Kite159
Veteran Member
I shall have to look at the pictures when home as SWT WiFi doesn't like flickr
Sounded like a good trip
Sounded like a good trip
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Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
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Great photos! Those mainline EMUs look a bit like the Stadtler units that AGA are getting...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
ac6000cw
Established Member
Some very nice photos there - I think the Rc's are definitely one of the classic electric locos, very purposeful looking but with portholes for a touch of style (and the Rc1 was the first series production loco in the world with thyristor power control - in 1967).
So have you been reading my trip report ?
So have you been reading my trip report ?
Iskra
Established Member
Nice trip.
Those Norwegian loco's look really cool. What services do they work?
Those Norwegian loco's look really cool. What services do they work?
87electric
Established Member
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2010
- Messages
- 1,243
25th August - 27th August IRISH JAUNT
As usual, pretty much a photography journal with a few trip notes when i travelled from
Cork-Limerick-Dublin-Belfast-Bangor.
Cork-Limerick was behind DMU 22019 changing at Limerick Jn for DMU 22062 forward to Limerick itself.
My sightings of Irish stock had been minimal to say the least so i did fill my books considerably
this time round. The one disappointing aspect was that Downpatrick had a diesel day on the 28th and
i had to miss it to travel home. Unfortunate but i will eventually plan a visit there.
Limerick to Dublin Heuston was in the hands of DMU 22041. Free wifi provided was most welcome.
I forget the advance prices i paid for tickets but some were even booked in the morning online. And
it is a considerable saving than a walk up. You get a reserved seat with your name in lights on the
LED display in the coach. No messing/confusion when someone says "You're in my seat mate".
In Dublin i was still chasing 3 trams (5014 5016 5018) to clear them all. I did get 5018 in but the other
2 were at Sandyford depot. I maintain that clearing this 5xxx Class is taking longer than the Edinburgh
fleet did.
I managed plenty of haulages in from the 22000 and 29000 DMU Classes. Also filled in a few more DART
carts. It was a laid back bash as i kept visiting the Brew Dock pub opposite Connolly station for some
great stout beer. They stock a lot of Galway Brewery beer and recommended too. Alcohol and trains just works.
I booked on the 11:20 Enterprise service on Saturday 27th which is loco hauled Dublin to Belfast.
Loco 8209 came off the inbound stock and 8208 shunted on. They should have left 8209 on as a farce ensued.
Left on time but the loco limped into Malahide station and stopped. Over the next hour 8208 tried to take
power maybe a dozen times (i kid you not) and each time we moved a metre. So we never left the station
platform! After 90 minutes it was declared a failure. hahahaha everybody on the train could have told you
that. Lots of angry people about. Of course this train had blocked the whole route and delays on other
services were stacking up. Loco 206 came up and towed the empty set away. The idea was jump on the next
Enterprise that turned up......which was going to be full and standing obviously. So 2 hours after we
had entered Malahide we were on our way under the capable horsepower of loco 228. Winner for me!!
There is a delay repay system set up but i have yet to receive my money back.
Transferred to DMU 3023 at Belfast Central but this incurred a delay and then cancellation as a
Paramedic was called to the scene for an unwell passenger. Hopped onto DMU 4019 and took this to my
destination of Bangor.
Great time had and quite enjoyed the loco breakdown, recovery and journey. Proper old school bash i say.
DMUS 2601 2602 at Cork
229 at Dublin Heuston
Mark 4 DVT 4006 at Cork
227 at Dublin Connolly
Haulage winner Tram 5018 in Dublin
Soon to be disgraced 8208 at Dublin Connolly
Loco 206 attaching to failed set at Malahide
206 hauling failed set away
Loco 228 standing at Belfast Central
DMUS 3014 & 4019 at Bangor
As usual, pretty much a photography journal with a few trip notes when i travelled from
Cork-Limerick-Dublin-Belfast-Bangor.
Cork-Limerick was behind DMU 22019 changing at Limerick Jn for DMU 22062 forward to Limerick itself.
My sightings of Irish stock had been minimal to say the least so i did fill my books considerably
this time round. The one disappointing aspect was that Downpatrick had a diesel day on the 28th and
i had to miss it to travel home. Unfortunate but i will eventually plan a visit there.
Limerick to Dublin Heuston was in the hands of DMU 22041. Free wifi provided was most welcome.
I forget the advance prices i paid for tickets but some were even booked in the morning online. And
it is a considerable saving than a walk up. You get a reserved seat with your name in lights on the
LED display in the coach. No messing/confusion when someone says "You're in my seat mate".
In Dublin i was still chasing 3 trams (5014 5016 5018) to clear them all. I did get 5018 in but the other
2 were at Sandyford depot. I maintain that clearing this 5xxx Class is taking longer than the Edinburgh
fleet did.
