Now I have your attention :P
Whilst it may seem like a slightly unorthodox title, as the report about the day the forum made a journey on a couple of diverted First TransPennine Express services to/from Edinburgh on Saturday 13th April progresses, it will all fall into place
Initially, my day started on the 0949 arrival into Manchester Piccadilly onboard the first 185 for the day, 185 149. Having done the line dozens of times, there isn't really anything new to report on this part of the journey. Arriving at Piccadilly a minute early, I did my good deed for the day and helped a passenger off with their luggage and pointed them in the direction of platform 10 and the moving walkways, as they were heading to platform 14, only for them to walk off in completely the opposite direction towards the Burger King area...fair enough then!
A quick dash to Sainsburys and I soon met up with the other 3 members boarding at Manchester, telstarbox, 158757 and gnolife, and we headed to platform 14 to await the 10:16 service to Edinburgh. We had hoped for a double set, but the boards suggested it was not to be and showed the formation on the boards as CBA - much how TPE felt about putting an extra unit on, it seems :P
The platform was getting busy now so we headed down to the 3 car stop board so we were in the right place for Coach C, where we were reserved. It wasn't long before 185 131 rolled in a bit ahead of time and everyone began to pile on - this was to be "home" fr the next 4 hours. Considering the number of people on the platform, the service didn't have a high "wedged factor" (nothing compared to the FGW Diversions trip the other week, anyway) and there were few standees in our coach. We got our booked table and we soon headed off to Manchester Oxford Road and beyond. We were fast through Salford Crescent which gave us a brief chance to catch a look at the work going on there, and after a couple more stops, we were soon onto the WCML doing full speed towards Preston in the probably the best weather we've had all year. Preston station had a few police officers around - one of whom quickly pulled out their notepad as we arrived...that'd be 185 131 for sight then
It may have also been at Preston where there was a gaggle of photters, but I may be getting it confused with another station.
Heading off up the WCML, we stopped at exotic locations like Lancaster, Oxenholme and Penrith, before arriving into Carlisle - unbeknown to us, filmed in and out by 981smithy. It was at Carlisle that we met the rest of the meet group and all managed to get seats close to each other, including the opposite table as booked. Remaining on the WCML as far as Motherwell, we stopped only at on this run and according to one members' phone, we were clocked at 100mph for a considerable length of time.
Technically, it was at Carstairs where the divert began, but it wasn't new track for me until we came off at Motherwell and headed onto Whifflet and Cumbernauld. Previous trips in Scotland have seen us go via Coatbridge Sunnyside, usually on dull days. This trip was via Coatbridge Central, bathed in sun, whereas across the town, it looked to be rather cloudy. Seems that Coatbridge Central was actually the "Sunnyside" today then...
The final run was a quick call at Falkirk Grahamston (set down only) before a blast along the E-G line through Linlithgow (now been through myself on a 170, HST and 185!) getting signal checked at the Junction near the A-B line. We were quickly moving and after a call at Haymarket, arrived in Edinburgh early where I think a few of us were glad to be able to stretch our legs.
Meeting Max, we headed out onto Princes Street - glorious weather but we were on completely the wrong side of the station as we walked full circle! - to head the "short walk" to the restaurant to get something to eat. The short walk actually entailed a trek half way up towards the Castle...not quite what I had in mind but enjoyable none the less (last time I was here, it was so windy, one could hardly stand up, let alone walk!)
Our destination was Mother India's Café, a tapas style restaurant which was definitely something different and the food was good - probably one of the more costly Indian restaurants I have been to, but in the middle of Edinburgh, it is to be expected. The meal also gave chance to meet scotsman, who remained with the group until our next train.
We didn't have a vast amount of spare time after the meal, so after the (much easier!) walk down the hill to the station, via local mini supermarkets to get supplies for the return, we initially found out train had no platform, but we knew it was booked platform 4. Arriving there, 185 140 was just pulling in. Held for their cleaners to do their thing, it got announced and the crowds appeared from round the corner. We had booked seats though, so there was little concern, though we were booked in Coach F on this currently 3 car service.
We left on time, despite the inbound arriving late (very impressive turnaround, given the train had been well cleared and reservations put out in the short time) with our coach fairly full, but the next one along been almost empty! It wasn't long, however, before the guard announced that the toilet in the middle coach was out of order (I wasn't surprised given it had done a lengthy journey already and wouldn't have been "tanked" in between). We continued onwards but it was probably less than an hour later that the guard came on the PA advising that the second toilet was also now blocked, but that he would look at sorting it and report back.
