Date: 21/12/2012

Vast numbers of Britons are taking a two-week festive break this Christmas, with the exodus already well under way, according to transport experts. But the fire in an equipment room at Acton station in west London has led to many services being cancelled to Paddington station, forcing travellers to find alternative routes on one of the busiest days of the year. [From Mark Bartlett]

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Christmas exodus gets off to disastrous start with rail delays

Telegraph

The great festive getaway got off to a disastrous start after a fire caused major disruption to London's Paddington station, the main gateway to the west and Heathrow Airport.

Related images

An aggressive looking Heathrow Express stands at Paddington on 20 July 2005, with its minder bearing more than a passing resemblance to Vinnie (mind your head in the door sir) Jones.
Location: Paddington
Company: Great Western Railway
20/07/2005 John Furnevel

In addition to the 'Heathrow Express' there is also a stopping service running between Paddington and Heathrow Airport using class 360 emus and branded 'Heathrow Connect'. On 4 June 2011 unit 360202 arrives at Ealing Broadway platform 3 with such a service on its way to the airport, while a Central Line train is preparing to head for town at platform 5 in the background.
Location: Ealing Broadway
Company: Great Western Railway
04/06/2011 John McIntyre

A Heathrow Express bound for Paddington runs past the camera towards West Ealing station on 4 June 2011. On the far left is the Greenford line.
Location: West Ealing Junction
Company: Great Western Railway
04/06/2011 John McIntyre