A chance to get a FOSW presented itself meaning at £16.75 a day with the 6 days of use I would get minimum making it good value. One day I may get 8!
I decided I would head to Birmingham and got a £22 return from cheltenham. A West Midlands day tripper for £5.80 means for £44.55 I could get from Plymouth to the West Mids and back at what I consider is a reasonable price.
The main aim was to finish the London Midland 172s. I only needed two more. Upon arrival at New Steet I headed to Smethwick Galton Bridge. 323219 did the honours and was a winning start. As pretty much expected a dud 172 rolled in. I took this to Moor Street. It was required for 2012 haulage though.
I didn't have to wait very long for a winning 172! 172222 rolled in next so a short hop to Snow Hill ensured this was bagged. A dud 172 back to Moor Street (felt this was the best place as I was able to bag Chiltern units I need at the same time if they were there) and I went and checked the Chiltern 168 in the bay. A required unit! I took this to Solihull. A dud 168 but good for 2012 took me back to Moor Street.
Double winner next! In rolled 153365 and 170631. I took this to Acocks Green and then swapped to the other set and bailed at Olton. It was then back to Moor Street. A short hop to Snow hill on a 2012 winning 172 and I waited for anything new. Another Chiltern 168. A repeat journey to Solihull and back to Moor Street got this in and another dud 168 (but good for 2012!).
It would seem my last LM 172 was not out! Either that or I missed it. There was only one unit I didn't quite catch the number of during my travels in the last few hours! Next time?
So I headed back to New Street. Wanted to try and get a XC 170 that was required. I found 3 in the platform but two were going nowhere! Luckily they were dud and the last one which was required was about to leave for Leicester! Excellent! 170522 was duly caught to Coleshill. It was running late so I missed my connection back but that turned out to be a stroke of luck! Whilst I was waiting a DB 66 passed through the station and was one of my last required for sight! I also spotted a new shunter on the journey to Coleshill.
Once back at New Steet I saw a required Virgin Super Voyager. I caught this to Wolverhampton. Not sure if the next train is booked as a Voyager but the Wolverhampton - Euston at 1745 was a winning one. Most of these services are Pendolinos. I bailed at Sandwell and Dudley and got the 323 stopper behind it. I knew it was a winner as I saw it at Wolverhampton.
Once I was back at New Street I noticed the next Super Voyager north was another winner! So I headed back to Wolverhampton. From here the Pendo back was a winner. I was about to jump in it and noticed a LM 170 waiting to leave ahead of the pendo. It was a dud but there was a 153 attached! And was needed. Two in one day! Only one LM left for haulage. So I caught this to Sandwell and then the Pendo to New Street.
I was hungry by now and considered heading to a Spoons. I didn't though and went for a bk as I could eat that one a train if needed!
Good move! A required ATW 158 was heading north so i got that to Smethwick. I then got my final winning train of the day back to New Street. It was then a very late running XC to Plymouth. Running late due to tresspass in the Sheffield area I was on it 30 mins before my planned train so was hoping I'd be home earlier! Well I was but not that much! It would seem it paths home were knocked back later and later! Never mind! A productive day even if there is still one LM 172 to get! Next Thursday hopefully if I do the same!
I know I've said it before but next up Mazey Day!
Friday, 22 June 2012
Thursday, 21 June 2012
15th June 2012 - West Somerset Railway Mixed Heritage Gala
It's been a couple of years since I last went on the West Somerset Railway, and I was able to go again this year. The draw of Royal Scots Grey (missing at the Swanage gala) the chance to finally get a Hymek in the book, a GBRF 73 and 66 and the first outing of D6575 was good enough for me. Also due to be running was resident D1661, western D1010 and warship D832.
A few days before the event it was announced that the 66 was unable to attend but a second 73 would instead visit. Fine by me. The only problem was the new working timetable didn't even show the second 73 as doing anything!
I left Plymouth on the 0625 to Taunton and then waited a while for the bus to Bishops Lydeard. I was there by 9 and was able to witness the Deltic starting up! I'd not heard a Deltic before and what an amazing sound! It was a while before my plan to catch it so I headed west on the 1st gen DMU to Blue Anchor.
From here it was D1661, North Star back to Williton. Here is where I would meet the Deltic and get first haulage off of one. I took this to Minehead. After a few photos in and around Minehead station I took the return to Bishops Lydeard behind the Deltic all the way! It was now time for 73119 hauling a goods train with brakevans to Norten Fitzwarren station. Little used, we were able to get off and see the 73 detach and run round the new loop to take us back to Bishops Lydeard.
