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Major Update: Introducing Darwin18, Our Most Powerful Live Rail Feed Yet!

Big news from UK Departure Boards HQ! After many months of development, testing, and fine-tuning, we’re proud to officially launch support for Darwin18, the newest and most powerful live rail data feed from National Rail.

This has been one of our biggest projects to date, and we’ve gone all in. Darwin18 is the next evolution of the Darwin feed, and we’ve built a brand new processing core in-house to handle it, meaning we now manage the full data pipeline ourselves, directly on our own servers. 

Here’s what makes Darwin18 such a game changer:

  • Available to all users: Darwin18 is available to all UKDB users, bringing enhanced stability, speed, detail across the board.
  • Near real-time updates: Especially for Premium subscribers, boards will now add and remove services the moment they arrive or depart, just like the live station boards do.
  • Built-in resilience: Because we handle all processing, we can fix bugs and introduce new features on the fly, and significantly reduce the risk of outages.
  • More detail, more control: The feed supports all the most-loved features of the older Darwin16/NREA feed; headcodes, via locations, terminating services, last report, statuses, arrivals, and more.
  • Non-stopping service support: This is the big one. For the first time ever, our boards can now show trains that pass through a station without stopping. This premium-only feature includes an optional “Stand Clear” warning message (with configurable audio announcement) that appears in real-time as the train passes.  Please note whilst most stations and TOCs are supported there are a few which don’t report passing services.
  • Passenger services at junctions & timing points: With the new Non-stopping support we can now display passenger services at most junctions and timing points, You can now mix them in with your Freight and ECS which can be a lot of fun!
  • Future-ready: We’re hoping to add train formation data and visual diagrams as soon as those features become available via Darwin18.

The older NREA (Darwin16) feed will still be available for those who need it, but Darwin18 is now fully live and ready for all UKDB users who want the absolute best live rail experience available. We also want to say a huge thank you to Peter M who built and maintained the NREA feed for us for many years. It is a fantastic project / feed and we will continue to keep it alive as long as possible.

We’re incredibly proud of the work that’s gone into this, from building a new processing system from the ground up to introducing real innovation with our non-stop train tracking. If you love trains (and we know you do!), this one’s for you.

You are probably wondering how do I use this new Darwin18 data feed? Using the web configuration on the ‘Rail’ tab Under ‘Data feeds’ make sure you have the the new ‘National Rail Enquiries (Darwin18)’ feed selected.

Make sure ‘Show Passenger passing services’ is turned on.

If you want to see the ‘Stand clear’ station message, these settings are in the ‘Stand clear screen’ section which can be found further down the ‘Rail’ tab page.

Keep your eyes peeled, more features and updates are coming soon. Sign up to our newsletter here! 

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Why People Love Having a Live Train Departure Board at Home (and Why You Probably Will Too)

Customer Pro Departure Board

There’s something undeniably satisfying about glancing up at a screen and seeing a live train departure board ticking away with the comings and goings of your favourite station. Maybe it’s nostalgia. Maybe it’s pure train geekery. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because a train departure board brings a little slice of the station to wherever you are.

Whatever the reason, we’ve seen people across the UK (and beyond!) fall in love with having their own live train boards at home, in the office, or even in pubs and cafés. So what makes them so special?

It’s More Than Just a Screen

Our live train departure boards aren’t just for checking times (though yes, they are very good at that). They’re for people who feel a connection to the railway. For those who can’t help but smile when they hear a platform announcement. For anyone who’s ever found comfort in a delayed service to Penzance.

Each live departures board is powered by real-time data and custom-built to your preferences, showing arrivals and departures from your chosen station. You can even personalise your board with custom messages and themes. Want to know more? Check out our store page to see all the options.

Where Do People Put Them?

Short answer: anywhere.

Long answer? We’ve seen our boards mounted above record collections, proudly displayed in hallways, used in pubs near train stations, featured in Doctor Who, and even gifted as birthday presents to train station legends.

Whether it’s a feature in your living room or a quirky touch in your café, a live train departure board turns heads, and usually starts conversations.

A Gift Unlike Any Other

Let’s face it, socks and novelty mugs aren’t exactly thrilling. But a fully working train departure board? That’s next-level gifting.

We’ve helped people surprise lifelong rail fans, retire railway legends, and even win the title of “best gift-giver ever.” It’s one of the reasons why our boards make such a popular Father’s Day present.

Built by Enthusiasts, for Enthusiasts

This isn’t mass-produced plastic. UK Departure Boards is run by a small, passionate team who care about getting the details right, from the data feeds to the design. Every board is assembled with love (and a little solder), and new features are always in the works, like our recent addition of Northern Ireland stations.

Curious about how it all works? Drop us a message, we love chatting trains.

All Aboard?

