Richard Griffin
@squarewheels.org.uk
Husband, train driver/instructor, novice baker, cyclist, musician, geek, parkrunner.
www.squarewheels.org.uk
www.squarewheels.org.uk
Pinned
Richard Griffin
@squarewheels.org.uk
· Nov 13
I went right off the 'blue bird' place once Tweetbot got killed off, and this has broken my addiction to social media.
Nevertheless, sometimes it might be nice at least to have the option to hang out. I was @squarewheels_ on there, and on here I was able to drop that pesky underscore. :)
Nevertheless, sometimes it might be nice at least to have the option to hang out. I was @squarewheels_ on there, and on here I was able to drop that pesky underscore. :)
Reposted by Richard Griffin
#OnThisDay 49 years ago York Road Curve connecting the East Coast Mainline and the 'City Widened Lines' towards Farringdon closed, when services were diverted over the Great Northern & City at Finsbury Park. Image from when Robin Morel (shadowy figure) very kindly gave me a tour.
November 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 49 years ago York Road Curve connecting the East Coast Mainline and the 'City Widened Lines' towards Farringdon closed, when services were diverted over the Great Northern & City at Finsbury Park. Image from when Robin Morel (shadowy figure) very kindly gave me a tour.
@stuartackland.bsky.social A bit random, but does this 1998 recording bring back memories?
November 7, 2025 at 3:18 PM
@stuartackland.bsky.social A bit random, but does this 1998 recording bring back memories?
Reposted by Richard Griffin
"I DON'T NEED YOU TO FUCKING REWRITE WHAT I'VE JUST WRITTEN!"
October 28, 2025 at 10:46 AM
"I DON'T NEED YOU TO FUCKING REWRITE WHAT I'VE JUST WRITTEN!"
I've been sent a photo showing a new style of clock on a national rail station.
Apparently people are getting very excited by the design.
While I agree that *time* is the commodity that the railways are selling, I think it's a bit much to be making such a song & dance about the design of a clock.
Apparently people are getting very excited by the design.
While I agree that *time* is the commodity that the railways are selling, I think it's a bit much to be making such a song & dance about the design of a clock.
October 23, 2025 at 7:37 PM
I've been sent a photo showing a new style of clock on a national rail station.
Apparently people are getting very excited by the design.
While I agree that *time* is the commodity that the railways are selling, I think it's a bit much to be making such a song & dance about the design of a clock.
Apparently people are getting very excited by the design.
While I agree that *time* is the commodity that the railways are selling, I think it's a bit much to be making such a song & dance about the design of a clock.
Don't judge me, but today after getting home from a long shift at work I was tidying up, and I hand-washed the cycling-shorts that have been on the floor since...
...since I last used them, which I see was on 15 August.
Awful that I haven't missed them for that long too.
But shows I've been busy!
...since I last used them, which I see was on 15 August.
Awful that I haven't missed them for that long too.
But shows I've been busy!
October 5, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Don't judge me, but today after getting home from a long shift at work I was tidying up, and I hand-washed the cycling-shorts that have been on the floor since...
...since I last used them, which I see was on 15 August.
Awful that I haven't missed them for that long too.
But shows I've been busy!
...since I last used them, which I see was on 15 August.
Awful that I haven't missed them for that long too.
But shows I've been busy!
Reposted by Richard Griffin
We think road numbers are beautiful. Not everyone agrees, but we defy you not to be amazed by this incredbile visualisation of all Great Britain's classified roads. #roadnumbers www.roads.org.uk/blog/colouri...
Colouring by Numbers
A data visualisation of British road numbering produces surprisingly beautiful results.
www.roads.org.uk
October 3, 2025 at 4:48 PM
We think road numbers are beautiful. Not everyone agrees, but we defy you not to be amazed by this incredbile visualisation of all Great Britain's classified roads. #roadnumbers www.roads.org.uk/blog/colouri...
