Techniquest
Veteran Member
Preaching to the choir there, I've done many a long journey from New Street to Euston, always ensure I stock up before that!
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crehld's travels
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26 June 2015: last of the Northern day rangers
I still had one Northern day ranger left and only a couple of days before the offer ran out so I hastily decided to go on a trip to Blackpool as I'd never been before.
The usual routine of the bus journey and and purchasing the ranger is completed before I make ny way to platform 1 at Crewe to board dud 323238 to Stockport. There was an opportunity here for a shack scratch at nearby Davenport, but the planned service was running late so I'd have to come back another day for it.
Instead I hang round on the platform for a bit, before another dud, 156440, pulls in heading towards Preston. I stay on as far as Lostock to grab a new station here. It's only a few minutes wait before winner 156429 arrives destined for Blackpool. Again I don't stay on all the way, alighting at Kirkham and Wesham. It's only a short wait here but it's started to rain and the station isn't the most inviting of places.
Eventually winner 150274 pulls in to take me the rest of the way to Blackpool North. I'll talk about my thoughts on the station in a moment, but first I set myself the task of exploring. It was still raining and (maybe because of the rain) I wasn't too impressed with the place. After a while I decided to give up and head back to the station, via a nearby Sainsburys for provisions.
Back at Blackpool North now and I'm very confused to see people queuing outside the platforms. The station here has locked doors in front of every platform and they're only opened 2 minutes before departure... What's the point in that? It only serves to block up the concourse and cause people to rush for their trains. And it can't be there for revenue protection because to get to the doors you have to go through ticket barriers anyway... What a rubbish system!
Anyway, rant over! When I eventually make it through the doors it's on to 150274 again, this time as far as Poulton-le-Fylde. This is a much nicer station and the local community have clearly put a lot of effort into the look and feel of this place. I purchase a coffee from the on platform cafe (manned by a very cheery proprietor) and it's then onto dud 158755 to Hebden Bridge, another fine looking station.
It would have been nice to get the new Todmorden Chord in today, but I'm due in Manchester for drinks and a meal, and the timetable doesn't quite work, so I settle for 155343 to Manchester Victoria. It's then a walk across town to Piccadilly when I'm due to meet others.
I make it Piccadilly with time to spare and a quick look at the departures board highlights a very good shack scratch opportunity that's too good to pass. So I board 142030 to Ardwick. As I step off the train the heavens open again, adding to the bleak atmosphere to this place. With no return journeys back to Manchester until the next morning I have no option but to walk it. It's actually not far at all, but I wouldn't want to do it in the dark!
Following drinks and a meal it's time to head home. And I have a bit of luck here. It's winner 323235 to Cheadle Hulme, and then after a short wait, winner 323239 back to Crewe.
And there we have it! I'll put the stats together later on. But overall I've had a good and very productive time with my Northern day rangers, although I'll be glad not to get on another pacer for a while!!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I still had one Northern day ranger left and only a couple of days before the offer ran out so I hastily decided to go on a trip to Blackpool as I'd never been before.
The usual routine of the bus journey and and purchasing the ranger is completed before I make ny way to platform 1 at Crewe to board dud 323238 to Stockport. There was an opportunity here for a shack scratch at nearby Davenport, but the planned service was running late so I'd have to come back another day for it.
Instead I hang round on the platform for a bit, before another dud, 156440, pulls in heading towards Preston. I stay on as far as Lostock to grab a new station here. It's only a few minutes wait before winner 156429 arrives destined for Blackpool. Again I don't stay on all the way, alighting at Kirkham and Wesham. It's only a short wait here but it's started to rain and the station isn't the most inviting of places.
Eventually winner 150274 pulls in to take me the rest of the way to Blackpool North. I'll talk about my thoughts on the station in a moment, but first I set myself the task of exploring. It was still raining and (maybe because of the rain) I wasn't too impressed with the place. After a while I decided to give up and head back to the station, via a nearby Sainsburys for provisions.
Back at Blackpool North now and I'm very confused to see people queuing outside the platforms. The station here has locked doors in front of every platform and they're only opened 2 minutes before departure... What's the point in that? It only serves to block up the concourse and cause people to rush for their trains. And it can't be there for revenue protection because to get to the doors you have to go through ticket barriers anyway... What a rubbish system!
Anyway, rant over! When I eventually make it through the doors it's on to 150274 again, this time as far as Poulton-le-Fylde. This is a much nicer station and the local community have clearly put a lot of effort into the look and feel of this place. I purchase a coffee from the on platform cafe (manned by a very cheery proprietor) and it's then onto dud 158755 to Hebden Bridge, another fine looking station.
It would have been nice to get the new Todmorden Chord in today, but I'm due in Manchester for drinks and a meal, and the timetable doesn't quite work, so I settle for 155343 to Manchester Victoria. It's then a walk across town to Piccadilly when I'm due to meet others.
I make it Piccadilly with time to spare and a quick look at the departures board highlights a very good shack scratch opportunity that's too good to pass. So I board 142030 to Ardwick. As I step off the train the heavens open again, adding to the bleak atmosphere to this place. With no return journeys back to Manchester until the next morning I have no option but to walk it. It's actually not far at all, but I wouldn't want to do it in the dark!
Following drinks and a meal it's time to head home. And I have a bit of luck here. It's winner 323235 to Cheadle Hulme, and then after a short wait, winner 323239 back to Crewe.
And there we have it! I'll put the stats together later on. But overall I've had a good and very productive time with my Northern day rangers, although I'll be glad not to get on another pacer for a while!!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I find beer helps
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Sounds like you had a good day, no-one likes that ridiculous situation at Blackpool North! I too need that curve but hoping to get it at the end of July.
I did do New Street to Euston with beers once, part of my 30th birthday bash, with some banging tunes it sure helped make the long evening journey go quick, despite the Northampton issues. Let's not think about that but I remember being more than merry after 4 cans of Red Stripe!
I did do New Street to Euston with beers once, part of my 30th birthday bash, with some banging tunes it sure helped make the long evening journey go quick, despite the Northampton issues. Let's not think about that but I remember being more than merry after 4 cans of Red Stripe!
crehld's London bash
It's taken a while for me to get round to writing this one up. Anyway, I had a few days in London to get various things done and this provided ample opportunity to start working on my London coverage. I set one day aside for just bashing, but would be able to pick up little bits here and there the rest of the time.
5 July 2015
It of course starts in Crewe. I took the bus to the station and picked up my tickets. Rather than head to the platforms I made my way to the nearby Tesco for some provisions for the journey down to London. I would be travelling on the slow LM train so this was a necessary requirement! While the LM plan made the mandatory move to London cheap, it back fired for two reasons. Firstly I had forgotten that on Sundays the trains go via Northampton. This made what was already a long journey even longer. Secondly, as I approached winner 350242 I realised this could only mean one thing: high density 3+2 for a 3.5 hour journey! As usual the four car train was standing room only by Tamworth. There was a short wait at Northampton while we coupled to 350374 (I'm not counting Northampton as a new shack because I wasn't willing to lose my seat - I had just managed to get comfortable).
