Adrock's trip reports

[adrock1976]

The aim of today was to have another attempt at reducing my Great Western Railway IC125 powercars and to see if I could get my final GWR Class 180 (180104), plus I would be partially revisiting the beginning part of the Oxford, Worcester, & Wolverhampton Railway part of the GWR – a line that the one and only time I covered the track was back in 1990 on a trip from my then local station Cradley Heath to Oxford, changing at one of the Worcester stations. Back then, my original plan was to do a circular trip outward via Birmingham New Street, then the IC Crosscountry to Oxford, and back home via the OW&WR, however, I heard that on the day of that trip, the three worst possible events happened to be taking place in Birmingham that day. The National Front and Combat 18 were having separate rallies, and the dirty Bluenoses were hosting Millwall. I decided that as I still wanted to remain alive, I would go via Stourbridge and Worcester in both directions.


Anyway, I had a reasonable night’s sleep and after getting ready to set off for the walk to Hither Green station, it was onboard the 08:42 ex Sidcup – Charing Cross avoiding Lewisham formed of dud 465901+ required 465912 for the run all the way to Charing Cross. Making my way to the northbound platform of the Bakerloo Line, it was on dud 3549+ required 3262 for the run to Paddington. Knowing that I would not make the 09:22 Worcester Foregate Street departure, I decided to take a look to see if I could spot any required powercars at the buffer end of the platforms, while also making notes for what their partners would be when I get the chance to look at them at the Bristol end of the platform later on. Also, my hopes were not totally dashed yet regarding the search for 180104, as the 09:22 was delayed and had not arrived from the depot. I decided to hang around and eventually it was dud 180103 that rolled in 30 minutes behind schedule, therefore I declined that.


As I was making notes of pairs of powercars and noting if any were required or not, and likewise me doing the same at Reading when I get there, for simplicity I have listed the moves below in list form similar to linear hops on London Underground, with requirements highlighted in bold.


43179+078 10:00 PAD - RDG
43165+174 12:12 RDG - PAD
43003+122 12:45 PAD - RDG
43040+135 13:36 RDG - PAD
387149+136 14:45 PAD - Hayes & Harlington (my very first second batch of Class 387s – 141+147 were on the second Hayes & Harlington diagram)
165104 15:12 Hayes & Harlington - West Drayton
165109 15:21 West Drayton – PAD (first time scoring the recently constructed diveunder at Acton)


I then legged it to Platform 8 for the 15:49 Moreton in Marsh formed of dud pair 43036+195 for the run to Hanborough, arriving 5 minutes behind schedule. I rapidly made my way to Combe (Oxen) via Main Road, Millwood End, and Swan Lane, then left up another country lane after passing underneath the railway bridge to reach the station (if it can be called a station, as the platform is simply a short raised hump on scaffolding, although double the length of Dilton Marsh near Westbury). Ten minutes or so later, it was onboard the 17:38 ex Paddington – Great Malvern formed of dud 180106 for a countryside type bus stop bash to Finstock. It is noted that as both these stations have a frequency of 1 train per day in each direction on Mondays to Fridays with none on Saturdays or Sundays, it was not surprising that I was the only passenger who boarded at Combe, with nobody boarding at Finstock. However, there were 3 passengers who alighted at both stations.


After the train departed, I made my way up the ramp to the main road where there was a bus stop near to the station entrance. I had noted a few days ago that there is a bus due at 17:46 with the train arriving a few minutes previous, meaning that there is a high chance that the bus may have already been and gone. As I had sufficient time, I decided to hang about and a couple of minutes later, it was onboard the X9 which was an Optare minibus operated by Pulhams Coaches for the short run to the Spendlove Centre in Charlbury. It was a gentle stroll to the station via Dyers Hill, reaching the station just after 18:15 and making my way via the evil looking footbridge over to the Worcester platform. I hopped onboard the 18:35 ex Paddington – Hereford formed of dud pair 43124+197 for the run to Moreton in Marsh.


Having had a brief wander around town and having picked up some provisions from Tesco, it was back to the station to board the 7 minutes delayed 19:26 ex Great Malvern – Paddington formed of dud 180103 for the run to Oxford, arriving 12 minutes behind schedule after being held at Charlbury for the 18:22 off Paddington that was running 15 minutes behind to arrive due to the single track section. Of note, I already knew that 180102 was the third Class 180 out today as I already saw it earlier on, meaning that 180104 was not out today. Also, had I arrived at Oxford on schedule, my intention was to take a run to Cholsey, back to Didcot Parkway, onwards to Reading, and see what happens from that point. On the approach to Oxford, I spotted a couple of required Thames Turbos, and as they will eventually be relocating to Bristol and the West Country, I decided to see if the next Paddington departure would feature anything required over covering the track to Bicester and Haddenham & Thame Parkway.


Having ditched the heap of junk at Oxford, my gut instinct turned out to be right, as the 20:31 Paddington limited stop (calling at Reading and Slough only) was required 166213 that I took as far as Slough for some Turbo thrash (or boost). I made my way over to Platform 1 to await the 21:20 Windsor & Eton Central shuttle knowing that it is a required Turbo having saw it earlier on. It was 165107 that took me for the run to Windsor & Eton Central and back to Slough, and as the 21:38 ex Oxford – Paddington local, the 5 minutes delayed 21:40 ex Paddington – Reading, and the 21:44 ex Oxford – Paddington limited stop were all dud, I decided to head back to Paddington on the 21:59 ex Banbury formed of dud pair 165122+131. After having had a quick eyeball at the IC125s that would be departing soon and as they were all dud as I noted them earlier, my next course of action was to purchase a cup of tea from one of the catering outlets before heading south of the Thames.


I made my way to the southbound platform of the Bakerloo Line to hop onboard dud pair 3239+3532 to Embankment, then to the eastbound District Line platform to hop onboard required 21331+332 to Cannon Street. It was upstairs to the South Eastern Railway platforms for the 23:20 Orpington via Lewisham and Grove Park formed of dud pair 465178+465165 for the run back to Hither Green and to settle for the night.


Overall, even though I have only managed to get 5 out of my remaining 22 Great Western IC125 powercars, that is still 5 less for me to chase after. I have unintentionally scored some new track with the recently constructed diveunder at Acton, I have scored my first GW Class 387s, got a couple of Thames Turbos, and revisited track that I last covered many years ago.

 

[Techniquest]

I still need that diveunder, and I confess to forgetting about its existance.

Good to note that about the bus, as I need Finstock. I also need Shipton, Ascott-under-Wychwood and (I'm sure) there's another one I'm forgetting. I did Combe the other way around, jumping off what was at the time a 2-car 165 starting at Oxford in the evening, then walking back without having researched the route first. Thankfully I made the HST home but it was close!

