Wasn't at all planned like this. Supposed to do a west midlands trip next Thursday but am unable to now so bought a ticket from Cheltenham to Birmingham to extend my Rover whic expires after today. Then I got a West Midlands Daytripper ticket for £5.60 and went after winners.
Off at Birmingham I saw a required Super Voyager. So I jumped on it o Wolverhampton. From here everything was did but I didn't want to stay to long so jumped on the pendo to New Street. I overheard an announcement saying it won't stop at Sandwell and Dudley which I was odd. Well odd until I realised we weren't going that way! We headed right towards Bescot! Bonus! Done this route before on a tour but not in this direction.
Back at New Street again I saw a required 158 so got on that. There problems mounting in wolves area so I bailed at Smethwick and headed to Moor Street.
Rather handily a required 172 rolled in to take me there. It was then a short trip to Snow Hill behind a Chiltern 168. Next up was a 170 to Jewellery Quarter. Not been on a 170 on this line before (I don't think!). It was then a dud 172 back to Moor Street. I then did an out and back to Solihull courtesy of a winning 165 and 168.
Whilst waiting for the next winner at Moor Street two came in at once! I got on the easy one (the platform I was on) and worked out when the other would return. I bailed at Snow Hill. I then decided to take the tram to Wednesbury. I was hoping to see 1 and 2 there seeing as though they are now stored and unlikely to work again. I saw 2 but not 1. It was now back to the national network for 172342. In the mean time I'd seen another I needed and worked out my move for that too. After both were caught I headed back to New Street on a dud 323. After wondering round looking for a winner I found one in the form of 350118. I took this to International and returned on a late 390010. Two more in the book.
It was now time for dinner. Surprisingly I haven't done any Wetherspoons in Birmingham! So I went to the nearest and had a curry and a pint.
It was then back to the station. I saw a quick move to Five Ways and back and this bagged me two more winners!
So a productive day again. Not sure when I'll next be here but im getting close to finishing things now. Two 172s left and then I need to find the remaining Chiltern one. My 168s are coming along nicely too. Only Severn left of them. I also need to try and get my remaining XC 170s. I saw two I needed at New Street but they had finished there and then went to depot. It would seem the two carriage ones rarely get to Cardiff.
And another 519miles done. Next up Railfest 2012 in York.
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Thursday, 17 May 2012
17th May 2012 - Day in the Cardiff area!
So because I had used a FOSS to get me to the Swanage Diesel gala last week I still had days left on my ticket! Today would see me heading to Cardiff. A fair few locos about too. A winning DRS 66 at Bridgwater was a good start followed by a 70 at Stoke Gifford.
Once at Cardiff it was a case of wait and see. My first sighting of a winning train was running on the Ebbw Vale line. Not ideal as my ticket wasn't valid. Never mind. It was only a few quid to Risca!
Once back in Cardiff it wasn't long to wait for my next winner! A 175 to Newport. A dud back to Cardiff and in the station was a winning fgw 150! Wow my luck was all there! So back to Newport! Now I needed to be back at Cardiff for the WAG and decided that because there were potentially 2 trains due of which I may need, I'd wait and see and still be ok! The first came in and was no good. Then a winner came in! But it was going the wrong way! Dilemma! I didn't know what was on the WAG but had a funny feeling it may have been a good one. I checked out what I was able to do. I was able to take 150237 to Severn Tunnel Junction (not been there before!) and get back to Newport before the WAG left Cardiff. I already had a ticket to Cwmbran for later from Newport as I was planning to get dinner there in a Wetherspoons. So I did this and it nearly went wrong!
At Severn Tunnel junction my train came in on time. We left 26 minutes late and have no idea why!! I spotted a winning 66 trundle by too which was good. Anyway I made the WAG at Newport with seconds to spare! Good job! It was 67001 and very much a winner! That's only 7 more required for haulage!
It was then dinner in Spoons! And a very long wait till the next train! But quite unbelievably when it turned up it was a winner! 175006!
Once at Newport it was time to head home! Just as we left I saw my 3rd winning 66 of the day hauling a car train.
So a fantastic day! 6 winning trains for haulage including a big one in the form of a 67 and 4 locos for sight! And home by 2200! Nice!