Finally at Euston, it's now time to head to the Travelodge at Heathrow Airport. I walk to Great Portland Street where I take a Metropolitan line train to Baker Street, followed by a Circle line train to Paddington (I really should start properly recording my LU haulages). A ticket from Hayes and Harlington to Heathrow is purchased (I'm using Oyster as far as Hayes) and I then board 165104 and 165120. A quick scan of the timetable I picked up at Paddington highlights a shack scratch opportunity at Southall, so I get off and wait a couple of minutes for 360202 to take me to Hayes & Harlington. I obviously have to get off here to touch out with my Oyster, but this provides a good opportunity to find a local Tesco metro and purchase some supplies for the hotel stay (beer for the evenings, breakfast things for the morning, oh and toothpaste which I forgot to pack). Back at Hayes, it's 360201 through the tunnel to Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (apparently Terminal 1 doesn't exist anymore).
While staying in the Heathrow vicinity I would be taking the opportunity to work on my 332 requirements. And it starts immediately with 332008 and 332006 to Heathrow Terminal 5. I have a quick mooch to take in the impressive terminal building and to scout for a potential location to eat later and then decide to head to the hotel to check in and ditch the bags. The Travelodge is actually outside the airport grounds. I was reiably informed by the Travelodge website that it was close to the tube. So I headed for the underground platform at Terminal 5, and took the train to Houslow West. The Travelodge website lies ladies and gentlemen. By the time I finish walking, it's been 25 minutes!
After checking in I decide to head out back to the airport for food. I speak to a really helpful person on the reception desk who gives me all the details about the local buses to the underground station and to the airport. I make immediate use of the gen, getting the bus back to Houslow West, and then the underground to Heathrow Terminal 4. It's then on to 360202 to terminals 2 and 3, followed by 332008 and 332012.
6 July 2015
This was the day I set aside for my mega bash. It was full on and, given I haven't really done much in the London area, plenty of winners (shacks and units) were to be expected. So I'm afraid there won't be too much by way of detail!
Anyway, it starts with the now familiar bus to Hounslow West. Here the Piccadilly line is taken towards London, stopping off at Hounslow East and Barons Court along the way to nab a couple of shacks. I finish my journey at Earls Court to avoid the Oyster peak premium for travelling into Zone 1. There's still an hour before my off-peak travel card validity kicks in so I decide to walk to Victoria.
Now the aim today is to get a few bits of PSUL ticked off: firstly Tulse Hill to Streatham Hill. At Victoria it's 465174 and 465182 to Herne Hill, followed by 319439 and 319431 to Streatham. It's then a double back on 319005 and 319009 to Tulse Hill. 455834 and 455806 then takes me on the once-a-day service to Streatham Hill. Objective one complete.
Objective two was to take the Chiltern service from Paddington to West Ruislip. From Streatham Hill it's 455831 and 455846 to Wandsworth Common, followed by 377614 to Victoria. Here I transfer to the underground. District line to Sloane Square, followed by another district line train to South Kensington and then the circle line to Paddington. I make my way to platform 14 (which is much more of a trek than I was anticipating) and onto 165006 biound for West Ruislip. On board some bloke is running up and down the carriage asking if this is the "ghost train". I respond by saying "oooooooo": he doesn't get it. Oh well, he eventually calms down and we set off. The plan was to head all the way up to West Ruislip but for some reason we don't get beyond South Ruislip so I get off here. It's doesn't matter - the track is covered: objective two complete.
My third objective is to get the TfL rail shacks out of Liverpool Street, so the next task is to get to Stratford. The central line is taken to Northolt, Perivale and then back up to Greenford. Here I step onto 165131. Alighting at Acton Main Line, I then have a brief walk to the London Overground station at Acton Central. I make it just in time to catch 378212. At Cannonbury I decide to take a cheeky double-back to Highbury & Islington on 378207. It's then onto 378213 to Hackney Wick, followed by 378203 to Stratford. There's going to be a lot of 315 action now!
I starts with dud 315857 (although first time as TfL rail) and 315831 to Maryland. It's then 315853 and 315843 to Manor Park (I had Forest Gate already), then 315841 and 315821 to Ilford, and then 315834 and 315860 to Goodmayes. Here the timetable and short distance between stops works in my favour. I take 315859 and 315828 to Seven Kings, before heading back to Goodmayes on 315855 and 315846. It's then back to Seven Kings on 315852 and dud 315829 (again, first time as TfL rail). Back and forthed out, its on to Chadwell Heath on 315850 and 315832, then 315858 and 315822 to Gidea Park, 315835 and 315848 to Harold Wood, and finally duds 315835 and 315850 to Romford. Objective three complete.
The next task was to head over to SWT land to get the PSUL track between Strawberry Hill and Fulwell. From Romford I take 317714 to Upminster. Realising I haven't had a caffinne fix since this morning I grab an excellent coffee from the platform cafe while waiting for 357026 and 357013 to Limehouse. It's then DLR winners 81, 87 and dud 77 to Shadwell. I hop across the road to the Overground station where I pick up 378153 to Wapping, followed by 378152 to Rotherhithe, the 378151 to Surrey Quays, and finally 378145 to Clapham Junction.
It's a quick transfer here onto 455711 and 455848 to Wandsworth Town, followed by 450075 and 450122 to Putney. Due to a cock up with my sense of direction at Putney I miss the planned move to Fulwell. Fortunately there are two more going via Strawberry Hill. I decide to use the time by shack scratching, firstly heading to Richmond on 458534 and 458536, then to Twickenham on 450036 and 450033, and finally to Strawberry Hill on 455869 and 455736. It's then only a short wait before 455869 and 455736 take me along the short bit of track to Fulwell. Objective four complete.
It's now fast approaching dinner time for me, so I decide to head towards central London. 450011 and 450014 take me from Fulwell to Wimbledon. Here it's onto 455728 and 455905 to Earlsfield, followed by 455728 and 455905 to Vauxhall, and then 455733 and 455847 to Waterloo. I head upstairs and across the footbridge to Waterloo East where I pick up 465045 and 466013 to Charing Cross. I find a nearby restaurant and decide to give myself a well-deserved two hour break... my day isn't over yet!
Fully refreshed and fed I head back to Charing Cross to work on my next objective. The London Overground service to Battersea Park. I take 376026 and 376003 to Lewisham. There's a little bit of time for more shack scratching around here, so it's 465027 and 465024 to St Johns, then 465164 and 465049 back to Lewisham. Next up it's 465041 and 465180 to Nunhead, followed by 319444 to Peckham Rye. 455839 and 455844 take me to Queens Road Peckham. We're then back onto the London Overground: 378220 to Wandsworth Road, then doubling back to Clapham High Street on 378138, before dud 378152 completes the objective by taking me to Battersea Park.
