I wanted to do another West Midland Day Ranger before the year was out and today was the day I decided I would go out. With the stupidly expensive XC train tickets to the area out of the question I decided I would drive to Droitwich Spa and catch my train from there. I was 45 mins late arriving to Droitwich due to an accident on the M5 which was a little frustrating but could do nothing about it.
My first train of the day was an experience on the new London Midland Class 172s. Plenty of leg room and as would be expected at the moment, nice and clean. I decided my first part of the day would be spent ridding as many of these new 172s as possible. But after a while I realised that there were still quite a few Class 150s kicking about. I did see however 150001 was running and this was required so I worked out where I could meet it from and bag a double bonus (153334 was on the back). I went from Solihull to Moor Street on 150001 and Moor Street to Smethwick Galton Bridge on 153334. It was then on down to New Street.
I checked on the Virgin Super Voyager that was almost ready to head to Edinburgh. It was required so jumped on to Wolverhampton. It was then back to New Street on a Pendolino before a Desiro to International. Heading to back to New Street I wondered around until I found a winning train that was due to leave. A London Midland 170 was had to University and the one back was also a winner. Another Super Voyager and Desiro back from Wolverhmapton was caught until I headed back (by foot) to Moor Street. It was off behind the 67 to Leamington Spa. It wasn't a winning 67 but still worth it. At Leamington I decided to get something to eat. A quick walk (in the rain!) to the nearest Wetherspoons and I had my dinner there. Whilst i was in Leamington I decided to head to the 2nd Wetherspoons and tick that one off.
It was now back to the station and to start heading to Droitwich. This was not straightforward. For some reason there was a lot of delays and cancellations. I gradually made my way west and then south to Droitwich. The only consolation for my late arrival into Droitwich was a bagged a few more winning units.
A good day but the weather was awful. It was not good for photos and because I did not want to get wetter than I was I didn't get many (3 in fact!) that I was happy to put up! Next time, hopefully it will be drier!
Just over 200 miles travelled and 18 winning trains ridden on.
Monday, 31 October 2011
Monday, 24 October 2011
20th September 2011 - Another Trip to the Capitol
So off I went with a Super Off Peak return with my Network Rail Card to London. I know i don't get much time there but I can get plenty of winning trains in those 5 odd hours there.
I pretty much stayed between London Waterloo - Clapham and Richmond. I deviated slightly with a Southern service to Wembley Central to see what was there however. This was worth it as I saw a new DBS Class 66. Slowly knocking them off. At Clapham I also managed to spot two new Class 73s working a Network Rail Test train. No photos as I was on a train and the same with the spotting of 97301 at Clapham.
During the course of my time there I managed to bag 16 winning trains for haualge. And I'm getting close to ridding all the 450/5s and I am 2/3rds of the way through the 458s. I also completed for sight the Class 458s with my final one sitting in the siddings at Clapham Junction.
Another 500+ miles also completed so my yearly total now stands at 28430.
I pretty much stayed between London Waterloo - Clapham and Richmond. I deviated slightly with a Southern service to Wembley Central to see what was there however. This was worth it as I saw a new DBS Class 66. Slowly knocking them off. At Clapham I also managed to spot two new Class 73s working a Network Rail Test train. No photos as I was on a train and the same with the spotting of 97301 at Clapham.
During the course of my time there I managed to bag 16 winning trains for haualge. And I'm getting close to ridding all the 450/5s and I am 2/3rds of the way through the 458s. I also completed for sight the Class 458s with my final one sitting in the siddings at Clapham Junction.
Another 500+ miles also completed so my yearly total now stands at 28430.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
15th Ocotober - The Ousing Dove Railtour
The final railtour of the year that I would be able to do was The Ousing Dove. Starting and finishing at Bristol Temple Meads required two nights in Bristol. My wife travelled with me and we headed up on the FGW London Paddington via Bristol Temple Meads on Friday night.
An early start with the train leaving at 0545 from Bristol. From the start things weren't as they should have been. As we got to the station there was the sight of two DRS 37s running round the ECS. It should have been 66 haulage from Bristol to Crewe! We were soon informed that Pathfinder didn't know what the traction was going to be. All they knew was the 37s would be taken off at Crewe. They had been told a 60 would be added there but that was not definite! The traction from Birmingham New Street to Bristol (much later in the day) was also rumoured to be two Class 67s.
