The Tall Controller
@thetallcontroller.bsky.social
On a quest to find the quirks and charms that exist on today's railway!
Proudly from 〓〓
Proudly from 〓〓
Pinned
So what can you expect from me here?
Well, to put it simply:
🛤 Lots of railway content, trips, adventures, new things
🤔 Odd facts/info/anything that impresses me - my inner nerd will run wild!
🚉 My ongoing pursuit of visiting every GB station
〓〓 My love for Cornwall
⚽️ Maybe a bit of Argyle 💚!
Well, to put it simply:
🛤 Lots of railway content, trips, adventures, new things
🤔 Odd facts/info/anything that impresses me - my inner nerd will run wild!
🚉 My ongoing pursuit of visiting every GB station
〓〓 My love for Cornwall
⚽️ Maybe a bit of Argyle 💚!
On a car trip 30 years ago, my grampa suggested we stopped at Maybole station.
It was dark and deserted. No way on this sparse timetable would we see anything.
But out of the darkness came a Class 156, sparking great excitement at seeing a train!
Great memories can happen from small things.
It was dark and deserted. No way on this sparse timetable would we see anything.
But out of the darkness came a Class 156, sparking great excitement at seeing a train!
Great memories can happen from small things.
April 11, 2025 at 3:52 PM
On a car trip 30 years ago, my grampa suggested we stopped at Maybole station.
It was dark and deserted. No way on this sparse timetable would we see anything.
But out of the darkness came a Class 156, sparking great excitement at seeing a train!
Great memories can happen from small things.
It was dark and deserted. No way on this sparse timetable would we see anything.
But out of the darkness came a Class 156, sparking great excitement at seeing a train!
Great memories can happen from small things.
Dear railway friends,
Later this year, I'm going to be doing something crazy and go swimming from Dover to France in a swim relay across the English Channel!
I'm swimming in aid of Swim Tayka. Please sponsor me and help me and help me reach France!
justgiving.com/page/robs-channel-relay
Later this year, I'm going to be doing something crazy and go swimming from Dover to France in a swim relay across the English Channel!
I'm swimming in aid of Swim Tayka. Please sponsor me and help me and help me reach France!
justgiving.com/page/robs-channel-relay
March 24, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Dear railway friends,
Later this year, I'm going to be doing something crazy and go swimming from Dover to France in a swim relay across the English Channel!
I'm swimming in aid of Swim Tayka. Please sponsor me and help me and help me reach France!
justgiving.com/page/robs-channel-relay
Later this year, I'm going to be doing something crazy and go swimming from Dover to France in a swim relay across the English Channel!
I'm swimming in aid of Swim Tayka. Please sponsor me and help me and help me reach France!
justgiving.com/page/robs-channel-relay
While the signs may say ScotRail, it's crazy to think that the station is still owned by the ferry company Stena Line...13.5 years since it last ran a service to Stranraer!
The last ship sailed from here in November 2011.
They also still own the surrounding derilict land.
The last ship sailed from here in November 2011.
They also still own the surrounding derilict land.
March 20, 2025 at 6:56 PM
While the signs may say ScotRail, it's crazy to think that the station is still owned by the ferry company Stena Line...13.5 years since it last ran a service to Stranraer!
The last ship sailed from here in November 2011.
They also still own the surrounding derilict land.
The last ship sailed from here in November 2011.
They also still own the surrounding derilict land.
Stranraer...a station in a place that time has left behind.
Its been over 13 years since the last ferry departed this Harbour in Nov 2011, yet nothing has changed apart from ongoing decay.
Trains continue to ply the route for the remaining customers that use it.
What future awaits this line?
Its been over 13 years since the last ferry departed this Harbour in Nov 2011, yet nothing has changed apart from ongoing decay.
Trains continue to ply the route for the remaining customers that use it.
What future awaits this line?
March 15, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Stranraer...a station in a place that time has left behind.
Its been over 13 years since the last ferry departed this Harbour in Nov 2011, yet nothing has changed apart from ongoing decay.
Trains continue to ply the route for the remaining customers that use it.
What future awaits this line?
