Well the start of the day hasn't been good. I was booked for the 0553 off Plymouth to London. But there was no train at Plymouth when I arrived. There was however another HST on platform 7 which as far as I know isn't normally there. We were waiting for stock from Laira so I don't know if the train on 7 was originally ours but developed a fault on the way and they put it out of the way! Either way the train arrived and we left Plymouth at 0616, 23 late! I wondered how late we'd arrive at Paddington but it would mean I'd wait till off peak kicked in on tube before heading to Liverpool Street. Glad I booked a later train to Ipswich, that's for sure!
We arrived 40 late. Good job I did book the 1100 and not the 1000! Once I arrived at Liverpool Street I had 40 mins till my train. No chance of a quick out and return on the Stanstead expresses. So a cup of tea in the Wetherspoons for free was had. How? I went to pay by card and the machine wasn't working. So they let me have it on the house!
90012 was my traction to Ipswich. First winner of the day. The leading DVT was also a winner. At Ipswich I took photos of what was in the yard. Was a lot busier than the last time I was here but only one loco was required but one is better than none!
The main plan for today was route scratching. So I caught a winning 170 to Cambridge. As I passed Stowmarket there were several DRS locos stabled. Two 57s and three 37s. None were required. I'd have to check my records but I'm sure that 57003 and 57004 (the ones i saw) are the most spotted of DRS 57s for me! I didn't have time at Cambridge for lunch anywhere but from Upper Crusts (but I do like their baguettes). I waited for a train to Norwich. I looked to see if the XC 170 to Birmingham was required (I could bail at Ely) but it wasn't so I caught the NXEA 170 to Norwich.
When I arrived at Norwich things weren't looking good for winners! Everything in the station was dud from the NXEA 90 to the East Midlands 158. Luckily they weren't any train I planned to catch. My train to Lowestoft wasn't in. When it rolled in it was a winning 156! I also saw 150280 (on hire from Arriva Trains Wales) roll in a I was leaving.
Onwards to Lowestoft. By now it was nearly pitch black. I arrived just after 1630 and waited for a train back to Ipswich. It was cold and luckily the train arrived fairly quickly. It wasn't due to leave until 1708 but it was warm! The Lowestoft - Ipswich line is painfully slow and I'm glad I've got that out of the way! All that is left for me to scratch off on an Anglia Plus ranger now is the Felixstowe branch and the line between Ely and Kennet. I'm pleased with that.
Once I was back at Ipswich it was a short wait for the 1909 back to London. It ended up being 90012 doing the honours, the same as earlier in the day!
When I arrived at London I took a longer route to my sisters! I went Liverpool Street - Tottenham Hale - Vauxhall - Earlsfield. This meant I could get some 379s part of the way home!
A good day in all. Lots of new route and a fair bit of new traction.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Sunday, 13 November 2011
13th November - A few hours in Cardiff
Yes it's a Sunday but I already knew I'd have a day to do something and planned a few hours in Cardiff before meeting my wife at Exeter after her flight from Glasgow for her Grandad's 80th.
I was off of Plymouth on the 0925 and due to diversions went to Newport. This saved me time as a few minutes later a connection to Cardiff was made on a doubled up XC 170 unit. They were both winning so I jumped in the front one and knew I could get the other on the return. It was a good job I did it in that order as the return only had one unit serviceable which was the required one!!!
A couple of dud trips took me back to Cardiff and then Newport before my final XC 170 for sight rolled in on another doubled up train. This was good because most of the XC 170s I need now are the two car ones. So like before I got into the front unit in case the rear is out of action (should I require it) on the return!
The rear unit wasn't required and I headed back to Newport on a Pacer that was heading to Cheltenham Spa. Don't think I have ridden a Pacer between Cardiff and Newport before! There was not a lot else I could do from now on. My train back home was off Newport at 1503. The last thing I wanted to do was be late to meet My wife!!
Yes it was a short time but I got three winning 170s in, and the more difficult two carriage ones at that! Normally i only see three carriage ones in Cardiff! And all XC ones completed for sight. Finally the ride on Pacer on the mainline really wasn't that bad!
