It was my last day of my short trip. There was no plan today but I basically had until 1715 to do whatever I wanted. I got a WYPTE ticket (one of my favourite PTE tickets) for the bargain price of £6.60 and looked for the first train that was required and valid. This took me to Headingley with a winning 144 and 142. The return also produced a winner in the form of a 150. I didn't have to wait very long before another winner. This time to Burley Park on a 155. The return was a dud 142.
Next up was a winning 333. I needed 5 more after this and decided was now time to make the effort and try and get them all. I took this to Shipley and the next train I saw was another 333 that was required. This was going back to Leeds and one my way in I saw a FL 66 heading East. The bonus was that it was required for sight.
Once back in Leeds I spotted 333005. Another required 333! This was going well. I took this to Menston. Once here I waited for the train heading back to Leeds. Dud! So I waited for the next one which was heading to Bradford. Winner!!!! Couldn't believe my luck! Whilst on this train i saw 333004 heading to Ilkley. Needed that so at least I knew where that was!
So at Shipley I saw a required 322. I caught this to Salitaire and then a dud 333 back to Shipley. I then waited for a little while for 333004 to return and take me to Bradford. One left!
So where was 333013. Now I think earlier that morning i had seen it but wasn't 100% sure. If it was the unit I thought it was it had headed North to Skipton. So I headed to Steeton & Silsden, where the trains would cross. when I got there I hadn't envisaged a not quite so straight forward crossing of the line! The platforms were not opposite! I ran and made it with loads of time! Phew! I waited and hoped! When it came it was indeed 333013! Fantastic! The 333s completed for haulage and with not that much effort.
It was no time for lunch so I headed back to Keighley and popped to the Wetherspoons. It was then back to Leeds. I caught a train from Carlisle so there was hope I'd need them. I didn't. Ah well. As I was arriving into Leeds i checked what the 91 to Kings Cross. 91104 which was required. So off to Wakefield on that before returning on a winning 144.
Once back at Leeds I saw TPE 170301 heading to Huddersfield. This was needed to jumped on it. 170309 was also attached but i got this the other day so not needed. Then the return to Leeds was 170308 which i also had the other day! Before this trip i'd only been on one TPE 170 before! At least now I'd been on four!
And with that it was time to head home. Rather nicely the 91 back south was a winner. I also spotted a winning GBRf 66 at Peterborough. I hopped off at each station to Paddington picking up a few underground winning units and then it was the FGW HST home.
What a great few days away. Plenty of winning units, loads of new route, the 333s completed, finally spotting more than two 507/508s. Next time I can spend time chasing winning trains now I have the route. I travelled 1659 miles over the 3 days.
Friday, 21 September 2012
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
11th September 2012 - Lancashire Day Ranger
An area where i still had a fair amount of unscratched track was Lancashire. To reach this ranger's area I got a return to Hebden Bridge and caught the 0808 off of Leeds. By the time I reached Hebden Bridge, the Ranger kicked in. A winning 158754 took me to Manchester Victoria. A short trip to Salford Crescent on a winning 142056 followed by a short 1 mile trip back to Salford Central on 156443.
Next was another winning 142 (057) on some new track to Wigan Wallgate. I then met up with 142056 again and headed north to Bolton for another stretch of new track.
Now I needed to head north to Lancaster. Two winners got me there. 185101 to Preston and then 390118 to Lancaster. Now I waited for the one train a day to Heysham Port. It was 142019, required for haulage. It came in where I didn't expect it which meant crossing the footbridge but never mind! I expected it to use either platform 1 or 2! So with the trip to Heysham port and back complete, I headed back south to Preston on a dud pendo. I did mange to spot my final 185 for sight, and with my record of haulage on them was something of a surprise!
Now for more new route. Preston to Ormskirk. It was then more new route on a Merseyrail unit. I've seen only 3 before today and never ridden on one so this was all new! I took this to Moorfields. I then took a short journey to Sandhills. And then from here to Southport. Whilst here I gave myself an hour to get some food and visit the two Wetherspoons.
