Alistair G.
Member
Having read a few trip reports on here in the past and thoroughly enjoying them I thought I'd give it a go and document my excursion to edinburgh.a
DAY ONE
-------------------
It started on Thursday (27th). I had used the special east coast trains offer they had at the start of the year and managed to book myself a first class return trip from kings cross to edinburgh for just £60! (Standard would have cost me just £30.... But I thought I was deserving of a little treat!)
However, living in South Leicestershire I would first need to travel South before heading north (only I could plan a trip north and head South first!)
So starting at just after 06:00 I caught 1Y80 from rugby on a very cold morning and headed for Euston. With 1R03 just behind and going via Northampton most passengers decided to opt for the virgin experiance. That all changed obviously after we left Milton Keynes. With further stops at Bletchley and Leighton buzzard the train was packed out, thankfully I had long since secured myself a window seat in readiness for wembley/wilsden!.
Once at euston I decided to let the mad dash for the barriers go ahead of me so I could note the sleeper that was in the far platform.
Once the crowd had dispersed I made my way up out of euston and along the main road to kings cross. Along the way I decided to stop and take some London bus photos as I'm a keen bus enthusiast as well. Must just carried on by me, but one driver noted me and started smiling and waving and giving the thumbs up. When he reached me he opened his doors and asked "how did I look, I hope u got my good side". Nice to have such a happy experience after some recent unpleasant ones.
So I arrive at kings cross having managed to kill a good chunk of time but still 40 minutes to departure. No bother, let's try the first class lounge!!!. Sadly, as the tickets were a promotional offer they do not allow access into the lounge
So, further train spotting it was!.
As the 09:30 (1S10) to edinburgh was announced a mini stampede took place. However, having a reserved seat I let the charge commence and took a few last shots of some 82's before boarding.
When I was aboard I was lucky enough to get a single seat which all have a table in first. I could sit on my own and not have to share power sockets or have my shins kicked all the way to the north.
Has to be said that the mk4 stock is so much better than that of the new pendalinos!. We departed on time and straight away we being served breakfast (or those that wanted dinner could wait until Doncaster). The food isn't much to write home about but if it's included in the price..... It's mine!
Passed Hornsey and bounds Green and managed to get a couple of shunters and before I knew it we were arriving at Peterborough. The yard isn't as full these days but the odd class 66 and a tamper is still worth noting.
Not an awful lot happened between there and Newcastle, when we passed York, steam 60009 was by the museum but not being a big fan of kettles I decided to try and spot the class 185 coming the other way instead!.
When we got to Newcastle all hell broke loose with the weather, I mean biblical style!!!. Just after leaving the brakes were applied and we came to a stand. A lightning strike had caused a panel failure. We were now just crawling, being talked by signals and the guard told us we were also examining the overheads, a costly delay!.
Once we did drop into edinburgh we were over 30 minutes late, but no matter, there were units new units to spot so time to crack on!.
It was at this point I realised just what a logistical nightmare Waverley is to spot at. Platforms everywhere, walls in the way and not just a concourse to cross but a road way and taxi rank as well!. So a plan had to be implemented and that was to head to Haymarket. Most of the stuff heads through there anyway and i can easily perch myself on the end of a platform and get everything that comes through. Not only that but my hotel was only 3 minutes walk from Haymarket..... So off I go!
I managed a whole 1 hour and that was me done, cold, bitter wind, endless trains coming straight back out of Waverley and just to add insult to injury the tram system passed just far enough away that you could see the units in the distance but they were turning back at a crossover section up by Haymarket depot!. Still, plenty of 170's, 334's, 156's/158's spotted and even my first 350/4. A happy spotter I retreated from the station for my hotel but after check in I just couldn't help but think the whole idea of my trip up was to try and get tram numbers, there must have been a road or something I could follow to get me down there..... And then it struck me... Why not just follow the tram lines (I'm not always that slow.... Honest!)
So trainers back on and camera in hand I marched back towards the station where the trams pass and started just following the tracks, it's take you last a few industrial looking office looking buildings and then straight into a small housing estate and then to my amazement, you reach the very south end of Haymarket depot. Brilliant chance to get some photos and extra numbers if you don't mind getting your footwear a little dirty as there is a muddy embankment to climb (within the public access side of things!). There was even a few trams that eventually came my way and just nice and slow to take multiple pictures. Real happy result..... Chip shop and bed time!
DAY TWO
------------------
After a nice long lay in it was time to make use of every minute left as it was home time today!. Started off by satisfying my bus enthusiast in me and taking copies amounts of bus pictures in the Haymarket area. Lothian buses certainly has a nice livery (in my opinion anyway!)
Once breakfast had been devoured between photos (Gregg's bacon butty!) I decided to take a trip out north queensferry. 2 reasons for this. I wanted to pass Haymarket depot to carry on getting numbers but I also wanted to use my new camera and I've always wanted to take a shot of something coming off the forth bridge. It was a wonderful day for it and I'm pleased to say my goal was reached and I took a very pleasing shot of a class 170 coming off the bridge.