I was off of Plymouth on the 0925 and due to diversions went to Newport. This saved me time as a few minutes later a connection to Cardiff was made on a doubled up XC 170 unit. They were both winning so I jumped in the front one and knew I could get the other on the return. It was a good job I did it in that order as the return only had one unit serviceable which was the required one!!!
A couple of dud trips took me back to Cardiff and then Newport before my final XC 170 for sight rolled in on another doubled up train. This was good because most of the XC 170s I need now are the two car ones. So like before I got into the front unit in case the rear is out of action (should I require it) on the return!
The rear unit wasn't required and I headed back to Newport on a Pacer that was heading to Cheltenham Spa. Don't think I have ridden a Pacer between Cardiff and Newport before! There was not a lot else I could do from now on. My train back home was off Newport at 1503. The last thing I wanted to do was be late to meet My wife!!
Yes it was a short time but I got three winning 170s in, and the more difficult two carriage ones at that! Normally i only see three carriage ones in Cardiff! And all XC ones completed for sight. Finally the ride on Pacer on the mainline really wasn't that bad!
Thursday, 10 November 2011
10th November - Thames Day Ranger
Been a while since I had done my one and only Thames Day Ranger. So I decided to do another and get the Marlow branch scratched off.
I left Plymouth on the 0748 train to Reading. For some reason we were held at Castle Cary for 8 minutes which led to the train getting later and later. I arrived at Reading with 1 minute spare for a connection to Maidenhead, which I missed. Not critical as i was able to catch another train and still make connection to Marlow.
I found the correct platform and got on the train. However it went nowhere and we got moved to another train due to a fault. Now I was going to miss my connection to Marlow by 3 minutes. However my luck was in. They held the train at Maidenhead.
So I headed off to Marlow to scratch off that bit of track. By the time I returned to Maidenhead (all on schedule) I was getting hungry. Curry for lunch in Wetherspoons was just the ticket. A quick walk to "The Bear" for lunch and then "The Greyhound" for another pint before 1332 to Paddington. Now the hunt for my last 3 FGW HST power cars was on.
I looked round at Paddington to see if any of my required power cars were present. There wasn't much in at this time an waited to see what would arrive. To kill time I saw a required Turbo so caught that to Ealing Broadway. My return to Paddington was also a winning Turbo. Another look round gave nothing of any reward. So it was onto a Bedwyn service a it was a winner. First stop Reading. At reading I got on the next train back to Paddington. It was an hst that stopped at Slough. Having seen a Turbo leave Reading a few minutes earlier that was required I noticed that I would overtake it and could catch it from Slough. I did this and noticed a winning power car! It was heading the wrong way and a quick look at its next couple of diagrams meant this one would have to wait another day!
Back at Paddington again there were no power cars. So I hopped onto a Heathrow Connect to Ealing Broadway and then another turbo to Maidenhead. It was then an HST to reading before another back to Paddington.
It was now getting on with time. So started making my way back to Reading. I bailed at Maidenhead to see if the train behind was a winner. It was and I then bailed at Twyford. The train behind was a dud but one heading east was good. So back to Maidenhead and one last chance for another winner back to Reading. It was!
At Reading I waited for my train home. A reasonably good day. No power cars but 13 winning units and a bit of new track. Guess I can't complain too much, I did get a winning power car on Monday!
I left Plymouth on the 0748 train to Reading. For some reason we were held at Castle Cary for 8 minutes which led to the train getting later and later. I arrived at Reading with 1 minute spare for a connection to Maidenhead, which I missed. Not critical as i was able to catch another train and still make connection to Marlow.
I found the correct platform and got on the train. However it went nowhere and we got moved to another train due to a fault. Now I was going to miss my connection to Marlow by 3 minutes. However my luck was in. They held the train at Maidenhead.