I managed plenty of haulages in from the 22000 and 29000 DMU Classes. Also filled in a few more DART
carts. It was a laid back bash as i kept visiting the Brew Dock pub opposite Connolly station for some
great stout beer. They stock a lot of Galway Brewery beer and recommended too. Alcohol and trains just works.
I booked on the 11:20 Enterprise service on Saturday 27th which is loco hauled Dublin to Belfast.
Loco 8209 came off the inbound stock and 8208 shunted on. They should have left 8209 on as a farce ensued.
Left on time but the loco limped into Malahide station and stopped. Over the next hour 8208 tried to take
power maybe a dozen times (i kid you not) and each time we moved a metre. So we never left the station
platform! After 90 minutes it was declared a failure. hahahaha everybody on the train could have told you
that. Lots of angry people about. Of course this train had blocked the whole route and delays on other
services were stacking up. Loco 206 came up and towed the empty set away. The idea was jump on the next
Enterprise that turned up......which was going to be full and standing obviously. So 2 hours after we
had entered Malahide we were on our way under the capable horsepower of loco 228. Winner for me!!
There is a delay repay system set up but i have yet to receive my money back.
Transferred to DMU 3023 at Belfast Central but this incurred a delay and then cancellation as a
Paramedic was called to the scene for an unwell passenger. Hopped onto DMU 4019 and took this to my
destination of Bangor.
Great time had and quite enjoyed the loco breakdown, recovery and journey. Proper old school bash i say.
DMUS 2601 2602 at Cork
229 at Dublin Heuston
Mark 4 DVT 4006 at Cork
227 at Dublin Connolly
Haulage winner Tram 5018 in Dublin
Soon to be disgraced 8208 at Dublin Connolly
Loco 206 attaching to failed set at Malahide
206 hauling failed set away
Loco 228 standing at Belfast Central
DMUS 3014 & 4019 at Bangor
Last edited:
Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like an enjoyable time, bar the failed loco. 
Techniquest
Veteran Member
It's been far too long since I last did a proper Irish Rail bash, certainly one from an enthusiast point of view. Those 29000s are hellfire!
Know the feeling with the 50xx trams, even using them daily for a short period last year still has me needing some of them for sight!
I'll be over again when the new bits of LUAS open I suspect.
Know the feeling with the 50xx trams, even using them daily for a short period last year still has me needing some of them for sight!
I'll be over again when the new bits of LUAS open I suspect.
45135
Member
- Joined
- 15 Dec 2014
- Messages
- 107
Nice to see some of the few remaining loco hauled workings in Ireland. A trip to the pub for some decent beer certainly fills in the time between trains very effectively...
87electric
Established Member
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2010
- Messages
- 1,243
Portugal Jaunt 10th September
Went to Portugal for a very short trip but managed to get in 3 hours of photography in Lisbon and a couple of hours haulage.
Definitely whetted my appetite to go back and spend a week there. Maybe in 2017.
I was staying in Santarem and perusing the timetable i decided to take an EMU in but come back behind a loco.
Arriving into Santa Apolonia terminus i went to purchase a Metro ticket but was told there were delays so i did the old fashioned
leg walk into the town centre. I got a better feel of the place for doing so. Blazing hot as well, i'm glad i wore all black clothing.
Mission here was to get some tram pics and also see one of the 3 funiculars in the narrow streets. The Gloria funicular was the
one i aimed for and was great fun even though i nearly got squashed against the wall by it as it passed me on the
way up the incline while taking a photo. Seriously, that could have ended pretty badly.
All too quick my time was up and i headed back to get my first loco haulage in Portugal. 5605 was my steed from the CP 5600 CLASS.
Worth noting that 10 tilting Pendolinos work out there so next time i'll give them a go.
Loco 1427 Santa Apolonia
EMU 2266 Santa Apolonia
Locos 5605 5607 5606 5610 Santa Apolonia
Tram 581 Lisbon
Tram 5 Lisbon
Tram 503 Lisbon
Tram 503 Lisbon
Pendolino 4010 hurtling through Santarem
Gloria funicular
Gloria funicular
See the tiny gauge clearance on the left wall? Blimey, squashed limey.
Loco 5619 at Santarem
5617 at Santa Apolonia
Went to Portugal for a very short trip but managed to get in 3 hours of photography in Lisbon and a couple of hours haulage.
Definitely whetted my appetite to go back and spend a week there. Maybe in 2017.
I was staying in Santarem and perusing the timetable i decided to take an EMU in but come back behind a loco.
Arriving into Santa Apolonia terminus i went to purchase a Metro ticket but was told there were delays so i did the old fashioned
leg walk into the town centre. I got a better feel of the place for doing so. Blazing hot as well, i'm glad i wore all black clothing.
Mission here was to get some tram pics and also see one of the 3 funiculars in the narrow streets. The Gloria funicular was the
one i aimed for and was great fun even though i nearly got squashed against the wall by it as it passed me on the
way up the incline while taking a photo. Seriously, that could have ended pretty badly.
