I've slipped again! Not updated for a while but I have been busy. I really need to start updating on the move via the app for my phone. Anyway here's a brief catch up of all that has happened.
9th October - West Midland Day Ranger
I had an unexpected change of day off and my wife also happened to be heading to Swindon for work. I decided I would (with a combination of tickets) head to Birmingham and do a West Midland Day Ranger. I would travel with my wife as far as Bristol. The route I took was via Worcester (so much cheaper, but does take longer). Luckily the first LM train I caught from Worcester was a winning 170. I took this to New Street. Once at New street I took a look around and spotted a winning XC 170 so jumped on this to Tamworth. I then headed south to Nuneaton on a winning 350. Next train due was an XC back to New Street. I couldn't believe it! Another winner! After arriving back at New Street on my penultimate XC 170 I jumped on a winning LM 170 to Wolverhampton (all 170s today!!!). I then did a return trip back to New Street on a winning 221 and then 390. It was then another winning 170 to Telford Central. The day was going well! I had a drink in the Wetherspoons at Telford before a dud (was bound to happen!) pair of 158s to Wolverhampton. I then spotted a winning 323 to Sandwell & Dudley. Then a dud 170 to New Street. Once at New Street I spotted a winning Pendo so took it to Birmingham International. It was now time to head home. A winning 350 to new street before a dud 170 took me towards Worcester. I bailed at Droitwich and waited to see what was on the train behind. A winner! 170511 took me to Worcester where the long trip home started. There was a slim hope my final FGW 150 might be on but unlikely. And it wasn't! A good day nevertheless. Plenty of winners and miles under my belt!
12th October - A very lucky break!
A very lucky break indeed! I saw some gen that 150202 was heading west and would be returning on a service that I would have been able to make if I parked at Saltash (needed to drive straight to work) and caught a train to Par. So off I went and waited for the train to take me. I was waiting at Saltash and then felt stupid! I thought to my self that I needed 150102 not 202! I was cursing myself as I had come all this way for nothing! Aaaaarrghhhhhh! I was heading back to the car when I saw the train I was due to catch to Par come round the corner. I couldn't believe my eyes! 150102!!!!! My final FGW 150! I pegged it back to the platform and got on. The rest of the trip went as expected. Sure enough 150202 took me back to Saltash. So I have finally cleared (barring any unusual workings) everything FGW run in the South West. In fact all I now need is Thames units and the recently transfered (back to) 180s.
19th October - London Daytrip
After arriving on the usual 0553 from Plymouth I headed to Richmond via the District line. Whilst here I looked for my final 458s. I spotted one but on my attempt to meet its return from Waterloo it never came. Obviously went ECS to depot. Great! So after wasting a bit of time I headed on to Victoria on a winning 377. I then saw the VSOE leaving before heading to Bromley South for lunch on a pair of 375s (one a winner). I had lunch and then caught a dud 319 north towards Kentish Town. Once within the Thameslink tunnels I bus stopped it to St Pancras and back to London Bridge bagging 9 winning units along the way (including 3 for sight). I then headed to East Croydon on a winning 171. Time for a change. I did the Croydon Tram to Elmers End. I then caught a train to Hayes to complete the branch. I returned and headed to London Bridge and attempted to bag winning SE trains. I didn't realise that half the trains don't stop at London Bridge off of Waterloo East. So I got bored quite quickly and only got 9 winners before heading back to Croydon on a winning 442. It was then back to Victoria where I decided for my last hour or so would stay on the underground. I headed east on the Circle/District line and changed at almost every station to pick the units running. All Distrct line trains were winners as I have been on very few of them. At Aldgate I headed westwards to head back to Paddington. It was a very productive last hour and I need to do more of it as I have a lot of tube stock left to get. Need to concentrate on C Stock however as this is on borrowed time with the new S Stock now starting to be tested on the Circle and Hammersmith lines.
1st November - The Great Escape
With half term upon us London Midland were doing there great escape ticket once more. I bagged one for my day off and headed to London on earliest train. The ticket was valid from 0930 and a bargain at £9.90 with railcard! I headed north to Watford and changed. I was going to head to St Alburns but the time to wait was quite big so caught the next train to Milton Keynes. I spent an hour here and visited all four of the Wetherspoons. It was then time to head to Bletchley. And then onto the Marston Vale line for new track. 150107 was doing the honours for the trip to Bedford. Once here I went to both Wetherspoons and had lunch in one of them. It was then back to the West Coast Mainline. Time to see if I could get any winning 350s. I got two to Rugby (changed at Northampton). I realised time had gone quite quick and headed back south. I also realised I wouldn't be able to make the St Alburns line! Damn! Need to do that another day now (although of all the LM network that is the easiest bit to do from London). No more winning trains back either. Hmmmm. I bus stopped back to Paddington and picked up a few winning tube units. In hindsight a good day. New track and 3 winning 350s (I'm at that stage where its starting to get more difficult). I also travelled over 600 miles. For the next Great Escape I only need the St Alburns branch and then it really is 350 hunting. Watford - Northampton (Milton Keynes is inbetween) is the key. Any further North and time is wasted.
And that is it! All up to date. I should have ridden the GWR Steam Railmotor last Sunday but was cancelled. Hopefully I'll get it in two weeks time on the 18th November.
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Friday, 19 October 2012
4th October 2012 - Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala
I was very pleased to see that the Severn Valley Railway were holding a Diesel Gala and it would start on a Thursday, my day off! I'd seen this several weeks before hand and suggested this to Peter and he was able to get the day off too.