Ascott-under-Wychwood is the only other one I need that looks difficult to do, but I'm sure a plan will surface before the end of summer

 

[Kite159]

You get roughly a hour & 10 minute connection for a ~ 2 mile walk from Ascott to Shipton if you wanted to get two birds with one stone

You can still get back to Hereford, although at 21:32 from the 18:22 Paddington HST, or head back towards London with a +15 at Kingham

 

[Techniquest]

Cheers for the advice Kite, I'll remember that although it will probably be done on an evening when I've set up base camp in Oxford

 

[adrock1976]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]As both today and tomorrow are my quarterly meetings, this would give me the chance to do some odd bits and pieces so as to reduce my requirements. After setting off for the walk to Hither Green station and due to engineering works being finalised very late on the page of the National Rail Enquiries website, it was on a rail replacement bus for the short run to Lewisham. According to the timetable of the rail replacement buses mentioning 4 each hour, they are not an even spread of every 15 minutes, but 4/11 repeating every 30 minutes. As my accommodation is also close to the main Lee High Road, this would also give me an alternative with a normal bus back from Lewisham later on if need be.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]It was onboard the 09:38 ex Dartford via Bexleyheath – Victoria formed of dud pair 465180+164 all the way to Victoria, then downstairs to the northbound Victoria Line platform to take dud 11021+022 (I require 14 sets of Victoria Line to clear the 2009 Tube Stock) to Highbury & Islington. As time was not on my side, I decided to take the first northbound train from Victoria, regardless if it was required or not. After exiting Highbury & Islington, it was a short bus ride along Holloway Road to the meeting venue.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]When the meeting ended and after some socialising in the Coronet, it was to Holloway Road underground to board required 870+111 for a westbound run to Kings Cross, then on a westbound Metropolitan Line to Great Portland Street on required 21085+086, then a required Circle Line on 21523+524 to Paddington. Upon arrival at Edgware Road, it was announced that the train would be terminating there and would form a District Line to Wimbledon. As this would be calling at the Praed Street station, it would save me a hike from the Bishops Bridge Road platforms had the Circle Line continued to Hammersmith.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]When I emerged up into the concourse (time approximately 18:30), it was apparent that due to a person being hit by a train, that there was nothing departing as the screens were blank. After hanging about for 15-20 minutes or so, I abandoned a spin on the Heathrow Express Class 332s (I had booked the 90 day Advances a while ago) and decided to switch my attention to south of the Thames. It was to the southbound Bakerloo Line platform to hop on dud 3234+ required 3564 to Regents Park, then on required pair 3241+3540 to Embankment. As it was my intention to continue to Cannon Street and as there was no eastbound trains due to engineering works, I decided to go to Charing Cross to see what was about.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]It was onboard the 19:30 Hastings via Beckenham Junction and Sevenoaks (diverted due to engineering works between Lewisham/Hither Green and Grove Park) formed of required pair 375801+704 for a run to Orpington. As I would be doing various short hops along London, Chatham, & Dover Railway metals hoping to land some required Class 319s, 465s, and 466s and for simplicity, I have listed the moves below similar to linear hops on London Underground with requirements highlighted in bold.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]465019 20:19 Orpington – Petts Wood (scored all of the stations along the Southeastern Railway route from Charing Cross/Cannon Street – Sevenoaks)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]465175+006 20:28 Petts Wood – Kent House[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]465167+015 20:44 Kent House – Bromley South[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]319436 21:00 Bromley South – Ravensbourne[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]319435 21:09 Ravensbourne – Bromley South[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]319459 21:28 Bromley South – Shortlands (I knew that the 5th Blackfriars – Sevenoaks was dud 319445, and the 4th being dud 446, so switched to concentrating on 465/466s)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]465037+466041 21:38 Shortlands – Brixton[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]465166+039 22:02 Brixton – Penge East[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]465197+466020 22:16 Penge East – West Dulwich[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]466041+465037 22:37 West Dulwich – Sydenham Hill[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]465241+163 22:49 Sydenham Hill – Victoria[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]465178+165 23:09 Victoria – Lewisham (it was a rapid dash from Platform 4 to Platform 7 for this train)[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Having left Lewisham station and more or less seeing the Grove Park rail replacement bus sailing along the ring road, I decided to locate the bus stop for the normal buses that run along Lee High Road. After a 15 or so minute wait, it was on the 261 to the Manor Park stop along Lee High Road and a short walk to the accommodation to settle down for the night.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Despite me having abandoned the spin on Heathrow Express Class 332s and not getting any required Class 319s this evening, I have managed to get a few required Class 465s and 466s which is a few less to chase after in the future. I have scored all stations between Charing cross/Cannon Street and Sevenoaks along the Southeastern Railway route, and with the exception of Denmark Hill, Crofton Park (Catford Loop), Swanley, Shoreham, and Otford, I have scored most of the LC&DR route from Victoria to Sevenoaks.[/FONT]

 

[Kite159]

You know you can do the 360s on a travelcard from Paddington to Hayes? It's just the section from Hayes into the tunnels which requires an additional ticket.

The 90day advance fares are more for the Express 332s.

 

[adrock1976]

I knew something did not feel right when typing in a rush. It was the intention to have a spin on the 332s.

I have now fixed the typos.

Regarding the Connect 360s, according to Wikipedia (I know it is not always reliable) I remember reading that 360005 is specially dedicated for the internal shuttle between the terminals. Is that still the case or could it be any of the 5 that do the shuttles?

 

[Techniquest]

Any of the 5 do the shuttles, 360205 escapes regularly onto the normal Connect services. Not had a spin on that in ages, needs to be re-done.

A productive little spin around South East London, an area I cleared for shacks ages ago

 

[adrock1976]

After I had checked out and as I did not fancy the rigmarole of rail replacement buses, I decided to make my way onto the main Lee High Road to see which normal buses would get me close to the Thames if possible. I had noted that there was a bus that runs to New Cross, but was not due for another 12 minutes or so. As I was not that far from Lewisham station and as it was a pleasant morning, I decided to walk along the main road to the station, arriving around 09:35. For something slightly different, I decided to use the Docklands Light Railway as I needed the track between Lewisham and Cutty Sark. I hopped onboard 127+133+118 for the run to Shadwell, crossing over via street level to the Metropolitan Railway/East London Line northbound platform to board the 10:17 to Highbury & Islington, formed of dud 378142. It was a short walk along Holloway Road to my meeting venue.


As my afternoon meeting finished early and as I had 3 and a half hours or so spare, I decided to walk to Holloway Road underground to attempt to reduce my Piccadilly Line requirements. I came up with that plan as it is a damn sight easier to attempt to clear them while they are still in London, rather than attempting it on the Isle of Wight in the future assuming they end up there. It was to the northbound platform to take the first train that happened to be a required pair, and for simplicity, I have listed the moves below with requirements highlighted in bold.