All too quick my time was up and i headed back to get my first loco haulage in Portugal. 5605 was my steed from the CP 5600 CLASS.
Worth noting that 10 tilting Pendolinos work out there so next time i'll give them a go.
Loco 1427 Santa Apolonia
EMU 2266 Santa Apolonia
Locos 5605 5607 5606 5610 Santa Apolonia
Tram 581 Lisbon
Tram 5 Lisbon
Tram 503 Lisbon
Tram 503 Lisbon
Pendolino 4010 hurtling through Santarem
Gloria funicular
Gloria funicular
See the tiny gauge clearance on the left wall? Blimey, squashed limey.
Loco 5619 at Santarem
5617 at Santa Apolonia
Last edited:
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
Yeah that clearance looked ridiculously tight... not big on elf n safety out there for sure!
Also I'm not a fan of that graffiti...
The Irish stuff looks fascinating - I wonder how much was BREL-designed...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Also I'm not a fan of that graffiti...
The Irish stuff looks fascinating - I wonder how much was BREL-designed...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Some excellent shots there, ouch to the clearance alongside that wall though!
I've never done anything rail related in Portugal, only visited once in October 1992 on a family holiday when I was little. I'd love to go back and see it properly!
I've never done anything rail related in Portugal, only visited once in October 1992 on a family holiday when I was little. I'd love to go back and see it properly!
Ah, someone who's ventured in Lisbon recently too! Might make you slightly jealous by saying used those Alfa Pendolinos to get to and from the place
Sounds like a good time was had though, and at least you got in some loco haulage. I only had the 5600s for a short leap on the Algarve.
Sent from my F3311 using Tapatalk
Sounds like a good time was had though, and at least you got in some loco haulage. I only had the 5600s for a short leap on the Algarve.
Sent from my F3311 using Tapatalk
87electric
Established Member
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2010
- Messages
- 1,243
San Diego 24th - 26th October 2016 jaunt
Just finished a work related trip and was able to spend 3 days bashing the San Diego
Trolleys.
128 Trolleys work on the blue, green & orange 3 line system.
SD100 types (numbered 2001-2052) and S70 types (numbered 3001-3011, 4001-4065)
Many of the U2 types (numbered 1001-1071) are stored at the MTS depot on 12th/Imperial with some relocated
and now working in Mendoza, Argentina.
My stats in my book had me already 44 in for haulage over the years and my aim was to try to get over the 100 mark.
Purchased a Compass Card for $2 and loaded $5 on it for each day pass. Then a simple tap in on each journey was required.
The first 2 days i managed to bash in the evening peak as well and that helped to achieve many winners.
Also out working on the Downtown Loop (also called the Silver Line) was Streetcar 529. On my first loop i had the
Streetcar to myself although i did travel around 11am. Streetcar 530 was also out but it seems was only on driver training.
531 and 532 were on the depot while 533 (ex 2785) was also spotted. These 3 are all in non operational state.
Totting up my winners i achieved 66 which pushed me up to 110. 18 left for next time, maybe April 2017.
Wednesday 26th
Bashed a few more Trolleys before heading up to LA Union Station behind Amtrak winner loco 459. Well actually it was pushing.
Business class on the top deck with free wine and a beautiful sunset along the Pacific Coast. All was going swimmingly
until we came to a stop around Fullerton. Either mechanical problems or a blocked line but info was vague and we sat
down for nearly an hour. So just drank more wine. I have to say that the journey when restarted was not a good one.
The jerking from side to side and the jolting when crossing points was scary. Any faster and i swear we would have derailed.
I've done over 4,000 journeys in my time and this one unnerved me a little. And when i opened up my emails the next morning
the first one was Amtrak paying out $265 million in settlement for the 2015 Philadelphia derailment where 8 died and over 200
were injured.
Didn't have any time in LA for rail related stuff or New York a few days later. But that was to be expected.
Bonus in London before i flew out i had 465930 out of London Bridge for haulage and that cleared the 465 Class completely.
Here's some photos of it all.
3010/2006/3004 working the Green Line departing 12th/Imperial
StreetCar 529 on the Downtown Loop
StreetCar 530 also on the Downtown Loop but only on driver training or running in.
Coaster loco 2104 arriving at Santa Fe Depot station.
Amtrak 450 stabled at Santa Fe Depot.
Amtrak 454 due to depart Santa Fe Depot on the Surfliner.
Amtrak 90229 at Santa Fe Depot station.
Sunset around Oceanside on the journey up to LA Union Station.
Just finished a work related trip and was able to spend 3 days bashing the San Diego
Trolleys.
128 Trolleys work on the blue, green & orange 3 line system.
SD100 types (numbered 2001-2052) and S70 types (numbered 3001-3011, 4001-4065)
Many of the U2 types (numbered 1001-1071) are stored at the MTS depot on 12th/Imperial with some relocated
and now working in Mendoza, Argentina.
