Planned at the back end of 2011, today would see the start of a Freedom of the north east with my dad. For me a chance to scratch off a lot of track, hopefully pick up a few of my last remaining units in the north for sight and for my dad get a whole load of new stuff (he's been out of the loop for 15 of years like I had been).
We left Plymouth on the 0553 to Paddington. At Newton a winner for sight in the form of 66745 stabled in the station ready for the log train later started the day well. We arrived into London on time an we had an hour and half before our train left Kings Cross. This was typical. If I'd booked an earlier train the Plymouth train would have been delayed!!!
We had a look round St Pancras, got a drink and saw couple of required Eurostars. We then headed over to Kings Cross. We waited for our train after a look round. Kings Cross is coming on well and will look fantastic when finished and no longer be in the shadow of St Pancras.
Our train was an HST to Doncaster. It left about 5 minutes late after receiving fitters attention! It was required for haulage so all was good. Passing Peterborough and another two 66s required for sight were spotted.
We arrived at Doncaster on time and had a little time before our next train. I'd been to Doncaster before but not enough time to do anything. The thunderbird was 67029 with its new DB branding. The only other thing of note was 170309 passing through that was a winner for sight.
At 1251 we left for Goole on the 2C26, a winning 158. On the way another winning 66 was spotted at Hatfield and Stainforth. We changed at Goole for the train behind. It gave us 25 minutes to wait so we popped to the Wetherspoons for a quick drink. It was then on to Hull. I'd been on this route before but didn't go into Hull. Instead looped back on the freight loops.
Another winning 170 was spotted at Brough and when we arrived at Hull my final TPE 170 was seen. Brilliant! All 3 required spotted within a couple of hours! Just need to ride them now! Lol!
Next up was a trip to Scarborough on a dud 158. Not before a quick drink in the Wetherspoons though! Another drink in Scarborough before on to a 185 (winner for sight and haulage) to Leeds, where we were staying.
It was dark by the time we got to York but its not long to Leeds. We got to Leeds and found our travelodge. We would be here for the next four nights and it was a bargain at £108 for the both of us!!!!
We planned to head out again after some dinner. So we went to the Wetherspoons at the station. We wanted to complete a section of track between Leeds and Bradford Interchange and then to Huddersfield. I know it was dark but it's still done! We had some time before that move so a cheeky trip to Burely Park and back grabbed 4 winning units. Two 150s, a 153 and a 155. The 155 was also my final one required for sight!
As it turned out the 155 split from the 153 and formed the 2W91 to Huddersfield via Bradford Interchange! Ah well, it was track scratching.
So the final move was back to Leeds. The first train back was a 10 minute wait but running an hour late. It was dud for me so I suggested we wait for the one behind (the train we were planning to catch!). It was also dud! Great! could have been in the hotel 5 minutes earlier!
Anyway a good first day with plenty of winners for sight and haulage. A total of 597 miles travelled with tomorrow being the first complete full day in the area!
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
21st February 2012 - Toton
Just a mention. On our way home from the peak district I called in at Toton. I knew there had been a shuffle around of many of the stored locos. The shuffle was enough to warrant seeing two winning 60s but the main reason to go was the hope of seeing 66048, James the Engine.
I'd almost given up hope of seeing it but I caught a glimpse of it between wagons and locos. I went home happy! Next up? A Freedom of the North East Rover.
I'd almost given up hope of seeing it but I caught a glimpse of it between wagons and locos. I went home happy! Next up? A Freedom of the North East Rover.
20th February 2012 - Day in Sheffield
Whilst on a short break away from home with my wife, we went into Sheffield for the day. We went in on the train from Hathersage. A short journey but a winning 150 so all good. We got Dayrider tram tickets I get about in Sheffield.
Managed about 16 miles of tram haulage and saw a winning 142 for sight whilst waiting for a tram back from Meadowhall to the city centre.
The short trip back home was a winning 142. I also saw an old friend whilst in Sheffield, 142009! It now has its Northern Vinyl's applied but was glad i saw it and it was not the train I had to catch!
Managed about 16 miles of tram haulage and saw a winning 142 for sight whilst waiting for a tram back from Meadowhall to the city centre.
The short trip back home was a winning 142. I also saw an old friend whilst in Sheffield, 142009! It now has its Northern Vinyl's applied but was glad i saw it and it was not the train I had to catch!