Jessie's Seat, aka The Chilworth Chicken, has been accidentally destroyed: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A topiary chicken beside the Down line of the Redhill to Guildford Line, approaching Chilworth. A memorial to Guard Henry Wicks who was killed there in 1892.
youtu.be/bxVu99xCP5Q?...
A topiary chicken beside the Down line of the Redhill to Guildford Line, approaching Chilworth. A memorial to Guard Henry Wicks who was killed there in 1892.
youtu.be/bxVu99xCP5Q?...
September 30, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Jessie's Seat, aka The Chilworth Chicken, has been accidentally destroyed: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A topiary chicken beside the Down line of the Redhill to Guildford Line, approaching Chilworth. A memorial to Guard Henry Wicks who was killed there in 1892.
youtu.be/bxVu99xCP5Q?...
A topiary chicken beside the Down line of the Redhill to Guildford Line, approaching Chilworth. A memorial to Guard Henry Wicks who was killed there in 1892.
youtu.be/bxVu99xCP5Q?...
Reposted by Richard Griffin
#OnThisDay 13 years ago, the A60 Stock farewell railtour covered the entire Metropolitan line, including Watford, Amersham, Aldgate, Uxbridge, Chesham and the Watford curve. The final revenue service was three days before on the 26th. Image: bowroaduk buff.ly/no6J7O6
September 29, 2025 at 4:00 AM
#OnThisDay 13 years ago, the A60 Stock farewell railtour covered the entire Metropolitan line, including Watford, Amersham, Aldgate, Uxbridge, Chesham and the Watford curve. The final revenue service was three days before on the 26th. Image: bowroaduk buff.ly/no6J7O6
A London grumble: the A312 Parkway is a hideous yet sometimes-useful piece of road I use rather a lot. There are signs about it being closed, but located just where you can't afford to take your eyes off the 3-into-2 forced merge.
one.network has nothing about a closure.
Nor does TfL website.
1/3
one.network has nothing about a closure.
Nor does TfL website.
1/3
September 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
A London grumble: the A312 Parkway is a hideous yet sometimes-useful piece of road I use rather a lot. There are signs about it being closed, but located just where you can't afford to take your eyes off the 3-into-2 forced merge.
one.network has nothing about a closure.
Nor does TfL website.
1/3
one.network has nothing about a closure.
Nor does TfL website.
1/3
Reposted by Richard Griffin
iOS 26 review: unsure about the new glassy display, annoyed my clock has changed to something retro-80s (not in the good way) but already using the 'screen unknown callers' option to great effect!
If you're neurodivergent and have a lot going on right now, don't update to '26 yet
If you're neurodivergent and have a lot going on right now, don't update to '26 yet
September 15, 2025 at 6:33 PM
iOS 26 review: unsure about the new glassy display, annoyed my clock has changed to something retro-80s (not in the good way) but already using the 'screen unknown callers' option to great effect!
If you're neurodivergent and have a lot going on right now, don't update to '26 yet
If you're neurodivergent and have a lot going on right now, don't update to '26 yet
Reposted by Richard Griffin
I recently spoke in Parliament about the impact of pavement parking—a concern I hear often from constituents with disabilities, sight loss or mobility aids.
It makes everyday journeys harder and more dangerous. Councils need proper powers to act.
Everyone deserves safe, accessible streets
It makes everyday journeys harder and more dangerous. Councils need proper powers to act.
Everyone deserves safe, accessible streets
September 15, 2025 at 5:48 PM
I recently spoke in Parliament about the impact of pavement parking—a concern I hear often from constituents with disabilities, sight loss or mobility aids.
It makes everyday journeys harder and more dangerous. Councils need proper powers to act.
Everyone deserves safe, accessible streets
It makes everyday journeys harder and more dangerous. Councils need proper powers to act.
Everyone deserves safe, accessible streets
In October 2018 the People's Vote march attracted *several times* the number of protesters to the thugs' march which happened yesterday.
