Well 2010 is complete. I got back into spotting back in May and have had a good year. Travelled in excess of 15,000 miles and seen plenty of new things.
Obvisouly in my 15 year absence a lot had changed and my new Platform 5 book (whilst there were some surprises of what was left!) was quite empty! Before this year i had also only ever completed 1 Class for sight, the Class 50s! Well i have certainly added to that. So I end the year having now completed for sight Class 87s (just! 87018 was cut up weeks after i finally saw it!), Class 159s, Class 220s, Class 332s and Class 376s. Nothing quite completed for haulage yet though.
I have made the most of Ranger (Devon, Cornwall, Valley Explorer and West Midlands) and Rover (Freedom of the South West) tickets. I have also made four trips to london on cheap advance purchase tickets.
2011 will be exciting too I hope. Already i have a FOSW planned for January, a FONW planned for February and my first full tour booked for March. The Loco hauled trains in the South West may have gone but there is still plenty to do and i should have a full year so who knows what the millage will be?
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
28th December 2010 - Last Devon Day Ranger of the year!
The objective of the day was (apart from getting winning trains in!!!) to travel at least 121 miles (to get to 15k), visit Barnstaple to knock off two Whetherspoons, and get my watch strap shortened (lovely pressy from the wife for Xmas!). Well it's a Bank Holiday to to make the most of the fact there are no restrictions on the Ranger i set out on the 0550 off Plymouth.
It was safe to say this was achieved. Managed a good 260 miles taking my yearly total to 15,141. Not bad seeing as though i didn't start recording until May. I also visited both Whetherspoons and got two winning units in (159015 and 220017).
It was safe to say this was achieved. Managed a good 260 miles taking my yearly total to 15,141. Not bad seeing as though i didn't start recording until May. I also visited both Whetherspoons and got two winning units in (159015 and 220017).
Thursday, 16 December 2010
16th December 2010 - Xmas Shopping
I went to Exeter with my wife to do some xmas shopping and we went on the train. Nothing new but got 104 miles in. Only 120 needed now before I hit 15k for the year.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
15th December 2010 - Devon Ranger
Last Devon Ranger before Christmas then! Started out with a dud Supervoyager on the 0925 off Plymouth. Met Peter at Newton Abbot before we went off to Exeter (another dud for me) on a FGW HST. Popped to Exeter Central on a FGW 142 that rolled in and then decided we would head to Axminster on the SWT 159 due in a few minutes later.
It was a dud one but we got on and moved about 2 chains down the platform before the service was cancelled and we all got off! Not a great start to the day then! Luckily things got better!
So we headed back to St Davids on 143611 which was my last FGW 143 for haulage. We attempted a trip back along the West of England line again with the next SWT 159 which was a winner! We did it to Honiton as the new timetable (which we had literally just found out) doesn't allow for a connection at Axminster! The return to St Daivds was also a winner for me. Now only three 159s for haulage to go.
Now time to get some miles in! So we headed for Plymouth and broke the journey at Newton Abbot. The first leg on XC HST gave me a winner whilst the following FGW HST also produced the goods! The return to Exeter on the now returning XC HST was not a winner however. I decided to head back to Plymouth for the day but had time to squeeze the 159s up to Central and back. Neither were winning but my final train home was a winning Super Voyager.
So my day consisted of 6 winning trains which is brilliant after a bad start and 246 miles! Yearly total is now 14777 (after correction from missing 9 miles out of last weeks West Midland Rover!).
It was a dud one but we got on and moved about 2 chains down the platform before the service was cancelled and we all got off! Not a great start to the day then! Luckily things got better!
So we headed back to St Davids on 143611 which was my last FGW 143 for haulage. We attempted a trip back along the West of England line again with the next SWT 159 which was a winner! We did it to Honiton as the new timetable (which we had literally just found out) doesn't allow for a connection at Axminster! The return to St Daivds was also a winner for me. Now only three 159s for haulage to go.
