185143
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I did yes-both on twitter and to the guard on the train.
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185143-Trip Publishing Expected?
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I did yes-both on twitter and to the guard on the train.
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Kite159
Veteran Member
I think you might have made a mistake, unless 120 can be in two places at once
Congrats on scoring Breich plus some of the other hourly shacks on the Shotts line and some others in the SPT area. Harsh on getting the god-awful C3 on the way back, but I'm surprised you haven't got Virgin Red to get free WiFi for Virgin WC services
185143
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I think you might have made a mistake, unless 120 can be in two places at once
Congrats on scoring Breich plus some of the other hourly shacks on the Shotts line and some others in the SPT area. Harsh on getting the god-awful C3 on the way back, but I'm surprised you haven't got Virgin Red to get free WiFi for Virgin WC services
115
I moved to Coach D.
alexf380
Established Member
It was such a good day it posted twice 
Ouch to the exact fare catching you out on the bus, that is generally the way we do things up here. At least it was just 10p though.
Ouch to the exact fare catching you out on the bus, that is generally the way we do things up here. At least it was just 10p though.
185143
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It was such a good day it posted twice
Ouch to the exact fare catching you out on the bus, that is generally the way we do things up here. At least it was just 10p though.
Exactly why they can't put the fares into their journey planner like Stagey do I'd love to know...
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Not a bad haul whatsoever young sir! Very pleased to see you like 314s, should be obvious really but they are so much better than 507s and 508s
As always, an excellent read!
As always, an excellent read!
185143
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Not a bad haul whatsoever young sir! Very pleased to see you like 314s, should be obvious really but they are so much better than 507s and 508s
As always, an excellent read!
No. Just no.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
185143
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AC > DC
On a more serious note, where's you off to next?
I've got one to type up from yesterday, then I'm off to Essex to visit family for a week-but coming back via a different route than would be expected, resulting in a massive highlighter fest!
185143
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Mystery Excursion-12/08/17
My original plan for today was to head to the Cambrian Coast-but that all went Tango Uniform for three reasons, including missing the TrawsCymru T3 bus (had I even tried to go for it), not fancying spending so much of the day bus vegging and being far too tight to pay for the train. But I still fancied something a bit different than the norm-I would have headed to Yorkshire but it was too late really (and the points about being too tight for the train and being keen to avoid spending 6hrs+ on buses).
There was a train departing to Manchester soon, so I took it. That is after I handed over £7.85 for a return to Glazebrook and a GM Rail Ranger-reminiscing buying them as a kid for £2.20 5 years ago. (£6.40 now!) Northern had very kindly allocated their premier traction to the 10:38 to Occy Road, 142025+156460. I told the 156 where to go and took a seat in the bouncy beast. The guard was initially confused by my tickets, but it eventually made sense. The journey seemed quite fast and I was slightly ashamed to admit passing Trafford Park and having to think about which shack that was...
On arrival at Occy Road, I was given a Mancunian greeting by the clouds as I hurridly boarded 185148 to Piccadilly. My plan here changed yet again-I intended to go to Subway, but was going to ID the Bournemouth vomiter on the way. Winner 220028, just 3 more 220s to give the red pen treatment to then! Alighting into some badly needed fresh air at Stockport, I headed across to the other platforms to fester. I've festered for ages here in the past-especially now the only units I need here are 3 220s, a similar amount of XC 221s, about 6 ATW 158s and 3 pendos-not to mention *that* 150...
I asked Virgin to confirm if any of my pendos were on Manchester's today-however I was told they were not. Declining to fester for XC vomiters, I boarded the next available service to Piccadilly, formed of 175113. It was now past midday to too late for breakfast, so I headed to the Metrolink. 3010 was boarded in error, so I alighted at Piccadilly Gardens, with my mind undecided on the new(ish) Metrolink announcements. Immediately 3048 arrived on the Bury service I thought I'd boarded to take me over to Victoria. I had a bit of a fester until the Leeds train arrived, but eventually it did-a dud 142+155 IIRC. So I flagged it! I headed to Platform 2 for the Brighouse stopper, formed of a 142+150. I don't need to say where I sat do I? No? Good.
Unfortunately however, the traincrew had different ideas on what the rateable traction was-as the guard told me when he kicked everyone out of the 142 and onto the 150! (This wouldn't be the first time this'd happen today...) Admittedly, 150215 did make a bit of a racket up Miles Platting, and I decided to bail at Moston to have a look at the Improved Station'. I alighted and headed for a local shop for a supply raid before crossing to the other platform.
It's fair to say I was more than a little disappointed! (And, for once, that isn't a dig at Arriva Rail North!) The 3 panes of glass still left in the shelter were smashed in several places, and I heard some locals commenting that they had heard a lot of banging the other night. There was glass on the floor and on the bench too-which had quite a lot of homophobic (in particular) slurs and genitalia drawn all over it. I really feel for Northern-for all their crimes *cough* DOO *cough*, they have invested in a run down station-ok, two new shelters and some better seating on the platform isn't much, but it's something. And the response of the local yoof' is to smash the place up... just why??
Anyway, rant over, 158755 arrived to take me back to that Manchester, which was busier than I was expecting. I remained on the unit to return to Rochdale, for I'd had gen on something... The journeys were very pleasant, and sitting in the best Standard Class seats out there is always a pleasure! I alighted at Rochdale just 15 minutes after leaving Victoria for an 11 minute fester until the service back to Manchester.
I watched it arrive in eager anticipation-was it... yes it is! The gangway door on the front being in two different shades of grey (thankfully not 50...) meant only one thing-it's refurb time! 155346 finally makes itself at home in my book-the refurb on it is half decent, though it's still very obviously a 155! How on earth it took so long though... (actually, I'd rather not think about all that rust right now!) The service wasn't very busy, and the table in the middle of the coach was empty, so I sat there and opened the window for some thrash-even though it was the stopper! Upon arrival at Manchester Victoria, I headed back to the Metrolink. As I was waiting for a tram, (or a s**t train as a Supertram guard once referred to Metrolink as!) A 158 pulled in. Winner 158791! The trams were immediately flagged and I passed back through the barrier. The unit was sat there with Mystery Excursion on the rear, hence the title.
The unit was duly boarded as far as Castleton for a tight +2 onto the Manchester train, which was formed of ruined err... I mean refurbished 158752. That was an uncomfortable journey,and I was more than glad to change onto M5000 number 3058 to Piccadilly. I took up the opportunity to alight for National Rail, and swiftly boarded 350407 to Wigan via Manchester Airport for some urgently needed phone charge. This was also the first time I'd been on a TPE 350 since they'd been fitted with WiFi and entertainment so I checked that out. The wifi seemed ok, and the entertainment system I would put inbetween Virgin's Beam (which I don't really rate at all) and LM Motion. I sat back at a table, relaxed and watched some catch up TV for the 75 minute jourrney to Wigan via the Airport. The service got a bit busy at Piccadilly, but not too full.
