Well an unexpected day off work led me to an unexpected West Midland Day Ranger. This really will be the last thing before Christmas (probably the new year)!
I arrived at Droitwich Spa for the 0900 start time of a day ranger and the was planning to catch the 0901 to New Street. This was not required so waited for the next train which was going to Dorridge. This was also not required but I needed to get going. So I went as far a Kidderminster and caught the train after. This was starting here so wasn't too long a wait. In fact it was a double 172 set both of which were needed.
I got off at Snow Hill and saw a delayed 168 to London Marylebone waiting which was required so jumped on that to Moor Street. From here a I was going to see if the the loco hauled London train was 67013 and get that in if it was. I had time to kill so a quick ride to Snow Hill and back gave me two more winning 172s. Once back at Moor Street the 67 was in and waiting. My luck was in as it was 67013. Of the old Wrexham liveried 67s only 67010 is now required for sight and haulage but it's at Crewe with engine vibrations. In fact its been there a while but is due back apparently!
I left the 67 at Solihull. I could have gone to Leamington on it but I wanted to get on as many trains as possible today. A dud 168 back to Moor Street and then a winning 172 to Smethwick Galton Bridge. Then it was off to Wolverhampton on a winning Arriva Trains Wales 158. All was going well so far. The next 2 and half hours wasn't so productive. I decided I would head to Rugeley Trent Valley to scratch that bit of track off. My initial train was a winner. I got this to Cannock where I had lunch in Wetherspoons. Then it was a dud to Rugeley, a dud to Stafford and then a dud back to Wolverhampton.
Things did get back on track though. 390031 was waiting at Wolverhampton and was required for sight. It wasn't in service though. I caught a train to Sandwell and Dudley on a winning 170 before another winner in the form of 390009 to New Street. Two more winners followed with a return to Aston. Then another to University.
A dud back to New Street before another 3 winners doing New Street - International, International - Coventry and Coventry - International. I saw an opportunity to scratch off Coventry - Nuneaton so headed back there on a dud Virgin Voyager. Good news was the winning 153 to Nuneaton.
Was now time to head back to Droitwich. A dud XC 170 to new street that for some reason got later and later as i got nearer New Street meant I missed my train to Droitwich.
Had to wait over an hour now so I quickly headed to Sandwell and Dudley and back. A winner out and back took me to 20 winners for the day. Not bad. My final train back to Droitwich was a dud 170.
Another good day. And on top of all the winners for haulage I managed to nearly complete the 172s for sight. Only 172222 to go and apparently that hasn't been delivered yet as its awaiting parts!
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