Tilehurst, Berkshire

My first visit to Tilehurst, in 2014, was just prior to the electrification of the man line. In fact, preparatory work was already under way, with a new, and rather ugly, footbridge being installed, and other works in progress. But at least there were still some vestiges of the old order in place, such as GWR platform benches, but I think the canopies were going to come down. The price of progress.

I am not a big fan of the Western Main Line electrification, with some of the most obtrusive and over-engineered gantries and posts ever seen in the UK being installed. This is certainly an issue for the locals of the communities along the route to Bristol. Network Rail probably should have been taken to task over this before they were allowed to start the job. I am so glad to have been able to record the scene as it once was, and this route is certainly busy enough for freight to make a visit worthwhile!