Thursday, 16 February 2012
16th February 2012 - The Great Escape
So I managed to get a bargain London Midland Great Escape ticket for today and I decided I would start and end in London. This meant the 0553 off Plymouth to get there for the Off Peak start time.
It took me a while to decide whether to go for units or route and in the end route won. Now on the London Midland Network I only had 5 bits left to scratch off. These are Watford - St. Albans Abbey, Bletchley to Bedford, the WCML to Northampton, Lichfield Trent Valley to Aston and a tiny bit in the Runcorn area.
Now a tour later in the year should take care of the Bletchley to Bedford bit. So I looked at scratching as much of the rest off. The plan I came up with would cover three bits (in hindsight I could possibly have done all of it but didn't spot the move until it was too late).
So I left Euston at 0936 and changed at Watford for a service behind to Lichfield Trent Valley. This got me the section between the WCML and Northampton. A winner off both trains was also a bonus with the second required for sight too. Only two left for sight completion.
From Lichfield it was the slow but all new route until Aston to Birmingham New Street. Again another winner. From Birmingham I managed to make the 1236 to Liverpool Lime Street. This was earlier than my plan so all was good. This would get me to Liverpool earlier and scratch the bit of track required through Runcorn over the River Mersey. This is where I saw a move that would get me back South earlier. At Liverpool South Parkway I should have bailed and got the next London Midland south as I have already done the bit into Lime Street. But it was too late. Never mind.
So I continued to Liverpool Lime Street. After a wait here (took some photos but saw nothing new) I took the same train back to Liverpool South Parkway. I did bail here though. I was effectively 30mins ahead of my plan so I decided to get off, get Parkway in the book and take some photos. There was also the chance that the next train was a winner. And it was!
I didn't want to go back to Birmingham so I got off at Stafford. A quick stop at Pumpkin to grab a tea and on the Train to London 10 minutes later. I stayed on here until Watford Junction.
There was not enough time to get to St. Albans Abbey and back so that will have to wait (the move I spotted too late would have got me here an hour earlier!). I did have time however to visit the two Wetherspoons in Watford.
With this done I headed back to Euston on a productive 12 carriage train, containing two winners! It was then back to Paddington and back home to Plymouth.
I managed 875 miles today which I think is the most I've ever done in a single day. Ok not many winners, but three bits of track scratched. I also spotted a couple of new 66s and a 60.
A long but good day. Left Plymouth at 0553 and am now on the train that should return me by 0011! Will update this if anything more happens!!!!
It took me a while to decide whether to go for units or route and in the end route won. Now on the London Midland Network I only had 5 bits left to scratch off. These are Watford - St. Albans Abbey, Bletchley to Bedford, the WCML to Northampton, Lichfield Trent Valley to Aston and a tiny bit in the Runcorn area.
Now a tour later in the year should take care of the Bletchley to Bedford bit. So I looked at scratching as much of the rest off. The plan I came up with would cover three bits (in hindsight I could possibly have done all of it but didn't spot the move until it was too late).
So I left Euston at 0936 and changed at Watford for a service behind to Lichfield Trent Valley. This got me the section between the WCML and Northampton. A winner off both trains was also a bonus with the second required for sight too. Only two left for sight completion.
From Lichfield it was the slow but all new route until Aston to Birmingham New Street. Again another winner. From Birmingham I managed to make the 1236 to Liverpool Lime Street. This was earlier than my plan so all was good. This would get me to Liverpool earlier and scratch the bit of track required through Runcorn over the River Mersey. This is where I saw a move that would get me back South earlier. At Liverpool South Parkway I should have bailed and got the next London Midland south as I have already done the bit into Lime Street. But it was too late. Never mind.
So I continued to Liverpool Lime Street. After a wait here (took some photos but saw nothing new) I took the same train back to Liverpool South Parkway. I did bail here though. I was effectively 30mins ahead of my plan so I decided to get off, get Parkway in the book and take some photos. There was also the chance that the next train was a winner. And it was!
I didn't want to go back to Birmingham so I got off at Stafford. A quick stop at Pumpkin to grab a tea and on the Train to London 10 minutes later. I stayed on here until Watford Junction.
There was not enough time to get to St. Albans Abbey and back so that will have to wait (the move I spotted too late would have got me here an hour earlier!). I did have time however to visit the two Wetherspoons in Watford.
With this done I headed back to Euston on a productive 12 carriage train, containing two winners! It was then back to Paddington and back home to Plymouth.
I managed 875 miles today which I think is the most I've ever done in a single day. Ok not many winners, but three bits of track scratched. I also spotted a couple of new 66s and a 60.