It was an early start as I left Plymouth at 0430 to pick Peter up from Newton Abbot at 0500. It was cold too! We had plenty of time as the first train wasn't until 0925 off Kidderminster but we didn't want to take any chances and miss the first train.
We made it in plenty of time so we headed into town and got breakfast from Wetherspoons, The Penny Black.
Neither of us had done the line before so the plan I'd made would enable us to get the whole line and all but one loco on the gala. That one loco was D821 but we had fortunately both had haulage off of it before at the West Somerset Railway (in 2010 if I remember correctly).
So the first train was D8059 which we took all the way to Bridgnorth. I was recently here (but only had a wonder round) so took Peter down to where D1013 was hiding and we photted all that was here on the depot. We then returned behind D1062 (also had before at the WSR!). Was supposed to be behind this to Bewdley where the rest of the day would see us catching a mixture of shuttles and full services to get haulage off every thing! It became apparent very soon that things were wrong! We were held for ages whilst waiting for an up train to Bridgnorth. It was running 20 late and wasn't 33108 like it should have been! Great! Plan foiled already! 33108 wouldn't start apparently (flat battery). So we stayed on the train to Kidderminster. The plan was now out the window because nothing was running on time and they had changed locos round from running what was planned. Coupled to that was the fact 50026 was missing (not a problem for me as I had it at Swanage earlier in the year but Peter needed it!) and the 31. It did appear that 37906 was running though instead. It was now a matter of trying to get what we needed when we could. We did try to establish what was where and try and tie it to the plan as the 08s needed to be done whatever!
After arriving at Kiddy we then caught D8188 back to Bewdley. Then it was the shuttle back with 37906 leading. We then worked out we needed to be at Bewdley to meet 50031 so it was off behind D8059 once more. 50031 duly turned up and back to Kiddy! They then attached 50135 to 031 and it was a double header to Bewdley.
Now time for some 1st Gen DMU action! Back at Kiddy we met Dave who had arrived for the 08s (well 08;72 in particular!). A short while later 56311 turned up with 50026 and 31601 from the mainline. So the 50 and 31 would be here for tomorrow then!!!!
After a long wait we finally saw the 08s heading into the station. Once the stock arrived they backed onto it and we were soon off.
At Bewdley I was going to catch 33108 back to Kiddy. Then the DMU back to Bewdley for the 45 on the last train to Kiddy. But it was all a bit tight and didn't want to risk missing the connections for two reasons. The 45 would be my first haulage from a Peak and secondly the car was at Kiddy and I didn't fancy being stuck at Bewdley! Peter had had 33108 before and was heading into Bewdley to visit some Cask Marque pubs. I noticed that the 33 was to run back to Bewdley and then double head with the 45! I decided to do this as it was less risky and people assured me the 33 would be back so I would still get both!
So into Bewdley I went and visited the pubs with Peter. It was real ale week and couple of halfs would be fine.
Afterwards it was home time. We called into Stourport-on-Severn for dinner at the Spoons before I headed home via Exeter (to drop Dave off) and Newton (for Peter). A great day! The line complete, a load of new locos for haulage and plenty of new spots (well nearly all the steam was new!).
It was an early start as I left Plymouth at 0430 to pick Peter up from Newton Abbot at 0500. It was cold too! We had plenty of time as the first train wasn't until 0925 off Kidderminster but we didn't want to take any chances and miss the first train.
We made it in plenty of time so we headed into town and got breakfast from Wetherspoons, The Penny Black.
Neither of us had done the line before so the plan I'd made would enable us to get the whole line and all but one loco on the gala. That one loco was D821 but we had fortunately both had haulage off of it before at the West Somerset Railway (in 2010 if I remember correctly).
So the first train was D8059 which we took all the way to Bridgnorth. I was recently here (but only had a wonder round) so took Peter down to where D1013 was hiding and we photted all that was here on the depot. We then returned behind D1062 (also had before at the WSR!). Was supposed to be behind this to Bewdley where the rest of the day would see us catching a mixture of shuttles and full services to get haulage off every thing! It became apparent very soon that things were wrong! We were held for ages whilst waiting for an up train to Bridgnorth. It was running 20 late and wasn't 33108 like it should have been! Great! Plan foiled already! 33108 wouldn't start apparently (flat battery). So we stayed on the train to Kidderminster. The plan was now out the window because nothing was running on time and they had changed locos round from running what was planned. Coupled to that was the fact 50026 was missing (not a problem for me as I had it at Swanage earlier in the year but Peter needed it!) and the 31. It did appear that 37906 was running though instead. It was now a matter of trying to get what we needed when we could. We did try to establish what was where and try and tie it to the plan as the 08s needed to be done whatever!
After arriving at Kiddy we then caught D8188 back to Bewdley. Then it was the shuttle back with 37906 leading. We then worked out we needed to be at Bewdley to meet 50031 so it was off behind D8059 once more. 50031 duly turned up and back to Kiddy! They then attached 50135 to 031 and it was a double header to Bewdley.
Now time for some 1st Gen DMU action! Back at Kiddy we met Dave who had arrived for the 08s (well 08;72 in particular!). A short while later 56311 turned up with 50026 and 31601 from the mainline. So the 50 and 31 would be here for tomorrow then!!!!
After a long wait we finally saw the 08s heading into the station. Once the stock arrived they backed onto it and we were soon off.