There's one more objective left for me and this is to get the PSUL track between Waterloo East and Cannon Street. From Battersea Park I walk to Queenstown Road Battersea, where I take 450012 to Waterloo. It's then across to Waterloo East where 375824 and 375912 complete the last bit of PSUL I'll be aiming for today. It's now almost midnight, so time to head back to the Travelodge. I head for the underground station and take a district line train as far as Gloucester Road. I then make the transfer to the Piccadilly line platforms, taking the first available train. This is headed for Rayners Lane, so I bail at Turnham Green and wait (for what seems like ages) for the next train to Hounslow West. It's now 1am and a full day's bashing is catching up with me. Fortunately it's only a minute wait for the night bus to the hotel.
Wow - that was one busy day! But I'm really pleased with the outcome: 46 new mainline shacks, 12 new LU shacks, 2 new DLR shacks and a whopping 82 winners for haulage. Not to mention lots of new line coverage too
I'll post the rest of the London trip up later today hopefully!
It's taken a while for me to get round to writing this one up. Anyway, I had a few days in London to get various things done and this provided ample opportunity to start working on my London coverage. I set one day aside for just bashing, but would be able to pick up little bits here and there the rest of the time.
5 July 2015
It of course starts in Crewe. I took the bus to the station and picked up my tickets. Rather than head to the platforms I made my way to the nearby Tesco for some provisions for the journey down to London. I would be travelling on the slow LM train so this was a necessary requirement! While the LM plan made the mandatory move to London cheap, it back fired for two reasons. Firstly I had forgotten that on Sundays the trains go via Northampton. This made what was already a long journey even longer. Secondly, as I approached winner 350242 I realised this could only mean one thing: high density 3+2 for a 3.5 hour journey! As usual the four car train was standing room only by Tamworth. There was a short wait at Northampton while we coupled to 350374 (I'm not counting Northampton as a new shack because I wasn't willing to lose my seat - I had just managed to get comfortable).
Finally at Euston, it's now time to head to the Travelodge at Heathrow Airport. I walk to Great Portland Street where I take a Metropolitan line train to Baker Street, followed by a Circle line train to Paddington (I really should start properly recording my LU haulages). A ticket from Hayes and Harlington to Heathrow is purchased (I'm using Oyster as far as Hayes) and I then board 165104 and 165120. A quick scan of the timetable I picked up at Paddington highlights a shack scratch opportunity at Southall, so I get off and wait a couple of minutes for 360202 to take me to Hayes & Harlington. I obviously have to get off here to touch out with my Oyster, but this provides a good opportunity to find a local Tesco metro and purchase some supplies for the hotel stay (beer for the evenings, breakfast things for the morning, oh and toothpaste which I forgot to pack). Back at Hayes, it's 360201 through the tunnel to Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (apparently Terminal 1 doesn't exist anymore).
While staying in the Heathrow vicinity I would be taking the opportunity to work on my 332 requirements. And it starts immediately with 332008 and 332006 to Heathrow Terminal 5. I have a quick mooch to take in the impressive terminal building and to scout for a potential location to eat later and then decide to head to the hotel to check in and ditch the bags. The Travelodge is actually outside the airport grounds. I was reiably informed by the Travelodge website that it was close to the tube. So I headed for the underground platform at Terminal 5, and took the train to Houslow West. The Travelodge website lies ladies and gentlemen. By the time I finish walking, it's been 25 minutes!
After checking in I decide to head out back to the airport for food. I speak to a really helpful person on the reception desk who gives me all the details about the local buses to the underground station and to the airport. I make immediate use of the gen, getting the bus back to Houslow West, and then the underground to Heathrow Terminal 4. It's then on to 360202 to terminals 2 and 3, followed by 332008 and 332012.
6 July 2015
This was the day I set aside for my mega bash. It was full on and, given I haven't really done much in the London area, plenty of winners (shacks and units) were to be expected. So I'm afraid there won't be too much by way of detail!
Anyway, it starts with the now familiar bus to Hounslow West. Here the Piccadilly line is taken towards London, stopping off at Hounslow East and Barons Court along the way to nab a couple of shacks. I finish my journey at Earls Court to avoid the Oyster peak premium for travelling into Zone 1. There's still an hour before my off-peak travel card validity kicks in so I decide to walk to Victoria.
Now the aim today is to get a few bits of PSUL ticked off: firstly Tulse Hill to Streatham Hill. At Victoria it's 465174 and 465182 to Herne Hill, followed by 319439 and 319431 to Streatham. It's then a double back on 319005 and 319009 to Tulse Hill. 455834 and 455806 then takes me on the once-a-day service to Streatham Hill. Objective one complete.
Objective two was to take the Chiltern service from Paddington to West Ruislip. From Streatham Hill it's 455831 and 455846 to Wandsworth Common, followed by 377614 to Victoria. Here I transfer to the underground. District line to Sloane Square, followed by another district line train to South Kensington and then the circle line to Paddington. I make my way to platform 14 (which is much more of a trek than I was anticipating) and onto 165006 biound for West Ruislip. On board some bloke is running up and down the carriage asking if this is the "ghost train". I respond by saying "oooooooo": he doesn't get it. Oh well, he eventually calms down and we set off. The plan was to head all the way up to West Ruislip but for some reason we don't get beyond South Ruislip so I get off here. It's doesn't matter - the track is covered: objective two complete.
My third objective is to get the TfL rail shacks out of Liverpool Street, so the next task is to get to Stratford. The central line is taken to Northolt, Perivale and then back up to Greenford. Here I step onto 165131. Alighting at Acton Main Line, I then have a brief walk to the London Overground station at Acton Central. I make it just in time to catch 378212. At Cannonbury I decide to take a cheeky double-back to Highbury & Islington on 378207. It's then onto 378213 to Hackney Wick, followed by 378203 to Stratford. There's going to be a lot of 315 action now!
I starts with dud 315857 (although first time as TfL rail) and 315831 to Maryland. It's then 315853 and 315843 to Manor Park (I had Forest Gate already), then 315841 and 315821 to Ilford, and then 315834 and 315860 to Goodmayes. Here the timetable and short distance between stops works in my favour. I take 315859 and 315828 to Seven Kings, before heading back to Goodmayes on 315855 and 315846. It's then back to Seven Kings on 315852 and dud 315829 (again, first time as TfL rail). Back and forthed out, its on to Chadwell Heath on 315850 and 315832, then 315858 and 315822 to Gidea Park, 315835 and 315848 to Harold Wood, and finally duds 315835 and 315850 to Romford. Objective three complete.
The next task was to head over to SWT land to get the PSUL track between Strawberry Hill and Fulwell. From Romford I take 317714 to Upminster. Realising I haven't had a caffinne fix since this morning I grab an excellent coffee from the platform cafe while waiting for 357026 and 357013 to Limehouse. It's then DLR winners 81, 87 and dud 77 to Shadwell. I hop across the road to the Overground station where I pick up 378153 to Wapping, followed by 378152 to Rotherhithe, the 378151 to Surrey Quays, and finally 378145 to Clapham Junction.
