David Turner
@railwayhistorian.bsky.social
A transport historian and lecturer at Aston University and Honorary Fellow at the University of York, School for Business and Society. Views my own. He/Him [email protected]
My greatest achievement...
November 16, 2025 at 7:07 AM
My greatest achievement...
Just back from Madrid and they don't mess around when trying to encourage considerate behaviours on the Metro de Madrid; ¿Tu haves Metro?" (You take the metro?)
These are prominently on every metro train.
#metrodemadrid🇪🇸 #metrodemadrid #metro #londonunderground #transport #transit
These are prominently on every metro train.
#metrodemadrid🇪🇸 #metrodemadrid #metro #londonunderground #transport #transit
November 8, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Just back from Madrid and they don't mess around when trying to encourage considerate behaviours on the Metro de Madrid; ¿Tu haves Metro?" (You take the metro?)
These are prominently on every metro train.
#metrodemadrid🇪🇸 #metrodemadrid #metro #londonunderground #transport #transit
These are prominently on every metro train.
#metrodemadrid🇪🇸 #metrodemadrid #metro #londonunderground #transport #transit
Congratulations to Beckenham & West Wickham MRC on an absolutely excellent model railway show today. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Their next show is on 14 March, again at Forest Hill Boys School.
#modelrailways #railwaymodelling
Their next show is on 14 March, again at Forest Hill Boys School.
#modelrailways #railwaymodelling
October 18, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Congratulations to Beckenham & West Wickham MRC on an absolutely excellent model railway show today. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Their next show is on 14 March, again at Forest Hill Boys School.
#modelrailways #railwaymodelling
Their next show is on 14 March, again at Forest Hill Boys School.
#modelrailways #railwaymodelling
It looks like some lovely restoration work has happened at Clapton on the London Overground.
And, I see that the wonderful @railwayheritage.bsky.social is involved.
What a good job! I look forward to seeing it all open.
And, I see that the wonderful @railwayheritage.bsky.social is involved.
What a good job! I look forward to seeing it all open.
October 15, 2025 at 5:28 PM
It looks like some lovely restoration work has happened at Clapton on the London Overground.
And, I see that the wonderful @railwayheritage.bsky.social is involved.
What a good job! I look forward to seeing it all open.
And, I see that the wonderful @railwayheritage.bsky.social is involved.
What a good job! I look forward to seeing it all open.
Good morning from the Overground.
I wish someone would make a model of these trains. And it doesn't have to be super detailed - I know a fair few children that would love it!
I wish someone would make a model of these trains. And it doesn't have to be super detailed - I know a fair few children that would love it!
October 9, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Good morning from the Overground.
I wish someone would make a model of these trains. And it doesn't have to be super detailed - I know a fair few children that would love it!
I wish someone would make a model of these trains. And it doesn't have to be super detailed - I know a fair few children that would love it!
Kilsby Tunnel, 1839.
Then, it was the longest rail tunnel, but after had cultural impact. Even in the 1880s, when longer tunnels had been built, it was still being compared to the pyramids. This highlights that infrastructure isn't just functional, people attach varied emotions and meaning to it.
Then, it was the longest rail tunnel, but after had cultural impact. Even in the 1880s, when longer tunnels had been built, it was still being compared to the pyramids. This highlights that infrastructure isn't just functional, people attach varied emotions and meaning to it.
October 7, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Kilsby Tunnel, 1839.
Then, it was the longest rail tunnel, but after had cultural impact. Even in the 1880s, when longer tunnels had been built, it was still being compared to the pyramids. This highlights that infrastructure isn't just functional, people attach varied emotions and meaning to it.
Then, it was the longest rail tunnel, but after had cultural impact. Even in the 1880s, when longer tunnels had been built, it was still being compared to the pyramids. This highlights that infrastructure isn't just functional, people attach varied emotions and meaning to it.
I know some wonderful people who work at the Uni of Portsmouth, but I will always think this, in Walthamstow, is funny: "welcome to your local university".
The issue: the absence of sea views and boats.
The issue: the absence of sea views and boats.
October 4, 2025 at 9:49 AM
I know some wonderful people who work at the Uni of Portsmouth, but I will always think this, in Walthamstow, is funny: "welcome to your local university".
The issue: the absence of sea views and boats.
The issue: the absence of sea views and boats.
My last two photos from last night's wonderful #Railway200 event in Darlington.
As always, I'm so very very glad to be reunited with my good friend @mrtimdunn.bsky.social
It was so very special to be able to stand, for an second, in the Experiment replica.
As always, I'm so very very glad to be reunited with my good friend @mrtimdunn.bsky.social
It was so very special to be able to stand, for an second, in the Experiment replica.
September 28, 2025 at 1:17 PM
My last two photos from last night's wonderful #Railway200 event in Darlington.
