Let Me Count The Ways

Patchway looks a lot more modern than it actually is. A station first opened in the 19th century, it has upgraded lifts and a footbridge, as though someone actually cares about it as a destination. The reason for all this up to date tech is simple: electrification. The Great Western Main Line got wired in the 2010s, meaning that the footbridge here had to be rebuilt higher up, and inadvertently making it a much nicer place to visit. It's yet another argument for electric trains across the entire nation, which is why it isn't happening. Making sense isn't a good enough reason I'm afraid.The station's main claim to fame is that it serves the Rolls-Royce manufacturing complex, and they even have their own entrance from the platform. Looking at the acres of vacant land I wondered if this was going to be another part of the Brabazon new town, but apparently not. Rolls-Royce are still doing well here, producing aircraft components, and probably also some terrifying murder machines that we'd…