Its been over 13 years since the last ferry departed this Harbour in Nov 2011, yet nothing has changed apart from ongoing decay.
Trains continue to ply the route for the remaining customers that use it.
What future awaits this line?
Gool Perran Lowen! 〓〓
Happy St Piran's Day!
Happy St Piran's Day!
March 5, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Gool Perran Lowen! 〓〓
Happy St Piran's Day!
Happy St Piran's Day!
Denton ✅️
Finally got the chance to visit here and Reddish South...thanks Argyle 💚
The station has just as many trains each week as it does platforms!
And after waving off this train, the next passenger train was 6 days, 23 hours and 32 mins later!
I'm going to need some entertainment!
Finally got the chance to visit here and Reddish South...thanks Argyle 💚
The station has just as many trains each week as it does platforms!
And after waving off this train, the next passenger train was 6 days, 23 hours and 32 mins later!
I'm going to need some entertainment!
March 3, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Denton ✅️
Finally got the chance to visit here and Reddish South...thanks Argyle 💚
The station has just as many trains each week as it does platforms!
And after waving off this train, the next passenger train was 6 days, 23 hours and 32 mins later!
I'm going to need some entertainment!
Finally got the chance to visit here and Reddish South...thanks Argyle 💚
The station has just as many trains each week as it does platforms!
And after waving off this train, the next passenger train was 6 days, 23 hours and 32 mins later!
I'm going to need some entertainment!
Welcome to Reddish South!
Miss the 0910 to Stalybridge? Next ones a whole week later!
Only 2 passenger trains serve this line each week.
It is however cared for by a station friends group who have installed plenty of artwork.
Otherwise, it's more out of sight, out of mind.
Miss the 0910 to Stalybridge? Next ones a whole week later!
Only 2 passenger trains serve this line each week.
It is however cared for by a station friends group who have installed plenty of artwork.
Otherwise, it's more out of sight, out of mind.
March 1, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Welcome to Reddish South!
Miss the 0910 to Stalybridge? Next ones a whole week later!
Only 2 passenger trains serve this line each week.
It is however cared for by a station friends group who have installed plenty of artwork.
Otherwise, it's more out of sight, out of mind.
Miss the 0910 to Stalybridge? Next ones a whole week later!
Only 2 passenger trains serve this line each week.
It is however cared for by a station friends group who have installed plenty of artwork.
Otherwise, it's more out of sight, out of mind.
Argyle 💚 tonight. But what to do beforehand on a Saturday morning?
There's only one thing I could possibly do!
All aboard the once-a-week* Denton flyer!
*in either direction
There's only one thing I could possibly do!
All aboard the once-a-week* Denton flyer!
*in either direction
March 1, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Argyle 💚 tonight. But what to do beforehand on a Saturday morning?
There's only one thing I could possibly do!
All aboard the once-a-week* Denton flyer!
*in either direction
There's only one thing I could possibly do!
All aboard the once-a-week* Denton flyer!
*in either direction
We all have a Hunger...
February 21, 2025 at 8:59 AM
We all have a Hunger...
16 stations visited yesterday evening around the Aldershot/Staines area.
Pick if the bunch was definitely Bentley, a small, quiet station on the line between Farnham and Alton.
Although it has 2 platforms, most use Platform 1, with Platform 2 only being used for passing trains.
Pick if the bunch was definitely Bentley, a small, quiet station on the line between Farnham and Alton.
Although it has 2 platforms, most use Platform 1, with Platform 2 only being used for passing trains.
February 15, 2025 at 9:08 AM
16 stations visited yesterday evening around the Aldershot/Staines area.
Pick if the bunch was definitely Bentley, a small, quiet station on the line between Farnham and Alton.
Although it has 2 platforms, most use Platform 1, with Platform 2 only being used for passing trains.
Pick if the bunch was definitely Bentley, a small, quiet station on the line between Farnham and Alton.
Although it has 2 platforms, most use Platform 1, with Platform 2 only being used for passing trains.
Watch out Manchester...Argyle are coming! 💚
February 10, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Watch out Manchester...Argyle are coming! 💚
⚠️ Football tweet ⚠️
COME ON ARGYLE!!!