Arrival at the land of the pies was about 8 late due to us being held at Parkside junction, as the big train from London was late again... I alighted with the phone battery in the high 80s and jumped on 319371 for a ride down to Bryn as I've not been for ages. Mmm... 319 thrash! I alighted at Bryn 8 minutes later and somehow made the 1 minute connection onto 319365 back to Pieland.
68016 (I think?) Thrashed through with a charter and I crossed back over to the Northbound platform. I'd had gen earlier in the day, and wanted to confirm it. As 350403+350405 arrived, I had the gen confirmed. I didn't have a ticket northbound-so I asked the guard to buy one, but was told to just get on. Score! I took a pair of vacant reserved seats for the 16 minute journey north to Preston.
After what seemed like literally no time, I bailed at Preston. I had a couple of options now, one was nearly half the ching of the other, so I went for the cheaper one. What?? We're tight up North! I had a fester of nearly an hour, which was nicely extended by 17 minutes due to overcrowding caused by the Blackpool airshow. As I had a 20 minute fester at Lostock Hall I was rather nervous...
Thankfully, I had no reason to be. My service arrived 12 minutes late-formed of a 150+142. For the first time in my life, I happily boarded the 150. Why? No, I've not gone insane, pacers are still hellfire contraptions, but the 150 was my arch nemesis 150134! Northern 150s cleared! The pacer was then locked out due to short platforms on the Colne line and, quite frankly, Ive not heard so much bad language aimed at traincrew *from parents with young children* for a VERY long time. The train was extremely overcrowded as a result of this.
I was rather happy to bail at Lostock Hall and head back towards home, dud (obviously) and empty 150117 taking me back to Preston. I had hoped to jump on the Liverpool 319, but it left as my service pulled into Preston. As such, flagging a guaranteed dud 350, I waited for the 21:00 pendo hoping for a winner.
Unfortunately this was not to be, as I had 390131 to take me back to the land of the pies. Lots of very drunken Glaswegians were taking up much of the carriage, so I chose to stand in the sewer that Virgin Trains have the cheek to call a Pendo vestibule for 11 minutes.
Speaking of crap, I was soon back in Pieland and talking to a dispatcher who recognised me from earlier. One of the inebriated Scots had the same idea and, after asking for gen on trains to St. Helens, just *had* to mention Rugby League... I made my excuses and headed off for some classic Wigan cuisine. I know I take the mick, but Wiganers do pies well! (But certainly not Rugby League! not too obvious which town I call home yet is it...)
I headed down to Wigan Wallgate where an STM RPI helpfully tried to tell me that the Manchester trains were all buses, before I pointed out the 21:57 departing from Platform 2... he looked as though he felt rather stupid at that point! I went downstairs to eat my pie, which was very nice as usual, and await the train. Disappointingly, 150274+150103 arrived to take me to Manchester Victoria via Parkside Junction. I was looking forward to a pacer, but the ride on the 150 was surprisingly fun with some fairly rare track used from Wallgate to the WCML. I've had it before, but still... The guard made it very clear that the train was not stopping until Manchester, and even appeared to check tickets-of course there were Atherton and Bolton line passengers onboard!
I was surprised to learn this was a valid connection, and was shocked to see upon arrival at Manchester Victoria that the Metrolink platform was swarming with Wombles and Police doing revenue checks! They boarded Bury and Rochdale line trams, whilst I headed off on 3031 over to Piccadilly. There was a passenger onboard the tram fast asleep and snoring very loudly, which everyone found quite funny. Everyone at Piccadilly, the terminus, decided to bail out and leave him though, I passed with a scuse me mate, Piccadilly' or similar and he thanked me and we both alighted.
The 20 minute fester dragged so. Slowly. I was stood on Platform 14 wondering if I was going to get called the same word I got called the last time I boarded an evening train here as I refused to barge my way onto the train as people were still alighting. As I'd positioned myself at the front, no one behind me could do so either. Oh well! This didn't happen however, and the train even arrived early! I knew the guard well (that's unusual...) and asked if I could park myself in 185148s posh seats, a request which was not refused. What happened on departure from Occy Road however...
Good Evening Ladies and Gents, can I see all tickets please! WOW! A ticket check, on a reasonably busy (though I've had it with the same guard and left over 100 behind!) Service-after 11PM on a Saturday night! I bailed out at Birchwood some 13 minutes later. Thanks to the wonderful Network Warrington, the last bus leaves 2 minutes after the last TPE train arrives. However... not tonight. I gave up waiting for the 28E from Birchwood Station towards Leigh at 23:40 as the 23:26 never turned up... (If anyone importants reading)
What I strongly suspect has happened, given how poorly used Network Warrington buses generally are, the driver ran early (knowing no one would be wanting the bus)-on the rare occasion that train arrives in sufficient time to make the bus, I'm nearly always the only one to board. So I had to walk home-which was really appreciated... On the whole, t'was a good day though-with Northern's 150s and 155s both cleared! (FINALLY)
Winners: 4
My original plan for today was to head to the Cambrian Coast-but that all went Tango Uniform for three reasons, including missing the TrawsCymru T3 bus (had I even tried to go for it), not fancying spending so much of the day bus vegging and being far too tight to pay for the train. But I still fancied something a bit different than the norm-I would have headed to Yorkshire but it was too late really (and the points about being too tight for the train and being keen to avoid spending 6hrs+ on buses).
There was a train departing to Manchester soon, so I took it. That is after I handed over £7.85 for a return to Glazebrook and a GM Rail Ranger-reminiscing buying them as a kid for £2.20 5 years ago. (£6.40 now!) Northern had very kindly allocated their premier traction to the 10:38 to Occy Road, 142025+156460. I told the 156 where to go and took a seat in the bouncy beast. The guard was initially confused by my tickets, but it eventually made sense. The journey seemed quite fast and I was slightly ashamed to admit passing Trafford Park and having to think about which shack that was...
On arrival at Occy Road, I was given a Mancunian greeting by the clouds as I hurridly boarded 185148 to Piccadilly. My plan here changed yet again-I intended to go to Subway, but was going to ID the Bournemouth vomiter on the way. Winner 220028, just 3 more 220s to give the red pen treatment to then! Alighting into some badly needed fresh air at Stockport, I headed across to the other platforms to fester. I've festered for ages here in the past-especially now the only units I need here are 3 220s, a similar amount of XC 221s, about 6 ATW 158s and 3 pendos-not to mention *that* 150...
I asked Virgin to confirm if any of my pendos were on Manchester's today-however I was told they were not. Declining to fester for XC vomiters, I boarded the next available service to Piccadilly, formed of 175113. It was now past midday to too late for breakfast, so I headed to the Metrolink. 3010 was boarded in error, so I alighted at Piccadilly Gardens, with my mind undecided on the new(ish) Metrolink announcements. Immediately 3048 arrived on the Bury service I thought I'd boarded to take me over to Victoria. I had a bit of a fester until the Leeds train arrived, but eventually it did-a dud 142+155 IIRC. So I flagged it! I headed to Platform 2 for the Brighouse stopper, formed of a 142+150. I don't need to say where I sat do I? No? Good.