Once at Cardiff it was a case of wait and see. My first sighting of a winning train was running on the Ebbw Vale line. Not ideal as my ticket wasn't valid. Never mind. It was only a few quid to Risca!
Once back in Cardiff it wasn't long to wait for my next winner! A 175 to Newport. A dud back to Cardiff and in the station was a winning fgw 150! Wow my luck was all there! So back to Newport! Now I needed to be back at Cardiff for the WAG and decided that because there were potentially 2 trains due of which I may need, I'd wait and see and still be ok! The first came in and was no good. Then a winner came in! But it was going the wrong way! Dilemma! I didn't know what was on the WAG but had a funny feeling it may have been a good one. I checked out what I was able to do. I was able to take 150237 to Severn Tunnel Junction (not been there before!) and get back to Newport before the WAG left Cardiff. I already had a ticket to Cwmbran for later from Newport as I was planning to get dinner there in a Wetherspoons. So I did this and it nearly went wrong!
At Severn Tunnel junction my train came in on time. We left 26 minutes late and have no idea why!! I spotted a winning 66 trundle by too which was good. Anyway I made the WAG at Newport with seconds to spare! Good job! It was 67001 and very much a winner! That's only 7 more required for haulage!
It was then dinner in Spoons! And a very long wait till the next train! But quite unbelievably when it turned up it was a winner! 175006!
Once at Newport it was time to head home! Just as we left I saw my 3rd winning 66 of the day hauling a car train.
So a fantastic day! 6 winning trains for haulage including a big one in the form of a 67 and 4 locos for sight! And home by 2200! Nice!
12th May 2012 - Swanage Diesel Gala Day 2
Because originally there was supposed to be a bigger line up at Swanage I bought a 2 day ticket to get everything in without it being a huge rush! Obviously I got it all easily on the Friday.
Anyway I had paid for a ticket so I was going and I had also bought the driver experience to drive a Class 20. Again this wasn't there but there were using an 08 so it was better than nothing! My only hope now was it was 08436 being used as I had ha a cab ride in D3591 yesterday!
Didn't need an early start today! So I caught a train from Pokesdown to Wareham and waited for the bus to Corfe Castle. Finally at the railway it was a double header of the 27 and 33 which took me to Norden.
A few trips up and down the line on all the available traction was had and soon it was time for my driver experience. I was able to get some line side photos on my walk to where it was taking place which was good. I then found out D3591 had failed that morning on its way down and 08436 was being used! Brilliant!
I loved it! I was in full control of the 08 for just short of a mile further up the line towards Furzebrook and back. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Next time the 20? Hope so!
It was then back to Swanage to meet my wife and friend. We would all then be heading to Harmans Cross for the ale festival.
After a few hours there we had to head to Corfe for the bus back to Wareham. I left slightly before the girls to go an see a friend who was working in the signal box. The trains had started running late again! Didn't matter as we ha planned an hour or so in Corfe at a pub! I managed a few photos from the signal box which i liked! Was also good to see Marco again after many years!
So a good second day! Hopefully I can go next year and hopefully the Swanage organisers will get some luck and have no failing trains leading convoys to the event! 2 years in a row, or worse still, 3 locos failing is bad luck!
Anyway I had paid for a ticket so I was going and I had also bought the driver experience to drive a Class 20. Again this wasn't there but there were using an 08 so it was better than nothing! My only hope now was it was 08436 being used as I had ha a cab ride in D3591 yesterday!
Didn't need an early start today! So I caught a train from Pokesdown to Wareham and waited for the bus to Corfe Castle. Finally at the railway it was a double header of the 27 and 33 which took me to Norden.
A few trips up and down the line on all the available traction was had and soon it was time for my driver experience. I was able to get some line side photos on my walk to where it was taking place which was good. I then found out D3591 had failed that morning on its way down and 08436 was being used! Brilliant!
I loved it! I was in full control of the 08 for just short of a mile further up the line towards Furzebrook and back. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Next time the 20? Hope so!
It was then back to Swanage to meet my wife and friend. We would all then be heading to Harmans Cross for the ale festival.
After a few hours there we had to head to Corfe for the bus back to Wareham. I left slightly before the girls to go an see a friend who was working in the signal box. The trains had started running late again! Didn't matter as we ha planned an hour or so in Corfe at a pub! I managed a few photos from the signal box which i liked! Was also good to see Marco again after many years!