Now it was time to head to Williton again. This time behind D6566. Once here I had a few minutes to see and photograph the newly arrived Class 14 D9518. It was then a doubled headed Western and Hymek back to Bishops Lydeard.
They then both returned to Williton where the Hymek was removed and the Warship added. Onwards to Blue Anchor. The final train of the day was D6575! Another winner!
It was then a walk to the bus stop and onto Taunton station. I don't know what was going on but all trains were running late. I jumped on a train that was running late but was earlier than my intended train. Much better. Was an HST and now the entertainment coach is free even better!
A thoroughly enjoyable day. Shame the second 73 wasn't working. To be honest I don't understand why it didn't just do what the 66 was planned into do on the original timetable!
A few days before the event it was announced that the 66 was unable to attend but a second 73 would instead visit. Fine by me. The only problem was the new working timetable didn't even show the second 73 as doing anything!
I left Plymouth on the 0625 to Taunton and then waited a while for the bus to Bishops Lydeard. I was there by 9 and was able to witness the Deltic starting up! I'd not heard a Deltic before and what an amazing sound! It was a while before my plan to catch it so I headed west on the 1st gen DMU to Blue Anchor.
From here it was D1661, North Star back to Williton. Here is where I would meet the Deltic and get first haulage off of one. I took this to Minehead. After a few photos in and around Minehead station I took the return to Bishops Lydeard behind the Deltic all the way! It was now time for 73119 hauling a goods train with brakevans to Norten Fitzwarren station. Little used, we were able to get off and see the 73 detach and run round the new loop to take us back to Bishops Lydeard.
Now it was time to head to Williton again. This time behind D6566. Once here I had a few minutes to see and photograph the newly arrived Class 14 D9518. It was then a doubled headed Western and Hymek back to Bishops Lydeard.
They then both returned to Williton where the Hymek was removed and the Warship added. Onwards to Blue Anchor. The final train of the day was D6575! Another winner!
It was then a walk to the bus stop and onto Taunton station. I don't know what was going on but all trains were running late. I jumped on a train that was running late but was earlier than my intended train. Much better. Was an HST and now the entertainment coach is free even better!
A thoroughly enjoyable day. Shame the second 73 wasn't working. To be honest I don't understand why it didn't just do what the 66 was planned into do on the original timetable!
Sunday, 10 June 2012
10th June 2012 - Paignton and Dartmouth Heritage Gala
No way planned whatsoever but had to be done. When I found out that the rarely seen Rat was out I made plans to do this. Luckily it was a day off. Having looked at the timetable I should be able to bag 2 winning steam trains including a visiting 4936 Kinlet Hall as well. And if what I read on a different website is true I'll get a brakevan ride behind the 08 at Churston.
So left Plymouth on the 0840. Arriving into Newton Abbot on time at 0920 I had a 6 minute wait for the train to Paignton.
Once I arrived at Paignton it was a short walk over to the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway. First up was 4936 Kinlet Hall. It was short and sweet as I only did it to Churston. At Churston I waited for the next train to Kingswear which was 7827 Lydham Manor. During my wait a had two brake van rides behind the 08, D3014.
I returned to Paignton behind 7827 and the next train was the Class 25, D7535 which I got to Kingswear and back.
As with what seems like most days now, the weather was awful. But I got four new winners including an 08. Can't complain about that!
So left Plymouth on the 0840. Arriving into Newton Abbot on time at 0920 I had a 6 minute wait for the train to Paignton.
Once I arrived at Paignton it was a short walk over to the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway. First up was 4936 Kinlet Hall. It was short and sweet as I only did it to Churston. At Churston I waited for the next train to Kingswear which was 7827 Lydham Manor. During my wait a had two brake van rides behind the 08, D3014.
I returned to Paignton behind 7827 and the next train was the Class 25, D7535 which I got to Kingswear and back.
As with what seems like most days now, the weather was awful. But I got four new winners including an 08. Can't complain about that!
7th June 2012 - Colas Logs
Not normally running on a Thursday the return leg of the Log train to Chirk. Because it's my day off I thought I'd make the most of it and headed to Newton Abbot for a photo.
The added bonus was being able to photograph the Diamond Jubilee HST power car that was at Plymouth. Horrible wet day but a couple of reasonable pictures.
The added bonus was being able to photograph the Diamond Jubilee HST power car that was at Plymouth. Horrible wet day but a couple of reasonable pictures.
5th June 2012 - Toton and Bridgnorth
No travel but flying visits to Toton and on my way home a call in at Bridgnorth.