Unfortunately however, the traincrew had different ideas on what the rateable traction was-as the guard told me when he kicked everyone out of the 142 and onto the 150! (This wouldn't be the first time this'd happen today...) Admittedly, 150215 did make a bit of a racket up Miles Platting, and I decided to bail at Moston to have a look at the Improved Station'. I alighted and headed for a local shop for a supply raid before crossing to the other platform.
It's fair to say I was more than a little disappointed! (And, for once, that isn't a dig at Arriva Rail North!) The 3 panes of glass still left in the shelter were smashed in several places, and I heard some locals commenting that they had heard a lot of banging the other night. There was glass on the floor and on the bench too-which had quite a lot of homophobic (in particular) slurs and genitalia drawn all over it. I really feel for Northern-for all their crimes *cough* DOO *cough*, they have invested in a run down station-ok, two new shelters and some better seating on the platform isn't much, but it's something. And the response of the local yoof' is to smash the place up... just why??
Anyway, rant over, 158755 arrived to take me back to that Manchester, which was busier than I was expecting. I remained on the unit to return to Rochdale, for I'd had gen on something... The journeys were very pleasant, and sitting in the best Standard Class seats out there is always a pleasure! I alighted at Rochdale just 15 minutes after leaving Victoria for an 11 minute fester until the service back to Manchester.
I watched it arrive in eager anticipation-was it... yes it is! The gangway door on the front being in two different shades of grey (thankfully not 50...) meant only one thing-it's refurb time! 155346 finally makes itself at home in my book-the refurb on it is half decent, though it's still very obviously a 155! How on earth it took so long though... (actually, I'd rather not think about all that rust right now!) The service wasn't very busy, and the table in the middle of the coach was empty, so I sat there and opened the window for some thrash-even though it was the stopper! Upon arrival at Manchester Victoria, I headed back to the Metrolink. As I was waiting for a tram, (or a s**t train as a Supertram guard once referred to Metrolink as!) A 158 pulled in. Winner 158791! The trams were immediately flagged and I passed back through the barrier. The unit was sat there with Mystery Excursion on the rear, hence the title.
The unit was duly boarded as far as Castleton for a tight +2 onto the Manchester train, which was formed of ruined err... I mean refurbished 158752. That was an uncomfortable journey,and I was more than glad to change onto M5000 number 3058 to Piccadilly. I took up the opportunity to alight for National Rail, and swiftly boarded 350407 to Wigan via Manchester Airport for some urgently needed phone charge. This was also the first time I'd been on a TPE 350 since they'd been fitted with WiFi and entertainment so I checked that out. The wifi seemed ok, and the entertainment system I would put inbetween Virgin's Beam (which I don't really rate at all) and LM Motion. I sat back at a table, relaxed and watched some catch up TV for the 75 minute jourrney to Wigan via the Airport. The service got a bit busy at Piccadilly, but not too full.
Arrival at the land of the pies was about 8 late due to us being held at Parkside junction, as the big train from London was late again... I alighted with the phone battery in the high 80s and jumped on 319371 for a ride down to Bryn as I've not been for ages. Mmm... 319 thrash! I alighted at Bryn 8 minutes later and somehow made the 1 minute connection onto 319365 back to Pieland.
68016 (I think?) Thrashed through with a charter and I crossed back over to the Northbound platform. I'd had gen earlier in the day, and wanted to confirm it. As 350403+350405 arrived, I had the gen confirmed. I didn't have a ticket northbound-so I asked the guard to buy one, but was told to just get on. Score! I took a pair of vacant reserved seats for the 16 minute journey north to Preston.
After what seemed like literally no time, I bailed at Preston. I had a couple of options now, one was nearly half the ching of the other, so I went for the cheaper one. What?? We're tight up North! I had a fester of nearly an hour, which was nicely extended by 17 minutes due to overcrowding caused by the Blackpool airshow. As I had a 20 minute fester at Lostock Hall I was rather nervous...
Thankfully, I had no reason to be. My service arrived 12 minutes late-formed of a 150+142. For the first time in my life, I happily boarded the 150. Why? No, I've not gone insane, pacers are still hellfire contraptions, but the 150 was my arch nemesis 150134! Northern 150s cleared! The pacer was then locked out due to short platforms on the Colne line and, quite frankly, Ive not heard so much bad language aimed at traincrew *from parents with young children* for a VERY long time. The train was extremely overcrowded as a result of this.
I was rather happy to bail at Lostock Hall and head back towards home, dud (obviously) and empty 150117 taking me back to Preston. I had hoped to jump on the Liverpool 319, but it left as my service pulled into Preston. As such, flagging a guaranteed dud 350, I waited for the 21:00 pendo hoping for a winner.
Unfortunately this was not to be, as I had 390131 to take me back to the land of the pies. Lots of very drunken Glaswegians were taking up much of the carriage, so I chose to stand in the sewer that Virgin Trains have the cheek to call a Pendo vestibule for 11 minutes.
Speaking of crap, I was soon back in Pieland and talking to a dispatcher who recognised me from earlier. One of the inebriated Scots had the same idea and, after asking for gen on trains to St. Helens, just *had* to mention Rugby League... I made my excuses and headed off for some classic Wigan cuisine. I know I take the mick, but Wiganers do pies well! (But certainly not Rugby League! not too obvious which town I call home yet is it...)
I headed down to Wigan Wallgate where an STM RPI helpfully tried to tell me that the Manchester trains were all buses, before I pointed out the 21:57 departing from Platform 2... he looked as though he felt rather stupid at that point! I went downstairs to eat my pie, which was very nice as usual, and await the train. Disappointingly, 150274+150103 arrived to take me to Manchester Victoria via Parkside Junction. I was looking forward to a pacer, but the ride on the 150 was surprisingly fun with some fairly rare track used from Wallgate to the WCML. I've had it before, but still... The guard made it very clear that the train was not stopping until Manchester, and even appeared to check tickets-of course there were Atherton and Bolton line passengers onboard!
I was surprised to learn this was a valid connection, and was shocked to see upon arrival at Manchester Victoria that the Metrolink platform was swarming with Wombles and Police doing revenue checks! They boarded Bury and Rochdale line trams, whilst I headed off on 3031 over to Piccadilly. There was a passenger onboard the tram fast asleep and snoring very loudly, which everyone found quite funny. Everyone at Piccadilly, the terminus, decided to bail out and leave him though, I passed with a scuse me mate, Piccadilly' or similar and he thanked me and we both alighted.
The 20 minute fester dragged so. Slowly. I was stood on Platform 14 wondering if I was going to get called the same word I got called the last time I boarded an evening train here as I refused to barge my way onto the train as people were still alighting. As I'd positioned myself at the front, no one behind me could do so either. Oh well! This didn't happen however, and the train even arrived early! I knew the guard well (that's unusual...) and asked if I could park myself in 185148s posh seats, a request which was not refused. What happened on departure from Occy Road however...