A long but good day. Left Plymouth at 0553 and am now on the train that should return me by 0011! Will update this if anything more happens!!!!
Thursday, 9 February 2012
9th February 2012 - Devon Day Ranger
My first Devon Day Ranger of the year and what a good one!!! First day I also met up with Peter this year too.
It didn't start too well. I was late out which wasn't a problem but gen came through that an East Midlands Power Car was on a XC service. It would be heading North but wasn't required but it was different. It was running mega late and was due into Plymouth at 1230ish. I was at Plymouth at 1120 and looked at a move to Totnes and back which would get me in first.
So off to Totnes and my train back came I on time. Then it went wrong. We were held for the XC which ran non stop from Exeter to Plymouth. Then we were off behind it. Peter was on the XC already and it soon became clear the fastest turn around I've known for a XC service was gonna happen. I was waiting to run to platform 8 as soon as the doors unlocked but as we exited Mutley tunnel 43055, now leading entered! Annoying but a good job I didn't need it!
So at Plymouth I saw 150122 in the bay platform. I need this and thought it was off to Gunnislake. So I planned to catch this and would meet Peter later. Then in the nick of time realised it was going to Penzance! Didn't really want to be stuck at Devonport!
It was then back to Newton Abbot as soon as possible. I finally met Peter and we caught a train back to Totnes. After we got off I saw the biggest winner of the year so far!!! My final FGW power required for haulage. A move to Newton and back to Totnes was worked out to catch it on it's return.
We then stayed on it until Exeter. A photo at Exeter before a trip to Totnes again (don't think I've been there so much in one day before!) and back. From here Peter headed to his girlfriends and I headed back to Plymouth.
A great Devon Day Ranger. The price has stayed the same too! So the FGW power cars are complete! Only the awkward EMT, even more awkward East Coast and nigh on impossible NR ones left! And I've cleared 4000 miles for the year so far having done 243 today.
It didn't start too well. I was late out which wasn't a problem but gen came through that an East Midlands Power Car was on a XC service. It would be heading North but wasn't required but it was different. It was running mega late and was due into Plymouth at 1230ish. I was at Plymouth at 1120 and looked at a move to Totnes and back which would get me in first.
So off to Totnes and my train back came I on time. Then it went wrong. We were held for the XC which ran non stop from Exeter to Plymouth. Then we were off behind it. Peter was on the XC already and it soon became clear the fastest turn around I've known for a XC service was gonna happen. I was waiting to run to platform 8 as soon as the doors unlocked but as we exited Mutley tunnel 43055, now leading entered! Annoying but a good job I didn't need it!
So at Plymouth I saw 150122 in the bay platform. I need this and thought it was off to Gunnislake. So I planned to catch this and would meet Peter later. Then in the nick of time realised it was going to Penzance! Didn't really want to be stuck at Devonport!
It was then back to Newton Abbot as soon as possible. I finally met Peter and we caught a train back to Totnes. After we got off I saw the biggest winner of the year so far!!! My final FGW power required for haulage. A move to Newton and back to Totnes was worked out to catch it on it's return.
We then stayed on it until Exeter. A photo at Exeter before a trip to Totnes again (don't think I've been there so much in one day before!) and back. From here Peter headed to his girlfriends and I headed back to Plymouth.
A great Devon Day Ranger. The price has stayed the same too! So the FGW power cars are complete! Only the awkward EMT, even more awkward East Coast and nigh on impossible NR ones left! And I've cleared 4000 miles for the year so far having done 243 today.
Thursday, 2 February 2012
2nd February 2012 - London Day Trip
The first outing in Feb would be like January and off to the big smoke! Courtesy of £13 advance tickets I left Plymouth on the 0553. On the way I saw nine locos on freight workings but none were required.
Now my plans for the day was to look for my remaining Class 378s and 379s. I required seven 378s and two 379s. I decided to try and knock the 378s off first. So I headed to Highbury and Islington where the ELL and NLL meet. I went via the Hammermsith Line to Moorgate and then up to Highbury. This got me a winning 313 to start the day off.
Upon arriving at Highbury and Islington I saw a winner straight away in the form of 378204. I hopped on it to Cannonbury. I then got on what I thought was another winner back. It would seem my notes weren't quite up to date! No matter. The next train was a winner. 378232 took me back to Cannonbury. I couldn't believe that in the space of 10 minutes I got two units. Then my plans unraveled. It was freezing and I was not enjoying the wait. I'd only been waiting 15 or so minutes and decided I couldn't do it anymore.
