21st to 24th February 2013

So for our wedding anniversary me and my wife planned to go to Cologne. We got a good deal on train travel so it was a Eurostar to Brussels and then DB ICE to Cologne. A winning pair of 373s and then my first ever ICE train. The journey was trouble free and all was good.

The return wasn't quite so straightforward! We were diverted on the way back but we still made the connection for London. However things we not right at Lille. We were soon informed that due to a high security incident we all (including luggage) needed to get off the train! Apparently two men who had forced themselves onto the train. They had been arrested but we still had to get off at the French police insistance.

2 hours 20 minutes later we were back on the move! The wait was longer than the journey itself should have taken! I didn't think we would make the return to London. I had given a nice 3 hour window (meant to get a leisurely meal somewhere) and when we got to Paddington I discovered our train was in the platform we dropped in on and was due to leave in 5 minutes! We made it!

But someone was in our reserved seats! When I asked them to move the usual guff about the train companies double booking the seats was spouted by people all around (I have never known this in all the time I have travelled). The bloke showed me his tickets and I pointed out that his ticket was for travel on 24^th March not February! He duly moved and the rest of the journey was trouble free!

The best thing about all this was we are now entitled to a free return journey on Eurostar!

So the two days travel bagged me another 903 miles of travel by train. And Cologne was a great city! It was cold and snowing but the Beer was great and we had a great time!  

20th February – Heading to Plymouth and back to London

Upon arrival into London me and my dad went and got a Travelcard. We then headed out to Wembley (on two winning 350s) to see what was there. Not a lot! Pity. We then went to get breakfast at the Wetherspoons before heading back into London via the Chiltern route (dud 165). We saw all Wrexham & Shropshire liveried 67s except 67010! One of only two I need for sight! Nevermind! I did however see my final 168 for sight! So that was good.

We then headed to Liverpool Street. And we did several trips to and from Stratford. During this time I picked up three 321s, two 360s and one 90! The 90 was a bonus as I hadn't planned that move.

It was then back to Paddington for the train home. Once at Plymouth me and dad separated as he went on to Truro and I headed home. I didn't have long. Me and my wife were due to head back to London in readiness for our anniversary trip to Germany. We got back into London just after 2200 and headed to the travelodge. We then went off for a cheeky pre anniversary drink in the Angel, Wetherspoon.

It was the end of mine and dads trip and a great one at that! Today I had travelled a massive 909 miles (obvioulsy helped with the return to london) but there was more to come. A trip to Germany!  

19th February – Central Scotland Day 3 and The West Highland Line

Today was the last day we had in Scotland and really early on we had decided we would return on the sleeper. We also decided that the return would be from Fort William. The West Highland line has been a line I have wanted to do ever since I was a kid. This all meant we needed to be at Fort William in time for the sleeper to Euston and therefore off of Glasgow Queen Street at 1221! So only a few hours using the Central Scotland ticket but we felt we had got good value anyway.

We left Edinburgh at 0926 on two winning 156s and went on the Carstairs route for a change of scenery. We got off at Bellshill and caught another winning 156 behind to Glasgow Central. Once here we headed to the lower levels and headed west to Exhibition Centre, then to Partick before heading back to Queen Street. A winning 318, and 320 were picked up as we headed west but a dud 334 (had it earlier in the week) took us to Queen Street. Once here we grabbed lunch and waited for our train. The train was showing on the board but there was no sign of it! I was getting worried about it leaving on time but it rolled in a couple of minutes before it was due to leave and we left on time.

I am going to say it now. This was the best and most enjoyable train journey I have ever taken! Yes its slow but the weather was fantastic and the views after we left Helensburgh Upper we stunning! They got better and better! The train split at Crianlarich as the first portion went to Oban. We then continued to Mallaig. Wow! Words can not describe it! Although we needed to be at Fort William we had time to head to Glenfinnan. I had done the Fort William – Mallaig route before on the Jacobite but my dad hasn't. At least this way he could see the Famous Glenfinnan viaduct. The two 156 units that had got us this far (although they had split at Crianlarich) we both winners too.

We returned on a dud 156 to Fort William. We had a bit of time so we headed into town for a curry and a pint in each of the two Cask Marque pubs.

Back at the station we got on the train and found our berths. It was then time to head to the lounge car. The train was in charge of 67004 (a dud). Pity it was now dark so we couldn't see the views again! At Rannoch we had a little wait for a passing service and driver change. I was invited out by the driver and we had chat for a while. The unit arrived and with the driver swap complete I headed back to the lounge car. Shortly before 2300 we headed to the berths. The rest of the journey was relatively easy. I woke at 0100 when the various sleeper portions we being shunted about in Edinburgh but apart from that not a bad sleep.