At Bewdley I was going to catch 33108 back to Kiddy. Then the DMU back to Bewdley for the 45 on the last train to Kiddy. But it was all a bit tight and didn't want to risk missing the connections for two reasons. The 45 would be my first haulage from a Peak and secondly the car was at Kiddy and I didn't fancy being stuck at Bewdley! Peter had had 33108 before and was heading into Bewdley to visit some Cask Marque pubs. I noticed that the 33 was to run back to Bewdley and then double head with the 45! I decided to do this as it was less risky and people assured me the 33 would be back so I would still get both!
So into Bewdley I went and visited the pubs with Peter. It was real ale week and couple of halfs would be fine.
Afterwards it was home time. We called into Stourport-on-Severn for dinner at the Spoons before I headed home via Exeter (to drop Dave off) and Newton (for Peter). A great day! The line complete, a load of new locos for haulage and plenty of new spots (well nearly all the steam was new!).
Sunday, 14 October 2012
17th to 22nd September - Kent Holiday
Been a while since my last update but I have done quite a bit! More or less after my trip to Leeds my wife and I started our holiday together. It was to be a bit of everything and we were going to be staying in Britain. The bulk of our stay would be in Kent and half the travel would be by train by using a Kent 3 Day Rover. This gave us the flexibility to both drink and gave us discount on places we visited by using 2 for 1 offers.
We set up base in Canterbury and were about 15 minute walk to Canterbury East station. On the first day my wife said I could try and cover as much route as possible (whilst she did her own thing) and the remaining two days would see us go on route that was left and spend more time off the network! Most stops saw us visit Cask Marque pubs (mostly Wetherspoons) as well!
Day 1
The first day saw us head to Faversham for a change of train to Rochester. We had a wonder round here before heading to Gravesend. We had a lunch here before heading back to Strood for a train to Padock Wood on the Medway Valley line. It was at this point my wife did her own thing! I then headed west to Sevenoaks and then onto Swanley. I then doubled back a bit to Otford before the slow trip inland to Ashford. Here I met my wife and we went for some dinner.
After dinner she headed home whilst I headed to Sittingbourne via Swanley. The whole point of the late trip to Sittingbourne and then up to Sheerness on Sea was so I could get both curves to Sheerness completed. Glad its done but it was now 2132 and I was at Gillingham and needed to get home. By the time I returned it was gone 2300 but I had completed a lot of track and grabbed a fair few winners. This was by far going to be my most intense day of the week.
Day 2
We headed to Faversham once again and then headed east to Margate. What a hole! We didn't discover this straight away as we headed round to the Turner Art building (I think thats what it's called!). Not my cup of tea but nevertheless. Afterwards we started to wonder round Margate. We decided very quickly that was not the best idea and headed back to the station. We headed back to Canterbury via West station and spent some more time there (making use of the 2 for 1) at some museums. We then went back to Canterbury West and headed down to Ashford before heading to Folkestone for dinner. It was then onto Dover Priory before heading straight up to Faversham and onto Herne Bay for a visit to the Wetherspoons. After this it was back to Canterbury. Another late day with the same service as yesterday to Canterbury!
Day 3
Today would see us go back to Dover for a visit to the Castle and the War Time Tunnels. Great place. After this I needed a couple of bits of track to do in Kent. This saw me catch the 1532 Dover Priory to Ramsgate via Minster and then return to Dover. This got the rarely used curve in near Minster. My wife had headed to Whitstable whilst I did this so I headed up to meet her. After a visiting 3 pubs here (nice place) we headed back to Canterbury for an early night (back by 2100!).
Thursday!
We had planned a day trip to France and went by Eurotunnel. It was quick and easy. It literally was drive on and off in no time. Spotting the rear locomotive was easy as i drove past it. The front was a little trickier and required an email to Eurotunnel (but the replied promptly with the answers I needed for both the out and return journeys). I managed to spot a fair few Eurotunnel locomotives as we left Folkestone so was pleased. But when we arrived at Coquelles I couldn't believe it! I spotted loads on the depot and then 7 of the 8 stored Class 92 locomotives! Brilliant! Photos were taken from the train. Not great but passible. It was then off the train and on into France (we ended up going to Belgium but that really wasn't far at all). On the way, whilst passing the massive freight yards by the motorway I spotted two Eurocargo 66s. One was an old EWS loco and the other a newer Eurocargo ordered one (with air con unit on top). Luckily the one i could see the number for was the old EWS one!
A great day and a few more Eurotunnel locos spotted on the way home!
Saturday
On our way back home we called into Spa Valley Railway. It was one of their Diesel and Steam timetables. We had 33056 out and 47493 (Steam) back. Great little line two winners for haulage. Also managed to visit the cab of the 33 and had a great chat with the driver.
A nice week away. My wife was good enough to let me complete Kent for all lines (except the HS1 to classic connections). So all I need to do now is get the South Eastern trains themselves and the Suburban London lines they run on. That should be easy enough at Key locations on a London Travelcard. The trip on Eurotunnel was great (and so easy) and the week nicely rounded off on a heritage railway!
We set up base in Canterbury and were about 15 minute walk to Canterbury East station. On the first day my wife said I could try and cover as much route as possible (whilst she did her own thing) and the remaining two days would see us go on route that was left and spend more time off the network! Most stops saw us visit Cask Marque pubs (mostly Wetherspoons) as well!
Day 1
The first day saw us head to Faversham for a change of train to Rochester. We had a wonder round here before heading to Gravesend. We had a lunch here before heading back to Strood for a train to Padock Wood on the Medway Valley line. It was at this point my wife did her own thing! I then headed west to Sevenoaks and then onto Swanley. I then doubled back a bit to Otford before the slow trip inland to Ashford. Here I met my wife and we went for some dinner.