We headed to Crewe via Birmingham New Street and the freight only line avoiding Wolverhampton between Portabello and Bushbury Junctions. As we passed Bescot there were several 66s stabled, two of which were very much required. Upon arrival at Crewe a Class 66 was attached. So that was our traction for the bulk of the day. We headed east via Stoke on Trent towards Derby. We didn't go through Derby as we used the avoider to go towards Nottingham. Again we didn't go through Nottingham as we diverted North at Lenton South and North Junctions. We continued North over Doncaster on the freight only line towards Goole. A Class 60 was attached to the back shortly before we arrived at Goole. Whilst this was happening a winning FL Class 66 passed us. For those who wanted a short break could be had at Goole but for anyone else the train would continue towards Hull but not quite reaching it. It curved back round to Goole using freight only links.
Picking up at Goole we headed west towards Monk Bretton through Knottingly. Just off the mainline another winning Class 66 was spotted. At Monk Bretton we went up to the Network Rail limits. This line was possibly the most overgrown line I had ever been on. Consistant battling with the lineside vegetation up the final mile or so of the branch. It was then time for the 60 to do some work, my first haulage behind the class. It took us 12 miles north to Wrenthorpe Sidings where it would detach. The 66 would then take us south.
We went via Rotheram Central and then freight only line pass Tinsley. It was then Sheffield, Derby and Birmingham. At Sheffield I saw my final Class 222 for sight. At Birmingham the Class 66 was taken off and another put in its place. Another winner!
We arrived into Bristol 27 minutes early. The next day we headed home on a Voyager from Bristol. I was so tired I don't remember the journey as I slept!!
I enjoyed the Saturday. A lot of freight route covered and 5 winning locomotives for haualge. A total of 570 miles for the rail tour and 825 miles travelled over the weekend. Year to date 27914.
An early start with the train leaving at 0545 from Bristol. From the start things weren't as they should have been. As we got to the station there was the sight of two DRS 37s running round the ECS. It should have been 66 haulage from Bristol to Crewe! We were soon informed that Pathfinder didn't know what the traction was going to be. All they knew was the 37s would be taken off at Crewe. They had been told a 60 would be added there but that was not definite! The traction from Birmingham New Street to Bristol (much later in the day) was also rumoured to be two Class 67s.
We headed to Crewe via Birmingham New Street and the freight only line avoiding Wolverhampton between Portabello and Bushbury Junctions. As we passed Bescot there were several 66s stabled, two of which were very much required. Upon arrival at Crewe a Class 66 was attached. So that was our traction for the bulk of the day. We headed east via Stoke on Trent towards Derby. We didn't go through Derby as we used the avoider to go towards Nottingham. Again we didn't go through Nottingham as we diverted North at Lenton South and North Junctions. We continued North over Doncaster on the freight only line towards Goole. A Class 60 was attached to the back shortly before we arrived at Goole. Whilst this was happening a winning FL Class 66 passed us. For those who wanted a short break could be had at Goole but for anyone else the train would continue towards Hull but not quite reaching it. It curved back round to Goole using freight only links.
Picking up at Goole we headed west towards Monk Bretton through Knottingly. Just off the mainline another winning Class 66 was spotted. At Monk Bretton we went up to the Network Rail limits. This line was possibly the most overgrown line I had ever been on. Consistant battling with the lineside vegetation up the final mile or so of the branch. It was then time for the 60 to do some work, my first haulage behind the class. It took us 12 miles north to Wrenthorpe Sidings where it would detach. The 66 would then take us south.
We went via Rotheram Central and then freight only line pass Tinsley. It was then Sheffield, Derby and Birmingham. At Sheffield I saw my final Class 222 for sight. At Birmingham the Class 66 was taken off and another put in its place. Another winner!
We arrived into Bristol 27 minutes early. The next day we headed home on a Voyager from Bristol. I was so tired I don't remember the journey as I slept!!
I enjoyed the Saturday. A lot of freight route covered and 5 winning locomotives for haualge. A total of 570 miles for the rail tour and 825 miles travelled over the weekend. Year to date 27914.