As always, I'm so very very glad to be reunited with my good friend @mrtimdunn.bsky.social
It was so very special to be able to stand, for an second, in the Experiment replica.
As always, I'm so very very glad to be reunited with my good friend @mrtimdunn.bsky.social
It was so very special to be able to stand, for an second, in the Experiment replica.
A favourite shot of mine from last night's #Railway200 event at Darlington, ft @davidhorne.bsky.social.
September 28, 2025 at 10:51 AM
A favourite shot of mine from last night's #Railway200 event at Darlington, ft @davidhorne.bsky.social.
September 28, 2025 at 12:50 AM
So we wait at Darlington for the arrival. #Railway200
September 27, 2025 at 11:22 PM
So we wait at Darlington for the arrival. #Railway200
Some light reading during my trip. In my view this is the best history of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
#Railway200
#Railway200
September 27, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Some light reading during my trip. In my view this is the best history of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
#Railway200
#Railway200
September 27, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Tomorrow marks 200 years of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
It is interesting to consider the origins of the company's share capital. Whilst North Eastern investors held a lot of the initial £53,700 raised, others elsewhere played a role.
#Railway200
It is interesting to consider the origins of the company's share capital. Whilst North Eastern investors held a lot of the initial £53,700 raised, others elsewhere played a role.
#Railway200
September 26, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Tomorrow marks 200 years of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
It is interesting to consider the origins of the company's share capital. Whilst North Eastern investors held a lot of the initial £53,700 raised, others elsewhere played a role.
#Railway200
It is interesting to consider the origins of the company's share capital. Whilst North Eastern investors held a lot of the initial £53,700 raised, others elsewhere played a role.
#Railway200
Good morning from my early start at Euston. Heading to Birmingham...
September 22, 2025 at 6:01 AM
Good morning from my early start at Euston. Heading to Birmingham...
This is probably the most important building in British railway history - the Railway Clearing House.
This didn't just share out ticket revenue between companies, it was a hub where officials and directors met to codify and define UK rail operations and common policy.
This didn't just share out ticket revenue between companies, it was a hub where officials and directors met to codify and define UK rail operations and common policy.
September 11, 2025 at 5:54 PM
This is probably the most important building in British railway history - the Railway Clearing House.
This didn't just share out ticket revenue between companies, it was a hub where officials and directors met to codify and define UK rail operations and common policy.
This didn't just share out ticket revenue between companies, it was a hub where officials and directors met to codify and define UK rail operations and common policy.
The results are in: the cheapest bog standard tea with milk at Kings Cross is at Greggs, with £1.60 for a regular and £1.80 for a large.
The rest were as follows:
Costa: £2.80
Nero: £3.00
Black Sheep: £3.09
Leon: £3.10
The rest were as follows:
Costa: £2.80
Nero: £3.00
Black Sheep: £3.09
Leon: £3.10
September 3, 2025 at 11:51 AM
The results are in: the cheapest bog standard tea with milk at Kings Cross is at Greggs, with £1.60 for a regular and £1.80 for a large.
The rest were as follows:
Costa: £2.80
Nero: £3.00
Black Sheep: £3.09
Leon: £3.10
The rest were as follows:
Costa: £2.80
Nero: £3.00
Black Sheep: £3.09
Leon: £3.10
On trains, you probably feel trapped and itrritated when someone has music blaring out of their...transistor radio.
In the 1960s, they were considered as much of a blight on the travelling public's comfort as loud mobles are today.
BR's Western Region even created this poster in 1962. #Railway200
In the 1960s, they were considered as much of a blight on the travelling public's comfort as loud mobles are today.
BR's Western Region even created this poster in 1962. #Railway200
August 21, 2025 at 1:51 PM
On trains, you probably feel trapped and itrritated when someone has music blaring out of their...transistor radio.
In the 1960s, they were considered as much of a blight on the travelling public's comfort as loud mobles are today.
BR's Western Region even created this poster in 1962. #Railway200
In the 1960s, they were considered as much of a blight on the travelling public's comfort as loud mobles are today.
BR's Western Region even created this poster in 1962. #Railway200
What a nice thing to see at Manchester Piccadilly; class 37, "Mirrlees Pioneer", no 37901.
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 PM
What a nice thing to see at Manchester Piccadilly; class 37, "Mirrlees Pioneer", no 37901.
I'm currently in Manchester doing some very lovely things:
Working on a paper with a friend,
My first trips on the Bee Network,
Eating Pizza at Rudy's,
And making a pilgrimage to @cloudwaterbrew.bsky.social
I'm thoroughly enjoying my first visit to the city.
Working on a paper with a friend,
My first trips on the Bee Network,
Eating Pizza at Rudy's,
And making a pilgrimage to @cloudwaterbrew.bsky.social
I'm thoroughly enjoying my first visit to the city.
