shredder1
Established Member
Ooh it's been a long time since I last had a 31! I'll be awake at 4am too, but I'll be having a coffee etc before I head to work. Not even remotely jealous, therefore!
Ooops, sorry the the ends of the month, not tomorrow
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Shred`s UK trips.
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Ooops, sorry the the ends of the month, not tomorrow
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AnthonyRail
Established Member
- Joined
- 11 Jan 2015
- Messages
- 1,223
One of these?
47 375
~ BR: Monastral Blue (Standard)
~ BR: Trainload (Distribution)
~ Post-BR: RfD (revised)
~ Post-BR: Fragonset
~ Post-BR: FMR (black)
~ Post-BR: Advenza Freight
~ Post-BR: Continental Railway Solution Kft. (Maroon)
AnthonyRail
Established Member
- Joined
- 11 Jan 2015
- Messages
- 1,223
Is it not 2moro?
Weardale Railway, Diesel Gala April 12-14
Friday April 12 to Sunday April 14 will see the Weardale Railway hold its annual diesel gala, featuring five members of the BARS fleet and maybe a couple of surprises as well!
31190 will be making its first gala appearance in its new Golden Ochre livery and will be supported by Network Rail yellow 31465 and blue-liveried pair 31106 and 31459. Also appearing for the final time at Weardale will be 31285.
shredder1
Established Member
I seem to have got mixed up somewhere, ah never mind, busy this weekend so needed to stay local anyway
shredder1
Established Member
North West. Saturday 13th April 2019.
I decided to stay relatively local this Saturday, The Great Central railway were holding a diesel gala, which I did consider attending, but changed my mind. My original intention was to see what was happening in Carlisle, so I booked a ticket and went via Wigan on a Virgin Pendolino. We only got as far as Lancaster however and were stopped for a good half hour, before being aborted and returned to Preston, apparently the train in front of us had shed its fuel over both tracks, the West Coast Main Line was closed at that point and the fire brigade called out.
I didn’t have a particularly early start on Saturday morning, so on returning to Preston I too aborted my trip to Carlisle and instead decided to chase a special to Blackpool, this was the Railway Touring Company operating a West Coast Railways rake hauled by Jubilee class 5690 (BR No. 45690) Leander and Les Ross/Peter Pan Class-86 25kV/AC Electric Locomotive 86259.
On returning to Preston, the special was about to leave for Blackpool, with the class 86 leading and Leander facing backwards on the rear. I followed the special into Blackpool and found it parked up for a few hours in one of the platforms while the passengers visited the town, the class 86 was detached from the train at Blackpool.
This was my first visit to Blackpool since electrifications had taken place, the station seems a lot more clinical now the semaphores and signal box has been removed. Surprisingly I didn’t get hassled for taking photographs this time either, Blackpool has been notorious for its anti-photographer staff over the years, on my last visit I`d simply taken a photograph of the train I`d arrived on when some small Scottish balding twit started reading me the riot act, I simply said interesting sub culture and walked on past him, I don`t think the inhabitant had grasped what I was actually saying, bless.
The special was due to return at 14.05 so I caught a train to Poulton Le Fylde in front of it, and waited for it to pass though. I managed a few good photographs in the sun, as it was a nice day, some time later the Class 86 passed through light engine and I later saw her parked up at Preston.
I met up with a few friends at Preston and had a walk out to HW Guitar shop which is sadly due to move back to the Bolton shop to consolidate business, I took an early tea in Preston before returning to Manchester. It hadn’t been a bad day despite the aborted Carlisle trip.
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2160039954043512&type=3
I decided to stay relatively local this Saturday, The Great Central railway were holding a diesel gala, which I did consider attending, but changed my mind. My original intention was to see what was happening in Carlisle, so I booked a ticket and went via Wigan on a Virgin Pendolino. We only got as far as Lancaster however and were stopped for a good half hour, before being aborted and returned to Preston, apparently the train in front of us had shed its fuel over both tracks, the West Coast Main Line was closed at that point and the fire brigade called out.
I didn’t have a particularly early start on Saturday morning, so on returning to Preston I too aborted my trip to Carlisle and instead decided to chase a special to Blackpool, this was the Railway Touring Company operating a West Coast Railways rake hauled by Jubilee class 5690 (BR No. 45690) Leander and Les Ross/Peter Pan Class-86 25kV/AC Electric Locomotive 86259.