245+102 Holloway Road – Arsenal
235+184 Arsenal – Finsbury Park
216+213 Finsbury Park – Manor House
111+870 Manor House – Turnpike Lane (I only realised this was a dud pair from yesterday as I noted these on a different sheet)
324+135 Turnpike Lane – Wood Green
240+875 Wood Green – Bounds Green
157+878 Bounds Green – Finsbury Park (I switched to head back westbound as the pairs I had going east would start to come back soon)
11093+094 Finsbury Park – Highbury & Islington


It was over to the North London Railway to take the 14:39 ex Stratford formed of required 378219 for a run to Kensal Rise. I decided to bail here (not forgetting to tap the pink reader) as I was using my Oyster PAYG card, which would confuse the system if there is a long time between tapping in and tapping out. It was then onboard the 15:11 ex Stratford formed of required 378212 for a bus stop bash to Willesden Junction, tapping again on the pink reader before making my way to the DC platforms to immediately board a Bakerloo Line formed of required pair 3548+3258 for a northbound run to North Wembley. It was a 10 minute or so fester before hopping on the next northbound Bakerloo Line formed of dud 3563+ required 3263 for a run to Kenton. The next northbound move was on the 15:44 ex Euston – Watford Junction formed of required 378224 to Hatch End, spotting a dud Class 378 that I declined on the southbound departure to Euston a few minutes later. I decided to go for a walk not forgetting to tap the Oyster on the way out.


Having noticed on a map of the local area that Headstone Lane station is roughly a 15 minute walk or so, I decided to take the walk along via the main road to the second roundabout, then walking along Headstone Lane itself to the station, arriving there with 5 minutes to spare. After tapping the Oyster, it was to the southbound platform to board the 16:14 ex Watford Junction – Euston formed of required 378207 for the run all the way to Euston, spotting 08611 at Stonebridge Park, and 92032, 92010, and the Class 313 that is the Network Rail train at Willesden Junction. Arrival at Euston was at 16:46 which was 7 minutes ahead of schedule.


After nipping out to Sainsbury’s to pick up some provisions, it was onboard the 17:05 Liverpool Lime Street formed of dud 390103 for the run to Nuneaton, spotting 66067, 66021, and 66024 hauling containers northbound at Wembley, while 57311 was in the London facing bay platform at Rugby. Having checked the 18:11 Nuneaton – Coventry shuttle were dud pair 153366+375 (I require 153364 to clear the London Midland Class 153 fleet), I declined that to board the 18:09 ex Stansted Airport – Birmingham New Street formed of required 170638. I then boarded the 19:15 ex Euston – Glasgow Central formed of dud 221107+ required 221105 for an uneventful run, typing some trip notes on my phone saving them in .rtf format. During the course of the journey, I had spotted 390020 on the 19:45 Wolverhampton – Euston, 66165 at Arpley Yard (I think it is that one south of Warrington BQ), 66133 in the London facing bay platform at Warrington BQ, and 150269 in the London facing bay platform at Wigan NW. I made my way over to Queen Street to take the bus home (the fare from Central is £2.25, while 2 stops later at Queen Street the fare is £1.40), arriving back in the flat around midnight.


I felt that I have managed to get some more Piccadilly Line requirements reduced when my afternoon meeting finished early, plus I have reduced some Class 378 requirements as well. Although my final London Midland Class 153 was not on the Nuneaton – Coventry shuttle, I got a required XC Class 170 and a required VTWC Class 221 as well which was a surprise, as I only require 4 of each of the VTWC Voyagers and Class 390s.

 

[Techniquest]

Some rather good progress made there all in all, the way you're going you'll clear the South East soon enough!

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a good couple productive days in London

You are a braver man than me doing deep level LU bashing in this warm weather!

 

[adrock1976]

Intro


As I covered most of the track of the Valley Lines network (with the exception of Coryton – Radyr and Barry Town – Bridgend via Rhoose as I abandoned those this time last year due to delays), I decided to visit some stations near the top end of the Rhymney Railway (as the frequency north of Bargoed is every 60 minutes), and also the section between Dinas Rhondda and Treherbert. I would also be doing Crosskeys – Ebbw Vale Parkway and would then take a short cut across to the Rhymney Railway via the bus to Hengoed. Furthermore, as this is also the week of the Royal Welsh Show, I would be making use of the additional Cardiff Central – Builth Road via Swansea District Railway and Hendy Junction additional working so as to score some of the tricky to get stations on the Central Wales Railway/Heart of Wales line (in particular the ones where there are no buses nearby that provide friendly connections or are none existent). I would be basing myself in Cardiff with the accommodation being the Nosda hostel next to the Taff and a short walk from Cardiff Central station. Of note, as I had already done the maths, the Rover worked out better value combined with the Virgin Trains West Coast recent promotion that had low fares between Glasgow and Preston/Crewe, with me simply requiring the former Saver Return between Crewe and Shrewsbury to join the split combination up.




Day 1 Outward bound to Cardiff via Shrewsbury and Llandovery 24 July


It was an early rise and setting off for Glasgow Central just after 05:00 for the bus to take me on the run there, I went over to Platform 4 to take a look at the 05:50 London Euston via Birmingham and as suspected was a dud Class 221 that I would meet later at Preston for the run to Crewe (221113). It was to Platform 2 for the 05:40 London Euston via Trent Valley Railway formed of dud 390126 for the southbound run to Lancaster, spotting 92023 at Carstairs ready to haul the Edinburgh portion of the sleeper. 66137, 66304, various Class 37s and a few Class 68s were at Kingmoor, 57304 in the goods loop west of Platform 1 at Carlisle, and 185146 on the 07:2x Oxenholme – Windermere shuttle. After bailing at Lancaster, it was a short fester before boarding the 07:48 ex Barrow in Furness – Manchester Airport formed of required 185138 for the run to Preston, spotting 319383 just to the north of the station in the sidings near Fylde Junction where the line from Blackpool converges.


It was over to Platform 3 for the 08:17 ex Glasgow Central – London Euston via Birmingham formed of as expected dud 221113 that I noted earlier on for the run to Crewe, spotting 150110 on a northbound Blackpool North and 319380 on a local all stations to Liverpool Lime Street at Wigan North Western. After bailing at Crewe, the observations were that 350107 was on the 09:01 London Euston via Stoke-on-Trent and Trent Valley Railway, 92028 was performing a light engine shunt into Platform 8, 150279 (dud) was sitting in Platform 7 on the 09:14 Swansea via Llandovery (that I would meet up with later on), 153313 on the 09:07 Derby, 323238 (the famous Class 323 out of the Manchester fleet that took me 5 different attempts to get it for haulage in 2016 so as to clear the class) on the 09:38 Manchester Piccadilly via Manchester Airport local, and 390129 on the 09:09 ex London Euston – Edinburgh Waverley. It is noted that these observations were within a less than ten minute spell here.