13th October - Devon Day Ranger and loco spotting
For the first time since June I was meeting Peter for a pub lunch and then to photograph several planned loco hauled trains in the area. Along with this there was always the hope that four of my required (for haulage) HST power cars and the newly transferred 150/1s were out!
First up was FGW 57604. Due to run light engined to Plymouth for driver training this was first spotted at Exeter Depot. Next up was the RHTT consisting of 66199 and 66006 heading to St Blazey. Then it was down to Plymouth to photograph 57604 there. It left Exeter early and we were planning to be ahead of it. For some reason it was held at Totnes so we did get ahead. A few photos at Plymouth before heading back to Exeter for the Exeter - Cardiff Tidal scrap train.
No winning trains for sight or haulage but some good photos. A reasonable 218 miles travelled and a good laugh with Peter.
First up was FGW 57604. Due to run light engined to Plymouth for driver training this was first spotted at Exeter Depot. Next up was the RHTT consisting of 66199 and 66006 heading to St Blazey. Then it was down to Plymouth to photograph 57604 there. It left Exeter early and we were planning to be ahead of it. For some reason it was held at Totnes so we did get ahead. A few photos at Plymouth before heading back to Exeter for the Exeter - Cardiff Tidal scrap train.
No winning trains for sight or haulage but some good photos. A reasonable 218 miles travelled and a good laugh with Peter.
Monday, 10 October 2011
6th October 2011 - Trip to London
Well it had been a month since I had been anywhere (although to be honest didn't feel like it) so I decided I would take a trip to London. It wasn't going to be a very long trip because I didn't want to spend too much getting there and back. So the longer off peak route was taken using my Network Railcard.
This would allow me to have just under 6 hours in London. Still plenty to see and get in that time so still worth it in my opinion. My plan was to stay in and around the Clapham area but concentrating on the Hounslow/Reading side of the station. This should see me getting more 450/5s, 480s and 378s. The plan was going quite well and soon knocked off planty of new 450/5 and 480 units. I finally a required 378 at Clapham so jumped on that and headed towards Kensington Olympia. But I changed my mind and headed to Gospel Oak. I took a risk to try and get my last 172 on the GOBLIN. It eventually paid off and 172005 was finally caught. Whilst waiting for this unit I managed to grab another five 378s.
It was then back to Waterloo for the train home. I managed 18 winners for the day. It could have been more but i spent time getting to and from Gospel Oak (not forgetting waiting to see if 172005 was running) and travelled 511 miles for the day.
At least next time I do this I don't have to head to North London and can stay in the Clapham area!
This would allow me to have just under 6 hours in London. Still plenty to see and get in that time so still worth it in my opinion. My plan was to stay in and around the Clapham area but concentrating on the Hounslow/Reading side of the station. This should see me getting more 450/5s, 480s and 378s. The plan was going quite well and soon knocked off planty of new 450/5 and 480 units. I finally a required 378 at Clapham so jumped on that and headed towards Kensington Olympia. But I changed my mind and headed to Gospel Oak. I took a risk to try and get my last 172 on the GOBLIN. It eventually paid off and 172005 was finally caught. Whilst waiting for this unit I managed to grab another five 378s.
It was then back to Waterloo for the train home. I managed 18 winners for the day. It could have been more but i spent time getting to and from Gospel Oak (not forgetting waiting to see if 172005 was running) and travelled 511 miles for the day.
At least next time I do this I don't have to head to North London and can stay in the Clapham area!
Monday, 3 October 2011
7th September - Heading home
Shortly before our arrival to London we had our wake up call with complimentry tea. From here I was off to have a look round before my lunch time train back to Plymouth. I was tired but needed to make the most of it. I thought I would head to the GOBLIN line to try and nab my final LO 172. Again it wasn't working. So off to Barking for some breakfast in the Wetherspoons by the station. By now I was so tired I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I still had 3 and half hours. So a strange route to Paddington was taken. Barking - West Ham - Stratford - Liverpool Street - Paddington. I then thought I would bash units from here because at least i was at the correct terminus. I saw a few Turbos that I didn't need but in the end got on one so i could pass Acton. I was hoping the return would produce a winner but it didn't. Ah well.
I found my train back to Plymouth and got on. Again not a winner (those last four are proving hard to see let alone ride!).
But what a fantastic few days away. It felt like a long time since I was in East Anglia. But new route everywhere. I had travelled both the east coast and west coast mainlines and lots of winning units and locos for sight and haualge.