It's a quick transfer here onto 455711 and 455848 to Wandsworth Town, followed by 450075 and 450122 to Putney. Due to a cock up with my sense of direction at Putney I miss the planned move to Fulwell. Fortunately there are two more going via Strawberry Hill. I decide to use the time by shack scratching, firstly heading to Richmond on 458534 and 458536, then to Twickenham on 450036 and 450033, and finally to Strawberry Hill on 455869 and 455736. It's then only a short wait before 455869 and 455736 take me along the short bit of track to Fulwell. Objective four complete.
It's now fast approaching dinner time for me, so I decide to head towards central London. 450011 and 450014 take me from Fulwell to Wimbledon. Here it's onto 455728 and 455905 to Earlsfield, followed by 455728 and 455905 to Vauxhall, and then 455733 and 455847 to Waterloo. I head upstairs and across the footbridge to Waterloo East where I pick up 465045 and 466013 to Charing Cross. I find a nearby restaurant and decide to give myself a well-deserved two hour break... my day isn't over yet!
Fully refreshed and fed I head back to Charing Cross to work on my next objective. The London Overground service to Battersea Park. I take 376026 and 376003 to Lewisham. There's a little bit of time for more shack scratching around here, so it's 465027 and 465024 to St Johns, then 465164 and 465049 back to Lewisham. Next up it's 465041 and 465180 to Nunhead, followed by 319444 to Peckham Rye. 455839 and 455844 take me to Queens Road Peckham. We're then back onto the London Overground: 378220 to Wandsworth Road, then doubling back to Clapham High Street on 378138, before dud 378152 completes the objective by taking me to Battersea Park.
There's one more objective left for me and this is to get the PSUL track between Waterloo East and Cannon Street. From Battersea Park I walk to Queenstown Road Battersea, where I take 450012 to Waterloo. It's then across to Waterloo East where 375824 and 375912 complete the last bit of PSUL I'll be aiming for today. It's now almost midnight, so time to head back to the Travelodge. I head for the underground station and take a district line train as far as Gloucester Road. I then make the transfer to the Piccadilly line platforms, taking the first available train. This is headed for Rayners Lane, so I bail at Turnham Green and wait (for what seems like ages) for the next train to Hounslow West. It's now 1am and a full day's bashing is catching up with me. Fortunately it's only a minute wait for the night bus to the hotel.
Wow - that was one busy day! But I'm really pleased with the outcome: 46 new mainline shacks, 12 new LU shacks, 2 new DLR shacks and a whopping 82 winners for haulage. Not to mention lots of new line coverage too
I'll post the rest of the London trip up later today hopefully!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Congrats on all that PSUL track
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Now THAT was an intensive day! 
hock: Putting me to shame, I certainly would struggle with such an enormous day. Well deserved after enduring such a marathon journey on a 350/2, although I'd have gone into the 350/3 and found a table seat to plug my phone charger in!
Don't get me started on Travelodge and their airport hotels, or their descriptions in general. Did you find their beds comfortable, I sure don't these days!
As always a fantastic read, you sure filled your books up somewhat there!
hock: Putting me to shame, I certainly would struggle with such an enormous day. Well deserved after enduring such a marathon journey on a 350/2, although I'd have gone into the 350/3 and found a table seat to plug my phone charger in!Don't get me started on Travelodge and their airport hotels, or their descriptions in general. Did you find their beds comfortable, I sure don't these days!
As always a fantastic read, you sure filled your books up somewhat there!
47403
Established Member
top effort, real stonker of a day that, hat off to you.
Congrats on all that PSUL track
That was the plan - get as much of it done in one day as possible. I think I got everything I could possibly do on an off peak Zones 1-6 travel card in one day. I guess I could have squeezed in Barking to Stratford, but have that already. There are a couple of other bits, which simply aren't feasible to all so in one day alone! For example I also wanted Waterloo to Surbiton via East Putney, but this can't really be done at the same time as the overground to Battersea Park - next week hopefully
Indeed, but I was bloody knackered at the end of it! Slept well that night I can tell you!
166 miles and 3.5 hours on a 350/2 is not my idea of fun either! Didn't know I could have gone for a charger though. I had a seat already and given it was standing room only I wasn't going to give it up easily (except maybe for a nice old lady).Now THAT was an intensive day!
The bed was OK actually, and I'd happily stay there again. It was the description of being "a short walk from Hounslow West station" which I had a problem with!
Thanks. Yep - red is starting to become a little more prevalent now!
Anyway - better late than never. Here's the rest of the report. There wouldn't be any more massive days out and about as I had to do stuff in London, but I still found some time to get some bashing in here and there.
7 July 2015
Having had a decent night's sleep after yesterday's big day out I needed to be in London today to do actual work! Rather than head off straight into London I decide to get out early and head to the airport to see if I could net a couple more 332s. This paid off as I have winner 332003 attached to dud 332006 to Terminal 5, and then winner 332002 attached dud 332008 back to the Heathrow Central. 360203 is working the shuttle service between Heathrow Central and Terminal 4 today so I take this, leaving me just 360205 to get out of the 360/2s (I did try but it was nowhere to be seen).
From Terminal 4 I take a Piccadilly Line train to Terminals 1 2 3, followed another to Hatton Cross, and then another to Hounslow Central. ,It's then a walk to Hounslow mainline station, where I make it just in time to board 458530 and 458310 to Waterloo (via Kew Bridge). A Northern Line train to Goodge Street takes me to where I need to be.
Work done for the day I decide to head back to the hotel following the same route, but with some shack scratching on the way (helped by a regular timetable on the Hounslow loop). Firstly a Northern line train is taken from Tottenham Court Road to Waterloo. This is then followed by now dud 458530 to Barnes. Rather than sitting about on the platform doing nothing I decide to walk to Barnes Bridge where I am able to pick up 455731 and 455706 to Chiswick. Overpriced sweets and a bottle of Ribena are picked up at the nearby corner shop while I wait for 458504 which takes me to Kew Bridge. I figure that the next station is just about walkable before the next train arrives so I set off, managhing to get to Brentford in the nick of time to take 450125 and 450016 to Syon Lane. From here I then walk to Osterley underground station.
While heading towards Heathrow I decide to try my luck with more 332s again so make my way to the airport. Success as winners 332001 and 332014 take me to Terminal 5. I now decide while I'm in the general area I may as well get all the Piccadilly line shacks in this neck of the woods done. So it's Terminal 5 to Boston Manor, then on to South Ealing, and then doubling back to Northfields before finally heading back to Hounslow West and the bus back to the hotel.