Good Evening Ladies and Gents, can I see all tickets please! WOW! A ticket check, on a reasonably busy (though I've had it with the same guard and left over 100 behind!) Service-after 11PM on a Saturday night! I bailed out at Birchwood some 13 minutes later. Thanks to the wonderful Network Warrington, the last bus leaves 2 minutes after the last TPE train arrives. However... not tonight. I gave up waiting for the 28E from Birchwood Station towards Leigh at 23:40 as the 23:26 never turned up... (If anyone importants reading)
What I strongly suspect has happened, given how poorly used Network Warrington buses generally are, the driver ran early (knowing no one would be wanting the bus)-on the rare occasion that train arrives in sufficient time to make the bus, I'm nearly always the only one to board. So I had to walk home-which was really appreciated... On the whole, t'was a good day though-with Northern's 150s and 155s both cleared! (FINALLY)
Winners: 4
Last edited:
Blindtraveler
Established Member
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Lol much needed fresh air at Stockport!
I have a suspician the 155 took so long coz Brodies are crap but these are my own views.
Are the refurb 158s not cumfy then? Very sad that a newly upgraded shack was trashed.
Oh and if eating at Subway now you will be charged extra to have your sub tosted, all over the papers last week.
Nice on those winners, keep bashing those pacers mate.
I have a suspician the 155 took so long coz Brodies are crap but these are my own views.
Are the refurb 158s not cumfy then? Very sad that a newly upgraded shack was trashed.
Oh and if eating at Subway now you will be charged extra to have your sub tosted, all over the papers last week.
Nice on those winners, keep bashing those pacers mate.
Kite159
Veteran Member
Something to do with VAT being charged on the subs which are toasted compared to no VAT being charged on the non-toasted subs if you take away?
Anyhow congrats on clearing your Northern 150s, a bit dodgy catching that 350 to Preston in case you ran into the infamous Northern RPIs, as they might not have believed you when you said the guard on the 350 gave you permission.
185143
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- 5,337
The guard alighted as well...
Techniquest
Veteran Member
A very busy but productive day for you there! Well done on finally clearing those irritances!
185143
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A VSTP day-18/08/17
There's not been much activity on this thread lately-I've been in America for 3 weeks, and now Im spending a week in Essex visiting family (well, I was-I type this on a 170 to Peterborough on my way home). As such, I wasn't expecting anything this week either. That's where I'd be wrong! My Uncle suggested we did an Essex Ranger ticket or something, but there isn't one. As such-it's Anglia Plus time!
I hastily planned a route, bearing in mind (I tried to...) that my Uncle isn't an enthusiast. He liked the look of it and off we went! We had purchased our tickets the night before, so when we arrived at Chelmsford, we were able to pass straight through the ticket barrier and onto the platform. Our first move was the 09:03 to Norwich, required track for both of us. (That's a bit of a theme today-with neither of us having been North of Chelmsford on the railway before...) 90009 took us on the 85 mile trip to Norwich. My Uncle wanted to go to Sheringham, so I'd agreed to bailing out and waiting for the next train. We headed over to a very busy platform where Bittern Line branded 156417 was waiting-along with some GA bods getting some publicity shots, literally next to our seats! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted to make a rude gesture in the background or something, but I resisted it.
The journey to Sheringham was quite scenic, and upon departure from Hoveton & Wroxham the guard appeared. Turned out the train was busy because of Cromer Carnival. A group of 10 had boarded, and the bloke across the aisle from me purchased the tickets. I heard him say what'll come first, the tickets or Cromer?? I, of course, turned round and saw what he was getting at. The guard had a bog roll printer... the length of the 10 return tickets was INSANE! The guard apologised and resumed his ticket check. After North Walsham (I think), we stopped fairly suddenly. After a few minutes, the guard entered the driving cab. Turned out the level crossing had failed, but we soon got permission to pass it. I have to say, both on this train and the skoda, the amount of detailed information we got from guards about connections and disruption in this case was simply outstanding! Up your game Northern!
We bailed at Sheringham, a small and narrow platform. Due to the delay, the train simply departed as soon as the crew had changed ends. The departure screen is just off the platform at Sheringham. I glanced at it, noticing the guards local door shutting as I did. The next train, in an hour, was cancelled! Great... That's totally destroyed our entire plan! I went for a wander around the NNR whilst my Uncle went down to the seafront. I eventually ended up sitting in the buffet reading Rail Magazine. After what felt like half a day, we were back at the station. 13:44 came and went-still no train. Another passenger commented that they sometimes turn trains round at Cromer when they are late...
Thankfully that didn't happen, and I soon found the reason for the delay... 170271 arrived into the platform. (And that'd come back to haunt me later...) Feeling even more annoyed than I already was, we got onboard. I suddenly remembered I had picked up GA's Regional timetable at Chelmsford, so the next hour was spent planning the rest of the day. As we were on a rancid, boring, droning, underpowered 170, we arrived into Norwich at 14:54. Our connection was the 14:55 Lowestoft...
We jumped on through the guards door of the DBSO and went right the way forward. Mmm... unplanned, unexpected required 37 thrash! Winner 37405+dud 37419 took us to Reedham. The thrash was fantastic, though the air con had failed... We bailed at Reedham after what felt like no time at all, watched the beasts leave and crossed over to the other platform. Our planned ex Lowestoft passed through while we were waiting... which was the 68 set! I was a little disappointed at that, but I'd rather have a winner 37 than two winner 68s. I say this for two reasons-one being that 37s, realistically, don't have that long left and more importantly, because I'm a Northerner. The 68 on the back was one destined for TPE. 156419 with a locked out DDA bog (GRR!) was working the next Norwich service.
Shortly after departure, it started raining. Heavily. The rain stopped on arrival into Norwich though, where I rushed off for a PNB. We had a 40 minute fester at Norwich before heading off to a fairly awkward shack. The 16:38 Cambridge service was our chariot to Britain's 38th Least Used Station-Spooner Row. We had to ask the guard of 170203 to stop for us before taking a couple of seats in the front coach due to the short platform. There isn't a lot around Spooner Row if I'm honest! We had a fair walk to the bus stop too which, given the rain which had started at Wymondham, wasn't ideal. The rain didn't last long though, and we had no problem getting our Anglia Plus rangers accepted on First Norwichs 32100 running route 13C. It was a short walk down to Wymondham station, which still has a Central Trains parking notice at the station entrance. Heading over to the Cambridge platform, our plan was changed yet again...
We were intending to go to Brandon as a fill in move before heading over to Yarmuff. But all the signalling had been lost at Norwich... but what was that in the distance? A train! Turns out all trains outside Norwich were being sent back to their previous stations... 170205 arrived wrong road and detrained all it's passengers before forming a VSTP service to Cambridge! We boarded it, now travelling to Cambridge North. The shack at Shippea Hill was noticed, and I can confirm that there is absolutely eff all around for miles! The journey to the country's newest shack seemed to pass quite quickly, even though it was evidently a long way.