My stats in my book had me already 44 in for haulage over the years and my aim was to try to get over the 100 mark.
Purchased a Compass Card for $2 and loaded $5 on it for each day pass. Then a simple tap in on each journey was required.
The first 2 days i managed to bash in the evening peak as well and that helped to achieve many winners.
Also out working on the Downtown Loop (also called the Silver Line) was Streetcar 529. On my first loop i had the
Streetcar to myself although i did travel around 11am. Streetcar 530 was also out but it seems was only on driver training.
531 and 532 were on the depot while 533 (ex 2785) was also spotted. These 3 are all in non operational state.
Totting up my winners i achieved 66 which pushed me up to 110. 18 left for next time, maybe April 2017.
Wednesday 26th
Bashed a few more Trolleys before heading up to LA Union Station behind Amtrak winner loco 459. Well actually it was pushing.
Business class on the top deck with free wine and a beautiful sunset along the Pacific Coast. All was going swimmingly
until we came to a stop around Fullerton. Either mechanical problems or a blocked line but info was vague and we sat
down for nearly an hour. So just drank more wine. I have to say that the journey when restarted was not a good one.
The jerking from side to side and the jolting when crossing points was scary. Any faster and i swear we would have derailed.
I've done over 4,000 journeys in my time and this one unnerved me a little. And when i opened up my emails the next morning
the first one was Amtrak paying out $265 million in settlement for the 2015 Philadelphia derailment where 8 died and over 200
were injured.
Didn't have any time in LA for rail related stuff or New York a few days later. But that was to be expected.
Bonus in London before i flew out i had 465930 out of London Bridge for haulage and that cleared the 465 Class completely.
Here's some photos of it all.
3010/2006/3004 working the Green Line departing 12th/Imperial
StreetCar 529 on the Downtown Loop
StreetCar 530 also on the Downtown Loop but only on driver training or running in.
Coaster loco 2104 arriving at Santa Fe Depot station.
Amtrak 450 stabled at Santa Fe Depot.
Amtrak 454 due to depart Santa Fe Depot on the Surfliner.
Amtrak 90229 at Santa Fe Depot station.
Sunset around Oceanside on the journey up to LA Union Station.
Last edited:
Kite159
Veteran Member
Is there no stopping you with world domination?
Sounded like a good first few days bar the ride on the Amtrak
Sounded like a good first few days bar the ride on the Amtrak
Techniquest
Veteran Member
The difference between old and new on the light rail network there is massive!
ac6000cw
Established Member
The pantograph on 529 looks massive in comparison to the vehicle - pity they can't use the traditional trolley pole that is on the other end (it's not compatible with modern overhead wiring).
And yes, 529 and 530 look magnificent - apart from the style you wouldn't know they are 70 years old - great photos there
And yes, 529 and 530 look magnificent - apart from the style you wouldn't know they are 70 years old - great photos there
87electric
Established Member
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2010
- Messages
- 1,243
Well my work does take me around the globe a bit (Mr Kite) so I am lucky on that front.
Yes that pantograph was so high at that point on the streetcar. I really like that photo.
I have just had a couple of days in Belgium but won't be able to put up any photos for a while. It wasn't much of a bash really, just a few hours on Leuven platform.
Yes that pantograph was so high at that point on the streetcar. I really like that photo.
I have just had a couple of days in Belgium but won't be able to put up any photos for a while. It wasn't much of a bash really, just a few hours on Leuven platform.
87electric
Established Member
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2010
- Messages
- 1,243
Just showed Mrs Cowley your photos, she really liked them too
Apologies for not updating my comments.
Thank you both.
Working on my latest and last 2016 blog right now.
87electric
Established Member
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2010
- Messages
- 1,243
Spain Jaunt
13th December
Spain was to be my last jaunt away from Britain in 2016. On previous visits i used to just take note of what was working and take a few photos. Now i am enjoying tram systems more and more i've started bashing them and making a concerted effort to clear them.
Barcelona was first up. There are 2 conventional Tram routes that are not connected to each other. The Trambaix network consists of lines T1, T2 & T3 and uses 23 Trams while the Trambesos network has lines T4, T5 & T6 and uses 18 Trams. They are the same Citadis 302 Trams that work in Nottingham.
There is also the Blue Tram route which i think has 7 working heritage cars but at this time of the year were only working weekends or Holidays. I did walk up to the shack of a depot but it was all locked up so never even sighted any. Next time i go in Summer.
Didn't start the bash until around 5pm but it worked in my favour as the loadings eased and wasn't cramped at all. I had around 3 hours on each route and my stats show out of the 41 i managed 28 for haulage. Not a bad start.