8 July 2015
My last day. Again I have to head into London, but I have one more stab at the 332s while I'm here. It soon becomes apparant, however, that everything is a dud so I cut my losses and make my way to the now familar underground station to take the Piccadilly line. I figuree I can pick up a few more Piccadilly shacks en route, so it's Terminals 1 2 3 to Acton Town, then onto Knightsbridge, followed by Hyde Park Corner and finally to Russell Square.
I agree to meet a friend for a late lunch in Whitechapel and decide to take a creative route there. I had to Warren Street where the Northern line is taken to Euston. It's then a transfer onto the Bank branch to Old Street. At the mainline platform (complete with retro Network SE branding!) I take 313054 to Highbury and Islington. It's then onto the Overground, and 378140 to Whitechapel.
It's now time to head home. It turns out the cafe we're in is closer to Stepney Green so I start from there, taking a Hammersmith and City line train to Whitechapel, then onto a District line train to Aldgate East, and finally to Euston Square on another Hammersmith and City Line.
Supplies for the long haul back to Crewe are purchased at the Sainsburys before going through the usual wait and mad dash procedure at Euston on to winners 350115 and 350109.
A packed trip there which has really helped my haulage, route coverage and station requirements out (especially after the mega day out on the Monday). The stats for the whole trip overall are quite healthy:
Total mileage: 617
Total new shacks (mainline): 61
Total new shacks (LU): 34
Total new shacks (DLR): 2
Total winners for haulage: 99 (+2 DLR)
10 July 2015
This was a simple A-B journey with nothing much to report. 153374 Crewe to Derby, followed by 222104 to Kettering via Oakham and Corby. This bit of line only sees a couple of trains a day (so it's good to find an excuse to get it marked off the coverage map), but it is wonderfully picturesque and (if you're into that sort of thing) worth travelling for this reason alone!
Kite159
Veteran Member
I guess you need the Saturday morning only PSUL movement over the South Tottenham curves (Liverpool Street to Enfield)?
Sounds like a busy couple days in around the airport scoring 332s (I wonder how many Keith has managed to clear for 10 miles)
Sounds like a busy couple days in around the airport scoring 332s (I wonder how many Keith has managed to clear for 10 miles)
Techniquest
Veteran Member
An amazing time all in there, makes you realise just how much can be done in London!
332s, I really must get on with them, everyone seems to be after them lately!
332s, I really must get on with them, everyone seems to be after them lately!
Can't believe how much you got done 
. I see you were staying local to me as well, in the superior part of London 
. I live in Southall! Do like your timing at Barnes Bridge to get one of the two weekday evening peak 455 workings via Hounslow :P (there are also four in the morning peak).
. I see you were staying local to me as well, in the superior part of London . I live in Southall! Do like your timing at Barnes Bridge to get one of the two weekday evening peak 455 workings via Hounslow :P (there are also four in the morning peak).Certainly on the to do list, but I don't have any Saturday trips top London planned for the foreseeable future.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Yes, but there's still so much left to do. My south of the river coverage is pretty abysmal!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Had no idea! It was a complete coincidence as I was mainly going for the stations.Can't believe how much you got done
A nice productive day, there.
Very enjoyable reading, thanks for posting.
Regarding this:
Aye, been there, done that.
It's very annoying.
Following my August 2002 all-liner; when I booked a Premier Inn that said it was 5 minutes from Didcot Parkway and was actually two and a half miles away (It took me over an hour in searing heat, with all my baggage, along a busy main road with no pavement!), I always use Google Maps to ensure my intended resting place is conveniently placed.
Very enjoyable reading, thanks for posting.
Regarding this:
Aye, been there, done that.
It's very annoying.
Following my August 2002 all-liner; when I booked a Premier Inn that said it was 5 minutes from Didcot Parkway and was actually two and a half miles away (It took me over an hour in searing heat, with all my baggage, along a busy main road with no pavement!), I always use Google Maps to ensure my intended resting place is conveniently placed.
Kite159
Veteran Member
It was 5 minutes, by car :P
Google Maps is always a good bet, with the walking directions. Although I always double check the road name matches just in case the post-code is in the wrong place.
Google Maps is always a good bet, with the walking directions. Although I always double check the road name matches just in case the post-code is in the wrong place.
27 July 2015: Another London outing
Another trip to London loomed, so I decided to head down the day before and get a bit more bashing in. Getting to London was the now familar London Midland move from Crewe. A long journey, yes, but it was cheap and winner 350121 made up for it.
In London I set myself the modest goal of clearing all the Great Northern shacks in the travelcard zones. So at Euston it was the Victoria line to Highbury and Islington. An easy transfer here had me onto my first 313 of the day, 313028 to Essex Road. This was followed by 313053 to Drayton Park and then 313045 and 313041 to Harringay. There was just enough time to get a coffee from a nearby coffee shop before now dud 313028 took me to Hornsey, followed by 313026 to New Barnet.
As we'd past Alexandra Palace the timetable frequency had gone from 10 to 20 minutes so I had to engage in a bit of back and forth to make the most of my time. I had enough time at New Barnet to go grab a sandwich from the local Sainsburys before it was 313046 to New Southgate, followed by 313044 to Hadley Wood. This was as far as I could go on the zones 1-6 travelcard so it was duds 313041 and 313045 to Oakleigh Park and then winner 313060 to Alexandra Palace.
It was now time to head up the line towards Enfield. This started with dud 313054 to Palmers Green and then back to Bowes Park on 313040. The island platform here made a tight transfer onto the now familar 313041 and 313045 to Gordon Hill nice and easy. It was then 313033 and 313037 to Grange Park followed by 313060 to Crews Hill. A mad dash here to the other platform allowed me to make a one minute connection onto 313054 and 313046 to Winchmore Hill, where I was fortunate enough to make another one minute connection onto 313044 to Enfield Chase. And that was it objective complete, in under fours hours no less - not bad at all!
The task was now to head to base camp in East Croydon. So at Enfield Chase it was onto 313052 and 313027 to Finsbury Park, followed by 365504 to Kings Cross. The short walk to the Thameslink platofrms at St Pancras is made where 319119 and 319381 is taken to Farringdon, followed by 387119 and 387115 to East Croydon (on what must be the world's slowest route!).
Check in and bag drop procedures take place and I spend a little time deciding what to do with myself next. I have agreed to meet a mate at Canary Wharf for dinner so need to head that way but I still have plenty of time so decide to make a start on some of my South Eastern network coverage.
Back at East Croydon station I take tram 2548 to Elmers End. Here it's dud 465027 and winner 465151 to Eden Park, followed by winners 376028 and 376029 to West Wickham and then dud 465197 and winner 465020 to Hayes. The island platform is most helpful here in making it back onto 376028 and 376029 just as the doors close. I alight at Clock House and it's only a few minutes wait before 465197 and 465020 show up again to take me to Lower Sydenham. It's then back up to New Beckenham on 465008 and 465023, before 465040 and 465181 to Ladywell. A study of the timetable shows a possible move to Catford Bridge which is also a required shack, but the timing is too tight for my liking and if I miss it I stand being 30 minutes late for drinks and dinner. So I cut my losses and get 466022, 465192 and 465241 to Lewisham.