Great day and up until the 90 took over at Edinburgh (a winning 90024) 373 miles we travelled.

18th February – Central Scotland Day 2

So after an early start (we headed to Leath for Breakfast in the Wetherspoons) it was 0915 for the first valid train of the day to Glasgow. Not a winner. At Glasgow we then caught a slow but winning 158 to Falkirk Grahmston. We had a bit of time until our train to Stirling so we popped to the Wetherspoons for an early drink!

Back at the station things weren't going well. Trains started running late for some reason so it was unlikely we would make it to Stirling in time for the train to Alloa. Whilst waiting DRS 57304 passed through light engine (route learning apparently). We finally made it to Stirling on a winning 158 but missed the planned train to Alloa. We had an hour to kill before the next one so we did a couple of trips to Larbert and back. I picked up 2 winning 158s and a 170 during this time. We grabbed a tea from the pumpkin before heading onto new route to Alloa. This was on a winning 170. There was a little wait at Alloa and not a lot nearby. We popped into ASDA to grab some bits before heading back to Stirling.

From here a winning 158 took us to Haymarket. We spent some time going between Haymarket and Edinburgh and I picked up four 170s, four 156s and three 158s in this time. It was then time for the loco hauled 67 to onto the Fife Circle. It was 67007 (dud) doing the duty. I wasn't aware only one was running and we got off at Inverkeithing hoping for the second. But was a unit (although it was a double winning 158 set). So we got off at Dunfermaline Town and headed to the centre for some dinner. After this we headed back to the station where we caught a train to Dunfermaline Queen Margaret before a train back to Haymarket. Both were duds.

We then did a series of moves that would incorporate new stations, mean we were on a train for as long as possible (it was getting seriously cold!) and hopefully continue to pick up new units. First up was a return to South Gyle. A winning 158 took us a dud 170 back. Then a return to Linlithgow. A winning 170 took us and then a dud one back. A winning 158 to Edinburgh from Haymarket before the last planned set of moves for the day. It was late but would cover a bit of track to Markinch via Cowden that was required. A dud 158 took us and then a dud 221 back to Edinburgh. It was after midnight by the time we got back but that bit of track was complete. It was really cold waiting at Markinch (the temperature had seriously dropped) but was another good day with another 319 miles travelled and plenty of winning trains along with winning track.

17th February – Central Scotland Day 1

A change in the weather meant clear skies greeted us when we left the Travelodge. We headed to a Wetherspoons for a Scottish Breakfast before heading on. It was a Sunday so the earliest train is never early enough. 0900 off of Glasgow Queen Street and we took this to Haymarket. It was a double 170 (units 434, 455 – one required for haulage). We then took the next train along the short mile section through the tunnels. This was a dud 158. Not a good start to the day then! Next up, some new route. We caught 380108 (winner) to North Berwick. Having now completed the route we went straight back to Edinburgh on the same train.

Back at Edinburgh we had a little while until our train to Kirkcaldy. So we did a couple of trips to Haymarket and back. During this I picked up two winning 170s, a 334 and 158. It was then time for a winning 170 to Kirkcaldy. We popped into the Wetherspoons for a quick drink and then headed back to the station for the East Coast service to Haymarket. The big bonus was the leading power car was winning.

After we returned to Haymarket a winning 170 took us to Edinburgh where caught another wininng 170 to Falkirk high. We returned to Haymarket (two more winning 170s) just in time for an East Coast service to Edinburgh. And as we arrived into Edinburgh I saw another East Coast set going the other way! So we jumped on that back to Haymarket. Two more winning HST power cars meant I had picked up 3 in the space of 3 odd hours! Brilliant!

It was soon time for a trip to Berwick Upon Tweed. This wasn't valid on the rover so advance singles had been purchased but it meant I could cover the line that goes through Dunbar station. A winning 91125 propelled us to Berwick where we had enough time to pop into the town and find the Wetherspoons for a quick drink.

We returned on a 220 (not ideal but I didn't want to wait for a later train or pay anymore!). We returned to Edinburgh and checked into the Travelodge (a bargain £13 each per night and that was a room each!). We then went off to get some dinner and a drink before a relatively early night. A great day for east power cars, a bit more new route and we travelled 313 miles during the course of the day.

16th February – Glasgow Daytripper

After arriving into Paddington we had an hour to get across to Euston. We made our way over to Euston Square on the Hammersmith line and once we arrived we had a wonder round to see what was here. With the renumber of the Pendolinos I still needed a fair few to see (and one 350 and 378 unit). Saw a new 390 and that was it. About 20 minutes before our train was due to leave a Class 47 rolled in near our platform with a charter train to Carlisle. A photo was taken of this and then it was onto a dud Pendolino to Glasgow. I've not done the West Coast in its entirety in daylight before so it was a bit new for me. There wasn't much to see for the first hour or so as daylight was only just appearing. Luckily we needed the most light as we passed the likes of Crewe and Carlisle. Of all the locos spotted on the way only one required 66 was seen at Kingmoor. Better than nothing!