We had two options at Cambridge North, 365 or 379 to Cambridge. Well there's only one answer to that! Double winner Happy Trains 25+15 took us to Cambridge. We alighted after the short journey, with me feeling really jealous of the people boarding for non stop 365 thrash to Kings Cross! We both went for a PNB, and I went to get some gen for my journey home today. Platform 5 was rather busy, and the sight of 170272 was most unwelcome for the 75 minute journey to Ipswich! The train was full until Bury St. Edmunds, where lots seemed to bail out and it started to go dark outside. Surprisingly, it didn't feel like we'd been on the rancid thing for that long when we alighted. Now it was time for another proper train. 90005 took us back towards Chelmsford, but we had to bail at Colchester as the service was non stop from Colchester to Liverpool Street!
After working out the platform arrangement, we were soon onboard 321346 back to Chelmsford for some much needed dusty thrash! It was dark now-so the Essex countryside was not willing to show itself to us, so the trip back to Chelmsford felt quite slow as a result. (Not that it sounded slow of course!)
Shacks:9
Winner Units:9
Winner Locos:3
Winner Buses:1
There's not been much activity on this thread lately-I've been in America for 3 weeks, and now Im spending a week in Essex visiting family (well, I was-I type this on a 170 to Peterborough on my way home). As such, I wasn't expecting anything this week either. That's where I'd be wrong! My Uncle suggested we did an Essex Ranger ticket or something, but there isn't one. As such-it's Anglia Plus time!
I hastily planned a route, bearing in mind (I tried to...) that my Uncle isn't an enthusiast. He liked the look of it and off we went! We had purchased our tickets the night before, so when we arrived at Chelmsford, we were able to pass straight through the ticket barrier and onto the platform. Our first move was the 09:03 to Norwich, required track for both of us. (That's a bit of a theme today-with neither of us having been North of Chelmsford on the railway before...) 90009 took us on the 85 mile trip to Norwich. My Uncle wanted to go to Sheringham, so I'd agreed to bailing out and waiting for the next train. We headed over to a very busy platform where Bittern Line branded 156417 was waiting-along with some GA bods getting some publicity shots, literally next to our seats! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted to make a rude gesture in the background or something, but I resisted it.
The journey to Sheringham was quite scenic, and upon departure from Hoveton & Wroxham the guard appeared. Turned out the train was busy because of Cromer Carnival. A group of 10 had boarded, and the bloke across the aisle from me purchased the tickets. I heard him say what'll come first, the tickets or Cromer?? I, of course, turned round and saw what he was getting at. The guard had a bog roll printer... the length of the 10 return tickets was INSANE! The guard apologised and resumed his ticket check. After North Walsham (I think), we stopped fairly suddenly. After a few minutes, the guard entered the driving cab. Turned out the level crossing had failed, but we soon got permission to pass it. I have to say, both on this train and the skoda, the amount of detailed information we got from guards about connections and disruption in this case was simply outstanding! Up your game Northern!
We bailed at Sheringham, a small and narrow platform. Due to the delay, the train simply departed as soon as the crew had changed ends. The departure screen is just off the platform at Sheringham. I glanced at it, noticing the guards local door shutting as I did. The next train, in an hour, was cancelled! Great... That's totally destroyed our entire plan! I went for a wander around the NNR whilst my Uncle went down to the seafront. I eventually ended up sitting in the buffet reading Rail Magazine. After what felt like half a day, we were back at the station. 13:44 came and went-still no train. Another passenger commented that they sometimes turn trains round at Cromer when they are late...
Thankfully that didn't happen, and I soon found the reason for the delay... 170271 arrived into the platform. (And that'd come back to haunt me later...) Feeling even more annoyed than I already was, we got onboard. I suddenly remembered I had picked up GA's Regional timetable at Chelmsford, so the next hour was spent planning the rest of the day. As we were on a rancid, boring, droning, underpowered 170, we arrived into Norwich at 14:54. Our connection was the 14:55 Lowestoft...
We jumped on through the guards door of the DBSO and went right the way forward. Mmm... unplanned, unexpected required 37 thrash! Winner 37405+dud 37419 took us to Reedham. The thrash was fantastic, though the air con had failed... We bailed at Reedham after what felt like no time at all, watched the beasts leave and crossed over to the other platform. Our planned ex Lowestoft passed through while we were waiting... which was the 68 set! I was a little disappointed at that, but I'd rather have a winner 37 than two winner 68s. I say this for two reasons-one being that 37s, realistically, don't have that long left and more importantly, because I'm a Northerner. The 68 on the back was one destined for TPE. 156419 with a locked out DDA bog (GRR!) was working the next Norwich service.
Shortly after departure, it started raining. Heavily. The rain stopped on arrival into Norwich though, where I rushed off for a PNB. We had a 40 minute fester at Norwich before heading off to a fairly awkward shack. The 16:38 Cambridge service was our chariot to Britain's 38th Least Used Station-Spooner Row. We had to ask the guard of 170203 to stop for us before taking a couple of seats in the front coach due to the short platform. There isn't a lot around Spooner Row if I'm honest! We had a fair walk to the bus stop too which, given the rain which had started at Wymondham, wasn't ideal. The rain didn't last long though, and we had no problem getting our Anglia Plus rangers accepted on First Norwichs 32100 running route 13C. It was a short walk down to Wymondham station, which still has a Central Trains parking notice at the station entrance. Heading over to the Cambridge platform, our plan was changed yet again...
We were intending to go to Brandon as a fill in move before heading over to Yarmuff. But all the signalling had been lost at Norwich... but what was that in the distance? A train! Turns out all trains outside Norwich were being sent back to their previous stations... 170205 arrived wrong road and detrained all it's passengers before forming a VSTP service to Cambridge! We boarded it, now travelling to Cambridge North. The shack at Shippea Hill was noticed, and I can confirm that there is absolutely eff all around for miles! The journey to the country's newest shack seemed to pass quite quickly, even though it was evidently a long way.
We had two options at Cambridge North, 365 or 379 to Cambridge. Well there's only one answer to that! Double winner Happy Trains 25+15 took us to Cambridge. We alighted after the short journey, with me feeling really jealous of the people boarding for non stop 365 thrash to Kings Cross! We both went for a PNB, and I went to get some gen for my journey home today. Platform 5 was rather busy, and the sight of 170272 was most unwelcome for the 75 minute journey to Ipswich! The train was full until Bury St. Edmunds, where lots seemed to bail out and it started to go dark outside. Surprisingly, it didn't feel like we'd been on the rancid thing for that long when we alighted. Now it was time for another proper train. 90005 took us back towards Chelmsford, but we had to bail at Colchester as the service was non stop from Colchester to Liverpool Street!
After working out the platform arrangement, we were soon onboard 321346 back to Chelmsford for some much needed dusty thrash! It was dark now-so the Essex countryside was not willing to show itself to us, so the trip back to Chelmsford felt quite slow as a result. (Not that it sounded slow of course!)
Shacks:9
Winner Units:9
Winner Locos:3
Winner Buses:1
Kite159
Veteran Member
Harsh on the extra wait in Sheringham due to the train departing before you knew it, but good news on scoring Spooner Row, and some locos 
Harsh on the 170 mileage though
Harsh on the 170 mileage though
Techniquest
Veteran Member
A rather productive little day, even with some farces going on. Two hours in Sheringham can't have been fun!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,544
Ny sympathies on the 170 sound effects/performance, I wasnt aware you yourself felt so strongly but welcome to the club lol.