So I headed off to Marlow to scratch off that bit of track. By the time I returned to Maidenhead (all on schedule) I was getting hungry. Curry for lunch in Wetherspoons was just the ticket. A quick walk to "The Bear" for lunch and then "The Greyhound" for another pint before 1332 to Paddington. Now the hunt for my last 3 FGW HST power cars was on.
I looked round at Paddington to see if any of my required power cars were present. There wasn't much in at this time an waited to see what would arrive. To kill time I saw a required Turbo so caught that to Ealing Broadway. My return to Paddington was also a winning Turbo. Another look round gave nothing of any reward. So it was onto a Bedwyn service a it was a winner. First stop Reading. At reading I got on the next train back to Paddington. It was an hst that stopped at Slough. Having seen a Turbo leave Reading a few minutes earlier that was required I noticed that I would overtake it and could catch it from Slough. I did this and noticed a winning power car! It was heading the wrong way and a quick look at its next couple of diagrams meant this one would have to wait another day!
Back at Paddington again there were no power cars. So I hopped onto a Heathrow Connect to Ealing Broadway and then another turbo to Maidenhead. It was then an HST to reading before another back to Paddington.
It was now getting on with time. So started making my way back to Reading. I bailed at Maidenhead to see if the train behind was a winner. It was and I then bailed at Twyford. The train behind was a dud but one heading east was good. So back to Maidenhead and one last chance for another winner back to Reading. It was!
At Reading I waited for my train home. A reasonably good day. No power cars but 13 winning units and a bit of new track. Guess I can't complain too much, I did get a winning power car on Monday!
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
7th November - Cardiff and Newport
Today I went to Cardiff to try and knock off a few of the ATW units that I require for haulage. Any FGW HST power cars required would be a bonus.
So I left Plymouth on the 0925 to Aberdeen. My usual move would then be be to change at Bristol Parkway for the HST to Cardiff. However due to a signalling fault in the Swindon area the Cardiff train was running 35 late. I decided to get something to eat now rather than at Cardiff. So I actually left the platforms and went to Uppercrust. The barriers at Parkway didn't like my ticket (or many other people's for that matter so there was a queue!) which is no doubt frustrating for many people.
Anyway my train finally arrived and off I went to Cardiff. On the way I saw a winning GBRF 66 at Alexander Dock Junction and a 'Super 60'! If these are super remains to be seen as they seem just as unreliable as normal 60s. Anyway it was 60007 and required for sight but as per usual with 60s no photo opportunity. Last time I was here was in July. I headed straight to the Valley lines platforms and waited. I saw units that were required but going the wrong way. I wanted to go to Queen Street and back. So I worked out when their return was. I then saw a winning 158 heading to Cheltenham Spa. So I headed off to Platform 1 to get it. I caught this to Newport and saw a required 175 waiting to leave for Cardiff. This was going well. Back at Cardiff I saw another 175 that was required took me back to Newport.
A dud 175 back to Cardiff. I then saw a FGW HST power car on the rear of a Paddington bound train that was required. I checked it's moves for the day and discovered it was heading to Taunton on its next move. I looked at where I could meet it and it'll be move to Swindon when the time was right.
In the meantime I saw a winning XC 170. So I caught this to Newport with a dud return. During all this I missed the units that would be returning through Cardiff on the valley lines. This wasn't so bad because I felt its easier to get them than units that normally cover a greater area of working. I waited on the Valley Line platforms in hope of a required unit to Queen Street but nothing was happening. During my wait another required 170 rolled in. So this was the start of my return home. I caught 170398 to Newport and then an HST to Swindon. From here should be my winning Power car to Bristol. I didn't want to go to Taunton as it was a stopper after Bristol through Weston. It was 43041 and at Bristol it was a Voyager home. A lot later than planned but worth it for the power car. Only 3 FGW ones left for haulage.
A good day. 5 new units for haulage and a power car.
So I left Plymouth on the 0925 to Aberdeen. My usual move would then be be to change at Bristol Parkway for the HST to Cardiff. However due to a signalling fault in the Swindon area the Cardiff train was running 35 late. I decided to get something to eat now rather than at Cardiff. So I actually left the platforms and went to Uppercrust. The barriers at Parkway didn't like my ticket (or many other people's for that matter so there was a queue!) which is no doubt frustrating for many people.