The DLR is still running to a 4 minute timetable here so I figure I have time get a few more shacks along the way to Canary Wharf. It begins with 07, 90 and 98 to Elveson Road, then 28, 11 and 13 to Deptford Bridge. 132, 134 and 153 then take me to Mudchute followed by 06, 68 and 43 to Crossharbour, then 47, 80 and dud 87 to South Quay, 108, 128 and 151 to Heron Quays and finally 147, 123 and 148 to Canary Wharf. I meet up with my mate bang on schedule and we go for a steak (a bit pricey but boy was it good!)
Having been fed and said my goodbyes to my friend I now set myself the task of getting the one bit of PSUL I couldn't manage a couple of weeks ago: the 2312 Waterloo to Basingstoke via East Putney. Back at Canary Wharf it's DLRs 110, 106 and dud 113 to West India Quay, followed by 38, 12 and 24 to Westferry and then 08, 36 and 79 to Tower Gateway.
The short walk is made to Tower Hill underground station where the next available train is taken to Monument. The lengthy walk to Bank station is made to take the Waterloo and City line to Waterloo (obviously!).
At Waterloo I find 450039 and 450119 ready and waiting for the required PSUL move. We set off on time, however slow to a painful crawl from Clapham Junction. It takes almost 45 minutes to get to Surbiton in the end, meaning I've missed two decent connections back to Clapham Junction. I find myself alone a Surbiton with just some nutter on the other platform shouting something incomprehensible for company - stuck here in the dark at midnight is not my idea of fun! Eventually 444011 shows up and takes me back to Clapham Junction. I manage here to get a decent connection to East Croydon on 377437 and 377461. It's gone 1am and I'm an hour later than I had anticipated. But oh well - a good day overall. Great Northern shacks in London are complete and some fine progress has been made on my 313 and DLR requirements... there's still so much more to do though!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Spent some time yesterday updating the coverage map. Here's what London now looks like. A vast improvement from last month, but still an awful lot to do!
Another trip to London loomed, so I decided to head down the day before and get a bit more bashing in. Getting to London was the now familar London Midland move from Crewe. A long journey, yes, but it was cheap and winner 350121 made up for it.
In London I set myself the modest goal of clearing all the Great Northern shacks in the travelcard zones. So at Euston it was the Victoria line to Highbury and Islington. An easy transfer here had me onto my first 313 of the day, 313028 to Essex Road. This was followed by 313053 to Drayton Park and then 313045 and 313041 to Harringay. There was just enough time to get a coffee from a nearby coffee shop before now dud 313028 took me to Hornsey, followed by 313026 to New Barnet.
As we'd past Alexandra Palace the timetable frequency had gone from 10 to 20 minutes so I had to engage in a bit of back and forth to make the most of my time. I had enough time at New Barnet to go grab a sandwich from the local Sainsburys before it was 313046 to New Southgate, followed by 313044 to Hadley Wood. This was as far as I could go on the zones 1-6 travelcard so it was duds 313041 and 313045 to Oakleigh Park and then winner 313060 to Alexandra Palace.
It was now time to head up the line towards Enfield. This started with dud 313054 to Palmers Green and then back to Bowes Park on 313040. The island platform here made a tight transfer onto the now familar 313041 and 313045 to Gordon Hill nice and easy. It was then 313033 and 313037 to Grange Park followed by 313060 to Crews Hill. A mad dash here to the other platform allowed me to make a one minute connection onto 313054 and 313046 to Winchmore Hill, where I was fortunate enough to make another one minute connection onto 313044 to Enfield Chase. And that was it objective complete, in under fours hours no less - not bad at all!
The task was now to head to base camp in East Croydon. So at Enfield Chase it was onto 313052 and 313027 to Finsbury Park, followed by 365504 to Kings Cross. The short walk to the Thameslink platofrms at St Pancras is made where 319119 and 319381 is taken to Farringdon, followed by 387119 and 387115 to East Croydon (on what must be the world's slowest route!).
Check in and bag drop procedures take place and I spend a little time deciding what to do with myself next. I have agreed to meet a mate at Canary Wharf for dinner so need to head that way but I still have plenty of time so decide to make a start on some of my South Eastern network coverage.
Back at East Croydon station I take tram 2548 to Elmers End. Here it's dud 465027 and winner 465151 to Eden Park, followed by winners 376028 and 376029 to West Wickham and then dud 465197 and winner 465020 to Hayes. The island platform is most helpful here in making it back onto 376028 and 376029 just as the doors close. I alight at Clock House and it's only a few minutes wait before 465197 and 465020 show up again to take me to Lower Sydenham. It's then back up to New Beckenham on 465008 and 465023, before 465040 and 465181 to Ladywell. A study of the timetable shows a possible move to Catford Bridge which is also a required shack, but the timing is too tight for my liking and if I miss it I stand being 30 minutes late for drinks and dinner. So I cut my losses and get 466022, 465192 and 465241 to Lewisham.
The DLR is still running to a 4 minute timetable here so I figure I have time get a few more shacks along the way to Canary Wharf. It begins with 07, 90 and 98 to Elveson Road, then 28, 11 and 13 to Deptford Bridge. 132, 134 and 153 then take me to Mudchute followed by 06, 68 and 43 to Crossharbour, then 47, 80 and dud 87 to South Quay, 108, 128 and 151 to Heron Quays and finally 147, 123 and 148 to Canary Wharf. I meet up with my mate bang on schedule and we go for a steak (a bit pricey but boy was it good!)
Having been fed and said my goodbyes to my friend I now set myself the task of getting the one bit of PSUL I couldn't manage a couple of weeks ago: the 2312 Waterloo to Basingstoke via East Putney. Back at Canary Wharf it's DLRs 110, 106 and dud 113 to West India Quay, followed by 38, 12 and 24 to Westferry and then 08, 36 and 79 to Tower Gateway.
The short walk is made to Tower Hill underground station where the next available train is taken to Monument. The lengthy walk to Bank station is made to take the Waterloo and City line to Waterloo (obviously!).
At Waterloo I find 450039 and 450119 ready and waiting for the required PSUL move. We set off on time, however slow to a painful crawl from Clapham Junction. It takes almost 45 minutes to get to Surbiton in the end, meaning I've missed two decent connections back to Clapham Junction. I find myself alone a Surbiton with just some nutter on the other platform shouting something incomprehensible for company - stuck here in the dark at midnight is not my idea of fun! Eventually 444011 shows up and takes me back to Clapham Junction. I manage here to get a decent connection to East Croydon on 377437 and 377461. It's gone 1am and I'm an hour later than I had anticipated. But oh well - a good day overall. Great Northern shacks in London are complete and some fine progress has been made on my 313 and DLR requirements... there's still so much more to do though!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Spent some time yesterday updating the coverage map. Here's what London now looks like. A vast improvement from last month, but still an awful lot to do!
