UK Rail Log Website

[The_Train]

Thought I would move discussion of this away from the 'Abrail website' thread and start a thread of my own for the UK Rail Log website I am developing as a replacement for the old Abrail website which ceased last year.

I've spent much of the time in the 10 days since my last update trying to solve the issue of the search results resetting when loading more results and showing all data instead of what has been searched for. I failed so as a last throw of the dice, I decided to see if I could find anybody on here with knowledge of coding and I managed to strike gold in the shape of @mrmatt who has found the solution to my problem and I am very happy to confirm that the search function is now working correctly. Make your search and whether you then filter it or not, you can scroll through your results and each result will have some relevance to your search

Now this issue is sorted, there will also be a further update to the search function which will hopefully make searching much better and much easier. This should be available in the coming days if all goes to plan.

Since my last update I've also added a scrolling 'news' bar on the Home Page which will keep you abreast of any new developments.

I'm also working on amending the preserved loco's so that each one has a specific depot instead of just a 3 letter code relating to the name of the line they are part of and also as per @xotGD 's suggestion I am adding further detail to their status ie operational, non-operational and a few variations for locos under any form of maintenance. I'm working through this heritage line by heritage line as it requires a bit of research so it is a slow process but you can see where these amendments have been made so far.

If any of you have the time to test out the search function to confirm that it is in full working order for you all, it would be appreciated. And as ever, if anyone spots an error or outdated information then please feel free to post the detail in this thread, send me a PM or email [email protected].

Thanks

UK Railway Database | UK Rail Log

Welcome to the UK Rail Log Home Page, a UK Railway Locomotive & Multiple Unit database designed for the enthusiast community with help by the enthusiast community. Navigate to all areas of the site from here

ukraillog.wixsite.com

 

[Peter C]

All sounds good
I've used the website quite a few times and found that it doesn't seem to run as quick as other sites - mainly loading webpages. I don't know if this is an issue at my end or not - I suspect it could be the search section performing large tasks?
Something I've also had trouble with is using the ENTER key to execute a search - the webpage URL changes to https://ukraillog.wixsite.com/ukraillog/results but nothing happens in terms of showing the search results.

Also - 43172 has gone to Wabtec (along with 43171) with six Mk3s IIRC for conversion to Castle set use. 43172 will be losing its WW1 Remembrance livery and going into GWR Green (and has already lost its Harry Patch - Last Survivor of the Trenches nameplates), along with 43171 (currently in FGW Blue). The engines haven't gained their new liveries yet, though.

Hope this is of any use,

-Peter

 

[Murray J]

All sounds good
I've used the website quite a few times and found that it doesn't seem to run as quick as other sites - mainly loading webpages. I don't know if this is an issue at my end or not - I suspect it could be the search section performing large tasks?
Something I've also had trouble with is using the ENTER key to execute a search - the webpage URL changes to https://ukraillog.wixsite.com/ukraillog/results but nothing happens in terms of showing the search results.

Also - 43172 has gone to Wabtec (along with 43171) with six Mk3s IIRC for conversion to Castle set use. 43172 will be losing its WW1 Remembrance livery and going into GWR Green (and has already lost its Harry Patch - Last Survivor of the Trenches nameplates), along with 43171 (currently in FGW Blue). The engines haven't gained their new liveries yet, though.

Hope this is of any use,

-Peter

no, you're not alone, i've had similar issues.

 

[takno]

All sounds good
I've used the website quite a few times and found that it doesn't seem to run as quick as other sites - mainly loading webpages. I don't know if this is an issue at my end or not - I suspect it could be the search section performing large tasks?
Something I've also had trouble with is using the ENTER key to execute a search - the webpage URL changes to https://ukraillog.wixsite.com/ukraillog/results but nothing happens in terms of showing the search results.

Also - 43172 has gone to Wabtec (along with 43171) with six Mk3s IIRC for conversion to Castle set use. 43172 will be losing its WW1 Remembrance livery and going into GWR Green (and has already lost its Harry Patch - Last Survivor of the Trenches nameplates), along with 43171 (currently in FGW Blue). The engines haven't gained their new liveries yet, though.

Hope this is of any use,

-Peter

It's likely that that is just down to the use of Wix as a platform. Everything will be on shared resources, so if a completely different site is busy for a few seconds your site might not perform too well for that long.

