Daniel Puddicombe
@danielonrails.bsky.social
Freelance journalist: Mostly write about trains and cars. Paloma Faith enthusiast and a snooker anorak as well. Email: daniel@danielpuddicombe.com. Own views.
Pinned
Hi Bluesky. Suppose I should introduce myself?
I'm a freelance journalist. I mostly write about trains these days; I'm very much an enthusiast that happens to be a journo and I travel thousands of miles behind steam each year in the UK & abroad.
I'm a freelance journalist. I mostly write about trains these days; I'm very much an enthusiast that happens to be a journo and I travel thousands of miles behind steam each year in the UK & abroad.
If only there were trains running between Guildford and Haslemere, eh? Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2025 at 10:58 PM
If only there were trains running between Guildford and Haslemere, eh? Merry Christmas!
Reposted by Daniel Puddicombe
Sleigh rides, sleeper trains and reindeer stew. Here’s my final piece for the year on Finland’s Santa Claus Express!
www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/...
www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/...
I took my kids to Lapland on the Santa Claus Express – but would the big man deliver?
If meeting Santa Claus is on your children’s wishlist, this trip on a festive sleeper train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, with reindeer and huskies thrown in, is Christmas with jingle bells on
www.theguardian.com
December 20, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Sleigh rides, sleeper trains and reindeer stew. Here’s my final piece for the year on Finland’s Santa Claus Express!
www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/...
www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/...
Reposted by Daniel Puddicombe
🎉🎉 Thrilled to be shortlisted for the @stanfordstravel.bsky.social Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the Year Award. And in such fine company. Thank you to Stanfords for being such a champion of travel writing. 🎉🎉🎉
December 11, 2025 at 9:29 AM
🎉🎉 Thrilled to be shortlisted for the @stanfordstravel.bsky.social Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the Year Award. And in such fine company. Thank you to Stanfords for being such a champion of travel writing. 🎉🎉🎉
May or may not have specifically set up a meeting near Liverpool St station so I could see the ‘Coffee Pot’ on display today…
December 8, 2025 at 1:14 PM
May or may not have specifically set up a meeting near Liverpool St station so I could see the ‘Coffee Pot’ on display today…
In place for the #UKChampionship final. Hard to believe two greats of the current game - Mark Selby and Judd Trump - have never met in a Triple Crown final until today. #147sf #bbcsnooker
December 7, 2025 at 1:46 PM
In place for the #UKChampionship final. Hard to believe two greats of the current game - Mark Selby and Judd Trump - have never met in a Triple Crown final until today. #147sf #bbcsnooker
Someone at DfT clearly forgot to translate Michael Peterson’s job title into English. Oops.
(He is the Board Member for Long Distance Passenger Transport)
(He is the Board Member for Long Distance Passenger Transport)
December 4, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Someone at DfT clearly forgot to translate Michael Peterson’s job title into English. Oops.
(He is the Board Member for Long Distance Passenger Transport)
(He is the Board Member for Long Distance Passenger Transport)
Reposted by Daniel Puddicombe
This composition had eluded me for nearly a decade, but yesterday I was finally able to capture it. A train rolled through just as the Duquesne Incline was crossing over the tracks in #Pittsburgh, creating a picture perfect winter scene. It was worth the hours and hours I've waited over the years.
December 3, 2025 at 2:06 PM
This composition had eluded me for nearly a decade, but yesterday I was finally able to capture it. A train rolled through just as the Duquesne Incline was crossing over the tracks in #Pittsburgh, creating a picture perfect winter scene. It was worth the hours and hours I've waited over the years.
Nice to very briefly see Clan Line at Wilton Jct as it sat patiently waiting for the (late-running) SWR service I’m on to pass.
December 3, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Nice to very briefly see Clan Line at Wilton Jct as it sat patiently waiting for the (late-running) SWR service I’m on to pass.
Reposted by Daniel Puddicombe
What a great headline
November 28, 2025 at 3:49 PM
What a great headline
This is a new one. Never had a fire alarm go off mid-gig!
November 28, 2025 at 9:04 PM
This is a new one. Never had a fire alarm go off mid-gig!