Well in bed by midnight was the plan last Monday, but it didn't quite work out that way!
Kite159
Veteran Member
If you miss the connection at Catford Bridge, then you could have walked to Catford to score 2 shacks for the price of one
Another busy day in London (I miss my London Sundays)
Another busy day in London (I miss my London Sundays)
If you miss the connection at Catford Bridge, then you could have walked to Catford to score 2 shacks for the price of one
Another busy day in London (I miss my London Sundays)
Actually it's the fact I can get 2 for 1 at Catford which made it ok to leave this time as I can grab them both very easily next time round. And anyway I had to head towards Lewisham - drinks and food will always win over trains I'm afraid
Techniquest
Veteran Member
You wouldn't like my trips then, food is often the lowest priority! Until I end up at some random shack or long move with a stomach in a rage! 
An excellent time there, I hope you enjoyed the motor coach racket on the 313s! Looks like I'd have had no winners out of your moves on the GN so I'm glad I wasn't there
Done extremely well there fair dos, and congratulations on getting a PSUL move done that I often forget! I used to go for it on either the 0042 or 0105 off Waterloo, but it never ever produced for me. I once even checked with the crew to ensure the working was booked for it, which it was but a guard who didn't sign the route had been rota'd for it. I'm intending to go for it on the 0454 Basingstoke to Waterloo next time, pick it up at Wimbledon and check the signal when it arrives. Green with no feather would no doubt mean I'd flag it (unless it's a winner of course), still an early start for it of course. I must actually remember it for my next London bash...
An excellent time there, I hope you enjoyed the motor coach racket on the 313s! Looks like I'd have had no winners out of your moves on the GN so I'm glad I wasn't there
Done extremely well there fair dos, and congratulations on getting a PSUL move done that I often forget! I used to go for it on either the 0042 or 0105 off Waterloo, but it never ever produced for me. I once even checked with the crew to ensure the working was booked for it, which it was but a guard who didn't sign the route had been rota'd for it. I'm intending to go for it on the 0454 Basingstoke to Waterloo next time, pick it up at Wimbledon and check the signal when it arrives. Green with no feather would no doubt mean I'd flag it (unless it's a winner of course), still an early start for it of course. I must actually remember it for my next London bash...
An excellent time there, I hope you enjoyed the motor coach racket on the 313s! Looks like I'd have had no winners out of your moves on the GN so I'm glad I wasn't there
I guess I'm not too interested in the noise... although I can see why you'd like it
My experience of the 313s was they they were pretty grotty though and probably in need of a deep clean.It never occurred to me it might end up going the 'normal' way! Guess I was quite lucky then. As far as PSUL services go this one was packed, although most passengers looked rather perplexed as we ground to a halt at Wimbledon Park underground station
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I guess I'm not too interested in the noise... although I can see why you'd like it
Oh aye, they're in need of a good tidy up inside, but they ain't going to do that if new trains are going to be ordered! Plus they're rather heritage now, enjoy while you can!
It never occurred to me it might end up going the 'normal' way! Guess I was quite lucky then. As far as PSUL services go this one was packed, although most passengers looked rather perplexed as we ground to a halt at Wimbledon Park underground station
If you're at Clapham and it's due off anything higher than platform 6 then you're going via Earlsfield. If you're on it from Waterloo and arrives into, say, platform 11, then you're better off bailing and going elsewhere.
I've really got a massive desire to get down there and do it now!
Kite159
Veteran Member
I do like that 23:00 departure towards Basingstoke, useful way to kill time as it connects up with the last Salisbury service at Woking
Keith Jarrett
Member
Looks like you had a great time in The Smoke. Canary Wharf is expensive to eat as there's loads of cash in that part of town. However the nearby Spoons is recommended for a more value for money deal!
That PSUL move via East Putney is a bit hit and miss. Just keep plugging away at it as it's bound to produce sometime.
That PSUL move via East Putney is a bit hit and miss. Just keep plugging away at it as it's bound to produce sometime.
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
Some truly epic London trips there - and congratulations on completing those objectives
8 August 2015: Strathclyde Challenge
THose of you who looked at my recent version of the coverage map will note there are many many areas left to fill in. Today's forum Strathclyde challenge provided a way to address part of this. Glasgow's a bit of a trek, but with a £7 advance on offer each way that was good enough for me!
I arrived at Crewe ready to take the first train of the day . It wasn't even 6am yet, and if the ubiqitous station clocks weren't a reminder of the ungodly time, then the arrival of the Caledonian Sleeper arrivng from Scotland on the platoform opposite confirmed it! Unbelieveably the coffee shop open so I bought the strongest coffee I could get hold of in an attempt to perk me up.
I boarded 390104 which would be taking me all the way to Glasgow Central. I had the coach all to myself, and it remained that way until we got to Lancaster, when things started to fill up much more. Upon arrival at Glasgow I made an immediate move to the ticket office to buy an SPT Day Tripper.
There was still an hour to go before meeting the other forum members to start teh challenge, so I decided to go on off shack scratching for a bit. This started with 314212 to Pollokshields East. Here the island platform facilitate a good +0 transfer onto 314206 heading back to Glasgow Central. 314206 was about to head back out again so I hopped back on, this time staying on board as far as Mount Florida. It was then double winners 314213 and 314205 to Queens Park, 314201 to Crosshill and then 314208 back to Glasgow Central.
There was still a little bit of time left so I made my way to the low level platforms (to scout it out fo the challenge if nothing else). I figured I had time to get in two more nearby stations. So it was 320311 to Argyle Street, followed by 318260 to Anderston and then 320321 back to Glasgow Central.
I now made my way to the meet point. All familiar faces except bb21, who it was good to finally meet!
Anyway for those of you that don't know the idea is to score as many points as possible. You get a point for each station you call at. So stopping services would be the name of the game. At this point I should point out I didn't really have a game plan for the challenge itself - so I would be winging it - probably not a great idea.
When the challenge started I made my way back to low level platforms. Without any real though I just hopped on the first train that arrived: 318258 to Dalmuir via Westerton. This stopped at every station along the way so I was off to a good start. Along the way I checked realtimetrains to see what my options would be when I reached Dalmuir. We arrived on time and I was able to make a handy +3 onto 318253 bound for Cumbernauld. This was going via Yoker, Queen Street and Springburn, so again proved fruitful points wise. At Cumbernauld I had a flick through the timetable leaflets in the little waiting room this highlighted a stopping train back to Glasgow that would be going via Motherwell and Hamilton Central, so a few minutes later I boarded 320320 back to Glasgow Central. I had picked up a few of those timetable leaflets at Cumbernauld, so I spent the journey planning the next move.
Upon arrival I made my way up to the high level platforms and boarded 380011 and 380005 which was running fast to Kilwinning. The terain was packed full of mildly drunk people dressed up in suits, so I can only assume the races were on somewhere. Anyway at Kilwinning I boarded the stopping train back to Glasgow, made up of 380003 and 380019. Back at Glasgow central I boarded now dud 314206 for a ride along the Cathcart circle line to pick up more points.