On returning to Preston, the special was about to leave for Blackpool, with the class 86 leading and Leander facing backwards on the rear. I followed the special into Blackpool and found it parked up for a few hours in one of the platforms while the passengers visited the town, the class 86 was detached from the train at Blackpool.
This was my first visit to Blackpool since electrifications had taken place, the station seems a lot more clinical now the semaphores and signal box has been removed. Surprisingly I didn’t get hassled for taking photographs this time either, Blackpool has been notorious for its anti-photographer staff over the years, on my last visit I`d simply taken a photograph of the train I`d arrived on when some small Scottish balding twit started reading me the riot act, I simply said interesting sub culture and walked on past him, I don`t think the inhabitant had grasped what I was actually saying, bless.
The special was due to return at 14.05 so I caught a train to Poulton Le Fylde in front of it, and waited for it to pass though. I managed a few good photographs in the sun, as it was a nice day, some time later the Class 86 passed through light engine and I later saw her parked up at Preston.
I met up with a few friends at Preston and had a walk out to HW Guitar shop which is sadly due to move back to the Bolton shop to consolidate business, I took an early tea in Preston before returning to Manchester. It hadn’t been a bad day despite the aborted Carlisle trip.
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2160039954043512&type=3
xotGD
Established Member
- Joined
- 4 Feb 2017
- Messages
- 7,863
So that makes two of us in Blackpool yesterday.
The car park of Mecca Bingo was a good spot for photographing Leander - as long as you could see over the wall.
There were a lot of people stood around waiting to photograph the ecs back to Preston that didn't run. They had a long wait for the return tour!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
That's the one! It's been 11 years since I did the relevant gala, far too long to remember such detail
Shred, sounds like you still had fun despite the issues with trying to get to Carlisle. Mention of Blackpool has reminded me I *still* haven't been to Pleasure Beach!
Kite159
Veteran Member
That's the one! It's been 11 years since I did the relevant gala, far too long to remember such detail
Shred, sounds like you still had fun despite the issues with trying to get to Carlisle. Mention of Blackpool has reminded me I *still* haven't been to Pleasure Beach!
Or Norbreck North
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Or Norbreck North
So my memory wasn't wrong, there is a new tram shack to get! I must remember to add 017 and 018 to the list of trams up there I haven't had.
shredder1
Established Member
Yes I went round to the Mecca car park and one chap very kindly let me use his steps.
shredder1
Established Member
That's the one! It's been 11 years since I did the relevant gala, far too long to remember such detail
Shred, sounds like you still had fun despite the issues with trying to get to Carlisle. Mention of Blackpool has reminded me I *still* haven't been to Pleasure Beach!
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, not been there for years, the Ghost Train was nearly as scarey as going round the Oldham loop on a Pacer,
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, not been there for years, the Ghost Train was nearly as scarey as going round the Oldham loop on a Pacer,
I can't remember what the Oldham Loop was like too clearly on a 142, as I did it in early 2004. 15 years ago now
hock:
Andy Pacer
Established Member
I was also in Blackpool on Saturday having gone up on the 0721 Pendolino service from Birmingham New Street. The went from Blackpool South to Preston and passed the 86 and its following kettle on the mainline before, as you did, saw the 86 parked up in Preston later that afternoon. There was a good deal of distruption in Preston which must have been due to the fuel issue, I caught a one hour late running Northern 158 up to Lancaster on its way to Windermere.
shredder1
Established Member
I can't remember what the Oldham Loop was like too clearly on a 142, as I did it in early 2004. 15 years ago now
Its Metrolink now, but back to double track
shredder1
Established Member
Yes my visit was more by chance, but I met a lot of friends there, some on the trip
shredder1
Established Member
Didcot Railway Centre, the Impossible Dream. Good Friday 19th April 2019.
Saint Class No. 2999 'Lady of Legend'
The Great Western Railway 'Saint' class locomotives, introduced by G J Churchward in 1902, represented one of the most important steps forward in railway traction of the 20th century. The class incorporated many revolutionary advances in design and the 'Saints' are now acknowledged to have had a profound influence on almost every aspect of subsequent steam locomotive development,
Unfortunately, no example was saved for preservation, the final engine, No. 2920 Saint David, being withdrawn from service and scrapped in 1953, ending a distinguished half century of work by the class.