I needed to keep moving. My final 378s and 379s would have to wait. My plans now entailed me to catch a train to literally anywhere I fancied. I headed to areas where the chance of a winner increased and therefore my on train time was higher than platform time!!! I headed to London Bridge via the ELL and Jubilee line.
A train to Brockley and back got me a winning 377 and 455. Whilst doing this move i saw a required 378/1. I worked out its return and carried on. Arriving back into London Bridge I saw 171803. Very much needed, I caught it too East Croydon. It was then a winning 377 to New Cross Gate. A quick hop onto 455801 to Honor Oak Park and then a short wait for what should be 378151. It was! I took this to Forest Hill where I got lunch at the Wetherspoons, The Capitol.
After lunch I decided new track was next on the agenda. So I headed back to London Bridge and got a FCC service to Blackfriars. I then moved northwards until I got I a station where I would get a train to Sutton via Wimbledon.
It took ages due to the number of stops but I have scratched the track now. Just need to do the bit from Sutton back north (the other way basically!). I headed back to Wimbledon and caught a winning pair of 455s to Clapham Junction. I then headed west towards Richmond nabbing 8001 in the process. Then onto Twickenham on another winning 455. I was then planning to head back towards Richmond but another required 458 rolled in. Luckily Feltham was its next stop and valid.
I returned to Richmond on a dud 450 and then a dud 378 to Willesden Junction. I needed to go to Euston to pick up my London Midland Getaway ticket for two weeks time.
Whilst waiting for the Euston train a required 378 was heading north. I had loads of time so I caught it to Wembley. It was then to Euston to get my ticket.
My day was nearing the end. I made my way back to Paddington via the Northern line to Farringdon then a cheeky ride on a 319 to Blackfriars, a 377 back to Farringdon and then tube to Paddington.
It was a good day even though I didn't do as planned. It was far too cold. Even doing what I did still felt cold at times and was very glad to be on the hst home to be honest!! I haven't worked out my mileage but a rough guess would be 560 odd. Good going seeing as though 452 is the Plymouth - Paddington part I think! I managed to get 28 winning trains for haulage too. Four of them were 378s which considering I did not do what I was going to do is impressive as I didn't really wait around for them. Next up? A Devon Day Ranger!
Now my plans for the day was to look for my remaining Class 378s and 379s. I required seven 378s and two 379s. I decided to try and knock the 378s off first. So I headed to Highbury and Islington where the ELL and NLL meet. I went via the Hammermsith Line to Moorgate and then up to Highbury. This got me a winning 313 to start the day off.
Upon arriving at Highbury and Islington I saw a winner straight away in the form of 378204. I hopped on it to Cannonbury. I then got on what I thought was another winner back. It would seem my notes weren't quite up to date! No matter. The next train was a winner. 378232 took me back to Cannonbury. I couldn't believe that in the space of 10 minutes I got two units. Then my plans unraveled. It was freezing and I was not enjoying the wait. I'd only been waiting 15 or so minutes and decided I couldn't do it anymore.
I needed to keep moving. My final 378s and 379s would have to wait. My plans now entailed me to catch a train to literally anywhere I fancied. I headed to areas where the chance of a winner increased and therefore my on train time was higher than platform time!!! I headed to London Bridge via the ELL and Jubilee line.
A train to Brockley and back got me a winning 377 and 455. Whilst doing this move i saw a required 378/1. I worked out its return and carried on. Arriving back into London Bridge I saw 171803. Very much needed, I caught it too East Croydon. It was then a winning 377 to New Cross Gate. A quick hop onto 455801 to Honor Oak Park and then a short wait for what should be 378151. It was! I took this to Forest Hill where I got lunch at the Wetherspoons, The Capitol.
After lunch I decided new track was next on the agenda. So I headed back to London Bridge and got a FCC service to Blackfriars. I then moved northwards until I got I a station where I would get a train to Sutton via Wimbledon.
It took ages due to the number of stops but I have scratched the track now. Just need to do the bit from Sutton back north (the other way basically!). I headed back to Wimbledon and caught a winning pair of 455s to Clapham Junction. I then headed west towards Richmond nabbing 8001 in the process. Then onto Twickenham on another winning 455. I was then planning to head back towards Richmond but another required 458 rolled in. Luckily Feltham was its next stop and valid.