A platform alteration was announced so having made my way from Platform 5 to Platform 6 via the footbridge at the London end of the platform, it was soon onboard the 09:08 ex Manchester Piccadilly – Milford Haven formed of required 175101 for a run to Ludlow via Shrewsbury, spotting 68031, 68008, and a Class 37 at Gresty Bridge soon after departing Crewe. After bailing at Ludlow, it was over to the northbound platform for the 10:18 ex Milford Haven – Manchester Piccadilly formed of required 175109 to go the short hop countryside style to Craven Arms. Remaining on the same platform (I already griced the crossover from the southbound track at the signalbox to the northbound platform back in 2015) it was soon onboard the 10:37 ex Crewe – Swansea via Llandovery formed of as confirmed dud 150279 for the run to Bynea, with some Sprinter thrash in the mix too. Of note, arrival at Llandrindod Wells was on time at 11:43, meaning that there would be a 17 minute wait here for the 12:01 ex Swansea – Shrewsbury (153362) to pass due to the single track sections. I took advantage of a leg stretch here during the layover, so could be interpreted as half a mark for scoring this station. I had also made a note of what was on the Cardiff Central – Builth Road and return working just before arriving into the station, with them being a dud 153 and a required 150 that I would be meeting up with later on.


Having bailed at Bynea, I made my way to the bus stop on the main road near the railway bridge and hopped on the 111 that was operated by First Bus to take me to the White Lion. Or so I thought, as it is no longer called the White Lion but something else (I cannot remember the name). It is one of these rare instances where a pub has changed its name. Anyway, as I planned this and the next leg of the journey to Llangennech by using Google Maps, it shown me a shortcut from the main road to a side street north of the main road called “Dwyfor”. As I had 15 minutes to find it, I did eventually find a side street with a bus stop, however, I realised that after I saw and heard the bus turn the corner when I was walking back to the main road with me having had gone past the road I was meant to turn into on my way up. I decided to attempt to make a run for it, but to no avail as it had already pulled away. It was back to the main road and decided to head back to Bynea station on the next bus that would come along.


It was a 10 minute or so fester for the 14:56 ex Swansea – Crewe and the return of dud 150279 to take me to the request stop of Sugar Loaf Halt, which is practically a raised hump that serves as the platform with local door operation to board or alight the train. Not surprisingly, I was the only passenger who alighted here with nobody boarding. During the 15 minute or so fester here, I went up to the main A40 road and as confirmed, there did not appear to be any bus stops nearby. Furthermore, there appears to be no pavement, and as there is fast moving traffic which includes very large arctic trucks, I would not recommend walking along to the next station Cynghordy if anybody was thinking of scoring both stations at the same time from the Shrewsbury side. Having signed the visitor book that is inside the shelter on the platform, it was onboard the 16:29 ex Shrewsbury – Swansea formed of a very busy and required 153362 for the southbound run to Ffairfach.


After the train departed, it was over the level crossing for a gentle walk up the hill into the centre of Llandeilo, passing a signpost for the nearby village of Bethlehem south of the River Towey. Stopping off at a convenience store to pick up something cold and wet, it was a gentle stroll downhill to Llandeilo station for a 75 minute fester. During this time, I took the opportunity to drink my cold and wet juice, to tuck into some sandwiches I had prepared the previous evening, and to rearrange the contents of my rucksack. It was onboard the slightly delayed 19:21 ex Swansea – Shrewsbury formed of as expected fresh dud 153362 for the run to Llandovery (I had intended to bail at Llangadog, but fancied a roll of the dice, with a bonus of a get out of jail free card of a 70 minute fester). Having positioned myself at the front door, it was immediately a rapid sprint across to the opposite platform via the level crossing (there being no footbridge at Llandovery) for the 19:46 ex Builth Road – Cardiff Central via Hendy Junction and Swansea District Railway formed of dud 153303+ required 150227 for the run to Cardiff Central. Arrival at Port Talbot Parkway was at 21:09 with a departure time of 21:22, but had departed 9 minutes early as the signallers had put this train in front of the 19:14 ex Milford Haven – Cardiff that would be due at Port Talbot Parkway at 21:16. Anyway, it was some excellent Sprinter thrash all the way to Cardiff, calling at Pyle and Bridgend/Pen-y-bont, spotting 66115 at Margam. Arrival at Cardiff Central was 9 minutes early at 21:53.


I made my way over to Platform 6 for the 22:01 ex Penarth – Caerffili formed of required 143625 for a short hop round the corner to Cardiff Queen Street. Making my way over to Platform 1 to see what was on the 22:12 Cardiff Bay shuttle, I was rewarded with required 153353 so hopped onboard for a run to the Bay and back. It was over to Platform 4 for the 22:25 ex Radyr – Coryton formed of dud 153312 for the run to Coryton and back to Cardiff Central, scoring my first bit of new track that I abandoned last summer as the intended train got cancelled due to the Valley Lines network running haywire. Of note, I only require Ninian Park – Radyr, and Barry Town – Bridgend via Rhoose to have covered all of the Valley Lines network. Anyway, after arriving at Cardiff Central, I exited the station and swung a left then crossed over the Taff to walk along the embankment to the accommodation to check in and settle for the evening.


Overall, I have managed to score some awkward stations along the Heart of Wales line and have made use of the extra Builth Road – Cardiff Central working. It was a pity that I mucked up slightly with the second leg of the bus move between Bynea and Llangennech, but would have made it if it was the next side street along off the main road I went up instead of the one I initially went up. I can get Llangennech another time maybe on a bus move from Llanelli in the future.


Stay tuned for the next installment.

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a productive first day in Wales

 

[adrock1976]

Day 2 – Ebbw Vale, Rhymney Railway, and other bits 25 July


I had a good night’s sleep and after having an early rise for some breakfast and to fill up a couple of flasks with tea, I set out at 09:15 for the short walk to the station. It was to Platform 0 for the 09:34 Ebbw Vale Town formed of dud 150245 for the run to Ebbw Vale Parkway with a thrashy run to Ebbw Junction, spotting 66154 facing London at Alexandra Dock, Newport. It was a short fester of 10 minutes or so for the 10:40 Cardiff Central and the return of 150245 to take me south and downhill to Crosskeys. It was immediately over to the northbound platform via underneath the roadbridge for the 11:06 ex Cardiff formed of required 150280 to Llanhilleth, and back on the same train at 11:48 to go back downhill to Newbridge.


Having made my way to the bus stop via the evil looking footbridge, I hopped onboard the 151 operated by Stagecoach due at 12:05 to take me along the main road to a junction called Plaza, where there is a road that is signposted for Ystrad Mynach. After alighting from the bus, it was a short walk along the main road to the bus stop at the next junction where the Tredegar Junction pub is to board the 11 operated by Harris Coaches that was due at 12:18. I was expecting to pay a cash fare for this leg, as according to the Arriva Trains Wales website, Harris Coaches are not listed in the bus operators section for the Rovers although that webpage is dated 2014. However, the driver gladly accepted my rover, therefore I continued the next leg of the journey to the large viaduct at Hengoed station (the stop after the big Tesco) and made my way uphill to the southbound platform switching my attention to the section of the Rhymney Railway.


As the rest of my moves for the remainder of the afternoon have picked up the pace and for simplicity and easy readability, I have listed the moves similar to as how myself and other trip reporters do for linear hops on London Underground, with requirements highlighted in bold below.