Since 2004 the Great Western Society has been working to re-create an example of this iconic class using the opportunities provided by GWR standardisation and 'Hall' class 4-6-0 No. 4942 Maindy Hall purchased from Barry Scrapyard by the GWS in 1974 with the specific intention of using it as the basis for a new 'Saint'. The Saint returned to steam in 2019. (Source, http://www.thesaintproject.co.uk/)
I`d never seen a Great Western Saint before, the last one was scrapped from BR circa 1953, I was 2 at the time, so far too young to go toddling down to the Western Region.
Good Friday, It was an early start and after a drive down into Manchester, I was on the 05.11 Cross Country Voyager service down as far as Oxford with a quick change for Didcot. I was in luck with my 5-minute Oxford change and the Easter Highlander came in heading north behind DRS Cat 68033.
The morning was glorious and for a bank holiday, Good Friday it was also quite busy with 3 class 70`s going through Didcot on the avoiding line and one of the newly named Class 66`s 66005, Maritime “Intermodal One”, parking up outside the station.
The GWR Museum however didn’t open until 10.00am and I was second in the queue and a lot faster than the guy in front of me, so I managed to get quite a few veg free shots before the crowds arrived.
In steam we had, Saint Class No. 2999 'Lady of Legend', Great Western Railway (GWR) 6000 Class 6023 King Edward II and Steam Railmotor vehicle No. 93 of the 1930s, together with Auto Trailer No. 92.
I took a few rides behind all three exhibits and had a fantastic visit, always lots to see at Didcot and I returned to Oxford after 16.00 with a direct Cross Country Voyager back into Manchester Piccadilly, arriving home for around 19.00. A big well done to all involved at the GWR Museum Didcot.
http://www.thesaintproject.co.uk/
https://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2172819339432240&type=3
Saint Class No. 2999 'Lady of Legend'
The Great Western Railway 'Saint' class locomotives, introduced by G J Churchward in 1902, represented one of the most important steps forward in railway traction of the 20th century. The class incorporated many revolutionary advances in design and the 'Saints' are now acknowledged to have had a profound influence on almost every aspect of subsequent steam locomotive development,
Unfortunately, no example was saved for preservation, the final engine, No. 2920 Saint David, being withdrawn from service and scrapped in 1953, ending a distinguished half century of work by the class.
Since 2004 the Great Western Society has been working to re-create an example of this iconic class using the opportunities provided by GWR standardisation and 'Hall' class 4-6-0 No. 4942 Maindy Hall purchased from Barry Scrapyard by the GWS in 1974 with the specific intention of using it as the basis for a new 'Saint'. The Saint returned to steam in 2019. (Source, http://www.thesaintproject.co.uk/)
I`d never seen a Great Western Saint before, the last one was scrapped from BR circa 1953, I was 2 at the time, so far too young to go toddling down to the Western Region.
Good Friday, It was an early start and after a drive down into Manchester, I was on the 05.11 Cross Country Voyager service down as far as Oxford with a quick change for Didcot. I was in luck with my 5-minute Oxford change and the Easter Highlander came in heading north behind DRS Cat 68033.
The morning was glorious and for a bank holiday, Good Friday it was also quite busy with 3 class 70`s going through Didcot on the avoiding line and one of the newly named Class 66`s 66005, Maritime “Intermodal One”, parking up outside the station.
The GWR Museum however didn’t open until 10.00am and I was second in the queue and a lot faster than the guy in front of me, so I managed to get quite a few veg free shots before the crowds arrived.
In steam we had, Saint Class No. 2999 'Lady of Legend', Great Western Railway (GWR) 6000 Class 6023 King Edward II and Steam Railmotor vehicle No. 93 of the 1930s, together with Auto Trailer No. 92.
I took a few rides behind all three exhibits and had a fantastic visit, always lots to see at Didcot and I returned to Oxford after 16.00 with a direct Cross Country Voyager back into Manchester Piccadilly, arriving home for around 19.00. A big well done to all involved at the GWR Museum Didcot.
http://www.thesaintproject.co.uk/
https://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2172819339432240&type=3
AnthonyRail
Established Member
- Joined
- 11 Jan 2015
- Messages
- 1,223
Isn’t The sighting of a Saint and a King on Good Friday in the bible?
Great pictures, I enjoyed 6023 on the Dartmouth railway last year. The blue is a stunning livery.
Great pictures, I enjoyed 6023 on the Dartmouth railway last year. The blue is a stunning livery.
Last edited:
shredder1
Established Member
Thanks very much Anthony, yes I believe you are right, lol
shredder1
Established Member
Foxfield Railway Diesel Gala. Saturday 27th April 2019.