Back onto the rail network and off the Merseyrail trains, I headed East to Wigan Wallgate. Still new route but on a dud 156. It was then two dud 142s to Kirkby. Then I swapped onto (I had no idea that Ormskirk and Kirkby are one long platform with single tracks meeting with two sets of buffers!) a winning Mersey unit to Moorfields.
It was then the short trip from Moorfields to Liverpool Lime Street. From here a dud 156 took me to Wigan North Western where I waited for a train to Preston. The next train to arrive was a 142 (a winner) but the train after would get me to Preston more comfortably and quicker. I opted for the winner (the pendo might have been dud!). I sill met the same train I was going to catch to Blackburn which was a dud 142 but it was all new route.
The final train and final bit of new route up to Hebden Bridge was on a 158. Again another dud but at least it was direct to Leeds. It was another late finish. I got 14 winning trains over the course of the day and lots more route covered. I also managed to complete the 185s for sight and finally my 507/508s don't look so out of place in my book! I also managed a reasonable 330 odd, slow miles.
Next was another winning 142 (057) on some new track to Wigan Wallgate. I then met up with 142056 again and headed north to Bolton for another stretch of new track.
Now I needed to head north to Lancaster. Two winners got me there. 185101 to Preston and then 390118 to Lancaster. Now I waited for the one train a day to Heysham Port. It was 142019, required for haulage. It came in where I didn't expect it which meant crossing the footbridge but never mind! I expected it to use either platform 1 or 2! So with the trip to Heysham port and back complete, I headed back south to Preston on a dud pendo. I did mange to spot my final 185 for sight, and with my record of haulage on them was something of a surprise!
Now for more new route. Preston to Ormskirk. It was then more new route on a Merseyrail unit. I've seen only 3 before today and never ridden on one so this was all new! I took this to Moorfields. I then took a short journey to Sandhills. And then from here to Southport. Whilst here I gave myself an hour to get some food and visit the two Wetherspoons.
Back onto the rail network and off the Merseyrail trains, I headed East to Wigan Wallgate. Still new route but on a dud 156. It was then two dud 142s to Kirkby. Then I swapped onto (I had no idea that Ormskirk and Kirkby are one long platform with single tracks meeting with two sets of buffers!) a winning Mersey unit to Moorfields.
It was then the short trip from Moorfields to Liverpool Lime Street. From here a dud 156 took me to Wigan North Western where I waited for a train to Preston. The next train to arrive was a 142 (a winner) but the train after would get me to Preston more comfortably and quicker. I opted for the winner (the pendo might have been dud!). I sill met the same train I was going to catch to Blackburn which was a dud 142 but it was all new route.
The final train and final bit of new route up to Hebden Bridge was on a 158. Again another dud but at least it was direct to Leeds. It was another late finish. I got 14 winning trains over the course of the day and lots more route covered. I also managed to complete the 185s for sight and finally my 507/508s don't look so out of place in my book! I also managed a reasonable 330 odd, slow miles.
9/10th September 2012 - Trip to Leeds and South Pennine Day Ranger
So I finished work at 2000 after a 12 hour duty manger shift and it was the start of two weeks of holiday. My wife didn't have time off until Thursday so I planned a little trip away. Partly decided by the fact I could get London - Leeds Return tickets for free thanks to East Coast rewards, I decided it was a good base to stay at. I've stayed here several times before and is pretty central for quite a lot as you will see. Travelodge booked at £20 a night for two nights and right by the station. Happy with that. My plan would basically give me near on 3 full days in the North.
So I left Plymouth on the Sunday night on the Sleeper at 2320. Again it was only a seat but I can never seem to pick up the bargains. Anyway we travelled to London via Bristol Temple Meads behind 57604 and arrived bang on time at 0505.
My train from Kings Cross to Leeds was at 0705 so there was no massive rush. I had a McDonalds breakfast and then headed to the Circle Line. I was going to take my time getting to Kings Cross. I got off at each stop until I got there. I managed to bag 9 new units doing this and easily swallowed an hour (the gaps between trains was still fairly big).
