LSGs Getting Out n About

Reading your exploits in Devon made me think of all the power I had on various trips - worked it out that I had classes 31, 33, 37, 43, 45, 47, 50, 57 and 67 on the sea wall at various times between 1984 - 2017. The 50's were my favourite of all those - many happy memories

@47403 Yeah not three bad here thanks, currently relaxing in a really nice Airbnb in Perth. Smashed 100 miles of outdoor walking this month as of tonight, plus 498 miles of cycling and nearly 6,860 metres of elevation gain while doing those miles. Lots of training for a sportive in Monmouthshire in September you see. I was meant to be on a cycling mission this week, alas my bike is awaiting parts to be fitted and is currently in Cardiff!

Also done my quads in recently, so all the miles are hard going and my walking pace is much lower than normal as a result. Still pushing through and getting some epic exploring in though! Had the red pen out 3 times this week so far, ticked off 5 stations as well so not doing too bad

I’ll not go on much further than that, except to say that I’ve still got plenty of railway action coming up this week. Back in Strathclyde/Inverclyde at the end of the week, ready for 5 of the 8 track cycling events at the velodrome for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Now that I am buzzing for!

So it's onto Day 2 of the FoSS, like yesterday's there's an extension to it. This idea wasnt in the original plan, that was until I saw a YouTube video about a month before we set off, I thought hold on a minute here. A) This can help massively B) there's a bit variety and C) there's freight too. In my head, the wheels turned massively, smoke was billowing out my lugs and my eyes were like saucers as I sat n watched this video. Now then, one best get cracking and find some tickets sorted from the FoSS boundary edge of Swindon for a return trip to Reading.

I start going through some TOCs websites, thinking a month ahead may get us some relatively cheap tickets. There wasn't and as it turned out, I managed to get some split tickets, which were not only were cheaper but the way the tickets worked, they connected with our train out of Shirley so we had a straight run to Reading. Ha ha Result indeed.

So again, we're up n out early, at Shirley we scan the boards to see where we're leaving from. Into the subway and the smell from the Cornish Pasty shop is so enticing, the other half is tempted and asks if i fancied some pasties from the said Pasty Shop. I said, aye why not, 2 pasties and 2 cuppas later, we're £23 lighter !! she went with chicken n bacon, I went with chillied beef. We both agreed, The Pasties and coffee were very nice but not 23quids worth of very nice.

Our steed down down to Reading is winner 800312, we find a couple of unreserved seats and settle down for the trip to Berkshire. I've added a couple more cops to the list and other than seeing 66727 and a tamper, just outside Shirley, theres not a great deal to on show this morning. The other half chose to catch up on some kip, whilst I was scouring out the windows. We did pass a looped GB 66 just after Didcot but I'd only just caught sight of it, as we passed it at speed.

As we approached Reading, I was ready at the window to see what's lying round the depot, I snagged 4 for the book of sights of the 6 I could ID, 2 of which were GWRs pretendy 47s. 57604 and 57605 were the big hitters for sight, as last time I went past here the bodysnatchers weren't on show.

At Reading i made my way down to bottom of the platform. 345037 set the ball rolling and I had a giggle to myself when the first pair of 387s I was hoping to cop, were 2 I'd had for haulage out of Paddington to Ealing Broadway when I was 59 hunting. Which leads me on nicely to another reason I'm here.
The 59s, the pre cursor to the red death, aka the 66 in England. The original 4 hadn't long been in the country, when i saw all 4 together at depot visit to Merehead. They added a 5th, which i still need. Then i went out the game for a long time, then a walk out with the dog passing Tyne Yard and over the bridge came something blue with red white stripes was coming towards me, it was an N-power 59 that came past. Im sure it was 205 but couldve been any, I seriously can't remember. However that an the red 47s, the odd sparky for the parcel trains and these class 60s and 66s, perked my interest again. Eventually I got a new platform 5, just the locos, I couldnt be arsed at that time to be looking at units too and I noticed that the 59s had grew in numbers. Eventually the N Power ones were all reeled in. Despite repeated attempts to go places to see them, 59005 and 101-104 still elude me to this day and had aforementioned requirements not been a thing, I'd probably have classed the 59s at least twice by now. Every single one I've seen turns up every time, none of the others. Mind you there was some in Acton Yard one day but they were right over the back and with them silly number plates, there was no way of IDing them. Now Ive saw the video, they come this way and with a long lost friend Alan's mantra running through my head, put yourself in the place they go and they'll go to the place you're at. Took me ages to remember the exact words. I had done that, many a time and still failed. Let's hope today bears fruit.