After dinner she headed home whilst I headed to Sittingbourne via Swanley. The whole point of the late trip to Sittingbourne and then up to Sheerness on Sea was so I could get both curves to Sheerness completed. Glad its done but it was now 2132 and I was at Gillingham and needed to get home. By the time I returned it was gone 2300 but I had completed a lot of track and grabbed a fair few winners. This was by far going to be my most intense day of the week.
Day 2
We headed to Faversham once again and then headed east to Margate. What a hole! We didn't discover this straight away as we headed round to the Turner Art building (I think thats what it's called!). Not my cup of tea but nevertheless. Afterwards we started to wonder round Margate. We decided very quickly that was not the best idea and headed back to the station. We headed back to Canterbury via West station and spent some more time there (making use of the 2 for 1) at some museums. We then went back to Canterbury West and headed down to Ashford before heading to Folkestone for dinner. It was then onto Dover Priory before heading straight up to Faversham and onto Herne Bay for a visit to the Wetherspoons. After this it was back to Canterbury. Another late day with the same service as yesterday to Canterbury!
Day 3
Today would see us go back to Dover for a visit to the Castle and the War Time Tunnels. Great place. After this I needed a couple of bits of track to do in Kent. This saw me catch the 1532 Dover Priory to Ramsgate via Minster and then return to Dover. This got the rarely used curve in near Minster. My wife had headed to Whitstable whilst I did this so I headed up to meet her. After a visiting 3 pubs here (nice place) we headed back to Canterbury for an early night (back by 2100!).
Thursday!
We had planned a day trip to France and went by Eurotunnel. It was quick and easy. It literally was drive on and off in no time. Spotting the rear locomotive was easy as i drove past it. The front was a little trickier and required an email to Eurotunnel (but the replied promptly with the answers I needed for both the out and return journeys). I managed to spot a fair few Eurotunnel locomotives as we left Folkestone so was pleased. But when we arrived at Coquelles I couldn't believe it! I spotted loads on the depot and then 7 of the 8 stored Class 92 locomotives! Brilliant! Photos were taken from the train. Not great but passible. It was then off the train and on into France (we ended up going to Belgium but that really wasn't far at all). On the way, whilst passing the massive freight yards by the motorway I spotted two Eurocargo 66s. One was an old EWS loco and the other a newer Eurocargo ordered one (with air con unit on top). Luckily the one i could see the number for was the old EWS one!
A great day and a few more Eurotunnel locos spotted on the way home!
Saturday
On our way back home we called into Spa Valley Railway. It was one of their Diesel and Steam timetables. We had 33056 out and 47493 (Steam) back. Great little line two winners for haulage. Also managed to visit the cab of the 33 and had a great chat with the driver.
A nice week away. My wife was good enough to let me complete Kent for all lines (except the HS1 to classic connections). So all I need to do now is get the South Eastern trains themselves and the Suburban London lines they run on. That should be easy enough at Key locations on a London Travelcard. The trip on Eurotunnel was great (and so easy) and the week nicely rounded off on a heritage railway!
Friday, 21 September 2012
12th September 2012 - West Yorkshire Ranger
It was my last day of my short trip. There was no plan today but I basically had until 1715 to do whatever I wanted. I got a WYPTE ticket (one of my favourite PTE tickets) for the bargain price of £6.60 and looked for the first train that was required and valid. This took me to Headingley with a winning 144 and 142. The return also produced a winner in the form of a 150. I didn't have to wait very long before another winner. This time to Burley Park on a 155. The return was a dud 142.
Next up was a winning 333. I needed 5 more after this and decided was now time to make the effort and try and get them all. I took this to Shipley and the next train I saw was another 333 that was required. This was going back to Leeds and one my way in I saw a FL 66 heading East. The bonus was that it was required for sight.
Once back in Leeds I spotted 333005. Another required 333! This was going well. I took this to Menston. Once here I waited for the train heading back to Leeds. Dud! So I waited for the next one which was heading to Bradford. Winner!!!! Couldn't believe my luck! Whilst on this train i saw 333004 heading to Ilkley. Needed that so at least I knew where that was!
So at Shipley I saw a required 322. I caught this to Salitaire and then a dud 333 back to Shipley. I then waited for a little while for 333004 to return and take me to Bradford. One left!
So where was 333013. Now I think earlier that morning i had seen it but wasn't 100% sure. If it was the unit I thought it was it had headed North to Skipton. So I headed to Steeton & Silsden, where the trains would cross. when I got there I hadn't envisaged a not quite so straight forward crossing of the line! The platforms were not opposite! I ran and made it with loads of time! Phew! I waited and hoped! When it came it was indeed 333013! Fantastic! The 333s completed for haulage and with not that much effort.
It was no time for lunch so I headed back to Keighley and popped to the Wetherspoons. It was then back to Leeds. I caught a train from Carlisle so there was hope I'd need them. I didn't. Ah well. As I was arriving into Leeds i checked what the 91 to Kings Cross. 91104 which was required. So off to Wakefield on that before returning on a winning 144.
Once back at Leeds I saw TPE 170301 heading to Huddersfield. This was needed to jumped on it. 170309 was also attached but i got this the other day so not needed. Then the return to Leeds was 170308 which i also had the other day! Before this trip i'd only been on one TPE 170 before! At least now I'd been on four!
