Well it had been a month since I had been anywhere (although to be honest didn't feel like it) so I decided I would take a trip to London. It wasn't going to be a very long trip because I didn't want to spend too much getting there and back. So the longer off peak route was taken using my Network Railcard.
This would allow me to have just under 6 hours in London. Still plenty to see and get in that time so still worth it in my opinion. My plan was to stay in and around the Clapham area but concentrating on the Hounslow/Reading side of the station. This should see me getting more 450/5s, 480s and 378s. The plan was going quite well and soon knocked off planty of new 450/5 and 480 units. I finally a required 378 at Clapham so jumped on that and headed towards Kensington Olympia. But I changed my mind and headed to Gospel Oak. I took a risk to try and get my last 172 on the GOBLIN. It eventually paid off and 172005 was finally caught. Whilst waiting for this unit I managed to grab another five 378s.
It was then back to Waterloo for the train home. I managed 18 winners for the day. It could have been more but i spent time getting to and from Gospel Oak (not forgetting waiting to see if 172005 was running) and travelled 511 miles for the day.
At least next time I do this I don't have to head to North London and can stay in the Clapham area!
Monday, 10 October 2011
Monday, 3 October 2011
7th September - Heading home
Shortly before our arrival to London we had our wake up call with complimentry tea. From here I was off to have a look round before my lunch time train back to Plymouth. I was tired but needed to make the most of it. I thought I would head to the GOBLIN line to try and nab my final LO 172. Again it wasn't working. So off to Barking for some breakfast in the Wetherspoons by the station. By now I was so tired I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I still had 3 and half hours. So a strange route to Paddington was taken. Barking - West Ham - Stratford - Liverpool Street - Paddington. I then thought I would bash units from here because at least i was at the correct terminus. I saw a few Turbos that I didn't need but in the end got on one so i could pass Acton. I was hoping the return would produce a winner but it didn't. Ah well.
I found my train back to Plymouth and got on. Again not a winner (those last four are proving hard to see let alone ride!).
But what a fantastic few days away. It felt like a long time since I was in East Anglia. But new route everywhere. I had travelled both the east coast and west coast mainlines and lots of winning units and locos for sight and haualge.
Up next? A cheeky trip to London for a few hours and then The Ousing Dove railtour. After my solid start to the year it's been nearly a month since I have been on a train again now! Yearly total of miles stands at 26,359.
September 6th - Day 3 of Central Scotland Rover
I went to The Standing Order for breakfast before my final day in Scotland. The plan for today was to get as many units and East Coast power cars in as possible before I needed to start my jounrey back South.
I had already worked out all the East Coast HST diagrams so I knew where I needed to be (Either Waverley or Haymarket). Inbetween these trains I got as many units in as possible. I also headed up to New Craighall to complete that tiny branch of track.
My journey South was to start in Inverness. An advance purchase ticket from Stirling (rover would get me there) meant I headed to Inverness for a very reasonable £9. Why Inverness? Meant I could get the sleeper for the full journey from North to South. Not that I knew this when i booked it but the 67s appear to stay on the same diagram all week and I already knew that 67004 had been working the Inverness portion.
The trip to Inverness was very enjoyable. Stunning scenery through the Cairngorms National Park. If this was what I saw I can't wait until the day I do the Highland line through the Highlands. Upon my arrival into Inverness I saw what i needed. 67004 waiting to take the sleeper to Edinburgh. Brilliant. Another new 67 for haulage. I had an hour to grab dinner, so off I went to the Wetherspoons.
This was to be my second Sleeper experience in an actual berth (I had done the Night Riveria earlier in the year in a berth). I got a bargain berth which was good. It was dark when we left but I had a couple of drinks in the dinning carriage before going to bed early. I only woke a couple of times but it was good enough for me to track the route we took south.
A great day!
I had already worked out all the East Coast HST diagrams so I knew where I needed to be (Either Waverley or Haymarket). Inbetween these trains I got as many units in as possible. I also headed up to New Craighall to complete that tiny branch of track.
