For the last few days of my holiday I went North. Courtesy of my free return ticket from East Coast (I didn't realise I had collected enough points) I headed to Leeds. All I had to pay for were the advance tickets to London.
Having been to Leeds earlier in the year whilst on a North East Rover I went mainly to bash as many trains as possible. For this I decided that Friday would be spent on a West Yorkshire Day Ranger, Saturday on Manchester Day Ranger and Sunday on another West Yorkshire. With this in mind I based myself in a Travelodge in Huddersfield (bonus as it is in the West Yorkshire Ranger).
There were a few bits I needed to do on the West Yorkshire Ranger. There were two bits of track I need to scratch that I missed when up earlier in the year and the fact I was able to also travel on Grand Central services (apparently the PTE element of the ticket allows it where as a normal area ranger/rover doesn't!).
There were two Grand Central trains I was able to catch so planned for both of them. This would naturally scratch off one bit of track (a short bit between Wakefield Kirkgate towards Halifax). The other bit was between Castleford and Wakefield Kirkgate. I could have incorporated that bit at the same time but the connection would have been tighter.
So my day went like this. No probs on the usual 0557 off of Plymouth to Paddington. Getting to Kings Cross was also a breeze. Time for breakfast in McDonalds and then off to Leeds. A great start too (don't count leaving Plymouth as starting as I had had all the FGW HSTs now). A winning East Coast power car. Slowly knocking them off.
I saw a couple of winning FCC units at Welwyn Garden City. As we passed Peterborough there was a few 66s stabled with one being a winner. Then at Doncaster a winning 60 in the yard was spotted.
Once at Leeds my next move took me to Wakefield Kirkgate. It is still a dump despite work signs everywhere. But no workman!
From here it was a short wait for the Grand Central to Bradford. When it did roll in it was 180102! Still in First livery this was my last 180 for sight when I saw it back in Feb. We passed a massive and looks like disused freight yard and then I realised I forgot my map! Will have to look that up when i get home. Arrival into Bradford was on time and I was soon heading back to Leeds on a winning 150.
My next planned move was Leeds I Wakefield Kirkgate via Castleford. That is all the track scratched in the area then. Also spotted a winning 66 at Midland Road (missed it last time as I was focussing on the what turned out to be dud 70s!). Once at Kirkgate I caught the next fast back to Leeds on a winning 158.
There was then time for a non planned move. Decided to head to Shipley and back to grab a couple of winning 333s. It was then time for the planned and same move as earlier to Bradford. Another 158 in the bag and second 180 of the day. This time at least it was in Grand Central livery.
I was getting hungry now and needed a drink. So whilst in Bradford went to look for the Wetherspoons. I found the first one but only had a drink. Was very busy and noisy. Also didn't seem to be any menus. No matter the other one was only up the road. So off I went and had a brunch burger and Guinness!
It was then back to the station and from now on there were no plans. The only plan was to get winners.
So the first one was a 158 back to Leeds. I was then off to Wakefield Westgate in front of (!) 91131. My return produced the nice sight of 91101 rolling into Wakefield. I'll take that!
Next train I was able to catch was off to Huddersfield via Bradford. It was a winner but I bailed at Bramley (gets that one in the book) and returned to Leeds. Two more 158s also done.
Next up was a winning 91 to Shipley. The return produced another winning 333 and then it was home time. Well go to hotel and check in!
So the next train to Huddersfield was a TPE one. Normally a 185 and normally a dud (I struggle with the Desiros like their emu cousins!) despite needing 75% of them. Well it wasn't this time. It was a 170 and a dud! I know they don't have many but I've only been on one and now been on it 3 times! Ah well!
Fantastic first day. 17 winners for haulage and 635 miles in the bag.
Sunday, 29 April 2012
23rd - 26th April 2012 - Paris Metro, RER and heading home
Whilst in Paris we would obviously at some point use the metro. In fact it was planned that we would go to Disneyland Paris and use the RER. One thing is for sure people who moan about the London Underground and London's suburban services need to go here! Yes it serves it's purpose but the trains are dirty and some well in need of refurbishment (or replacement!) Hmmmm? And the other thing is graffiti! I've never seen it in the tunnels in London but in Paris I didn't see a tunnel without it!
I am struggling to get distances for both at the moment so that may take a little while.