 

[The_Train]

Thanks for the info regarding the page loading speeds @PeterC @Murray J & @takno - as always, feedback is always well received.

I hope this issue is purely because I am using the free Wix services which are extremely limited (I think they are generally amongst the worst when it comes to free offerings) and this restricts bandwidth. They have an offer at the moment which means I can upgrade to their 2nd best website account for a reasonable amount. Today has been a long day so I plan to get that sorted tomorrow so once this is done I shall let you know and we can see if that improves the site performance

 

[The_Train]

Something I've also had trouble with is using the ENTER key to execute a search - the webpage URL changes to https://ukraillog.wixsite.com/ukraillog/results but nothing happens in terms of showing the search results.

Also - 43172 has gone to Wabtec (along with 43171) with six Mk3s IIRC for conversion to Castle set use. 43172 will be losing its WW1 Remembrance livery and going into GWR Green (and has already lost its Harry Patch - Last Survivor of the Trenches nameplates), along with 43171 (currently in FGW Blue). The engines haven't gained their new liveries yet, though.

Hi Peter,

I'm currently working on changing the search function (again!!) into what I believe will be a much better way for users to search. I nearly had it fully working in test conditions last night and then as always a wall appeared in front of me so I need to find a solution to another problem before I can go live with it. I am determined to make it work though because I believe it will work much better than the current (restricted) search function and on this basis, I am not going to do too much with the current search bar to correct any issues that arise as once the new one is ready, the current one will be going anyway. That said, the use of the ENTER key to execute a search will remain with the new search function so if the issue you are finding now continues with the new one, then I will obviously take a closer look then

And with regards to the HST info - any info on HST's is well received as this class is the one that I struggle to find information on compared to all of the other locos. My next update will be tomorrow (all being well) so I shall ensure I add this information on when I do so.

Thanks very much

 

[Peter C]

It's likely that that is just down to the use of Wix as a platform. Everything will be on shared resources, so if a completely different site is busy for a few seconds your site might not perform too well for that long.

Ah OK - thanks for the explanation.

Hi Peter,

I'm currently working on changing the search function (again!!) into what I believe will be a much better way for users to search. I nearly had it fully working in test conditions last night and then as always a wall appeared in front of me so I need to find a solution to another problem before I can go live with it. I am determined to make it work though because I believe it will work much better than the current (restricted) search function and on this basis, I am not going to do too much with the current search bar to correct any issues that arise as once the new one is ready, the current one will be going anyway. That said, the use of the ENTER key to execute a search will remain with the new search function so if the issue you are finding now continues with the new one, then I will obviously take a closer look then

And with regards to the HST info - any info on HST's is well received as this class is the one that I struggle to find information on compared to all of the other locos. My next update will be tomorrow (all being well) so I shall ensure I add this information on when I do so.

Thanks very much

Brilliant I'm more than happy to wait for however long it will take to get a new search function system and then have a faster experience as a result. I look forward to it! Keep up the good work - especially with the way you've formatted the information. It's very easy to scroll through and find the information on each engine you want, as I re-discovered when looking through the site today.
In terms of HSTs, I just found the information through people posting photos on Twitter and various other sites. Following people who are either working for the railway or the railway press (magazines, etc.) is a very good way of finding various bits of information. The WNXX forums are also good for "gen".

-Peter

 

[The_Train]

Ah OK - thanks for the explanation.


Brilliant I'm more than happy to wait for however long it will take to get a new search function system and then have a faster experience as a result. I look forward to it! Keep up the good work - especially with the way you've formatted the information. It's very easy to scroll through and find the information on each engine you want, as I re-discovered when looking through the site today.
In terms of HSTs, I just found the information through people posting photos on Twitter and various other sites. Following people who are either working for the railway or the railway press (magazines, etc.) is a very good way of finding various bits of information. The WNXX forums are also good for "gen".

-Peter

Thanks Peter, good to hear that the format of the site is favourable
Twitter is a good shout for info. I've already nabbed the @ukraillog name and will look to make use of it both to get the website name out there and to find plenty of gen once the website is in full working order.

 

[Trackman]

Love it! Have bookmarked the page.
Keep up the good work!

 

[Murray J]

And with regards to the HST info - any info on HST's is well received as this class is the one that I struggle to find information on compared to all of the other locos. My next update will be tomorrow (all being well) so I shall ensure I add this
information on when I do so.

