Rambling Roebuck... (Trip Reports)

[Techniquest]

I'm heading down...

Oh...

Wait...

I'm not I have no idea when I'm going down, it's not going to be for ages though!

 

[D841 Roebuck]

Nipped up to Rochdale station to pick up an advance ticket earlier on. Winning trams both ways (3111/3109) a good start to the bash...

 

[Keith Jarrett]

Good read as ever, sir. You certainly did well in and around The Smoke. All those shacks, winning units and a couple of PSUL moves must make the books look healthier.

I might even make it to the Spa Valley on Sunday. All depends whether my last but one available Ped (31289) is running. Then, apart from 31018, the remaining Peds that I need have all met with their maker and are now razor blades.

Aaaaargh! Lorry failure means that 31289 will not make it to the Spa Valley this weekend. But the word is that 31289 will make it down to Sussex later in the year so I might be in with a chance although the Spa Valley's summer gala coincides with my being elsewhere in the country!

And I have discovered that I still need another Ped/Brian/Goyle that is still in non razor blade format. 31452 was wrongly knocked off my lists around 10 years ago (The Haulage Book correctly records 31459 as the traction which was dud!) But 31452 is down to visit the Nene Valley gala in a week's time. Will I get bowled for a second time?

 

[D841 Roebuck]

Aaaaargh! Lorry failure means that 31289 will not make it to the Spa Valley this weekend. But the word is that 31289 will make it down to Sussex later in the year so I might be in with a chance although the Spa Valley's summer gala coincides with my being elsewhere in the country!

And I have discovered that I still need another Ped/Brian/Goyle that is still in non razor blade format. 31452 was wrongly knocked off my lists around 10 years ago (The Haulage Book correctly records 31459 as the traction which was dud!) But 31452 is down to visit the Nene Valley gala in a week's time. Will I get bowled for a second time?

Still going myself. Need.33202, 207017 and the kettle, as.well.as the Eridge extension. (And CCrowborought to Uckfield, which I may as well do!)

Very good.day today at the MNR
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Heritage and Quizzing Jaunt. 1/4/16 to 3/4/16

An early start to this one. An advance ticket was booked to Peterborough resulting in me catching 158902 on the 05:59 Rochdale to Leeds, followed by 91120 down to Peterborough. Nothing out of the ordinary to report on either journey, although Colditz escapee 59003 was scored for sight...

Changing to EMT here, 158857 was taken to Wymondham, for a walk via the abbey (ruined) to the Abbey station, and a pleasant sunny day on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Three certain winners in 41001, 47596 and 50017, and possibly a fourth in 101695 (need to check up old unit spotting books, but I think it's new) as well as old friends 45133, 50007, 50050 (first time since 1985) and 47367 being sampled again on a thoroughly enjoyable day's gala. I can thoroughly recommend the MNR for a day out, with everyone there - staff, volunteers and paying punters - appearing to have a smile on their faces.

Back to NR-land, and I just missed the Norwich-to-Cambridge local, meaning 158865 becoming my chariot of necessity to Ely, and a small change of plan. Originally, I planned to scoop in the Stansted triangle, but as I also needed Cambridge to Hitchin I joined 365504 for a stagger to Kings Cross instead. Booked in at Croydon Travelodge, I had a choice of Victoria or London Bridge, and plumped for the latter.

51631/51632 became the first of an unreasonable number (imho) of cockney duds for the weekend, although a shack scratch at Angel onto the following 51533/51534 rectified matters somewhat. Upstairs for a slash-and-burn (pnb and smoke, rather than Amazonian rainforest agriculture), and I decided on some linear leaping. 377125 (dud) took me to New Cross Gate, 378136 to Honor Oak Park, 378209 to Sydenham and finally 455809 + 455830 to East Croydon. As it was now about 10pm and I was cream crackered, I retired to my lodge for a good night's kip.

