Strange day! I decided it would be a trip to Portsmouth and go for winning 3rd rail units. I got there and after about an hour there was a problem. A bridge strike somewhere towards Havant caused most Southern trains being cancelled as they could not get through. Delays were everywhere so i headed back to Southampton via Eastleigh.
If I'm totally honest i was not with it today. I was tired and decided to call it a day quite early. I left Southampton just after 1500 and was home by 1900. I got six winners which was better than nothing but i was not with it!
Monday, 6 June 2011
30th May 2011 - FOSW Day 5
For the bank holiday Monday the original plan was to head to Taunton to catch the Pathfinders Steam Tour due for Portsmouth as far as Bristol. This didn't happen due to Brittania failing over the weekend. So Peter and myself headed to Cardiff. A few trips in between Newport and Cardiff were had but we ended up going to Cheltenham as there was a double 170 (both required that meant changing for the second unit as Newport). It was then we thought Cheltenham and we would go and get the Wetherspoons there (two for me one for Peter).
Peter headed home after this. I went back to South Wales via Gloucester and Chepstow for the Wetherspoons there. It was then home for me too.
Four winning trains and 5 new Wetherspoons visited.
Peter headed home after this. I went back to South Wales via Gloucester and Chepstow for the Wetherspoons there. It was then home for me too.
Four winning trains and 5 new Wetherspoons visited.
29th May 2011 - FOSW Day 4
This wasn't going to be a long day. I had the FOSW so I had days to use up. I decided today would be the day I would get my final bit of passenger track in on a FOSW (unless I saw required traction). This was basically the Severn Beach Branch from Clifton to Severn Beach (I'd done a bit of it already!). I had lunch in Swindon for another Spoons and then did the branch before heading home. No winning power cars of any sign of my final 220 but new route scratched off.
28th May 2011 - The Curnow Interrupter
Today would see me go on my second complete tour (well most of it!). Starting at Tamebridge Parkway the tour would head through Devon and into Cornwall. We joined at Birmingham New Street at 0600 as we couldn't get to Tamebridge Parkway in time. The tour was £79.50 from all pick up points and this is why tried to join it as far North as possible.
The main haulage traction was a pair of DRS Class 37s. Doing this honours was 37087 and 37194 both winners for haulage. 37087 with a split headcodes box was at the front. For the reversals a DBS 66 was on the back. This was to be added during the tour but operational issues meant it was attached from start to finish. 66135 was winner for both sight and haulage for me but I was a minority!
So we set off South bang on time. Pick up points at Barnt Green, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Parkway, Bristol Temple Meads, Taunton and Exeter were all made on time. There was a break for pathing at Newton Abbot and Plymouth so photos were taken.
From Plumouth it was non stop through to Goonbarrow for the route into the China Clay siddings. The climb through Luxulyan Valley bought the best out of the 37s so far. The 66 took us out and back to St Blazey. We went through St Blazey and under the mainline into Par harbour. We went beyond the Network Rail limit which is apparently the furthest any tour has gone before.
The 37s then pulled us back out the short distance back past St Blazey Depot. The 66 then took us to Lostwithial. From here the 37s took us down the Fowey branch.
Another reversal saw the 66 take us back up through Cornwall and onto the Friary Sidings past Laira. So that the 37s now did most of the work we got back onto the mainline via the Devon Speedway which goes through Laira.
The next challenge for the 37s was Hemerdon. A line speed of 60mph at the top is normally no problem for HSTs and Voyagers. The 37s were going 50mph at the bottom. When we hit the top we were going 20mph with the speed hovering just above most of the way through the climb. The sound was fantastic! The 66 was dead jn tow too! I'm more than certain that the Lickey would have been the same but we wouldn't know as we had to get off at Bristol for our train home.
Anyway, the last two bits of new track would come in the form of Alphington Road (last bit of action for the 66 as it reversed us into the siding) and being routed through Exeter Riverside.
Throughout the whole tour timings were pretty much bang on. In fact for a lot of timing points we were early. We arrived into Bristol parkway in plenty of time for the trip home. Long day but very much worth it.
The main haulage traction was a pair of DRS Class 37s. Doing this honours was 37087 and 37194 both winners for haulage. 37087 with a split headcodes box was at the front. For the reversals a DBS 66 was on the back. This was to be added during the tour but operational issues meant it was attached from start to finish. 66135 was winner for both sight and haulage for me but I was a minority!
So we set off South bang on time. Pick up points at Barnt Green, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Parkway, Bristol Temple Meads, Taunton and Exeter were all made on time. There was a break for pathing at Newton Abbot and Plymouth so photos were taken.