Now time to get some miles in! So we headed for Plymouth and broke the journey at Newton Abbot. The first leg on XC HST gave me a winner whilst the following FGW HST also produced the goods! The return to Exeter on the now returning XC HST was not a winner however. I decided to head back to Plymouth for the day but had time to squeeze the 159s up to Central and back. Neither were winning but my final train home was a winning Super Voyager.
So my day consisted of 6 winning trains which is brilliant after a bad start and 246 miles! Yearly total is now 14777 (after correction from missing 9 miles out of last weeks West Midland Rover!).
Friday, 10 December 2010
9th December 2010 - Midlands Day Ranger
So I decided that I wanted to do one final thing before Chistmas that was a little more than a Devon Ranger. I was going to do an East Midand Day Ranger but decided that due to the weather being uncertain West Midlands would be better (and it's closer to home therefore cheaper!)
So I set off at 5am and picked Peter up on the way. We got to Droitwich Spa where we parked, at about 0815! Traffic was non existant so we had to wait an hour until we could catch the train we wanted as the ranger doesn't kick in until 0900! Didn't matter too much as most of what came in during the hour was all new for sighting for me.
So our first journey took us to Stourbridge Junction where we did the 62 chains to Stourbridge Town. My first experience on a 139 and i don't really know what to make of it all! I suppose it does the job it needs to do and does it well. Whilst at the junction two freight trains came through at the same time which was a pleasent surprise.
Next was to start making our way to Crewe. Our mission for Crewe was to see Pendolino 390033 at the Virgin Academy. We were able to get a train to Moor Street and then back to Smithwick Galton Bridge. Then from Smithwick Galton Bridge to Wolverhampton before changing for a Virgin Super Voyager to Crewe. I have only been on one Virgin Super Voyager before and the one that rolls in was the very same one! Unbelievable!
Anyway at Crewe we headed straight out to locate 033. It was incredibly icy and a combination of slow sliding, walking in the bus lane and the verges got us there. The Pednolino is located behind the Virgin Academy at the back of the car park. Not sure if we were allowed to enter the car park but we did got the photo and headed back to the station.
Next was to head to Nuneaton. So back to New Street (a new Super voayger!) and then on to a XC 170 tp nuneaton. Quite a slow trek this was. The Voyager was timetabled behind a stopper (stupid or what) and the 170 just never seemed to get going! From Nuneaton we headed to Rugby before heading back to New street via Coventry and Birmingham International. We were going to do some commuter trains between Bournville and Kings Norton but everything was running a couple of minutes late and the connections were all wrong so we only got 3 units in.
After dinner we headed to Wolverhampton once more and then back to Rugby. It was getting late now so had to get back to Droitwich Spa. So back to New Street and then down to Droitwich Spa. Then the drive home! Long day! 5am start and got in at 2am!
But it was worth it. 17 winners for haulage, a whole load for sight, saw 390033 and managed a respectable 312 miles. Yearly total now stands at 14522.
So I set off at 5am and picked Peter up on the way. We got to Droitwich Spa where we parked, at about 0815! Traffic was non existant so we had to wait an hour until we could catch the train we wanted as the ranger doesn't kick in until 0900! Didn't matter too much as most of what came in during the hour was all new for sighting for me.
So our first journey took us to Stourbridge Junction where we did the 62 chains to Stourbridge Town. My first experience on a 139 and i don't really know what to make of it all! I suppose it does the job it needs to do and does it well. Whilst at the junction two freight trains came through at the same time which was a pleasent surprise.
Next was to start making our way to Crewe. Our mission for Crewe was to see Pendolino 390033 at the Virgin Academy. We were able to get a train to Moor Street and then back to Smithwick Galton Bridge. Then from Smithwick Galton Bridge to Wolverhampton before changing for a Virgin Super Voyager to Crewe. I have only been on one Virgin Super Voyager before and the one that rolls in was the very same one! Unbelievable!
Anyway at Crewe we headed straight out to locate 033. It was incredibly icy and a combination of slow sliding, walking in the bus lane and the verges got us there. The Pednolino is located behind the Virgin Academy at the back of the car park. Not sure if we were allowed to enter the car park but we did got the photo and headed back to the station.