As we neared Glasgow this was the time I needed to be most alert. I still need a lot of Scottish units. We arrived on time and we bought forward the plan I had set by an hour (made for contingency). We grabbed some lunch and then went for a trip down to the newly electrified Paisley Canal branch. This on a winning 314205 and we returned on the same unit. Next up was a trip to Gourock on 380006. We then headed back to Paisley Gilmour Street on 380014. We had a short wait for the train to Wemyss Bay so we popped out of the station to get a drink in the Wetherspoons. It was then onto Wemyss Bay on 380008.

Now because we were an hour ahead and we needed to get back onto the plan (it wasn't all clockface) we had spare time. Once we got back to Glasgow we did a Central to Central train to cover some new route on 314216. It was then back onto plan and off to Largs. Another 380 unit (010) took us there and then back to Saltcoats. Whilst we were waiting for the train to complete the Ardossan Harbour branch we popped into the Wetherspoons. It was then off to the Ardossan Harbour before returning to Glasgow on 380110. Back at Glasgow it was time to find the travelodge and check in.

Upon doing that we headed out to find something to eat at a Wetherspoons not yet visited. After this we popped back onto the train for a bit. We walked to Charing Cross and headed to Partick on 320310. We then headed back on 318252 (my first ever 318!) before jumping on 334012 to Dalmuir which meant I completed the Yoker route. It was then a return to Queen Street on 334019 before we used the clockwork orange to Buccanan Street which was the nearest station to our travelodge.

A good first day. Plenty of winners for both sight and haulage. Also a lot of new route now covered over the 635 miles we travelled. Tomorrow would be the start of the Central Scotland Rover.    

15th February 2013 – Night Riviera to London

Today would see the start of my trip to Scotland with my Dad. Well only just! We had from the Saturday until Wednesday but to maximise our time we headed out on the sleeper from Plymouth which left just before midnight on the Friday. We had sleeper berths so we did get a reasonable nights sleep. The route the train took was Via Westbury then Melksham. This was a 240 mile journey to start the trip away and we arrived into Paddington on time.

14th February 2013 – Ride Cornwall

I had enjoyed the week before so much I decided to do another Ride Cornwall and do a similar thing. Initially my ultimate plan for the day was to get Menheniot in the book. Its an awkward station on the Cornish network as it could entail a long wait but I found a window where only a 2 minute wait is required before the next train. Ideal!

But my plans changed when it transpired the cement train was running to Moorswater! My day off and its running? This changed the days plans. I headed to Liskeard and then onto the Looe Branch. I wanted to see it in the valley so Coombe Halt was the station required. I had plenty of time so down to Looe and back where I got off. A walk back was going to be needed as no train would be stopping at Coombe Halt until the evening now! Anyway I waited patiently for the Cement train. I had no phone (well internet) signal so was very frustrating as I couldn't see the whereabouts of the train. After 30 odd minutes someone else turned up. That was a good sign. We waited and after another 15 or so minutes we could see it coming down the hill. After it passed we crossed the line and ran up to the station. He then offered me a lift to Moorswater itself and we headed there for some lineside photos. Was very pleased with my efforts. After this I headed up to Liskeard for a well earned pint. Another pub knocked off the Looe Valley Trail. I then headed West Penzance before returning to Plymouth. Another 180 odd miles, one new station and one new pub! But I was now getting excited! Tomorrow would see the start of my trip with my dad to Scotland!  

7th February 2013 – Ride Cornwall

Not been very good at keeping this up to date! Never mind! Ok so after my trip away to Leeds/Manchester it was back in the south west. After a discussion I had had with Peter about stations we had alighted at I found a list of all of them on the National Rail Website. I imported them into a spreadsheet and marked off the ones I had been to. When I say been to I mean caught a train to or from it and then caught another train or made my way elsewhere by other means of transport. It surprised me to find I had been to nearly 500!

With this is mind and the number of rail ale trails in the south west I thought this was an ideal time to try and visit this pubs and therefore the stations near them. It had been a long time since I had done a Ride Cornwall so I decided to do this and head West. I headed to St Erth and then onto to St Ives and headed into town. My back was killing me (put it out during my trip away during my coughing fits!) but got easier as I made my way slowly into town. I haded to the Lifeboat Inn to get a stamp in my book. I have been to this pub on several occasions before but never had the book. I then headed back to the station and then onto Lelant Saltings. There were two pubs here. Well I say two. One is nearer to Lelant but no train seems to stop there during the day! The station will have to wait till the summer when it is warmer and lighter and I will stay out longer. I walked to it and then onto the other nearby for my stamps.