So a good second day! Hopefully I can go next year and hopefully the Swanage organisers will get some luck and have no failing trains leading convoys to the event! 2 years in a row, or worse still, 3 locos failing is bad luck!
11th May 2012 - Swanage Diesel Gala Day 1
Thankfully my friend said she would drive me to Swanage for the start of the day! I needed to be there for an 8 o'clock start and buses from Bournemouth to Swanage aren't great at that time! To get there via public transport would have required me getting on the bus at 0530 in Boscombe! Hmmmm! Luckily a more sociable 0700 leaving time was had!
So at Swanage the first train should have been 08436 and D3591. Only 08436 was present! D3591 had failed. This was not good! They were already 4 locos short due to two loco failures trying to bring a convoy of traction to the event.
Anyway off we went from Swanage to Norden in the brake van behind 08436! I also did Norden - Harmans Cross and back whilst waiting for the next train I was able to catch. I think it's safe to say 08436 is my most hauled by shunter with over 10 miles in the bank! I also met a mate at Harmans Cross he was here for the failed shunter so wasn't best pleased and didn't hang around for long.
So the next train was 50026. Working her first train in 22 years and looking splendid in BR Blue Large Logo livery, I did this to Swanage. It was then D5401 which took me back to Norden. My first Class 27 for sight too! It was then, working it's first passenger train since being bought by Network Rail 57312 with D5401 back to Swanage.
Next up was 33111s turn. I took this to Norden and then back to Harmans Cross. By now I had done all the diesels here except the failed shunter!! Whilst at Harmans Cross Dave turned up again. Still no news about the failed shunter.
He went off to see if he could find anything out. I headed back to Norden behind the 57 and 27 again. It was during this move I got a message saying D3591 had been fixed and was doing cab rides at Swanage.
So off I went back there and luckily got a ride! I'm not sure show long they were doing them but didn't seem like long. So we went off the platform down to siding number 2! D3591 in the book and in the cab! 0.4 miles there and back!
My next train was the substituted diesel!!!! D80104! Yes someone put a D in front of the number. It wasn't a diesel but was required for haulage. I got this to Corfe Castle as I decided it was time for photos!
I spent the next couple of hours at the Castle taken photos from high up. Was pleased with some of them so was worth it. It was soon time to head to Norden again as the late arrival of a 73136 was due. Well done GBRailfrieght for supplying at short notice. The 73 led 33111 to Swanage and was the only time I saw it lead. For the rest of the weekend it worked with the 57 and was used as a translator for the braking.
After this it was ale time. Off I went to Harmans Cross for a few pints at the festival. Being close to the line was obviously good. However during one of 50026s runs it had issues. It shut down in the station and when it restarted and moved it only went a few coach lengths out of the station.
It eventually got going but this meant it was now late for its return and this was my train to Corfe! I was now going to miss the bus to Wareham!
In the end I managed to get hold of my wife who was heading to Bournemouth from Plymouth. She obviously said she would divert slightly and pick me up! Phew! Would have been a stupidly long wait till the next train!
Good day despite the unfortunate situation of missing locos. Eight winners either way. Tomorrow would see me drive a train!
So at Swanage the first train should have been 08436 and D3591. Only 08436 was present! D3591 had failed. This was not good! They were already 4 locos short due to two loco failures trying to bring a convoy of traction to the event.
Anyway off we went from Swanage to Norden in the brake van behind 08436! I also did Norden - Harmans Cross and back whilst waiting for the next train I was able to catch. I think it's safe to say 08436 is my most hauled by shunter with over 10 miles in the bank! I also met a mate at Harmans Cross he was here for the failed shunter so wasn't best pleased and didn't hang around for long.
So the next train was 50026. Working her first train in 22 years and looking splendid in BR Blue Large Logo livery, I did this to Swanage. It was then D5401 which took me back to Norden. My first Class 27 for sight too! It was then, working it's first passenger train since being bought by Network Rail 57312 with D5401 back to Swanage.
Next up was 33111s turn. I took this to Norden and then back to Harmans Cross. By now I had done all the diesels here except the failed shunter!! Whilst at Harmans Cross Dave turned up again. Still no news about the failed shunter.