Our return home had no issues from Paris to Plymouth. Everything ran on time and we didn't miss any trains!
Just before boarding at Paris I got some photos of more French bound Eurostar sets and a few other bits. See my Flickr (may not be up for a few days as I am writing this away from home)!
I am struggling to get distances for both at the moment so that may take a little while.
Our return home had no issues from Paris to Plymouth. Everything ran on time and we didn't miss any trains!
Just before boarding at Paris I got some photos of more French bound Eurostar sets and a few other bits. See my Flickr (may not be up for a few days as I am writing this away from home)!
20th - 23rd April 2012 - Plymouh to Paris with a few bits in-between!
So me and my wife were off to Paris for a few days thanks to free return tickets courtesy of Avios (Airmiles). That journey wasn't until Monday so we used the weekend before to stay at friends in Winnersh (Reading). It was an uneventful trip to Winnersh with the exception of the run between trains at Reading! We made it and it was the start of our weekend!
On Saturday we decided to go to Windsor Castle. It was also decided to go by train so we could all eat and drink in the evening. This was good as it meant possible winners for me. Also good was the fact we went the cheaper way via Staines which meant we went on the Riverside branch. Very much required. Also very much required was the unit that took us to Staines.
The journey home produced no winners but we had a good day in Windsor. The food and drink was good too. We had a Mexican which was fantastic value.
On Sunday it was decided we'd go into London to see some of the marathon. I wasn't that interested in that aspect to be honest but any opportunity of grabbing trains I'll take it.
We went into Waterloo and soon it was decided to move onto Tower Hill. We stayed there for a while and then moved to Limehouse. We went via London Fenchurch street and grabbed a winning 357 for haulage and sight. Just as we were leaving I spotted another winner for sight! Bonus!
At Limehouse we watched more of the marathon but I got bored and went for a wonder. I found a good spot in one of the docks to see the DLR and hung around there for a while. After a few photos I met with my friends again and we headed to the O2 via the DLR and Jubilee. Here we went to the British Music Experience. I love music but I wasn't really sure what was going on!
Before we went back to Winnersh we went for something to eat in the Spoons near Canary Wharf! Not going back there! Far to busy and noisy and bad service! It's in the book though.
It was then back to Winnersh via the DLR (West India Quay - Canaray Wharf all 10 chains! Lol) and then Jubilee line to Waterloo.
So Monday was here and was time to leave Winnersh and head to Paris. We jumped on the 1005 off Winnersh to Waterloo. Problems were soon encountered as all trains were stopped due to a person hit by a train near Whitten. By the time we finally got to London it was 45 late and we new we would not get to St Pancras on time. In fact we got to the station 5 minutes after our train left for Paris!
We explained everything and were put onto the next train. Well done Eurostar as there was no fuss or any problems.
This was my second Eurostar trip. But was looking forward to this more as I am back into trains! I was unable to see much in the way of trains an IDing them due to the speed but I loved it anyway!
Once we arrived in Paris I spotted one of the North of London regional sets. That's a bonus. I'm not gonna start French spotting but they're in my book!
On Saturday we decided to go to Windsor Castle. It was also decided to go by train so we could all eat and drink in the evening. This was good as it meant possible winners for me. Also good was the fact we went the cheaper way via Staines which meant we went on the Riverside branch. Very much required. Also very much required was the unit that took us to Staines.
The journey home produced no winners but we had a good day in Windsor. The food and drink was good too. We had a Mexican which was fantastic value.
On Sunday it was decided we'd go into London to see some of the marathon. I wasn't that interested in that aspect to be honest but any opportunity of grabbing trains I'll take it.
We went into Waterloo and soon it was decided to move onto Tower Hill. We stayed there for a while and then moved to Limehouse. We went via London Fenchurch street and grabbed a winning 357 for haulage and sight. Just as we were leaving I spotted another winner for sight! Bonus!
At Limehouse we watched more of the marathon but I got bored and went for a wonder. I found a good spot in one of the docks to see the DLR and hung around there for a while. After a few photos I met with my friends again and we headed to the O2 via the DLR and Jubilee. Here we went to the British Music Experience. I love music but I wasn't really sure what was going on!
Before we went back to Winnersh we went for something to eat in the Spoons near Canary Wharf! Not going back there! Far to busy and noisy and bad service! It's in the book though.