Then it was onto Hayle to find one of the St Austell pubs (this was for my phone app). The station was also new for alighting. It was then back to Penzance for the London Train back to Plymouth.

An enjoyable day. I'm not going to get anything new (maybe for the year) but I did get two new stations and 4 pubs across the ale trails I am doing. And a respectable 180 miles added to my total.  

24th January 2013 - West Yorkshire Rover

It was our last day but I had something I had planned to do on my own as Peter had already done it. Basically it was route that I had planned to do when I did my freedom of the north east last year but never got to it. Leeds to York via Harrogate and York to Selby. A few cheap advance tickets saw me leaving Leeds at just after 0600. I was feeling really rough but I had already paid so had to do it. Basically I did the Harrogate route and then caught a train to Selby to complete some route required. It was then back to Leeds to meet Peter just after 0930 when the West Yorkshire Rover would start.

The first two trains were winning units but it was a dud TPE 170 to Leeds. I arrived into Leeds at the right time and knew where Peter was. On a train heading to Bradford Interchange. It left as I was coming down the stairs! Didn't matter I caught the next train and our plan would kick in from Bradford. 

We had planned to do Grand Central trains and Brighouse & Halifax Wetherspoons. Upon arriving at Bradford I found Peter on the GC 180. It was a winner for me so all was good. Upon arriving at Halifax we headed into the town to find the two Wetherspoons. We then headed back to Bradford on a dud 158. We then caught a train back to Brighouse (winning train) for lunch. By now I was really not feeling the love of anything! I had the Welsh Dragon in hope that it would help my throat! It felt better whilst eating but that was it! Back to the station we waited for the GC 180. It was a winner so that was something! Back at Bradford we waited for the train back to Leeds. It was the same 150 we caught earlier so not a winner. 

We no had some time to kill. There wasn't much we could do with the time we had left so we caught a train to Frizinghall and back. Unless a 321 or 322 fell onto the diagram i knew it wouldn't be a winning train as I had completed the 333s on last visit to Leeds. So a mileage boost it ended up being. 

It was then a dud 91 back to London. I now had sometime to kill in London. Or did I. Peter was staying in london for a few more days whilst i was heading back to Plymouth. I misread the time of my train back and did a few moves on the Thameslink thinking I had time. I picked up one new 319 during the process and then as I got to Paddington realised my mistake! I was not a happy person. Feeling worse than I had done at anytime during the trip I headed to the FGW desk (I was on advance tickets)! The first desk (Platform 12 end) had an incredibly unhelpful woman on it. She said go to the ticket office. I stopped at the other desk and the bloke was helpful and stamped my tickets! Phew! Next train home it was then! 

So that was the end of the holiday! Ignoring how ill I had become I did have a good time. A lot of route covered and plenty of winners. Thursday was the hardest day as I really didn't want to do anything. Glad I managed to do Harrogate and Selby route though! Next big plans we in Feb with my dad but there would be stuff in-between. Thats for sure! 

23rd January 2013 - Lancashire Day Ranger

Our third day would see a Lancashire Day Ranger in use. Like Monday it was a route coverage plan initially for me and then for Peter. An early start (not good for the now developing cough and headache!) saw us leave Leeds (winning 155342) at 0603 to get to Manchester via Hebdon bridge with plenty of time to get breakfast before the ranger kicked in. Again we did a few tram moves to get to Market street where we headed to Manchester and county for breakfast.

After breakfast we made our way back to Victoria and waited for the 0900 to Clitheroe. A winner in the form of 150133. Not the fastest of trips but needed to be done. We caught it straight back to Blackburn and in the interim wait for the train to Colne we headed to the Wetherspoons.

A dud 142037 carried us to Colne! Now here is where the plan changed and in hindsight for the better! The original plan had us wait for a long time at colne to get lunch at the Wetherspoons and perhaps another couple of cask marque pubs! But it was a long time to waste so we decided to catch the same train back! I said (and bearing in mind how I was not feeling well) I was going to try and make the pub, have a swift half and then run back for the train in 20 minutes! Peter also decided too try this!

There was snow still quite heavy on the ground and it was all up hill but some how we made it in less than 10 minutes! The quickest half pint ever followed by a run down the hill gave us 5 minutes before we left! I think it nearly killed us but we never have to worry about that spoons!

With the branch complete I have now almost completed the route on a Lancashire ranger. Only the annoying curve into Morecambe from Carnforth is left!

We stayed on the train to Preston and the plan would see us head to Blackpool. The plan changed though when I saw one of my final two 221s (221111) roll in heading north. We caught that to Lancaster and headed into town to do the spoons. I had already done one of them on a previous visit to the area but needed the other. After that we headed back to the station and decided to go to Morecambe. It was a winner in 156440 and Peter needed the branch and the spoons that we went too.