⚠️ End of football tweet ⚠️
COME ON ARGYLE!!!
⚠️ End of football tweet ⚠️
February 9, 2025 at 5:43 PM
⚠️ Football tweet ⚠️
COME ON ARGYLE!!!
⚠️ End of football tweet ⚠️
COME ON ARGYLE!!!
⚠️ End of football tweet ⚠️
Almost 10 years since the first rolling stock was outshopped in GWR green (sleeper coach 10594), there is just one unit left in FGW blue...
...150238 will shortly be departing for Wolverton to be overhauled.
It'll bring an end to almost 20 years of First Great Western blue and pink.
...150238 will shortly be departing for Wolverton to be overhauled.
It'll bring an end to almost 20 years of First Great Western blue and pink.
February 6, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Almost 10 years since the first rolling stock was outshopped in GWR green (sleeper coach 10594), there is just one unit left in FGW blue...
...150238 will shortly be departing for Wolverton to be overhauled.
It'll bring an end to almost 20 years of First Great Western blue and pink.
...150238 will shortly be departing for Wolverton to be overhauled.
It'll bring an end to almost 20 years of First Great Western blue and pink.
I'll take that 😆
Arguably the best team in the world...play a team from Liverpool.
See you at Home Park!
Arguably the best team in the world...play a team from Liverpool.
See you at Home Park!
Hosting the Premier League leaders in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round! 🏆
January 12, 2025 at 8:31 PM
I'll take that 😆
Arguably the best team in the world...play a team from Liverpool.
See you at Home Park!
Arguably the best team in the world...play a team from Liverpool.
See you at Home Park!
Unbeaten in 2025! 💚
First away win since April.
Bring on the 4th round!!
First away win since April.
Bring on the 4th round!!
INTO ROUND FOUR! 💚
Morgan Whittaker's 82nd minute strike from the edge of the box secures the win at Brentford!
Morgan Whittaker's 82nd minute strike from the edge of the box secures the win at Brentford!
January 11, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Unbeaten in 2025! 💚
First away win since April.
Bring on the 4th round!!
First away win since April.
Bring on the 4th round!!
St James' Park is a pain if you're an apostrophe pendant...
Among those that do include it:
✅️ Platform signs
✅️ Station/train screens
✅️ Timetables
Among those that do not:
❌️ The BR arrows sign
❌️ Online info page
❌️The football ground it is named after
I dont think it belongs.
What do you say?
Among those that do include it:
✅️ Platform signs
✅️ Station/train screens
✅️ Timetables
Among those that do not:
❌️ The BR arrows sign
❌️ Online info page
❌️The football ground it is named after
I dont think it belongs.
What do you say?
January 7, 2025 at 10:54 AM
St James' Park is a pain if you're an apostrophe pendant...
Among those that do include it:
✅️ Platform signs
✅️ Station/train screens
✅️ Timetables
Among those that do not:
❌️ The BR arrows sign
❌️ Online info page
❌️The football ground it is named after
I dont think it belongs.
What do you say?
Among those that do include it:
✅️ Platform signs
✅️ Station/train screens
✅️ Timetables
Among those that do not:
❌️ The BR arrows sign
❌️ Online info page
❌️The football ground it is named after
I dont think it belongs.
What do you say?
One of the nicest destinations on the Exmouth branch line is Lympstone Village.
Right on the Exe Estuary cycle trail, it's an ideal stop off for lunch in a small cafe or local pub while surrounded by quaint narrow streets.
Its also 1 of only 3 stations with the suffix 'village' in its name.
Right on the Exe Estuary cycle trail, it's an ideal stop off for lunch in a small cafe or local pub while surrounded by quaint narrow streets.
Its also 1 of only 3 stations with the suffix 'village' in its name.
January 4, 2025 at 12:53 PM
One of the nicest destinations on the Exmouth branch line is Lympstone Village.
Right on the Exe Estuary cycle trail, it's an ideal stop off for lunch in a small cafe or local pub while surrounded by quaint narrow streets.
Its also 1 of only 3 stations with the suffix 'village' in its name.