And with that it was time to head home. Rather nicely the 91 back south was a winner. I also spotted a winning GBRf 66 at Peterborough. I hopped off at each station to Paddington picking up a few underground winning units and then it was the FGW HST home.
What a great few days away. Plenty of winning units, loads of new route, the 333s completed, finally spotting more than two 507/508s. Next time I can spend time chasing winning trains now I have the route. I travelled 1659 miles over the 3 days.
Next up was a winning 333. I needed 5 more after this and decided was now time to make the effort and try and get them all. I took this to Shipley and the next train I saw was another 333 that was required. This was going back to Leeds and one my way in I saw a FL 66 heading East. The bonus was that it was required for sight.
Once back in Leeds I spotted 333005. Another required 333! This was going well. I took this to Menston. Once here I waited for the train heading back to Leeds. Dud! So I waited for the next one which was heading to Bradford. Winner!!!! Couldn't believe my luck! Whilst on this train i saw 333004 heading to Ilkley. Needed that so at least I knew where that was!
So at Shipley I saw a required 322. I caught this to Salitaire and then a dud 333 back to Shipley. I then waited for a little while for 333004 to return and take me to Bradford. One left!
So where was 333013. Now I think earlier that morning i had seen it but wasn't 100% sure. If it was the unit I thought it was it had headed North to Skipton. So I headed to Steeton & Silsden, where the trains would cross. when I got there I hadn't envisaged a not quite so straight forward crossing of the line! The platforms were not opposite! I ran and made it with loads of time! Phew! I waited and hoped! When it came it was indeed 333013! Fantastic! The 333s completed for haulage and with not that much effort.
It was no time for lunch so I headed back to Keighley and popped to the Wetherspoons. It was then back to Leeds. I caught a train from Carlisle so there was hope I'd need them. I didn't. Ah well. As I was arriving into Leeds i checked what the 91 to Kings Cross. 91104 which was required. So off to Wakefield on that before returning on a winning 144.
Once back at Leeds I saw TPE 170301 heading to Huddersfield. This was needed to jumped on it. 170309 was also attached but i got this the other day so not needed. Then the return to Leeds was 170308 which i also had the other day! Before this trip i'd only been on one TPE 170 before! At least now I'd been on four!
And with that it was time to head home. Rather nicely the 91 back south was a winner. I also spotted a winning GBRf 66 at Peterborough. I hopped off at each station to Paddington picking up a few underground winning units and then it was the FGW HST home.
What a great few days away. Plenty of winning units, loads of new route, the 333s completed, finally spotting more than two 507/508s. Next time I can spend time chasing winning trains now I have the route. I travelled 1659 miles over the 3 days.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
11th September 2012 - Lancashire Day Ranger
An area where i still had a fair amount of unscratched track was Lancashire. To reach this ranger's area I got a return to Hebden Bridge and caught the 0808 off of Leeds. By the time I reached Hebden Bridge, the Ranger kicked in. A winning 158754 took me to Manchester Victoria. A short trip to Salford Crescent on a winning 142056 followed by a short 1 mile trip back to Salford Central on 156443.
Next was another winning 142 (057) on some new track to Wigan Wallgate. I then met up with 142056 again and headed north to Bolton for another stretch of new track.
Now I needed to head north to Lancaster. Two winners got me there. 185101 to Preston and then 390118 to Lancaster. Now I waited for the one train a day to Heysham Port. It was 142019, required for haulage. It came in where I didn't expect it which meant crossing the footbridge but never mind! I expected it to use either platform 1 or 2! So with the trip to Heysham port and back complete, I headed back south to Preston on a dud pendo. I did mange to spot my final 185 for sight, and with my record of haulage on them was something of a surprise!
Now for more new route. Preston to Ormskirk. It was then more new route on a Merseyrail unit. I've seen only 3 before today and never ridden on one so this was all new! I took this to Moorfields. I then took a short journey to Sandhills. And then from here to Southport. Whilst here I gave myself an hour to get some food and visit the two Wetherspoons.
Back onto the rail network and off the Merseyrail trains, I headed East to Wigan Wallgate. Still new route but on a dud 156. It was then two dud 142s to Kirkby. Then I swapped onto (I had no idea that Ormskirk and Kirkby are one long platform with single tracks meeting with two sets of buffers!) a winning Mersey unit to Moorfields.
It was then the short trip from Moorfields to Liverpool Lime Street. From here a dud 156 took me to Wigan North Western where I waited for a train to Preston. The next train to arrive was a 142 (a winner) but the train after would get me to Preston more comfortably and quicker. I opted for the winner (the pendo might have been dud!). I sill met the same train I was going to catch to Blackburn which was a dud 142 but it was all new route.
The final train and final bit of new route up to Hebden Bridge was on a 158. Again another dud but at least it was direct to Leeds. It was another late finish. I got 14 winning trains over the course of the day and lots more route covered. I also managed to complete the 185s for sight and finally my 507/508s don't look so out of place in my book! I also managed a reasonable 330 odd, slow miles.
Next was another winning 142 (057) on some new track to Wigan Wallgate. I then met up with 142056 again and headed north to Bolton for another stretch of new track.
Now I needed to head north to Lancaster. Two winners got me there. 185101 to Preston and then 390118 to Lancaster. Now I waited for the one train a day to Heysham Port. It was 142019, required for haulage. It came in where I didn't expect it which meant crossing the footbridge but never mind! I expected it to use either platform 1 or 2! So with the trip to Heysham port and back complete, I headed back south to Preston on a dud pendo. I did mange to spot my final 185 for sight, and with my record of haulage on them was something of a surprise!