Barcelona Trams 11 & 04
14th December
Next up was my first ever visit to Valencia. Arriving late evening i decided to wander around and just take a few pics of stuff at the North Station. Platform access not possible as the gates had airline style security and x ray machines for baggage. I've encountered many issues on Euro visits with security bods and i am wise enough now to go about my business in a quiet and even sly fashion to get my pics.
Why is a semi pro camera deemed a threat and phone pics not? No logic there.
Only one loco was stabled up which was a Class 252.
Valencia Nord with Unit 153 & 252 074 0 in the background
Valencia Trams doubled up 3810 & 3809
15th December
I had my first Tram bash for a few hours in the morning. The heavens opened for a while and i got drenched waiting for services to arrive. I'm a Brit i dealt with it.
From surfing the net i ascertained that 25 Duewag & 30 Flexity Trams operate in Valencia. And some of the Flexity ones also work in Alicante. Maybe they swap them out, i'm not quite sure how, when or why? Anyone know?
15 haulages in my limited time but i was happy with that.
16th December
Travelled up for my 3rd visit to Vitoria Gasteiz. I like it there so much.
It's only a short Tram system and uses 12 CAF Urbos Type 2s. Annoyingly i was one Tram shy of the fleet to complete for haulage. So i guess i need to visit again hahaha.
Got some good night shots.
Vitoria Trams 503 & 508
I did also visit Bilbao and Madrid but it wasn't possible for a bash unfortunately.
BUT i'll add some pics from my April 2015 jaunts to those 2 cities......because i can.
Madrid Tram 102 in 2015
103 604 5 Madrid-Barcelona haulage in 2015.
Bilbao Trams 404 & 405 in 2015.
So that is it for this year. Had some very memorable jaunts and these blogs help me to remember those good times.
Plans for 2017 are New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan & Australia..........all in March.
Looking to use the XPT overnight in Aus. Very excited by that.
Happy New Year to all the trip reporters on here.
13th December
Spain was to be my last jaunt away from Britain in 2016. On previous visits i used to just take note of what was working and take a few photos. Now i am enjoying tram systems more and more i've started bashing them and making a concerted effort to clear them.
Barcelona was first up. There are 2 conventional Tram routes that are not connected to each other. The Trambaix network consists of lines T1, T2 & T3 and uses 23 Trams while the Trambesos network has lines T4, T5 & T6 and uses 18 Trams. They are the same Citadis 302 Trams that work in Nottingham.
There is also the Blue Tram route which i think has 7 working heritage cars but at this time of the year were only working weekends or Holidays. I did walk up to the shack of a depot but it was all locked up so never even sighted any. Next time i go in Summer.
Didn't start the bash until around 5pm but it worked in my favour as the loadings eased and wasn't cramped at all. I had around 3 hours on each route and my stats show out of the 41 i managed 28 for haulage. Not a bad start.
Barcelona Trams 11 & 04
14th December
Next up was my first ever visit to Valencia. Arriving late evening i decided to wander around and just take a few pics of stuff at the North Station. Platform access not possible as the gates had airline style security and x ray machines for baggage. I've encountered many issues on Euro visits with security bods and i am wise enough now to go about my business in a quiet and even sly fashion to get my pics.
Why is a semi pro camera deemed a threat and phone pics not? No logic there.
Only one loco was stabled up which was a Class 252.
Valencia Nord with Unit 153 & 252 074 0 in the background
Valencia Trams doubled up 3810 & 3809
15th December
I had my first Tram bash for a few hours in the morning. The heavens opened for a while and i got drenched waiting for services to arrive. I'm a Brit i dealt with it.
From surfing the net i ascertained that 25 Duewag & 30 Flexity Trams operate in Valencia. And some of the Flexity ones also work in Alicante. Maybe they swap them out, i'm not quite sure how, when or why? Anyone know?
15 haulages in my limited time but i was happy with that.
16th December
Travelled up for my 3rd visit to Vitoria Gasteiz. I like it there so much.
It's only a short Tram system and uses 12 CAF Urbos Type 2s. Annoyingly i was one Tram shy of the fleet to complete for haulage. So i guess i need to visit again hahaha.
Got some good night shots.
Vitoria Trams 503 & 508
I did also visit Bilbao and Madrid but it wasn't possible for a bash unfortunately.
BUT i'll add some pics from my April 2015 jaunts to those 2 cities......because i can.
Madrid Tram 102 in 2015
103 604 5 Madrid-Barcelona haulage in 2015.
Bilbao Trams 404 & 405 in 2015.
So that is it for this year. Had some very memorable jaunts and these blogs help me to remember those good times.
Plans for 2017 are New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan & Australia..........all in March.
Looking to use the XPT overnight in Aus. Very excited by that.
Happy New Year to all the trip reporters on here.
Last edited:
Kite159
Veteran Member
Why do I get the feeling you will enjoy the organised chaos of Japan? (Depending which areas you visit)
Last edited:
Techniquest
Veteran Member
All those countries in one month? Jeez that promises to be an awesome read. I definitely want to know more about the XPT, my main reason for visiting Australia if I ever get the chance!