Reposted by Daniel Puddicombe
The Winter issue of Mountains Magazine will be available in 395 shops across the UK and Northern Ireland. It's also available to pre-order now: www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/PRE-ORD...
Shop
Buy Mountains Magazine, your ultimate source for stunning mountain photography and stories. Browse sample pages online or find the magazine on shelves across the UK. Contact info@mountains-magazine.co...
www.mountains-magazine.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:34 PM
The Winter issue of Mountains Magazine will be available in 395 shops across the UK and Northern Ireland. It's also available to pre-order now: www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/PRE-ORD...
Had a poke around Inspiration, the @railway200.bsky.social exhibition train, this afternoon since it is at WSR and I’m heading north anyway. Well worth the visit and the free GWR shuttle from / to Taunton was well-loaded, and not just with track bashers as I was expecting. (No new track for me)
November 28, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Had a poke around Inspiration, the @railway200.bsky.social exhibition train, this afternoon since it is at WSR and I’m heading north anyway. Well worth the visit and the free GWR shuttle from / to Taunton was well-loaded, and not just with track bashers as I was expecting. (No new track for me)
Reposted by Daniel Puddicombe
BLACK FRIDAY SALE: get Issue 1 of Mountains Magazine delivered to your door for just £5.49!
But here > www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/Mountai...
#BlackFriday #Sale
But here > www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/Mountai...
#BlackFriday #Sale
Shop
Buy Mountains Magazine, your ultimate source for stunning mountain photography and stories. Browse sample pages online or find the magazine on shelves across the UK. Contact info@mountains-magazine.co...
www.mountains-magazine.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:28 AM
BLACK FRIDAY SALE: get Issue 1 of Mountains Magazine delivered to your door for just £5.49!
But here > www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/Mountai...
#BlackFriday #Sale
But here > www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/Mountai...
#BlackFriday #Sale
Reposted by Daniel Puddicombe
Here’s my CHRISTMAS GIFT TIP. You can buy all Michael Palin’s books and DVDs and suchlike off his website, and he signs and dedicates the item for no extra charge. Don’t say I don’t give you nowt. (I did this for my dad, and he didn’t notice the autograph on his Ripping Yarns.) themichaelpalin.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Here’s my CHRISTMAS GIFT TIP. You can buy all Michael Palin’s books and DVDs and suchlike off his website, and he signs and dedicates the item for no extra charge. Don’t say I don’t give you nowt. (I did this for my dad, and he didn’t notice the autograph on his Ripping Yarns.) themichaelpalin.com
Reposted by Daniel Puddicombe
Yesterday my partner and I counted all the ads along Chicago's Brown Line for "Friend," a company selling an AI chatbot pendant, and tallied how many of those ads were defaced.
Still working on a longer piece on this, but here's the quick and dirty: we counted 104 "Friend" ads total, 42 defaced.
Still working on a longer piece on this, but here's the quick and dirty: we counted 104 "Friend" ads total, 42 defaced.
November 23, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Yesterday my partner and I counted all the ads along Chicago's Brown Line for "Friend," a company selling an AI chatbot pendant, and tallied how many of those ads were defaced.
Still working on a longer piece on this, but here's the quick and dirty: we counted 104 "Friend" ads total, 42 defaced.
Still working on a longer piece on this, but here's the quick and dirty: we counted 104 "Friend" ads total, 42 defaced.
Mountains Magazine issue two contains lots of great pieces by brilliant writers. And, er, some words from me about a brilliant railway line in Mexico. Thank you again @aplantogo.bsky.social!
🚨PRE-ORDER Mountains Magazine #2 for delivery in early Dec. Prices from just £2.99!
🏷️WINTER SALE
Subscribe & save. 4 issues delivered for just £24.95
BUY HERE > www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/#wbs1
⛰️Saint-Gervais
⛰️Shiga Kogen
⛰️Méribel
⛰️Copper Canyon
⛰️Bavaria
⛰️+ much MUCH more!
#Sale #Mountains
🏷️WINTER SALE
Subscribe & save. 4 issues delivered for just £24.95
BUY HERE > www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/#wbs1
⛰️Saint-Gervais
⛰️Shiga Kogen
⛰️Méribel
⛰️Copper Canyon
⛰️Bavaria
⛰️+ much MUCH more!