The high speed dash down the ECML was only briefly interrupted around Morpeth where we were signal checked. We were running so well (5 mins up!) we had caught up the EC service in front which did call at Morpeth, though it was only brief and once the EC got away, we were on our way at top speed again.
It came as no surprise to learn that the toilets were unable to be fixed, but we were advised that "we had permission" to use the ones at Newcastle station and that we would also join a further unit there. We were to have 15 mins at Newcastle so this should be OK, and I suspect we'd have had longer had we not been held outside the station. Annoyingly, we came in on platform 5, so a dash across the bridge was required to get to the station facilities. Luckily, I knew where they were having visited recently, though some didn't either know that or how long until they missed the train! Alighting, 185 124 was sat in platform 6, with only the marker lights on, rather unusually, with it still there when I returned to the train. Getting back, I found a pile of "Coach C" signs on the table - seems that they had been left up and were causing complete confusion at Newcastle with people trying to evict us (Coach C being in the yet to be attached unit, not that any staff were around to advise of this) so now only the "Coach F" signs remained on our carriage windows. Eventually some agreement was reached and the doors were locked up (more confusion!) whilst 124 was attached to our unit.
Not long before departure, the guard came round to ask anyone for Chester-le-Street to quickly move to the front unit. This included a cyclist leading to the guard remarking "You'll need your bike too...unless you are just going to cycle there"! Leaving on time, we made the short-hop to Chester-le-Street, where, guess what...people were trying to find their way off the rear unit, evidently having not heard the guard when he came through. Luckily for them, aided by our group, there was a service from Durham going back to the irregularly served station about 40 minutes later...very lucky indeed!
Leaving Durham, there was still no mention of the status of the onboard facilities on 185 140 and passengers were soon coming through to find the toilets - many nearly ending up in the cab! This led to us having to advise a number of passengers and leading to the unusual take on announcement at each station "Please travel in the front train for...toilets..." - a theme which was continue for the considerable future.
Aside from "dropping off" a member at Darlington, there wasn't much of note (aside from more passengers looking for toilets) happened up until York, where another member left us, heading to try and warn some people to "Please travel...." - OK, maybe not quite what was said, but you get the idea!
This was when things got really interesting (it was well and truly dark now, so not much to see outside) - a few people boarded at the next doors up from us, before we realised that there were cameras, mics and none other than Michael Portillo!
We left York as the crew prepared for filming - they really do use good mics as we could hardly hear him. The slightly amusing thing was just as he started, there was an announcement, then he started, and another auto announcement followed! We knew in advance as the screens change just beforehand - he didn't, of course. The piece to camera was short and it soon appeared they had done, though not before a ticket check where we were certain the guard didn't know who this standee was! Portillo may have also rued having to take our service due to the number of drunks on it - one of whom rather vocally announced to him about the lack of facilities on the service, having also nearly ended up in the cab!
After a little trepidation, a few of the RUK people went to speak to him and even managed a couple of photos. I am pleased to report that Michael was presented with a RailUK business card, so who knows, he could be reading this right now! As for the rest, I will allow a member who was in the conversation to fill in if they wish. Either way, it certain added something to the journey, and I can now say I have been on a train with a famous person as well.
Michael and the crew bailed at Leeds, though not before they had some leaving shots, as I heard he was heading to Doncaster next. From here, we were on the final stretch and approaching journeys end. The last hour generally consisted of the guard trying to get some facilities working, managing to do so, before less than 10 minutes later, it breaking again. This was quicker than we had expected, but not much of a shock given the guards words on announcing that the Coach E toilet was working included "be careful as the floor is very wet"
hock:
So that was that. We arrived on time at Piccadilly, and myself and 158757 headed for the next train back out towards Yorkshire, whilst the others went their own ways. This was the 21:42 service to York, formed of 185 116, and with working toilets! (as an aside, 185 140 went to the Airport in the same condition, as a 6 car unit, from where, I don't know what happened)
After discussions that had taken place, I was a little worried so long on 185's (nothing but, in fact
) would be a little wearing (indeed, I have had backache from First Class on a Pendo before now, though only once in a few times on them) but in spite of spending over 9 hours on Standard Class Desiro seats, I felt none the worse for wear, which I consider very good going. I'd like to put a mileage figure on it, but I have yet to work that out.
