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.
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