Thanks very much

Here's some HST info for you, 43081 is now in storage at Neville Hill following withdrawal by EMR. (You have to click on the Twitter icon, it's being a pain )

Twitter

 

[The_Train]

Latest updates have just gone live
If you experience any issues accessing the site over the next 48 hours, it will be because of stuff going on behind the scenes that are out of my control at the moment.

 

[The_Train]

The website can now be accessed using www.ukraillog.co.uk

 

[Peter C]

I've just had a look at the site and the "Gen Submit" section seems a very good idea indeed. Just wondering - what is the "Site Username" bit for?
The railway news section is also a brilliant idea - having all previous bits of "gen" on that page and the newest bits at the top is a really useful design. I can see it being particularly useful when looking for archive "gen" in months or years to come - like finding the weather forecast for a previous day, searching for old gen seems to be a pointless venture but hopefully this will change that.

-Peter


EDIT: Another source of information can be http://www.hondawanderer.com/ - both old and new photos.

 

[The_Train]

I've just had a look at the site and the "Gen Submit" section seems a very good idea indeed. Just wondering - what is the "Site Username" bit for?
The railway news section is also a brilliant idea - having all previous bits of "gen" on that page and the newest bits at the top is a really useful design. I can see it being particularly useful when looking for archive "gen" in months or years to come - like finding the weather forecast for a previous day, searching for old gen seems to be a pointless venture but hopefully this will change that.

-Peter

The 'Gen Submit' section is something I am currently toying around with. It's not supposed to have appeared on the site yet (it will disappear again shortly haha) but glad you like the concept As I say, I am still playing around with it at the moment but I've included the "Site Username" bit as I am considering whether to create a site sign up and then make this section restricted to those who do sign up. Basically seeking ways to stop those who may find it 'funny' to just submit rubbish on a regular basis.

The Railway News section just gives everyone a one-stop place to go and see what the latest changes are and as you say will create an on-going archive. This will be a fluid section that I will adapt as we progress through time - my initial thinking is that it will be split into months and years with some sort of search function specifically for that area but we shall see how that progresses.

 

[Peter C]

The 'Gen Submit' section is something I am currently toying around with. It's not supposed to have appeared on the site yet (it will disappear again shortly haha) but glad you like the concept As I say, I am still playing around with it at the moment but I've included the "Site Username" bit as I am considering whether to create a site sign up and then make this section restricted to those who do sign up. Basically seeking ways to stop those who may find it 'funny' to just submit rubbish on a regular basis.

The Railway News section just gives everyone a one-stop place to go and see what the latest changes are and as you say will create an on-going archive. This will be a fluid section that I will adapt as we progress through time - my initial thinking is that it will be split into months and years with some sort of search function specifically for that area but we shall see how that progresses.

Haha
Having a sign-up bit sounds like a good idea. The only issue with that is you've got to be prepared to deal with a lot of (necessary and important) stuff regarding data protection and all sorts. Having the Gen Submit section open to all and then filtering through the rubbish submissions is probably much easier than setting up a system to deal with usernames, passwords, etc.
I like the idea of having lists of gen based on years and months. A search function might not be necessary if you lay it out right, e.g:

2020 \/
- January
- February
- etc.
2021 \/
- January
- February

(with \/ indicating the following being in a drop-down menu, with links on each month name to go to a specific page for that month)
But this is just a suggestion. I've spent quite a bit of time trying to make user-friendly interfaces and webpages so I know how difficult it can be

-Peter

 

[The_Train]

Haha
Having a sign-up bit sounds like a good idea. The only issue with that is you've got to be prepared to deal with a lot of (necessary and important) stuff regarding data protection and all sorts. Having the Gen Submit section open to all and then filtering through the rubbish submissions is probably much easier than setting up a system to deal with usernames, passwords, etc.
I like the idea of having lists of gen based on years and months. A search function might not be necessary if you lay it out right, e.g:

2020 \/
- January
- February
- etc.
2021 \/
- January
- February

(with \/ indicating the following being in a drop-down menu, with links on each month name to go to a specific page for that month)
But this is just a suggestion. I've spent quite a bit of time trying to make user-friendly interfaces and webpages so I know how difficult it can be

-Peter

That's a great shout regarding GRDP and the nightmare that could be created from a sign in function. I shall put that one to bed now I think haha.

