Focus - Chris 🏳️🌈
Does anyone know what NPR is anymore?
My news analysis from the latest issue takes a deeper look at how it asked more questions than gave answers...
My news analysis from the latest issue takes a deeper look at how it asked more questions than gave answers...
News Analysis: More questions than answers in NPR announcement
RICHARD WILCOCK examines the political chess of the NPR announcement, which ensured that nobody is quite clear on what it is anymore.
www.railmagazine.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:04 AM
Does anyone know what NPR is anymore?
My news analysis from the latest issue takes a deeper look at how it asked more questions than gave answers...
My news analysis from the latest issue takes a deeper look at how it asked more questions than gave answers...
Bannon's involvement in Brexit was well documented, but nobody cared. The right wing media wants to carry on the Brexit charade at any cost so will continue to con people gullible enough to believe Brexit was ever about the interests of the people.
February 4, 2026 at 11:13 PM
Bannon's involvement in Brexit was well documented, but nobody cared. The right wing media wants to carry on the Brexit charade at any cost so will continue to con people gullible enough to believe Brexit was ever about the interests of the people.
I don't list cartography as one of my skills, but it's nice to see one of my maps in print. Coverage of NPR is the latest issue of @railmagazine.bsky.social, which is available now.
February 4, 2026 at 2:45 PM
I don't list cartography as one of my skills, but it's nice to see one of my maps in print. Coverage of NPR is the latest issue of @railmagazine.bsky.social, which is available now.
Reposted by Rail Focus - Chris 🏳️🌈
The latest issue of
@railmagazine.bsky.social
is on sale TODAY with the latest news, best comment and features, including:
🛤️ EMR might buy more diesel trains
🛤️ Eurostar “not scared of competition”
🛤️ Walk the line: beyond Ashington?
🛤️ Scotland’s railways in the snow
railmagazine.com
@railmagazine.bsky.social
is on sale TODAY with the latest news, best comment and features, including:
🛤️ EMR might buy more diesel trains
🛤️ Eurostar “not scared of competition”
🛤️ Walk the line: beyond Ashington?
🛤️ Scotland’s railways in the snow
railmagazine.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:19 AM
The latest issue of
@railmagazine.bsky.social
is on sale TODAY with the latest news, best comment and features, including:
🛤️ EMR might buy more diesel trains
🛤️ Eurostar “not scared of competition”
🛤️ Walk the line: beyond Ashington?
🛤️ Scotland’s railways in the snow
railmagazine.com
@railmagazine.bsky.social
is on sale TODAY with the latest news, best comment and features, including:
🛤️ EMR might buy more diesel trains
🛤️ Eurostar “not scared of competition”
🛤️ Walk the line: beyond Ashington?
🛤️ Scotland’s railways in the snow
railmagazine.com
Reposted by Rail Focus - Chris 🏳️🌈
In she goes… the 48-wheeler Self Propelled Modular Transporter lines up the new concrete box that will form the walkway and bridge abutment at Botley Road. The jacks in the foreground will lift the box into position, enabling the SPMT to be driven out again.
February 3, 2026 at 4:21 PM
In she goes… the 48-wheeler Self Propelled Modular Transporter lines up the new concrete box that will form the walkway and bridge abutment at Botley Road. The jacks in the foreground will lift the box into position, enabling the SPMT to be driven out again.
Reposted by Rail Focus - Chris 🏳️🌈
New VIDEO!
The GWR Battery Train came into service very early at 05.30am on Saturday over the weekend, and I went along to ride the first train of the day ...
youtu.be/Lvb33T3ZJnw
The GWR Battery Train came into service very early at 05.30am on Saturday over the weekend, and I went along to ride the first train of the day ...
youtu.be/Lvb33T3ZJnw
The GWR Battery Train is in Passenger Service!
YouTube video by Geoff Marshall
youtu.be
February 3, 2026 at 5:22 PM
New VIDEO!
The GWR Battery Train came into service very early at 05.30am on Saturday over the weekend, and I went along to ride the first train of the day ...
youtu.be/Lvb33T3ZJnw
The GWR Battery Train came into service very early at 05.30am on Saturday over the weekend, and I went along to ride the first train of the day ...
youtu.be/Lvb33T3ZJnw
The last two weeks have been challenging to say the least and this week the builders in doing some work to the house. But I am currently writing the script for the next video and I'm aiming to release it on Sunday, or possibly early next week.
#SouthWalesMetro #Cardiff
#SouthWalesMetro #Cardiff
February 3, 2026 at 5:14 PM
The last two weeks have been challenging to say the least and this week the builders in doing some work to the house. But I am currently writing the script for the next video and I'm aiming to release it on Sunday, or possibly early next week.
#SouthWalesMetro #Cardiff
#SouthWalesMetro #Cardiff