Now for more new route. Preston to Ormskirk. It was then more new route on a Merseyrail unit. I've seen only 3 before today and never ridden on one so this was all new! I took this to Moorfields. I then took a short journey to Sandhills. And then from here to Southport. Whilst here I gave myself an hour to get some food and visit the two Wetherspoons.
Back onto the rail network and off the Merseyrail trains, I headed East to Wigan Wallgate. Still new route but on a dud 156. It was then two dud 142s to Kirkby. Then I swapped onto (I had no idea that Ormskirk and Kirkby are one long platform with single tracks meeting with two sets of buffers!) a winning Mersey unit to Moorfields.
It was then the short trip from Moorfields to Liverpool Lime Street. From here a dud 156 took me to Wigan North Western where I waited for a train to Preston. The next train to arrive was a 142 (a winner) but the train after would get me to Preston more comfortably and quicker. I opted for the winner (the pendo might have been dud!). I sill met the same train I was going to catch to Blackburn which was a dud 142 but it was all new route.
The final train and final bit of new route up to Hebden Bridge was on a 158. Again another dud but at least it was direct to Leeds. It was another late finish. I got 14 winning trains over the course of the day and lots more route covered. I also managed to complete the 185s for sight and finally my 507/508s don't look so out of place in my book! I also managed a reasonable 330 odd, slow miles.
9/10th September 2012 - Trip to Leeds and South Pennine Day Ranger
So I finished work at 2000 after a 12 hour duty manger shift and it was the start of two weeks of holiday. My wife didn't have time off until Thursday so I planned a little trip away. Partly decided by the fact I could get London - Leeds Return tickets for free thanks to East Coast rewards, I decided it was a good base to stay at. I've stayed here several times before and is pretty central for quite a lot as you will see. Travelodge booked at £20 a night for two nights and right by the station. Happy with that. My plan would basically give me near on 3 full days in the North.
So I left Plymouth on the Sunday night on the Sleeper at 2320. Again it was only a seat but I can never seem to pick up the bargains. Anyway we travelled to London via Bristol Temple Meads behind 57604 and arrived bang on time at 0505.
My train from Kings Cross to Leeds was at 0705 so there was no massive rush. I had a McDonalds breakfast and then headed to the Circle Line. I was going to take my time getting to Kings Cross. I got off at each stop until I got there. I managed to bag 9 new units doing this and easily swallowed an hour (the gaps between trains was still fairly big).
Once at Kings Cross I went and picked up my tickets. Whilst here I decided to get both my South Pennine and Lancashire Rangers that would be needed. It was soon time for the dud 1D03 hauled by 91107 to Leeds.
It left on time and the only thing of note was a winning 66 at Peterborough. And not a GBRF one! A Freightliner one! As we passed Doncaster I saw a few more DBS ones but all were dud. A cluster of them were not uid and I have a feeling they were the Eurocargo ones heading to Toton. Annoying as I needed them when i found out what they were, but i couldn't guarantee ot was them! As we passed Doncaster Works a Scotrail 320 was sat outside and was also required.
So once at Leeds I set out on my plan of day one. It was basically to complete nearly all the route left to do within the South Pennine area. The first train was to Meadowhall on winning 158861. I had time to kill so I bashed between here and Sheffield until the train I needed towards Manchester left. This picked me up 5 winning trains of a class 142, 150, 170, 185 and 144. I also spotted 70014 passing through Meadowhall. Shame no picture but it caught me by surprise!
Now was nearly time for my next part of the plan which would lead to new track scratching. I spotted 158844 at Sheffield just as I was leaving which was good. 150140 was doing the honours of taking me to Romiley. This would get me the tiny bit between Chinley and Romiley. Then I waited for the next train to Rose Hill Marple to complete that branch. It was a double unit of 150117 (dud) and 142014 (winner). I did these back to Piccadilly. From here I headed back to Romiley via Guide Bridge. 142037 (winner) did the honours. That was that bit of track scratched too and then back to Piccadilly on an old friend! 142001 complete with its Devon sticker still on the front.
The next train was the 1548, 2H76 Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Piccadilly via Glossop and Hadfield. This would get me all three sides of the triangle in. Quite annoyingly 323236 rolled in to form the service! I've only had three Northern 323s and this one twice now!
With that complete I headed east towards Huddersfield. A dud 185 (I've said it before and I'll say it again, i have a habit of riding the same Desiros over and over. Be it diesel or electric!). Then it was for the final bit of required track in my plan. Huddersfield to Barnsley. Winning 142018 took me there.
I had an hour here to visit both Wetherspoons. I found the first one quite quickly. I had a quick drink. Didn't fancy eating there. Couldn't find the cask marque certificate to scan do that was an email to say I visited! The other Spoons was much nicer and friendlier. I ate here and found the certificate to scan.
Next up was to spin back to Sheffield and then Manchester. 158861 (again!) tool me to Sheffield and then finally a different TPE 170 other than 170305 took me to Piccadilly. I was then going to head to Leeds but the train was cancelled. So I headed back to Sheffield and went that way. It was another dud 185. The train to Leeds was going to be an EMT HST. I'm glad I did this move as leading the train was 43083 and very much required!
A very long and tiring day but a lot of new track now scratched. I haven't worked out the exact mileage yet as I am writing this on the go but I managed well over 760 odd miles in the 24 hour period! Eleven winning trains were also caught whilst track scratching so was pretty pleased with that.