My journey South was to start in Inverness. An advance purchase ticket from Stirling (rover would get me there) meant I headed to Inverness for a very reasonable £9. Why Inverness? Meant I could get the sleeper for the full journey from North to South. Not that I knew this when i booked it but the 67s appear to stay on the same diagram all week and I already knew that 67004 had been working the Inverness portion.
The trip to Inverness was very enjoyable. Stunning scenery through the Cairngorms National Park. If this was what I saw I can't wait until the day I do the Highland line through the Highlands. Upon my arrival into Inverness I saw what i needed. 67004 waiting to take the sleeper to Edinburgh. Brilliant. Another new 67 for haulage. I had an hour to grab dinner, so off I went to the Wetherspoons.
This was to be my second Sleeper experience in an actual berth (I had done the Night Riveria earlier in the year in a berth). I got a bargain berth which was good. It was dark when we left but I had a couple of drinks in the dinning carriage before going to bed early. I only woke a couple of times but it was good enough for me to track the route we took south.
A great day!
September 5th - Day 2 of Central Scotland Rover
For my second day I had plans to go on the two remaining lines between Edinburgh and Glasgow, go on a new Class 380 and complete the Fife Circle. I was unable to use the rover ticket until 0900 so I headed to The Playfair for a Scottish Breakfast.
My train to Glasgow Central wasn't until 0950 so I did a couple of trips between Waverley and Haymarket. It was a winning Class 156 to Glasgow Central. Upon my arrival I had a wonder round spotting what was there. I then went and got on a Class 380 which would take me to Ayr. I like them. I have always liked the Desiro family of trains so i guess it wasn't a surprise. My plan then deviated. From Ayr I caught a train to Kilmarnock and then from here back to Glasgow Central. I then had time to try and get a few more 380s in. So a couple of trips out and back towards Cardonald and Paisley Gilmore grabbed me another four 380s.
It was soon time to head back to Edinburgh to get the loco hauled Fife Circle train. This time the final link between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Carstairs. Another 380 for this service.
So upon arrival at Edinburgh I waited for the loco hauled service to Fife. The good thing was there was now two again due to stock shortages. The bad thing was only one went the whole way round the circle. I had got some gen about the locos on the two trains. One of them was a dud and the other was a winner. The only problem was I didn't know the order they would arrive. Unfortuanately the dud was the first and would be the one to complete the whole circle. I got on and got a seat (this train was rammed!). I knew the service behind me was the other loco hauled one and decided to change trains at Dunfermline Town. I could only get this train to Cardenden but at least it was a winning 67007. I then had to wait a little while for the unit behind to complete the circle. Pity I couldn't get a 67 for the Forth Bridge (WOW what a bridge!) both ways but once was good and at least i got another winner.
Once back in Edinburgh I headed back to Glasgow (via Falkirk high). From here I got all confused and missed the train I had planned to get because I wasn't paying attention! I was planning to head to Anniesland but went to the lower platforms without thinking and this was wrong. I should have stayed upstairs and got on another train! Ah well! Half an hour wait for the next one so I grabbed a Burger King.
The weather (after being nice all day) took a turn for the worse again (does it always rain late in the evening in Glasgow?). I bashed units on the Glasgow suburban lines again until the time came for the Fort William sleeper portion came into Dalmuir. I had no idea if the locos change around and it was the last train to Edinburgh anyway so I maximised my ticket. As it turned out it was 67009 again. So not new but another 53 miles behind a 67.
Weekday sleepers run later than Sunday so it was another late finish to another successful day. Lots of new route and another 67 scratched off. One day left in Scotland but I was getting tired!
My train to Glasgow Central wasn't until 0950 so I did a couple of trips between Waverley and Haymarket. It was a winning Class 156 to Glasgow Central. Upon my arrival I had a wonder round spotting what was there. I then went and got on a Class 380 which would take me to Ayr. I like them. I have always liked the Desiro family of trains so i guess it wasn't a surprise. My plan then deviated. From Ayr I caught a train to Kilmarnock and then from here back to Glasgow Central. I then had time to try and get a few more 380s in. So a couple of trips out and back towards Cardonald and Paisley Gilmore grabbed me another four 380s.
