#LSGsLiveWire -6/2/17- 8/2/17

[Kite159]

Sounded like another good day for your books of sights

 

[Blindtraveler]

The first day continued was very enjoyable indeed. I think it also busts a couple of well known miths wide open. Firstly the thing about rail enthusiasts all being unfriendly and sometimes a bit standoffish. Your exchange with that homeless guy rather knocks that one on the head doesnt it!

2nd, so many say that guards all hate emthusiasts or at the very least think they are a pain. This forum proves that one wrong for a start as some guards here are enthusiasts themselves. Even if theyr not the grip on the 68 hauled set tother day rather goes to show that they can understand and be friendly to cranks and indeed welcoming to one so far off his native ground.
Day 2 sounds good so far and may extend a welcome to the growing club of people who find 170s sleap inducingly dull?
Keep it up!

 

[Segedunum]

Making sharp work of those 90s, making me jealous as I only have 1 in the book!

Haven't done Ely to Ipswich in a fair few years either, was a much quieter affair compared to your run in with the expired railcard bloke though!

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk

 

[47403]

Sounded like another good day for your books of sights

"Book of Sights", that's getting used from now on.

Richard said

Making sharp work of those 90s, making me jealous as I only have 1 in the book!

Haven't done Ely to Ipswich in a fair few years either, was a much quieter affair compared to your run in with the expired railcard bloke though!

Was trying my best to make the most of the 90's, dunno when I'll be back in that neck of the woods again. It was funny watching him, he knew, he was taking a chance and got caught. Silly lad.

Blindtraveller said

The first day continued was very enjoyable indeed. I think it also busts a couple of well known myths wide open. Firstly the thing about rail enthusiasts all being unfriendly and sometimes a bit standoffish. Your exchange with that homeless guy rather knocks that one on the head doesnt it!

2nd, so many say that guards all hate enthusiasts or at the very least think they are a pain. This forum proves that one wrong for a start as some guards here are enthusiasts themselves. Even if theyr not the grip on the 68 hauled set tother day rather goes to show that they can understand and be friendly to cranks and indeed welcoming to one so far off his native ground.
Day 2 sounds good so far and may extend a welcome to the growing club of people who find 170s sleep inducingly dull?
Keep it up!

Firstly Cheers Dan, I'm not sure about guards not liking enthusiasts, I've never had any problem, bar the total bloody idiot at the gate line at Southampton, who said my FoSS wasn't valid from Newcastle. Plus the guards on the Anglia short sets must be used to cranks on a daily basis. However a friendly chat, was a nice touch.
I normally don't mind the turbo's but they were rather tedious that day.

Tech said

Oh I know that feeling Noddy!

I've finally read Day 1 of your report LSG, loved it as expected. A shame to be bowled out by that HST but it will hopefully one day produce for you when you least expect it

83 new sights in one day is incredible, I have to go to mainland Europe for that these days. Jealous of the 37s and 68s, I must admit, and I followed your hashtag as much as I could. Just from that you could see it was a mighty fine trip.

I've got the need to get back to Anglia now, having read your trip report!

Firstly that rash, sounds like Dermatitis mate. Get some cortisone cream mate and wear gloves some gloves at work.
I was expecting a blunt, the HST buggering off, wasn't a hassle, maybe a bit frustrating, hey life goes on. Yeah 83 for the "Book of Sights", on day 1 was a total shock, considering I was expecting roughly 100 for the whole trip. In fairness, the reason for going via London on the way, was to maximise the chance of achieving this.
Nice to hear I'm inspiring you to get to Anglia, however I think it's 90006 that's the major draw?

Noddy said

Know that feeling, but usually I'm back to work the next day. I sometimes think that by doing that you get back to normality quicker so the come down after a good trip away doesn't last that long! Still never want to go back to work though!

I suppose your right there Noddy, still no easier going back though.

Cheers for the kind words though chaps, glad your all enjoying the read. Much appreciated.

 

[Techniquest]

90006 is a big draw for me to get back to Anglia aye, as are the short sets with 37s and 68s.

Read the first part of your Day 2 this morning, been over 10 years since I last covered the line between Kennett and Ely, 57012 was hauling that leg of The Sandblower. First and only 57/0 I've had.

I used your tale from Norwich by the way, it certainly humbled one of my old section leaders!

 

[noddy1878]

Another excellent read! Great report!

 

[Cowley]

Mmm donuts . I waited until I had a bit of time to relax and read it properly today as I've been really enjoying it all. Some of the journeys are along the same routes as I did in the 80s with my cousin. Can't believe it's been thirty years.
Looking forward to the next instalment.