It was then back to Winnersh via the DLR (West India Quay - Canaray Wharf all 10 chains! Lol) and then Jubilee line to Waterloo.
So Monday was here and was time to leave Winnersh and head to Paris. We jumped on the 1005 off Winnersh to Waterloo. Problems were soon encountered as all trains were stopped due to a person hit by a train near Whitten. By the time we finally got to London it was 45 late and we new we would not get to St Pancras on time. In fact we got to the station 5 minutes after our train left for Paris!
We explained everything and were put onto the next train. Well done Eurostar as there was no fuss or any problems.
This was my second Eurostar trip. But was looking forward to this more as I am back into trains! I was unable to see much in the way of trains an IDing them due to the speed but I loved it anyway!
Once we arrived in Paris I spotted one of the North of London regional sets. That's a bonus. I'm not gonna start French spotting but they're in my book!
Thursday, 26 April 2012
12th April 2012 - The Fab Four
So my first tour of the year was the 125 special to Barrow Hill from London St Pancras. The train was also stopping at Duffield for anyone who wanted to take a trip on the fantastic Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.
Having done that before and not been to Barrow Hill I obviously opted for Barrow Hill! The day was for a preview of the Fab Four event which was suppose to be having a line up of an A1, A2, A3 and A4 in steam. I say supposed to because The Flying Scotsman was not there! Mallard took its place however.
Back to the start of the day. I was going to meet Peter at some point before we headed to St Pancras. Until then I was out to get some winners. I couldn't decide where to head to do I let the winners take me to where they were going! First up was a winning 455 to Clapham from Earlsfield. Then another to Wimbledon. I then got a message from Peter as to where he would be and when so I needed to get to Marylebone. I got here via a big winner for both sight and haulage to London Bridge on 377316. It was then South Eastern from London Bridge to Charing Cross with a change of trains at Waterloo East. This bagged me another couple of winners before heading on the underground to Marylebone.
Whilst waiting for Peters train to arrive I saw newly refurbished and painted 82307 in ATW livery. It was a sight! What with silver 67 and a rake of virgin and blue/grey coaches it was certainly a mix mash!
After Peter arrived we headed out to Harrow on the Hill. As we passed Neasdon Depot we saw a welcome sight of four Class 20s. Two of which I needed for sight! Bonus! We then made our way towards Kings Cross St Pancras grabbing a few new S Stock units on the way.
Finally at St Pancras we headed to the correct platform. So the rear power car was a dud. I feared both would be as I am just over half way through the EMT ones for haulage. But luckily the front was very much required.
It was then a mostly uneventful trip to Barrow hill. Outside Derby was a fair few locos at the RVEL depot including a winning 37 and 45 for myself.
Just after Chesterfield we left the mainline and headed on the normally freight only lines towards Barrow Hill. New track now. After the slow and squeaky move round the bend into Barrow hill we reversed and disembarked the train.
Wow! I was looking forward to this but what I saw was amazing! Plenty of locos steaming and we were pretty much free to wonder round as we pleased. Everything I was hoping for but didn't think we would be allowed! The Roundhouse was amazing. I'm not gonna list it here but I saw so many new locos it was unreal. This included 07s, 08s, a 20, a 27, 45s and an 81. The biggest winners for me was all the Deltics and the Badger! Yes I know there is only one and is easy to see but I haven't seen it until now!
The weather held for long enough for me to get some good photos and the heavens opened just as it was time to leave! Fantastic event and well done I all involved.
It was then back to London. Again pretty uneventful. I had about an hour and a half to kill so I suggested to Pete some Thameslink bashing. Plenty of units to get and easy to get to Paddington off of Farringdon. Plenty I winning units were caught before we went separate ways.
Great day but I think it's fair to say I was pretty tired by the time I got home! Next up would be a trip to Paris on Eurostar.
Having done that before and not been to Barrow Hill I obviously opted for Barrow Hill! The day was for a preview of the Fab Four event which was suppose to be having a line up of an A1, A2, A3 and A4 in steam. I say supposed to because The Flying Scotsman was not there! Mallard took its place however.