Next was to head to Nuneaton. So back to New Street (a new Super voayger!) and then on to a XC 170 tp nuneaton. Quite a slow trek this was. The Voyager was timetabled behind a stopper (stupid or what) and the 170 just never seemed to get going! From Nuneaton we headed to Rugby before heading back to New street via Coventry and Birmingham International. We were going to do some commuter trains between Bournville and Kings Norton but everything was running a couple of minutes late and the connections were all wrong so we only got 3 units in.
After dinner we headed to Wolverhampton once more and then back to Rugby. It was getting late now so had to get back to Droitwich Spa. So back to New Street and then down to Droitwich Spa. Then the drive home! Long day! 5am start and got in at 2am!
But it was worth it. 17 winners for haulage, a whole load for sight, saw 390033 and managed a respectable 312 miles. Yearly total now stands at 14522.
Sunday, 5 December 2010
5th December 2010 - Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and Toton!
Went to Derbyshire over the weekend where there was plenty of snow! I was staying in Wirksworth and took a nice walk with the Wife to get some snowy photos. Managed to pop down to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway where there were no trains running due to the snow. Pics here.
On the way home we went via Toton. Been a few months since I was last here and managed to spot another 25 new locos including 3 European 66s. Could see at least 3 others but couldn't spot the numbers! Photos are here.
On the way home we went via Toton. Been a few months since I was last here and managed to spot another 25 new locos including 3 European 66s. Could see at least 3 others but couldn't spot the numbers! Photos are here.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
2nd December 2010 - Snow
Well it has snowed in Plymouth (well a slight dusting!) so I thought I would pop out for a little while, before work and get some photos whilst it was still slightly white!
I got a couple of Voyagers and FGW HSTs but the added bonus was there was some rare action at Tavistock Junction. 66160 was stabled there and 66184 and 66082 Top and Tailed came in on the 6W66. 66184 was a new one for sight. From the gen posted it sounded like more was coming but I needed to get to work so didn't see anything else. Photos are here.
I got a couple of Voyagers and FGW HSTs but the added bonus was there was some rare action at Tavistock Junction. 66160 was stabled there and 66184 and 66082 Top and Tailed came in on the 6W66. 66184 was a new one for sight. From the gen posted it sounded like more was coming but I needed to get to work so didn't see anything else. Photos are here.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
30th November 2010 - Devon Day Ranger
Well my initial feelings before I got home were that the day wasn't overly successful but looking back maybe it was!
Started off on the 0925 Voyager from Plymouth to Exeter. It was a dud. In fact my first winner wasn't until a lot later when 220026 rolled in to Newton Abbot, which I took to Exeter. Then up the hill to Central and back again. A winner for Peter going up, but for me coming back down. Whilst waiting for an eventual winning Cross Country HST power car (43301), I bagged another winning unit in the form of 143603 up to Exeter Central again. We walked back down (via a Whetherspoons!). Then we grabbed the XC HST to Newton Abbot before I bagged a winning 150128 to Totnes. There was time to head back to Exeter and then back to Plymouth with both trains producing winning FGW power cars. So total millage for the day was 270 and 14210 year to date.
Also spotted 66555 (winner) at Hackney Yard early in the day and the Tavistock Junction fuel train was hauled by 66115 (dud), spotted at Exeter at 1721.
So maybe the day wasn't so bad after all. It was cold though!
Started off on the 0925 Voyager from Plymouth to Exeter. It was a dud. In fact my first winner wasn't until a lot later when 220026 rolled in to Newton Abbot, which I took to Exeter. Then up the hill to Central and back again. A winner for Peter going up, but for me coming back down. Whilst waiting for an eventual winning Cross Country HST power car (43301), I bagged another winning unit in the form of 143603 up to Exeter Central again. We walked back down (via a Whetherspoons!). Then we grabbed the XC HST to Newton Abbot before I bagged a winning 150128 to Totnes. There was time to head back to Exeter and then back to Plymouth with both trains producing winning FGW power cars. So total millage for the day was 270 and 14210 year to date.