 

[47403]

Day 2​

continued​

Suitably stuffed, I literally wobble back onto Norwich station after having a quick ciggy, I wander back through the barriers and I'm delighted to catch up with another GA 156, 156407 makes it's way into the "Book of sights", leaving just 156422 and 156416 to find, to clear them too. I wander up the platform between 2 GA sets, getting the coaching stock as I go. Winner 90003 becomes my choice for a spin down to Ipswich, in hope of seeing a bit freight or to see if any 70's have made it onto the stabling point. They like my GB shed requirements seem to be hiding from me.

I get a table seat and put the phone on charge and update the hashtag and settle back and start reading the Tribute to the Westerns in Railways Illustrated, a very good read it is too, I'd love to see a Wizzo on a tour, in the North East, they sound amazing. Sadly it looks like Western Champion is going to be laid up a while, due to it's recent failure. Must be someone on this forum who can regale tails of blasting round the South West into Paddington on the wizzo's. If so, I'd love to read them. I think, even our 2 seemingly, elder statesmen, Mr Jarrett and 55013, might be a bit too young to have been out bashing the Westerns in their hey day.

As we approach Ipswich, I get up and go to the window to see if there's anything floating round on the stabling point, I can see a Freightliner liveried 90 and a couple of sheds and what looks like a dusty bin in the platform blocking the view but I aint complaining, it's a potential entrant to the Book of Sights. I quickly bail and make my way over the footbridge and onto Platform 3, oh lovely, 321363 & 321326 are worthy enough enteries regardless, that wasn't the end either because when the 321's pulled out the way, lo and behold, standing there with 90043, was none other than 70010 & 66568 and 66561. Marvelous, well I thought so. With a few minutes to spare, before my last haulage of the day, the book of sights, had 2 more new entrants, when double dusties360116 &360112 rounded off, a very productive hour in Ipswich. Even more so, when winner 90013 turned up to take me back to Norwich.

I climbed aboard and found a table seat and in celebration, opened a can of Strongbow Dark Fruits, which inevitably turned into 2. I started writing my notes up from the Dictaphone, which took me till after Diss to complete, by the time we were approaching Norwich, the book of sights, had another 39added to it today and trust me GA's coaching stock, was going down as quick as the Cider was. Another highly productive day, unfortunately, the last day is almost upon me.

Before I left, I got a shot of 90013 and 90008, checked the platforms and made my way through the barriers and back to base camp, munching my tangy cheese Doritos as I happily marched along. Into base camp and I quickly flicked the kettle on and made a coffee, before going for a shower, devouring another can of Strongbow, before going outside, for a ciggy and then hitting the sack, for some well earned Z's

​

 

[Kite159]

You are making me want to head back to Anglia land sooner than June for some more 90 action

 

[Cowley]

The photo of the 90s is rather nice. I bought Railways Illustrated and like you enjoyed reading it, there's some great articles in it this month, especially the one about 37 bashing in Scotland which bought back lots of memories.
I wish I'd experienced the Westerns when they were in daily operation too, my earliest proper memories of trains were from about 1978, just slightly too late unfortunately. I did D1015 to Cornwall on a railtour about ten years ago though and I was by the front droplight of the second coach as we tore through Taunton station flat out in the dark, the driver opened her up to full power just before the station and I had a 'moment' (and some of the normals on the platform probably had movement).
Still enjoying the read, perhaps you should stay out longer and just be the roving reporter?

 

[Keith Jarrett]

I think, even our 2 seemingly, elder statesmen, Mr Jarrett and 55013, might be a bit too young to have been out bashing the Westerns in their hey day.

Thank you for the elevation to the rank of "Elder Statesman" although there's quite a bit of mileage left in me yet! (NB Signature will be amended to reflect this elevation)

I certainly remember the Wizzos well although it was a year after their demise before I became a serious basher - and once in the blood, that's it! You're a basher for life and those basher instincts never really leave you.

