WDB
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Post by WDB on Feb 13, 2023 13:33:10 GMT
I still don’t really get the Crossrail/Liz thing, at least from the west of London. I went from Maidenhead to TCR yesterday on one train, which is novelty. But trains that are fine for 15 minutes within a city are a crap place to spend an hour. I’d rather do the change at Paddington and have a proper GWR seat.
Different matter if you live out east and the alternative is the Central Line.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2023 13:49:40 GMT
Yes me too, last Friday I took the proper train Reading-Paddington, and changed there for Crossrail to Liverpool Street. It's quicker that way, and as you say comfier in the proper train. But the net result of having Crossrail there is a choice between a faster journey to points east of Paddington, or not having to change if that's your preference. As an example, Mrs A went to a concert at the Barbican last Monday evening, and was happier to jump on a Crossrail at Farringdon and get directly to Reading, even if it took 15 minutes longer than changing at Paddington, because she didn't want the faff later in the evening - and then there's the lack of frequency from Paddington late evening and the chance of cancelled services and suchlike, meaning it might well be better to stick on a train you're already on and you know is going to get you there withouth hanging around on the concourse at Paddington indefinitely. She also sometimes has to go to her offices near Liverpool Street occasionally and her personal preference now is getting there and back without changing. And of course with people like my missus about, it means there will be more seats available on the proper trains from Paddington for the likes of you and I. I'd have thought you'd like the Crossrails though, what with them all stopping at Twyford for the change to get you home.
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Feb 13, 2023 13:59:30 GMT
That last bit is scarcely an advantage, though. Each train on the HOT spur connects with an incoming GWR from Paddington. Arrive on a Liz and it can be a chilly wait on a bench.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2023 14:07:40 GMT
Ah, OK, didn't know that. I think I've only ever got a train to HoT once in my life, and can't remember why now.
I think Crossrail is a bit like HS2. It's real purpose is capacity, not speed. And I'm glad we've got it, it does make a material improvement over the previous services, but not necessarily for everyone all the time.
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Feb 13, 2023 14:17:04 GMT
Yes, fair point about capacity. Strange thing is, its advent has been inflating house prices west of London for years, and yet anyone west of about Slough benefits least from the new services and has lost what had (briefly, with electrification) become a very good service to make way for it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2023 15:18:12 GMT
Yes. I think the main benefit for those of use west of Slough - this is the main driver of the property price thing - is the bit of Crossrail from Paddington eastwards, bringing City/Docklands work locations much closer by journey time. It has meant high earning City folk can add the Reading area to the list of stockbroker belt commuter stations. I think this benefit though is specifically accruing to those of us at Reading rather than points between Reading and Slough.
Overall I'm pleased with the service, and find of of benefit for the infrequent times I use the train, and it's probably added a few hundred grand to my retirement fund by way of property value inflation too. Mustn't grumble.
As an aside, Slough is a far better place to live than I think people give it credit for, and it's probably going to experience a bout of gentrification now. Look at all those lovely grammar schools and private schools for little Camilla and Tarquin - we're probably going to see the reverse of "white flight" there when the Asian communities find they're getting priced out by people moving out of London...
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Post by Humph on Jun 13, 2023 8:01:58 GMT
Quite interesting to re-read the first few posts in this thread and to reflect on how attitudes may have changed a bit. (Aka gone a bit Greta) 😉
I still need a big car though!
Every time I think I could downsize, I or someone else here needs to shift some combination of a lot of stuff or a large thing and some humans and a dog.
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bpg
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Post by bpg on Jun 13, 2023 9:08:43 GMT
In your shoes I'd take your own advice and do nothing for now.
There is a lot of automotive development work going to happen between now and the end of the decade.
The car I most likely want has not been designed yet. It's certainly not an SUV, cross-over or any other Tarmac Tonka that exists today.
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Post by EspadaIII on Jun 13, 2023 9:13:50 GMT
My car was changed becuase my Merc was ten years old and my accountant told me I could save a chunk of tax and have a brand new company car. The other cars in the fleet are a five year old Mini, eight year old Captur and Ibiza and an 18 year old Punto. They are regularly serviced and all repairs required undertaken. I see no need to change any of them, unless there is a catastrophic failure, despite being able to afford to do so. I can see a day when my boys in particular will rarely use a car.
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Post by Humph on Jun 13, 2023 9:48:51 GMT
That’s kind of similar to our situation. We are fortunate enough to be more than able right now to buy several new cars if we chose to, but it just doesn’t seem to be a priority.
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Rob
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Post by Rob on Jun 14, 2023 21:47:22 GMT
I have been fortunate enough to be able to buy a new car for a while. But with depreciation I'd go for nearly new. Last year we managed quite well for a few months with a FIAT Seicento and trains and trams. We didn't get to Greece in that period as much as we planned. I knew I'd need a car... but post Covid used prices went up. So I'd pay more and then it would lose value. So I was fortunate that someone lent me a Tiguan they didn't need at the time but wanted it back, So starting to look at cars. One of two long regular journey's will not be needed - visiting my Mam. She passed away last Tuesday. I don't want anymore in the public forum. I was with her at the end. So I'm not sure on the light interior but what about this: tinyurl.com/24aet7p7 (link to a Mazda6 2.5 auto) Humph will like it has a sunroof but not that it is a saloon. Suggestions of what to go for. Son-in law surprised I won't go electric but at home I'd struggle to charge, I intend moving and no idea what parking and charging might be like. I can always resell. I looked up and found it needs an MOT from March though! Will use some service like CarVertical but no until after an MOT. Any support you might have for a difficult probate send me as a private message. My eldest brother is going to be difficult. He has quite a bit of money - I knew a lot and had to add some zeros  |
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Jun 15, 2023 7:06:31 GMT
Condolences, Rob.
That Mazda is a handsome car that ought to run well for another ten years. Only 194PS from 2.5 litres should make it pretty low-stressed and relaxing too. The interior should be fine; it’s only one shade lighter than the one in my CLS, which has worn amazingly well and is remarkably easy to clean when it does need it.
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bpg
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Post by bpg on Jun 15, 2023 7:26:19 GMT
Yes, condolences Rob.
With that output from that engine, as WDB has already mentioned, I'd expect it to be a mild hybrid running Atkinson cycle. It's certainly not running Miller with that output.
Unless you're going for out and out power there's little to recommend pure petrol or diesel these days.
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Rob
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Post by Rob on Jun 15, 2023 7:44:40 GMT
Good to know about the light interior and a 2.5l in-line 4 cylinder non-turbo to me says it will be more reliable long term than a smaller turbo one. Not sure if it has any hybrid bits but you are correct in saying it runs on the Atkinson cycle.
Don't know if these have timing belts or chains.
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Post by Humph on Jun 15, 2023 7:47:01 GMT
Indeed, thinking of you Rob.
Nice looking car actually, and if you’re happy with a saloon then it would seem a good choice. I’d still want the estate version for its increased practicality though. I always seem to need to move something large on a regular enough basis to want that.
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