I've been to Toton a few times now in the last year or so but it's always worth it. Despite the difficulty in spotting whats in the area just in front of the main shed, where things do change, I always seem to spot something new. This time was no exception. A big shunt around has occurred and has revealed a few more 60s and 08s that were required. Also what helped was I parked up on the A52 and looked over from the bridge and got numbers otherwise not seen. In total I got five new 60s an two three 08s.
Because of diversions I also got some photos of passenger trains passing Toton. Oliver Cromwell was also due and I was going to stay but it had failed on its way up!
On my way home we went to Bridgnorth with some family. I parked near the station so naturally took some photos. Also under cover was D1013 which was required for sight. Added bonus for the day.
I've been to Toton a few times now in the last year or so but it's always worth it. Despite the difficulty in spotting whats in the area just in front of the main shed, where things do change, I always seem to spot something new. This time was no exception. A big shunt around has occurred and has revealed a few more 60s and 08s that were required. Also what helped was I parked up on the A52 and looked over from the bridge and got numbers otherwise not seen. In total I got five new 60s an two three 08s.
Because of diversions I also got some photos of passenger trains passing Toton. Oliver Cromwell was also due and I was going to stay but it had failed on its way up!
On my way home we went to Bridgnorth with some family. I parked near the station so naturally took some photos. Also under cover was D1013 which was required for sight. Added bonus for the day.
Sunday, 3 June 2012
2nd June 2012 - Railfest 2012
I was lucky enough not to be working on the opening day of Railfest 2012 and booked my ticket months ago. In fact when I booked my ticket there wasn't really that much announced about it so maybe it was a risk. But as time went on it sounded better and better so by the time I went I was really looking forward to it.
I drove up to Derby with my wife and we stayed with my mother in law on the Friday. Initially it was me going to York on my own but my wife wanted to go too (York not Railfest!). This was fine but she didn't like my plan but that was tough. I had planned to get to York with time to get breakfast before the event started. And the bit she didn't like? It meant 2 changes of train! Only direct trains are XC ones and I've been on all of them so wanted to avoid them!
So we left Derby at 0607 on a winning 222001. Part one of my plan worked! I didn't know there was engineering works in the area an much to my surprise we left derby in the wrong direction. This was good. Next question was which way would we go? To my delight we went past Toton. New track within 20 odd minutes of leaving Derby. Nice! I also managed to spot winners at Toton. Although travelling at speed and trying to get the numbers was a tad tricky! I managed to see two new 66s and a 60. The move around of locos there recently was good for me as it meant I could now see a once before hidden 60! There were quite a few freightliner 66s there which must be to do with the HOBC train. We soon joined the the normal route to Sheffield at Chrsterfield. From here I expected the normal route to Sheffield. But once again we diverted. Brilliant! This time we headed off towards Barrow Hill. I had done this bit recently but not beyond the turn back point of the lines just off the depot. So more winning route as we went round Sheffield and came back into it from the North. Fantastic day so far and we weren't even at York!
Time at Sheffield to grab a quick cup of tea. It was then onto 144009 to Doncaster. Winner for sight and obviously haulage. Part two of my plan worked! At Doncaster we waited for the Edinburgh train to York. It was rammed but luckily it's only 20 odd minutes to stand! It was also a winning 91 in the form of 91132. That's Part 3 of my plan working!
Upon arrival at York we headed to the Punch Bowel for Breakfast. Was a good breakfast ad set me up. Been a long time since my bowel of Coco Pops at 0500! Me and my wife then went separate ways with. Me heading back to the station.
Once at the NRM I was so glad I bought a ticket already! The queues were stupidly long already!
Once inside I saw for the first time in my life my favourite Steam train! The 'City of Truro'! Why is it my favourite? I guess it was in the GWR and carries the name of the city I was born. It was being used for train rides so I'd be able to get haulage off of it too!
First up though was 43159, the fastest diesel locomotive in the world. Been a long time since I'd been in the cab of an HST. And then for comparison, 41001. The HST prototype power car. Now being refurbished it was back at the NRM from Neville Hill for Railfest. The cabs were very different but 159s cab had been changed quite a bit after the life extension work done on it!
I then queued to cab 60007, Sir Nigel Gresley. Fantastic because it had a lit fire (as I later found out a lot of the steam exhibits did!).
I then saw 57604 and my first disappointment of the day. It was not available for cabbing. I then realised there were lots of exhibits like this.