Awakening and abluting the next day, I pondered my route. I had to be at East Molesey Royal British Legion for 11am for my quiz, and could also do with breakfast, so I took the following, somewhat convoluted route. Firstly 455841 (another dud) was taken to Selhurst, then 455810 to Norbury and 455819 to Balham for a breakfast hunt. As the local spoons didn't open until 9am, I adjourned to The Chestnut Cafe for a full English, and was most satisfied with the same.

Time now for some nutrax, so I headed downstairs to the Northern Line, and a linear bash southbound. 51553+51554 were a promising start to Tooting Bec, the inevitable 51502+51503 (3rd time in 3 days out) onwards to Tooting Broadway, 51617+51618 to Colliers Wood, 51563+51564 to South Wimbledon and finally 51552+51567 to the end of the line at Morden.

Upstairs here, and a smoke whilst perusing the bus stop. There were a choice of services serving required shacks, but the #157 turned up first, so I had a short ride to Morden South. Fifteen minutes or so fester later, I joined 319002 for the hop to Wimbledon, then 455862+455740 to Norbiton, 455855 + 455729 back to Malden Manor and finally 455720 to Hampton Court, for a bus to East Molesey and my quiz.

 

[Techniquest]

Sounds like the MNR was a great time! Been too long since my last 50 haulage, I must make an effort to change that.

Quite a productive time in London too, looks like you've scored a couple of Northern line shacks that I need as well as one on the Wimbo loop. Probably need a ton of what you had for haulage too.

Isn't 1100 a bit early for a quiz?

 

[FQ]

Sounds like a fun time at the MNR!

 

[Keith Jarrett]

Just as I comment that folk on here rarely visit the southern end of the Northern Line (due to the perceived presence of fire-breathing dragons) then we have a visitor who bravely makes it all the way to the end. The MNR gala sounded great - one day, I'll have to make a return visit. And your bashing around South London obviously sorted out a few winners in units & shacks.

A couple of corrections - it'll be the 154 bus that would have taken you to Morden South. The 157 does serve Morden but not Morden South unless on a massive diversion. For others who may attempt the interchange, it's about a 10-12 minute walk to Morden South or equally buses 80 & 93 will see you fine.

If there's now a direct link from Norbiton to Malden Manor, that's going to be new track for me (Malden Manor is on the Chessington Branch). Do you mean New Malden?

 

[D841 Roebuck]

Just as I comment that folk on here rarely visit the southern end of the Northern Line (due to the perceived presence of fire-breathing dragons) then we have a visitor who bravely makes it all the way to the end. The MNR gala sounded great - one day, I'll have to make a return visit. And your bashing around South London obviously sorted out a few winners in units & shacks.

A couple of corrections - it'll be the 154 bus that would have taken you to Morden South. The 157 does serve Morden but not Morden South unless on a massive diversion. For others who may attempt the interchange, it's about a 10-12 minute walk to Morden South or equally buses 80 & 93 will see you fine.

If there's now a direct link from Norbiton to Malden Manor, that's going to be new track for me (Malden Manor is on the Chessington Branch. Do you mean New Malden?

Thanks Keith. Both corrections are welcome, twas indeed the 154 bus and I was concentrating so much on getting my Norburies and Norbitons in order that I made a mess of my Maldens

I believe the elusive 31289 is out to play at Rushden on Saturday. As I also need 31206, I might have a trip down...

Tech - the quiz was part of the monthly quizzing grand prix circuit, similar to the one I went to at Coventry three months ago. They tend to start at 11 so attendees can get there from all over the country. I came about halfway, as usual, buoyed by my gut instincts that an unknown moon of Saturn is likely to be Iapetus, and a random Spanish painter is, more often than not, Goya.
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(Trip report continued)
On finishing the quiz, and walking to the bus stop, I noticed that the 411 went through to Kingston after Hampton Court. Might as well score another shack then! And the theme continued with 455872 + 455911 taking me to North Sheen, 455855/729 to St Margarets, 455874 + 455853 to Mortlake, the 419 bus to Barnes Bridge and 458530 to Kew Bridge.