Once at Kings Cross I went and picked up my tickets. Whilst here I decided to get both my South Pennine and Lancashire Rangers that would be needed. It was soon time for the dud 1D03 hauled by 91107 to Leeds.
It left on time and the only thing of note was a winning 66 at Peterborough. And not a GBRF one! A Freightliner one! As we passed Doncaster I saw a few more DBS ones but all were dud. A cluster of them were not uid and I have a feeling they were the Eurocargo ones heading to Toton. Annoying as I needed them when i found out what they were, but i couldn't guarantee ot was them! As we passed Doncaster Works a Scotrail 320 was sat outside and was also required.
So once at Leeds I set out on my plan of day one. It was basically to complete nearly all the route left to do within the South Pennine area. The first train was to Meadowhall on winning 158861. I had time to kill so I bashed between here and Sheffield until the train I needed towards Manchester left. This picked me up 5 winning trains of a class 142, 150, 170, 185 and 144. I also spotted 70014 passing through Meadowhall. Shame no picture but it caught me by surprise!
Now was nearly time for my next part of the plan which would lead to new track scratching. I spotted 158844 at Sheffield just as I was leaving which was good. 150140 was doing the honours of taking me to Romiley. This would get me the tiny bit between Chinley and Romiley. Then I waited for the next train to Rose Hill Marple to complete that branch. It was a double unit of 150117 (dud) and 142014 (winner). I did these back to Piccadilly. From here I headed back to Romiley via Guide Bridge. 142037 (winner) did the honours. That was that bit of track scratched too and then back to Piccadilly on an old friend! 142001 complete with its Devon sticker still on the front.
The next train was the 1548, 2H76 Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Piccadilly via Glossop and Hadfield. This would get me all three sides of the triangle in. Quite annoyingly 323236 rolled in to form the service! I've only had three Northern 323s and this one twice now!
With that complete I headed east towards Huddersfield. A dud 185 (I've said it before and I'll say it again, i have a habit of riding the same Desiros over and over. Be it diesel or electric!). Then it was for the final bit of required track in my plan. Huddersfield to Barnsley. Winning 142018 took me there.
I had an hour here to visit both Wetherspoons. I found the first one quite quickly. I had a quick drink. Didn't fancy eating there. Couldn't find the cask marque certificate to scan do that was an email to say I visited! The other Spoons was much nicer and friendlier. I ate here and found the certificate to scan.
Next up was to spin back to Sheffield and then Manchester. 158861 (again!) tool me to Sheffield and then finally a different TPE 170 other than 170305 took me to Piccadilly. I was then going to head to Leeds but the train was cancelled. So I headed back to Sheffield and went that way. It was another dud 185. The train to Leeds was going to be an EMT HST. I'm glad I did this move as leading the train was 43083 and very much required!
A very long and tiring day but a lot of new track now scratched. I haven't worked out the exact mileage yet as I am writing this on the go but I managed well over 760 odd miles in the 24 hour period! Eleven winning trains were also caught whilst track scratching so was pretty pleased with that.
So I left Plymouth on the Sunday night on the Sleeper at 2320. Again it was only a seat but I can never seem to pick up the bargains. Anyway we travelled to London via Bristol Temple Meads behind 57604 and arrived bang on time at 0505.
My train from Kings Cross to Leeds was at 0705 so there was no massive rush. I had a McDonalds breakfast and then headed to the Circle Line. I was going to take my time getting to Kings Cross. I got off at each stop until I got there. I managed to bag 9 new units doing this and easily swallowed an hour (the gaps between trains was still fairly big).
Once at Kings Cross I went and picked up my tickets. Whilst here I decided to get both my South Pennine and Lancashire Rangers that would be needed. It was soon time for the dud 1D03 hauled by 91107 to Leeds.