150241 12:40 (delayed 3 minutes) Hengoed – Ystrad Mynach
150259 12:49 (delayed 2 minutes) Ystrad Mynach – Pontlottyn
150259 13:30 Pontlottyn – Pengam
150257 13:55 Pengam – Tir-phil


I got lucky with the train arriving on time and having walked to the bus stop, the 3 operated by Stagecoach arrived less than half a minute later (due 14:09, train arrived 14:07). The driver seemed to be confused with my rover (bearing in mind it was issued at Glasgow Queen Street station) and after examining it very closely, eventually accepted it therefore I had a short run along Station Terrace to Brithdir. I walked down Charles Street to the station platform for a 20 minute or so fester before returning to metal boxes attached to metal wheels that run on metal rails.


150257 14:37 Brithdir – Aber (arrive 15:07)
142002+142083 15:08 (delayed 3 minutes) Aber – Llanbradach
142081+143606 15:16 (delayed 1 minute) Llanbradach – Energlyn & Churchill Park
150251 15:25 Energlyn & Churchill Park – Bargoed (I originally intended to bail at Gilfach Fargoed, but remained onboard to score the northbound to southbound crossover on the approach to Bargoed, which unknown to me would backfire)


I walked from Bargoed to Gilfach Fargoed (Gilfach Fargoed has a frequency of every 60 minutes, the same as the stations north of Bargoed) for the 16:19 Penarth. When I checked the screen, it was showing as being delayed by 15 minutes, meaning that it would scupper my intended plan to catch the 17:04 from Cardiff Central to Gowerton, then the Shrewsbury via Llandovery that would be behind it for a run to Llangadog (instead of Llandovery as I did that yesterday). Having glanced at the screen on the opposite platform and checking online, it would have made no difference if I walked back to Bargoed as it would be the same train that was presently delayed. There appeared to have been a 20 minute delay around Grangetown, with the automated announcements attributing it to a train fault or a broken down train.


The 16:19 was now 9 minutes behind schedule when it arrived, and was formed of required 142010+ dud 143604 to take me south somewhere, while keeping an eye to see if any further time can be made up both online and the station screens. Having worked out after departing Llanishen that the train would arrive at Cardiff Central at 17:04 and with the ex Manchester Piccadilly – Tenby running to time, I realised that it would be highly unlikely that I would make the connection so decided to switch to some bits that I was intending to do tomorrow. I decided to bail at Heath High Level and took the short walk round the corner to Heath Low Level to see how the Radyr – Coryton via Ninian Park how heavily disrupted (or cancelled as I believe that these are the most likely trains to be cancelled so as to recover the service basing it on previous experience, although unscientific). The 16:54 ex Coryton was 10 minutes delayed, as was the 17:00 ex Radyr – Coryton according to the screen. Of note, it was my intention to walk between Whitchurch (Glamorgan) and Rhiwbina later on this evening, and between Birchgrove and Ty Glas Thursday morning, but as I was already here I decided to clear this section this evening.


Having made a note of the delayed 16:54 Radyr which was a required Class 143, the delayed 17:00 Coryton soon rolled in formed of an unexpected reappearance of dud 142083 (there must have been a set swap during the course of the afternoon) for a short run to Whitchurch and deciding not to walk to Rhiwbina due to the trains running haywire, awaited the return of the same train that was due at 17:16 now seven minutes delayed for a short run to Ty Glas. During the short fester here, I noted that there used to be double track at one time, and may be useful if it ever got reinstated so as to avoid cancellations (according to the Real Time Trains website, there were no Radyr – Coryton via Ninian Park trains for over 2 hours earlier on) and heavy delays due to the present day single track section between Heath Junction and Coryton. Plus there may be scope to double the frequency to every 15 minutes. Alternatively, it depends on whether some members of the Senedd can make their minds up on whether to totally electrify the Valley Lines network or to bring back trams.


Anyway, it was onboard the 7 minutes delayed 17:33 Coryton formed of a very heavily loaded dud 153312 for a short run to Rhiwbina, and back on the same train at 17:33 that was delayed by 7 minutes for a short run to Heath Low Level. It was a couple of minutes before boarding the 6 minutes delayed 18:00 formed of required 143616 that I noted earlier for a short run to Birchgrove, with a less than 15 minute fester to await the return of the same train that was due at 18:20 now only a couple of minutes behind schedule. I decided to remain onboard all the way to Radyr via Ninian Park so as to score that section of track that I abandoned last summer. I had also made a note of what was on the Cardiff QS – Bay shuttle, which was a dud dogbox meaning that I do not have to come back this way at all later on. After arriving at Radyr, I noted that the 18:53 ex Merthyr Tydfil – Cardiff Central via Llandaf was 7 minutes delayed, so positioned myself on the footbridge to see if it was required. When I saw that it was a dud Class 150, I declined that and went back to Platform 3 to reboard 143616 that was on the 19:04 Cardiff Central via Ninian Park.


Making my way from Platform 4 to Platform 7 at Cardiff Central, it was onboard the 19:25 ex Aberdare – Barry Island formed of required 142073+ dud 143602 for a run to Cadoxton, having cleared all stations between Cardiff Central and Penarth/Barry Island. I had intended to have a 15 minute fester here as the 19:57 Bridgend via Rhoose would be the next train behind, which according to the screen was 5 minutes behind schedule. Having a quick look at the screen on the opposite platform, I noted that the 19:36 ex Barry Island – Caerffili was 15 minutes delayed. Having worked it out from the timetable, I would have been unable to do a short hop to Dinas Powys to meet the Bridgend train there. What’s more, it was a required Class 150 I let go when I saw it pull in and knowing that I would not get across to the opposite platform in time. After the train departed, I looked up at the screen on the Barry platform, and noted that the 19:57 Bridgend was now 10 minutes delayed meaning that I could have met it at Dinas Powys. How I felt like tearing my hair out, or what bit I have got left having recently had a very short haircut a couple of weeks ago.


It was onboard the aforementioned 10 minutes delayed 19:57 ex Merthyr Tydfil – Bridgend via Rhoose formed of dud 150227 for the run all the way to Bridgend, finally scoring the Barry Town – Bridgend section of track that I abandoned last summer. After arrival at Bridgend, it was over to the adjacent Platform 1 for the 20:45 ex London Paddington – Swansea/Abertawe formed of dud pair 43197+43131 for a run to Neath/Castell-nedd so as to score that station properly as it is an Intercity station. It was over to the London platform for the 21:09 ex Milford Haven – Cardiff Central formed of dud 175110 for the short run to Port Talbot Parkway to see what was on the 21:22 ex Builth Road – Cardiff Central extra that I had intended to pick up at Llangadog. Around 5 minutes later, I was rewarded with dud 150267+ required 150217 for some Sprinter thrash to Bridgend, where I bailed to board the 21:41 ex Cheltenham Spa – Maesteg formed much to my surprise of required 158833 for a run to the penultimate stop Maesteg Ewenny Road. It was around 10 minutes later for the same train to return on the 22:17 for the run to Cardiff Central arriving a few minutes early at 23:05 to bring the day’s action to an end.