From Plumouth it was non stop through to Goonbarrow for the route into the China Clay siddings. The climb through Luxulyan Valley bought the best out of the 37s so far. The 66 took us out and back to St Blazey. We went through St Blazey and under the mainline into Par harbour. We went beyond the Network Rail limit which is apparently the furthest any tour has gone before.
The 37s then pulled us back out the short distance back past St Blazey Depot. The 66 then took us to Lostwithial. From here the 37s took us down the Fowey branch.
Another reversal saw the 66 take us back up through Cornwall and onto the Friary Sidings past Laira. So that the 37s now did most of the work we got back onto the mainline via the Devon Speedway which goes through Laira.
The next challenge for the 37s was Hemerdon. A line speed of 60mph at the top is normally no problem for HSTs and Voyagers. The 37s were going 50mph at the bottom. When we hit the top we were going 20mph with the speed hovering just above most of the way through the climb. The sound was fantastic! The 66 was dead jn tow too! I'm more than certain that the Lickey would have been the same but we wouldn't know as we had to get off at Bristol for our train home.
Anyway, the last two bits of new track would come in the form of Alphington Road (last bit of action for the 66 as it reversed us into the siding) and being routed through Exeter Riverside.
Throughout the whole tour timings were pretty much bang on. In fact for a lot of timing points we were early. We arrived into Bristol parkway in plenty of time for the trip home. Long day but very much worth it.
May 27th - FOSW Day 3 + West Midland Day Ranger
As already mentioned I was doing a tour on the 28th May of Cornish Freight branches with Peter and it was decided that we would start it at Birmingham. This meant a night stay so we got a West Midlands Day Ranger. I headed out on 0925 off of Plymouth and Peter joined on the way. He had a rough plan of what we were going to do. First part was to complete the Redditch branch. A 30 minute gap here was planned to get in the two Wetherspoons. It was then back to New Street and then off to find the hotel. Bags offloaded we headed to Moor Street.
From here we got some loco hauled action to Warwick Parkway behind 67015, a winner for sight and haulage. It also still had Wrexham and Shropshire branding. On this new route for both of us we passed Tysley. From here were saw two of the new Class 172 units for London Midland.
A couple of fill in moves eventually saw us at Leamington Spa. The second loco hauled move of the day back to Moor Street gave us 67012. Again a winner for haulage but not for sight. This loco had been debranded.
It was then over to New Street and a couple of moves to get us the Pretendolino from Coventry. Doing the honours this week 90048. A winner for both myself and Peter. Also the only member of the class which I have been in the cab (many years ago!).
We did this to Wolverhampton. On our way over I saw my final 323s for sight. 201 was in the depot whilst 243 was at Wolverhampton.
We had dinner in the Wetherspoons and then had no concrete plan. We headed back to Moor Street. We didn't get that far as we decided we would have a look at the metro trams. We completed a small bit of the route and rode on all the ones that were working.
It was then back to the hotel for early start in the morning. A very good day. 3 winning loco hauled trains (and plenty of units), new route and completion of another class for sight (three in less than a week)!
From here we got some loco hauled action to Warwick Parkway behind 67015, a winner for sight and haulage. It also still had Wrexham and Shropshire branding. On this new route for both of us we passed Tysley. From here were saw two of the new Class 172 units for London Midland.
A couple of fill in moves eventually saw us at Leamington Spa. The second loco hauled move of the day back to Moor Street gave us 67012. Again a winner for haulage but not for sight. This loco had been debranded.
It was then over to New Street and a couple of moves to get us the Pretendolino from Coventry. Doing the honours this week 90048. A winner for both myself and Peter. Also the only member of the class which I have been in the cab (many years ago!).
We did this to Wolverhampton. On our way over I saw my final 323s for sight. 201 was in the depot whilst 243 was at Wolverhampton.
We had dinner in the Wetherspoons and then had no concrete plan. We headed back to Moor Street. We didn't get that far as we decided we would have a look at the metro trams. We completed a small bit of the route and rode on all the ones that were working.
It was then back to the hotel for early start in the morning. A very good day. 3 winning loco hauled trains (and plenty of units), new route and completion of another class for sight (three in less than a week)!
26th May 2011 - FOSW Day 2 - Southampton to Stourbridge!
Today would see the start of a marathon 5 days of travel. My first day was very indecisive. I had been leaning towards heading north towards Worcester and then getting an additional ticket to take me to Stourbridge. I had the gen that my final PPM was out. But the gen was several days old and whilst the same unit tends to work the branch all week it's never guaranteed.