Back to the start of the day. I was going to meet Peter at some point before we headed to St Pancras. Until then I was out to get some winners. I couldn't decide where to head to do I let the winners take me to where they were going! First up was a winning 455 to Clapham from Earlsfield. Then another to Wimbledon. I then got a message from Peter as to where he would be and when so I needed to get to Marylebone. I got here via a big winner for both sight and haulage to London Bridge on 377316. It was then South Eastern from London Bridge to Charing Cross with a change of trains at Waterloo East. This bagged me another couple of winners before heading on the underground to Marylebone.
Whilst waiting for Peters train to arrive I saw newly refurbished and painted 82307 in ATW livery. It was a sight! What with silver 67 and a rake of virgin and blue/grey coaches it was certainly a mix mash!
After Peter arrived we headed out to Harrow on the Hill. As we passed Neasdon Depot we saw a welcome sight of four Class 20s. Two of which I needed for sight! Bonus! We then made our way towards Kings Cross St Pancras grabbing a few new S Stock units on the way.
Finally at St Pancras we headed to the correct platform. So the rear power car was a dud. I feared both would be as I am just over half way through the EMT ones for haulage. But luckily the front was very much required.
It was then a mostly uneventful trip to Barrow hill. Outside Derby was a fair few locos at the RVEL depot including a winning 37 and 45 for myself.
Just after Chesterfield we left the mainline and headed on the normally freight only lines towards Barrow Hill. New track now. After the slow and squeaky move round the bend into Barrow hill we reversed and disembarked the train.
Wow! I was looking forward to this but what I saw was amazing! Plenty of locos steaming and we were pretty much free to wonder round as we pleased. Everything I was hoping for but didn't think we would be allowed! The Roundhouse was amazing. I'm not gonna list it here but I saw so many new locos it was unreal. This included 07s, 08s, a 20, a 27, 45s and an 81. The biggest winners for me was all the Deltics and the Badger! Yes I know there is only one and is easy to see but I haven't seen it until now!
The weather held for long enough for me to get some good photos and the heavens opened just as it was time to leave! Fantastic event and well done I all involved.
It was then back to London. Again pretty uneventful. I had about an hour and a half to kill so I suggested to Pete some Thameslink bashing. Plenty of units to get and easy to get to Paddington off of Farringdon. Plenty I winning units were caught before we went separate ways.
Great day but I think it's fair to say I was pretty tired by the time I got home! Next up would be a trip to Paris on Eurostar.
11th April 2012
Due to an early start for Thursday 12th where i needed to be in London I headed up on the Wednesday evening. Originally I was going to go on the sleeper but a combined cost of £11.10 from Plymouth to Earlsfield where my sister lives couldn't be resisted. It was via Honiton, so slow but I was in the right part of London.
As expected the HST to Exeter was dud as was the 159 to Clapham Junction but I did pick up a winning 455 to Earlsfield.
As expected the HST to Exeter was dud as was the 159 to Clapham Junction but I did pick up a winning 455 to Earlsfield.
9th April 2012 - South Devon Railway Easter Gala
For my first bank holiday off work for the year a short trip to Totnes and onto the South Devon Railway. There were a couple of visiting steam locomotives so it was worth it despite the weather. It was pouring and to even get there required a climb along a fence alongside the River Dart.
And despite me losing my ticket a good morning was had. I managed both visitors (78019 and 80072) and a home based loco for winning haulage.
And despite me losing my ticket a good morning was had. I managed both visitors (78019 and 80072) and a home based loco for winning haulage.
Monday, 9 April 2012
2nd April 2012 - Back in Pompey
So for my final day of my FOSS I headed to Portsmouth. This was an area where in theory I should manage to bag more winning trains for haulage. I caught the 0748 off Plymouth so I was at Tiverton by 0905 and the FOSS would kick in. I planned to stayed on the train to Westbury and then there would be an annoying hour wait to head south. But I managed a -2 and got on the 0959. I was an hour ahead of my plan now! Excellent!
There was only one thing of note to report until I got to Portsmouth and that was spotting a winning 66 at Southampton Maritime.
So once I was at Portsmouth I started waiting for winning units and jumped on and off in between Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth & Southsea and Fratton.
The first train was a winning 444. Good. These were getting harder to get now. I managed two 377s, a 450 and 313 before lunch. I headed to Cosham for lunch in the Wetherspoon. Another one in the book.