It left on time and the only thing of note was a winning 66 at Peterborough. And not a GBRF one! A Freightliner one! As we passed Doncaster I saw a few more DBS ones but all were dud. A cluster of them were not uid and I have a feeling they were the Eurocargo ones heading to Toton. Annoying as I needed them when i found out what they were, but i couldn't guarantee ot was them! As we passed Doncaster Works a Scotrail 320 was sat outside and was also required.
So once at Leeds I set out on my plan of day one. It was basically to complete nearly all the route left to do within the South Pennine area. The first train was to Meadowhall on winning 158861. I had time to kill so I bashed between here and Sheffield until the train I needed towards Manchester left. This picked me up 5 winning trains of a class 142, 150, 170, 185 and 144. I also spotted 70014 passing through Meadowhall. Shame no picture but it caught me by surprise!
Now was nearly time for my next part of the plan which would lead to new track scratching. I spotted 158844 at Sheffield just as I was leaving which was good. 150140 was doing the honours of taking me to Romiley. This would get me the tiny bit between Chinley and Romiley. Then I waited for the next train to Rose Hill Marple to complete that branch. It was a double unit of 150117 (dud) and 142014 (winner). I did these back to Piccadilly. From here I headed back to Romiley via Guide Bridge. 142037 (winner) did the honours. That was that bit of track scratched too and then back to Piccadilly on an old friend! 142001 complete with its Devon sticker still on the front.
The next train was the 1548, 2H76 Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Piccadilly via Glossop and Hadfield. This would get me all three sides of the triangle in. Quite annoyingly 323236 rolled in to form the service! I've only had three Northern 323s and this one twice now!
With that complete I headed east towards Huddersfield. A dud 185 (I've said it before and I'll say it again, i have a habit of riding the same Desiros over and over. Be it diesel or electric!). Then it was for the final bit of required track in my plan. Huddersfield to Barnsley. Winning 142018 took me there.
I had an hour here to visit both Wetherspoons. I found the first one quite quickly. I had a quick drink. Didn't fancy eating there. Couldn't find the cask marque certificate to scan do that was an email to say I visited! The other Spoons was much nicer and friendlier. I ate here and found the certificate to scan.
Next up was to spin back to Sheffield and then Manchester. 158861 (again!) tool me to Sheffield and then finally a different TPE 170 other than 170305 took me to Piccadilly. I was then going to head to Leeds but the train was cancelled. So I headed back to Sheffield and went that way. It was another dud 185. The train to Leeds was going to be an EMT HST. I'm glad I did this move as leading the train was 43083 and very much required!
A very long and tiring day but a lot of new track now scratched. I haven't worked out the exact mileage yet as I am writing this on the go but I managed well over 760 odd miles in the 24 hour period! Eleven winning trains were also caught whilst track scratching so was pretty pleased with that.
Monday, 10 September 2012
7th September 2012 - West Midlands Day Ranger
For my day off this week I decided a West Midlands Day Ranger was in order. Main aim was to try and find and ride my last 172 for haulage.
An early start meant leaving Plymouth at 0600. My wife came with me so it wasn't too bad. We drove to Droitwich Spa and then headed into Birmingham. She was planning to meet her mum. When we arrived at Kidderminster the day was all of a sudden easy! There it was! 172333 sat waiting for the following service off Kidderminster. I said my goodbyes to my wife and got off. Well that was easy. The 172s done and now I could look for other required trains. I bailed at Smethwick and headed to the low levels. A dud 323 took me to New Street and then I literally wondered from platform to platform until I found a train that was needed. It wasn't too long a wait. 158830 was heading to International so I duly caught it.
I then caught a dud pendo to Coventry before returning to New Street on a required 11 car pendo. Much more frequent now but I need most of them still. 390117 was doing the honours.
Once at new street I headed over I see what super voyager was heading north. It's only the virgin ones I need and it's the easiest way to try and get them. Bombardier liveried 221115! Required. I caught this to Wolverhampton. I decided to head to Crewe. Two reasons. I need the Wetherspoon's and I needed to put my mind at rest that my final 90 for sight at Crewe electric couldn't be seen (or maybe seen!!!!). A winning 350 to Crewe was next!