The Foxfield is always a railway I enjoy visiting, it has a very industrial feel about it, which is what it was of course. The day was the worst I`ve experienced for many years, with rain heavy at times and high winds. I drove down to Foxfield on the M6 from Manchester, although traffic was moving visibility and driving conditions were not good, but I managed to arrive at Blyth Bridge for just turned 08.00, so it had probably taken me an hour and half.
First job was to order breakfast in the station café, and when in the Potteries what better start than to have the local tradition Staffordshire Oat Cakes, I like mine with melted cheese on and the Foxfield oat cakes are to die for, so I order two of them, and for afters it was a lump of cake, and all washed down with a steaming hot mug of coffee and I was good to go.
The first train was, lucky for me, later out and still on the platform so I boarded it and had my first ride of the day down to Dilhorne Park behind visiting class 33 locomotive 33102 'Sophie' from the Churnet Valley Railway, other visitors included North British Locomotive 0-4-0 DH 27876 Courtesy of Chasewater Railway, Bagnall 3150 0-6-0 'Wolstanton No.3' and Bagnall 3207 0-4-0 'Leys'.
I had a few trips up and down the line behind various traction, the trains however were extremely cold, I later drove round to Foxton Colliery site to photograph locos climbing the 1 in 19 incline and with the weather we had on Saturday they did very well.
A senior all day ticket cost a mere £10 and this would have included the late evening beer train, food at the café is also very cheap, but of a high quality and served by some lovely staff who always make you feel welcome.
A really big thank you to the Foxfield Railway and all involved for a fantastic day and coping with the adverse weather conditions.
http://www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2181264735254367&type=3
The Foxfield is always a railway I enjoy visiting, it has a very industrial feel about it, which is what it was of course. The day was the worst I`ve experienced for many years, with rain heavy at times and high winds. I drove down to Foxfield on the M6 from Manchester, although traffic was moving visibility and driving conditions were not good, but I managed to arrive at Blyth Bridge for just turned 08.00, so it had probably taken me an hour and half.
First job was to order breakfast in the station café, and when in the Potteries what better start than to have the local tradition Staffordshire Oat Cakes, I like mine with melted cheese on and the Foxfield oat cakes are to die for, so I order two of them, and for afters it was a lump of cake, and all washed down with a steaming hot mug of coffee and I was good to go.
The first train was, lucky for me, later out and still on the platform so I boarded it and had my first ride of the day down to Dilhorne Park behind visiting class 33 locomotive 33102 'Sophie' from the Churnet Valley Railway, other visitors included North British Locomotive 0-4-0 DH 27876 Courtesy of Chasewater Railway, Bagnall 3150 0-6-0 'Wolstanton No.3' and Bagnall 3207 0-4-0 'Leys'.
I had a few trips up and down the line behind various traction, the trains however were extremely cold, I later drove round to Foxton Colliery site to photograph locos climbing the 1 in 19 incline and with the weather we had on Saturday they did very well.
A senior all day ticket cost a mere £10 and this would have included the late evening beer train, food at the café is also very cheap, but of a high quality and served by some lovely staff who always make you feel welcome.
A really big thank you to the Foxfield Railway and all involved for a fantastic day and coping with the adverse weather conditions.
http://www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2181264735254367&type=3
shredder1
Established Member
Manchester Piccadilly. Saturday 25th May 2019.
I`ve been quite busy since I got back from the Ukraine, with a gig to play with the band and the son in laws 50th yesterday, I did however managed to get an hour at Manchester Piccadilly, the nice surprise was a London Midland transfer, class 150 working on the Buxton line, apparently 3 have been relocated to the Manchester area.
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2226310417416465&type=3
I`ve been quite busy since I got back from the Ukraine, with a gig to play with the band and the son in laws 50th yesterday, I did however managed to get an hour at Manchester Piccadilly, the nice surprise was a London Midland transfer, class 150 working on the Buxton line, apparently 3 have been relocated to the Manchester area.
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2226310417416465&type=3
shredder1
Established Member
Manchester Piccadilly and Altrincham. Sunday 26th May 2019.
Another few hours out locally and I noted unbranded 158 839 parked in the bays at Manchester Piccadilly said to be North Wales Coast livery. I also took a ride out to Altrincham via Stockport, originally it was supposed to be behind Pacer 142 039, but it failed and we had to alight and walk to platform 5 were I was treated to the former London Midland liveried 150 107 from the day before, now working on a Chester service. I alighted at Altrincham and made the return journey back to Manchester Piccadilly the same way.