From here, I developed a plan to work my way back to Blackfriars via some required shacks on the District Line. So after a bus (233) toGunnersbury, and dud 378221 toKew Gardens, 21461/62, 21499/500, 21507/08, 21339/40 took me linearly to Stamford Brook, West Kensington, St James's Park, Temple before duds 21417/18 appeared on the final leg to Blackfriars.

Now for some winners on the Thameslink core. Or that was the theory. Dud 377210 plus winning 377506 to City Thameslink was a mediocre start, dud serial stalker 319442 to Farringdon did not improve things, winning pair 387103 + 387118 were better to St Pancakes, then double duds 319426/377 were absolutely appalling to West Hampstead. So I stalked indignantly through the rain to West Hampstead (,Jub) for an orgy on LU.

Even here, first up were duds 96110/107 to Kilburn then 96006/019, 96095/058, 96003/074, 96099/122, 11079/080 took me respectively to Willesden Green, Swiss Cottage, St John's Wood, Green Park and Victoria, clearing the Jubilee Line enroute. Home time now and winning 377412 was attached to dud 377427 for the trip back to East Croydon, where I collected a meal deal from Sainsbury and retired to watch the football highlights.

A good day for breakfast, shacks and quizzes, but mediocre for winners...

 

[FQ]

Lots of new shacks there but less winners than you'd usually expect from a London day out. Still, it sounds like you had a good time!

 

[Techniquest]

I dunno, it wasn't that bad a haul! Megatons of required shacks at least. The Core was most disappointing, clearly, but at least LU was good to you. I still need some of those shacks, and no doubt a lot of what you got I need for haulage too.

As ever, I'm wanting to get back to London, but there are more pressing things to do this weekend!

 

[D841 Roebuck]

3/4/2016

A later start today, as the first Uckfield train from East Croydon wasn't until 09:17. Arriving earlier at the station, I acquired a coffee and cheese and tomato baguette from Upper Crust, then joined 377625 + 377612 on the East Grinstead service, changing at Upper Warlingham for 171722 on the Uckfield service following closely behind.

This was taken all the way to Uckfield as I had previously been no further than Crowborough on this line, so a bit of new track was scored, as well as the shack. Returning to Eridge, I crossed over to the Spa Valley Railway, where thumper 207017 (1317) was already waiting. A small bit of new track (out of the platform at Eridge) and some pleasant thumpery later, I bailed at Groombridge for a coffee, and to see what was coming the other way.

Result - 33202 + 33063 took me back to Eridge, where 063 was left, 202 returning me all the way to Tunbridge Wells West. Motive power back to Eridge was D3489 "Colonel Tomline", piloted by Austerity 060T Vulcan #5309, which seemed to be doing most of the work.

Back at Eridge again, and time for the long run home. 171721 took me to Hurst Green for a shack score, before 377612 + 377625 reappeared to return me to East Croydon.
Changing here, I saw an opportunity for a final track scratch, with 387106 + 387123 taking me to Farringdon, over required track from Crystal Palace to Tulse Hill.

Time, too, for a last sneaky shack scratch. 21061/062 took me to Great Portland Street thus clearing the old Circle Line, before 21379/380 whisked me back to Euston Square. Going to the mainline station, I acquired my tickets then hit Eds Diner for a pricy but very high quality burger.

As I could reach Manchester at half the price by splitting tickets at Stoke, I did so. This condemned me to a three hour trundle on well filled 350122, before changing for 390050 to Piccadilly, then tram 3064 for the run back to Rochdale.

A good weekend away, with more new shacks but less winners than planned. Some nice heritage winners to compensate, though!

 

[Kite159]

Just be thankful you had a 350/1 rather than a 350/2 to Stoke

I must really try and make a start with heritage railways

 

[Techniquest]

A nice little easy day there, although enduring that long run back to Stoke can't have been fun. For a big ching saver though, it can sometimes be worth it. Especially when it comes to LM versus GWR down here, £16 versus the minimum of £50 on Advances on either TOC, for not a massive time penalty on LM (35 minutes IIRC) and it just makes sense!