Up next? A cheeky trip to London for a few hours and then The Ousing Dove railtour. After my solid start to the year it's been nearly a month since I have been on a train again now! Yearly total of miles stands at 26,359.
September 6th - Day 3 of Central Scotland Rover
I went to The Standing Order for breakfast before my final day in Scotland. The plan for today was to get as many units and East Coast power cars in as possible before I needed to start my jounrey back South.
I had already worked out all the East Coast HST diagrams so I knew where I needed to be (Either Waverley or Haymarket). Inbetween these trains I got as many units in as possible. I also headed up to New Craighall to complete that tiny branch of track.
My journey South was to start in Inverness. An advance purchase ticket from Stirling (rover would get me there) meant I headed to Inverness for a very reasonable £9. Why Inverness? Meant I could get the sleeper for the full journey from North to South. Not that I knew this when i booked it but the 67s appear to stay on the same diagram all week and I already knew that 67004 had been working the Inverness portion.
The trip to Inverness was very enjoyable. Stunning scenery through the Cairngorms National Park. If this was what I saw I can't wait until the day I do the Highland line through the Highlands. Upon my arrival into Inverness I saw what i needed. 67004 waiting to take the sleeper to Edinburgh. Brilliant. Another new 67 for haulage. I had an hour to grab dinner, so off I went to the Wetherspoons.
This was to be my second Sleeper experience in an actual berth (I had done the Night Riveria earlier in the year in a berth). I got a bargain berth which was good. It was dark when we left but I had a couple of drinks in the dinning carriage before going to bed early. I only woke a couple of times but it was good enough for me to track the route we took south.
A great day!
I had already worked out all the East Coast HST diagrams so I knew where I needed to be (Either Waverley or Haymarket). Inbetween these trains I got as many units in as possible. I also headed up to New Craighall to complete that tiny branch of track.
My journey South was to start in Inverness. An advance purchase ticket from Stirling (rover would get me there) meant I headed to Inverness for a very reasonable £9. Why Inverness? Meant I could get the sleeper for the full journey from North to South. Not that I knew this when i booked it but the 67s appear to stay on the same diagram all week and I already knew that 67004 had been working the Inverness portion.
The trip to Inverness was very enjoyable. Stunning scenery through the Cairngorms National Park. If this was what I saw I can't wait until the day I do the Highland line through the Highlands. Upon my arrival into Inverness I saw what i needed. 67004 waiting to take the sleeper to Edinburgh. Brilliant. Another new 67 for haulage. I had an hour to grab dinner, so off I went to the Wetherspoons.
This was to be my second Sleeper experience in an actual berth (I had done the Night Riveria earlier in the year in a berth). I got a bargain berth which was good. It was dark when we left but I had a couple of drinks in the dinning carriage before going to bed early. I only woke a couple of times but it was good enough for me to track the route we took south.
A great day!
September 5th - Day 2 of Central Scotland Rover
For my second day I had plans to go on the two remaining lines between Edinburgh and Glasgow, go on a new Class 380 and complete the Fife Circle. I was unable to use the rover ticket until 0900 so I headed to The Playfair for a Scottish Breakfast.
My train to Glasgow Central wasn't until 0950 so I did a couple of trips between Waverley and Haymarket. It was a winning Class 156 to Glasgow Central. Upon my arrival I had a wonder round spotting what was there. I then went and got on a Class 380 which would take me to Ayr. I like them. I have always liked the Desiro family of trains so i guess it wasn't a surprise. My plan then deviated. From Ayr I caught a train to Kilmarnock and then from here back to Glasgow Central. I then had time to try and get a few more 380s in. So a couple of trips out and back towards Cardonald and Paisley Gilmore grabbed me another four 380s.
It was soon time to head back to Edinburgh to get the loco hauled Fife Circle train. This time the final link between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Carstairs. Another 380 for this service.
