8mm Forum: Let The Train Take The Strain

This is topic Let The Train Take The Strain in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=002745

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on September 02, 2013, 06:25 AM:

I had planned to drive to the Ealing Convention next month, although its only 113 miles it does mean 108 of them on the M4 Motorway. I have held a UK driving licence since 1955, the roads get busier every day, and I don't fancy the two hour trip. Past Reading the motorway gets so busy, and it's a drive due east and if the sun is out it will be low and troublesome. On the return journey to Bristol (westwards) the sun will be setting and low once again. However, the advantage of the car is that I can load it up with all my purchases.

But thinking it over I didn't care much for my idea so I decided to use the train. I have now booked my ticket and hope to have a more relaxing journey. 60 minutes from Bristol Parkway, then change at Reading for a further 46 minutes to Ealing Broadway.

My change of plans will also restrict my buying. Perhaps not a bad thing!

Posted by Robert Crewdson (Member # 3790) on September 02, 2013, 08:31 AM:

Must be a local train, as usually Paddington is the next stop after Reading, and would normally take about 30 mins. These days you have to watch what train you get on as they have different tickets for peak, off peak. you can check at the national rail website,and also get prices.

Have a good day.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on September 02, 2013, 09:38 AM:

As you say, my second train is a local train. My train from Bristol continues non-stop from Reading to Paddington where it terminates. There would be no point in going to Paddington as Ealing Broadway is some five miles back westwards and I would have to retrace my journey.

Posted by Robert Crewdson (Member # 3790) on September 02, 2013, 10:13 AM:

Much better that you can avoid the Underground. Nowadays you have to buy a zone ticket, you used to be able to buy a ticket from one station to the next for pennies, now you are forced to buy an all day ticket. I think it is around £7, the cheapest, but not 100% sure as I don't visit London often. We are very fortunate that in Oxford we have 2 bus companies running 24 hours to London about every 20 mins, and costs around £20 return.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on September 02, 2013, 11:08 AM:

My second train is the 0837 from Oxford, leaving Reading at 0933, arriving Ealing Broadway at 1019.

Posted by Martin Jones (Member # 1163) on September 02, 2013, 01:05 PM:

Why restrict your purchases, Maurice?
Surely someone will lend you a "sholley"?

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on September 02, 2013, 01:15 PM:

7 pounds to take the underground ? That's very very expensive !

Posted by Robert Crewdson (Member # 3790) on September 02, 2013, 02:28 PM:

Dominique, you used to be able to buy a ticket to the next station, now a map of the Underground shows zones. If you are going to arrive at Heathrow and take the tube it will be very expensive. I don't think you have much choice. I just hope you have a good day and find something you wish to purchase, so at the end of the day you can say you were glad you went.

Just looked at a website Heathrow Connect, and a return ticket from Heathrow to Ealing Broadway is £14.80

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on September 02, 2013, 02:47 PM:

Martin
I would probably need a reinforced sholley!
With my old flight bag I will be able to carry up to six 800'/1200' 16mm films, even more if they're Super 8.
I will be very selective with what I may buy.

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2