Then the opportunity arose to catch the train to Leeds from Morecambe that would traverse the annoying curve (winning 150274)! We decided to do it and bail at Carnforth! Brilliant! Then it went wrong!

The points were stuck and we headed back to Lancaster! Doh! We got off then. Gutted! Still got that bit to do! So now we made our way to Blackpool. But in reverse to the original plan. We went to Blackpool south via St Anne's. Here we headed off to get dinner in the Wetherspoons. It was then onwards to Blackpool south. From here another swift drink in the nearest Werherspoons before a tram to the tower! The Albert and the Lion was visited before the newest Wetherspoons in Blackpool (one i needed).

It was now back to the station! There was no plan but we were going to bail at Preston. But we both fell asleep and didn't wake up! Oh dear!

Luckily the train was heading to Victoria so we could bail there. We made kur way to Piccadilly and got a train to Leeds from there. I was feeling really rough now and all I wanted was my bed to honest.

All route I went for its now done! Only managed 6 winning trains but despite feeling a lot worse was a successful day. Another early start tomorrow was closing in but I had to just see it through!

22th January 2013 - South Pennine Day Ranger

Tuesday was going to be a more relaxing day (if it could be called that as I was now coming down with something). We were getting a South Pennine Ranger which allowed travel between Leeds and Manchester via 3 routes. There was no route to get today so it was purely unit scratching. The Ranger wasn't valid until 0845 so we had a lie in as well!

After breakfast we headed to the station and caught a winning 185133 to Manchester Piccadilly. Once we arrived it we looked for what was needed. A winning 390126 to Stockport was next and it was at this point me and Peter split and arranged to meet at a later time. We both needed different trains so it made sense. He went on the next train but I had to wait for a while before a winning train came in. Eventually 150224 arrived and I got on. Once I was back at Piccadilly I jumped onto another Pendo. This time 390138. Another 20 odd minutes later a winning 323231 rolled into Stockport. I jumped on this back to Piccadilly and just as we were arriving I saw Peter on the same train!

We decided to see what was on the Norwich - Liverpool train. 158813 and was a winner so we took this to Oxford Road. A winning 142060 back to Piccadilly before 156471 (winner) back to Oxford Road. We needed to get back to Piccadilly as we decided to go to Stockport for lunch in the Wetherspoons. A dud 185115 to Piccadilly and then we split to get to Stockport. Peter took the first Pendo to Stockport whilst I waited for the one behind as I needed it.

After lunch we made a move back to Manchester on winning 150118. Now we decided to head to Sheffield and we ended up doing a few mileage moves. A winning 158854 took us to Sheffield. We then spotted the return train was a double winning 158810 and 846. The return back to Sheffield was 158863 and 785 (winner). During this we spotted 70016 at Castleton which was required for me.

We then spent some time making moves between Sheffield and Meadowhall. We did two out and back moves and each time got me a winning unit. After the third out move to Meadowhall we decided to head to Wombwell. There was a Wetherspoon there (quite a walk though) so we made our way to it. Another winning unit took us there and back to Meadowhall. It was then a move back to Sheffield and a 30 minute wait for the East Midland HST that would take us to Wakefield. We popped out of the station for this time and popped into a cask marqued pub.

When the HST did turn up it was a dud for me but we headed to Wakefield to continue with the plan. At Wakefield 91119 (had this on Sunday!!!!) rolled in and we took it to Leeds. We needed to be back at Wakefield for the next HST so we took a dud 322481 back.

We then did a brisk walk/run to the Wetherspoons in Wakefield (which didn't do my cough much good). Back at the station the HST rolled in and leading power car 43073 was a winner! Nice!

That was it for the day. I was feeling more under the weather which was not good but plenty of winning trains and miles in the bag. It was back to the hotel as an early start in the morning was needed. Despite my cough worsening I had bought all my tickets so was going to use them!

21st January 2013 - Cheshire Day Ranger

So the first day of the eventual plan required an anytime return to Manchester Piccadilly. Today would see us do a Cheshire Day Ranger, my first. We planned to get to Manchester and have breakfast there before the Cheshire Ranger was valid. Peter got the tickets and specified Manchester stations so we could use the tram between Piccadilly and Victoria!

We left Leeds at 0625 on a dud 185. Once we arrived into Piccadilly we headed to the trams. We rode these for a short while until the Wetherspoons, (The Waterhouse) we were planning on going to, was open.