Particularly noticeable the total, utter absence of violence or any vestige of unsafety.
The only police we saw all day were these 4 seeking to reopen Park Lane.
Particularly noticeable the total, utter absence of violence or any vestige of unsafety.
The only police we saw all day were these 4 seeking to reopen Park Lane.
September 14, 2025 at 11:54 AM
In October 2018 the People's Vote march attracted *several times* the number of protesters to the thugs' march which happened yesterday.
Particularly noticeable the total, utter absence of violence or any vestige of unsafety.
The only police we saw all day were these 4 seeking to reopen Park Lane.
Particularly noticeable the total, utter absence of violence or any vestige of unsafety.
The only police we saw all day were these 4 seeking to reopen Park Lane.
Reposted by Richard Griffin
Appalled by the violent scenes of police being attacked at the Tommy Robinson rally today. Those responsible should face the full force of the law.
These far right thugs do not speak for Britain.
These far right thugs do not speak for Britain.
September 13, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Appalled by the violent scenes of police being attacked at the Tommy Robinson rally today. Those responsible should face the full force of the law.
These far right thugs do not speak for Britain.
These far right thugs do not speak for Britain.
Reposted by Richard Griffin
Word of the day is ‘tamalou’: a French name for an older person who no longer greets their friends with ‘how was your holiday?, but with ‘t’as mal où ?’, ‘where does it hurt?’. There follows an enthusiastic account of aches and pains and doctor’s appointments.
September 4, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Word of the day is ‘tamalou’: a French name for an older person who no longer greets their friends with ‘how was your holiday?, but with ‘t’as mal où ?’, ‘where does it hurt?’. There follows an enthusiastic account of aches and pains and doctor’s appointments.
I was listening in on internal radio to the Jubilee Line incident channel. Faulty train in tunnel near Westminster. Seems to have been there for about 5 hours. Gapped. Load-shed.
But steadfastly nobody wanted to risk even coupling-up another train to push it onto juice, far less perform a pushout.
But steadfastly nobody wanted to risk even coupling-up another train to push it onto juice, far less perform a pushout.
September 1, 2025 at 11:41 PM
I was listening in on internal radio to the Jubilee Line incident channel. Faulty train in tunnel near Westminster. Seems to have been there for about 5 hours. Gapped. Load-shed.
But steadfastly nobody wanted to risk even coupling-up another train to push it onto juice, far less perform a pushout.
But steadfastly nobody wanted to risk even coupling-up another train to push it onto juice, far less perform a pushout.
Reminiscing to myself about bus-driver training, in December 2000, at Oxford Bus.
And in particular my wonderful instructor, Peter Kilduff (RIP), who knew to throw this promising but over-eager kid in at the deep end...
And in particular my wonderful instructor, Peter Kilduff (RIP), who knew to throw this promising but over-eager kid in at the deep end...
August 30, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Reminiscing to myself about bus-driver training, in December 2000, at Oxford Bus.
And in particular my wonderful instructor, Peter Kilduff (RIP), who knew to throw this promising but over-eager kid in at the deep end...
And in particular my wonderful instructor, Peter Kilduff (RIP), who knew to throw this promising but over-eager kid in at the deep end...
While my train was at Chesham this morning, I took a little walk along the public footpath that runs beside (and then crosses over) the branch line.
I walked far enough to see signal A1000, which usually displays Yellow to trains — but as my train was occupying the single line there, it shows Red.
I walked far enough to see signal A1000, which usually displays Yellow to trains — but as my train was occupying the single line there, it shows Red.
August 23, 2025 at 8:35 PM
While my train was at Chesham this morning, I took a little walk along the public footpath that runs beside (and then crosses over) the branch line.
I walked far enough to see signal A1000, which usually displays Yellow to trains — but as my train was occupying the single line there, it shows Red.