It was soon time to head back to Edinburgh to get the loco hauled Fife Circle train. This time the final link between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Carstairs. Another 380 for this service.
So upon arrival at Edinburgh I waited for the loco hauled service to Fife. The good thing was there was now two again due to stock shortages. The bad thing was only one went the whole way round the circle. I had got some gen about the locos on the two trains. One of them was a dud and the other was a winner. The only problem was I didn't know the order they would arrive. Unfortuanately the dud was the first and would be the one to complete the whole circle. I got on and got a seat (this train was rammed!). I knew the service behind me was the other loco hauled one and decided to change trains at Dunfermline Town. I could only get this train to Cardenden but at least it was a winning 67007. I then had to wait a little while for the unit behind to complete the circle. Pity I couldn't get a 67 for the Forth Bridge (WOW what a bridge!) both ways but once was good and at least i got another winner.
Once back in Edinburgh I headed back to Glasgow (via Falkirk high). From here I got all confused and missed the train I had planned to get because I wasn't paying attention! I was planning to head to Anniesland but went to the lower platforms without thinking and this was wrong. I should have stayed upstairs and got on another train! Ah well! Half an hour wait for the next one so I grabbed a Burger King.
The weather (after being nice all day) took a turn for the worse again (does it always rain late in the evening in Glasgow?). I bashed units on the Glasgow suburban lines again until the time came for the Fort William sleeper portion came into Dalmuir. I had no idea if the locos change around and it was the last train to Edinburgh anyway so I maximised my ticket. As it turned out it was 67009 again. So not new but another 53 miles behind a 67.
Weekday sleepers run later than Sunday so it was another late finish to another successful day. Lots of new route and another 67 scratched off. One day left in Scotland but I was getting tired!
September 4th - Day 1 of Central Scotland Rover
I was up for the first train to leave Kings Cross for Edinburgh. Being a Sunday it wasn't as early as I had hoped but it was very cheap. I left London on time at 0855 behind a winning 91. This was to be my first experience of the entire East Coast route. At was all new for me beyond Doncaster and it certainly is scenic after Newcastle. Due to some engineering works outside of York we were delayed by about 20 minutes for the entire journey. Once I arrived at Edinburgh the confusion started.
I had never been to the station before and with all the refurbishment works going on it was confusing at first. Anyway I found a train heading to Glasgow and got on that. I didn't go to Glasgow as I wanted to drop my bag off at the hotel (couldn't do that until 1400). I got off at Haymarket and then went back to Edinburgh. I did this a couple of times before dropping my bag off.
After that I decided that today would be to get in some route. Again all route in Scotland (apart from Mallaig to Fort William, but my ticket wouldn't go that far!) was new for me. I went to Glasgow via Falkirk High. Passing Eastfield reminded me of when i was younger and my dad took me there to look round. No units then but plenty of Class 26s. How it has changed (wouldn't even be allowed to look round now!). I then returned to Edinburgh via Aldgate covering the recently opened connection between Bathgate and Aldgate. It was then back to Glasgow for some dinner and a few drinks.
I had dinner in the Camperdown Place which is just outside Glasgow Queen Street station. Due to the close proximety of other Wetherspoon pubs I went for a drink in another three (The Crystal Palace, The Sir John Moore & The Society Room). After this I looked at going on a bit of the suburban Glasgow network. I went as far west as Helensborough Central before heading back towards Dalmuir. It was from here I would be meeting what I would hope to be one of the biggest winners of the 3 day rover.
So the last train of the day was the London Euston bound sleeper from Fort William which calls at Edinburgh (to be joined to other portions) It arrived in the pouring rain (it had been dry until about an hour before) and was indeed a big winner. Only 67s with cast iron brakes can operate to Fort William and in rolled 67009. New for haulage obviously but also sight (only 011 I have seen before).
