Southeastern High Speed Circular - Forum Meet Saturday 11th February

[Dom395]

Here's a report on the Southeastern High Speed Circular meet last Saturday:

We met at Ebbsfleet for the 1155 train going all the way around (it said it was going to Sandwich on the boards), yorkie did introductions and we talked until the train came. The train came and we didn't find much availability of seats in the first carriage so we moved onto the next one where we found some seats quite close to each other.

Shortly after we left Ebbsfleet an RPI came over and checked fishquinn's ticket first. He said "This train doesn't go to Gravesend...." and after being shown his itinerary "Sorry, yes it does" (or words to that effect). He then proceeded to check the rest of our tickets before moving on. At Ashford a table became available so myself, fishquinn, yorkie and telstarbox moved to it. Then at Folkstone the adjacent table became available so nearly all of us were together.

Later on lrd (previously lewisrday) came inviting us into the first carriage with him and James Wake, we said that they should come sit with us but James Wake was picky and wanted to stay in the first carriage. After lrd claimed that there was 'better window alignment' (there wasn't by the way) we all moved to the first carriage. Throughout the journey we discussed things like the most annoying people on the forum, in real life etc.

After we got to Gravesend the group split up, some going home, some going on the Gravesend - Tilbury ferry and myself and fishquinn went on trains in London.

Overall I really enjoyed the meet and I'm sure all the others did too.

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a good day round the Kent coast on the cheap.

(Although how long before SET decide to change it around so the trains 'terminate' somewhere on route before immediately starting another service from that station back to London with a different headcode?)

 

[Dom395]

(Although how long before SET decide to change it around so the trains 'terminate' somewhere on route before immediately starting another service from that station back to London with a different headcode?)

It changed multiple times en route. At one point it was Ramsgate, later on it was also Whitstable before going to St Pancras. There may have been more but I didn't really notice.

 

[James Wake]

My apologies, but that is unfortunately as a result of my autism. It was a great meet and I'm glad I got it done, hopefully on an All Line Rover I might one time go all the way around from St Pancras to St Pancras, no arguments then!

I think that because of you guys in coach 2, it meant me and Lrd in coach 1 when we were checked didn't have any problem. I remember the internal board was saying Ramsgate all the time, then changed to St Pancras when we arrived at Ramsgate. Was great to see you all.

 

[Kite159]

It changed multiple times en route. At one point it was Ramsgate, later on it was also Whitstable before going to St Pancras. There may have been more but I didn't really notice.

I was more on about the services getting split on route, so RTT won't be showing St Pancras -> St Pancras but rather (say) St Pancras - Ramsgate & Ramsgate - St Pancras, similar to the Thameslink Sutton loop services. So a ticket from Ebbsfleet to Gravesend won't be valid as it won't be a through train.

 

[telstarbox]

I enjoyed the trip. Despite being from Kent it was my first time on the Ebbsfleet - Ashford - Dover - Whitstable section. Just a shame the weather wasn't better!

How was the ferry?

 

[yorkie]

How was the ferry?

It was like a floating museum. Just as I remember it from last time. A return is cheaper than a single, but there appears to be no rules stopping you only doing it one way on a return.

Sadly the bus was departing as we approached the stop, and the driver dismissed any attempts to wait for us.

Anyone with any sort of mobility issue can expect to miss the bus and end up with a half an hour wait at the bus stop!

(For the record, we split up at that point and 3 of us walked through the wasteland, to Tilbury Town)

 

[Blindtraveler]

Definately one of my colder days on the rails but nothing compared to the I doubt beatable day when I went out on the shots line in gale forse winds...

It was nice to have a ticket issued on an old style wayfarer machine again after all these years. As to the circular it was most emjoyable and one Im defo doing again sometime!

 

[James Wake]

It was like a floating museum. Just as I remember it from last time. A return is cheaper than a single, but there appears to be no rules stopping you only doing it one way on a return.

Sadly the bus was departing as we approached the stop, and the driver dismissed any attempts to wait for us.

Anyone with any sort of mobility issue can expect to miss the bus and end up with a half an hour wait at the bus stop!

(For the record, we split up at that point and 3 of us walked through the wasteland, to Tilbury Town)

I thought that 99 was supposed to connect with the ferry. If you were wanting to follow it up, contact Ensignbus.

 

[FQ]

Twas indeed a good day