So here I am, sitting on a train at Kings Cross, waiting for it to depart so I can use the loo.

[nettings@mastodon.social]

@cstross @angusm @feorag Ah, the fresh breeze around one's privates...

[cryptosantra@masto.ai]

@feorag
In the 1970s, I was taking trains in the former USSR. If you 'flushed' the loo, a flap opened in the bottom. You could see the railroad ties whishing by underneath.

Yeah, I don't do that in the station.

[henryk@chaos.social]

@cryptosantra @feorag Also in the 1990's in Germany. I do sometimes feel old, but not for that.

[ghard@mastodon.social]

@feorag LOL I still use the phrase ”Works like a train toilet” when I refer to something that’s reliable, albeit not necessarily in the most agreeable manner.

[thelancashireman@hostux.social]

@feorag

I just remembered part of a little song (maybe Fred Wedlock):
"Passengers will please refrain
From passing water while the train
Is standing in the station here at Crewe..."

[wamonite@mastodon.me.uk]

@feorag I must have missed that memo. Is it ok to use the loo in the station now?

[feorag@wandering.shop]

@wamonite They use a similar system to plane toilets now, so it is okay to use them at the station. Still feels wrong.

[mcr314@todon.nl]

@feorag I think, but not entirely sure, that the Trenitalia I took two weeks from Lyon to Paris, actually has all the washrooms locked (red/busy) while in station. I had to walk up and down the aisle like a four-year old.

[mcr314@todon.nl]

@feorag (was a super-modern, 300kph train) Also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ewZFQIq9As about the composing system smell on SBB. Not exactly the right video.

[otolithe@mastodon.social]

@feorag @cstross flashbacks of train toilets where you would see the tracks through the hole… terrifying as a young kid 🤣