Fortunately from about 1973 onwards, I had the sense to record most of my loco haulages and a lot of multiple units as well so a few class 52s feature. Probably the most memorable was in the Autumn of 1976 when we all knew that the writing was well and truly on the wall for the Wizzos. I was returning to Bristol from somewhere north of Birmingham on 1V94, 14:40 Leeds to Plymouth which reversed in Gloucester and swapped (normally) one sixteen wheeled wagon for another. Approcahing Gloucester, I would be window hanging to see what delights Gloucester shed would have on offer and was surprised that no Wagons, or Duffs were visible. Only type 4 in the vicinity was a smoking D1054 WESTERN GOVERNOR but plenty of types 2's and 3's. I immediately predicted a run round in Gloucester and was dismayed as I was already on a tight connection for the bus home (run rounds took far longer than reversals at Gloucester). However, I was surprised to see the smoking D1054 heading towards the train. I then looked out for the crowds of Western bashers but there were none - apparently D1054 had worked north from Paignton and absolutely nobody knew about the working. Remember no mobile phones or innernet in those days. I was the sole bod to have D1054 out of Gloucester that evening and did the Bristol driver give her some stick - full bore out of Gloucester, smoke everywhere and we bowled up to Bristol in seemingly record time - the next time that I recall the brakes going in was on the approaches to Westerleigh Junction. A cracking run and five late away from Gloucester became right time at Bristol where I leapt for the bus home. But word must have got around as there was a crowd waiting in Bristol for D1054 - I hope that the Laira driver taking over gave as good a show as the Bristol bod had done for me.

 

[Keith Jarrett]

Mr 403 - An excellent write up thus far of your antics in East Anglia. All those winners just makes me want to get back there and sort out the last few on my lists before the revolution. Can't wait for day 3 and to see just how many additions to the Book Of Sights you eventually have to deal with. Your fodder intake seems to be going up in the world - Ardennes Pate sarnies, donuts, full English. Perfect!

My current Anglia needs are 2*153, 3*156 and 1*170 required for 10 miles along with ultra annoying 170206 required all time. Not forgetting 90006 which is also sub 10 miles. And also would be good to scratch the last bits of track in the region.

 

[Techniquest]

The expected excellent read with Day 2's continuation and I look forward to Day 3.

Keith, wow that must have been an amazing experience! My Western bashing only relates to a tour with D1015 to Milford Haven in I think 2007. Will never forget it opening up proper crazily through Llanelli on the way back east...

 

[AJM580]

Very good read so far. Nice to see a photo of plats 1 and 2 at Norwich station - it reminds me of many a trip out to the Capital and back with the Skoda's. Looking forward to the next instalment

 

[Cowley]

What Keith said about D1054 sounded like heaven to me.

 

[47403]

Fan-bloody-tastic, Thank you Keith, that's exactly what I was hoping for, when KJ gets nostalgic, it always worth reading, wish he'd do it more often. Cowley I have to admit, it sounded like heaven to me too. Tech, never had a Western for haulage, even on a preserved railway. The NYMR and Cholsey and Wallingford, the only ones I've done, to be fair, called in the latter on a coach trip, remember they had a Black Guinness Liveried shunter among a few that were there. So I would've loved to hear the driver open up them Maybach engines. In fact I'm off to youtube to listen to some.

 

[AJM580]

Try this one

p.s I'd make sure the neighbours are out !!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nsJfgJHwT8

 

[noddy1878]

Your book of sights is filling well! News on Western Champion is that they have the money to start work on replacing engine 'B' to start as of 3 days ago! I have not had a Western on the mainline unfortunately.

 

[Cowley]

Try this one

p.s I'd make sure the neighbours are out !!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nsJfgJHwT8

Unbelievable. That was the tour I was on! It's also on the front cover of Railways Illustrated this month with the Western China Clay headboard. It visited the Fowey branch too and I stood by that droplight putting up with the 66 from Newquay to Plymouth where they ran the Western round and then stayed there almost all the way to Westbury.
No one could have removed me from that window unless they'd clubbed me over the head, prised my frozen hands off the window frame and dragged me away.
Even at the back you could hear the noise it was making climbing up that 1 in 37.

 

[55013]

Wow.
An excellent couple of days, there.
I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
Unlike Keith I'm far too young to have experienced Westerns in service
The last of them had been withdrawn three years before I started spotting.

 

[FQ]

A very successful day there. I do really need to get to Anglia! The story about the bloke at Norwich was also excellent - good on you.

 

[47403]

Mr 403 - An excellent write up thus far of your antics in East Anglia. All those winners just makes me want to get back there and sort out the last few on my lists before the revolution. Can't wait for day 3 and to see just how many additions to the Book Of Sights you eventually have to deal with. Your fodder intake seems to be going up in the world - Ardennes Pate sarnies, donuts, full English. Perfect!

My current Anglia needs are 2*153, 3*156 and 1*170 required for 10 miles along with ultra annoying 170206 required all time. Not forgetting 90006 which is also sub 10 miles. And also would be good to scratch the last bits of track in the region.