It proved to be a very worthwhile trip as I was approached by not only a fellow spotter but a fellow forum member called Noel. It's strange how you can see nobody on busy stations such as Waverley/Haymarket but at a tiny station like north queensferry you meet a fellow train enthusiast!.
We both went back to Haymarket to do some further spotting and by 13:00 I realised I had still not picked up souvenirs for my family, so I left Noel and wondered into edinburgh for presents.
After being fed, watered and spent up on gifts I still had enough time for a few bus and photo snaps before getting the 16:30 back to kings cross.
When I arrived back at Waverley there was a class 170 in blood and custard livery and I had been wanting to snap as I know this is now a very rare livery on the network, well, certainly around edinburgh anyway. I managed to persuade the barrier attendant to let me on the platforms so I could get a shot. I think that pretty much ticked all my boxes off for this trip!
As I turned to head back up at the platform I saw the clock say 16:23, I had completely lost track of time, I shot back up the platform and the chap who had originally helped me was seeing to another customer. I couldn't seem to raise anyone's attention. He finally spotted me (by now 16:26) and I asked where platform 8 was. When he told me I really didn't think I was going to make it but thankfully... With about a minute to spare I made it. Out of breath until about berwick.... But at least I was on the train.
It was a busy train coming back but once again a reserved seat meant I could relax at my own little table and flick through the hundreds of photos from my trip.
Some delays on the way back at York and some more time lost to a trespasser at Stevenage but I had allowed for plenty of recovery time as my train off euston didn't depart until 22:30.
As I arrived kings cross I have to admit the enthusiast in me was tired and the thought of walking back down the platform to get the numbers just didn't appeal, home was calling but I had a long wait at euston.
When I arrived at euston I thought I would try my luck and see if I could move onto the 22:00 Crewe (1K77) service. Although only 30 minutes earlier than my original train home, it would get into rugby an hour earlier as this is the last train via weedon before they shut it for the block, everything else via Northampton. As I had booked well in advance for maximum discount I didn't think much of my chances, but it must have been my lucky day as the guy signed the back of the ticket and told me to enjoy the journey!.
I knew that this service would be a voyager and probably only a 5 car in total, so utilising my contacts I made sure I found out the platform well before it was announced on the concourse so I could beat the mad dash. Damn pleased I do as well, as I walked through the carriages everything said reserved, then finally I found an available seat, just before the mad crowd jumped aboard.
A largely uneventful journey back (not even a ticket check!) meant we were on time at rugby and I was home for 23:30!
Thursday 05:00 alarm call - Friday 23:45 bed, with all that excitement in between. A really fantastic journey, but certainly took its toll. Still........ On to the next great adventure!
DAY ONE
-------------------
It started on Thursday (27th). I had used the special east coast trains offer they had at the start of the year and managed to book myself a first class return trip from kings cross to edinburgh for just £60! (Standard would have cost me just £30.... But I thought I was deserving of a little treat!)
However, living in South Leicestershire I would first need to travel South before heading north (only I could plan a trip north and head South first!)
So starting at just after 06:00 I caught 1Y80 from rugby on a very cold morning and headed for Euston. With 1R03 just behind and going via Northampton most passengers decided to opt for the virgin experiance. That all changed obviously after we left Milton Keynes. With further stops at Bletchley and Leighton buzzard the train was packed out, thankfully I had long since secured myself a window seat in readiness for wembley/wilsden!.
Once at euston I decided to let the mad dash for the barriers go ahead of me so I could note the sleeper that was in the far platform.
Once the crowd had dispersed I made my way up out of euston and along the main road to kings cross. Along the way I decided to stop and take some London bus photos as I'm a keen bus enthusiast as well. Must just carried on by me, but one driver noted me and started smiling and waving and giving the thumbs up. When he reached me he opened his doors and asked "how did I look, I hope u got my good side". Nice to have such a happy experience after some recent unpleasant ones.
So I arrive at kings cross having managed to kill a good chunk of time but still 40 minutes to departure. No bother, let's try the first class lounge!!!. Sadly, as the tickets were a promotional offer they do not allow access into the lounge
So, further train spotting it was!.
As the 09:30 (1S10) to edinburgh was announced a mini stampede took place. However, having a reserved seat I let the charge commence and took a few last shots of some 82's before boarding.
When I was aboard I was lucky enough to get a single seat which all have a table in first. I could sit on my own and not have to share power sockets or have my shins kicked all the way to the north.
Has to be said that the mk4 stock is so much better than that of the new pendalinos!. We departed on time and straight away we being served breakfast (or those that wanted dinner could wait until Doncaster). The food isn't much to write home about but if it's included in the price..... It's mine!
Passed Hornsey and bounds Green and managed to get a couple of shunters and before I knew it we were arriving at Peterborough. The yard isn't as full these days but the odd class 66 and a tamper is still worth noting.
Not an awful lot happened between there and Newcastle, when we passed York, steam 60009 was by the museum but not being a big fan of kettles I decided to try and spot the class 185 coming the other way instead!.