Looks like you had fun on the trams in Europe too
Looks like you had fun on the trams in Europe too
87electric
Established Member
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2010
- Messages
- 1,243
LONDON - SCOTLAND - LONDON JAUNT (JANUARY 9th-13th 2017)
This trip was always about clearing my last 5 units for haulage at whatever cost.
158708
350243
350248
350261
375302
Once this was achieved i would start in earnest on going after the new fleets that have started entering service like the 700s, GWR 387s, & C2C 387s.
I will ignore the Crossrail 345s as they will enter as 7 cars only. I'll wait until they get extended to 9 cars as i don't see the point in wasting time, energy and money. The 378s were bad enough when they kept extending those. 707s will be achieved pretty easily. The Scot Rail 385s will be a challenge.
The colour is red at Kings Cross. 91102, 91114 & 67013
MONDAY 9th JANUARY
So first up was the London Midland 350 trio. It was pretty easy once the evening peak got into full swing. Hung around Watford Junction and they fell pretty much in succession. I thought these would be difficult but i was quite fortunate.
Booked onto the 1S26 Caledonian Sleeper to Edinburgh Waverley which had winner 92014 through to Carstairs where the stock divided and winner 92010 bolted on to take 1B26 through to Waverley.
I don't mind doing the seated car as i'm used to 12 hour flights so a 7 hour train journey is easily bearable and i can usually get some sleep. It's easy to spot the unseasoned travellers as they do suffer in their seats. One chap was literally sitting on the floor with his head in his seat. Comfy? I do hope the new stock when it comes in will be kinder on travellers' experiences.
90048 at Waverley
TUESDAY 10th JANUARY
First plan was to intercept 68020 in the morning peak for haulage. It would only be a short journey but i couldn't take the risk of it being taken off the diagrams. It actually did stay on for the next few days so i did have another longer trip with it. 68007 was swapped out for 68024 but they were both dud for me anyway. I just need 017 & 021 now to clear the Class and 017 is currently on the Norwich diagrams so i'll try for that one in the week coming.
Next up i heard my last DMU ever (158708) was not coming down to Edinburgh or Glasgow. It would be on the 14:00 Inverness to Wick!! This unit had always bugged me in not playing the game so i chinged up £52 and in five minutes i was on my way to Inverness via change at Perth. 158704 and 170426 doing the honours respectively.
I actually copped 26002, 26025 and 27050 for sight when passing Strathspey Railway. Last time i was there at Aviemore was 1979 and looking at my logs i noted seeing 26033 and 26035. 25010 was also kicking about.
Arrival into Inverness was a few minutes early and 158708 was eyed up in Platform 6 being prepared for the 14:00 service to Wick. Last winning DMU was taken for the 10 miles to the first shack stop of Beauly.
Mission accomplished.
158704 at Perth
158708 departing Beauly for Wick
66733 & 73971 at Inverness
I retraced my rail steps back to Waverley via Perth again.
66733 & 73971 were on the sleeper stock at Inverness depot. I'll start going for these re-engined 73s once they start working without the 66s. You can't fudge them for haulage when they are used for ETH only at the moment inside the 66.
On arrival into Edinburgh i checked into my hotel and relaxed for the night supping some fine bottled stouts. 9.5% Yeti Imperial by Great Divide one of my favourites.
Pricey at over a fiver but i say in life..........you get what you pay for.
WEDNESDAY 11th JANUARY
With having cleared every Scottish Unit, what to do?
So i decided to climb the volcano that is Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. Exhilarating stuff i kid you not. If it had been snowing or raining then i wouldn't have done it but as it was only blustery with lots of sunshine i gave it a whirl. The views were awesome, picking out the Forth Rail Bridge, seeing the 380s come in off the North Berwicks etc............
Sitting at the top looking down some 250 metres above the city was mesmerising, kind of like your first look down from the Empire State Building or the Las Vegas Stratosphere.
Salisbury Crags part of Arthur's Seat volcano
Edinburgh Castle
Forth Rail Bridge just visible in the distance
I did manage to get down in time to cover the 68s (020 & 024 ) working the evening Fife diagrams.
Gotta love some thrash with your head out the window over the Forth.
Centaur on Fife duties
68020 back into Waverley off the Fife Circle
158736 away to Ayr
380115 arriving into Waverley
THURSDAY 12th JANUARY
I decided to go over to Glasgow for a lazy day and travel around on whatever took my fancy.
321415 morphed into 320415 at Partick
The older stock got a look in like the 314s and 318s but i did nip out to Paisley on a 380 to see if new unit 385102 was on Shields depot. Alas not. I've since learned it was out at Gourock awaiting its overnight testing to commence. Talking of overnight..............my booked sleeper back to London was in the hands of the same 2 locos (92010 92014) I had on the Monday. Shame that as 92038 did work that night as it had replaced 90048 on the 1M16 to London. I need 92038 for haulage.