Nicely done on the 33s, the /0 is a winner for me as I'm certain I had 202 on the SDR years back. I would have to do some serious digging around for the relevant notes mind, it was the same gala where 47375 was scored as well as 20110 and 20118. Early-ish 2008?

Bet you were glad of the relative luxury of a 390 after the 350 mind, although as Kite says you were lucky it wasn't a /2!

 

[D841 Roebuck]

A nice little easy day there, although enduring that long run back to Stoke can't have been fun. For a big ching saver though, it can sometimes be worth it. Especially when it comes to LM versus GWR down here, £16 versus the minimum of £50 on Advances on either TOC, for not a massive time penalty on LM (35 minutes IIRC) and it just makes sense!

Nicely done on the 33s, the /0 is a winner for me as I'm certain I had 202 on the SDR years back. I would have to do some serious digging around for the relevant notes mind, it was the same gala where 47375 was scored as well as 20110 and 20118. Early-ish 2008?

Bet you were glad of the relative luxury of a 390 after the 350 mind, although as Kite says you were lucky it wasn't a /2!

The 350 would have been OK if it was an 8 car rather than 4 car rake..

I thoroughly recommend the Spa Valley and Mid-Norfolk railways for a visit. Far less "up themselves" than one or two of the more established Heritage lines, with customers seen as a pleasure rather than a chore.

Cheapo GCR advances and a winning Travelodge at Feltham have been booked for a couple of weeks' time. Plan is Mid Hants gala on Friday, Epping Ongar on Saturday, the latter probably combined with a shack and red per fest on the East end of the Central Line.

 

[Techniquest]

Agreed on the MNR, good line they were in 2010 for the massive 37 gala!

Been too long since my last preserved line gala, I'd love to be there for the EOR or the Mid-Hants, alas it won't happen.

 

[Kite159]

The 350 would have been OK if it was an 8 car rather than 4 car rake..

I thoroughly recommend the Spa Valley and Mid-Norfolk railways for a visit. Far less "up themselves" than one or two of the more established Heritage lines, with customers seen as a pleasure rather than a chore.

Cheapo GCR advances and a winning Travelodge at Feltham have been booked for a couple of weeks' time. Plan is Mid Hants gala on Friday, Epping Ongar on Saturday, the latter probably combined with a shack and red per fest on the East end of the Central Line.

8car 350s would be ideal for the Trent Valley line, even if it means carrying on direct to Crewe from Stafford (with a Liverpool bound service going via Stone/Stoke due to the level crossing/crossovers). Either fit SDO or unit deselect at the stations on the TV section which can't handle 8 cars.

 

[55013]

A few good days to read about, thanks for that.
The MNR is a fabulous line and good fun is always had there.

 

[AJM580]

Glad you enjoyed the MNR, It's always worth a visit. I remember when it first opened in 1997 and its come a long way since. Hopefully they'll get to County School one day!

 

[D841 Roebuck]

12/4/2016 - Spur of the Moment

I'd finished my crossword, and nearly finished my pint. Bored, I glanced at a couple of railway forums on my tablet.

And noticed that required 67002 was on the pauper's WAG (Manchester/North Wales circuit) the previous day. So I had a dibble at RTT, concocted a mental itinerary, supped up and sidled off to the tram shack.

Good omens here, required 3103 was waiting to depart to Ashton (via Manchester Victoria). So off I trundled, staying on all the way to MCV as the immediately-following trams were duds. Here, I acquired a Cheshire Day Ranger, then joined dud 319367 for a trip west, noting just after departure that a winner would be half an hour behind...

It was soon time to bail at the first new shack of the day, Lea Green, quickly crossing the bridge to join 319383 on a bus stop move back to St Helens Junction. Crossing over again, linear leaping was the order of the day. Dud 319377 took me toWavertree Technology Park, 319363 onwards to Edge Hill and finally the previously noted winning 319364 into Lime Street.

Straight downstairs here, as the plan was for more shack scratching in the Southern Wirral. Winner 508114 was taken to Spital, 507026 was equally welcome back to Port Sunlight, dud 508139 moved me onwards toEastham Rake, 508110 back to Bromborough, and finally dud minor forum celebrity 507029 for a ride through the gathering dusk to Chester.