So all in all, a fantastic day out, with lots of interesting twists and turns along the way - and with good company as ever (well, mostly)
I didn't take many photos on the day, mainly just of Portillo doing his filming, which I may get a chance to get off my mobile sometime this millennium :P
Thanks for reading
Whilst it may seem like a slightly unorthodox title, as the report about the day the forum made a journey on a couple of diverted First TransPennine Express services to/from Edinburgh on Saturday 13th April progresses, it will all fall into place
Initially, my day started on the 0949 arrival into Manchester Piccadilly onboard the first 185 for the day, 185 149. Having done the line dozens of times, there isn't really anything new to report on this part of the journey. Arriving at Piccadilly a minute early, I did my good deed for the day and helped a passenger off with their luggage and pointed them in the direction of platform 10 and the moving walkways, as they were heading to platform 14, only for them to walk off in completely the opposite direction towards the Burger King area...fair enough then!
A quick dash to Sainsburys and I soon met up with the other 3 members boarding at Manchester, telstarbox, 158757 and gnolife, and we headed to platform 14 to await the 10:16 service to Edinburgh. We had hoped for a double set, but the boards suggested it was not to be and showed the formation on the boards as CBA - much how TPE felt about putting an extra unit on, it seems :P
The platform was getting busy now so we headed down to the 3 car stop board so we were in the right place for Coach C, where we were reserved. It wasn't long before 185 131 rolled in a bit ahead of time and everyone began to pile on - this was to be "home" fr the next 4 hours. Considering the number of people on the platform, the service didn't have a high "wedged factor" (nothing compared to the FGW Diversions trip the other week, anyway) and there were few standees in our coach. We got our booked table and we soon headed off to Manchester Oxford Road and beyond. We were fast through Salford Crescent which gave us a brief chance to catch a look at the work going on there, and after a couple more stops, we were soon onto the WCML doing full speed towards Preston in the probably the best weather we've had all year. Preston station had a few police officers around - one of whom quickly pulled out their notepad as we arrived...that'd be 185 131 for sight then
It may have also been at Preston where there was a gaggle of photters, but I may be getting it confused with another station.
Heading off up the WCML, we stopped at exotic locations like Lancaster, Oxenholme and Penrith, before arriving into Carlisle - unbeknown to us, filmed in and out by 981smithy. It was at Carlisle that we met the rest of the meet group and all managed to get seats close to each other, including the opposite table as booked
. Remaining on the WCML as far as Motherwell, we stopped only at on this run and according to one members' phone, we were clocked at 100mph for a considerable length of time.Technically, it was at Carstairs where the divert began, but it wasn't new track for me until we came off at Motherwell and headed onto Whifflet and Cumbernauld. Previous trips in Scotland have seen us go via Coatbridge Sunnyside, usually on dull days. This trip was via Coatbridge Central, bathed in sun, whereas across the town, it looked to be rather cloudy. Seems that Coatbridge Central was actually the "Sunnyside" today then...
The final run was a quick call at Falkirk Grahamston (set down only) before a blast along the E-G line through Linlithgow (now been through myself on a 170, HST and 185!) getting signal checked at the Junction near the A-B line. We were quickly moving and after a call at Haymarket, arrived in Edinburgh early where I think a few of us were glad to be able to stretch our legs.
Meeting Max, we headed out onto Princes Street - glorious weather but we were on completely the wrong side of the station as we walked full circle! - to head the "short walk" to the restaurant to get something to eat. The short walk actually entailed a trek half way up towards the Castle...not quite what I had in mind but enjoyable none the less (last time I was here, it was so windy, one could hardly stand up, let alone walk!)
Our destination was Mother India's Café, a tapas style restaurant which was definitely something different and the food was good - probably one of the more costly Indian restaurants I have been to, but in the middle of Edinburgh, it is to be expected. The meal also gave chance to meet scotsman, who remained with the group until our next train.
We didn't have a vast amount of spare time after the meal, so after the (much easier!) walk down the hill to the station, via local mini supermarkets to get supplies for the return, we initially found out train had no platform, but we knew it was booked platform 4. Arriving there, 185 140 was just pulling in. Held for their cleaners to do their thing, it got announced and the crowds appeared from round the corner. We had booked seats though, so there was little concern, though we were booked in Coach F on this currently 3 car service.
We left on time, despite the inbound arriving late (very impressive turnaround, given the train had been well cleared and reservations put out in the short time) with our coach fairly full, but the next one along been almost empty! It wasn't long, however, before the guard announced that the toilet in the middle coach was out of order (I wasn't surprised given it had done a lengthy journey already and wouldn't have been "tanked" in between). We continued onwards but it was probably less than an hour later that the guard came on the PA advising that the second toilet was also now blocked, but that he would look at sorting it and report back.