Not long after I arrive at the bottom of Platform 11, the middle island platforms, Im joined by 3 gentlemen from Gloucester. They were really nice guys and a pleasure having a good natter with them, soon after they arrived I saw and clicked my first ever 701 unit, 701012 for the record. The clicks on Reading were building nicely and the Cucumber Hunt was gathering pace. I nipped to the loo and went to check on the other half who was sitting further up the platform in the shade. As I'm walking back to the bottom but what should whizz out of platform 15 but 59001 in its retro Foster and Yeoman livery. It would've been nice to get a pic but I was nowhere near. I told the guys from Gloucester the above sob story too and I'm told they got got 59101 and 102 at Westbury earlier this week, as well as 60099. So you might get one of them here. I went giddy at the thought.

A fair bit freight did come through too, not long after 59001 had tootled off on its merry way presumably to Acton, 66093 came the other way
All the time the Cucumber sights were building, well to be honest, not just the cucumbers, a lot of the other units were too. Its a long time since I had such a cop fest. Remember the late Alan's mantra I mentioned earlier, it was bearing fruit today alright.

I needed a cold drink and a ciggy, so I wandered up the platform, where the other half passed me a can of Diet coke, I told her I was going off the platforms for a ciggy if I she wanted a change of scenery, i'm told, no i'm happy here thanks, I'm doing my farm.

I returned to the platforms but walked to the top to see if there was anything I missed, I hadn't but 60029 rolled in with a stone train, I could've went back over the bridge to get a pic but being brutally honest, I thought sod it, I'll probably make my way over and it'll leave before I get near it. It did too.

After telling Miss Ole McDonald, I was back off down the bottom. The guys from Glocester told me about 60029 but other than that I hadn't missed much. We're then greeted by the sight of a resplendent 60099, it does look really smart mind. I do have a video of it leaving Reading but sadly its too big a file to share on here.

Whilst the Cucumber hunt was on, one of the guys from Gloucester was keeping track of what had been in and what hadn't so we weren't repeating on our lists. I'm told there's another freight up there and sure enough, its announced, the next train through platform 15 does not stop here. Though we'd heard that a few times and nowt came through. I must've been looking through Real time, when I looked up and saw a shed in the the orange feightliner livery almost upon us. My eyes were like saucers, I went giddy, one of the Gloucester lads said, that's one of yours isn't it, i just shouted get in and punched the air, 59102 had punched a hole in those between 101-104. The other half sent a msg, "I saw it come past and looked down the platform and saw you punching the air ", in my head, I said thanks Alan, whilst looking at the sky. I was so bloody giddy, I never even thought to get a pic either. What a berk I am.

The cops kept coming and the cucumbers were starting to repeat big time but there was enough with the 345s, 387s, 701s even the odd 450 and 458 to keep me busy. I then saw something I thought was a special liveried GWR IET, however I'm looking, more staring really, up the platform thinking it can't be, is that? Christ it was.
One of Elanors devices was here. 800111 had come out of Reading depot and was on its way back to Donnie, why or what it had been here for or getting done, Im not so sure but it definitely had a fair few photters scrambling down the opposite platform to get a pic of it too.

Not long after, I went for a ciggy, as even now the 387s were starting to repeat, so it was probably time to move. After a ciggy break, I returned to the platform and sat with the other half, telling her, im just gonna say my goodbyes to them gents I'd been talking with, then we'd go get our train out of here.

After saying farewell we made for our train to Didcot. Blessed with winners 387167 and 387164, where we managed to get a table seat, just after we sat down, a freight went by but what it was I dunno, as a 166 bowled us. From then on, I just settled down and done some bookwork, writing up stuff we'd seen over the course of today. We'd seen a fair bit and there was a load of cops amongst them too. I'd barely finished writing up when we're told, well shortly be arriving in Didcot. Off we got only to see a kettle of some sort tootling round the Railway Centre. Im not sure which one it was mind.
15 minutes later, we were out of there on winner 802105 for the short hop to Swindon, where we'd meet up with the 16.02 to Swansea to take us across the border for a few hours in South Wales, to finish the day. Its more winners as 800025 and 800001 who ferry us off to Newport.

And that's where I will leave it for now.

Techniquest said:

@47403 Yeah not three bad here thanks, currently relaxing in a really nice Airbnb in Perth. Smashed 100 miles of outdoor walking this month as of tonight, plus 498 miles of cycling and nearly 6,860 metres of elevation gain while doing those miles. Lots of training for a sportive in Monmouthshire in September you see. I was meant to be on a cycling mission this week, alas my bike is awaiting parts to be fitted and is currently in Cardiff!