So I left Plymouth on the Sunday night on the Sleeper at 2320. Again it was only a seat but I can never seem to pick up the bargains. Anyway we travelled to London via Bristol Temple Meads behind 57604 and arrived bang on time at 0505.
My train from Kings Cross to Leeds was at 0705 so there was no massive rush. I had a McDonalds breakfast and then headed to the Circle Line. I was going to take my time getting to Kings Cross. I got off at each stop until I got there. I managed to bag 9 new units doing this and easily swallowed an hour (the gaps between trains was still fairly big).
Once at Kings Cross I went and picked up my tickets. Whilst here I decided to get both my South Pennine and Lancashire Rangers that would be needed. It was soon time for the dud 1D03 hauled by 91107 to Leeds.
It left on time and the only thing of note was a winning 66 at Peterborough. And not a GBRF one! A Freightliner one! As we passed Doncaster I saw a few more DBS ones but all were dud. A cluster of them were not uid and I have a feeling they were the Eurocargo ones heading to Toton. Annoying as I needed them when i found out what they were, but i couldn't guarantee ot was them! As we passed Doncaster Works a Scotrail 320 was sat outside and was also required.
So once at Leeds I set out on my plan of day one. It was basically to complete nearly all the route left to do within the South Pennine area. The first train was to Meadowhall on winning 158861. I had time to kill so I bashed between here and Sheffield until the train I needed towards Manchester left. This picked me up 5 winning trains of a class 142, 150, 170, 185 and 144. I also spotted 70014 passing through Meadowhall. Shame no picture but it caught me by surprise!
Now was nearly time for my next part of the plan which would lead to new track scratching. I spotted 158844 at Sheffield just as I was leaving which was good. 150140 was doing the honours of taking me to Romiley. This would get me the tiny bit between Chinley and Romiley. Then I waited for the next train to Rose Hill Marple to complete that branch. It was a double unit of 150117 (dud) and 142014 (winner). I did these back to Piccadilly. From here I headed back to Romiley via Guide Bridge. 142037 (winner) did the honours. That was that bit of track scratched too and then back to Piccadilly on an old friend! 142001 complete with its Devon sticker still on the front.
The next train was the 1548, 2H76 Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Piccadilly via Glossop and Hadfield. This would get me all three sides of the triangle in. Quite annoyingly 323236 rolled in to form the service! I've only had three Northern 323s and this one twice now!
With that complete I headed east towards Huddersfield. A dud 185 (I've said it before and I'll say it again, i have a habit of riding the same Desiros over and over. Be it diesel or electric!). Then it was for the final bit of required track in my plan. Huddersfield to Barnsley. Winning 142018 took me there.
I had an hour here to visit both Wetherspoons. I found the first one quite quickly. I had a quick drink. Didn't fancy eating there. Couldn't find the cask marque certificate to scan do that was an email to say I visited! The other Spoons was much nicer and friendlier. I ate here and found the certificate to scan.
Next up was to spin back to Sheffield and then Manchester. 158861 (again!) tool me to Sheffield and then finally a different TPE 170 other than 170305 took me to Piccadilly. I was then going to head to Leeds but the train was cancelled. So I headed back to Sheffield and went that way. It was another dud 185. The train to Leeds was going to be an EMT HST. I'm glad I did this move as leading the train was 43083 and very much required!
A very long and tiring day but a lot of new track now scratched. I haven't worked out the exact mileage yet as I am writing this on the go but I managed well over 760 odd miles in the 24 hour period! Eleven winning trains were also caught whilst track scratching so was pretty pleased with that.
Monday, 10 September 2012
7th September 2012 - West Midlands Day Ranger
For my day off this week I decided a West Midlands Day Ranger was in order. Main aim was to try and find and ride my last 172 for haulage.
An early start meant leaving Plymouth at 0600. My wife came with me so it wasn't too bad. We drove to Droitwich Spa and then headed into Birmingham. She was planning to meet her mum. When we arrived at Kidderminster the day was all of a sudden easy! There it was! 172333 sat waiting for the following service off Kidderminster. I said my goodbyes to my wife and got off. Well that was easy. The 172s done and now I could look for other required trains. I bailed at Smethwick and headed to the low levels. A dud 323 took me to New Street and then I literally wondered from platform to platform until I found a train that was needed. It wasn't too long a wait. 158830 was heading to International so I duly caught it.
I then caught a dud pendo to Coventry before returning to New Street on a required 11 car pendo. Much more frequent now but I need most of them still. 390117 was doing the honours.
Once at new street I headed over I see what super voyager was heading north. It's only the virgin ones I need and it's the easiest way to try and get them. Bombardier liveried 221115! Required. I caught this to Wolverhampton. I decided to head to Crewe. Two reasons. I need the Wetherspoon's and I needed to put my mind at rest that my final 90 for sight at Crewe electric couldn't be seen (or maybe seen!!!!). A winning 350 to Crewe was next!
Since my last visit (ages ago now!) all the 56s have moved! Bonus for me as one was needed and could now be seen!
It was then off to the Wetherspoons. It's a hefty walk from the station. Especially when it's warm and you're tight of time! Anyway I got there ordered a curry and a pint and the wolfed it down! It was then back to the station via Crewe Electric!
As I thought you could see nothing! Only one thing left to do! Go on a train on the line that passes it. it was required route so I stumped up the extra for a day return to Chester.
Before I headed to Chester I spotted three DRS 37s in one of the bay platforms. A quick photo (they left pretty much as I saw them!) and then another winning Super Voyager to Chester so that was good! As we passed Crewe Electric I saw some 90s but none I needed! My final one is deep inside I believe and I'm unlikely to ever see it!