I worked my way round a few more steam engine cabs and soon a
Came across 91110. This was the star of the show and was due to be named later on as the opening to Railfest. It was currently under a massive cover. I moved on towards the edge of the site where I saw 221144, the 2 car voyager was on display. I wasn't bothered about cabbing this as this had been done last year at central rivers. Infact i'd been in the cab as it moved round central rivers under its own power. Star of that day was also 57308, Tin Tin. Bizarrely the last time I saw 57308 she was attached to 221144 dragging it round central rivers. Today they were attached at the NRM! I did cab the 57.
Nearby was newly acquired and painted 57309. Now in DRS livery. The cab was not open which was disappointing. It was then time to head back to 91110 for its naming ceremony.
The whole ceremony took about 1 hour 15 minutes. 91110 was to be named Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. It included a full new livery for the train and all was to be revealed with a flypast by a Hurricane, Spitfire and Lancaster. In my opinion it was very well put together and didn't feel at any point like it dragged. Carol Vorderman who works closely with the charity was given the duty of revealing the name and new livery.
I like it. I have taken quite a few photos of the train but also grabbed one on my iPhone. I uploaded this I Flickr straight away but will upload the rest when I get home.
After this it was time to head back towards the Edge of the site again. There was a GBRF 66 and 92 (92 new for sight) but no access to the cabs. Also present was a DRS 20 and recently released from Barrow Hill 37. Again no cab access. I did get access to two more steam engines and 56312.
I now needed some food. I grabbed an expensive (but nice!) cheeseburger. I also got a pint of Flying Scotsman. The Flying Scotsman was present in its war time black livery. A photo was got but that wasn't easy and therefore not that great!
Next up was a cab visit to a GWR 4500 Class. This was more like it! I had to actually climb into the cab! And the same with the next cab visit! The Duchess of Hamilton. Apparently they hadn't quite finished getting the steps ready!
After that I paid a visit to 395019s cab! I was nearly done now! I had an hour left before meeting my wife! So I headed back to where the 'City of Truro' was running. On the way I saw 55002 and it has steps leading to it but a closed sign. It turns out the steps were at the wrong end due to only one cab nearly finished. I was fortunate enough though to be allowed in the good end. It meant another climb (good!) but got the cab in! Thanks to the guy at the NRM who allowed this!
It was now my ride behind No 2012 Teddy and then 'City of Truro'. I need to get a longer ride at some point but for now this will do!
That was pretty much everything to see and do. I had a quick look round the trade stands and then had a quick scoot round the main museum. It was then off to meet my wife. We had about an hour and half till our train back. So we headed to the second Wetherspoons for a pint.
After that is was time for heading back to Derby. This was a two train trip. In rolled a dud Meridian 222006! Part 4 of the plan foiled! A change (after passing Toton again) was required at East Midlands Parkway. Part 5 of the plan was good! So 4 out 5 trains were winners! Good going!
So a fantastic day done and dusted! I've been in plenty of cabs (shame it wasn't more). Not been in this many since open days from when I was a kid. And I managed a fair few on stations in those days. Got 7 winners including 'City of Truro' and new track! Next up Mazey Day. One tour now cancelled but two left to try and get on!
I drove up to Derby with my wife and we stayed with my mother in law on the Friday. Initially it was me going to York on my own but my wife wanted to go too (York not Railfest!). This was fine but she didn't like my plan but that was tough. I had planned to get to York with time to get breakfast before the event started. And the bit she didn't like? It meant 2 changes of train! Only direct trains are XC ones and I've been on all of them so wanted to avoid them!
So we left Derby at 0607 on a winning 222001. Part one of my plan worked! I didn't know there was engineering works in the area an much to my surprise we left derby in the wrong direction. This was good. Next question was which way would we go? To my delight we went past Toton. New track within 20 odd minutes of leaving Derby. Nice! I also managed to spot winners at Toton. Although travelling at speed and trying to get the numbers was a tad tricky! I managed to see two new 66s and a 60. The move around of locos there recently was good for me as it meant I could now see a once before hidden 60! There were quite a few freightliner 66s there which must be to do with the HOBC train. We soon joined the the normal route to Sheffield at Chrsterfield. From here I expected the normal route to Sheffield. But once again we diverted. Brilliant! This time we headed off towards Barrow Hill. I had done this bit recently but not beyond the turn back point of the lines just off the depot. So more winning route as we went round Sheffield and came back into it from the North. Fantastic day so far and we weren't even at York!