Also done my quads in recently, so all the miles are hard going and my walking pace is much lower than normal as a result. Still pushing through and getting some epic exploring in though! Had the red pen out 3 times this week so far, ticked off 5 stations as well so not doing too bad

I’ll not go on much further than that, except to say that I’ve still got plenty of railway action coming up this week. Back in Strathclyde/Inverclyde at the end of the week, ready for 5 of the 8 track cycling events at the velodrome for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Now that I am buzzing for!

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Perth Australia or Scotland. Nice to hear you're well. By lad you've gone right into the cycling. I used to like cycling when I was younger but im a danger to myself these days, just walking nevermind on 2 wheels.
Roundabout ticket while in Strathclyde Tech? Daft question but watching the cycling or taking part in a club event?
Get well soon on the quads. Done that in pre season training when I played footy, way back when i was much much younger. It bloody hurts. So my commiserations mate.

Perth, Scotland I thought of you briefly earlier when I had 37674 on the Strathspey Railway. In fine form she was, the load 8 didn’t trouble the ol’ girl too much mind. 99.9% sure that was a winner, will have to check when I get home on Monday night.

Watching the track cycling, I’d love to have a go as it’s enormous fun but I lost a lot of fitness towards the end of last year. Just came on out of the blue, no idea why. I do what I can now but it takes some serious doing. Definitely not got the stereotypical cyclist body

AJM580 said:

Reading your exploits in Devon made me think of all the power I had on various trips - worked it out that I had classes 31, 33, 37, 43, 45, 47, 50, 57 and 67 on the sea wall at various times between 1984 - 2017. The 50's were my favourite of all those - many happy memories

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Nice!!! Glad I evoked some memories. That's a fair Ole list too.

Having bailed st Newport, Im met with one of TfW's loco hauled going up to Piccalilly, i quickly scramble down the platform to see which Skip is doing the pushing, its 67012, damn, I need that for haulage but its going the wrong way. I quickly get a pic and turn away to see where the other half is, when i see DVT 82225 coming towards me.
I quickly sharper up the platform, as I see her, i just point for her to get on. She duly does and I jump on the nearest open door and make my way towards her. Its a fairly rammed service too. Fortunately she's found a couple of spare seats and as I sit, I now have to explain a few things, ok well where's this one take us ? To Cardiff love is my reply. Well we could've stayed on the other one that would've took us to Cardiff anyway. I said, yes but this ones got a loco on it, Oh Does it ? I never saw one. Cos its at the back pushing, that at the front is a Driving trailer. Oh right, I saw it and thought, you'll not want to get on this, then i saw you running and pointing to get on. Im then asked, well which one is it then? I dunno yet, cos it pulled in and we had to quickly jump on didnt we, for all i know it could be dud, then she said, It might'nt be for me before she giggled. Laughing I said, you'd be extremely unfortunate if it was a dud for you this will only be your 2nd 67 for haulage. As we leave Newport I see a pair of TfW skateboards come in, i think surely I will need these. Im wrong 153322 and 153369 are not only not needed but Ive had them both for haulage.

As we pull into Cardiff, I know I can make hay here, the 197s especially are gonna be fair game, I've only seen a few so when 197110 passes, I know there's another line in the book already. Aside the 197s, I'm hopeful I can claw a few of TfWs 150s I need while in the area too. As soon as we bail of, I wander up to to see what skip.we have had pushing us. Turns out the other half has added 67013 to her haulage list, she doesn't keep one really but I do tell if she's had this one or not, if she asks. Whilst I added whatever milage it is from Newport to Cardiff on the dud skip. Still you can't knock loco hauled turns these days.

Now this where I realise, Im not really in the loop Railways wise. What is the Welsh wizardry that appears before me, Where the hell did these come from? Looking at them, probably Spain but im not so sure. The 756s and 231s, Needless to say, every single one was a new sight. I did manage to add 150256 to the sights before I decided it was time for s ciggy break.

As is the norm the Rover didnt open the barrier. The guy at the barrier, looked at my ticket and went, "ah one of them", before he let me out. Its amazing, you can put a man on the moon, have a conversation with a man on the phone, in the the deepest, darkest jungle in Borneo but a Ranger ticket can't always open a barrier.

Now Im standing outside enjoying a ciggy on a gloriously sunny day and a bare chested guy comes towards me and says, its warm isn't it. I said yeah its lovely. Make the most of it, we complain all year were feezing. Hes got his ciggies out but can't find his lighter, so I pass him mine. He lights up and I say to him, you can't stand there though, he looks quite shocked and I repeat you can't stand there, especially not with that physique, I said you make look like a burst couch. We both burst out laughing and he says, im gonna tell ma missus that when I get home. He then asks where I'm from, Anyone who lives in the North East, just says, Newcastle. Its just easier. Anyway i'm met with an all to familiar phrase, Ooh I was up their last year for a stag too, what a place it is man. Them Geordie lasses loved us Welsh boys. I said, Im not surprised if you went round like that. I dare say if you went to the opposite end of Newcastle, there'd have been some men too. We had a good laugh about that too, he did tell me one story about the stag doo, whilst having a ciggy but I cant possibly share it on here . We both shook hands and said our goodbyes as I went for cold drinks and he went for his train.

