If you do see me out and about, taking photographs, especially on the waterways, then YES
Please, I do need help and lifts, from one lock to the next and someone else to bring me back.
If I fall into the water, then save the camera please, as it is my responsiblity and not the Lock
Keeper's! I can swim, so call for help please, and take some pictures. Joking apart, many people
do fall into the canals.
If you would like your photograph taken, then please smile, and we will email it to you,
free of charge. If you don't want your picture taken, please do say so, so we can make sure
that your have been deleted, so we have time to take another.
We have added in the Head Water Markers on the River Thames Locks, but this is for guidence
information purposes only, as levels change constantly or in an instance. It is just an
indication for the few boaters who need it, as they can hit the bottom or the depth of their
vessel, especially in drout.
Kilometers and Milages: These are for guide lines only; to give you an indication of the
distances, and one must also allow a percentage tollerance to be taken in consideration.
All distances are relative and other factors of calculation, must be considered.
Time: Taken between locks has been added in minutes (28 45) to or from the last lock
(left = upstream = West) (right = down stream = East) on the River Thames.
These are all relative and are the shortest times possible, between locks and are calulated on
the downstream, for information purposes only. Therefore you must also consider extra problems,
such as for; currents, wind, weather conditions power unit of boat, etc.
Locks: is basically short for lock-it's! Something which can be shut or closed off. This
includes locks, docks, barriers, dams, lodes, etc.
Lock Numbers: We have had to develop and improve the lock numbering at some locks, to avoid
duplication and repretition of lock numbers, although some locks do not names or numbers.
What we have tried to do in most cases, is to add an digit to the left, so it keeps the same
number. You will find that the numbering is mathmatical and logical, which will become the
adpted for the future.
As with Names many locks do not have names, therefore we will try and give them names, so
they can become
adopted names in the future. If you would like to suggest a name or number
sequence, then please let us known.
Color Bricks Scheme
These Bricks are mainly on the River Thames, but are being added into special places.
Left Column 1 - 4 = Transient:
Box 1: Lock Width: Black = Narrow; Dark Grey = Medium; Light Grey = Large; Whtte = Broad.
Box 2: Lock Depth: Dark Pink = Deep; Medium Pink = Medium; Light Pink = Shallow depth.
Box 3: Lock Length: Light brown = Long Narrow Boats will have trouble in these locks.
Box 4: Turning Point: Some Narrow boats may have to make a few attempts.
Middle Column 5 - 8 = Warnings:
Box 5: Light Blue = Cross winds.
Box 6: Cyan = Tidal lock - these are linked.
Box 7: Dark Blue = Under currents and washes from Weirs and Locks.
Box 8: Red = Temporary Closure or heavy maintainence, with restricted or delayed access.
Right Column 9 - 12 = Facilities:
Box 9: Yellow, Pale = Canoing.
Box 10: Brown = Good Sanitary facilities .
Box 11: Yellow, Deep = Fuel, usually red diesel.
Box 12: Green = Movie or other options available
Forumlas:- Miles to Kilometers - multipy by 1.6093
Updates and Mailing list:
We only update the date, on the Update's page when we add new photographs as on the Movie page.
Many new fotos are added, but unless a section is complete, it will not appear on the updates page.
We are still working in the background, updating the layout or adding in new information and
brochures etc, so please continue to look.
If you would like to be kept in formed, when there are updates or we have added more
features, please request to go on our mailing list, which is free. This email list is for
internal use only and will not be passed on to any third party and you will not be bombarded.
You can automatically cancel from the list at any time.
Mailing list
Galleries:
G1100 - Preserved Railways, steam or diesel on standard gauge (G1100).
G1200 - Narrow Gauge: Preserved and some modern. (G1200).
G1300 - Underground, Metro, monorail and cliff railways.
G1400 - Light Railways
G1500 - Monorail Railways
G1600 - Fun Railways: larger than miniature and smaller than light
G1600 - Miniature Railways
G1800 - Model Railways
G1900 - Overground/Underground - Interactive rail links
G300 - New layout of Overground Network
G400 - G499 = Preserved Movieation.