Good day otherwise.
Good day otherwise.
185143
Established Member
- Joined
- 3 Mar 2013
- Messages
- 5,337
Haha, thanks. I got a bit (ok, a lot) sweary on the way home when 170271 was on my mandatory move from Stowmarket to Peterborough!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,544
Try living up here and being presented with one for 3.5hrs up to Inverness with luggage stcked in doorways and passengers standing and the whole thing getting later and later
185143
Established Member
- Joined
- 3 Mar 2013
- Messages
- 5,337
Done that! During the Glasgow Central diverts too-so more like 4.5 hours...
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,544
Poor bugger, I did Stirling to Central, QS LL to Croy and Croy to QS LL plus back to Edinburgh on various 170s when bashing the diversions and felt hard done by.
185143
Established Member
- Joined
- 3 Mar 2013
- Messages
- 5,337
#HaveAnAdventure 26/08/17
Yawn. (Can anyone tell I don't really do mornings?) Another early start, though I've done much worse! Today I was doing something I'd been meaning to do for a very long time. I was booked on the 06:50 LM from Runcorn to the Bat Cave, so we set off for Runcorn-expecting the traffic to be horrendous because of some stupid music festival starting the same day. Thankfully, the traffic was fine and I arrived into Runcorn about 15 minutes ahead of time.
Dud 350375 arrived to take me to the Bat Cave, I wasn't expecting a winner given I need about 7 350s (Lime Street-South Parkway leaps are great!) But I was glad I had a /3 nonetheless. The journey was uneventful, and free of Staffordshire Stag parties struggling to stay in the confines of their seats after missing the last train the previous night, and spending the wait drinking adult beverages like last time I used this service...
However when the train arrived at Crewe... things had the potential to get interesting. The service had a 5 minute wait until it's booked departure. We had been stopped for about 2 minutes and the station fire alarms started going off! It wasn't a test either as the staff were running all over the place starting to evacuate passengers. The doors of my train were swiftly locked, but, as we were about to depart, the fire alarms stopped so the doors were re-released. Once the drama was over, my nearly empty train left Crewe on time and no further drama happened! Quite a few people boarded at Wolverhampton, but the train was largely empty throughout the jourrney.
The Bat Cave was deserted! Presumably due to the lack of London services. I noticed the TVMs had signs on them telling people not to purchase tickets to London Euston and to speak to staff as there were no trains. I found the Tesco Express upstairs and and a supply raid was taken before boarding the 08:49 Hereford service. 90 minutes on a 170 is bad enough, but a winner would have been nice... Alas, I had dud 170633 which I had on a University leap with Fishquinn last year.
This was the first time I'd been to ‘New Bromsgrove' and it seems a little basic. Obviously, I'm only going from what I could see from the carriage, but just a couple of little shelters on each platform doesn't seem like much. Still, it's a massive improvement from the Bromsgrove of a few years ago! The rancid thing droned on and it eventually arrived at Hereford, after I had to show the guard in my atlas where the destination on my ticket was! It's not a loophole or anything, I don't want to spoil it for any of you who don't know where I went...
I had a 30 minute fester at the celebrity shack of Hereford, unfortunately the resident forum member was nowhere to be seen, so I took advantage of a plug socket before boarding 175106 towards the land of sheep. I've cleared 175s so no red pen usesge here! The traincrew on this service were fantastic-the guard saw himself as a comedian, and was almost trying to get laughs when checking/selling tickets and the Customer Host was an enthusiast who seems to be on most of my ATW trains when I'm far from home! We were talking about the SkegVegas sheds, the WAG and the Chiltern 47s, both of which I'd had on TPE's Tour De Yorkshire Bikex services and Northern’s Shoppexes. I mentioned something I'm considering doing next week, and am in the process of mentally preparing for which he thought sounded a good plan. (All will be revealed should I go ahead with it!)
I bailed at Abergavenny, where I had a 60 minute fester. I headed over to the cafe and had an expensive, but rather nice toasted sandwich (and took advantage of the free wifi). The fester went quite quickly and I was soon waiting to board the 12:03 service towards Newport (as the line between Newport and Cardiff was closed for engineering works). I was again denied red pen usage as I was given dud 175107 for the 15 minute trip to Cwmbrân. Quite a few people boarded at Cwmbran, however I was the only one to alight. I took a PNB and ate my lunch-pretty soon 175115, another red pen denial, arrived and took me down to Casnewydd. The train had to wait at a junction for nearly 10 minutes as there were no available platforms at the monstrosity ATW call Newport Railway Station. I had to get over to platform 4 rather quickly as I was in danger of missing my connection. And I couldn't afford to miss it!
Finally, after over 6 hours, my red pen came out! (It couldn't not be used here though...) GWR's refurbished 150233 was my next chariot. Quite frankly, it made Northern's ‘refurbishments' feel like even more of a disgraceful effort. The unit was fairly well loaded, and I ended up on a tip down in the bike area. I was alighting at the second stop this afternoon. The guard made a comment that I must have gone ‘the long way round' and, after some great thrash through the very long Severn Tunnel, I was standing up ready to alight. 1 other person alighted, but he was even less of a genuine passenger than I was, as he was part of the FoSBR. I was of course at Great Britain's 3rd least used station, which no longer has a footbridge, Pilning! I was very kindly offered a lift over to Severn Beach, which I happily accepted as it would save me 2 hours.
I was soon stood on the platform at Severn Beach looking at an invisible Thames Turbo. Why was it invisible? RTT said it had arrived! The train did arrive soon after though, and 166212 provided the thrash down to Avonmouth. Even for me, it felt wierd being on a 166 this far west! I soon alighted for 30 minutes on a sunny platform whilst I waited to see which turbo I had next. 166204 was to be my next unit, which I took down to Sea Mills. This brach line was rather scenic, and I noticed all the stations have a clear sign telling passengers where to go if Rail Reps are in operation. I had a short fester at Sea Mills, which was extended slightly as the train was a bit late. 166212 (hello you!) Soon returned from Temple Meads to take me back to Shirehampton. I'd rushed off the train and left my sunglasses on the seat. Doh!
As such, the wait at Shirehampton wasn't too pleasant as I'm fairly sensitive to bright sunlight. The unit returned after about 15 minutes and, as I was no longer on the Merseyrail network, they were still on the seat I'd left them on. Phew! The same 166 took me down to the rather French sounding Montpelier. The platform here seemed to be MUCH longer than necessary-does anyone know why? The 30-ish minute fester here went quite slowly, but eventually 166212 returned and took me just 36 chains back up the line to Redland. The unit was late too, so a short fester was made even shorter. I'd barely sat down on the platform when 166204 arrived and I was heading to Bristol Temple Meads.
That's when it occurred to me-I'd scored Pilning BEFORE I'd scored Bristol Temple Meads! I instantly fell in love with Bristol Temple Meads as soon as I arrived, and noticed a lot of veg at the end of the platforms-there was a charter in, headed by 66799. My original plan had been to get the 16:41 through to Worcester Foregate Street-but Dhassell told me to get the 17:00 XC and change at Cheltenham as the GWR train was a stopper and reversed at Gloucester. So I decided to do both!