I make my way back to the platforms with drinks in hand and I'm met with, where the hell you been? Then thanks. Sorry I've been yacking outside while having a tab. I then relay the story and she laughs and says, I think i might take up smoking , I laughed and said, I'll make up a rolly for you if you want. We both burst out laughing and a young couple look up at us to see what's so funny. It was funny at the time, I guess you had to be there.

Anyway I've digressed, as expected all this Grey stuff is adding all very nicely into the book of sights, another 2 150s get added to the list too, whilst these 231s and 756s are coming and going to places I can say but can't spell.

By the time the peak period was nigh on over, we were pretty much knackered and were about ready to make tracks back to base camp. Id have loved to stay out a bit longer but it was getting to the point, it was more just about lines in the book above enjoyment. Thats when its time to move on. TfW had certainly delivered thats for sure.

First one out was a Cardiff to Portsmouth so that's what we made for. Winners 158747 and 158760 kindly took us to Shirley. A table seat sourced on a lightly loaded train done wonders. The cold air from the Air Con was nice too. The other half flaked out just after Newport, so I wrote up my notes and the count up began. How many new sights had I actually bagged. I nearly passed out, when I counted them. What a day, that was.

So you weren't tempted to do loads of ned bashing leaps on 756s and 231s from Central to Queen St and back? I was in Cardiff on a work trip a few months back, and had one of each on such moves. To be fair, the hotel I was staying in was closer to Queen St, so they were legitimate journeys!

I made sure to get to Cardiff via Manchester, to get a 67 each way. So much better than Cross Country.

xotGD said:

So you weren't tempted to do loads of ned bashing leaps on 756s and 231s from Central to Queen St and back? I was in Cardiff on a work trip a few months back, and had one of each on such moves. To be fair, the hotel I was staying in was closer to Queen St, so they were legitimate journeys!

I made sure to get to Cardiff via Manchester, to get a 67 each way. So much better than Cross Country.

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Nah not really. I suppose i should've had a ride to Ninnian Park to pass the depot. It was too tight to make 67012, our train was late too so I only did the one move. Which was a shame.

It's sadly the last day of the FoSS, The other half appreciates a bit longer in bed this morning, as its a bit of an easier day, than certainly days gone by. Lie in or not, I'm still up n about a little bit earler nonetheless.
Today basically a sit around and hope stuff comes to us, rather than chasing, however, I am hoping to.put a dent in some stuff that may well be needed.

After a her lie in, shower etc its down to Shirley, park the car and through the subway for the Cardiff to Portsmouth train. Today its in the hands of winners 158762 and 158745. Destination for the day is Eastleigh. I tell the other half, if possible get seats on the right hand side please. The train is rammed, due to a Paddington bound train being cancelled and the announcement. Anyone for Bath Spa, the next train is now on Platform 12. As of which, our 158 was filled to the gunnels. We were taking the 158s to Salisbury, where im hoping there's the odd errant 158 or 159 hanging round that I can mark off the needs list.

We did get a seat and let's say it was cosey on there. Thankfully a load bailed off at Bath Spa but we got has as many joining us too. As we approach Westbury I can see a stone train on the opposite platform. It looks like its a 59 too. Is it, could it be 005 ?I see the nameplate first, its Paul A Hammond, I'm llike Barbie, I'm looking for Ken, well Kenneth J Painter to be exact. The brief excitement is over, its 59004 not 005 However I told you earlier, until 59102 at Reading, the same ones just follow me. There's a couple of unneeded Red Sheds that go onto the records and a couple of Colas Plugs I can't ID but nowt to get my knickers in a twist about. The other says, I see what you mean now about the 59s, we've seen 4 now and you only needed 1. I think you'll get another before we go home though. I laughed, I admired her optimism and a bit of a gee up but I'm not convinced, I'll get one in before home.