Anyway my train finally arrived and off I went to Cardiff. On the way I saw a winning GBRF 66 at Alexander Dock Junction and a 'Super 60'! If these are super remains to be seen as they seem just as unreliable as normal 60s. Anyway it was 60007 and required for sight but as per usual with 60s no photo opportunity. Last time I was here was in July. I headed straight to the Valley lines platforms and waited. I saw units that were required but going the wrong way. I wanted to go to Queen Street and back. So I worked out when their return was. I then saw a winning 158 heading to Cheltenham Spa. So I headed off to Platform 1 to get it. I caught this to Newport and saw a required 175 waiting to leave for Cardiff. This was going well. Back at Cardiff I saw another 175 that was required took me back to Newport.
A dud 175 back to Cardiff. I then saw a FGW HST power car on the rear of a Paddington bound train that was required. I checked it's moves for the day and discovered it was heading to Taunton on its next move. I looked at where I could meet it and it'll be move to Swindon when the time was right.
In the meantime I saw a winning XC 170. So I caught this to Newport with a dud return. During all this I missed the units that would be returning through Cardiff on the valley lines. This wasn't so bad because I felt its easier to get them than units that normally cover a greater area of working. I waited on the Valley Line platforms in hope of a required unit to Queen Street but nothing was happening. During my wait another required 170 rolled in. So this was the start of my return home. I caught 170398 to Newport and then an HST to Swindon. From here should be my winning Power car to Bristol. I didn't want to go to Taunton as it was a stopper after Bristol through Weston. It was 43041 and at Bristol it was a Voyager home. A lot later than planned but worth it for the power car. Only 3 FGW ones left for haulage.
A good day. 5 new units for haulage and a power car.
Monday, 31 October 2011
27th October - West Midland Day Ranger
I wanted to do another West Midland Day Ranger before the year was out and today was the day I decided I would go out. With the stupidly expensive XC train tickets to the area out of the question I decided I would drive to Droitwich Spa and catch my train from there. I was 45 mins late arriving to Droitwich due to an accident on the M5 which was a little frustrating but could do nothing about it.
My first train of the day was an experience on the new London Midland Class 172s. Plenty of leg room and as would be expected at the moment, nice and clean. I decided my first part of the day would be spent ridding as many of these new 172s as possible. But after a while I realised that there were still quite a few Class 150s kicking about. I did see however 150001 was running and this was required so I worked out where I could meet it from and bag a double bonus (153334 was on the back). I went from Solihull to Moor Street on 150001 and Moor Street to Smethwick Galton Bridge on 153334. It was then on down to New Street.
I checked on the Virgin Super Voyager that was almost ready to head to Edinburgh. It was required so jumped on to Wolverhampton. It was then back to New Street on a Pendolino before a Desiro to International. Heading to back to New Street I wondered around until I found a winning train that was due to leave. A London Midland 170 was had to University and the one back was also a winner. Another Super Voyager and Desiro back from Wolverhmapton was caught until I headed back (by foot) to Moor Street. It was off behind the 67 to Leamington Spa. It wasn't a winning 67 but still worth it. At Leamington I decided to get something to eat. A quick walk (in the rain!) to the nearest Wetherspoons and I had my dinner there. Whilst i was in Leamington I decided to head to the 2nd Wetherspoons and tick that one off.
It was now back to the station and to start heading to Droitwich. This was not straightforward. For some reason there was a lot of delays and cancellations. I gradually made my way west and then south to Droitwich. The only consolation for my late arrival into Droitwich was a bagged a few more winning units.
A good day but the weather was awful. It was not good for photos and because I did not want to get wetter than I was I didn't get many (3 in fact!) that I was happy to put up! Next time, hopefully it will be drier!
Just over 200 miles travelled and 18 winning trains ridden on.