Once at Chester I waited a while for the next train back. I spotted two new emus from the mersey. Not hard as I have seen about two in my lifetime. (Should change next week that!).
So in rolled my ride back to Crewe. A double super voyager. 221101 ( currently in four car formation thanks to a recent fire) and 221104, a winner!
At Crewe where the 37s were was now a different loco. I thought it was a 47 but as I got closer I realised it was a 57. A WCRC one too. I didn't expect to see 57006 nicely painted and running! Only DRS 57s left to see now.
So my train back to Birmingham area was another Super Voyager. And quite unbelievably it was a winner! I now only need 3 more to ride for the lot! I have never had 4 virgin ones that were winners in a row. Not even when I'd been on none! Lol!
I bailed at Wolverhampton. Good job. I saw my final ATW 158 for sight so caught it to Shrewsbury. This got my the curve into Shrewsbury. I'd got the freight curve last time I was here when on a tour to Llandridnod Wells. I'll have to return at some point as the wetherspoons are needed. And the ones on the way at Wellington and Telford.
A double dud 158 combo took me back to Wolves and then a dud 350 back to New Street. Now was time to head to Coventry to pick up the 1K39 Pretendolino. A winning 390 to International and a winning 350 to Coventry followed.
Now at this point I have to admit i hadn't heard much about the 90 of late so I didn't even know if it was running. The next train to come in was a required 350. I decided I'd take that to international and get the 90 if running, from there.
It was running. But not the usual service! I forget what I read the next day but it ran something later and 11 car pendo ran the 1K39. At least it was a winner!
It was then time to meet the missus and head back to Droitwich. My final LM 3 car 170 slowly took us back to a long drive home! A brilliant day! Obviously bagging my final 172 was good but four 221s was a big gain. Next up my 3 day trip up north.
An early start meant leaving Plymouth at 0600. My wife came with me so it wasn't too bad. We drove to Droitwich Spa and then headed into Birmingham. She was planning to meet her mum. When we arrived at Kidderminster the day was all of a sudden easy! There it was! 172333 sat waiting for the following service off Kidderminster. I said my goodbyes to my wife and got off. Well that was easy. The 172s done and now I could look for other required trains. I bailed at Smethwick and headed to the low levels. A dud 323 took me to New Street and then I literally wondered from platform to platform until I found a train that was needed. It wasn't too long a wait. 158830 was heading to International so I duly caught it.
I then caught a dud pendo to Coventry before returning to New Street on a required 11 car pendo. Much more frequent now but I need most of them still. 390117 was doing the honours.
Once at new street I headed over I see what super voyager was heading north. It's only the virgin ones I need and it's the easiest way to try and get them. Bombardier liveried 221115! Required. I caught this to Wolverhampton. I decided to head to Crewe. Two reasons. I need the Wetherspoon's and I needed to put my mind at rest that my final 90 for sight at Crewe electric couldn't be seen (or maybe seen!!!!). A winning 350 to Crewe was next!
Since my last visit (ages ago now!) all the 56s have moved! Bonus for me as one was needed and could now be seen!
It was then off to the Wetherspoons. It's a hefty walk from the station. Especially when it's warm and you're tight of time! Anyway I got there ordered a curry and a pint and the wolfed it down! It was then back to the station via Crewe Electric!
As I thought you could see nothing! Only one thing left to do! Go on a train on the line that passes it. it was required route so I stumped up the extra for a day return to Chester.
Before I headed to Chester I spotted three DRS 37s in one of the bay platforms. A quick photo (they left pretty much as I saw them!) and then another winning Super Voyager to Chester so that was good! As we passed Crewe Electric I saw some 90s but none I needed! My final one is deep inside I believe and I'm unlikely to ever see it!
Once at Chester I waited a while for the next train back. I spotted two new emus from the mersey. Not hard as I have seen about two in my lifetime. (Should change next week that!).
So in rolled my ride back to Crewe. A double super voyager. 221101 ( currently in four car formation thanks to a recent fire) and 221104, a winner!
At Crewe where the 37s were was now a different loco. I thought it was a 47 but as I got closer I realised it was a 57. A WCRC one too. I didn't expect to see 57006 nicely painted and running! Only DRS 57s left to see now.
So my train back to Birmingham area was another Super Voyager. And quite unbelievably it was a winner! I now only need 3 more to ride for the lot! I have never had 4 virgin ones that were winners in a row. Not even when I'd been on none! Lol!
I bailed at Wolverhampton. Good job. I saw my final ATW 158 for sight so caught it to Shrewsbury. This got my the curve into Shrewsbury. I'd got the freight curve last time I was here when on a tour to Llandridnod Wells. I'll have to return at some point as the wetherspoons are needed. And the ones on the way at Wellington and Telford.
A double dud 158 combo took me back to Wolves and then a dud 350 back to New Street. Now was time to head to Coventry to pick up the 1K39 Pretendolino. A winning 390 to International and a winning 350 to Coventry followed.
Now at this point I have to admit i hadn't heard much about the 90 of late so I didn't even know if it was running. The next train to come in was a required 350. I decided I'd take that to international and get the 90 if running, from there.
It was running. But not the usual service! I forget what I read the next day but it ran something later and 11 car pendo ran the 1K39. At least it was a winner!
It was then time to meet the missus and head back to Droitwich. My final LM 3 car 170 slowly took us back to a long drive home! A brilliant day! Obviously bagging my final 172 was good but four 221s was a big gain. Next up my 3 day trip up north.
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