Overall, despite not making the 17:04 from Cardiff so as to enable me to take a run to Llangadog, I managed to switch to some bits that I had intended to do for tomorrow. I have finally managed to clear the missing bits of track of the Valley Lines network that I abandoned last summer. Furthermore, I have visited the stations between Crosskeys and Ebbw Vale Town, and Aber – Rhymney along the Rhymney Railway, plus managed to get a required Sprinter on the Builth Road – Cardiff Central extra working toady.


Stay tuned for Day 3 and Day 4.

 

[Kite159]

Harsh on missing out on Llangadog and some delays, but good going knocking down the shacks in the Cardiff area

 

[adrock1976]

Day 3 – The Rhondda and some Heart of Wales bits 26 July


As I had already completed some sections yesterday evening that I had intended to do around lunchtime today due to being delayed on my way to Cardiff Central yesterday early evening, I had worked out that by bringing forward my start time by 30 minutes, this would enable me to fit in both Llanwrda (that I was intending to do this evening) and Llangadog that I had set out to do yesterday. Furthermore, I would also be able to fit in Llangennech that I had missed out on doing on Monday as well. After a reasonable night’s sleep and after having had breakfast, I filled up my flasks with some tea and set off just after 08:15 for the walk to Central station.


I made my way over to Platform 6 and being as I was slightly early, this gave me a chance to see if the 08:31 ex Penarth – Bargoed was required. Having checked my sheet of requirements, I hopped onboard required 142080 for the short run round the corner to Queen Street, and having noted that the Bay shuttle was a dud dogbox (153312), it meant that I would not have to stop off here again for that today. Making my way over to Platform 5, it was onboard the 08:40 ex Cardiff Central – Treherbert via Llandaf formed of dud pair 142069+143622 for a run to Treorchy arriving at 09:31. After bailing here, I made my way over the river to the bus stop at the Prince of Wales for a 5 minute fester to board the 120 operated by Stagecoach (due 09:43) for the short run to Ton Pentre station. Of note, the bus turns off the main road and the bus stop for Ton Pentre station is on the railway bridge.


Having walked to the platform and briefly taking shelter from the heavy showers (the previous 2 days were boiling hot), it was soon back onboard 143622+142069 on the 09:53 ex Treherbert – Cardiff Central for a bus stop bash to Ystrad Rhondda. Of note, as the trains are timetabled to pass each other within a few minutes of each other here and due to the single track sections, the southbound train normally arrives first. Having positioned myself near the centre of the train, I was not far from the footbridge to immediately take me over to the opposite platform. A few moments later, it was onboard the 09:59 ex Cardiff Central – Treherbert formed of dud pair 142002+150236 for the run to Ynyswen and back to Cardiff Central on the same train due at 10:19. This is one of the weird workings that upon arrival at Porth, the train has a 15 minute layover before continuing south as far as Radyr, then running non stop to Cardiff central via Ninian Park vice Llandaf. Furthermore, I have unintentionally griced the crossover from the southbound track into Platform 2 at Radyr. Upon passing Canton depot, 67029 “Diamond Jubilee” and 66414 that was facing London were spotted.


Making my way over to Platform 3 for the 11:38 ex Manchester Piccadilly – Milford Haven it was onboard dud 175114 for a run to Pembrey & Burry Port via Swansea/Abertawe. It was over to the London platform for the 13:23 ex Carmarthen – Manchester Piccadilly formed of dud 175002 for a run to Gowerton, having finally at the third attempt scoring this station. It was over to the westbound platform for the 13:48 ex Manchester Piccadilly – Carmarthen formed of required 175106 for another run to Pembrey & Burry Port. After picking up some provisions from the Co-op store, it was to the London platform for the 14:23 ex Milford Haven – Manchester Piccadilly formed of dud 175008 for the short run to Llanelli. Having taken the chance to nip to the lavatory, I gently made my way to the westbound platform via Great Western Crescent and the level crossing for my next move.


It was then onboard the 14:53 ex Swansea – Crewe via Llandovery formed of dud 150230 for the run to Llanwrda, arriving at 15:45. Making my way to the main A40 to walk to Llangadog, I noted that there was a long pavement heading west so walked along that. Much to my surprise, the pavement abruptly ran out 10 minutes or so later and having had a look at the traffic flow, I decided to turn back as even though I would be facing oncoming traffic, there are large trucks, farm vehicles, Chelsea Tractors. Looking at the map of the area, that section of the A40 is also multiplexed with the A482 from Llandeilo for part of that section as well. Having had a quick look at the tiny village, it was a gentle saunter back to the station for a 25 minute fester for the 16:54 ex Shrewsbury – Swansea formed of dud 150253 for the run to Llangennech.


As I had over an hour here, I decided to go for a wander to the main road. I had noted that the bus stops are not very clearly labeled with hardly any visual clues of the physical presence of there being any buses that run there. The only signs of a physical presence is a road marking in the Llanelli direction near the Old Bridge. No signpost, no timetables, nothing at all. Had I managed to successfully make the second bus from the side road the other day, the chances are I might have gone past the intended stop as there was no physical presence of anything like a bus stop heading in the Pontarddulais direction. I made my way back to the station to see 66019 hauling what appeared to be large metal bearings towards the Swansea District Railway direction at around 18:10.


The 18:51 ex Swansea – Shrewsbury eventually arrived and it was back on 150253 for the run to Llangadog. After a 25 minute or so fester, it was onboard the 19:59 ex Builth Road – Cardiff Central via Hendy Junction and Swansea District Railway on required 150264 for a run to Bridgend, being held at Briton Ferry after arriving 10 minutes early to allow the Milford Haven – Cardiff Central (due Port Talbot Parkway 21:16) to pass. It was then onboard the 21:42 ex Maesteg – Cardiff Central via Ninian Park formed of dud 158825, gricing the crossover from the London bound track to the westbound track just before Leckwith Junction. Having a quick eyeball to see if anything was required on the Valley Lines network for a quick hop to either Grangetown or Queen Street, I settled for the 22:35 ex Penarth – Rhymney formed of dud 143610+ required 150260 for the short hop to Queen Street, returning back to Central (after declining the 15 minutes delayed 22:31 ex Rhymney – Penarth as it was dud) on the 10 minutes delayed 22:41 ex Caerffili – Cardiff Central on dud 143606 to bring today’s action to an end.


Overall, even though I did not get many requirements haulage wise considering I was venturing over to the Heart of Wales line this afternoon, by bringing forward my start time today by 30 minutes, I was still able to spend the morning concentrating on the Rhondda as intended. I have also unintentionally griced the southbound crossover into Platform 2 at Radyr, plus I have visited the tricky stations on the Heart of Wales line that I had intended to do these few days.


Stay tuned for the final installment.