G500 - G599 = Road Transport: Trams, preserved, and some modern transit systems.
G601 - G610 = Miniature and elevated Railways. (G1600).
G600 - Tourism: Funiculars, Bunkers and some places visited.
G777 - ghosts: New section, on ghosts and Hauntings.
Waterways G800 and G900's
G7100 - Maritime: Tugs, submarine and RNLI Lifeboats.
G7100 - RNLI only.
G900 - Canal locks and River Thames locks.
n5n - (151) = Wales Sequences, is intend to be in G100 and G200's galleries.
n6n - (161) = Specials Sequences, is intend to be in all galleries.
n7n - (171) = Scotland Sequences, is intend to be in G100 and G200's galleries.
n9n - (191) = Countries Sequences, is intend to be in most galleries.
Atlas:
One can select the atlas from any page, by clicking on the "atlas" link. It is first
listed alphabetically by country, then country and lastly by town. This section in
now split into five pages, England, London, Wales, Scotland and Europe and Canals. One
just clicks on the highlighted box number to take you to that Gallery. The Atlas is
geographical only, which relates to all locations. Gallery 'XXX' means that it is on
the short list for adding photographs.
Color Codes:
Green, light = Trains, cliff, monorail.
Green, Dark = Underground, Tube, Metro, Models.
Yellow = Tourism, Funiculares, Bumkers.
Red = Trams and Buses.
Cyan = Movieation.
Blue, medium = Lifeboats.
Dark blue on light blue = Canals.
Blue, Dark = Maritime and Submarines and Light Ships.
White = Miscellanious items, such as clubs etc.Models.
Silver Grey = Headings and sub headings.
Torquose = Lifeboats.
Gold = Organs.
Home Page:
Is the way in, introductory entry page into our website of all kind of transportation. Once you
know our layouts, it is unlikely that you will use this page, as you have three different
routes and ten major galleries into each page. We think that you will in general use the
Styles Page (ambit.htm) which is the main index and suggested you book-mark it.
Links:
Many venues now have their own web sites, but it is hard to find them and it is hard to locate
them when you wish to actually want to pay them a visit! We can bridge this gap.
and are happy to put two way links in between yours and ours website. A yellow star will appear
by the site, when there is a direct link or you can go to the links page.
Links page
A small dot will also appear on the left hand side in the atlas.
Archive Links:
The archieve link, lets you know that there are other photographs in the series! It may be that
there are, buses as well as railways, so you will find them in another Gallery. For the time being
this link is sent to the Atlas pages.
Atlas pages
Grammar:
There are many differences in spellings around the world and with local dialect. Therefore
we have mentioned some of the different spellings to cater for nationalities. For instance,
UK and GB, and Regno Unito; photographs and fotographs; phone and fone. The underground is
also known as the Tube, Metro, or Subway. The North London Line, will not be refered to as
the (national line). We abbreviate 'railway' to 'Rwy' when there is a lack of space.
Browser Options:
There are customer options (usually under tools) which allow you to turn on or off things like
auto resizing, and image tool bar, etc, which is often used when downloading pictures! This
option (suggest un-tick) can stop the picture from coming up large and then going small again.
It is only a cosmetic thing and there is nothing wrong with your computer. Any individual should
be able adjust these options. Our site works with all major browsers and we usually view in
1024 x 768 mode, font size smaller, on a 15 inch screen.
We have tried different VDU screen (monitor) resolutions: the 800 x 600 mode (larger) and
1280 x 1024 mode (smaller) which all work well. Please send us feedback message, if you
appear to have any problems and we will help.
On MAC, computers, the thumbnails come out 50% larger, than expected. It appears to be a design
issue with your computer.
IE7, is not compatable with W200P or W98. It is only designed for XP, Service Pack 2.
Therefore we do not use it.
Groups:
This feature is now embeded into the system. The group number relates to the last two digits of
each page, in all galleries. If we need more than one page as in waterways, we will add additional
pages, which are not alloacted or not being used. There wll be a crossed link provided in all cases.