When we got to Newcastle all hell broke loose with the weather, I mean biblical style!!!. Just after leaving the brakes were applied and we came to a stand. A lightning strike had caused a panel failure. We were now just crawling, being talked by signals and the guard told us we were also examining the overheads, a costly delay!.
Once we did drop into edinburgh we were over 30 minutes late, but no matter, there were units new units to spot so time to crack on!.
It was at this point I realised just what a logistical nightmare Waverley is to spot at. Platforms everywhere, walls in the way and not just a concourse to cross but a road way and taxi rank as well!. So a plan had to be implemented and that was to head to Haymarket. Most of the stuff heads through there anyway and i can easily perch myself on the end of a platform and get everything that comes through. Not only that but my hotel was only 3 minutes walk from Haymarket..... So off I go!
I managed a whole 1 hour and that was me done, cold, bitter wind, endless trains coming straight back out of Waverley and just to add insult to injury the tram system passed just far enough away that you could see the units in the distance but they were turning back at a crossover section up by Haymarket depot!. Still, plenty of 170's, 334's, 156's/158's spotted and even my first 350/4. A happy spotter I retreated from the station for my hotel but after check in I just couldn't help but think the whole idea of my trip up was to try and get tram numbers, there must have been a road or something I could follow to get me down there..... And then it struck me... Why not just follow the tram lines (I'm not always that slow.... Honest!)
So trainers back on and camera in hand I marched back towards the station where the trams pass and started just following the tracks, it's take you last a few industrial looking office looking buildings and then straight into a small housing estate and then to my amazement, you reach the very south end of Haymarket depot. Brilliant chance to get some photos and extra numbers if you don't mind getting your footwear a little dirty as there is a muddy embankment to climb (within the public access side of things!). There was even a few trams that eventually came my way and just nice and slow to take multiple pictures. Real happy result..... Chip shop and bed time!
DAY TWO
------------------
After a nice long lay in it was time to make use of every minute left as it was home time today!. Started off by satisfying my bus enthusiast in me and taking copies amounts of bus pictures in the Haymarket area. Lothian buses certainly has a nice livery (in my opinion anyway!)
Once breakfast had been devoured between photos (Gregg's bacon butty!) I decided to take a trip out north queensferry. 2 reasons for this. I wanted to pass Haymarket depot to carry on getting numbers but I also wanted to use my new camera and I've always wanted to take a shot of something coming off the forth bridge. It was a wonderful day for it and I'm pleased to say my goal was reached and I took a very pleasing shot of a class 170 coming off the bridge.
It proved to be a very worthwhile trip as I was approached by not only a fellow spotter but a fellow forum member called Noel. It's strange how you can see nobody on busy stations such as Waverley/Haymarket but at a tiny station like north queensferry you meet a fellow train enthusiast!.
We both went back to Haymarket to do some further spotting and by 13:00 I realised I had still not picked up souvenirs for my family, so I left Noel and wondered into edinburgh for presents.
After being fed, watered and spent up on gifts I still had enough time for a few bus and photo snaps before getting the 16:30 back to kings cross.
When I arrived back at Waverley there was a class 170 in blood and custard livery and I had been wanting to snap as I know this is now a very rare livery on the network, well, certainly around edinburgh anyway. I managed to persuade the barrier attendant to let me on the platforms so I could get a shot. I think that pretty much ticked all my boxes off for this trip!
As I turned to head back up at the platform I saw the clock say 16:23, I had completely lost track of time, I shot back up the platform and the chap who had originally helped me was seeing to another customer. I couldn't seem to raise anyone's attention. He finally spotted me (by now 16:26) and I asked where platform 8 was. When he told me I really didn't think I was going to make it but thankfully... With about a minute to spare I made it. Out of breath until about berwick.... But at least I was on the train.
It was a busy train coming back but once again a reserved seat meant I could relax at my own little table and flick through the hundreds of photos from my trip.
Some delays on the way back at York and some more time lost to a trespasser at Stevenage but I had allowed for plenty of recovery time as my train off euston didn't depart until 22:30.
As I arrived kings cross I have to admit the enthusiast in me was tired and the thought of walking back down the platform to get the numbers just didn't appeal, home was calling but I had a long wait at euston.
When I arrived at euston I thought I would try my luck and see if I could move onto the 22:00 Crewe (1K77) service. Although only 30 minutes earlier than my original train home, it would get into rugby an hour earlier as this is the last train via weedon before they shut it for the block, everything else via Northampton. As I had booked well in advance for maximum discount I didn't think much of my chances, but it must have been my lucky day as the guy signed the back of the ticket and told me to enjoy the journey!.
I knew that this service would be a voyager and probably only a 5 car in total, so utilising my contacts I made sure I found out the platform well before it was announced on the concourse so I could beat the mad dash. Damn pleased I do as well, as I walked through the carriages everything said reserved, then finally I found an available seat, just before the mad crowd jumped aboard.
A largely uneventful journey back (not even a ticket check!) meant we were on time at rugby and I was home for 23:30!
Thursday 05:00 alarm call - Friday 23:45 bed, with all that excitement in between. A really fantastic journey, but certainly took its toll. Still........ On to the next great adventure!