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2228098570570983&type=3
Another few hours out locally and I noted unbranded 158 839 parked in the bays at Manchester Piccadilly said to be North Wales Coast livery. I also took a ride out to Altrincham via Stockport, originally it was supposed to be behind Pacer 142 039, but it failed and we had to alight and walk to platform 5 were I was treated to the former London Midland liveried 150 107 from the day before, now working on a Chester service. I alighted at Altrincham and made the return journey back to Manchester Piccadilly the same way.
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2228098570570983&type=3
shredder1
Established Member
Hi mate, yes it did a few runs up the hill, nice to see it at Foxfield, a great industrial setting.
shredder1
Established Member
Cheshire Day Rover. Saturday 1st June 2019.
Thought I`d have a catchup on relative local lines with a Cheshire Day Rover. I was on an early train, a TPX 185 from Manchester Victoria to Liverpool Lime Street and on the way in we passed the site of the former Edge Hill loco depot which had 3 Class 60`s and two class 66`s parked up in the yard, one being GBRf 66779 Evening Star which has been avoiding me for some time.
On arrival at Lime Street station I went for breakfast in The North Western, a railway themed Wetherspoons pub which adjoins the station. Despite my recent attempt at a diet, I went for a full breakfast with extra toast, presuming I`d burn it off throughout the day.
Returning to the main station I took a train back out to Edge Hill to see if I could get close to the yard with the locos stabled, I paid £3.00 for a step stool from a local store to allow me to peer over the bridge parapets, but these were the only photographs I could get, the old loco shed site is inaccessible these days.
I left my step stool hidden in some bushes at the side of the bridge, chances I should return some day and walked back to Edge Hill station and caught another train back into Lime Street. My next move was to go down the escalators to Liverpool Lime Street Low Level and first catch a train under the Mersey to Birkenhead North and changed there for Bidston, which also had a loco shed back in the day.
I then waited for the Wrexham Central service, an Arrival Wales liveried Sprinter class 150 and caught it as far as Shotton, with a change from the high-level platforms to the Low-Level ones on the North Wales line, for a train into Chester. I didn’t wait long before a new liveried Class 175 Transport for Wales unit, took me into Chester and it really was full and standing, I only just squeezed in.
On arrival at Chester I next caught a London bound Virgin Voyager to Crewe and was lucky to see Cat 68029 Courageous passing through the station North bound, light engine. The next move was to catch a very packed and late running Virgin Pendolino back up to Liverpool Lime Street, changing for an East Midlands Sprinter class 158 back into Manchester Piccadilly with a change at Oxford Road to photograph a London Midland liveried, and recently transferred class 150 working on a Manchester to Liverpool stopping Service.
The weather was supposed to be sunny and bright, but it was overcast at times with light rain, but still a good day out and my first one really since returning from the Ukraine.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/prbad90d0a040002016445fab7d9d950.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2238349089545931&type=3
Thought I`d have a catchup on relative local lines with a Cheshire Day Rover. I was on an early train, a TPX 185 from Manchester Victoria to Liverpool Lime Street and on the way in we passed the site of the former Edge Hill loco depot which had 3 Class 60`s and two class 66`s parked up in the yard, one being GBRf 66779 Evening Star which has been avoiding me for some time.
On arrival at Lime Street station I went for breakfast in The North Western, a railway themed Wetherspoons pub which adjoins the station. Despite my recent attempt at a diet, I went for a full breakfast with extra toast, presuming I`d burn it off throughout the day.
Returning to the main station I took a train back out to Edge Hill to see if I could get close to the yard with the locos stabled, I paid £3.00 for a step stool from a local store to allow me to peer over the bridge parapets, but these were the only photographs I could get, the old loco shed site is inaccessible these days.
I left my step stool hidden in some bushes at the side of the bridge, chances I should return some day and walked back to Edge Hill station and caught another train back into Lime Street. My next move was to go down the escalators to Liverpool Lime Street Low Level and first catch a train under the Mersey to Birkenhead North and changed there for Bidston, which also had a loco shed back in the day.
I then waited for the Wrexham Central service, an Arrival Wales liveried Sprinter class 150 and caught it as far as Shotton, with a change from the high-level platforms to the Low-Level ones on the North Wales line, for a train into Chester. I didn’t wait long before a new liveried Class 175 Transport for Wales unit, took me into Chester and it really was full and standing, I only just squeezed in.