#Sale #Mountains
November 22, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Mountains Magazine issue two contains lots of great pieces by brilliant writers. And, er, some words from me about a brilliant railway line in Mexico. Thank you again @aplantogo.bsky.social!
Reposted by Daniel Puddicombe
🚨PRE-ORDER Mountains Magazine #2 for delivery in early Dec. Prices from just £2.99!
🏷️WINTER SALE
Subscribe & save. 4 issues delivered for just £24.95
BUY HERE > www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/#wbs1
⛰️Saint-Gervais
⛰️Shiga Kogen
⛰️Méribel
⛰️Copper Canyon
⛰️Bavaria
⛰️+ much MUCH more!
#Sale #Mountains
🏷️WINTER SALE
Subscribe & save. 4 issues delivered for just £24.95
BUY HERE > www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/#wbs1
⛰️Saint-Gervais
⛰️Shiga Kogen
⛰️Méribel
⛰️Copper Canyon
⛰️Bavaria
⛰️+ much MUCH more!
#Sale #Mountains
November 21, 2025 at 6:49 PM
🚨PRE-ORDER Mountains Magazine #2 for delivery in early Dec. Prices from just £2.99!
🏷️WINTER SALE
Subscribe & save. 4 issues delivered for just £24.95
BUY HERE > www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/#wbs1
⛰️Saint-Gervais
⛰️Shiga Kogen
⛰️Méribel
⛰️Copper Canyon
⛰️Bavaria
⛰️+ much MUCH more!
#Sale #Mountains
🏷️WINTER SALE
Subscribe & save. 4 issues delivered for just £24.95
BUY HERE > www.mountains-magazine.com/Shop/#wbs1
⛰️Saint-Gervais
⛰️Shiga Kogen
⛰️Méribel
⛰️Copper Canyon
⛰️Bavaria
⛰️+ much MUCH more!
#Sale #Mountains
Does ANYONE at Daily Express fact check before publishing stories? As an example, Facebook served me this article. As soon as I saw the headline and standfirst I realised the piece is full of nonsense.
(Quite why the Express is running a piece about a bridge opened in 2011 is beyond me.)
(Quite why the Express is running a piece about a bridge opened in 2011 is beyond me.)
November 22, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Does ANYONE at Daily Express fact check before publishing stories? As an example, Facebook served me this article. As soon as I saw the headline and standfirst I realised the piece is full of nonsense.
(Quite why the Express is running a piece about a bridge opened in 2011 is beyond me.)
(Quite why the Express is running a piece about a bridge opened in 2011 is beyond me.)
Anyone up for a game of spot the difference? I'm livid the Express plagiarised my work - and a story I am incredibly proud of.
Not sure what's more annoying: the stolen stories, the compensation offer or the lack of apology.
It's odd being the story. Thanks to Press Gazette for the piece.
Not sure what's more annoying: the stolen stories, the compensation offer or the lack of apology.
It's odd being the story. Thanks to Press Gazette for the piece.
November 18, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Anyone up for a game of spot the difference? I'm livid the Express plagiarised my work - and a story I am incredibly proud of.
Not sure what's more annoying: the stolen stories, the compensation offer or the lack of apology.
It's odd being the story. Thanks to Press Gazette for the piece.
Not sure what's more annoying: the stolen stories, the compensation offer or the lack of apology.
It's odd being the story. Thanks to Press Gazette for the piece.
For months, I've been looking into dodgy videos that seemingly encouraged unlawful behaviour while promoting TrainPal on TikTok - plus a side-show of using the Money Saving Expert name without permission.
Story for @railmagazine.bsky.social is online: www.railmagazine.com/news/trainpa...
Story for @railmagazine.bsky.social is online: www.railmagazine.com/news/trainpa...
TrainPal accused of encouraging "unlawful behaviour" with social media adverts
Rail Delivery Group investigating after videos described as misleading are produced by online ticket retailer TrainPal.
www.railmagazine.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:57 AM
For months, I've been looking into dodgy videos that seemingly encouraged unlawful behaviour while promoting TrainPal on TikTok - plus a side-show of using the Money Saving Expert name without permission.
Story for @railmagazine.bsky.social is online: www.railmagazine.com/news/trainpa...