We arrived into Salisbury theres a 159 in a siding, outside the depot, which i thought I needed but the NREA says No. 159104 and 159008 are in the station and its a double cop, theres also a 158 stood just off the station, awaiting a signal, i presume its just come off the depot, Im delighted to find its 158890. Its one of the 2 SA based 158s I need too. 3 cops in roughly two mins, Happy Days indeed.
Our ride to Eastleigh is winner 158883, its a lightly loaded service, so we manage to get a table seat on the right, to get a good view for when we pass Millbrook. Until Milbrook we just natter away, what we hope to see at Eastleigh. I have a fair few 444s and 450s but im fairly positive there'll be ones I need that fly through and stop in Eastleigh. We'll also pass Northam Depot, so we might get lucky there and Southampton. Hopefully a good amount of Freight may come through. So it should be a decent day.

We pass Milbrook and there's 5 or 6 Fred's on there, nowt I need but its a start. As we pull into Southampton 387203 goes from hero to zero, NREA says no. However, 158888 clears the SA 158s for sight. Not a massive win but a big win for me. Northam depot throws me 450122 too. 5 cops just getting to Eastleigh sets my day up very nicely indeed.

At Eastleigh we bail off, i decide to go for a ciggy, while the other half says, she's gonna go over that onto platform and get a seat in the shade. We go our seperate ways and i go enjoy outside and the sunshine. I know its been hot, especially down South but its nice to enjoy a warm summer for a change.

I finish my ciggy and wander over the bridge and over to the back platform, where the locos are stabled and where the ballast wagons get filled. Today I'm graced with the sight of an ever decreasing Colas 56. An aptly named on too, 56051 Survival is doing just that on these shores at least. Funny thing is, when I was a young un, I wasnt really a big fan of the grids.

47403 said:

Funny thing is, when I was a young un, I wasnt really a big fan of the grids.

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Well they did displace pairs of 37s on MGRs in the north east, so that was a black mark against them for a start.

I hadn't finished the piece, I mistakenly posted that by mistake.

Sounds like a productive trip so far

BTW what was 450122 doing at Northampton?

My apologies, I was in the midst of writing this up when my mother rang and I mistakenly posted the first bit. You can't ignore your Mother after all.

Anyhow, I was saying, I wasnt a big fan of the Grids but they grew on me as time went by. So catch em while you can, their time seems nearly up sadly.

Suppose its better to export them, where they'll get used by someone else, rather than b*****dardise them into 69s and put a god awful GM engine in them or a Zannusi spin dryers like the 57s. However thats just my opinion, Im just a nostalgic old fart.

As i walk to the top end of the platform, 2 young lads(no older than 12 or13) no doubt with one of thems Dad, they ask if Im ok, I say yeah not bad thank, are you's having a good time. Yeah its been brilliant, when the younger lad said, I like your t-shirt, I said, oh thank you(I'd forgotten I'd put my deltic T-shirt on) You're a bit young to like Deltics aren't you, yeah he said, I've seen a load of them videos on YouTube, it must've been great to see em when you were younger though, ( I obviously look my age) I did laugh and said, yeah i wasnt much older than you when they were withdrawn but cheers for that son. Still it's nice to see so many young uns enjoying the hobby, long may it continue. Thankfully a Green shed approached and snapped me out of feeling ancient. As it approached a conversation with the lads from Gloucester at Reading had me thinking, hold on a minute, could this be, before I had the chance to think about it, it was indeed 59101. The lads who'd seen it at Westbury said it was in the new Heavy Haul livery and christ on a bike here it was, another one, the other half was right, bless her. 59101 hello.

I walk down the platform and find the other half on the opposite side of the platform. I said come here, I've got something to show you. Whats up, Ive seen the 56, I'm trying to arrange it, for someone to take me to Bristol on it. NO man, quick come here there's something else you need to see. When she walked round the corner and saw 59101, she looked and said, I told you you'd get another didnt I. You dont need that Real Times thingy, just ask me we both laughed, I said any chance of another, no 59s sorry but you might get some units

Various freight did come through, nowt i needed but 69008 and 69011 were busy shunting stuff in and out of the yard and as I was told earlier, I did indeed rope in the odd EMU out of those passing by. 66783 came through and started a bit of a lull in freight. Soon after it went through on an Engineers train, we decided it was time for some food.
The Wagon Inn, Spoons across the road was enough for lunch and a couple of cold drinks. The food went down a treat and the cold drinks, were a damn sight cheaper than the £3.25 the vending machine wanted for a bottle of water or diet coke or whatever cold drink, you'd like on the station. Didn't stop the announcements either of with the warm weather, make sure you keep hydrated. Yeah no problem, I'll just throw my money at your vending machine.