Also, liking the idea of a dropdown menu to help navigate through the gen archives once they develop. I shall note that down as one option for my consideration when the time comes

 

[Peter C]

That's a great shout regarding GRDP and the nightmare that could be created from a sign in function. I shall put that one to bed now I think haha.

Also, liking the idea of a dropdown menu to help navigate through the gen archives once they develop. I shall note that down as one option for my consideration when the time comes

Haha
I'm sure there are several other ways of doing an archive navigation system. One other option could be a page consisting of a large button for each year - clicking the button would take the user to a page for that year, with each month's gen listed in its entirety.

-Peter

 

[takno]

That's a great shout regarding GRDP and the nightmare that could be created from a sign in function. I shall put that one to bed now I think haha.

Also, liking the idea of a dropdown menu to help navigate through the gen archives once they develop. I shall note that down as one option for my consideration when the time comes

Worth bearing in mind that if you aren't gathering any more information than a username/password and possibly an email for password resets, and are willing to delete the account on request then the implications aren't really that onerous. If you're using a system built into Wix they may have some documentation on the matter. Failing that you might find a quick read of the ICO website informative.

There's a lot to be said for not gathering the info if you don't need to, but overall it seems like a completely legitimate use with minimal privacy implications.

 

[Peter C]

Just seen on Twitter (https://twitter.com/RailFreight/status/1288835068752953344) that 90014 has just been named Over The Rainbow in recognition of the NHS and key workers in their roles during the pandemic.

We proudly present 'Over The Rainbow' recognising all key workers delivering vital goods and supplies during these challenging times. #keyworkers #StaySafe #overtherainbow

-Peter

 

[Legolash2o]

What a cool website!

 

[Peter C]

Also this:

https://twitter.com/Richard_rail/status/1288447731967696898?s=19

@LNER has put 801230 into traffic today, while 801210 has begun mileage accumulation. This leaves 801212 as the last of the 122-strong IEP order to be delivered.

Not sure if it is of any interest/use but I thought I might as well put it on here.

-Peter

 

[The_Train]

Just seen on Twitter (https://twitter.com/RailFreight/status/1288835068752953344) that 90014 has just been named Over The Rainbow in recognition of the NHS and key workers in their roles during the pandemic.



-Peter

Lovely - thanks Peter.
I did wonder whether it would be renamed as I noted it's previous name of "Norfolk and Norwich Festival" when I was updating it's livery yesterday and suspected that FLR may want to change it!

This will be a part of tomorrow's updates

 

[The_Train]

Also this:

https://twitter.com/Richard_rail/status/1288447731967696898?s=19

Not sure if it is of any interest/use but I thought I might as well put it on here.

-Peter

Everything is of interest so keep it coming
Obviously this won't be used immediately but will definitely be of use when I finally reach unit sections.

 

[Peter C]

Lovely - thanks Peter.
I did wonder whether it would be renamed as I noted it's previous name of "Norfolk and Norwich Festival" when I was updating it's livery yesterday and suspected that FLR may want to change it!

This will be a part of tomorrow's updates

Everything is of interest so keep it coming
Obviously this won't be used immediately but will definitely be of use when I finally reach unit sections.

Brilliant
I didn't know Freighliner were going to be renaming the engine until I saw it on Twitter but it's lovely that they've done it. With all of these engines and units with liveries thanking the NHS, a special page could be made on the website compiling them all? Could be quite nice for those (such as myself) who might want to go and see them out and about.

-Peter

 

[The_Train]

Brilliant
I didn't know Freighliner were going to be renaming the engine until I saw it on Twitter but it's lovely that they've done it. With all of these engines and units with liveries thanking the NHS, a special page could be made on the website compiling them all? Could be quite nice for those (such as myself) who might want to go and see them out and about.

-Peter

Quite happy to add such a page but not sure I will have the time to compile the data of relevant locos any time soon as I am focusing on getting the heritage stock info up to date at the moment (along with a few other behind the scenes ideas I am currently playing around with - one of which you had a sneak preview of last night haha). If you, or anyone else, wishes to provide a list of the locos that have had a change of name/livery (including the masks) to reflect the great work of the NHS then I will happily add a page as that won't take too long to do

 

[The_Train]

Worth bearing in mind that if you aren't gathering any more information than a username/password and possibly an email for password resets, and are willing to delete the account on request then the implications aren't really that onerous. If you're using a system built into Wix they may have some documentation on the matter. Failing that you might find a quick read of the ICO website informative.