After breakfast we headed to Deansgate to catch a train to Piccadilly. This was where we were meeting Dave for the day. There were some severe delays when we arrived and everything heading east was not stopping. Eventually a train stopped (156424 a winner!) but was only going as far as Oxford Road! Another dud 185 took us onwards! There was a +1 for the next train to Chester and was on one of the terminating platforms! I ran ahead of Peter as he said he would catch up later in the day if the plan went wrong! The plan was set by me and was a route scratching plan. He needed pretty much all of what I needed but not the first bit!

Anyway as it so happened the train didn't leave on time and we both made it and found Dave! It was a winning 150148 and 142051 so a good start! The snow continued to fall as we headed to Chester but didn't lose any more time. At Chester a dud 175 took us to Shotton. The original plan was to pop into the Wetherspoons here as we had just over an hour, but a late running train to Bidston rolled in and we jumped on that instead! Bonus! Saved an hour and it was one of my two remaining ATW 150s! (I didn't realise this until I got home though!)

We were now on the Merseyrail network where I should be picking up winners as I had only been on it once before! Dave went his own way from here for a bit as me and Peter headed for Wetherspoons on the network that Dave had already done. We headed to West Kirby first. Then onto Hoylake and then Moreton. Three winning trains and three new pubs!

We then met up with Dave and headed to New Brighton. With the branch complete and the location of the new Wetherspoon known for when it opens, it was now time to head to Ellesmere Port. We headed to one of the two Wetherspoons once here before catching a winning 156460 to Warrington Bank Quay. From here me and Pete visited both Wetherspoons whilst Dave settled in the nearest for dinner. After this it was back to the station and time to head Chester again. Whilst waiting 66849 rolled into the station (only need one more Colas 66 now for sight!). At Chester we headed back onto the Merseyrail network once more to Hooton and back to Chester. We had dinner at Chester before we headed to Crewe. We photted various trains in Crewe and waited for the Pendolino (390104) to Manchester via the Styal line. With that complete we did a Piccadilly to Oxford Road move and back.

We then repeated the move to Oxford Road but stayed on the train as it returned to Wilmslow via the airport. This meant i had completed the 3 sides of the junction to the airport. It was then back to Piccadilly. It was now late but our train to Leeds wasn't for a while. We saw what would be our train (185126) and decided to get on it to the airport. It would then return to Piccadilly and go on through to Salford Crescent before reversing to Victoria and then onto York via Leeds.

A good day for route scratching and managed to ride 15 new units. I also bagged 8 new trams too and travelled just under 325 miles.

20th January 2013 - Heading North

A little late but illness and work has prevented me writing this up earlier. A trip in the planning since the end of October 2012 with Peter would see us head North and stay in Leeds. Leeds was chosen because at the time of planning, we weren't planning to do what we ended up doing, and we'd already booked the Travelodge.

So we left the South West on the Sunday on the earliest train of the day. Because we had booked so far in advance we travelled first class with cheap tickets. Peter got on at Newton Abbot and the train carried on. We soon hit the snowy landscape of Somerset and as nice as the view looked we were worried how the snow would affect the weeks plans.

We arrived in London bang on time with the snow causing no delay. The snow was falling quite heavily upon arrival into Paddington but we had about 90 minutes to kill so we headed underground to "but stop" our way to Kings Cross via Bakerloo, Circle and then Northern. Some snowy pictures of the soon to be replaced C-Stock were taken at Barbican. After an hour we headed to Kings Cross to catch our train North. Kings Cross was empty as trains we arriving late (ours included). This meant it would leave about 7 minutes late so that wasn't too bad. There were two 67s stabled and a few pictures were taken in the now heavily falling snow.

A pretty uneventful trip (behind a dud 91132 for me) to Leeds followed in the falling snow. Both at Peterborough and Doncaster passing trains hindered the view of depots and yards! A few bits were spotted but we know we missed more! Despite the snow and the late departure from London, we arrived into Leeds 1 minute early!

We headed to the Travelodge (next to the station) and unloaded our stuff. We then headed out to look for The Three Hulats in Leeds as this was the final Wetherspoons I needed to visit in the city. We had already bought a West Yorkshire Rover with bus travel included to get to it as it was a good ten minutes away on the bus. We found it with no trouble and then headed back to the station to start Pete's plan for the evening.

First up we headed out to Wakefield powered by 91119. It was then back to Leeds on 150150 before back to Wakefield with 91120! It was then a dud East Coast HST back to Leeds before we waited for the 91 to Keighley. This turned up and was 91121 (I couldn't believe 3 in a row in numerical order had turned up!). Next we decided to head to Shipley on a winner hopefully. There was a good chance, because by luck the next train was coming from Morecambe (most trains in the area are powered by 333s and these are complete for me). Yes! 144011! First winner of the day! We bailed at Shipley and popped to the Wetherspoons. After this we headed back to Leeds (a dud 333!). That was it for the day! We had a wonder and took some photos before heading to the hotel. We had an early start in the morning and it was already nearing midnight.