Since my last visit (ages ago now!) all the 56s have moved! Bonus for me as one was needed and could now be seen!
It was then off to the Wetherspoons. It's a hefty walk from the station. Especially when it's warm and you're tight of time! Anyway I got there ordered a curry and a pint and the wolfed it down! It was then back to the station via Crewe Electric!
As I thought you could see nothing! Only one thing left to do! Go on a train on the line that passes it. it was required route so I stumped up the extra for a day return to Chester.
Before I headed to Chester I spotted three DRS 37s in one of the bay platforms. A quick photo (they left pretty much as I saw them!) and then another winning Super Voyager to Chester so that was good! As we passed Crewe Electric I saw some 90s but none I needed! My final one is deep inside I believe and I'm unlikely to ever see it!
Once at Chester I waited a while for the next train back. I spotted two new emus from the mersey. Not hard as I have seen about two in my lifetime. (Should change next week that!).
So in rolled my ride back to Crewe. A double super voyager. 221101 ( currently in four car formation thanks to a recent fire) and 221104, a winner!
At Crewe where the 37s were was now a different loco. I thought it was a 47 but as I got closer I realised it was a 57. A WCRC one too. I didn't expect to see 57006 nicely painted and running! Only DRS 57s left to see now.
So my train back to Birmingham area was another Super Voyager. And quite unbelievably it was a winner! I now only need 3 more to ride for the lot! I have never had 4 virgin ones that were winners in a row. Not even when I'd been on none! Lol!
I bailed at Wolverhampton. Good job. I saw my final ATW 158 for sight so caught it to Shrewsbury. This got my the curve into Shrewsbury. I'd got the freight curve last time I was here when on a tour to Llandridnod Wells. I'll have to return at some point as the wetherspoons are needed. And the ones on the way at Wellington and Telford.
A double dud 158 combo took me back to Wolves and then a dud 350 back to New Street. Now was time to head to Coventry to pick up the 1K39 Pretendolino. A winning 390 to International and a winning 350 to Coventry followed.
Now at this point I have to admit i hadn't heard much about the 90 of late so I didn't even know if it was running. The next train to come in was a required 350. I decided I'd take that to international and get the 90 if running, from there.
It was running. But not the usual service! I forget what I read the next day but it ran something later and 11 car pendo ran the 1K39. At least it was a winner!
It was then time to meet the missus and head back to Droitwich. My final LM 3 car 170 slowly took us back to a long drive home! A brilliant day! Obviously bagging my final 172 was good but four 221s was a big gain. Next up my 3 day trip up north.
An early start meant leaving Plymouth at 0600. My wife came with me so it wasn't too bad. We drove to Droitwich Spa and then headed into Birmingham. She was planning to meet her mum. When we arrived at Kidderminster the day was all of a sudden easy! There it was! 172333 sat waiting for the following service off Kidderminster. I said my goodbyes to my wife and got off. Well that was easy. The 172s done and now I could look for other required trains. I bailed at Smethwick and headed to the low levels. A dud 323 took me to New Street and then I literally wondered from platform to platform until I found a train that was needed. It wasn't too long a wait. 158830 was heading to International so I duly caught it.
I then caught a dud pendo to Coventry before returning to New Street on a required 11 car pendo. Much more frequent now but I need most of them still. 390117 was doing the honours.
Once at new street I headed over I see what super voyager was heading north. It's only the virgin ones I need and it's the easiest way to try and get them. Bombardier liveried 221115! Required. I caught this to Wolverhampton. I decided to head to Crewe. Two reasons. I need the Wetherspoon's and I needed to put my mind at rest that my final 90 for sight at Crewe electric couldn't be seen (or maybe seen!!!!). A winning 350 to Crewe was next!
Since my last visit (ages ago now!) all the 56s have moved! Bonus for me as one was needed and could now be seen!
It was then off to the Wetherspoons. It's a hefty walk from the station. Especially when it's warm and you're tight of time! Anyway I got there ordered a curry and a pint and the wolfed it down! It was then back to the station via Crewe Electric!
