General News and Kirkstall Forge Stn Focus

Kirkstall Forge station, on the Northern Rail network in Leeds, opened on Sunday 19th June - providing one train per hour in each direction.


The orignal station was not too far from the current site, but this one is host to numerous aspects: 129 spaces in the carpark; Fully accessible platforms; A footbridge and ramps; Secure cycle parking; and Waiting shelters.

The station is served by one Northern Rail service per hour in each direction Monday to Saturday, and less often on a Sunday, often formed by their Class 332 fleet which runs mainly between Leeds, Ilkley and Bradford Forster Square. 
Mr McIntosh, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: “I know how important Kirkstall Forge station will be to the local community in order to improve access to jobs, education and for leisure travellers as well. A growing railway requires this kind of investment to help deliver social and economic growth and the completion of this station is excellent news for not only Leeds, but West Yorkshire as a whole too.”
The station was apart of a £16 million deal from the DFT as part of the Leeds Rail Growth Scheme , with £9.5 million spent on this station and the remainder for Apperley Bridge station. Amey PLC designed both of these stations, with C Spencers LTD carrying out most of the work on behalf of Network Rail.


FINALLY, SOME NEWS.....
37800 is now operated by ROG. And what's more, it's seen here taking 375706 home to South Eastern as the next unit to receive an internal and external overhaul.
- The ex-EMT MK3 set, now at VTEC, is also overhauled (different style).
- During peak times, there is a trial of additional Ticket Barriers at Bristol Temple Meads station. Staff will be on the concourse to point customers in the right direction of these.
- An adult and child trespass onto a level crossing as a train approaches, so Network Rail want to highlight the danger and risks of this.
Flying Scotsman! Need I say anymore?
- Abellio Greater Anglia 170204 is away for Maintenance and Bodywork. 
- Another sneak peak at the 387s being built at Bombardier in Derby for C2C rail. Photo to the right....
- There's a new proposed Livery for the ROG Class 47s, recently purchased as reported.
- In Anglia, 170271 and 170201 have automated announcements now which is handy for the train crew whom have other duties to carry out.
- A new TV series, TrainSpotting Live, is broadcast on BBC4: 11/12/13th July from 20:00-21:00. #TrainspottingLIVE.
- Increased capacity was a bid made by GWR for the Henley Royal Regatta!
- Virgin Trains East Coast 91 128 has been named 'Intercity 50'. 
- Progress of the Newbury Area Electrification programme.
- The Bubble  Car 121032 continues to be at the Wensleydale Railway, after withdrawal from Arriva TRAIN Wales (followed by a short time at Chiltern for spares). 
- Network Rail have been preparing Newport station for Electrification.
- Here we follow the progress at Newbury. 
- Network Rail search for a further 15 apprentices.
- And 442415 and 442418 are the latest GE 442s to go into Storage, as they've now got their 387s! And it looks like 442423 has also joined them, as it was on this move on the 7th July. 

So there you have it, a brief overview on Kirkstall Forge! Accompanied by a summary of news around Great Britain. A full week review is tomorrow!

Just a short post today from me, as I'm covering for Matthew, Aydan and Jonathan. I'm back tomorrow, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday next week, plus the following Monday and Tuesday! Harry.

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