There's a lot to be said for not gathering the info if you don't need to, but overall it seems like a completely legitimate use with minimal privacy implications.

Thanks for the info. As it is something that literally came to my mind as I was developing the submission form last night, I haven't checked out resources that Wix may have. I shall certainly read up on that before making any final decision on it as it would only be the data you mentioned (username/password/email address) that would be required. It would be a case of weighing up the pros and cons of going down that route purely to avoid the potential of someone sending spam/dud info via a submission form I guess.

As an aside, would a submission form which requests similar info ie name and email be much different from going down the sign up route when it comes to GDPR? Is this dependent on whether the information in the submission form is required or optional? As an example, I have considered having an email box but adding a note that an email address is only necessary if the user wishes to receive a response to their submission - would this be different to making the email box mandatory and not allowing submission without a valid email address?

 

[Peter C]

Quite happy to add such a page but not sure I will have the time to compile the data of relevant locos any time soon as I am focusing on getting the heritage stock info up to date at the moment (along with a few other behind the scenes ideas I am currently playing around with - one of which you had a sneak preview of last night haha). If you, or anyone else, wishes to provide a list of the locos that have had a change of name/livery (including the masks) to reflect the great work of the NHS then I will happily add a page as that won't take too long to do

Cool
I've spent a bit making lists of them:

Spoiler: Lists

Thank You NHS liveries

Great Western Railway
802020 - "NHS Key Workers"

Freightliner
90014 - "Over The Rainbow"

Rail Operations Group
47813 - "Thank You NHS"
47815 - "Thank You NHS"
47848 - "Thank You NHS"

Southern
377111 - "NHS We Thank You"

Thameslink
700111 - "NHS We Thank You"

Great Northern
717011 - "NHS We Thank You"
---------------------------------------------------
Face mask liveries

Avanti West Coast
390122 - "Safe travels. Wear a face covering"
390042 - "Safe travels. Wear a face covering"

Great Western Railway
800321

ScotRail
43021
43129
43145
43181

Southeastern
395002
395017
-----------------------------------------------------
Other special units

Great Western Railway
800025 - "Captain Tom Moore"

This is almost certainly not a fully comprehensive list, but I think most of them are covered. If there are any others I'm sure people will correct me

Hope this helps,

-Peter

 

[The_Train]

Cool
I've spent a bit making lists of them:

Spoiler: Lists

Thank You NHS liveries

Great Western Railway
802020 - "NHS Key Workers"

Freightliner
90014 - "Over The Rainbow"

Rail Operations Group
47813 - "Thank You NHS"
47815 - "Thank You NHS"
47848 - "Thank You NHS"

Southern
377111 - "NHS We Thank You"

Thameslink
700111 - "NHS We Thank You"

Great Northern
717011 - "NHS We Thank You"
---------------------------------------------------
Face mask liveries

Avanti West Coast
390122 - "Safe travels. Wear a face covering"
390042 - "Safe travels. Wear a face covering"

Great Western Railway
800321

ScotRail
43021
43129
43145
43181

Southeastern
395002
395017
-----------------------------------------------------
Other special units

Great Western Railway
800025 - "Captain Tom Moore"

This is almost certainly not a fully comprehensive list, but I think most of them are covered. If there are any others I'm sure people will correct me

Hope this helps,

-Peter

That's great Peter - thanks for your help. I've come across one other loco which I have added to the list but if anyone has other info on this then let me know

For now though, the 'Must See' page is now accessible via the menu in the Header bar at the top of each page (in between Home and Locomotives).

 

[Peter C]

That's great Peter - thanks for your help. I've come across one other loco which I have added to the list but if anyone has other info on this then let me know

For now though, the 'Must See' page is now accessible via the menu in the Header bar at the top of each page (in between Home and Locomotives).

You're welcome I've just realised I left 66731 out, but that's the one you've added. The descriptions of each engine/unit are a nice addition as well. I like the message you've put at the bottom of the "Must See" page - a very important reminder for people to stay safe.

-Peter

 

[berwicksfinest]

How can you forget our dedicated 66 too ??????

66113 Our Key worker loco