My first train of the day was an experience on the new London Midland Class 172s. Plenty of leg room and as would be expected at the moment, nice and clean. I decided my first part of the day would be spent ridding as many of these new 172s as possible. But after a while I realised that there were still quite a few Class 150s kicking about. I did see however 150001 was running and this was required so I worked out where I could meet it from and bag a double bonus (153334 was on the back). I went from Solihull to Moor Street on 150001 and Moor Street to Smethwick Galton Bridge on 153334. It was then on down to New Street.
I checked on the Virgin Super Voyager that was almost ready to head to Edinburgh. It was required so jumped on to Wolverhampton. It was then back to New Street on a Pendolino before a Desiro to International. Heading to back to New Street I wondered around until I found a winning train that was due to leave. A London Midland 170 was had to University and the one back was also a winner. Another Super Voyager and Desiro back from Wolverhmapton was caught until I headed back (by foot) to Moor Street. It was off behind the 67 to Leamington Spa. It wasn't a winning 67 but still worth it. At Leamington I decided to get something to eat. A quick walk (in the rain!) to the nearest Wetherspoons and I had my dinner there. Whilst i was in Leamington I decided to head to the 2nd Wetherspoons and tick that one off.
It was now back to the station and to start heading to Droitwich. This was not straightforward. For some reason there was a lot of delays and cancellations. I gradually made my way west and then south to Droitwich. The only consolation for my late arrival into Droitwich was a bagged a few more winning units.
A good day but the weather was awful. It was not good for photos and because I did not want to get wetter than I was I didn't get many (3 in fact!) that I was happy to put up! Next time, hopefully it will be drier!
Just over 200 miles travelled and 18 winning trains ridden on.
Monday, 24 October 2011
20th September 2011 - Another Trip to the Capitol
So off I went with a Super Off Peak return with my Network Rail Card to London. I know i don't get much time there but I can get plenty of winning trains in those 5 odd hours there.
I pretty much stayed between London Waterloo - Clapham and Richmond. I deviated slightly with a Southern service to Wembley Central to see what was there however. This was worth it as I saw a new DBS Class 66. Slowly knocking them off. At Clapham I also managed to spot two new Class 73s working a Network Rail Test train. No photos as I was on a train and the same with the spotting of 97301 at Clapham.
During the course of my time there I managed to bag 16 winning trains for haualge. And I'm getting close to ridding all the 450/5s and I am 2/3rds of the way through the 458s. I also completed for sight the Class 458s with my final one sitting in the siddings at Clapham Junction.
Another 500+ miles also completed so my yearly total now stands at 28430.
I pretty much stayed between London Waterloo - Clapham and Richmond. I deviated slightly with a Southern service to Wembley Central to see what was there however. This was worth it as I saw a new DBS Class 66. Slowly knocking them off. At Clapham I also managed to spot two new Class 73s working a Network Rail Test train. No photos as I was on a train and the same with the spotting of 97301 at Clapham.
During the course of my time there I managed to bag 16 winning trains for haualge. And I'm getting close to ridding all the 450/5s and I am 2/3rds of the way through the 458s. I also completed for sight the Class 458s with my final one sitting in the siddings at Clapham Junction.
Another 500+ miles also completed so my yearly total now stands at 28430.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
15th Ocotober - The Ousing Dove Railtour
The final railtour of the year that I would be able to do was The Ousing Dove. Starting and finishing at Bristol Temple Meads required two nights in Bristol. My wife travelled with me and we headed up on the FGW London Paddington via Bristol Temple Meads on Friday night.
An early start with the train leaving at 0545 from Bristol. From the start things weren't as they should have been. As we got to the station there was the sight of two DRS 37s running round the ECS. It should have been 66 haulage from Bristol to Crewe! We were soon informed that Pathfinder didn't know what the traction was going to be. All they knew was the 37s would be taken off at Crewe. They had been told a 60 would be added there but that was not definite! The traction from Birmingham New Street to Bristol (much later in the day) was also rumoured to be two Class 67s.