He went off to see if he could find anything out. I headed back to Norden behind the 57 and 27 again. It was during this move I got a message saying D3591 had been fixed and was doing cab rides at Swanage.
So off I went back there and luckily got a ride! I'm not sure show long they were doing them but didn't seem like long. So we went off the platform down to siding number 2! D3591 in the book and in the cab! 0.4 miles there and back!
My next train was the substituted diesel!!!! D80104! Yes someone put a D in front of the number. It wasn't a diesel but was required for haulage. I got this to Corfe Castle as I decided it was time for photos!
I spent the next couple of hours at the Castle taken photos from high up. Was pleased with some of them so was worth it. It was soon time to head to Norden again as the late arrival of a 73136 was due. Well done GBRailfrieght for supplying at short notice. The 73 led 33111 to Swanage and was the only time I saw it lead. For the rest of the weekend it worked with the 57 and was used as a translator for the braking.
After this it was ale time. Off I went to Harmans Cross for a few pints at the festival. Being close to the line was obviously good. However during one of 50026s runs it had issues. It shut down in the station and when it restarted and moved it only went a few coach lengths out of the station.
It eventually got going but this meant it was now late for its return and this was my train to Corfe! I was now going to miss the bus to Wareham!
In the end I managed to get hold of my wife who was heading to Bournemouth from Plymouth. She obviously said she would divert slightly and pick me up! Phew! Would have been a stupidly long wait till the next train!
Good day despite the unfortunate situation of missing locos. Eight winners either way. Tomorrow would see me drive a train!
10th May 2012 - On the way to Bournemouth
For my first Swanage Diesel Gala I was able to book Friday off work therefore took the opportunity to go for 2 days. I was also able to stay with a friend in Bournemouth so I travelled up on the Thursday.
I decided I would head to the Portsmouth area and see what was about. Like my last trip here I left Plymouth at 0748. Last time I made -2 connection at Westbury. No such lul this time. We got held at a red signal near Castle Cary and we had to proceed at 30mph until the next signal because it was broken and were given permission I proceed.
Nevermind. To kill the what would be about 50 minute wait I headed north to Bradford-on-Avon and then caught ye train to Portsmouth from there!
I didn't get as far as Portsmouth. I was getting hungry so bailed at Fareham. Time for a pint in one Wetherspoons and then lunch and another pint in the other one! It was Thursday so a curry was the order of the day!
It was now 1400 and as of yet no winning trains. Not even for sight! The next few hours got a lot better! I pretty much spent my time between Fratton, Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour. Moves between these stations saw me bag 17 winning units. Mostly 450s but I got another 444 and a couple of 377s.
I didn't want to be too late as I wanted to see my friend who i was staying with. A shorter than normal day but very productive.
I decided I would head to the Portsmouth area and see what was about. Like my last trip here I left Plymouth at 0748. Last time I made -2 connection at Westbury. No such lul this time. We got held at a red signal near Castle Cary and we had to proceed at 30mph until the next signal because it was broken and were given permission I proceed.
Nevermind. To kill the what would be about 50 minute wait I headed north to Bradford-on-Avon and then caught ye train to Portsmouth from there!
I didn't get as far as Portsmouth. I was getting hungry so bailed at Fareham. Time for a pint in one Wetherspoons and then lunch and another pint in the other one! It was Thursday so a curry was the order of the day!
It was now 1400 and as of yet no winning trains. Not even for sight! The next few hours got a lot better! I pretty much spent my time between Fratton, Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour. Moves between these stations saw me bag 17 winning units. Mostly 450s but I got another 444 and a couple of 377s.
I didn't want to be too late as I wanted to see my friend who i was staying with. A shorter than normal day but very productive.
29th April 2012 - Going Home
My short stay in Huddersfield was over and was time to head back to Leeds for my train home. Being a Sunday meant a late start to services so I grabbed breakfast in Wetherspoons. The second wetherspoons was visited for another cup of tea.
I caught the 0915 TPE service off Huddersfield towards Leeds. My train home wasn't until 1405 so I had some time to kill. A got another West Yorkshire rover and got onto a winning East Coast HST. I took this to Wakefield Westgate and then thought i had a bit of a wait. Next train wasn't supposed to be until about 35 minutes later but whilst I was waiting I noticed a 144 had sneaked in on the other side (I was a bit busy paying more attention to my phone and listening to music!). It turned out that this train (and wasn't on any PIS) was the 0940 to Leeds. Fine by me! Required and no lengthy wait. I also managed to then catch two 0940 trains in a row!