Map of UK
County Borders:
When a venue is on the edge of a county, sometimes the post code will change! Therefore we may
list the venue in the post code county or because of lack of room. Also with the River, as as
either side will be in different county.
Feedback:
We look forward to receiving your feedback. All feedback comes to us via a secured server,
with the yellow padlock. Please bear in mind, that you have to type something in (no blank page
please) owing to the limitations of our software package.
SSL = Yellow Padlock:
We have a secured SSL Server which displays the yellow lock and this can also be displayed
at all times and not just for credit card secured transactions, emails and feedback!
The yellow padlock will be displayed somewhere around the edge of your screen, and will depend
on what browser you use.
If you would like to use our full protected server please click on the link below. You will be
asked whether you want to display secured and non-secured information! Say no to this and
the yellow pad lock will appear. Once you are at your favorite page, save it to your favourites
and in future it will automatically appear with the yellow pad lock. Please update your favorites.
SSL
Virtual Tours - Waterways:
We have created some of the canals on virtual tours! We do intend to do them all, but are
they are time consuming, and tricky to create. However, the problem we have with the Grand
Union Canal is that it is so big and heavy, it is very large to manage for dial up users,
although our site is fast to load. Therefore you can purchase parts of our website on a CD,
from us.
Virtual Tours - Underground:
The interpretation may be applied differently, but to ascertain a better and less confusing
understanding. For instant, Watford Station is on the edge of Watford Park, so we have called it
Watford Park, expecially as there are many other stations and new stations in the
development stage for Watford. Also the plan closure for Watford Station.
Again this is a developement website, therefore things may not appear to be right or not yet
complete, so it is for guide lines only. However if there is something actually wrong please
adviseus, so we can adapt.
This website is not designed as a time table, and some of the routes are only available
at special times. There may only be one or two trains a day or in rush hours only or
Monday to Friday only, which we do not cater for.
Freedom Pass:
Not all rail networks offer free travel to Freedom Pass holders, although that is what has been
laid down. At least two networks will not allow free travel before 09.30 hrs on week days.
Therefore we suggest you check with your rail company.
Zone Changes:
There are planned increases of fares for 2010. The costs of season tickets will soar by as
much as 25%. Londoners will benefit, but especially computers in Kingston and Surbiton, as theirs
will raise by 35%. There is a campaign for a change in Zone 6 to Zone 5, to bring down the costs.
The changes may be needed so they can extend Oyster, but they do not have to increase the prcies.
Other Services or problems:
We are happy to help you to resolve any issues, whether they are technical (commuications)
software (programs) or hardware (computer) as we have engineers and connsultants here.
Please ring our sales team on 08444 177333, who will be able to help you and you get to
speak to a person. Any brocuhures please request of new secretary, Our fax number will
be given upon request.
You can open an account here
General request
Whilst Paypal interface is being set up.
Movie Files:
We are now offering Movie's (moving picture files) for downloading, but we need to make some
money to keep this site going, so there is a small charge on a trail offer for €4.95,
non reaccuring charge, or €9.95 for three months, non reaccurring charge. You will be billed
once only, unless you make another fresh application.
You can pay direct online, with your credit card, via Paypal (you do not need an account with
them) or by cheque, postal orders etc, via post, so please allow one week.
Application Form
Definition of types of Groups:
The main definition of which category we put your preserved interest or site under in our
subject heading listing has carefully been considered, and we have had to compromise as to
your understanding for technical reasons, grammar reasons, different style of groups and
for our website development.
For example, the name, light railways, has in recent years been taken over with the newer
Docklands light railway. Thus confusing the issue even more, as with "Light Railway Order",
which are the standards laid down for operation.
You may also find some spellings mistakes, so please let us know, as everything is
created manaully, and one gets copied from one to another.
Miniature railways: are in three main groups;
(1) 2.5" gauge;
(2) 3.5" gauge;
(3) 7.25" gauge;
which includes, "elevated or ground level (G/L) operation.
Fun Railways: are anything bigger than 7.25" up to 1.5 to 2.0 feet plus, which includes
everything else.