As I thought you could see nothing! Only one thing left to do! Go on a train on the line that passes it. it was required route so I stumped up the extra for a day return to Chester.
Before I headed to Chester I spotted three DRS 37s in one of the bay platforms. A quick photo (they left pretty much as I saw them!) and then another winning Super Voyager to Chester so that was good! As we passed Crewe Electric I saw some 90s but none I needed! My final one is deep inside I believe and I'm unlikely to ever see it!
Once at Chester I waited a while for the next train back. I spotted two new emus from the mersey. Not hard as I have seen about two in my lifetime. (Should change next week that!).
So in rolled my ride back to Crewe. A double super voyager. 221101 ( currently in four car formation thanks to a recent fire) and 221104, a winner!
At Crewe where the 37s were was now a different loco. I thought it was a 47 but as I got closer I realised it was a 57. A WCRC one too. I didn't expect to see 57006 nicely painted and running! Only DRS 57s left to see now.
So my train back to Birmingham area was another Super Voyager. And quite unbelievably it was a winner! I now only need 3 more to ride for the lot! I have never had 4 virgin ones that were winners in a row. Not even when I'd been on none! Lol!
I bailed at Wolverhampton. Good job. I saw my final ATW 158 for sight so caught it to Shrewsbury. This got my the curve into Shrewsbury. I'd got the freight curve last time I was here when on a tour to Llandridnod Wells. I'll have to return at some point as the wetherspoons are needed. And the ones on the way at Wellington and Telford.
A double dud 158 combo took me back to Wolves and then a dud 350 back to New Street. Now was time to head to Coventry to pick up the 1K39 Pretendolino. A winning 390 to International and a winning 350 to Coventry followed.
Now at this point I have to admit i hadn't heard much about the 90 of late so I didn't even know if it was running. The next train to come in was a required 350. I decided I'd take that to international and get the 90 if running, from there.
It was running. But not the usual service! I forget what I read the next day but it ran something later and 11 car pendo ran the 1K39. At least it was a winner!
It was then time to meet the missus and head back to Droitwich. My final LM 3 car 170 slowly took us back to a long drive home! A brilliant day! Obviously bagging my final 172 was good but four 221s was a big gain. Next up my 3 day trip up north.
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
27th August - Plym Valley Railway
Today would see me visit the Plym Valley Railway for the first time. Today the train doing the runs up and down the line to Lee Moor Crossing was 13002. I did one trip but look forward to when the line is fully open. Next time hopefully I'll get the 50 then.
26th August - Daytrip to St Ives
Today would see me head to St Ives with my wife. It was a simple Plymouth to St Erth, St Erth to St Ives and return. The biggest bonus of the day was 150101 doing the honours to St Erth. Only one FGW 150 left to bag now.
24/25th August - Mangapps Farm Gala
Earlier in the week I was invited to go to the Diesel Gala at Mangapps Farm Museum. To get there would be train courtesy of Dave's friends and family ticket to Paddington. It was then a NSE Open return to Southminster. So all in all a cheap day out (£21.80 including the Gala ticket!).
I met Dave and Peter at Plymouth on the Friday night as we were to head to London on the 1A40. This went via Temple Meads but not via Parkway like scheduled. Upon arrival at Paddington we headed to the underground. We took a Circle/Hammersmith train to Kings Cross where we changed for the Victoria line. We hopped from station to station getting as many units as possible until we got to Oxford Circus. We then headed to Liverpool street with two hops on some Central line stock.
It was now time to start heading eastwards. We caught two winning 360s to Stratford. We hopped onto a winning 321 to Romford. From Romford to Harold Wood was a double winning 315. Next to Shenfield on another double 315 (only one a winner). Next up was Billericay on a winning 321. We stopped here for longer as we went to breakfast at Wetherspoons.
After breakfast we did an out and back to Wickford. This bagged one winning 321 but the trains were starting to run a little late. It was back to Wickford and then onto the train for Southminster. We needed Burnham on Crouch for Mangapps Farm but made sense to complete the line whilst we were here. We then headed back to Althorne before returning to Burnham. All these little moves were to kill time and try and bag winning units.