Right on the Exe Estuary cycle trail, it's an ideal stop off for lunch in a small cafe or local pub while surrounded by quaint narrow streets.
Its also 1 of only 3 stations with the suffix 'village' in its name.
As 2024 draws to a close, here's my favourite memories from the year:
1 - Completing my 100 stations challenge and seeing many fascinating places
2 - Meeting great people and sharing memories ❤️
3 - Passing as a Signalman at Williton on the WSR
4 - Breaking @everylaststation.bsky.social in Wales!
1 - Completing my 100 stations challenge and seeing many fascinating places
2 - Meeting great people and sharing memories ❤️
3 - Passing as a Signalman at Williton on the WSR
4 - Breaking @everylaststation.bsky.social in Wales!
December 31, 2024 at 2:10 PM
As 2024 draws to a close, here's my favourite memories from the year:
1 - Completing my 100 stations challenge and seeing many fascinating places
2 - Meeting great people and sharing memories ❤️
3 - Passing as a Signalman at Williton on the WSR
4 - Breaking @everylaststation.bsky.social in Wales!
1 - Completing my 100 stations challenge and seeing many fascinating places
2 - Meeting great people and sharing memories ❤️
3 - Passing as a Signalman at Williton on the WSR
4 - Breaking @everylaststation.bsky.social in Wales!
Station 100 for the year...Chandlers Ford!
An outcropper of a station on a single line between Romsey and Eastleigh, with trains that end up in the same place whichever direction you go!
It's nice to see out my 100 stations challenge. Here's to another 100 in 2025!
Merry Christmas to you all!
An outcropper of a station on a single line between Romsey and Eastleigh, with trains that end up in the same place whichever direction you go!
It's nice to see out my 100 stations challenge. Here's to another 100 in 2025!
Merry Christmas to you all!
December 24, 2024 at 4:34 PM
Station 100 for the year...Chandlers Ford!
An outcropper of a station on a single line between Romsey and Eastleigh, with trains that end up in the same place whichever direction you go!
It's nice to see out my 100 stations challenge. Here's to another 100 in 2025!
Merry Christmas to you all!
An outcropper of a station on a single line between Romsey and Eastleigh, with trains that end up in the same place whichever direction you go!
It's nice to see out my 100 stations challenge. Here's to another 100 in 2025!
Merry Christmas to you all!
A day in Aldershot gave me a great opportunity to nearly complete my station challenge with 4 added to my tick list:
Sandhurst
Crowthorne
Aldershot
Ash Vale
I never knew Sandhurst was so basic!
Anyone want to take a guess at where Im going for my 100th station?
🥢🫎🚗 (Kudos if you get it)
99/100
Sandhurst
Crowthorne
Aldershot
Ash Vale
I never knew Sandhurst was so basic!
Anyone want to take a guess at where Im going for my 100th station?
🥢🫎🚗 (Kudos if you get it)
99/100
December 24, 2024 at 11:55 AM
A day in Aldershot gave me a great opportunity to nearly complete my station challenge with 4 added to my tick list:
Sandhurst
Crowthorne
Aldershot
Ash Vale
I never knew Sandhurst was so basic!
Anyone want to take a guess at where Im going for my 100th station?
🥢🫎🚗 (Kudos if you get it)
99/100
Sandhurst
Crowthorne
Aldershot
Ash Vale
I never knew Sandhurst was so basic!
Anyone want to take a guess at where Im going for my 100th station?
🥢🫎🚗 (Kudos if you get it)
99/100
Longcross used to be a pretty awkward station to visit.
But with an hourly service off-peak (half-hourly at peak times), it's become much easier to tick off this odd little station.
Situated in the middle of nowhere, exect for a film studio. But it does have a Permit to Travel machine!
95/100
But with an hourly service off-peak (half-hourly at peak times), it's become much easier to tick off this odd little station.
Situated in the middle of nowhere, exect for a film studio. But it does have a Permit to Travel machine!
95/100
December 24, 2024 at 10:04 AM
Longcross used to be a pretty awkward station to visit.
But with an hourly service off-peak (half-hourly at peak times), it's become much easier to tick off this odd little station.