I went to board the usual Coach A for my seat when the attendant declared it was too cold so all seaters were being upgraded to a berth. Nice touch that. All cosy and warm i didn't wake up until Euston with arrival some 37 minutes earlier than scheduled.
My horses to Carstairs.....
and my horses back to Euston on the blocks
FRIDAY the 13th (not unlucky for me)
Today was about trying to get my last unit for haulage 375302. I had put a few feelers out but the only intel came from fellow forum member "37078xotTE". The unit went onto Grove Park depot after working in from Ramsgate in the morning. So my educated guess was it would work either the 17:52 or 18:44 out of Cannon St. "37078xotTE" confirmed that it would be 18:44 so my deepest thanks go to him for his help.
I headed out to Paddington to see if 387135 and 387137 were on the Hayes circuit. They were so i had a spin on them and i'm now currently up to date on all newcomers on GWR.
43042/43187 at Royal Oak heading West
700108 was also scored at Farringdon for the few chains to St Pancras.
To kill more time I went down the tubes and lowered my haulage lists on the Bakerloo, Piccadilly and District/Circle lines. Even scored some D78 stock in the process. What future for those now seeing that the VivaRail project has stalled?
18:44 arrived and 375302 winner (coupled to 375309) taken to Rochester for £15 ching. No fanfare, no hurrahs but i did crack open another bottle of stout to celebrate on my own amid all the commuters.
A strange feeling of euphoria followed by the need to find something else to hunt down. Nature of the beast i guess.
This trip was always about clearing my last 5 units for haulage at whatever cost.
158708
350243
350248
350261
375302
Once this was achieved i would start in earnest on going after the new fleets that have started entering service like the 700s, GWR 387s, & C2C 387s.
I will ignore the Crossrail 345s as they will enter as 7 cars only. I'll wait until they get extended to 9 cars as i don't see the point in wasting time, energy and money. The 378s were bad enough when they kept extending those. 707s will be achieved pretty easily. The Scot Rail 385s will be a challenge.
The colour is red at Kings Cross. 91102, 91114 & 67013
MONDAY 9th JANUARY
So first up was the London Midland 350 trio. It was pretty easy once the evening peak got into full swing. Hung around Watford Junction and they fell pretty much in succession. I thought these would be difficult but i was quite fortunate.
Booked onto the 1S26 Caledonian Sleeper to Edinburgh Waverley which had winner 92014 through to Carstairs where the stock divided and winner 92010 bolted on to take 1B26 through to Waverley.
I don't mind doing the seated car as i'm used to 12 hour flights so a 7 hour train journey is easily bearable and i can usually get some sleep. It's easy to spot the unseasoned travellers as they do suffer in their seats. One chap was literally sitting on the floor with his head in his seat. Comfy? I do hope the new stock when it comes in will be kinder on travellers' experiences.
90048 at Waverley
TUESDAY 10th JANUARY
First plan was to intercept 68020 in the morning peak for haulage. It would only be a short journey but i couldn't take the risk of it being taken off the diagrams. It actually did stay on for the next few days so i did have another longer trip with it. 68007 was swapped out for 68024 but they were both dud for me anyway. I just need 017 & 021 now to clear the Class and 017 is currently on the Norwich diagrams so i'll try for that one in the week coming.
Next up i heard my last DMU ever (158708) was not coming down to Edinburgh or Glasgow. It would be on the 14:00 Inverness to Wick!! This unit had always bugged me in not playing the game so i chinged up £52 and in five minutes i was on my way to Inverness via change at Perth. 158704 and 170426 doing the honours respectively.
I actually copped 26002, 26025 and 27050 for sight when passing Strathspey Railway. Last time i was there at Aviemore was 1979 and looking at my logs i noted seeing 26033 and 26035. 25010 was also kicking about.
Arrival into Inverness was a few minutes early and 158708 was eyed up in Platform 6 being prepared for the 14:00 service to Wick. Last winning DMU was taken for the 10 miles to the first shack stop of Beauly.
Mission accomplished.
158704 at Perth
158708 departing Beauly for Wick
66733 & 73971 at Inverness
I retraced my rail steps back to Waverley via Perth again.
66733 & 73971 were on the sleeper stock at Inverness depot. I'll start going for these re-engined 73s once they start working without the 66s. You can't fudge them for haulage when they are used for ETH only at the moment inside the 66.
On arrival into Edinburgh i checked into my hotel and relaxed for the night supping some fine bottled stouts. 9.5% Yeti Imperial by Great Divide one of my favourites.
Pricey at over a fiver but i say in life..........you get what you pay for.
WEDNESDAY 11th JANUARY
With having cleared every Scottish Unit, what to do?