So once we arrived at Mangapps Farm the heavens opened. We were already wet as it had been raining but good job we hadn't been any later because it was literally pouring water! Luckily it cleared and the sun came out. Throughout the day we would catch four winning 03s, one 04 and a 47 which all went up and down the short half mile stretch of track.
Once everything was caught we (well me and Peter as Dave had gone when he got 03197) headed back to London. We changed at Wickford for the train to Stratford and then again to get to Liverpool Street. As we were heading over to Paddington we saw Dave at Farringdon. We got off at Kings Cross and he met us there. It was then onto Paddington and onwards back to Devon.
What a great day! All winning locos at the Gala and plenty of units in between. Total mileage was 610.
I met Dave and Peter at Plymouth on the Friday night as we were to head to London on the 1A40. This went via Temple Meads but not via Parkway like scheduled. Upon arrival at Paddington we headed to the underground. We took a Circle/Hammersmith train to Kings Cross where we changed for the Victoria line. We hopped from station to station getting as many units as possible until we got to Oxford Circus. We then headed to Liverpool street with two hops on some Central line stock.
It was now time to start heading eastwards. We caught two winning 360s to Stratford. We hopped onto a winning 321 to Romford. From Romford to Harold Wood was a double winning 315. Next to Shenfield on another double 315 (only one a winner). Next up was Billericay on a winning 321. We stopped here for longer as we went to breakfast at Wetherspoons.
After breakfast we did an out and back to Wickford. This bagged one winning 321 but the trains were starting to run a little late. It was back to Wickford and then onto the train for Southminster. We needed Burnham on Crouch for Mangapps Farm but made sense to complete the line whilst we were here. We then headed back to Althorne before returning to Burnham. All these little moves were to kill time and try and bag winning units.
So once we arrived at Mangapps Farm the heavens opened. We were already wet as it had been raining but good job we hadn't been any later because it was literally pouring water! Luckily it cleared and the sun came out. Throughout the day we would catch four winning 03s, one 04 and a 47 which all went up and down the short half mile stretch of track.
Once everything was caught we (well me and Peter as Dave had gone when he got 03197) headed back to London. We changed at Wickford for the train to Stratford and then again to get to Liverpool Street. As we were heading over to Paddington we saw Dave at Farringdon. We got off at Kings Cross and he met us there. It was then onto Paddington and onwards back to Devon.
What a great day! All winning locos at the Gala and plenty of units in between. Total mileage was 610.
23rd August - Devon Day Ranger
The first Devon Day ranger I have done in nearly 6 months. I set out on the 1S39 0925 to Exeter. I then waited to see which 3 car 150 would be thrown out on the 2C67. My luck was in as it was 150927 which was required for renumber.
I took this to Dawlish Warren and then returned to Exeter. I then decided to head to Barnstaple. It's been so long since I have been there I can't actually remember when it was. Upon getting there I headed to the nearest pub on the Tarka line Ale Trail. There are 4 pubs on the trail in Barnstaple and now was the opportunity to go to them.
Once I had done this I realised I had not timed the train right so went to Wetherspoons for another drink. It was then time to head home. At Exeter the connections were all wrong so I headed to Tiverton first before going straight through to Plymouth. I managed a reasonable 235 miles and the winning 150 (even though it was only for renumber) was a bonus.
I took this to Dawlish Warren and then returned to Exeter. I then decided to head to Barnstaple. It's been so long since I have been there I can't actually remember when it was. Upon getting there I headed to the nearest pub on the Tarka line Ale Trail. There are 4 pubs on the trail in Barnstaple and now was the opportunity to go to them.
Once I had done this I realised I had not timed the train right so went to Wetherspoons for another drink. It was then time to head home. At Exeter the connections were all wrong so I headed to Tiverton first before going straight through to Plymouth. I managed a reasonable 235 miles and the winning 150 (even though it was only for renumber) was a bonus.
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