Also spotted 66555 (winner) at Hackney Yard early in the day and the Tavistock Junction fuel train was hauled by 66115 (dud), spotted at Exeter at 1721.
So maybe the day wasn't so bad after all. It was cold though!
Saturday, 27 November 2010
27th November 2010 - Shropshire Monach Mini Tour
Ok! It's my weekend in working but I am on a late so don't start till 12pm. So I was able to get part of this Charter which was running Paignton - Shrewsbury. I got the 0525 from Plymouth to Newton Abbot and met it there. 67006 was hauling so was a winner for sight and haulage. Caught it to Taunton and cost £10. Not bad I think. Great to be in mark 1 stock on the mainline! My first Charter too. Ok not in full but it is a start! Saw three winning 66s in Fairwater yard as well! 66607, 66609 and 66952!
The start of my return produced a winning Super Voyager in the form of 221132 as far as Exeter St David's. From here I took a quick trip up to Exeter Central and back. Grabbed a winning 159 on the return before heading back Plymouth on a dud 220. But the big winner of the day would be 67006!
The start of my return produced a winning Super Voyager in the form of 221132 as far as Exeter St David's. From here I took a quick trip up to Exeter Central and back. Grabbed a winning 159 on the return before heading back Plymouth on a dud 220. But the big winner of the day would be 67006!
Friday, 26 November 2010
25th November 2010 - Devon Ranger
Didn't venture outside of Devon today as I got a Devon Ranger (a bargain £6.60 with Devon and Cornwall Railcard!). I met up with Peter at Newton Abbot. Over the course of the day managed a respectable 317 miles (not bad considering there was more waiting than normal to try and get particular services and a good hour and half was spent in a Whetherspoons!). A Class 31 (106) was visiting with a Netowrk Rail train also. Saw one new Class 66 and got nine new winners for haulage!
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
17th November 2010 - FOSW Rover
Ok. Couple of days left of the rover and this was pretty much my last outing with it. Went to Portsmouth via Salisbury on SWT and then FGW to Portsmouth. New route for me from St Denys to Portsmouth. Headed back towards Southampton Central to meet Peter for 1300ish but got off at St Denys to pop up to Eastleigh and then onwards to Brockenhurst. Then headed to Lymington Pier on the 158 (not been on this route on a 158 before). Then back over to Brockenhurst and then Southampton Central before a quick ride to Southampton Parkway and back. We then went to Romsey via Eastleigh (new route from Eastleigh onwards for me!) before circling back to Southampton Central. Another bash to Parkway and back before heading back to Plymouth via Salisbury on SWT to Exeter St Davids. Saw four new Class 66s, one 08, one 158, one 377 and one 450 for sight. Had 16 new trains for haulage and travelled 462 miles in total. Another good day!
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
16th November 2010
Bonus spot! Whilst at work and rescuing a home shopping van (which in the end didn't need rescuing!) I saw the Tavistock - Laira fuel train (66065) passing the Embankment alongside the river Plym. New for sight so happy with my work distraction!
Monday, 15 November 2010
Novemebr 12th 2010 - FOSW to Penzance
Little late posting but last Friday i took a trip down to Penzance from Plymouth to catch the sleeper back. Met my dad at Truro. Winning HST power for haulage down and a winning 57603 for haulage back. Total trip 155 miles. Total millage for the year so far 12993!
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
November 9th 2010 - FOSW to Cardiff
At the moment I have a Freedom of the South West Rover and today I went to Cardiff with my friend Peter. I set out on the 0825 from Plymouth and the Rover kicked in at 0901 as we left Newton Abbot. Was a good day for sight and haulage. Got six new 66s, one new 60 and a new 57 for sight. Also grabbed some haulage action behind the 57 (Cardiff Central to Newport). Also bagged a load of new Arriva Trains Wales units for haulage between Central and Queen Street. All in all a good day.
November 9th 2010
OK. I have decided to start a blog about railway trips that i have made to go alongside my fotopic website, Steven Booth's Railway Photographs. This will be a rough guide to where i have been and how the trip went. Hope you enjoy!
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