| Re: Rail external communications: setting the tone. Posted by Mark A at 12:25, 30th March 2026 |     |
I learn that the frog gets its name from the frog of a horse's hoof which is somewhat 'V' shaped. Railways and horses existing in close company, the term 'Frog' jumped from one to the other given the similarity with the V shape of the join of the rails that formed the crossing.
Mark
| Re: Rail external communications: setting the tone. Posted by Witham Bobby at 12:18, 30th March 2026 | |
When did "points" become "switches" or is there a difference? And surely crossings and not (usually) moveable?
There isn't a difference, but Permanent Way professionals will call what are loosely called "points" but the name of switches and crossings, or S&C. The moveable blades end is called the switch, and the crossing is the cast steel bit where one rail is crossed by the other rail in a "V". If Hornby is your thing, this crossing bit is sometimes called a "frog". The moveable blades end is the toe of the switch, with the heel being at the crossing
| Re: Rail external communications: setting the tone. Posted by grahame at 11:33, 30th March 2026 | |
Good to see Network Rail emphasis the positive too.
REMINDER: Britain’s rail network open for business this Easter – but passengers asked to check before they travel on some key routes
The vast majority of Britain’s rail network will be open for passengers travelling over the Easter bank holiday weekend, helping them make the most of their spring break.
The vast majority of Britain’s rail network will be open for passengers travelling over the Easter bank holiday weekend, helping them make the most of their spring break.
Lots of work on the West Coast mainline and also
London Waterloo to Clapham Junction and around Winchester: From Friday 3 to Monday 6 April the renewal of switches and crossings (moveable sections of track that guide trains from one track to another) and structural repairs will mean reduced services between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction, while track improvements in Hampshire will mean buses replace trains between Winchester and Southampton over all four days of the bank holiday.
When did "points" become "switches" or is there a difference? And surely crossings and not (usually) moveable?
| Rail external communications: setting the tone. Posted by Mark A at 11:21, 29th March 2026 | |
An example from South Eastern Railway, this one from Bluesky.
Travelling over the Easter weekend, Fri 3 to Mon 6 April?
Most of our railway will be open over the weekend, but engineering work will affect trains between Herne Bay and Ramsgate on all four days.
Find out more at spkl.io/63322AFJW8
It's good practice that they start by emphasising the positive - most people's journeys unaffected and their network open for business - and stressing that it's *their* railway, they care about it and what it delivers. Clued-up external comms people but perhaps also flows from the railway's general manager.
Mark
https://bsky.app/profile/serailway.bsky.social/post/3mi4d3lof7e2g
