Nightsleeper. New BBC train drama

[zwilnik]

Just started watching this. Some of the usual BBC suspects in the cast but at least not too many obvious railway gaffs by the titles at least (although no doubt some of you with better knowledge of how the real UK railways work will spot some )

[Moonglum]

I am afraid that I cannot bring myself to watch this!

Cheers,

Tim

[Southerngooner]

Nor me! Hijacking a train, errr, is that implausible or what?!

Great actors but a poor idea for me

Dave

[crewearpley40]

Nor can I
 

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/sep/15/nightsleeper-review-fantastically-dreadful

I noticed this earlier shall retire to play trains instead

[Newportnobby]

Watched last week's 2 episodes and will be recording this week's.
Typical 'peril in metal tube' stuff but enjoyable hokum.
After all, it's fictional drama so watch it for what it is

[zwilnik]

Ok, a glaring railway issue even I can spot. It appears to have left its original station without the back half of the train.

[Bigmac]

is it really possible to drive a high speed train remotely ?

If so--why have a driver ?

[zwilnik]

is it really possible to drive a high speed train remotely ?

If so--why have a driver ?

Same reason as space capsules have them. Just in case.

[Bigmac]

is it really possible to drive a high speed train remotely ?

If so--why have a driver ?

Same reason as space capsules have them. Just in case.

so what can a driver do that a remote system cant ?

I cant help thinking that a bus driver has a far more difficult job than a modern train driver.  Perhaps they should swap salaries

[zwilnik]

is it really possible to drive a high speed train remotely ?

If so--why have a driver ?

Same reason as space capsules have them. Just in case.

so what can a driver do that a remote system cant ?

I cant help thinking that a bus driver has a far more difficult job than a modern train driver.  Perhaps they should swap salaries

Spot obstructions on the line, notice unusual vibrations or noises, do emergency stuff etc. I'm guessing there's actual train drivers on here who can add a lot more.

[zwilnik]

I think my biggest issue so far (and there's a lot ) is the BBC seems to be trying to make "Hackjacking" a word.

[Newportnobby]

Writers of drama do seem to like the 'inescapable metal tube' setting.
Other excellent examples of such were the recent 'Red Eye' set in a plane and 'Vigil' set in a  submarine. All probably have gigantic holes in the plot but it doesn't stop me enjoying them

[GlenEglise]

The setting and issue may be implausible to many however there are real issues that  are behind the fantastical drama that is displayed.

Yes, it goes to extremes but such battles with hackers are I am sure rebuffed everyday.

Yes, there are a good number of gaffs related to actual railway practice however this is aimed at the general public who have no understanding of the complexities and relationships involved in running UK PLC Railway.

It is drama, take it with a pinch of salt, laugh at the gaffs and just enjoy the fact they are showing something other than celebrities taking train journeys however obscure on real trains and networks.

GE

[PLD]

Ok, a glaring railway issue even I can spot. It appears to have left its original station without the back half of the train.

Nope - there's a red tail light displayed, so the train is complete...
Al least, unlike many TV dramas, the train formation remains consistent - "class 94 bi-mode loco and 5 Mk6 coaches"...

[zwilnik]

Ok, a glaring railway issue even I can spot. It appears to have left its original station without the back half of the train.

Nope - there's a red tail light displayed, so the train is complete...
Al least, unlike many TV dramas, the train formation remains consistent - "class 94 bi-mode loco and 5 Mk6 coaches"...

While technically true, this would mean that their (fictional) Class 94 loco remains the only 'modern' loco on British rails that requires a turntable or turning loop for the return journey.