I had done 486 miles for the day (Peter about 30 less) and got one winner (but it goes like that sometimes!).

17th January 2013 - Ghost Train

Today saw me head to London. I had two things to make sure I did. Firstly the parliamentary service from Clapham High Street to Kensington Olympia needed to be completed (before the rumoured end of it) and visit the Ship of Fools Wetherspoon (also rumoured to be closing when it's lease is up).

I caught the same trains as last week for cheapness and it would give me the time I needed. Upon arrival at Clapham Junction I caught a winning 455836 and 456003 (my first 456!!!) to West Croydon. This was also new route so all good. The Ship of Fools was directly outside the station. After a pint of Jaipur (nice strong IPA) I went in search for my wife's birthday present.

Next up I headed to Sutton to complete the bit of route on winning 455818. It was then back to Clapham on a winning 377164. I then took a risk. A cheeky trip to Victoria on winning 455821 and back on winning 455833. It was the. Onto some of the new overground route to Clapham high street. I made it with a minute to spare. It was then another 455 winner! This time 805. I took this 'Ghost train' to Kensington Olympia.

I then went one stop further on the overground. Here I gabbed another pint and food at the Central Bar at Sheperd's Bush. Then I jumped onto the Central Line and headed West to Ealing Broadway. I then headed back to Bank and changed trains at various intervals. I bagged 38 winning Central units which wasn't a bad effort for an hours work!

I got back to Waterloo on the Waterloo & City but it was a dud pair of units. The trip home was uneventful. A successful day. I did what I set out to do. I got a bit of new route, 7 winning trains and 38 underground units. Excluding underground (rail miles wasn't playing!) I managed 480 miles as well. Nearly at 1k for jan so far. Up next? A trip up to Leeds with Peter for a five day mega trip!

10th January 2013 - Thames Branches Day Ranger

So my first outing of 2013 and it feels like ages since I last went out on a train. It was in fact only 10 days but that was a short hop to Exeter and it was 17th Dec since I last went on a full blown day on the trains. My yearly target for 2013 is 26679 miles. This will see me reach 100000 since May 2010, when I got back into trains. My first major trip planned for jan wasn't due until 20th when I'd be heading away with Peter for a few days so I needed to find something to kickstart the new year. After a little searching I decided on a trip to Reading and then a Thames branches day ranger. To keep costs down I wouldn't be starting until the peak was over. A day return with my Devon and Cornwall was a nice £6.25 to Axminster and then onwards to Reading with my Network Railcard £26.40. The ranger was £11.55 with the railcard so all in all a good value day out. Only downside is I'd only have about 5 and half hours with the ranger but its a compromise on the cost and there would still be stuff to go after.

I left Plymouth (just!!!!) on the 0925 to Exeter. I changed here for the 1026 to Basingstoke. I was expecting one of the prototype 150s to roll in here to take me to Reading but it was a Turbo. Was a dud turbo though. Once at Reading it was time to look for required units. I checked the 458s in the bays but they were not required. I then headed across the bridge to where a Paddington bound train was due (even though it said Ealing Broadway).

It rolled in (166208) and was needed. So I took this to Maidenhead and jumped off. Thanks to the delayed arrival to Maidenhead I only had a few minutes to wait for the next train in. This time 166203, another winner. So I took this to West Drayton. I hadn't been to this station since the late 90s when I lived there for a short time. From here a headed west slightly when I realised a wining unit was approaching (165111). At Iver (never been here) before) I caught the next train to Paddington. It wasn't needed but I wasn't going to wait here all day until a winner came!

At Paddington I had to wait nearly an hour before a required train was ready to leave. So I popped into the Sloe Bar. That's all three pubs on the station done now and all are Cask Marqued. When a required train finally turned up, it was 165109 that did the honours to Reading non stop. I then started to get hungry so decided to head back towards Slough and get dinner in the Wetherpoons (Moon and Spoon). My ride was winning 165130 and 166202!

After dinner (a Flaming Dragon Curry - nice to see them elsewhere now and not just Wales) I saw that a quick trip to Windsor and back was possible. This was good as 165119 was on the branch and required. After this move it was time to head back to Reading to start my not so straight forward journey home. There was a delayed train which meant I caught a winning (166220) to Maidenhead before catching the one I was planning to get to Reading! This was also a winner (166212).

My train to Basingstoke was one of the 150's!!! 150002 was doing the honours! I have a soft spot for 150s and it was weird to see them up in this area. I know they've been there a while but I hadn't been on one here before. At Basingstoke I had 30 odd minutes to kill. I decided to head into the town to the Lloyds No1 Bar. I'd been years ago but I hadn't got the Cask Marque scan. With that done it was back to the station for the train to Exeter. From Exeter I got the HST back to Plymouth.