There was now 40 minutes left of the challenge and I had to make it back to the finish point at Queen Street Station. I decide to use the time by taking a ride on the subway, the long wa around from St Enoch to Buchanan Street. It turned out later the Subway wasn't eligible for points - oops! Anyway, there's a bnit of a faff at the barriers at St Enoch as I spend a good couple of minutes trying to make my day tripper ticekt fit in the ticket barriers, making myself look like a right idiot in the proxcess. Turns out you need to get a special ticket from the ticekt office first! It's then motor cars 120 and 132 were doing the honours. About half way I bumped into yorkie and Mojo.
Anyway, challenge over and points totted up. I didn't win unfortunately (but would have if the subway counted!). I joint bb21 and greatkingrat for a quick meal before heading back to Glasgow Central to head home. The train is 45 minutes late inbound, so we'll be leaving at least 15 late. To pass the time I head to a nearby bakery and purchase a piece of cake as a reward for a productive day. We eventually make it on to winner 390157 back to Crewe. My cake reward turns into disappointment as I find a large chunk of carrot in the cream filling (and no it wasn't carrot cake before anyone asks!!)!
THe cake incident aside this was a good day, and I've finally managed to make some in roads into my Strathclyde requirements.
THose of you who looked at my recent version of the coverage map will note there are many many areas left to fill in. Today's forum Strathclyde challenge provided a way to address part of this. Glasgow's a bit of a trek, but with a £7 advance on offer each way that was good enough for me!
I arrived at Crewe ready to take the first train of the day . It wasn't even 6am yet, and if the ubiqitous station clocks weren't a reminder of the ungodly time, then the arrival of the Caledonian Sleeper arrivng from Scotland on the platoform opposite confirmed it! Unbelieveably the coffee shop open so I bought the strongest coffee I could get hold of in an attempt to perk me up.
I boarded 390104 which would be taking me all the way to Glasgow Central. I had the coach all to myself, and it remained that way until we got to Lancaster, when things started to fill up much more. Upon arrival at Glasgow I made an immediate move to the ticket office to buy an SPT Day Tripper.
There was still an hour to go before meeting the other forum members to start teh challenge, so I decided to go on off shack scratching for a bit. This started with 314212 to Pollokshields East. Here the island platform facilitate a good +0 transfer onto 314206 heading back to Glasgow Central. 314206 was about to head back out again so I hopped back on, this time staying on board as far as Mount Florida. It was then double winners 314213 and 314205 to Queens Park, 314201 to Crosshill and then 314208 back to Glasgow Central.
There was still a little bit of time left so I made my way to the low level platforms (to scout it out fo the challenge if nothing else). I figured I had time to get in two more nearby stations. So it was 320311 to Argyle Street, followed by 318260 to Anderston and then 320321 back to Glasgow Central.
I now made my way to the meet point. All familiar faces except bb21, who it was good to finally meet!
Anyway for those of you that don't know the idea is to score as many points as possible. You get a point for each station you call at. So stopping services would be the name of the game. At this point I should point out I didn't really have a game plan for the challenge itself - so I would be winging it - probably not a great idea.
When the challenge started I made my way back to low level platforms. Without any real though I just hopped on the first train that arrived: 318258 to Dalmuir via Westerton. This stopped at every station along the way so I was off to a good start. Along the way I checked realtimetrains to see what my options would be when I reached Dalmuir. We arrived on time and I was able to make a handy +3 onto 318253 bound for Cumbernauld. This was going via Yoker, Queen Street and Springburn, so again proved fruitful points wise. At Cumbernauld I had a flick through the timetable leaflets in the little waiting room this highlighted a stopping train back to Glasgow that would be going via Motherwell and Hamilton Central, so a few minutes later I boarded 320320 back to Glasgow Central. I had picked up a few of those timetable leaflets at Cumbernauld, so I spent the journey planning the next move.
Upon arrival I made my way up to the high level platforms and boarded 380011 and 380005 which was running fast to Kilwinning. The terain was packed full of mildly drunk people dressed up in suits, so I can only assume the races were on somewhere. Anyway at Kilwinning I boarded the stopping train back to Glasgow, made up of 380003 and 380019. Back at Glasgow central I boarded now dud 314206 for a ride along the Cathcart circle line to pick up more points.
There was now 40 minutes left of the challenge and I had to make it back to the finish point at Queen Street Station. I decide to use the time by taking a ride on the subway, the long wa around from St Enoch to Buchanan Street. It turned out later the Subway wasn't eligible for points - oops! Anyway, there's a bnit of a faff at the barriers at St Enoch as I spend a good couple of minutes trying to make my day tripper ticekt fit in the ticket barriers, making myself look like a right idiot in the proxcess. Turns out you need to get a special ticket from the ticekt office first! It's then motor cars 120 and 132 were doing the honours. About half way I bumped into yorkie and Mojo.
Anyway, challenge over and points totted up. I didn't win unfortunately (but would have if the subway counted!). I joint bb21 and greatkingrat for a quick meal before heading back to Glasgow Central to head home. The train is 45 minutes late inbound, so we'll be leaving at least 15 late. To pass the time I head to a nearby bakery and purchase a piece of cake as a reward for a productive day. We eventually make it on to winner 390157 back to Crewe. My cake reward turns into disappointment as I find a large chunk of carrot in the cream filling (and no it wasn't carrot cake before anyone asks!!)!
THe cake incident aside this was a good day, and I've finally managed to make some in roads into my Strathclyde requirements.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Quite a busy and long day, certainly not envious of the early start from Crewe!
I suspect the races will have been at Ayr, fairly sure a large racecourse is down that way.
Lots of pairs of 380s there, which I haven't seen too often outside of the peak periods on weekdays. Pairing of 314s I've never seen!
The cake incident is why I detest a lot of places for food. Surely it should have been clearly labelled! I'll never forget such an issue with a cheeseburger from Pumpkin Ramsgate in 2011. No mention on the front label of it being rammed full of red onion, which really riled me!
I suspect the races will have been at Ayr, fairly sure a large racecourse is down that way.
Lots of pairs of 380s there, which I haven't seen too often outside of the peak periods on weekdays. Pairing of 314s I've never seen!
The cake incident is why I detest a lot of places for food. Surely it should have been clearly labelled! I'll never forget such an issue with a cheeseburger from Pumpkin Ramsgate in 2011. No mention on the front label of it being rammed full of red onion, which really riled me!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Probably the challenge winners would have used buses or walked between stations on nearby lines.
Sounds like a good day
Sounds like a good day
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
Definitely sounds like an interesting challenge. The Glasgow Subway always seems a bit of an odd relic to me - not really mentioned much in the mainstream consciousness, but still clearly sees enough riders to keep it going...
- Status