I headed over to platform 13 and my heart sank. 150002 was my chariot to Worcester. Great... a 3+2 seated 150 for an hour and 40 minutes. Or... not. I boarded 150002 anyway and it proudly announced that the next station was Bristol Temple Meads. I was only onboard for 10 minutes before alighting at Bonus shack Bristol Parkway for something better. I took advantage of the plug in the waiting room for some much needed phone charge before boarding-I can hear Fishquinn screaming as I type-dud 220023 to Cheltenham Spa. That was a much better journey, and I was able to use a plug onboard of course. The journey was much more pleasant in every possible way, and I was reluctant to alight at Cheltenham Spa. I had 10 minutes, so I decided a PNB was in order. Well, the Gents wasn't exactly easy to find! Eventually I did, and got back over to the other platform.
150002 returned from the Gloucester reversal and I reboarded to continue my journey to Worcester. I had an LM Advance from Worcester to Liverpool Crime Street, so I had to get back on the 150. Sitting in the middle coach of a 150, as a Northerner, felt very odd indeed! The rest of the journey to Worcester went very quickly, and the scenery was pretty good too. I was glad, however, to alight the rancid contraption at Worcester Foregate Street-taking note of the MASSIVE gap! I've not jumped off a train for quite a while! I had a 30 minute fester here, so I took a seat in the waiting room. Someone asked where I was going to, then wished me luck and told me to keep hold of everything I owned when I arrived-as I said I was going to Liverpool...
Winner 172219+dud 172211 was my mandatory traction to Smethwick Galton Bridge, so I took (not literally, as I'm not from Liverpool!) a very familiar feeling seat (as they are the same as on Merseyrail units) in an arctic 172219 for the 50 minute journey. The train was very lightly loaded until Kidderminster, where lots of people boarded-many in possesion of several adult beverages. We stopped at every. Single. Little. Stop. All the way to Smethwick Galton Bridge, and the journey felt like it took ages. I urgently needed a PNB when I alighted, but unhelpfully, the ticket office was closed and the facility locked.
After what felt like the longest 20 minutes ever, dud 350117 arrived on the Liverpool service. The train was much busier than the morning one was, but I was still able to get a pair of seats without too much trouble. I got some bookwork out of the way on the journey back up North, I was going to start this report but I couldn't be bothered, so I decided to leave it for my very special Merseyrail bash today-like I normally do. Today's (Sunday) SaveAway will get a report unusually.
Thankfully there was no fire at Crewe this time, and I got back to Runcorn on time, where my Dad was waiting to give me a lift home at the end of a long and tiring, but fantastic day!
Winner Shacks: 14
Winner Units: 5
Yawn. (Can anyone tell I don't really do mornings?) Another early start, though I've done much worse! Today I was doing something I'd been meaning to do for a very long time. I was booked on the 06:50 LM from Runcorn to the Bat Cave, so we set off for Runcorn-expecting the traffic to be horrendous because of some stupid music festival starting the same day. Thankfully, the traffic was fine and I arrived into Runcorn about 15 minutes ahead of time.
Dud 350375 arrived to take me to the Bat Cave, I wasn't expecting a winner given I need about 7 350s (Lime Street-South Parkway leaps are great!) But I was glad I had a /3 nonetheless. The journey was uneventful, and free of Staffordshire Stag parties struggling to stay in the confines of their seats after missing the last train the previous night, and spending the wait drinking adult beverages like last time I used this service...
However when the train arrived at Crewe... things had the potential to get interesting. The service had a 5 minute wait until it's booked departure. We had been stopped for about 2 minutes and the station fire alarms started going off! It wasn't a test either as the staff were running all over the place starting to evacuate passengers. The doors of my train were swiftly locked, but, as we were about to depart, the fire alarms stopped so the doors were re-released. Once the drama was over, my nearly empty train left Crewe on time and no further drama happened! Quite a few people boarded at Wolverhampton, but the train was largely empty throughout the jourrney.
The Bat Cave was deserted! Presumably due to the lack of London services. I noticed the TVMs had signs on them telling people not to purchase tickets to London Euston and to speak to staff as there were no trains. I found the Tesco Express upstairs and and a supply raid was taken before boarding the 08:49 Hereford service. 90 minutes on a 170 is bad enough, but a winner would have been nice... Alas, I had dud 170633 which I had on a University leap with Fishquinn last year.
This was the first time I'd been to ‘New Bromsgrove' and it seems a little basic. Obviously, I'm only going from what I could see from the carriage, but just a couple of little shelters on each platform doesn't seem like much. Still, it's a massive improvement from the Bromsgrove of a few years ago! The rancid thing droned on and it eventually arrived at Hereford, after I had to show the guard in my atlas where the destination on my ticket was! It's not a loophole or anything, I don't want to spoil it for any of you who don't know where I went...
I had a 30 minute fester at the celebrity shack of Hereford, unfortunately the resident forum member was nowhere to be seen, so I took advantage of a plug socket before boarding 175106 towards the land of sheep. I've cleared 175s so no red pen usesge here! The traincrew on this service were fantastic-the guard saw himself as a comedian, and was almost trying to get laughs when checking/selling tickets and the Customer Host was an enthusiast who seems to be on most of my ATW trains when I'm far from home! We were talking about the SkegVegas sheds, the WAG and the Chiltern 47s, both of which I'd had on TPE's Tour De Yorkshire Bikex services and Northern’s Shoppexes. I mentioned something I'm considering doing next week, and am in the process of mentally preparing for which he thought sounded a good plan. (All will be revealed should I go ahead with it!)
I bailed at Abergavenny, where I had a 60 minute fester. I headed over to the cafe and had an expensive, but rather nice toasted sandwich (and took advantage of the free wifi). The fester went quite quickly and I was soon waiting to board the 12:03 service towards Newport (as the line between Newport and Cardiff was closed for engineering works). I was again denied red pen usage as I was given dud 175107 for the 15 minute trip to Cwmbrân. Quite a few people boarded at Cwmbran, however I was the only one to alight. I took a PNB and ate my lunch-pretty soon 175115, another red pen denial, arrived and took me down to Casnewydd. The train had to wait at a junction for nearly 10 minutes as there were no available platforms at the monstrosity ATW call Newport Railway Station. I had to get over to platform 4 rather quickly as I was in danger of missing my connection. And I couldn't afford to miss it!
Finally, after over 6 hours, my red pen came out! (It couldn't not be used here though...) GWR's refurbished 150233 was my next chariot. Quite frankly, it made Northern's ‘refurbishments' feel like even more of a disgraceful effort. The unit was fairly well loaded, and I ended up on a tip down in the bike area. I was alighting at the second stop this afternoon. The guard made a comment that I must have gone ‘the long way round' and, after some great thrash through the very long Severn Tunnel, I was standing up ready to alight. 1 other person alighted, but he was even less of a genuine passenger than I was, as he was part of the FoSBR. I was of course at Great Britain's 3rd least used station, which no longer has a footbridge, Pilning! I was very kindly offered a lift over to Severn Beach, which I happily accepted as it would save me 2 hours.