So, if you’ve ever caught yourself gazing fondly at a train departure board, wondering how you can get one in your life… now you know. Head to the store to explore the options, or just read more about what our customers have been up to with theirs.

Because live train departure boards aren’t just practical, they’re personal.

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New Feature: Northern Ireland Railway Departures Now Live!

We’re excited to share a brand-new feature with the UKDB community…live departure boards for Translink NI Railways are now fully supported!

For the uninitiated, stations across Northern Ireland use a different data feed from the rest of the UK’s National Rail network, which meant they’ve been missing from our boards… until now. After a bit of behind-the-scenes magic, we’ve integrated this separate Translink feed into the UK Departure Boards system.

That means you can now display live departures for stations like Belfast Lanyon Place, Derry~Londonderry, Portrush, and Bangor, plus loads more across the NI network. Full list of supported stations right here if you’re curious.

This one’s been on the to-do list for a while, and we’re thrilled to bring proper board support to rail fans, businesses, and public spaces across Northern Ireland. It works just like the rest of our feeds, fully live, real-time, and customisable to your heart’s content. Make sure you select the “Translink NI Railways” feed from the feed selection drop down.

More feature updates coming soon, but for now… welcome aboard, Northern Ireland!

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Pubs with UK Departure Boards: A Pint & A Train to Catch

There’s something quintessentially British about enjoying a pint or coffee while keeping an eye on your train. At UK Departure Boards, we’ve seen our displays pop up in some brilliant pubs and cafés around the UK, helping customers relax, enjoy their visit, and stay just a little longer.

Below, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite spots that have installed one of our live departure boards. They’re not just great places for a drink, they’re now smart, functional waiting spots for travellers too.

Oxford Road Tap, Manchester

Right outside Oxford Road Station, this craft beer haven offers a rotating selection of real ales, lagers and ciders on tap. With a UK Departure Board mounted inside, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a drink while keeping tabs on departures a few steps away.

Manchester Tap

Located just a stone’s throw from Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Tap is a buzzing spot for commuters and craft beer lovers alike. It’s busy, lively, and made even better with a live departure board that helps guests time their dash back to the platform.

Railway Tavern, Colchester

A cosy pub near Colchester Station, the Railway Tavern is all about hearty food, good beer and welcoming vibes. The addition of a UK Departure Board makes it an ideal pre-train pit stop.

Piccadilly Tap, Manchester

This Manchester favourite is known for its impressive range of beers and stylish, railway-themed interiors. Having a live departure board on the wall just adds to the travel charm.

Euston Tap, London

Located in a pair of old gatehouses right outside Euston Station, the Euston Tap is a must-visit for London-bound beer lovers. Now with a UK Departure Board in place, it’s the ideal spot to pause and enjoy a pint before hopping on a train.

Little Green Dragon Ale House, Enfield

A multi-award-winning micropub that champions local brews, conversation and community. Their departure board is a brilliant bonus for anyone popping in before catching a train from nearby stations.

The Sugar Loaf, Little Chalfont

Tucked away in Little Chalfont, this welcoming pub is loved for its friendly staff, quiz nights, and now, a live departure board helping guests stay on track.

The Three Lions, Bristol

A local gem in Bedminster, this pub is a firm favourite for Bristol City fans and beer drinkers alike. With a departure board installed, it’s a handy hangout for anyone making their way to Parson Street Station.

The Bricklayers Arms, Beckenham

Classic pub charm meets modern tech in this community favourite. The Bricklayers Arms now sports a UK Departure Board, perfect for helping guests keep an eye on the next train from nearby Beckenham Junction.

Microbus, Cheltenham

Microbus is a friendly, contemporary bar just outside Cheltenham Spa station. Known for its wide range of independent beers and relaxed vibe, its live departure board makes it an even better pre-train pitstop.

The Tamworth Tap

A beautiful micropub with character in every corner, The Tamworth Tap is regularly praised for its unique decor and brilliant drinks menu. With a UK Departure Board now in place, you can enjoy your time here without worrying about missing your train.

Own a pub or café near a station?

If you’d like to give your guests a great reason to stay a little longer, a live departure board could be just the thing. Get in touch with us to find out how easy it is to install one.

Or better yet, pop into one of the spots above and see the difference for yourself!

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A 50th Birthday Gift Fit for a Station Legend: John’s UK Departure Board

After over two decades of service at Nottingham Station, John Cass has officially joined the hall of railway legends. As a much-loved train dispatcher, mentor, and all-round rail enthusiast, John’s contribution to the station – and the wider railway community – has been nothing short of inspiring. So, when it came to finding the perfect 50th Birthday gift, there was only one choice: a UK Departure Board.

A Career on the Tracks

John has worked as a train dispatcher for 21 years, helping to keep things running smoothly at Nottingham Station and beyond. But his impact goes far beyond the day-to-day, over the years, John has trained an entire generation of dispatchers, sharing his knowledge, passion, and humour with everyone he worked with.