Situated in the middle of nowhere, exect for a film studio. But it does have a Permit to Travel machine!
95/100
But with an hourly service off-peak (half-hourly at peak times), it's become much easier to tick off this odd little station.
Situated in the middle of nowhere, exect for a film studio. But it does have a Permit to Travel machine!
95/100
With 10 stations still to go, I ventured onto the SWR in the Reading area to visit...
Martins Heron
Bracknell
Sunningdale
Ascot
Sunningdale was anything other than sunny, as it absolutely poured down!
Anyone know why Martin has a Heron?
94/100
Martins Heron
Bracknell
Sunningdale
Ascot
Sunningdale was anything other than sunny, as it absolutely poured down!
Anyone know why Martin has a Heron?
94/100
December 23, 2024 at 3:07 PM
With 10 stations still to go, I ventured onto the SWR in the Reading area to visit...
Martins Heron
Bracknell
Sunningdale
Ascot
Sunningdale was anything other than sunny, as it absolutely poured down!
Anyone know why Martin has a Heron?
94/100
Martins Heron
Bracknell
Sunningdale
Ascot
Sunningdale was anything other than sunny, as it absolutely poured down!
Anyone know why Martin has a Heron?
94/100
With just enough time between connections, I stopped off at Langley...
4 platforms, only 2 of which see regular use, but it does have a nice new lift/footbridge.
The coming of the Elizabeth Line has improved its attraction as a commuter station no end.
90/100
4 platforms, only 2 of which see regular use, but it does have a nice new lift/footbridge.
The coming of the Elizabeth Line has improved its attraction as a commuter station no end.
90/100
December 23, 2024 at 10:48 AM
With just enough time between connections, I stopped off at Langley...
4 platforms, only 2 of which see regular use, but it does have a nice new lift/footbridge.
The coming of the Elizabeth Line has improved its attraction as a commuter station no end.
90/100
4 platforms, only 2 of which see regular use, but it does have a nice new lift/footbridge.
The coming of the Elizabeth Line has improved its attraction as a commuter station no end.
90/100
Lets jet off to Heathrow!
3 stations to tick off here...
Heathrow Central (T2 & T3)
Heathrow T4
Heathrow T5
I always like to leave the station to count as an official visit.
Much easier said than done at these 3 as I decided they didn't count until I found open air!
89/100
3 stations to tick off here...
Heathrow Central (T2 & T3)
Heathrow T4
Heathrow T5
I always like to leave the station to count as an official visit.
Much easier said than done at these 3 as I decided they didn't count until I found open air!
89/100
December 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Lets jet off to Heathrow!
3 stations to tick off here...
Heathrow Central (T2 & T3)
Heathrow T4
Heathrow T5
I always like to leave the station to count as an official visit.
Much easier said than done at these 3 as I decided they didn't count until I found open air!
89/100
3 stations to tick off here...
Heathrow Central (T2 & T3)
Heathrow T4
Heathrow T5
I always like to leave the station to count as an official visit.
Much easier said than done at these 3 as I decided they didn't count until I found open air!
89/100
Instead of heading back down the valley, I took a bus to Rhymney to visit some extra stations.
Pontlottyn
Rhymney
Caerphilly
Aber
I nearly missed the train at Pontlottyn as the bus i was on took an unexpected turn. I panicked, got off and ended up a long walk away!
86/100
Pontlottyn
Rhymney
Caerphilly
Aber
I nearly missed the train at Pontlottyn as the bus i was on took an unexpected turn. I panicked, got off and ended up a long walk away!
86/100
December 21, 2024 at 4:10 PM
Instead of heading back down the valley, I took a bus to Rhymney to visit some extra stations.
Pontlottyn
Rhymney
Caerphilly
Aber
I nearly missed the train at Pontlottyn as the bus i was on took an unexpected turn. I panicked, got off and ended up a long walk away!
86/100
Pontlottyn
Rhymney
Caerphilly
Aber
I nearly missed the train at Pontlottyn as the bus i was on took an unexpected turn. I panicked, got off and ended up a long walk away!
86/100