We headed to Crewe via Birmingham New Street and the freight only line avoiding Wolverhampton between Portabello and Bushbury Junctions. As we passed Bescot there were several 66s stabled, two of which were very much required. Upon arrival at Crewe a Class 66 was attached. So that was our traction for the bulk of the day. We headed east via Stoke on Trent towards Derby. We didn't go through Derby as we used the avoider to go towards Nottingham. Again we didn't go through Nottingham as we diverted North at Lenton South and North Junctions. We continued North over Doncaster on the freight only line towards Goole. A Class 60 was attached to the back shortly before we arrived at Goole. Whilst this was happening a winning FL Class 66 passed us. For those who wanted a short break could be had at Goole but for anyone else the train would continue towards Hull but not quite reaching it. It curved back round to Goole using freight only links.
Picking up at Goole we headed west towards Monk Bretton through Knottingly. Just off the mainline another winning Class 66 was spotted. At Monk Bretton we went up to the Network Rail limits. This line was possibly the most overgrown line I had ever been on. Consistant battling with the lineside vegetation up the final mile or so of the branch. It was then time for the 60 to do some work, my first haulage behind the class. It took us 12 miles north to Wrenthorpe Sidings where it would detach. The 66 would then take us south.
We went via Rotheram Central and then freight only line pass Tinsley. It was then Sheffield, Derby and Birmingham. At Sheffield I saw my final Class 222 for sight. At Birmingham the Class 66 was taken off and another put in its place. Another winner!
We arrived into Bristol 27 minutes early. The next day we headed home on a Voyager from Bristol. I was so tired I don't remember the journey as I slept!!
I enjoyed the Saturday. A lot of freight route covered and 5 winning locomotives for haualge. A total of 570 miles for the rail tour and 825 miles travelled over the weekend. Year to date 27914.
An early start with the train leaving at 0545 from Bristol. From the start things weren't as they should have been. As we got to the station there was the sight of two DRS 37s running round the ECS. It should have been 66 haulage from Bristol to Crewe! We were soon informed that Pathfinder didn't know what the traction was going to be. All they knew was the 37s would be taken off at Crewe. They had been told a 60 would be added there but that was not definite! The traction from Birmingham New Street to Bristol (much later in the day) was also rumoured to be two Class 67s.
We headed to Crewe via Birmingham New Street and the freight only line avoiding Wolverhampton between Portabello and Bushbury Junctions. As we passed Bescot there were several 66s stabled, two of which were very much required. Upon arrival at Crewe a Class 66 was attached. So that was our traction for the bulk of the day. We headed east via Stoke on Trent towards Derby. We didn't go through Derby as we used the avoider to go towards Nottingham. Again we didn't go through Nottingham as we diverted North at Lenton South and North Junctions. We continued North over Doncaster on the freight only line towards Goole. A Class 60 was attached to the back shortly before we arrived at Goole. Whilst this was happening a winning FL Class 66 passed us. For those who wanted a short break could be had at Goole but for anyone else the train would continue towards Hull but not quite reaching it. It curved back round to Goole using freight only links.
Picking up at Goole we headed west towards Monk Bretton through Knottingly. Just off the mainline another winning Class 66 was spotted. At Monk Bretton we went up to the Network Rail limits. This line was possibly the most overgrown line I had ever been on. Consistant battling with the lineside vegetation up the final mile or so of the branch. It was then time for the 60 to do some work, my first haulage behind the class. It took us 12 miles north to Wrenthorpe Sidings where it would detach. The 66 would then take us south.
We went via Rotheram Central and then freight only line pass Tinsley. It was then Sheffield, Derby and Birmingham. At Sheffield I saw my final Class 222 for sight. At Birmingham the Class 66 was taken off and another put in its place. Another winner!
We arrived into Bristol 27 minutes early. The next day we headed home on a Voyager from Bristol. I was so tired I don't remember the journey as I slept!!
I enjoyed the Saturday. A lot of freight route covered and 5 winning locomotives for haualge. A total of 570 miles for the rail tour and 825 miles travelled over the weekend. Year to date 27914.
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