To many, John isn’t just a colleague, he’s a mentor, a friend, and an absolute fountain of railway wisdom.

Putting It to the Test

As expected, John wasted no time putting his board through its paces! With his encyclopaedic knowledge of the UK rail network, he immediately began testing the board with obscure and lesser-known stations, including Fishguard in Wales, to see what it could do.

Safe to say, it passed with flying colours!

More Than Just a Display

John’s love of trains (and buses!) is what makes this gift so meaningful. It’s not just a display, it’s a reflection of the passion he’s brought to the job every single day for over 20 years.

We’re thrilled our board could be part of such a thoughtful thank-you for someone who’s done so much for the railway community.

Here’s to you, John, and to many happy hours discovering obscure stations from the comfort of home!

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Our Departure Board Just Made a Surprise Appearance in Doctor Who!

We’ve always known our boards were out of this world, but now it’s official. One of our departure boards was recently featured in a Doctor Who episode, and we’re still buzzing about it!

The Backstory

Nearly two years ago, the Doctor Who production team got in touch with us about a special project. They needed a custom departure board for an upcoming episode, complete with two specific features:

  1. A custom scrolling message
  2. A distorted effect; that flickery, futuristic transition you see when the board updates

We were all in, of course.

After a few conversations, we wrote custom firmware specifically for the show. We even developed a bespoke remote control that allowed the production crew to trigger the distorted effect live, no need to use the standard web interface.

Then, silence. Total mystery. Until now.

The Big Reveal

The episode, Doctor Who: Season 2, Episode 4, Lucky Day just aired, and there it is, our board, proudly glowing away in the background. You can catch it on BBC iPlayer here.

What makes this even more exciting? That brilliant distorted effect was not added in post-production. It’s all 100% custom software, built by us and running directly on the board. No CGI magic, just real tech in real time.

A Proud First

This was our first attempt at a distorted effect, and honestly, we’re pretty proud of how well it turned out. It’s always fun seeing our work in unique places, but this one’s definitely going down as a highlight.

Feeling Inspired?

If you’ve got a vision for a custom board, whether it’s for your home, office, film set, or TARDIS, we’re all ears. We love a challenge, and clearly, we’re no strangers to the big screen. Contact us today!

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Ruislip Lido Railway displays miniature railway timetables on their UK Departure Board

When Mathew Streeton a volunteer from Ruislip Lido Railway said they had a new API for their miniature railway and if we would like to integrate with it, we jumped at the chance!

Mathew Streeton says “What began as just an idea has become a reality, thanks to UK Departure Boards and my work colleague Andrew, who built the Barlow platform. For context, Barlow is our front end & database for the Ruislip Lido Railway (RLR), allowing us to build our timetable and display it on a web browser.

Knowing how passionate (and what a great guy generally!) Russell from UKDB is, I shared the idea of integrating Barlow’s data with our Classic board, which is located in the Turntable Tea Room at the railway. Just days later, we had live RLR trains appearing on the departure board for everyone to see and admire! It’s truly impressive to see our trains displayed on such a professional and high-quality piece of equipment.

Having proven the concept, I’m now looking into commissioning custom-made external enclosures so that I can purchase some Pro boards for installation outside our Ticket Offices. We’re truly embracing the mainline feel – albeit in miniature!

I can’t thank both Russell and Andrew enough for their hard work and meticulous attention to detail. One of the things I love most about UK Departure Boards is that you can really sense the care that goes into creating both the hardware and software.”

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Why a Live Departure Board is the Father’s Day Gift Every Train-Loving Dad Needs

Father’s Day is coming up, and if you’re stuck on what to get your dad, consider the gift that he never expected but will absolutely love: a live departure board.

You might think, “Doesn’t he just use an app for that?” But trust us, once he sees a real-time departure board in action, he’ll be hooked. 

A Practical Yet Unique Gift

Dads who love trains often have a deep connection to the world of railways. They enjoy the routine, the punctuality, and, of course, the charm of train stations. A live departure board brings all of that right into his home, in a way that’s both functional and enjoyable.

It’s not just about checking train times, it’s about creating a space that reflects his interests in a meaningful way. Whether it’s for the office, the living room, or the man cave, this gift turns any space into a miniature station, offering both practicality and style.

Nostalgia That Works

For many train enthusiasts, trains aren’t just a hobby, they’re a passion. Maybe Dad has fond memories of watching the trains go by, or perhaps he’s worked on the railways himself.

A live departure board taps into that sense of nostalgia, giving him a chance to bring that feeling of the station into his own home. It’s the perfect way to reminisce about the golden days of rail travel, all while enjoying the functional aspects of the board.

A Conversation Piece

This isn’t just a decorative item, it’s a conversation starter. Imagine your dad proudly showing off his live departure board to friends and family. It’s a simple yet striking feature that draws attention and invites questions.