The day started with a £3 ticket to Exeter. The rover becomes valid here to Salisbury. It's the long way round to Stourbridge but meant I would get there quicker, rather than waiting until 0925 off Plymouth.
At Salsbury I was still undecided. Do I head to Pompey and get units or head north which was a risk. At Salsbury I saw my final SWT 158. So my decision was made. I went to Southampton and bagged the 158 a couple of moves later.
Part of me still wanted the 139. So I looked and a move was still on! I needed to be off Southampton at 1310. So a few fill in moves until then were done.
And off I went to Stourbridge! At Bristol was the bonus sighting of A4 Pacific 'Bittern' disguised as 4492!! No time for a good photo though! Pity.
All was fine until shortly before Cheltenham. Trespassing on the line held us up for 20 mins. My connecting train was ahead of us (i was to overtake it whilst it was at Gloucester) and I didn't know if it was also held up. I got to Cheltenham and to my relief it had been. When that rolled in I was delighted to see my final FGW 153 for haulage!
Now onwards to Worcester! The train I was going to catch from Foregate Street was gone so I bailed at Shrub Hill and caught one from there! Same price and also meant I got to Stourbridge Junction at planned time. So all was good. All I needed to do now was wait a few minutes!
I could see it long before the number but once I could see it the audacious move from Southampton to Stourbridge was worth it! It was duly caught down the branch and dinner was had at one of the Wetherspoons whilst a swift drink in the other. Then back home! This wasn't straight forward. A line side fire between Tiverton and Exeter meant no trains passed. The train I was on from Cheltenham got cancelled at Bristol and I had to get on the one I front which had been delayed by over an hour. This took me as far as Taunton. We were almost put onto road transport and the announcement came that the line had reopened but I needed to move to the front part if the train as the rear was being taken off. Then it was straight back to Plymouth. Bit late but at least no buses!!!
Today had seen me do Plymouth - Exeter - Eastleigh - Bournemouth - Southampton - Bristol - Worcester - Stourbridge Town - Plymouth! I think this is the single largest area I have covered in a single day before but it was worth it!
Tomorrow I am back in the West Midlands as I stay over for a rail tour next day to Devon and Cornwall freight branches.
The day started with a £3 ticket to Exeter. The rover becomes valid here to Salisbury. It's the long way round to Stourbridge but meant I would get there quicker, rather than waiting until 0925 off Plymouth.
At Salsbury I was still undecided. Do I head to Pompey and get units or head north which was a risk. At Salsbury I saw my final SWT 158. So my decision was made. I went to Southampton and bagged the 158 a couple of moves later.
Part of me still wanted the 139. So I looked and a move was still on! I needed to be off Southampton at 1310. So a few fill in moves until then were done.
And off I went to Stourbridge! At Bristol was the bonus sighting of A4 Pacific 'Bittern' disguised as 4492!! No time for a good photo though! Pity.
All was fine until shortly before Cheltenham. Trespassing on the line held us up for 20 mins. My connecting train was ahead of us (i was to overtake it whilst it was at Gloucester) and I didn't know if it was also held up. I got to Cheltenham and to my relief it had been. When that rolled in I was delighted to see my final FGW 153 for haulage!
Now onwards to Worcester! The train I was going to catch from Foregate Street was gone so I bailed at Shrub Hill and caught one from there! Same price and also meant I got to Stourbridge Junction at planned time. So all was good. All I needed to do now was wait a few minutes!
I could see it long before the number but once I could see it the audacious move from Southampton to Stourbridge was worth it! It was duly caught down the branch and dinner was had at one of the Wetherspoons whilst a swift drink in the other. Then back home! This wasn't straight forward. A line side fire between Tiverton and Exeter meant no trains passed. The train I was on from Cheltenham got cancelled at Bristol and I had to get on the one I front which had been delayed by over an hour. This took me as far as Taunton. We were almost put onto road transport and the announcement came that the line had reopened but I needed to move to the front part if the train as the rear was being taken off. Then it was straight back to Plymouth. Bit late but at least no buses!!!
Today had seen me do Plymouth - Exeter - Eastleigh - Bournemouth - Southampton - Bristol - Worcester - Stourbridge Town - Plymouth! I think this is the single largest area I have covered in a single day before but it was worth it!
Tomorrow I am back in the West Midlands as I stay over for a rail tour next day to Devon and Cornwall freight branches.
25th May - FOSW Day 1 - Trip to Bath Spa
Today was the first day of my next FOSW. Nothing more planned other than a day trip to Bath with my wife. Whilst I had flexibility she only had advance tickets so it was fixed trains only. There were no winners as we took the Plymouth - Westbury - Bath Spa route and back. I saw one new 66 at Westbury.
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