 

[Kite159]

Some more stations into your book

Good to know about that walk from Llanwrda to Llangadog being avoidable

 

[adrock1976]

Great Western Railway bits and homeward bound 27 July


Being as today is my final day of this bashing trip, I decided to score some stations along various parts of Great Western Railway metals heading on my way back home. After having had some breakfast and filling up the flasks with some tea, I had set off for Central station just after 09:00. As I had around 90 minutes or so spare, I decided to head over to Platform 6 to see if anything required was on the Valley Lines network. First up was the 09:26 ex Barry Island – Merthyr Tydfil formed of required 150281 where I was intending to bail at Cathays. Upon glancing at the screen on the opposite platform and noted that the 09:39 ex Treherbert – Cardiff central had been cancelled, I remained onboard to the next stop Llandaf (might as well as it is another “Llan” station ticked off). It was over to the opposite platform for the 09:41 ex Aberdare – Barry Island formed of dud 150257 for the run to Cardiff QS.


Having noted that the Bay shuttle was dud 153303, I declined that and went to the adjacent Platform 4 for the 09:50 ex Penarth – Bargoed formed of dud 150259 for a run to Caerffili. Making my way over to the southbound platform it was soon onboard the 10:10 ex Rhymney – Penarth formed of required 150242 to Cardiff QS. With the 10:31 ex Coryton – Radyr being dud, I declined that for the 10:36 ex Merthyr Tydfil – Bridgend via Rhoose formed of required 142082+ dud 142081 for the short hop round the corner to Cardiff Central, unintentionally scoring the grice into the recently built Platform 8.


Making my way over to Platform 1, I had spotted 66037 hauling covered wagons in the London direction along the centre tracks between Platforms 1-2 and 3-4 before spotting a required pair of Arriva Crosscountry Class 170s in Platform 1 on the 10:45 Nottingham. As it was my intention to board the 10:50 ex Fishguard Harbour – Manchester Piccadilly, I could pick that up at Newport instead. It was onboard required 170114+170522 for the run to Newport, spotting 66107, 66086, 66119, and another Class 66 at Alexandra Dock on the approach to Newport. Remaining on the same platform, it was onboard the aforementioned Manchester due 11:04, formed of required 175111 for a run to Leominster. It was over to the southbound platform for the slightly delayed 12:18 ex Manchester Piccadilly – Milford Haven formed of dud 175010 for the short countryside hop to Hereford to see what Class 150 was on the 12:39 Birmingham NS via Bromsgrove.


Having saw required 150105 in Platform 3, I hopped onboard for the intention of having a run to Ledbury, and back to Hereford on the 12:59 ex Birmingham NS. As the train was held for a couple of minutes to allow some passengers to cross the footbridge, and as I would have 2 minutes at Ledbury to get from the Birmingham platform to the Hereford platform, combined with being unsure if there was a footbridge between the platforms at Ledbury (I could not get an internet connection in time to check the National Rail Enquiries website), I decided not to chance it as it would be 60 minutes at Ledbury for the next train to Hereford as I was wanting to do some linear hops along the Shrewsbury & Birmingham Railway later on, leaving the required Sprinter behind. Of note, I checked the Real Time Trains website later on during the afternoon, and found that I would have been able to have had a run to Ledbury, as the 12:59 ex Birmingham was a few minutes delayed on arrival. I can attempt the search for 150105 on a Birmingham – Hereford working next time I am at New Street, and can meet it at Bromsgrove, as I require the present day 2016 site of the station, plus I would get some decent thrash up the Lickey Incline as well.


Anyway, it was onboard the 13:08 ex Milford Haven – Manchester Piccadilly formed of dud 175106 (that I had yesterday) for the northbound run to Shrewsbury. Now switching to my alternative plan had the Class 150 at Hereford had been dud, it was to Platform 3 to be onboard the 14:25 ex Birmingham International – Holyhead via Wrexham formed of dud 158831 (from the 12:30 ex Aberystwyth – Shrewsbury short working) + dud 158836+ required 158820 from Birmingham International that I took for the run to Gobowen for Oswestry. As this train was unusually a 6 coach formation, the guard walked though clarifying where passengers were going, and as I was leaving at the next stop, I made my way to the centre of the train as it would be local door operation only. Having bailed here, it was immediately over the level crossing (there is no footbridge between platforms) to the London platform (the Shrewsbury & Chester Railway and the Shrewsbury & Birmingham Railway were part of the Great Western Railway route from London Paddington to Birkenhead Woodside)having noted that the former bay platform for the shuttle to neighbouring Oswestry now disused and the track partially having been lifted. It was onboard the 14:53 ex Holyhead – Maesteg formed of required 175112 to take me back to Shrewsbury.


Having crossed from Platform 4 to the adjacent Platform 7, it was onboard the 15:24 London Euston formed of dud 221116 for a hop to Wellington Telford West. Remaining on the same platform, it was on the 15:46 ex Aberystwyth and Pwllheli – Birmingham International formed of required pair 158840+158823 to Telford Central, then a 15 minute fester for the 16:08 ex Shrewsbury – Birmingham NS formed of required 170516+ dud 170507 for the run to Albrighton. I made my way over the footbridge to the Birkenhead platform for a 15 minute fester for the 16:38 ex Birmingham NS – Shrewsbury formed of a gradually busy and dud 170633 to Shifnal. Having had a brief wander around town, it was back to the station for the 17:13 ex Shrewsbury – Birmingham NS formed of required 170511 to Cosford, and after a 20 minute fester it was to Shrewsbury onboard the 17:41 ex Birmingham NS formed of as expected the return of a very busy 170507+516 from earlier.


After alighting at Shrewsbury, I had an eyeball at the screen to see which platform my intended 18:30 ex Swansea – Crewe would be departing from. I was greeted with the message that trains would be delayed due to a vehicle striking a level crossing in the Craven Arms area. I immediately boarded the 20 minutes delayed 17:53 ex Milford Haven – Manchester Piccadilly formed of required 175009 for a run to Whitchurch (Shropshire). Of note, had I had been feeling creative when planning this trip, I could have tried fitting in a big detour so as to visit the Whitchurch in Hampshire so as to complete the trio of Whitchurch stations. Rather wishful thinking, but I have scored two out of three anyway. During the fester here at the Shropshire Whitchurch, I briefly checked online and the timetable poster to see if the intended 19:13 ex Carmarthen – Manchester Piccadilly called at Nantwich, and lo and behold it does indeed. It was onboard the slightly delayed 18:58 ex Swansea – Crewe (that I had intended to pick up at Shrewsbury) formed of what seems to be a stalker and dud 150253 for a short run to Nantwich arriving at 19:15.


The 19:23 ex Milford Haven – Manchester Piccadilly according to the screen was showing as expected at 19:30, then 19:35, then 19:41. Eventually, the screen settled with the train being expected at 19:36 and having decided against nipping into the nearby Morrisons to pick up some provisions, I decided to stay put in case the expected time of arrival changes to an earlier time. The train arrived 15 minutes behind schedule, with required 175103 taking me the short run to Crewe, spotting 66304, 37605, some Class 68s, and another Class 37 at Gresty Bridge. When the train paused on the flyover on the approach to Crewe station, it was announced that the train would be terminating at Crewe due to someone being hit by a train in the Crewe area. The train terminated in Platform 8 arriving 19:46 behind 175007 that I saw going through Nantwich non stop earlier. 66304+37259 were passing along the centre track light engine between Platforms 5 and 6 southbound, with 350254 in Platform 7. Passengers for Wilmslow, Stockport, and Manchester were advised that the next Manchester train would be the 19:50 from Platform 1 – the local all stations service.