After lunch I was back on it! I did this until just after 1600. In those two hours I bagged another 444, five 450s and two 377s. It was then over to Eastleigh. Nothing new to see here so. Decided on a bash to Bournemouth. I grabbed the next train to Southampton Airport and then the train behind to Bournemouth. Brilliant move! Winning 444001.
It was now time to head home. So I waited for the 1822 to Southampton and it finished the day off nicely. Another winning 444! My 15th of the day and now only need six 444s to complete them. I also spotted 70018 at Maritime (a few days before it caught fire!).
Nothing else was expected on my way home. I did see two of my remaining 150s for haulage, now in fgw livery but no chance for a ride. Great day though Next up? South Devon Easter Gala.
There was only one thing of note to report until I got to Portsmouth and that was spotting a winning 66 at Southampton Maritime.
So once I was at Portsmouth I started waiting for winning units and jumped on and off in between Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth & Southsea and Fratton.
The first train was a winning 444. Good. These were getting harder to get now. I managed two 377s, a 450 and 313 before lunch. I headed to Cosham for lunch in the Wetherspoon. Another one in the book.
After lunch I was back on it! I did this until just after 1600. In those two hours I bagged another 444, five 450s and two 377s. It was then over to Eastleigh. Nothing new to see here so. Decided on a bash to Bournemouth. I grabbed the next train to Southampton Airport and then the train behind to Bournemouth. Brilliant move! Winning 444001.
It was now time to head home. So I waited for the 1822 to Southampton and it finished the day off nicely. Another winning 444! My 15th of the day and now only need six 444s to complete them. I also spotted 70018 at Maritime (a few days before it caught fire!).
Nothing else was expected on my way home. I did see two of my remaining 150s for haulage, now in fgw livery but no chance for a ride. Great day though Next up? South Devon Easter Gala.
Monday, 2 April 2012
29th March 2012 - First 67 haulage of the year!
Originally I was going to meet Peter today. He was unable to make it so I changed my plans and got a FOSS. A cheap Devon and Cornwall discounted ticket to Tiverton parkway meant I could get out of the area a lot cheaper than buying a fosw which I wasn't gonna get good value for money from.
So off to Cardiff I went. Once I arrived I pretty much did what I have done that last few times. Waited for anything I may need to come in and either catch it or plan when it comes back if my ticket wasn't valid.
I noticed a 153 on the bay branch so headed up the hill to see if it was required. It wasn't so back to Central on the next train. My first winning train was Xc 170397. The final 3 carriage I needed. All that's left now is 4 of the 2 carriage ones which don't regularly work this far south.
After that I headed back to Cardiff. In rolled 175003. The connection back to Cardiff from Newport was a plus 3 but I knew a platform change was required. Would be tight but I risked it.
I made it and it was time for the WAG. This week had been the first week of 67s on the job. And 67002 had the honour of first to do it. Good for me as it was required for haulage. So my first 67 haulage of the year was a winner. Can't complain. Eight 67s to go and two of them I still need to see! When will 010 and 023 be fixed?
So I ended the month on a low 1300 odd miles! One of my lowest months since May 2010. I'll hopefully make up for it in April though with a Barrow Hill trip, Eurostar to Paris and another weekend in south Yorkshire to come.
So off to Cardiff I went. Once I arrived I pretty much did what I have done that last few times. Waited for anything I may need to come in and either catch it or plan when it comes back if my ticket wasn't valid.
I noticed a 153 on the bay branch so headed up the hill to see if it was required. It wasn't so back to Central on the next train. My first winning train was Xc 170397. The final 3 carriage I needed. All that's left now is 4 of the 2 carriage ones which don't regularly work this far south.
After that I headed back to Cardiff. In rolled 175003. The connection back to Cardiff from Newport was a plus 3 but I knew a platform change was required. Would be tight but I risked it.
I made it and it was time for the WAG. This week had been the first week of 67s on the job. And 67002 had the honour of first to do it. Good for me as it was required for haulage. So my first 67 haulage of the year was a winner. Can't complain. Eight 67s to go and two of them I still need to see! When will 010 and 023 be fixed?
So I ended the month on a low 1300 odd miles! One of my lowest months since May 2010. I'll hopefully make up for it in April though with a Barrow Hill trip, Eurostar to Paris and another weekend in south Yorkshire to come.
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