Back at Leeds I planned a move to Shipley on a winning 333. It was then a dud 333 to Bingley before a winning 144 to Keighley. I saw a winning steam train coming into Keighley adjacent to the national network but no chance of a picture! It was absolutely pouring with rain and my train was due! Didn't really fancy getting wet and missing my train!
Back at Leeds I saw a move to Menston on another 333. The return also provided a winner. My 333s have come along nicely in one morning!
There was time for one more move. I decided on an out and back to Dewsbury. It provided me with one winning 185.
So the morning gave me 9 winning trains. Not bad. It was now time to see what my ride home would produce. A winning 91!
There was absolutely nothing to report on the way home! Every single loco I saw between Leeds and Plymouth via London was dud! The only bit of excitement was my first HST via Melksham.
A good few days away and plenty I winning trains! The weeks total mileage came in at 2732! There would be nothing for the next two weeks nearly. 10 days at work was looming before I would make may way towards the South Coast for the Swanage Diesel Gala.
I caught the 0915 TPE service off Huddersfield towards Leeds. My train home wasn't until 1405 so I had some time to kill. A got another West Yorkshire rover and got onto a winning East Coast HST. I took this to Wakefield Westgate and then thought i had a bit of a wait. Next train wasn't supposed to be until about 35 minutes later but whilst I was waiting I noticed a 144 had sneaked in on the other side (I was a bit busy paying more attention to my phone and listening to music!). It turned out that this train (and wasn't on any PIS) was the 0940 to Leeds. Fine by me! Required and no lengthy wait. I also managed to then catch two 0940 trains in a row!
Back at Leeds I planned a move to Shipley on a winning 333. It was then a dud 333 to Bingley before a winning 144 to Keighley. I saw a winning steam train coming into Keighley adjacent to the national network but no chance of a picture! It was absolutely pouring with rain and my train was due! Didn't really fancy getting wet and missing my train!
Back at Leeds I saw a move to Menston on another 333. The return also provided a winner. My 333s have come along nicely in one morning!
There was time for one more move. I decided on an out and back to Dewsbury. It provided me with one winning 185.
So the morning gave me 9 winning trains. Not bad. It was now time to see what my ride home would produce. A winning 91!
There was absolutely nothing to report on the way home! Every single loco I saw between Leeds and Plymouth via London was dud! The only bit of excitement was my first HST via Melksham.
A good few days away and plenty I winning trains! The weeks total mileage came in at 2732! There would be nothing for the next two weeks nearly. 10 days at work was looming before I would make may way towards the South Coast for the Swanage Diesel Gala.
Thursday, 10 May 2012
28th April 2012 - A Day in Manchester
For my second day I headed over to Manchester and got a GMPTE ticket. £4.60 for a rather large area. Stockport over to Bolton and Wigan. And included the trams. I started out on a dud TPE 185 to Piccadilly at 0528. I had no set plan so just jumped on what I needed (but I did make sure I wouldn't be stuck somewhere for hours).
First up was a Pendo to Stockport. Very short trip but this short trips was all I needed. From Stockport the next train took me to Altrincham. This was a winning 150 and was new route too. From here to save any waiting I jumped on a tram and headed back to Piccadilly. All new route until I got to Piccadily Gardens. One day I'll spend more time on the trams but I got a great seat right at the front.
Once I was back at Piccadilly I spotted an 11 car Pendo. First one i'd seen and thought it'll be rude not to get on! So off to Stockport again. Then a 323 to Cheadle Hulme followed by another 150 back to Stockport. Another 150 (sub series 2 this time mind!) took me back to Piccadilly. My next moves were similar. Pendo to Stockport and a 185 back. I didn't do these moves all day as that would have done my head in! I did see a winning 08 at Longsight on my trips to and from Stockport which was good.