A had an enjoyable day. Yes the main bit was short but it's cheaper. And I got 9 winning units which is good and 3 more Cask Marque pubs. I'm off the mark for 2013 with 499 miles too!

2012 Review

So another year has passed since I took up this hobby and again another good year. Maybe spent a bit more than I should have but it has been good. My target for mileage was 30500 which would see me beat 2011.

The year started well. I was off the mark on New Years Day with a trip to Truro to see my parents. This was followed by a trip to London, a FOSW combined with a southern Daysave and finally a West Midland Day Ranger. Feb continued this good start. Another trip to London and a London Midland Great Escape (where I accessed the area via cheap London tickets) kept my mileage going. The month finished with a FONE with my Dad. I also bagged my final FGW HST power car in Feb on a Devon Day Ranger! 

Then thing started to slow down. I didn't do much in March. A devon day ranger followed by a Severn and Solant Rover (I used devon and cornwall railcard day return to Tiverton and it was valid. Cheaper than FOSW). This started to bag me ATW 67s that were now running the WAG. Two of the three assigned to the pool were required for haulage so this was good. A trip on Eurstar boosted my mailage whilst going to Paris in April and then I had a few days in Leeds. The only charter (full tour) I managed for the year was the East Midlands HST to Barrow Hill for the Fab Four event.

May would see me attend my first Swanage Diesel Gala. Loco failure meant that they were a few locos down but it was a good weekend all the same. I bought a FOSW and made the most of it with days off from work. I spent some time in Cardiff and Pompey and also added west midland rangers to it. 

June saw me attend Railfest. The naming of 91110 was the first train naming I had seen and I enjoyed that. A couple more galas. Paignton and Dartmouth and Somerset Railway. June also saw me get two charters for part journeys for Mazey Day to Penzance. So I had the Deltic twice in June. Once on the mainline and once on hertiage! July was a quiet month but saw another couple of trips to London (one was with my wife so no trains!).

In August a trip to London with my dad where I bagged my final 379 for haulage was the major highlight! Also a trip to Mangapps Farm with Dave and Pete where it was a good day for me with plenty of 03 and 04 action. I also got the 08 at Plym Valley finally (alarming really as I only live a couple of miles from the line!!).

September saw some action with me spending a couple of days in Leeds and doing a South Pennine Ranger and Lancashire. This was track scratching mainly but getting plenty of winners. I also completed the 333s for haulage. The end of Sep saw me scratch most of Kent off with a Kent rover. Only the High Speed connections left! Also got my first trip on a Eurotunnel train to France. I finally did the Severn Valley railway in October during their Diesel Gala. I also finally got my final FGW Class 150. The only thing in November of note was the short trip on the wonderfully restored Steam Railmotor on the Looe branchline. 

December's main event was my trip to the North East where I did a Tyne and Tees. I completed the track to Whitby and Bishop Auckland. I also had a disaster getting home thnaks to OHLE probs on the East Coast and required a taxi from London to Plymouth! 

So I finished the year with 26679 miles on the board. Over 3000 less than last year but my trips have been more confined as I complete route. I then only tend to go after units. Also I don't do much local anymore because I have had haulage off all local trains which means going further afield which in turn costs more so it happens less! 

Highlights! 

• Completing the FGW HST Power Cars for haulage
• Completing the FGW 150s for haulage
• Barrow Hill, Railfest
• Swanage and Severn Valley Diesel Galas
• 379s and 333s completed for haulage.

Lowlights 

• Not mentioned above but two railtours I was booked on cancelled becasue of Network Rail issues (and not the DBS issues which have plagued the charter market at the back end of the year!)

So for 2013? I have a target of 26679. Weirdly it is the same as 2012s total but this will mean that I will have achived 100k miles since May 2010 when I returned to the hobby. I need roughly 2223 miles a month to achive this. 

31 Dec 2012 - An unexpected trip to Exeter

It's New Years Eve and me and my wife have the annual get together with 4 of our closest friends it our place. We decided to go Exeter to scratch off some pubs on the worlds biggest ale trail courtesy of Cask Marque.

We got on the train at Plymouth and I forgot to get the number of the unit we were in! All I knew it was a XC Voyager. Nevermind. I'll get it on my way off the train at Exeter. Then I totally forgot! Couldn't believe it! No matter. A quick post onto the rail forums and after a few days I got it. So thanks to the guys on there.

I didn't forget to grab the train numbers I travelled on this day. Two 159s up to Central and the HST back to Plymouth to continue the new year celebrations.

So another 104 miles for 2012. A good day with friends and 4 new cask marque pubs visited.