We returned to the Station, where various coloured sheds came through at various points without troubling the NREA, even the EMUs were giving up the ghost but according to Real time there was still enough freight to see at least. 69008 and supposedly 66744, were meant to be running together, on an Engineers train, however I think it was Fred 66505 instead, I say think because I've somehow totally forgotten to write down what loco partnered 69008.
The time was rolling on, Units were now repeating, there was a move from Stewart's Lane to Eastleigh, that i wanted to see, so we decided we'd stay for that and make tracks afterwards. Not long after 69008 and its mate went forth, a 387 came into the platforms on an ECS and thankfully added itself to the NREA. 387172 its new GB Railways pyjamas. Its quite a striking livery in fairness.


The sheds of many colours kept rolling by, I was in hope that one of my errant Freds might come through but none did sadly. However the Stewart's Lane ro Eastleigh at least afforded me my fist sighting of the Brittanic Explorer. The pale blue shed 66748 was dud for sight but at least now I can say I've seen it. On the rear was 66790. I did forget to get the coaching stock numbers but Ive kinda given up taking them anyway.

The other half did look up how much it would be to travel on the Brittanic Explorer when we got home and told me, I dont think we'll be riding it anytime soon. I said, even if i was a millionaire I wouldn't be pay an exorbitant fee for a top n tailed sheds for haulage. No matter how much Shampoo they offered me to drink.

After the 66s disappeared towards the works, we sat on the platform and waited for our 158 back to Salisbury. WInner 158885 done the duties. The train was heaving but we managed to get seats. Thankfully enough got off at Southampton, so when we passed Millbrook again, I could see out the window, only 08785 added to the records but not a new line in the NREA.

After an Ice Lolly was proccured from the shop at Salisbury, we sat and waited for the Pompey to Cardiff to take us back to Shirley. Sadly this would be the last journey of the FoSS. What was supposed to be a 4 car unit, that would split at Shirley. Dud 158747 turned up, it was ramned to the point I had to sit on the luggage rack till Bradford Upon Avon. Westbury was pretty much the same as earlier today, 3 red sheds and the 2 Colas 70s were still covered by a huge rake stone hoppers. Just as well I dont need any isn't it. No 59s to report this time either. The other half was right. As we get off at Shirley, I have one more scour of the platforms and I'm rewarded with one last cop of the trip 165133

The last few days, had been brilliant, some new things for haulage and only 2 duds haulage wise. Some new lines, especially the Sea Wall. The FoSS might well be over but there's still one stop to go on the way home. After which, I will post the stats from the trip. For now, its back to base camp for the final night of the trip.

Kite159 said:

Sounds like a productive trip so far

BTW what was 450122 doing at Northampton?

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Bloody autocorrect Kite I did put Northam but hadn't noticed it had been changed. I should put a kites copyright when I use the book of sights. Hope you're well Kite too by the way.

47403 said:

Bloody autocorrect Kite I did put Northam but hadn't noticed it had been changed. I should put a kites copyright when I use the book of sights. Hope you're well Kite too by the way.

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Things are good at the moment, ticking along slowly until my North Eastern adventure the week after next where hopefully my little red pen will come out to play with some more of the Metro units

Kite159 said:

Things are good at the moment, ticking along slowly until my North Eastern adventure the week after next where hopefully my little red pen will come out to play with some more of the Metro units

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Good to hear. Ah a trip to the North East. Spoiling yourself, coming to Gods Country. I know you probably know but in case you didnt, a North East Day Saver ticket £7.50. Covers the metro and buses. Trains to Sunderland and Blaydon. Great value ticket.

47403 said:

Good to hear. Ah a trip to the North East. Spoiling yourself, coming to Gods Country. I know you probably know but in case you didnt, a North East Day Saver ticket £7.50. Covers the metro and buses. Trains to Sunderland and Blaydon. Great value ticket.

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That's the ticket I was planning to be using, especially as it's not that much more expensive than a Zone ABC day ticket for the Metro only. Especially as it covers buses in County Durham & Northumberland which is useful for some of my rough walking ideas for some of the old railway lines in that general area.

I've also got my POP PAYG card for the days I won't be using the Metro that much to benefit from the £2.50 flat fare.

Kite159 said:

That's the ticket I was planning to be using, especially as it's not that much more expensive than a Zone ABC day ticket for the Metro only. Especially as it covers buses in County Durham & Northumberland which is useful for some of my rough walking ideas for some of the old railway lines in that general area.

I've also got my POP PAYG card for the days I won't be using the Metro that much to benefit from the £2.50 flat fare.

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Oh youre well prepared. I should've known better really I dont know if I'll have the answers but if i can help with anything. Dont hesitate to ask young sir.