August 14, 2025 at 6:31 PM
I'm currently in Manchester doing some very lovely things:
Working on a paper with a friend,
My first trips on the Bee Network,
Eating Pizza at Rudy's,
And making a pilgrimage to @cloudwaterbrew.bsky.social
I'm thoroughly enjoying my first visit to the city.
Working on a paper with a friend,
My first trips on the Bee Network,
Eating Pizza at Rudy's,
And making a pilgrimage to @cloudwaterbrew.bsky.social
I'm thoroughly enjoying my first visit to the city.
I've been reminded today where railways' pictorial posters sat in their wider advertising ops.
In 1928 the LNER spent £4026 on them; the total adv. spend was £264604.
Offering many short-duration trips, often at short notice, meant press ads mattered more - the LNER spent £125110 on them in 1928.
In 1928 the LNER spent £4026 on them; the total adv. spend was £264604.
Offering many short-duration trips, often at short notice, meant press ads mattered more - the LNER spent £125110 on them in 1928.
August 7, 2025 at 2:19 PM
I've been reminded today where railways' pictorial posters sat in their wider advertising ops.
In 1928 the LNER spent £4026 on them; the total adv. spend was £264604.
Offering many short-duration trips, often at short notice, meant press ads mattered more - the LNER spent £125110 on them in 1928.
In 1928 the LNER spent £4026 on them; the total adv. spend was £264604.
Offering many short-duration trips, often at short notice, meant press ads mattered more - the LNER spent £125110 on them in 1928.
An image and a plan of "The Flying Scotsman's" cocktail bar on its introduction in 1932. The Nottingham Journal stated that the cocktail shaker was named Fred. He served "twenty varieties of soft and long drinks, sours and flips", inc a special cocktail called "Flying Scotsman".
August 4, 2025 at 8:25 PM
An image and a plan of "The Flying Scotsman's" cocktail bar on its introduction in 1932. The Nottingham Journal stated that the cocktail shaker was named Fred. He served "twenty varieties of soft and long drinks, sours and flips", inc a special cocktail called "Flying Scotsman".
Well hello National Archives!
August 1, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Well hello National Archives!
I'm spending a day in the National Archives and stumbling on interesting stuff.
Without the railways, there would likely have been no pigeon racing. As this Great Western Railway circular from 1890 shows, station staff had responsibility for "liberating" the pigeons.
#Railway200
Without the railways, there would likely have been no pigeon racing. As this Great Western Railway circular from 1890 shows, station staff had responsibility for "liberating" the pigeons.
#Railway200
![GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF THE LINE,
Paddington Station,
April 1st, 1890.
[Circular No. 776.]
CONVEYANCE OF HOMING PIGEONS.
(F. 4866.)
Special care must be exercised in handling hampers and baskets containing Homing Pigeons sent by train for liberation at Stations. These packages must not be tilted.
Guards must be careful that luggage or other articles are not allowed to rest upon hampers containing live pigeons, and that the hampers are so placed in the vans as
will allow of the birds obtaining as much air as practicable.
Station Masters to whom Pigeons for liberation are consigned, must see that the birds are liberated clear of Station buildings and telegraph wires and should the weather be bad, senders instructions with regard to liberation of the birds must be followed.
In the event of several consignments of Pigeons arriving at a Station ar the same time from different directions, care must. be taken that thev are not liberated simultaneously, but that one set od birds are out of sight, before another set are liberated.
Senders must pre-pay carriage of Pigeons, also for return empty baskets, (see Circulars Nos. .665.677 &686.)
Advise concerned and acknowledge receipt to you Divisional Superintendent.
N.J. Burlinson
Superintendent of the Line](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:padrthho6xjqbkq3df6wfdgb/bafkreiadiczmqppyp7a7pjzeci2exac5vu4rm72dwebjibptwbexg2n7ha@jpeg)
July 25, 2025 at 1:07 PM
I'm spending a day in the National Archives and stumbling on interesting stuff.
Without the railways, there would likely have been no pigeon racing. As this Great Western Railway circular from 1890 shows, station staff had responsibility for "liberating" the pigeons.
#Railway200
Without the railways, there would likely have been no pigeon racing. As this Great Western Railway circular from 1890 shows, station staff had responsibility for "liberating" the pigeons.
#Railway200
Yesterday, I walked the length of a quite empty medium-distance train and counted eight people with their feet on the opposite seat.
I may be writing something academic and considered about the practice in history, but when I encounter it, it still irritates the heck out of me.
I may be writing something academic and considered about the practice in history, but when I encounter it, it still irritates the heck out of me.
July 6, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Yesterday, I walked the length of a quite empty medium-distance train and counted eight people with their feet on the opposite seat.
I may be writing something academic and considered about the practice in history, but when I encounter it, it still irritates the heck out of me.
I may be writing something academic and considered about the practice in history, but when I encounter it, it still irritates the heck out of me.