Time at Sheffield to grab a quick cup of tea. It was then onto 144009 to Doncaster. Winner for sight and obviously haulage. Part two of my plan worked! At Doncaster we waited for the Edinburgh train to York. It was rammed but luckily it's only 20 odd minutes to stand! It was also a winning 91 in the form of 91132. That's Part 3 of my plan working!
Upon arrival at York we headed to the Punch Bowel for Breakfast. Was a good breakfast ad set me up. Been a long time since my bowel of Coco Pops at 0500! Me and my wife then went separate ways with. Me heading back to the station.
Once at the NRM I was so glad I bought a ticket already! The queues were stupidly long already!
Once inside I saw for the first time in my life my favourite Steam train! The 'City of Truro'! Why is it my favourite? I guess it was in the GWR and carries the name of the city I was born. It was being used for train rides so I'd be able to get haulage off of it too!
First up though was 43159, the fastest diesel locomotive in the world. Been a long time since I'd been in the cab of an HST. And then for comparison, 41001. The HST prototype power car. Now being refurbished it was back at the NRM from Neville Hill for Railfest. The cabs were very different but 159s cab had been changed quite a bit after the life extension work done on it!
I then queued to cab 60007, Sir Nigel Gresley. Fantastic because it had a lit fire (as I later found out a lot of the steam exhibits did!).
I then saw 57604 and my first disappointment of the day. It was not available for cabbing. I then realised there were lots of exhibits like this.
I worked my way round a few more steam engine cabs and soon a
Came across 91110. This was the star of the show and was due to be named later on as the opening to Railfest. It was currently under a massive cover. I moved on towards the edge of the site where I saw 221144, the 2 car voyager was on display. I wasn't bothered about cabbing this as this had been done last year at central rivers. Infact i'd been in the cab as it moved round central rivers under its own power. Star of that day was also 57308, Tin Tin. Bizarrely the last time I saw 57308 she was attached to 221144 dragging it round central rivers. Today they were attached at the NRM! I did cab the 57.
Nearby was newly acquired and painted 57309. Now in DRS livery. The cab was not open which was disappointing. It was then time to head back to 91110 for its naming ceremony.
The whole ceremony took about 1 hour 15 minutes. 91110 was to be named Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. It included a full new livery for the train and all was to be revealed with a flypast by a Hurricane, Spitfire and Lancaster. In my opinion it was very well put together and didn't feel at any point like it dragged. Carol Vorderman who works closely with the charity was given the duty of revealing the name and new livery.
I like it. I have taken quite a few photos of the train but also grabbed one on my iPhone. I uploaded this I Flickr straight away but will upload the rest when I get home.
After this it was time to head back towards the Edge of the site again. There was a GBRF 66 and 92 (92 new for sight) but no access to the cabs. Also present was a DRS 20 and recently released from Barrow Hill 37. Again no cab access. I did get access to two more steam engines and 56312.
I now needed some food. I grabbed an expensive (but nice!) cheeseburger. I also got a pint of Flying Scotsman. The Flying Scotsman was present in its war time black livery. A photo was got but that wasn't easy and therefore not that great!
Next up was a cab visit to a GWR 4500 Class. This was more like it! I had to actually climb into the cab! And the same with the next cab visit! The Duchess of Hamilton. Apparently they hadn't quite finished getting the steps ready!
After that I paid a visit to 395019s cab! I was nearly done now! I had an hour left before meeting my wife! So I headed back to where the 'City of Truro' was running. On the way I saw 55002 and it has steps leading to it but a closed sign. It turns out the steps were at the wrong end due to only one cab nearly finished. I was fortunate enough though to be allowed in the good end. It meant another climb (good!) but got the cab in! Thanks to the guy at the NRM who allowed this!
It was now my ride behind No 2012 Teddy and then 'City of Truro'. I need to get a longer ride at some point but for now this will do!
That was pretty much everything to see and do. I had a quick look round the trade stands and then had a quick scoot round the main museum. It was then off to meet my wife. We had about an hour and half till our train back. So we headed to the second Wetherspoons for a pint.
After that is was time for heading back to Derby. This was a two train trip. In rolled a dud Meridian 222006! Part 4 of the plan foiled! A change (after passing Toton again) was required at East Midlands Parkway. Part 5 of the plan was good! So 4 out 5 trains were winners! Good going!
So a fantastic day done and dusted! I've been in plenty of cabs (shame it wasn't more). Not been in this many since open days from when I was a kid. And I managed a fair few on stations in those days. Got 7 winners including 'City of Truro' and new track! Next up Mazey Day. One tour now cancelled but two left to try and get on!
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