The other half booked the hotel with a late check out, so we had the luxury of a lie in today, that said we were still out on the road for about 10. It was my turn to fill the car up for journey home too. After filling the tank, the aim was to get to St. Afford, just Stafford really but on twitter but I saw on conversation where folk were trying to poshen up were they live and St.Afford made me giggle, given its where Matt of this very parish lives, I thought Mattalan would be more apt but apparently theres a shop got thats got that name already..... Yes, I'm easily pleased.

We were hoping to get there for around quarter to one,. All was going well, till the M5 joins the M6. Traffic just ground to a halt. We passed Bescot could see from the motorway, there was a few sheds and a 69 in there but with the trees, no way of viewing owt. I was hoping to see 3 moves at St Afford, The first was a Barrow Hill to Crewe move, the 0Z47 headcode so it kinda told me what that might be, a Tunstead to Small Heath move with one of my required GB Sheds and a Burton Wetmore to Carnforth move, which ominously carried the headcode 0Z57. Traffic said no, the first 2 were long gone by the time we parked up on Stafford Station car park. As i walk on the platform, I'm immediately blessed with a cop too as 805013 pulls in beside me what a belter.

Sadly it looks like the West Coast has fallen down again, due to an incident near Manchester and Brum. The tannoy announcer, probably needed Strepsils after announcing this one, that one and many others were delayed or cancelled.
I made my way over the bridge to the top of the middle island platform and got talking to some lads from Sheffield, who kindly told me it 47805 was on the 0Z47. Shame I missed it, Im sure Mr xot would've appreciated a pic of it . Missing the required GB shed was a bit of a gutter too. However thems the breaks, you cannot get em all. That'll fall another day.

Another LUMO meridian in the form of 222604 passed through, i didnt add their numbers into the new sights but at least i can say I've seen 601 and 604. I'm more here to maybe get some more Eviro's, errant 350s and 730s in for sight, anything else, truly is a bonus. The plan has come together thus far, with 805013 alone.

One thing you guarantee at St. Afford is freight and today's there's no shortage a Tesco modal arrives in with 88010 with dead shed 66429 along for the ride. I do like the 88s livery I must admit.

Not long after that departed were alerted to the next train on platform whatever it was, does not stop here and next through was a Royal visit in the form of 67005, on its way to Wembley Yard, I was told by one of the lads from Sheffield, its been quite a while since I last saw it too.
I did manage to reel in one 350 and a 730 kindly joined it on the not required step too. 3 new sights is probably better than I anticipated I'd get, I was hoping to get that GB shed and few units, so I thought to get 3 without that shed, wasnt bad planning at all really. The plan really came together too when the 0Z57 Burton Wetmore to Carnforth arrived.
47815 duly arrived pulling along pretendy 47, 57009. Thankfully the Zanussified thing is dead in tow but its one of those, like 57003, that really looks the part, until it opens its gob, if you get my meaning. The nameplate on 57009, in my opinion is in a ridiculous place, if they're paying homage to the proper loco, 47079 the loco, it once was, put then put plate in the right place, come on fellas. However its nice to see and hear 47815. It had Virgin Pyjamas on last time I had it for haulage from Leeds to the Toon on the Bristol turn many moons back. This had made my day seeing the 47. Even the other half sitting in the shade, on the opposite platform, sent a msg on WhatsApp. Which simply said, "I bet you're buzzing". I wont deny it, I certainly was.

After the BEAST had left, taking its fallen class mate with it towards Carnforth, I made over the platform to see if the other half wanted a cold drink. I means she's more than capable of getting her own but seen as i was going, I thought it'd be nice to ask if she wanted one too. She says yeah, get me a latte please. I went for some form of iced coffee and it was bloody lovely and well needed too. It was certainly waarm. I had a quick ciggy and a visit to the loo before I joined the other half sat in the shade. Here I managed to snaffle a couple more 730s before a pair of Skodas came in on a Coatbridge modal. I do genuinely like the 90s, ok theyre not a patch on the roarer's or 87s but still nice. A friend of mine likes the 90s and jokingly called the 91s, electric 45s, as they were only half a 90. Here 90041 and 90042 wait for the sgnal to get on their merry way. It was getting on but i wanted to see one last freight.
As the shed rolled in, on said feight, it was the green DB shed, as it neared i was bowled by a bloody voyager. Fortunately I wasnt after a pic or anything, unless I'd have been back on the island platform. I presume it was 66004. With that we called it a day and set off Homeward Bound. The trip was over but not totally from a trip report perspective.


Before home, we called into our local chippy, we were starving and knackered. The days travelling had took it out of us, so after our food n a cuppa, it was bed time and a relatively early night. Now if I go to bed early, Im an early riser too. The morning after Im awake when I get a msg through off Matt, saying he was coming through the local on a Tour, when he told me what was on. I said i'd come over and have a bit natter before the Tour left. I asked the other half if she wanted to come over too. Whatever she grunted, it was definitely meant as a no, before adding tell Matt, Im asking though before returning to the land of nod.