The Fort William portion is the first to arrive into Edinburgh on a Sunday night. I learnt from a member of Network Rails station staff the ETA of the other portions and decided to stay half an hour to see all the portions turn up and be coupled to the 90 due to take the train to London. This 90 was also a big winner. my penultimate 90 for sight. Pity my final one is rotting in Crewe with little chance to see it.
The next bit of the sleeper to arrive was the Aberdeen portion. This was bought in by Royal skip 67006. Not required for anything but photos were taken. The final part from Inverness was a winner for sight. 67004. I was happy. So headed back to the hotel. Plenty of new units today and some more loco haulage winners. A good but tiring day but this was nothing yet.
I had never been to the station before and with all the refurbishment works going on it was confusing at first. Anyway I found a train heading to Glasgow and got on that. I didn't go to Glasgow as I wanted to drop my bag off at the hotel (couldn't do that until 1400). I got off at Haymarket and then went back to Edinburgh. I did this a couple of times before dropping my bag off.
After that I decided that today would be to get in some route. Again all route in Scotland (apart from Mallaig to Fort William, but my ticket wouldn't go that far!) was new for me. I went to Glasgow via Falkirk High. Passing Eastfield reminded me of when i was younger and my dad took me there to look round. No units then but plenty of Class 26s. How it has changed (wouldn't even be allowed to look round now!). I then returned to Edinburgh via Aldgate covering the recently opened connection between Bathgate and Aldgate. It was then back to Glasgow for some dinner and a few drinks.
I had dinner in the Camperdown Place which is just outside Glasgow Queen Street station. Due to the close proximety of other Wetherspoon pubs I went for a drink in another three (The Crystal Palace, The Sir John Moore & The Society Room). After this I looked at going on a bit of the suburban Glasgow network. I went as far west as Helensborough Central before heading back towards Dalmuir. It was from here I would be meeting what I would hope to be one of the biggest winners of the 3 day rover.
So the last train of the day was the London Euston bound sleeper from Fort William which calls at Edinburgh (to be joined to other portions) It arrived in the pouring rain (it had been dry until about an hour before) and was indeed a big winner. Only 67s with cast iron brakes can operate to Fort William and in rolled 67009. New for haulage obviously but also sight (only 011 I have seen before).
The Fort William portion is the first to arrive into Edinburgh on a Sunday night. I learnt from a member of Network Rails station staff the ETA of the other portions and decided to stay half an hour to see all the portions turn up and be coupled to the 90 due to take the train to London. This 90 was also a big winner. my penultimate 90 for sight. Pity my final one is rotting in Crewe with little chance to see it.
The next bit of the sleeper to arrive was the Aberdeen portion. This was bought in by Royal skip 67006. Not required for anything but photos were taken. The final part from Inverness was a winner for sight. 67004. I was happy. So headed back to the hotel. Plenty of new units today and some more loco haulage winners. A good but tiring day but this was nothing yet.
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
September 3rd - Start of my trip to Scotland
So for my two weeks holiday of the Summer I was able to spend a few days in Scotland to do my first Central Scotland Rover. The cheapest way to get there was to go up to London and then up to Edinburgh on the East Coast Mainline. Good for two reasons new route (North of Doncaster on the East Coast) and it was cheaper. My plan was to go to London, stay at my sisters and then head to Scotland on the earliest possible train the next day. Again to maximise my time (and as it turned out the cheapest ticket) I headed to London on the first train on the Saturday. Originally I was going to spend the day in London but I realised I could head out to East Anglia and go to Great Yarmouth behind a Class 47 dragging a Class 90 so advance tickets were purchased to get to Ipswich where an Anglia Day Pass would kick in.
So the day arrived and I headed to the Capital. After I arrived in London I headed to my sisters to drop my stuff off. I then headed to Liverpool Street and caught my train to Ipswich. The whole trip from beyond Romford was new track. At Ipswich I changed trains and headed to Stowmarket. A return to Ipswich and a 45 minute gap until the relevent train to Great Yarmouth via Norwich (from where it would be dragged). During this 45 minutes I visited the 3 Wetherspoons. This was tough going as it was extremely hot and a gentle jog was required to get back to the station in time.