On arrival at Chester I next caught a London bound Virgin Voyager to Crewe and was lucky to see Cat 68029 Courageous passing through the station North bound, light engine. The next move was to catch a very packed and late running Virgin Pendolino back up to Liverpool Lime Street, changing for an East Midlands Sprinter class 158 back into Manchester Piccadilly with a change at Oxford Road to photograph a London Midland liveried, and recently transferred class 150 working on a Manchester to Liverpool stopping Service.
The weather was supposed to be sunny and bright, but it was overcast at times with light rain, but still a good day out and my first one really since returning from the Ukraine.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/prbad90d0a040002016445fab7d9d950.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2238349089545931&type=3
shredder1
Established Member
Statfold Barn Railway, Enthusiasts Day. Saturday 8th June 2019.
My second visit to the Statfold Barn Railway, Tamworth and it was up to its usual high standards, steam locos everywhere and active all day. This really is an incredible railway and a must to visit for all enthusiasts’ diaries. On my first visit a few years ago you had to write into the owner Mr Graham Lee for an invitation to attend, however things have changed since then and the railway is now controlled by the Statfold Narrow Gauge Trust to ensure its longevity.
My mate Rob travelled over the hill from Yorkshire and his present abode and met me in North Manchester as I arrived home from work on Friday evening. We then drove down to Tamworth and stayed in the Liberal House, a pub and guest house some 3 miles away from Statfold Barn. An excellent pub meal followed by a few pints and I was out for the count.
Saturday morning after breakfast and we drove round to Statfold Barn, sadly it was a wet day, but still very enjoyable with lots of locos in steam. We rode behind most of the locos and had a trip in the infamous Goose, spent some time in the excellent roundhouse and museum, took lunch in the café, then a ride on the garden railway, and despite the weather had a fantastic day and didn’t get too wet. The event was an enthusiast day and it was well subscribed, it cost us a tenner each by booking on line, but they are now allowing payments on the door. We stayed as all the locos returned to the depot, they never seem in any rush to get rid of you at Statfold.
A really big thank you to Mr Graham Lee and the Statfold Barn Railway Trust for another fantastic visit, I really can`t recommend the Statfold Barn Railway enough, such a superb collection, with many working examples of all types and makes of narrow-gauge locomotives.
https://statfoldbarnrailway.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2252004988180341&type=3
My second visit to the Statfold Barn Railway, Tamworth and it was up to its usual high standards, steam locos everywhere and active all day. This really is an incredible railway and a must to visit for all enthusiasts’ diaries. On my first visit a few years ago you had to write into the owner Mr Graham Lee for an invitation to attend, however things have changed since then and the railway is now controlled by the Statfold Narrow Gauge Trust to ensure its longevity.
My mate Rob travelled over the hill from Yorkshire and his present abode and met me in North Manchester as I arrived home from work on Friday evening. We then drove down to Tamworth and stayed in the Liberal House, a pub and guest house some 3 miles away from Statfold Barn. An excellent pub meal followed by a few pints and I was out for the count.
Saturday morning after breakfast and we drove round to Statfold Barn, sadly it was a wet day, but still very enjoyable with lots of locos in steam. We rode behind most of the locos and had a trip in the infamous Goose, spent some time in the excellent roundhouse and museum, took lunch in the café, then a ride on the garden railway, and despite the weather had a fantastic day and didn’t get too wet. The event was an enthusiast day and it was well subscribed, it cost us a tenner each by booking on line, but they are now allowing payments on the door. We stayed as all the locos returned to the depot, they never seem in any rush to get rid of you at Statfold.
A really big thank you to Mr Graham Lee and the Statfold Barn Railway Trust for another fantastic visit, I really can`t recommend the Statfold Barn Railway enough, such a superb collection, with many working examples of all types and makes of narrow-gauge locomotives.
https://statfoldbarnrailway.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2252004988180341&type=3
shredder1
Established Member
Peak Forest, class 56081 and 56098, class 66781. Friday, Saturday 14th 15th June 2019.