So upon arrival at Edinburgh I waited for the loco hauled service to Fife. The good thing was there was now two again due to stock shortages. The bad thing was only one went the whole way round the circle. I had got some gen about the locos on the two trains. One of them was a dud and the other was a winner. The only problem was I didn't know the order they would arrive. Unfortuanately the dud was the first and would be the one to complete the whole circle. I got on and got a seat (this train was rammed!). I knew the service behind me was the other loco hauled one and decided to change trains at Dunfermline Town. I could only get this train to Cardenden but at least it was a winning 67007. I then had to wait a little while for the unit behind to complete the circle. Pity I couldn't get a 67 for the Forth Bridge (WOW what a bridge!) both ways but once was good and at least i got another winner.
Once back in Edinburgh I headed back to Glasgow (via Falkirk high). From here I got all confused and missed the train I had planned to get because I wasn't paying attention! I was planning to head to Anniesland but went to the lower platforms without thinking and this was wrong. I should have stayed upstairs and got on another train! Ah well! Half an hour wait for the next one so I grabbed a Burger King.
The weather (after being nice all day) took a turn for the worse again (does it always rain late in the evening in Glasgow?). I bashed units on the Glasgow suburban lines again until the time came for the Fort William sleeper portion came into Dalmuir. I had no idea if the locos change around and it was the last train to Edinburgh anyway so I maximised my ticket. As it turned out it was 67009 again. So not new but another 53 miles behind a 67.
Weekday sleepers run later than Sunday so it was another late finish to another successful day. Lots of new route and another 67 scratched off. One day left in Scotland but I was getting tired!
My train to Glasgow Central wasn't until 0950 so I did a couple of trips between Waverley and Haymarket. It was a winning Class 156 to Glasgow Central. Upon my arrival I had a wonder round spotting what was there. I then went and got on a Class 380 which would take me to Ayr. I like them. I have always liked the Desiro family of trains so i guess it wasn't a surprise. My plan then deviated. From Ayr I caught a train to Kilmarnock and then from here back to Glasgow Central. I then had time to try and get a few more 380s in. So a couple of trips out and back towards Cardonald and Paisley Gilmore grabbed me another four 380s.
It was soon time to head back to Edinburgh to get the loco hauled Fife Circle train. This time the final link between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Carstairs. Another 380 for this service.
So upon arrival at Edinburgh I waited for the loco hauled service to Fife. The good thing was there was now two again due to stock shortages. The bad thing was only one went the whole way round the circle. I had got some gen about the locos on the two trains. One of them was a dud and the other was a winner. The only problem was I didn't know the order they would arrive. Unfortuanately the dud was the first and would be the one to complete the whole circle. I got on and got a seat (this train was rammed!). I knew the service behind me was the other loco hauled one and decided to change trains at Dunfermline Town. I could only get this train to Cardenden but at least it was a winning 67007. I then had to wait a little while for the unit behind to complete the circle. Pity I couldn't get a 67 for the Forth Bridge (WOW what a bridge!) both ways but once was good and at least i got another winner.
Once back in Edinburgh I headed back to Glasgow (via Falkirk high). From here I got all confused and missed the train I had planned to get because I wasn't paying attention! I was planning to head to Anniesland but went to the lower platforms without thinking and this was wrong. I should have stayed upstairs and got on another train! Ah well! Half an hour wait for the next one so I grabbed a Burger King.
The weather (after being nice all day) took a turn for the worse again (does it always rain late in the evening in Glasgow?). I bashed units on the Glasgow suburban lines again until the time came for the Fort William sleeper portion came into Dalmuir. I had no idea if the locos change around and it was the last train to Edinburgh anyway so I maximised my ticket. As it turned out it was 67009 again. So not new but another 53 miles behind a 67.
Weekday sleepers run later than Sunday so it was another late finish to another successful day. Lots of new route and another 67 scratched off. One day left in Scotland but I was getting tired!
September 4th - Day 1 of Central Scotland Rover
I was up for the first train to leave Kings Cross for Edinburgh. Being a Sunday it wasn't as early as I had hoped but it was very cheap. I left London on time at 0855 behind a winning 91. This was to be my first experience of the entire East Coast route. At was all new for me beyond Doncaster and it certainly is scenic after Newcastle. Due to some engineering works outside of York we were delayed by about 20 minutes for the entire journey. Once I arrived at Edinburgh the confusion started.
I had never been to the station before and with all the refurbishment works going on it was confusing at first. Anyway I found a train heading to Glasgow and got on that. I didn't go to Glasgow as I wanted to drop my bag off at the hotel (couldn't do that until 1400). I got off at Haymarket and then went back to Edinburgh. I did this a couple of times before dropping my bag off.