Narrow gauge: are railways which run from one station to another station or are in beded
track routes.
Light Railways: are public carrying passenger services on various gauges.
All other catoegories of gauges have to come under the Extra grouping for the time being.
We hope this will not offend you, but it has had to be done for purposes of clarity of our
website.
Gauges: There are three main sizes of track for guide lines only, for normal operation:
(1) Standard Gauge - 4ft 8.5" - 1435mm (1435.10) - subject to variation (BR)
(2) Broad Gauge - 5ft 3" - 1600mm (1600.20) - subject to variation (Ireland).
(3) Narrow Gauge) 39.2/3" - 1000mm (1m) - subject to variation (RHB).
(4) Docklands Light Railway: Is standard gauge, but has approx minimum radius of 30m.
(Warning: Tolerances and track design will change specifications).
There is no bulleting board at the moment, although we can add one, if there is a demand.
Not all disabled stations are 100% disabled friendly! Many more stations are being converted,
but some areas of a station do not always have a lift on every platform, therefore it is
important that you book ahead, so that someone is available to help you.
Overground:
We cannot and will not give an accurate timetable on where certain trains stop at certain
stations, because this website is not designed that way. It is to indicate that it is
possible that certain trains might be able to stop. You must always check with the rail
operator. All we display is possible routes, which might be available.
Overground Codes:
There are four main colours for types of "Overground" stations
Yellow = Preserved Railways.
Red = Ghost Station
White = Normal Service Station
Green = Station under construction
Pale Red = In Development Stage
Nature Respect:
We at TMS, all respect nature of life, and peoples property, and will always shut gates behind
us. Leave the place tidy as we have found it. We do find ourselves at times on private property,
because of circumstances, especially as we have great trouble in locating places. We will provide
you with identification and hopefully you will accept us with our apologies, on this one off
occasion, especially as we do not know, until it is too late.
Permissions:
It has got very difficult even for us, to get permission to take photographs on site and
at venues. We have to go through very strict security usually with written permissions, which
include sometimes notifying the police. Therefore it can take weeks to arrange a visit, and
the insurance cover is massive. If you do still want to take photographs yourself, then
please do it through an organization and get known first or contact us and we will try and
advise. Or if you do need a particular photograph, then we will try and do it for you.
Omissions:
This is a R & D (Reasearch and Development) website. Therefore things will get moved at times
so we can make improvements, but can cause additional errors to creep in. So please
do tell us, when you find something is not right. Any technical information we provide,
we will do our best to get it right, but anything we put up, is always purely for guidelines
only and you must contact the source for an update (not us) because things can and do change
rapidly.
The T.M.S. does not endorse or recommend any of the products or services provided by any
companies or individuals listed on our site.
Copyright:
All pictures can be downloaded for a small fee, as long as they are for your own personal
use only, you may pass them on to your friends, but our logo in each picture must stay in
tact and you do not alter them.
If you would like to reproduce them in any way shape or form, please contact us for our
approval, as we will try and help, because we are not working against you.
All pictures on our website, become our copyright. However we will not do anything
else without your permssion, so they are still your copyright as well. We can put your
pictures up with your water mark which you have taken. We will also obtain written
apProval from yourselves. If inevertingly there was an over-sight, we would remove any
pictures imediately until an agreement could be reached.
Childrens Act:
We respect the childrens act! That means we will only take general pictures and not close ups.
We respect peoples right not to be photograph, and if you are one of these people please do
approach us, so we can make sure that you are deleted. We can then take another photograph
before it is too late for us. Often people move in and out of pictures quickly and we do not
get to see what is happening until afterwards, when it is all too late. Others will even pose
for us and we are happy to take your foto, and email it to you, free of charge.
Data Protection Act:
Any information that we may have about yourselves, is purely for internal use only. Under no
circumstances will we ever pass on any information to any third party. Neither will we
bomb-bard you with emails or advertising; Other than you requesting to be on the mailing
list to receive updates and the occasional specials. We are dead-against spam mail.
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