I was visiting the Midland Railway Centre for their diesel gala on the Saturday, so I drove as far down at south Debryshire after work on Friday evening, calling in at Peak Forest to see what was around, something I usually do if I`m travelling in that direction. A chippy Tea was taken in the Coach House, Market Place, Buxton, before driving down the the YHA at Youlgreave for the night. Only £9 and it saved me a long drive the next morning. Saturday evening on the drive home from Butterley, I again called in at Peak Forest, but just the two 56`s were parked up, one inside the quarry
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2262937823753724&type=3
I was visiting the Midland Railway Centre for their diesel gala on the Saturday, so I drove as far down at south Debryshire after work on Friday evening, calling in at Peak Forest to see what was around, something I usually do if I`m travelling in that direction. A chippy Tea was taken in the Coach House, Market Place, Buxton, before driving down the the YHA at Youlgreave for the night. Only £9 and it saved me a long drive the next morning. Saturday evening on the drive home from Butterley, I again called in at Peak Forest, but just the two 56`s were parked up, one inside the quarry
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2262937823753724&type=3
shredder1
Established Member
Midland Railway, Diesel Gala. Saturday 15th June 2019.
I was visiting the Midland Railway Centre for their diesel gala on the Saturday, so I drove as far down as Youlgreave in south Derbyshire after I`d finished work on Friday evening, calling in at Peak Forest to see what was around, something I usually do if I`m travelling in that direction. Class 56081 and 56098 was in the yard along with 66623, so worth the visit. A chip shop tea was taken at the Coach House, Market Place, Buxton, before driving down the YHA at Youlgreave for the night. Only £9 for a dormer bed and it saved me a long drive the next morning.
I was up and out early at the YHA and after the short drive through narrow country lanes, I was the first in the car park at Butterley for 07.30, it was a beautiful sunny morning as I walked up the path to Swanwick Junction to catch my early morning photographs of all the locos on shed. It was quite a line up with locos from the National Network, Schenker liveried 60100, silver liveried 60063, 66136, 66431, 66623, and home fleet class 20`s 8059, 20189 and 20205, class 46 D182 and class 47 47401, plus DMU`s class 108 and class Pacer class 141.
I took breakfast in the station cafe at Swanwick Junction and spent a large amount of the day in that location including a visit to the workshops and museum, a ride on various traction to each end of the lines and also a ride on the Golden Valley narrow gauge railway. The bright sunshine however didn’t last and towards the end of the day the rain came over. Always so much to see and do at the Midlands Railway, with lots of book shops and model railway displays at both Swanwick Junction and Butterley.
It was around 18.00 that I left the railway at Butterley, I called again in the coach House at Buxton for tea and, I again called in at Peak Forest on the drive home, but just the two 56`s were parked up, with one inside the quarry this time. It had been a great day out though, so a big thank you to the Midland Railway and its volunteers for a fantastic diesel gala.
https://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2265520553495451&type=3
I was visiting the Midland Railway Centre for their diesel gala on the Saturday, so I drove as far down as Youlgreave in south Derbyshire after I`d finished work on Friday evening, calling in at Peak Forest to see what was around, something I usually do if I`m travelling in that direction. Class 56081 and 56098 was in the yard along with 66623, so worth the visit. A chip shop tea was taken at the Coach House, Market Place, Buxton, before driving down the YHA at Youlgreave for the night. Only £9 for a dormer bed and it saved me a long drive the next morning.
I was up and out early at the YHA and after the short drive through narrow country lanes, I was the first in the car park at Butterley for 07.30, it was a beautiful sunny morning as I walked up the path to Swanwick Junction to catch my early morning photographs of all the locos on shed. It was quite a line up with locos from the National Network, Schenker liveried 60100, silver liveried 60063, 66136, 66431, 66623, and home fleet class 20`s 8059, 20189 and 20205, class 46 D182 and class 47 47401, plus DMU`s class 108 and class Pacer class 141.
I took breakfast in the station cafe at Swanwick Junction and spent a large amount of the day in that location including a visit to the workshops and museum, a ride on various traction to each end of the lines and also a ride on the Golden Valley narrow gauge railway. The bright sunshine however didn’t last and towards the end of the day the rain came over. Always so much to see and do at the Midlands Railway, with lots of book shops and model railway displays at both Swanwick Junction and Butterley.
It was around 18.00 that I left the railway at Butterley, I called again in the coach House at Buxton for tea and, I again called in at Peak Forest on the drive home, but just the two 56`s were parked up, with one inside the quarry this time. It had been a great day out though, so a big thank you to the Midland Railway and its volunteers for a fantastic diesel gala.
https://www.midlandrailway-butterley.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2265520553495451&type=3
shredder1
Established Member
Tyseley Locomotive Works Open Day. Saturday 22nd June 2019.