I made it and headed to Norwich. Upon arriving I got off the train as there was a wait while DRS owned 47818 was moved into position. There were several other DRS locos in the yard at the station too (three 47s and a 37). The drag took place via Accle. I got some great pictures in Great Yarmouth helped greatly by the weather. My return to Norwich via Reedham was on a 156. From here I headed to Sheringham for more new route.
I returned to Norwich for some dinner and a few drinks (three of the Wetherspoons visited) before my train back to London. I then headed back to my sisters.
A great day and was fantastic to get Class 47 haulage on the national network for the first time in well over 15 years. I got a lot of new route and plenty of new winners for sight in Anglia (as well as winners for haulage).
So the day arrived and I headed to the Capital. After I arrived in London I headed to my sisters to drop my stuff off. I then headed to Liverpool Street and caught my train to Ipswich. The whole trip from beyond Romford was new track. At Ipswich I changed trains and headed to Stowmarket. A return to Ipswich and a 45 minute gap until the relevent train to Great Yarmouth via Norwich (from where it would be dragged). During this 45 minutes I visited the 3 Wetherspoons. This was tough going as it was extremely hot and a gentle jog was required to get back to the station in time.
I made it and headed to Norwich. Upon arriving I got off the train as there was a wait while DRS owned 47818 was moved into position. There were several other DRS locos in the yard at the station too (three 47s and a 37). The drag took place via Accle. I got some great pictures in Great Yarmouth helped greatly by the weather. My return to Norwich via Reedham was on a 156. From here I headed to Sheringham for more new route.
I returned to Norwich for some dinner and a few drinks (three of the Wetherspoons visited) before my train back to London. I then headed back to my sisters.
A great day and was fantastic to get Class 47 haulage on the national network for the first time in well over 15 years. I got a lot of new route and plenty of new winners for sight in Anglia (as well as winners for haulage).
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Blog Catchup!
I've done it again! I haven't updated my Blog for so long that i completely broke my last record!
Anyway here is a run down of what i did between the last day i wrote about on my last FOSW and my trip to Scotland.
Anyway here is a run down of what i did between the last day i wrote about on my last FOSW and my trip to Scotland.
- 14th July FOSW Day 3 - Headed to Cardiff for the day. Bought a Valley Line Rover and headed to Ebbw Vale and Measteeg to complete those routes.
- 15th July FOSW Day 4 - Headed to Cardiff via Swindon. I met friends on the train here as it was a Stag weekend in Cardiff
- 17th July Cardiff - Carmarthen + FOSW Day 5. After the Stag Weekend I got an off Peak ticket to Carmarthen. Visited the Wetherspoons at Carmarthen and then headed back to Newport via Swansea and stopping at Llaneli, Swansea and Neath.
- 18th July FOSW Day 6 and West Midlands Day Ranger - I headed to Hereford on advance purchase ticket for Breakfast before heading East to Birmingham. Bashed 150 units and grabbed a new 67 on the Chilterns.
- 5th August - Plymouth - Penzance Return. Due to problems with FGW Class 57s a Virgin Trains hire in 57309 was on duty. This was required so a return to Penzance was made.
- 14th August - Visited the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Due to my wife requiring the car for the week and her holiday (I coulnd't get the time off work) I headed back to Plymouth on the train via London.
- 16th August - I headed back to Derby on the train (again via London due to cost) and get an East Midland Day Ranger. Grabbed new route in Nottingham area and grabbed a fair few new East Midland power cars.
- 18th August - Back to Plymouth. This time on a Voyager from Manchester (Was cheaper to go to Manchester and South than direct from Deby!) Spent a few hours in Manchester on a GMPTE ticket. New route to the airport, Rochdale and plenty of winning units (including my first Clas 180!)
That is what I have done between my last post and my trip to Scotland!
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