I returned to Richmond on a dud 450 and then a dud 378 to Willesden Junction. I needed to go to Euston to pick up my London Midland Getaway ticket for two weeks time.
Whilst waiting for the Euston train a required 378 was heading north. I had loads of time so I caught it to Wembley. It was then to Euston to get my ticket.
My day was nearing the end. I made my way back to Paddington via the Northern line to Farringdon then a cheeky ride on a 319 to Blackfriars, a 377 back to Farringdon and then tube to Paddington.
It was a good day even though I didn't do as planned. It was far too cold. Even doing what I did still felt cold at times and was very glad to be on the hst home to be honest!! I haven't worked out my mileage but a rough guess would be 560 odd. Good going seeing as though 452 is the Plymouth - Paddington part I think! I managed to get 28 winning trains for haulage too. Four of them were 378s which considering I did not do what I was going to do is impressive as I didn't really wait around for them. Next up? A Devon Day Ranger!
Sunday, 29 January 2012
26th January 2012 - West Midland Day Ranger
So the first West Midland Ranger of the year! As per usual the cost to the area is ridiculous so I drove to Bristol Parkway and caught a train to Worcester. This was a reasonable £11.80 return and it meant a two hour drive instead of three and I really don't like the M5. It's so boring!
Anyway upon arriving at Worcester I had a 1 minute gap as my train had got later and later enroute. I made it and headed to Birmingham New Street on a winning 170 for sight and obviously haulage.
At New Street I looked at what was in. I jumped on a winning Pendo to International. It was then a winning Desiro to Coventry. I then decided I would head to Northampton. A new bit of track from Rugby. Just need Northampton back onto the WCML southbound now.
It was a dud 350 to Northampton but I saw a winning 92, 66, 70 and 08 for sight on the short trip. Lunch in Northampton saw me visit all three Wetherspoons for food and a few drinks.
Back onto the rails and I headed back towards Birmingham. I changed at International and headed to Smethwick Galton Bridge on a winning ATW 158. Now it was time for 172 bashing. I managed to spot my final 172 for sight and pick off another big chunk for haulage. I now only require 7 to complete for haulage (1 Chiltern and 6 London Midland).
It was then back to Worcester for the 1903 to Bristol. This wasn't straightforward. At Cheltenham we were all moved into the front carriage of the 150 due to a leaking battery with heavy fumes filling the back one.
At Gloucester we passed the junctions on the main line and reversed so that we would be facing the correct way to head to Bristol still. But upon arrival the train was cancelled only to be reinstated 15 minutes later with the first carriage still only in use.
So my arrival to Bristol was 30 down and I was home by 2300. Later than planned but not as tired as previous West Mid trips where there was 3 hour drives either end of the day.
My mileage for January looks like it'll be 3250. Not a bad start. Not as much as last January but about 550 more than my monthly target to achieve at least the same yearly total as last year.
Anyway upon arriving at Worcester I had a 1 minute gap as my train had got later and later enroute. I made it and headed to Birmingham New Street on a winning 170 for sight and obviously haulage.
At New Street I looked at what was in. I jumped on a winning Pendo to International. It was then a winning Desiro to Coventry. I then decided I would head to Northampton. A new bit of track from Rugby. Just need Northampton back onto the WCML southbound now.
It was a dud 350 to Northampton but I saw a winning 92, 66, 70 and 08 for sight on the short trip. Lunch in Northampton saw me visit all three Wetherspoons for food and a few drinks.
Back onto the rails and I headed back towards Birmingham. I changed at International and headed to Smethwick Galton Bridge on a winning ATW 158. Now it was time for 172 bashing. I managed to spot my final 172 for sight and pick off another big chunk for haulage. I now only require 7 to complete for haulage (1 Chiltern and 6 London Midland).
It was then back to Worcester for the 1903 to Bristol. This wasn't straightforward. At Cheltenham we were all moved into the front carriage of the 150 due to a leaking battery with heavy fumes filling the back one.
At Gloucester we passed the junctions on the main line and reversed so that we would be facing the correct way to head to Bristol still. But upon arrival the train was cancelled only to be reinstated 15 minutes later with the first carriage still only in use.
So my arrival to Bristol was 30 down and I was home by 2300. Later than planned but not as tired as previous West Mid trips where there was 3 hour drives either end of the day.
My mileage for January looks like it'll be 3250. Not a bad start. Not as much as last January but about 550 more than my monthly target to achieve at least the same yearly total as last year.
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