I walked far enough to see signal A1000, which usually displays Yellow to trains — but as my train was occupying the single line there, it shows Red.
Reposted by Richard Griffin
So, what do we have for this week's #MapMonday? Well, the next batch of 15 maps from the #OrdnanceSurvey One Inch Popular Edition, adding sheets revised in 1936 to our already large collection. buff.ly/3TyUjFi
August 18, 2025 at 5:05 PM
So, what do we have for this week's #MapMonday? Well, the next batch of 15 maps from the #OrdnanceSurvey One Inch Popular Edition, adding sheets revised in 1936 to our already large collection. buff.ly/3TyUjFi
Reposted by Richard Griffin
Mmm, Glenfield Tunnel! I drove all the way to Leicester in 2017 on purpose to visit it. :) I love the facility of having old maps at our disposal.
August 18, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Mmm, Glenfield Tunnel! I drove all the way to Leicester in 2017 on purpose to visit it. :) I love the facility of having old maps at our disposal.
Reposted by Richard Griffin
I post something along these lines each year, and unapologetically so. It goes to prove that, whatever your A-level grades, two things should be a given:
1) Life will always throw up challenges and,
2) You'll always find your path in the end.
Never lose hope.
Have a train.
1) Life will always throw up challenges and,
2) You'll always find your path in the end.
Never lose hope.
Have a train.
August 14, 2025 at 8:22 AM
I post something along these lines each year, and unapologetically so. It goes to prove that, whatever your A-level grades, two things should be a given:
1) Life will always throw up challenges and,
2) You'll always find your path in the end.
Never lose hope.
Have a train.
1) Life will always throw up challenges and,
2) You'll always find your path in the end.
Never lose hope.
Have a train.
Reposted by Richard Griffin
More Helsinki wanderings: www.merseytart.com/2025/08/rush...
Rush
Adrenaline is a very powerful drug. I'd planned this whole trip in great detail back in England. (Yes, of course there was a spreadsheet.) ...
www.merseytart.com
August 11, 2025 at 5:52 PM
More Helsinki wanderings: www.merseytart.com/2025/08/rush...
We just watched the Prost documentary (BBC, June 2025).
It's in 6 parts of around 25 minutes each, and it tells Alain Prost's story of his family, his life, his career (he won the F1 World Championship 4 times), and his intense rivalry with Ayrton Senna.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
It's in 6 parts of around 25 minutes each, and it tells Alain Prost's story of his family, his life, his career (he won the F1 World Championship 4 times), and his intense rivalry with Ayrton Senna.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Prost
An F1 phenomenon and a French sporting icon. From childhood ambitions to winning world titles - an intimate biopic of the racing, rivalries and blistering talent of Alain Prost.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 4, 2025 at 8:14 PM
We just watched the Prost documentary (BBC, June 2025).
It's in 6 parts of around 25 minutes each, and it tells Alain Prost's story of his family, his life, his career (he won the F1 World Championship 4 times), and his intense rivalry with Ayrton Senna.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
It's in 6 parts of around 25 minutes each, and it tells Alain Prost's story of his family, his life, his career (he won the F1 World Championship 4 times), and his intense rivalry with Ayrton Senna.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Reposted by Richard Griffin
#OnThisDay 145 years ago the Metropolitan Railway opened from Willesden Green to Harrow (=Harrow-on-the-Hill) with an intermediate station at Kingsbury & Neasden (=Neasden). Circa 1890 a train for Harrow is seen at the latter looking very rural. LT Museum collection buff.ly/1KVo2BY
August 2, 2025 at 4:00 AM
#OnThisDay 145 years ago the Metropolitan Railway opened from Willesden Green to Harrow (=Harrow-on-the-Hill) with an intermediate station at Kingsbury & Neasden (=Neasden). Circa 1890 a train for Harrow is seen at the latter looking very rural. LT Museum collection buff.ly/1KVo2BY