Next up was a trip west to Bolton on a winning 185. A return towards Manchester on another 185 saw me bail at Salford Crescent. A short trip over to Salford Central saw me on a winning nodding donkey. A second one took me to Victoria. I then headed to Littleborough on a 150 before returning on a 158. After Rochdale was new track too. Two more Donkeys took me to Bolton via a change at Salford Crescent. My first 156 of the day was from Bolton to Manchester Oxford Road. It was now time for lunch so i headed to the nearest Spoons. I then headed back to Piccadilly courtesy of another 185. Another out and back to Stockport grabbed me another Pendo and two 158s. I then did an out and back to Marple. Winning track and a new 150 and 142. The 150 was an ex London midland in Centro livery. It was required hence I got on. I took a photo at Piccadilly and then got on. A few minutes later somebody else took a photo and got on. But they then got grief from a Northern employee. Not sure what it is about Northern in Manchester. I've had grief from them in the past but not anywhere else on northern territory. Odd.
My next series of moves was basically between Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Deansgate. During this set up moves I grabbed three 150s, a 156, a 158 and three 185s. The last one took me to the airport. From here another 185 took me back to Piccadilly. My last two moves incidentally grabbed me 185148 and then 149! My last Stockport move often day bagged a 142 and 323. It was then more Piccadilly to Oxford Roa moves. This grabbed me more 142s, 156s, 157s and a 175 unit. The 175 was a bonus as I don't need many of these and I thought I'd better get while I can! It was then back over to Victoria via Salford Crescent. It was now 1900 and I was getting tired. So I did one last move to Bolton and then made my way back to Huddersfield on a variety I 142s, 150s, 156s and 185s. I was back in my hotel by 2130. Early by my standards but I was well and truly done! A great day with a massive 45 winning trains for haulage. A great return for £4.60!!!
First up was a Pendo to Stockport. Very short trip but this short trips was all I needed. From Stockport the next train took me to Altrincham. This was a winning 150 and was new route too. From here to save any waiting I jumped on a tram and headed back to Piccadilly. All new route until I got to Piccadily Gardens. One day I'll spend more time on the trams but I got a great seat right at the front.
Once I was back at Piccadilly I spotted an 11 car Pendo. First one i'd seen and thought it'll be rude not to get on! So off to Stockport again. Then a 323 to Cheadle Hulme followed by another 150 back to Stockport. Another 150 (sub series 2 this time mind!) took me back to Piccadilly. My next moves were similar. Pendo to Stockport and a 185 back. I didn't do these moves all day as that would have done my head in! I did see a winning 08 at Longsight on my trips to and from Stockport which was good.
Next up was a trip west to Bolton on a winning 185. A return towards Manchester on another 185 saw me bail at Salford Crescent. A short trip over to Salford Central saw me on a winning nodding donkey. A second one took me to Victoria. I then headed to Littleborough on a 150 before returning on a 158. After Rochdale was new track too. Two more Donkeys took me to Bolton via a change at Salford Crescent. My first 156 of the day was from Bolton to Manchester Oxford Road. It was now time for lunch so i headed to the nearest Spoons. I then headed back to Piccadilly courtesy of another 185. Another out and back to Stockport grabbed me another Pendo and two 158s. I then did an out and back to Marple. Winning track and a new 150 and 142. The 150 was an ex London midland in Centro livery. It was required hence I got on. I took a photo at Piccadilly and then got on. A few minutes later somebody else took a photo and got on. But they then got grief from a Northern employee. Not sure what it is about Northern in Manchester. I've had grief from them in the past but not anywhere else on northern territory. Odd.
My next series of moves was basically between Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Deansgate. During this set up moves I grabbed three 150s, a 156, a 158 and three 185s. The last one took me to the airport. From here another 185 took me back to Piccadilly. My last two moves incidentally grabbed me 185148 and then 149! My last Stockport move often day bagged a 142 and 323. It was then more Piccadilly to Oxford Roa moves. This grabbed me more 142s, 156s, 157s and a 175 unit. The 175 was a bonus as I don't need many of these and I thought I'd better get while I can! It was then back over to Victoria via Salford Crescent. It was now 1900 and I was getting tired. So I did one last move to Bolton and then made my way back to Huddersfield on a variety I 142s, 150s, 156s and 185s. I was back in my hotel by 2130. Early by my standards but I was well and truly done! A great day with a massive 45 winning trains for haulage. A great return for £4.60!!!
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