It’s a unique gift that makes him the center of attention, while also giving him the opportunity to share his love for trains with those around him.

A Gift That Keeps Giving

Father’s Day gifts often end up forgotten, but a live departure board is something your dad will appreciate every day. Whether it’s for checking real-time train times, adding a touch of personality to his home office, or simply indulging in the sound of the station, he’ll get use out of this gift for years to come.

Conclusion: The Perfect Gift for Train Enthusiasts

So, why not surprise your dad this Father’s Day with something he’ll truly enjoy and use? A live departure board is more than just a novelty, it’s a functional, stylish, and nostalgic gift that any train lover will appreciate.

This Father’s Day, give your dad a gift that connects with his love of trains in a way that apps and gadgets can’t. A live departure board is the perfect way to bring the magic of the station into his home.

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Bringing Joy to the Tracks: A Railway-Facing Care Home

At UK Departure Boards, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to connect people with the railways they love. So when we had the opportunity to see one of our live departure boards in a care home overlooking a busy railway line, we knew it would be something special.

Nestled alongside the tracks, this care home is home to several residents with a lifelong love of trains. Thanks to the new live departure board, they can now follow the real-time movements of the trains they see outside their windows, turning a simple view into an engaging daily experience.

Meet The Residents

Lewis Orchard (pictured above) may never have worked on the railways, but his passion for trains is clear to everyone who knows him. A dedicated railway enthusiast, Lewis has even hosted slide shows for fellow residents on the history of railways around the world. Now, with the departure board in place, he can enjoy watching trains go by while keeping track of where they’re headed in real time. It’s a new layer of connection to something he’s always loved.

Bill Nobes (pictured above) brings a more hands-on history to the table as a former structural engineer for the railways. Seeing a live departure board light up with the comings and goings of today’s network brings back memories of the vital infrastructure he helped build.

More Than Just A Display

The live departure board is more than just a piece of technology; it’s a conversation starter, a memory jogger, and a window into the world outside. For many residents, it’s a small but meaningful way to stay connected with the world of trains, sparking stories, smiles, and shared moments.

We’re so proud to have played a small part in this lovely community, and it’s been truly heartwarming to see how much joy the board has brought to the residents and staff alike.

If you know of a care home or community centre where a live departure board could make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep sharing the magic of the railway, one board at a time!

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The Best Father’s Day Train Gifts for Dad

Father’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate dads who have a passion for trains. From lifelong rail enthusiasts to daily commuters who appreciate the beauty of a well-run service or perhaps those who just love the nostalgia of train travel, finding the right train-themed gift can make their day extra special. If you’re looking for Father’s Day train gifts, nothing is more unique and exciting than a live train departure board.

Why a Live Train Departure Board is the Perfect Gift

For the perfect train gift for Dad that is both practical and exciting, a live train departure board is the ultimate choice. These digital displays show real-time train schedules, just like the ones at stations, but tailored to your dad’s favourite routes or local stations. Whether he enjoys tracking trains from the comfort of home or simply loves the aesthetic of station departure boards, this is a gift that is both nostalgic and interactive.

A live departure board brings the excitement of the railway into any space, whether it’s a home office, living room, or man cave. It’s an ideal gift for dads who love to stay connected to the railway world, providing real-time updates on train times and departures.

Customisable Departure Boards: Make It Personal

A live departure board is so much more than a generic train gift, as it’s a personalised experience. With options to select specific stations and customise display settings, you can tailor it to your dad’s favourite train routes or the station he holds dear. This makes it one of the most thoughtful and meaningful train gifts for Father’s Day.

A Nostalgic and Functional Gift

Unlike traditional gifts that may just sit on a shelf, a live train departure board is both a nostalgic and functional addition to any home. It brings back memories of travel, stations, and railway journeys while also serving as a useful real-time information source. For dads who love the railroad, it’s a gift that blends passion with practicality.

Other Train-Themed Gifts to Pair with a Live Departure Board

If you want to make Father’s Day extra special, consider pairing a live departure board with another train-themed item:

  • Personalised Railway Memorabilia: Custom railway signs or framed station maps.
  • Train-themed Books and Magazines: Perfect for deepening his love for railways.
  • Railway Experience Days: A steam train ride or heritage railway adventure to go with his new live board.
  • Model Trains & Collectibles: For dads who enjoy building model railways alongside tracking real-time departures.

Make Father’s Day Special with a Live Departure Board

If you’re looking for the best gift for train lovers, a live train departure board is a one-of-a-kind present that stands out. It captures the excitement of rail travel, provides real-time updates, and is customisable to make it truly special.

Surprise your dad this Father’s Day with a live departure board and bring the magic of the railway into his home. Explore our range of train gifts for Father’s Day and find the perfect match for the train enthusiast in your life!