The high speed dash down the ECML was only briefly interrupted around Morpeth where we were signal checked. We were running so well (5 mins up!) we had caught up the EC service in front which did call at Morpeth, though it was only brief and once the EC got away, we were on our way at top speed again.
It came as no surprise to learn that the toilets were unable to be fixed, but we were advised that "we had permission" to use the ones at Newcastle station and that we would also join a further unit there. We were to have 15 mins at Newcastle so this should be OK, and I suspect we'd have had longer had we not been held outside the station. Annoyingly, we came in on platform 5, so a dash across the bridge was required to get to the station facilities. Luckily, I knew where they were having visited recently, though some didn't either know that or how long until they missed the train! Alighting, 185 124 was sat in platform 6, with only the marker lights on, rather unusually, with it still there when I returned to the train. Getting back, I found a pile of "Coach C" signs on the table - seems that they had been left up and were causing complete confusion at Newcastle with people trying to evict us (Coach C being in the yet to be attached unit, not that any staff were around to advise of this) so now only the "Coach F" signs remained on our carriage windows. Eventually some agreement was reached and the doors were locked up (more confusion!) whilst 124 was attached to our unit.
Not long before departure, the guard came round to ask anyone for Chester-le-Street to quickly move to the front unit. This included a cyclist leading to the guard remarking "You'll need your bike too...unless you are just going to cycle there"! Leaving on time, we made the short-hop to Chester-le-Street, where, guess what...people were trying to find their way off the rear unit, evidently having not heard the guard when he came through. Luckily for them, aided by our group, there was a service from Durham going back to the irregularly served station about 40 minutes later...very lucky indeed!
Leaving Durham, there was still no mention of the status of the onboard facilities on 185 140 and passengers were soon coming through to find the toilets - many nearly ending up in the cab! This led to us having to advise a number of passengers and leading to the unusual take on announcement at each station "Please travel in the front train for...toilets..." - a theme which was continue for the considerable future.
Aside from "dropping off" a member at Darlington, there wasn't much of note (aside from more passengers looking for toilets) happened up until York, where another member left us, heading to try and warn some people to "Please travel...." - OK, maybe not quite what was said, but you get the idea!
This was when things got really interesting (it was well and truly dark now, so not much to see outside) - a few people boarded at the next doors up from us, before we realised that there were cameras, mics and none other than Michael Portillo!
We left York as the crew prepared for filming - they really do use good mics as we could hardly hear him. The slightly amusing thing was just as he started, there was an announcement, then he started, and another auto announcement followed! We knew in advance as the screens change just beforehand - he didn't, of course. The piece to camera was short and it soon appeared they had done, though not before a ticket check where we were certain the guard didn't know who this standee was! Portillo may have also rued having to take our service due to the number of drunks on it - one of whom rather vocally announced to him about the lack of facilities on the service, having also nearly ended up in the cab!
After a little trepidation, a few of the RUK people went to speak to him and even managed a couple of photos. I am pleased to report that Michael was presented with a RailUK business card, so who knows, he could be reading this right now! As for the rest, I will allow a member who was in the conversation to fill in if they wish. Either way, it certain added something to the journey, and I can now say I have been on a train with a famous person as well.
Michael and the crew bailed at Leeds, though not before they had some leaving shots, as I heard he was heading to Doncaster next. From here, we were on the final stretch and approaching journeys end. The last hour generally consisted of the guard trying to get some facilities working, managing to do so, before less than 10 minutes later, it breaking again. This was quicker than we had expected, but not much of a shock given the guards words on announcing that the Coach E toilet was working included "be careful as the floor is very wet"
hock:So that was that. We arrived on time at Piccadilly, and myself and 158757 headed for the next train back out towards Yorkshire, whilst the others went their own ways. This was the 21:42 service to York, formed of 185 116, and with working toilets! (as an aside, 185 140 went to the Airport in the same condition, as a 6 car unit, from where, I don't know what happened)
After discussions that had taken place, I was a little worried so long on 185's (nothing but, in fact
) would be a little wearing (indeed, I have had backache from First Class on a Pendo before now, though only once in a few times on them) but in spite of spending over 9 hours on Standard Class Desiro seats, I felt none the worse for wear, which I consider very good going. I'd like to put a mileage figure on it, but I have yet to work that out.So all in all, a fantastic day out, with lots of interesting twists and turns along the way - and with good company as ever (well, mostly
)I didn't take many photos on the day, mainly just of Portillo doing his filming, which I may get a chance to get off my mobile sometime this millennium
:PThanks for reading