It had been quite a few years since I`d visited Tyseley. It was of a course a main bunk back in the 70`s and 80`s when we did the West Midland region depots. The beginnings of the railway museum were just an embryo in those days and it has certainly come on since then. I caught a Cross country voyager to Birmingham New Street from Manchester Piccadilly at 06.00 and was in New Street in no time. I took breakfast in Tim Hortons, not great, and I then walked up the hill to Snow Hill Station for a ride through the tunnels to Moor Street.
After a little time on Moor Street station I took a train through to Tyseley and then joined the queue to access the Works. It was a very warm and sunny day, summer seemed to have come at last. I`d booked on line for the event, £15 Sadly the shuttle services were not operating to Moor Street, a short service was however running up and down the yard though, with the Rocket replica making an appearance with passengers and drivers in period dress.
Quite a few locos in steam on static display, and plenty of punters in attendance and I also met up with a few friends. A good selection of stalls, and I couldn’t resist a Hog Roast and also nice to see main man Barry on the ST Publications stand, I`m a great fan.
At around 13.00, I had seen everything more than once and caught a local bus back into Birmingham City centre, the bus stunk of a mixture of cannabis and curry, not good. My next move from a nice tram ride up to Wolverhampton on the former GWR line which the tram now occupies, it had been a few years since I`d travelled on the West Midland trams, so it was a nice change and nice also to see the development taking place for the new tram extension into Wolverhampton railway station.
As I walked down from the present tram terminus to the railway station at Wolverhampton, a Virgin Pendolino was stood on the platforms and about to depart for Crewe, so I boarded this and had an hour or so at Crewe on the way back north, arriving in Manchester by around 18.00, so it had been a great day out.
A total of five locomotives were in steam - Replica Stephenson's Rocket, 7029 Clun Castle, 4965 Rood Ashton Hall, 45596 Bahamas and GWR Pannier tank 7752.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyseley_Locomotive_Works
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2276470065733833&type=3
It had been quite a few years since I`d visited Tyseley. It was of a course a main bunk back in the 70`s and 80`s when we did the West Midland region depots. The beginnings of the railway museum were just an embryo in those days and it has certainly come on since then. I caught a Cross country voyager to Birmingham New Street from Manchester Piccadilly at 06.00 and was in New Street in no time. I took breakfast in Tim Hortons, not great, and I then walked up the hill to Snow Hill Station for a ride through the tunnels to Moor Street.
After a little time on Moor Street station I took a train through to Tyseley and then joined the queue to access the Works. It was a very warm and sunny day, summer seemed to have come at last. I`d booked on line for the event, £15 Sadly the shuttle services were not operating to Moor Street, a short service was however running up and down the yard though, with the Rocket replica making an appearance with passengers and drivers in period dress.
Quite a few locos in steam on static display, and plenty of punters in attendance and I also met up with a few friends. A good selection of stalls, and I couldn’t resist a Hog Roast and also nice to see main man Barry on the ST Publications stand, I`m a great fan.
At around 13.00, I had seen everything more than once and caught a local bus back into Birmingham City centre, the bus stunk of a mixture of cannabis and curry, not good. My next move from a nice tram ride up to Wolverhampton on the former GWR line which the tram now occupies, it had been a few years since I`d travelled on the West Midland trams, so it was a nice change and nice also to see the development taking place for the new tram extension into Wolverhampton railway station.
As I walked down from the present tram terminus to the railway station at Wolverhampton, a Virgin Pendolino was stood on the platforms and about to depart for Crewe, so I boarded this and had an hour or so at Crewe on the way back north, arriving in Manchester by around 18.00, so it had been a great day out.
A total of five locomotives were in steam - Replica Stephenson's Rocket, 7029 Clun Castle, 4965 Rood Ashton Hall, 45596 Bahamas and GWR Pannier tank 7752.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyseley_Locomotive_Works
https://www.facebook.com/nick.melling.104/media_set?set=a.2276470065733833&type=3
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your visit to Tim Hortons, ever since my Canada trip I love TH and the coffee. I've not had food from the Birmingham one, but it is on my agenda. Certainly those hot sandwiches were causing drool to build up when I was there the other week! I might have to finally try them out when I'm in Birmingham next week...
£15 sounds chingy for what was there!
£15 sounds chingy for what was there!
shredder1
Established Member
OH OK maybe I should try TH again then, it could be an acquired taste. Yes £17 on the door too, not really great value Tech, but I suppose its too a good cause.