I had previously checked for gen, and 67002 soon appeared on the last leg of it's circuit, rumbling me through the dark to Crewe. The random winning pendo generator didn't work from here, with 390045 taking me to Manchester via the Styal PSUL link.

Here was minor chaos, as Manchester City had won their match against ParisSG, so trams were busy and delayed. No chance of making the 22:26 at Victoria, so I did a spot of gratuitous winner hunting, with mixed success (3091 + 3100 to Piccadilly Gardens, walk to Market Street, 3104 to Shude Hill, 3021 + 3023 to Victoria.

Final move of the day was 150224 + 142041 up to Castleton for a late pint.

Nine winners and eight new shacks. And all because the crossword was easy...

 

[FQ]

You're very lucky that you finished that crossword quickly!

 

[Techniquest]

A nice little afternoon/evening out there, bet you're glad you got on the forum at the time!

 

[Keith Jarrett]

A good read sir. And all of it planned at the last minute. Well done with those winners and new shacks.

 

[D841 Roebuck]

A good read sir. And all of it planned at the last minute. Well done with those winners and new shacks.

Thanks for the good wishes (and thanks to Techni and Mr Midshipman Quinn, also).

I do like a spontaneous trip out! Trip planning is fun, but going for it on the hoof can be even more so.

The crucial clue in the puzzle was Quiet swimmer makes ceramics . Was struggling with it until someone said I looked like a certain teenaged wizard with my reading glasses on...

ELR on Saturday to scoop in 03084 and 08721, followed probably by watching The Dale demolish the donkey lashers at "frothball"

 

[andyb2706]

Good read Mr Roebuck, now have an urge to do some more shack bashing along the Liverpool line and I still need to do the ATW run!

 

[D841 Roebuck]

17/4/16 - Minimalist Gronkage

Having discovered strawberry daiquiris (yum) on Friday, this trip somehow got postponed by 24 hours...

After a.day's recovery from the above, the night was, perhaps unwisely, spent playing on-line Diplomacy with random Americans. Setting an alarm at 04:47 to go off at 07:25 proved wildly optimistic.

Staggering up eventually at 12:45, I consulted the Revised Standard Vesrion ELR gronkfest timetable. A reasonably sensible move was sorted to.score the two required visitors, and away I went.

Rosso bus 244.was.taken from outside The Roebuck to Bury, then a pint of.pink cider acquired at The Trackside, which is.a compulsory visit on occasions such as this. Hair of the dog consumed, I hit the buffet for coffee and a butty, then joined the Heywood train, with required 08721 looking resplendent in its new blue uniform as motive power.

An interminable stagger later (think Yes album for the musical equivalent) we arrived at Heywood.
An even more interminable stagger later (think The British National Ukulele Band plays selections from Yes) and.dud 73001 had returned me to Bolton St.

A wait here due to late running, then 03084 took me back up the hill to Heywood,.for a walk to the bus stop, First Manchester's long-deceased tractor impersonator 37404 back to Rochdale,.and have been propping up the bar in my namesake ever since...

Usque ad mortem bibendum...
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...and eventually landed home at 4:30am (again). I'm really far too sociable for a confirmed loner...

 

[jayalongtheway]

Amusing as always, I do like your turn of phrase. Having myself previously done an 03 on the East Lancs I feel your pain. A My Dying Bride 45 inadvertently played at 33 would be sprightly in comparison to use your musical metaphor. Nowt wrong with them Volvo Gemini's, not perhaps as vocal as their railborne numbersakes but thrashy all the same!

 

[FQ]

At least you managed to get your winners, even if you did get up 8 hours late!

 

[HMS Ark Royal]

At least you managed to get your winners, even if you did get up 8 hours late!

That would never happen to me... As a warship, I can wake up at any moment and be ready to go within ten minutes!