Bloody hell, I'm inspiring folk to get over to Anglia, even our "elder statesman", I'm humbled. I do like a full English, no beans though, I suggest trying the toffee and pecan doughnuts from Greggs, oh dear, Doughnut heaven. Like the new signature too, made me laugh.

Kite said

You are making me want to head back to Anglia land sooner than June for some more 90 action

Glad I'm inspiring you but having seen your requirements list recently, I think you'd benefit more from staying in and letting things build up a bit unless your going to have nowt to go and chase. Many thanks though.

Noddy said

Your book of sights is filling well! News on Western Champion is that they have the money to start work on replacing engine 'B' to start as of 3 days ago! I have not had a Western on the mainline unfortunately.

I love that, Book of Sights, cheers Kite Yeah Noddy, the book of sights, looks very healthy on the GA front now and still the final day to write up. Good news on the Wizzo too.

Tech said

The expected excellent read with Day 2's continuation and I look forward to Day 3.

Cheers mate, very much appreciated. Hope I can live up to the expectations

Cowley said

The photo of the 90s is rather nice. I bought Railways Illustrated and like you enjoyed reading it, there's some great articles in it this month, especially the one about 37 bashing in Scotland which bought back lots of memories.
I wish I'd experienced the Westerns when they were in daily operation too, my earliest proper memories of trains were from about 1978, just slightly too late unfortunately. I did D1015 to Cornwall on a railtour about ten years ago though and I was by the front droplight of the second coach as we tore through Taunton station flat out in the dark, the driver opened her up to full power just before the station and I had a 'moment' (and some of the normals on the platform probably had movement).
Still enjoying the read, perhaps you should stay out longer and just be the roving reporter?

Thanks for the vote of confidence on the pic of the 90's, they're all taken on the mobile phone, I doubt David Bailey will be in the house, having a panic attack though. Liked the story of the western too, had a good laugh at the moment and movement quip. Glad your enjoying the read, as for the roving reporter, if I'd had the legs left to get the last train outta Ipswich I would have mate.

55013 said

Wow.
An excellent couple of days, there.
I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
Unlike Keith I'm far too young to have experienced Westerns in service
The last of them had been withdrawn three years before I started spotting

Thanks squire, glad your liking it too, was certainly a very productive time, just gotta hope Day 3, lives up to it's billing. In truth the Western Bashing, I wasn't expecting either of you to have done them. Wasn't complaining to hear a tale that one of you had though.

fishquinn said

A very successful day there. I do really need to get to Anglia! The story about the bloke at Norwich was also excellent - good on you.

It certainly was Quinn, much needed clear out of sorts, in an area that had been untapped for far too long. The final days report is yet to come and the statistics will be revealed. Trip to Anglia probably wouldn't be too bad from the midlands, in fact at the minute, you can get an Adult first class advance single from Liverpool Street for about £15 and I'm sure my standard single, only cost £9.

AMJ380 said

Try this one

p.s I'd make sure the neighbours are out !!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nsJfgJHwT8

By that's been put through it paces there, it sounded awesome. But as David Coverdale says, Here's a one for ya. Fast forward to 1m15 secs, holy sweet jesus, now that's what I call Maybach music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzRsGRgEp3w

Enjoy folks

 

[Kite159]

The idea of visiting a Saturday in the summer time will be for another spin on the 37s, with hopefully 156418 plus my last 2 GA 90s falling into place.

 

[Techniquest]

The fact I need less GA 90s than Kite does make me smile!

 

[AJM580]

The fact that I need less GA 90s than Techniquest makes me smile (mind you I do have a distinct advantage)

 

[55013]

Would it be uncouth of me to say that I've had all fifty 90s and that makes me smile

 

[AJM580]

Not at all I doff my cap (46 out of 50 for me just missing 022, 030, 032 and 047)

 

[55013]

It took me quite a while - my first was 90013 on the 4th of January 1989 and my last was 90044 on the 13th of February 2011.

 

[noddy1878]

It took me quite a while - my first was 90013 on the 4th of January 1989 and my last was 90044 on the 13th of February 2011.

Impressive. I have managed only 27! I have seen them all but one, which is languishing in the depths of Crewe Electric somewhere!

 

[Kite159]

I've had 12 of the GA 90s, plus 8 others (mainly from tour & sleeper moves).

Congrats on clearing a class which for the 'youngsters' will be impossible to do so now with several gathering rust stored at Crewe Electrics.