So i decided to climb the volcano that is Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. Exhilarating stuff i kid you not. If it had been snowing or raining then i wouldn't have done it but as it was only blustery with lots of sunshine i gave it a whirl. The views were awesome, picking out the Forth Rail Bridge, seeing the 380s come in off the North Berwicks etc............
Sitting at the top looking down some 250 metres above the city was mesmerising, kind of like your first look down from the Empire State Building or the Las Vegas Stratosphere.
Salisbury Crags part of Arthur's Seat volcano
Edinburgh Castle
Forth Rail Bridge just visible in the distance
I did manage to get down in time to cover the 68s (020 & 024 ) working the evening Fife diagrams.
Gotta love some thrash with your head out the window over the Forth.
Centaur on Fife duties
68020 back into Waverley off the Fife Circle
158736 away to Ayr
380115 arriving into Waverley
THURSDAY 12th JANUARY
I decided to go over to Glasgow for a lazy day and travel around on whatever took my fancy.
321415 morphed into 320415 at Partick
The older stock got a look in like the 314s and 318s but i did nip out to Paisley on a 380 to see if new unit 385102 was on Shields depot. Alas not. I've since learned it was out at Gourock awaiting its overnight testing to commence. Talking of overnight..............my booked sleeper back to London was in the hands of the same 2 locos (92010 92014) I had on the Monday. Shame that as 92038 did work that night as it had replaced 90048 on the 1M16 to London. I need 92038 for haulage.
I went to board the usual Coach A for my seat when the attendant declared it was too cold so all seaters were being upgraded to a berth. Nice touch that. All cosy and warm i didn't wake up until Euston with arrival some 37 minutes earlier than scheduled.
My horses to Carstairs.....
and my horses back to Euston on the blocks
FRIDAY the 13th (not unlucky for me)
Today was about trying to get my last unit for haulage 375302. I had put a few feelers out but the only intel came from fellow forum member "37078xotTE". The unit went onto Grove Park depot after working in from Ramsgate in the morning. So my educated guess was it would work either the 17:52 or 18:44 out of Cannon St. "37078xotTE" confirmed that it would be 18:44 so my deepest thanks go to him for his help.
I headed out to Paddington to see if 387135 and 387137 were on the Hayes circuit. They were so i had a spin on them and i'm now currently up to date on all newcomers on GWR.
43042/43187 at Royal Oak heading West
700108 was also scored at Farringdon for the few chains to St Pancras.
To kill more time I went down the tubes and lowered my haulage lists on the Bakerloo, Piccadilly and District/Circle lines. Even scored some D78 stock in the process. What future for those now seeing that the VivaRail project has stalled?
18:44 arrived and 375302 winner (coupled to 375309) taken to Rochester for £15 ching. No fanfare, no hurrahs but i did crack open another bottle of stout to celebrate on my own amid all the commuters.
A strange feeling of euphoria followed by the need to find something else to hunt down. Nature of the beast i guess.
Last edited:
Kite159
Veteran Member
Mega Congratulations for your clearance of units
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Hold on, did you seriously say you've cleared all DMUs and all EMUs? Pending new arrivals of course. I tip my hat to you good sir, that is an incredible accomplishment!
I did 68020 on the evening turn on Tuesday, bailing at South Gyle to observe the Cardenden turn which was 007. Still sounding mighty fine of course! 020 put in a storming performance to South Gyle that's for sure!
Sorry to have to tell you, but you could have saved serious ching as 158708 was in the Central Belt on Friday, I scored it myself (along with 158705 and 158707 later on) when it worked the 1056 Edinburgh to Glasgow via Shotts.
Agreed on the 73/9s, I've had two of them so far (one on the Bluebell and one on the Aberdeen portion of the sleeper months ago, before the 66s came up) and I noted with my own eyes and ears they're indeed only on for ETH currently. If I'd moved quicker, and not gone spotting MK4s, in the early hours of Monday, I could have scored 66740 on the 50-minutes-late Fort William
Anyway, back to your trip report. Some awesome shots in there, although that 158 won't have been on an Ayr service!
I did 68020 on the evening turn on Tuesday, bailing at South Gyle to observe the Cardenden turn which was 007. Still sounding mighty fine of course! 020 put in a storming performance to South Gyle that's for sure!
Sorry to have to tell you, but you could have saved serious ching as 158708 was in the Central Belt on Friday, I scored it myself (along with 158705 and 158707 later on) when it worked the 1056 Edinburgh to Glasgow via Shotts.
Agreed on the 73/9s, I've had two of them so far (one on the Bluebell and one on the Aberdeen portion of the sleeper months ago, before the 66s came up) and I noted with my own eyes and ears they're indeed only on for ETH currently. If I'd moved quicker, and not gone spotting MK4s, in the early hours of Monday, I could have scored 66740 on the 50-minutes-late Fort William
Anyway, back to your trip report. Some awesome shots in there, although that 158 won't have been on an Ayr service!
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