#

An interesting read, to be certain, and it looks like you had a great time - even if some of it was cut short

 

[Techniquest]

You must put some serious ching into those tills! hock: If I'm ever up that way again I'm going to have to investigate your local!

Confirmed loner? Only if you want to be, get joining some of us fellow bashers and have a social with us!

 

[D841 Roebuck]

Friday 22 April - Gronking at the Mid Hants

I'd been looking forward to the Mid Hants Gala for yonks. Three winning main liners, plus two winning shunters. So I booked advances and a Travelodge.

Then things started to unravel. An embankment slip ruled out the visiting convoy (and two winning grids ), 33053 (dud but rateable) caught the lurgy at Shackerstone and was declared hors de combat. Nevertheless, I girded my loins and set off for the 05:59 to Halifax, formed of duds 150132 + 142036[/B.]

Arriving on time, I had a nice half hour to acquire a coffee, newspaper and apricot muffin (scrumptious) before the Grand Central came in on the 07:08 to Kings Cross. No luck here, either, as 180105 was the dud steed for the southbound stagger to Donny and subsequent sprint to Kings Cross.

A travelcard for the day was included in my advance, so I headed for the Northern Line, and the day's first winners 51647/648 to the first new shack of the day at Old Street. Motive power onwards from here to Bank turned out to be dud 51617/618. However, apart from one chunk of Central Line stock the next day, these turned out to be the only non-preserved duds of the weekend in London
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Baling at Bank, I headed for the "drain". As this had had new stock since the last time I had used it, winners were guaranteed, with 65505/506 obliging to Waterloo. Upstairs here, and I placed myself in the hands of South West Trains. Who produced winners all the way - 450109/008/115 on a triple rake to Woking, then 450082 onwards to Farnham, and a bus to Alton.

My original plan here was to do the 08 on the brakevan ride first, however a points problem meant it was locked in for the moment. So 50027 was taken for a winning run to Alresford,. Here, I investigated the other shunter, was invited aboard and after a spot of instruction drove veteran 12082 down a siding and back. Great fun, and well worth the fiver!

Lion had by now departed back to Alton, so I had time for Pastie, Chips & Beans (and a bottle of cider) before loud and lusty 37901 appeared, for a noisy run up the hill. Back at Alton, the points had been fettled but as the run-round took time I was advised that the gronk had missed its slot for a brakevan trip until after the next train had departed. As this was the thumper, and no run-round was required, I decided to fester here.

The thumper came and wenr, 08377 trundled the Queen Mary brakevan into the platform, myself and the other remaining basher boarded, and were joined by most of the staff from the refreshment room/shop and the stationmaster who all obviously fancied a spin. And a cracking spin it was too, just under a mile, and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone aboard.

Time to go now, and I rejoined the Farnham bus, which was enlivened by spotting the unfortunate teenagers who were working on a pizxa promotion (I.e.standing in the rain, wearing cardboard placards).
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Back on NR territory, it was time for some linear shack bashing. I wasn't particularly going for winners, but nothing dud turned up anyway

First move was to Aldershot (not required) on 450016 + 450563.
Then, after a purchasing break, 456020 + 456023 took me to Ash Vale...
...for 450038 + 450077 to Brookwood...
...450011 + 450119 on to Walton on Thames...
...and 455914 + 455726 to Wimbledon, where I changed to the tube, taking...
...21469/470 to Wimbledon Park...
...21463/464 to East Putney...
...where I eschewed the wet walk to the NR shack, as I knew...
...D stock 7007+7508 were behind to take me to Parsons Green...
...and 21477/478 onwards to West Brompton
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I said earlier in this report that everything's a winner, babe ( or some such). I'd forgotten dud 378222 which took me to Clapham Junction!

Back to the linear winners with a vengeance here, though...
...458509 to Putney...
...458520 + 458535 to Barnes...
...450027 + 450039 to Brentford...
...a look at RTT and a decision to risk a +2 and score a bit of track...
...458522 to Whitton, scoring Hounslow Junction to Whitton Junction enroute ...
...finally, 458504 + 458512 to my destination for the night, Feltham