Story for @railmagazine.bsky.social is online: www.railmagazine.com/news/trainpa...
That’s #WTMLDN done for another year. 17 formal meetings over two days, countless catch ups with contacts / friends old and new, too many hot chocolates drunk, one very frazzled brain.
Same time next year?
(There’s also the one tourist board that still will not engage (IYKYK))
Same time next year?
(There’s also the one tourist board that still will not engage (IYKYK))
November 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
That’s #WTMLDN done for another year. 17 formal meetings over two days, countless catch ups with contacts / friends old and new, too many hot chocolates drunk, one very frazzled brain.
Same time next year?
(There’s also the one tourist board that still will not engage (IYKYK))
Same time next year?
(There’s also the one tourist board that still will not engage (IYKYK))
One of the favourite things I've written in a while:
A week or so ago, I spent a fun afternoon with land speed record-holder Andy Green and his 1904 Stanley Runabout ahead of today's Veteran Car Run to learn why the world's fastest man loves steam cars.
www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/feature...
A week or so ago, I spent a fun afternoon with land speed record-holder Andy Green and his 1904 Stanley Runabout ahead of today's Veteran Car Run to learn why the world's fastest man loves steam cars.
www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/feature...
Why the world’s fastest driver prefers a 20mph steam-powered car
Land speed record-holder Andy Green is hooked on his 1904 steam-powered machine that only does 60mph and has ‘the worst brakes in the world’
www.telegraph.co.uk
November 2, 2025 at 11:43 AM
One of the favourite things I've written in a while:
A week or so ago, I spent a fun afternoon with land speed record-holder Andy Green and his 1904 Stanley Runabout ahead of today's Veteran Car Run to learn why the world's fastest man loves steam cars.
www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/feature...
A week or so ago, I spent a fun afternoon with land speed record-holder Andy Green and his 1904 Stanley Runabout ahead of today's Veteran Car Run to learn why the world's fastest man loves steam cars.
www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/feature...
A superb time seeing The Last Dinner Party (twice) last night in Southampton.
Second show was unhinged - among other things, Abi (on her birthday) ended up chugging half a bottle of vodka during This is the Killer.
A brilliant band live - and the new album is ace. @tldparchives.bsky.social
Second show was unhinged - among other things, Abi (on her birthday) ended up chugging half a bottle of vodka during This is the Killer.
A brilliant band live - and the new album is ace. @tldparchives.bsky.social
October 20, 2025 at 8:00 AM
A superb time seeing The Last Dinner Party (twice) last night in Southampton.
Second show was unhinged - among other things, Abi (on her birthday) ended up chugging half a bottle of vodka during This is the Killer.
A brilliant band live - and the new album is ace. @tldparchives.bsky.social
Second show was unhinged - among other things, Abi (on her birthday) ended up chugging half a bottle of vodka during This is the Killer.
A brilliant band live - and the new album is ace. @tldparchives.bsky.social
Every so often, the 135-year old former presidential train takes to Portugal's most scenic railway line. Last month, I travelled aboard Comboio Presidencial for an eight-course meal & trip along the Douro Valley for @telegraphnews.bsky.social:
www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/desti...
@diningcar.at
www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/desti...
@diningcar.at
October 14, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Every so often, the 135-year old former presidential train takes to Portugal's most scenic railway line. Last month, I travelled aboard Comboio Presidencial for an eight-course meal & trip along the Douro Valley for @telegraphnews.bsky.social:
www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/desti...
@diningcar.at
www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/desti...
@diningcar.at
Until last month, I'd never travelled on a railway run by an actual military. Have written about the glorious Tren Interoceánico network in Mexico for @telegraphnews.bsky.social.
Yes, it was most odd seeing armed marines guarding level crossings & platforms.
www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/desti...
Yes, it was most odd seeing armed marines guarding level crossings & platforms.
www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/desti...
October 12, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Until last month, I'd never travelled on a railway run by an actual military. Have written about the glorious Tren Interoceánico network in Mexico for @telegraphnews.bsky.social.
Yes, it was most odd seeing armed marines guarding level crossings & platforms.
www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/desti...
Yes, it was most odd seeing armed marines guarding level crossings & platforms.
www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/desti...