Im in Newcastle central about quarter past 9, hoping i might see someone I knew who frequents Central, maybe I was a bit too early. Various long nosed Hitachi crap and cross country bomb sites meander through before Im blessed with today's entertainment. Much to Matt's annoyance 50050 is standing in for a sick 40013. Its a long while since I saw a 50 in Toon. Like Mr xot, I'm sure he can remember the Donnie test trains, used to come this way, after Donnie works finished their refurb. Our school had the ECML pass it, its still there between Tyne Yard and Low Fell Junction. I remember standing in the school yard talking to the lads I went to Tyne Yard with, when one flew past, a few swear words in excitement at each other. For some of us, me especially, that was the very first time I actually saw a 50, we saw more than a few more too. Ive seen a few more on tours in toon since but has been a good while for me, like I said. So its good to get a pic for prosperity.
50050 looks resplendant but on the rear is none other than 37025, which looks equally resplendent and with the black painted domino split boxes, makes 025, look monterous.
Photos quickly taken, I make my way to coach H to have a natter with Matt at the window for a quick catch up. He tells me, he'd rather it was 40013 but 50050 was in top form and natter about my trip too and before you know it, in no time at all, they get the signal, we say our goodbyes and as I look down the platform, the driver of the 50, has certainly pulled the power lever back, he didnt half thrash it out of central. I waved as Matt went past and though it was brief chat, it wss still great to catch up with the lad again. No sooner had 37025 had gone from view. I made my way towards the metro, where winner 555018 took me back to Gateshead and all railway meanderings ended.

So the stats for the trip
Mileage :- 553m 36 ch
Winners for Haulage :- 20
Total sights :- 382
Toal needed :- 171

Im over the moon with that. Big dents in the GWR IETs too. Reading played a huge part in that. Getting 2 out of the 5 long time required 59s was a huge bonus and the 47 at Stafford was the cherry on top of an already bulging cake. A great time away was had. I met some great people had great company, the other half is a real trooper, a great support and fortunately for me, enjoys traversing on trains. Thanks to you all for the comments and for reading folks. Hope I didnt bore you too much. And Mr xot. I started with EE traction and ended with EE traction. So hopefully the thread might stay open a bit longer.

47403

Looks like you had a cracking trip there.

And thank you for ending with phots of two EE locos I need for haulage!

To return the favour, here's 59005 at Westbury back in 1993...

xotGD said:

Looks like you had a cracking trip there.

And thank you for ending with phots of two EE locos I need for haulage!

To return the favour, here's 59005 at Westbury back in 1993...

View attachment 208829

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Both the other half n I just giggled at that repoiste.
It wasnt meant like that, here's me trying to be nice too

Excellent reading as expected there good sir, well done on a massive haul for the books!

As for the 67s, well that sounds like a good excuse to travel over to Manchester and get some travels in

I do like that 387 in GBR colours, looks pretty swish and I’ll look forward to seeing it in the flesh soon enough. Certainly looks like the rover trip was good, I’ve not done a FoSS in many a year so just the sight of the name was enough to trigger some nostalgia!

47403 said:

Both the other half n I just giggled at that repoiste.
It wasnt meant like that, here's me trying to be nice too

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All good fun!

At least you've got a good excuse for another trip south in search of 59005.

Techniquest said:

Excellent reading as expected there good sir, well done on a massive haul for the books!

As for the 67s, well that sounds like a good excuse to travel over to Manchester and get some travels in

I do like that 387 in GBR colours, looks pretty swish and I’ll look forward to seeing it in the flesh soon enough. Certainly looks like the rover trip was good, I’ve not done a FoSS in many a year so just the sight of the name was enough to trigger some nostalgia!

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Cheers for the kinds words Tech, much appreciated mate.
Plenty 67s up to Manchester bud, wether you need them is open to debate bit loco hauled these days. Not be long before Stadler, Hitachi and CAF overrun the rails. Make hay when you can bud.

xotGD said:

All good fun!

At least you've got a good excuse for another trip south in search of 59005.

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Taken exactly as that Mr xot, I read it and started laughing, ofcourse Nebby Nora, what you laughing at, so I read it out loud and then we both laughed. Very good indeed.

Something a bit different for us, The Wensleydale Railway announced an industrial day and for whatever reason, the other half n I, fancied it, even though it was just a posh Gronk bash and for good measure, the loud n proud 37250 was thrown into the mix too.

Not the greatest start. I never heard the alarm, the other half was picking me up at 8, I woke up at 7.39.