I was soon stood on the platform at Severn Beach looking at an invisible Thames Turbo. Why was it invisible? RTT said it had arrived! The train did arrive soon after though, and 166212 provided the thrash down to Avonmouth. Even for me, it felt wierd being on a 166 this far west! I soon alighted for 30 minutes on a sunny platform whilst I waited to see which turbo I had next. 166204 was to be my next unit, which I took down to Sea Mills. This brach line was rather scenic, and I noticed all the stations have a clear sign telling passengers where to go if Rail Reps are in operation. I had a short fester at Sea Mills, which was extended slightly as the train was a bit late. 166212 (hello you!) Soon returned from Temple Meads to take me back to Shirehampton. I'd rushed off the train and left my sunglasses on the seat. Doh!
As such, the wait at Shirehampton wasn't too pleasant as I'm fairly sensitive to bright sunlight. The unit returned after about 15 minutes and, as I was no longer on the Merseyrail network, they were still on the seat I'd left them on. Phew! The same 166 took me down to the rather French sounding Montpelier. The platform here seemed to be MUCH longer than necessary-does anyone know why? The 30-ish minute fester here went quite slowly, but eventually 166212 returned and took me just 36 chains back up the line to Redland. The unit was late too, so a short fester was made even shorter. I'd barely sat down on the platform when 166204 arrived and I was heading to Bristol Temple Meads.
That's when it occurred to me-I'd scored Pilning BEFORE I'd scored Bristol Temple Meads! I instantly fell in love with Bristol Temple Meads as soon as I arrived, and noticed a lot of veg at the end of the platforms-there was a charter in, headed by 66799. My original plan had been to get the 16:41 through to Worcester Foregate Street-but Dhassell told me to get the 17:00 XC and change at Cheltenham as the GWR train was a stopper and reversed at Gloucester. So I decided to do both!
I headed over to platform 13 and my heart sank. 150002 was my chariot to Worcester. Great... a 3+2 seated 150 for an hour and 40 minutes. Or... not. I boarded 150002 anyway and it proudly announced that the next station was Bristol Temple Meads. I was only onboard for 10 minutes before alighting at Bonus shack Bristol Parkway for something better. I took advantage of the plug in the waiting room for some much needed phone charge before boarding-I can hear Fishquinn screaming as I type-dud 220023 to Cheltenham Spa. That was a much better journey, and I was able to use a plug onboard of course. The journey was much more pleasant in every possible way, and I was reluctant to alight at Cheltenham Spa. I had 10 minutes, so I decided a PNB was in order. Well, the Gents wasn't exactly easy to find! Eventually I did, and got back over to the other platform.
150002 returned from the Gloucester reversal and I reboarded to continue my journey to Worcester. I had an LM Advance from Worcester to Liverpool Crime Street, so I had to get back on the 150. Sitting in the middle coach of a 150, as a Northerner, felt very odd indeed! The rest of the journey to Worcester went very quickly, and the scenery was pretty good too. I was glad, however, to alight the rancid contraption at Worcester Foregate Street-taking note of the MASSIVE gap! I've not jumped off a train for quite a while! I had a 30 minute fester here, so I took a seat in the waiting room. Someone asked where I was going to, then wished me luck and told me to keep hold of everything I owned when I arrived-as I said I was going to Liverpool...
Winner 172219+dud 172211 was my mandatory traction to Smethwick Galton Bridge, so I took (not literally, as I'm not from Liverpool!) a very familiar feeling seat (as they are the same as on Merseyrail units) in an arctic 172219 for the 50 minute journey. The train was very lightly loaded until Kidderminster, where lots of people boarded-many in possesion of several adult beverages. We stopped at every. Single. Little. Stop. All the way to Smethwick Galton Bridge, and the journey felt like it took ages. I urgently needed a PNB when I alighted, but unhelpfully, the ticket office was closed and the facility locked.
After what felt like the longest 20 minutes ever, dud 350117 arrived on the Liverpool service. The train was much busier than the morning one was, but I was still able to get a pair of seats without too much trouble. I got some bookwork out of the way on the journey back up North, I was going to start this report but I couldn't be bothered, so I decided to leave it for my very special Merseyrail bash today-like I normally do. Today's (Sunday) SaveAway will get a report unusually.
Thankfully there was no fire at Crewe this time, and I got back to Runcorn on time, where my Dad was waiting to give me a lift home at the end of a long and tiring, but fantastic day!
Winner Shacks: 14
Winner Units: 5
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I can tell you where I was when you were at my local shack. You'd have been due in at 1019, probably a few minutes early as is usually the case with LM services, and at that time I was approximately 24 minutes away from having my first of two breaks at work. I was approximately 1 mile away from you when you came to my stomping grounds!
I'm trying to think where you would have found a plug socket though, and I'm stumped!
Certainly you've done well down here, and I don't know anyone who's done Pilning before Bristol Temple Meads before! Aye the step at Foregate Street isn't the nicest, but there's far worse out there, trust me.
I'm trying to think where you would have found a plug socket though, and I'm stumped!
Certainly you've done well down here, and I don't know anyone who's done Pilning before Bristol Temple Meads before! Aye the step at Foregate Street isn't the nicest, but there's far worse out there, trust me.
185143
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In the waiting room on the Cardiff platform. You're forgetting I've done all the request shacks on the Cumbrian Coast...
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Good point on the shacks, and I never found the sockets in that waiting room last time I looked. However next time I'm there I'll have a look, thanks for the gen!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a good day, congrats on half scoring Pilning & Severn Beach to your rules
Blindtraveler
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Good Greef, something about Hereford Station Lord Quest didnt know!!!!wow
at least that power socket will be of more use than HFD's booking office!, oh and whilst on the subject of Booking Offices I note Galton Bridge was closed yesturday when the website and NRE says it should be open. Reason for mentioning it is it looks very much as if LM are having issues at this station this week as it was also unstaffed when it should have been staffed on Tuesday and my Pre Booked Passenger assistance for interchanging there fell over causing me a delay.
I assume you went via HFD on cost grounds given you could have got the Marches service at Crewe, unfortunately for a near certain 170 tha
Ine is one of the worst.
nice work on shacks etc and despite doing all the stations (all of them) on the way back at least 172s can shift and dont drone as badly.
at least that power socket will be of more use than HFD's booking office!, oh and whilst on the subject of Booking Offices I note Galton Bridge was closed yesturday when the website and NRE says it should be open. Reason for mentioning it is it looks very much as if LM are having issues at this station this week as it was also unstaffed when it should have been staffed on Tuesday and my Pre Booked Passenger assistance for interchanging there fell over causing me a delay.
I assume you went via HFD on cost grounds given you could have got the Marches service at Crewe, unfortunately for a near certain 170 tha
Ine is one of the worst.
nice work on shacks etc and despite doing all the stations (all of them) on the way back at least 172s can shift and dont drone as badly.
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