After that I decided that today would be to get in some route. Again all route in Scotland (apart from Mallaig to Fort William, but my ticket wouldn't go that far!) was new for me. I went to Glasgow via Falkirk High. Passing Eastfield reminded me of when i was younger and my dad took me there to look round. No units then but plenty of Class 26s. How it has changed (wouldn't even be allowed to look round now!). I then returned to Edinburgh via Aldgate covering the recently opened connection between Bathgate and Aldgate. It was then back to Glasgow for some dinner and a few drinks.
I had dinner in the Camperdown Place which is just outside Glasgow Queen Street station. Due to the close proximety of other Wetherspoon pubs I went for a drink in another three (The Crystal Palace, The Sir John Moore & The Society Room). After this I looked at going on a bit of the suburban Glasgow network. I went as far west as Helensborough Central before heading back towards Dalmuir. It was from here I would be meeting what I would hope to be one of the biggest winners of the 3 day rover.
So the last train of the day was the London Euston bound sleeper from Fort William which calls at Edinburgh (to be joined to other portions) It arrived in the pouring rain (it had been dry until about an hour before) and was indeed a big winner. Only 67s with cast iron brakes can operate to Fort William and in rolled 67009. New for haulage obviously but also sight (only 011 I have seen before).
The Fort William portion is the first to arrive into Edinburgh on a Sunday night. I learnt from a member of Network Rails station staff the ETA of the other portions and decided to stay half an hour to see all the portions turn up and be coupled to the 90 due to take the train to London. This 90 was also a big winner. my penultimate 90 for sight. Pity my final one is rotting in Crewe with little chance to see it.
The next bit of the sleeper to arrive was the Aberdeen portion. This was bought in by Royal skip 67006. Not required for anything but photos were taken. The final part from Inverness was a winner for sight. 67004. I was happy. So headed back to the hotel. Plenty of new units today and some more loco haulage winners. A good but tiring day but this was nothing yet.
I had never been to the station before and with all the refurbishment works going on it was confusing at first. Anyway I found a train heading to Glasgow and got on that. I didn't go to Glasgow as I wanted to drop my bag off at the hotel (couldn't do that until 1400). I got off at Haymarket and then went back to Edinburgh. I did this a couple of times before dropping my bag off.
After that I decided that today would be to get in some route. Again all route in Scotland (apart from Mallaig to Fort William, but my ticket wouldn't go that far!) was new for me. I went to Glasgow via Falkirk High. Passing Eastfield reminded me of when i was younger and my dad took me there to look round. No units then but plenty of Class 26s. How it has changed (wouldn't even be allowed to look round now!). I then returned to Edinburgh via Aldgate covering the recently opened connection between Bathgate and Aldgate. It was then back to Glasgow for some dinner and a few drinks.
I had dinner in the Camperdown Place which is just outside Glasgow Queen Street station. Due to the close proximety of other Wetherspoon pubs I went for a drink in another three (The Crystal Palace, The Sir John Moore & The Society Room). After this I looked at going on a bit of the suburban Glasgow network. I went as far west as Helensborough Central before heading back towards Dalmuir. It was from here I would be meeting what I would hope to be one of the biggest winners of the 3 day rover.
So the last train of the day was the London Euston bound sleeper from Fort William which calls at Edinburgh (to be joined to other portions) It arrived in the pouring rain (it had been dry until about an hour before) and was indeed a big winner. Only 67s with cast iron brakes can operate to Fort William and in rolled 67009. New for haulage obviously but also sight (only 011 I have seen before).
The Fort William portion is the first to arrive into Edinburgh on a Sunday night. I learnt from a member of Network Rails station staff the ETA of the other portions and decided to stay half an hour to see all the portions turn up and be coupled to the 90 due to take the train to London. This 90 was also a big winner. my penultimate 90 for sight. Pity my final one is rotting in Crewe with little chance to see it.
The next bit of the sleeper to arrive was the Aberdeen portion. This was bought in by Royal skip 67006. Not required for anything but photos were taken. The final part from Inverness was a winner for sight. 67004. I was happy. So headed back to the hotel. Plenty of new units today and some more loco haulage winners. A good but tiring day but this was nothing yet.
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