Having briefly nipped out of the station to the Tesco store at the garage near the Weston Road roundabout, I made my way to Platform 11 for the 20:09 ex London Euston – Glasgow Central first stopping off at the lavatory. It was announced that there was a platform alteration and that it would be departing from Platform 12, as the 19:56 ex London Euston – Holyhead and Wrexham General was already in Platform 11 and not really going anywhere. From what I could make out, passengers for Chester were being advised to join the 20:09 Glasgow Central to Warrington Bank Quay and change for the 20:26 ex Manchester Piccadilly – Chester. It was onboard the aforementioned 20:09 formed of dud 390107, with the guard announcing on the approach to Warrington BQ that any Chester passengers to make their way immediately to Platform 1 as the 20:26 was being held. It was a Class 158, with 66606 being spotted hauling Tarmac Buxton Lime and Cement wagons in the London direction, and 90036 in the bay platform facing London. At Wigan North Western, 156461 was in one of the London facing bay platforms and 319380 was on a Liverpool Lime Street local, while at Carlisle dogboxes 153358+332 were on the last Whitehaven departure. Rather surprisingly, arrival at Glasgow central was on schedule, meaning that I could get the 23:34 ex Dumbarton Central – Springburn from Queen Street with 318260 taking me home to Barnhill.


Regarding the whole trip, I had achieved what I had set out to do during those few days in Wales, although not necessarily in the order I had planned to do so. I have also completed all missing bits of track of the Valley Lines network that I abandoned last summer due to various delays. Although I let a required London Midland Sprinter slip away from me today at Hereford, by using my alternative plan had it turned out to be dud, I still got a required Sprinter out of it when I had a run to Gobowen for Oswestry. Also, I have done all stations along the heavy rail section of the Shrewsbury & Birmingham Railway, only leaving me with the Midland Metro tram stops (except Wolverhampton St Georges and Birmingham Snow Hill, as I done the end to end route not long after it opened in 1999, and Jewellery Quarter and The Hawthorns on the heavy rail section). I only require Chirk on the Shrewsbury & Chester Railway to have completed the Wolverhampton – Birkenhead section of the former Great Western Railway route from London Paddington to Birkenhead Woodside. I have also unintentionally managed to score Nantwich as a bonus owing to some unexpected delays and good fortune being on my side. I may be back next summer to take advantage again of the extra Cardiff Central – Builth Road extra if I have not cleared all of the Arriva Trains Wales fleet of Sprinters by then.

I'll end with some trivia as I have made references to the Great Western Railway. My most northerly station that has not yet been visited is Frodsham, the most southerly being Penmere, the most westerly being Carbis Bay, and rather surprisingly the most easterly being Acton Main Line.

 

[Kite159]

Apart from that 150 slipping from your grip, sounded like a good day, scoring a bonus shack between Shrewsbury & Crewe due to delays.

 

[Keith Jarrett]

Adam

An impressive few days spent wandering around Wales knocking out a fistful of shacks - shame about the delays but that can be the fun of bashing.

And you list of required shacks cannot be too bad given the summary you gave at the end of your report but I guess that Cornwall is on your list to visit?

 

[Techniquest]

Wow there was some good fortune in your adventure around Wales! Lots of scores and lots of shacks, although I find it bizarre how you call Wellington Telford West

 

[adrock1976]

Some more stations into your book

Good to know about that walk from Llanwrda to Llangadog being avoidable

I would not recommend cycling either between them due to how busy that main road was.

Apart from that 150 slipping from your grip, sounded like a good day, scoring a bonus shack between Shrewsbury & Crewe due to delays.

Ideally I would like to pick it up at the 2016 site of Bromsgrove heading towards Birmingham. Much better thrash up the Lickey Incline in a Sprinter than a Class 170, where it sounds like the engine is going to cut out, give up, and go home.

Of note, I have also had a Class 47+ Mk II and the IC125 with the original Valenta engines screaming up the Lickey Incline back in the late 1980s/early 90s on a Cheltenham - Birmingham NS non stop run. I never got the chance to do the Lickey Incline in a Class 115/116/121 though, which I regret in some ways.

Adam

An impressive few days spent wandering around Wales knocking out a fistful of shacks - shame about the delays but that can be the fun of bashing.

And you list of required shacks cannot be too bad given the summary you gave at the end of your report but I guess that Cornwall is on your list to visit?

I should have made it clear that the reference to Great Western Railway was not the present day TOC, but the former and vast empire it had before nationalisation.

I may have mentioned this a long time ago in one of the previous reports in that as I am originally from the West Midlands, Cradley Heath was my local station. This was on the Stourbridge Railway, although not beautiful, exotic, or sexy, it provided an essential link between the Oxford, Worcester, & Wolverhampton Railway at Stourbridge Junction and the Shrewsbury & Birmingham Railway at The Hawthorns. This meant that you could go either route to London Paddington.

Still on the topic of GWR routes, I still to this day have a copy of the poster that was printed by the British Railways Board detailling the GWR routes. I purchased that at the Birmingham Railway Museum next door to Tyseley station back in 1989.

Wow there was some good fortune in your adventure around Wales! Lots of scores and lots of shacks, although I find it bizarre how you call Wellington Telford West

It was a flashback to when I previously done that line back in 1990. The Solaris mechanical flapper boards at Birmingham New Street had it as Wellington Telford West, although I think it may have been a suffix I believe so as to attract business passengers who were requiring the west side of Telford. This was when the Intercity trains from London Euston to Shrewsbury were slightly more frequent than today, which were dragged by a Class 47 from Wolverhampton after the DVTs were fitted at the London end of the train circa 1988.

I also remember other destinations and calling points that sounded exotic and sexy at the time. There was Poole, Grimsby Town, Cleethorpes (the reality when I first visited those places in 2016 seemed far from exotic - it is even reflected in the three letter code for Poole station), Norwich, Ipswich, Harwich Parkeston Quay (for the connection with the Hoek van Holland ferry).

 

[adrock1976]

Intro


As I had a couple of vouchers to use up from some Delay Repay claims, I decided to use them for the Freedom of the Severn & Solent Rover. Having also sorted out a combination of split tickets, all that was required was to book some accommodation. I had intended to base myself in Bristol similar to last year, but the prices seemed a bit extortionate this time round. Having searched around, I settled upon basing myself in Cardiff as the prices were reasonable. The accommodation being the Nosda hostel at the junction of Fitzallen Embankment and Despenser Street along the Taff – the same place where I stayed a few weeks ago when I was on the Explore South Wales Rover.


Day 1 – Outward bound and warm up session 10 August


It was an early rise after having had power naps type of sleep owing to the adrenaline and knowing that I needed to be on a certain train. It was out of the door at 05:10 for the walk to the main Springburn Road for the number 10 bus to Glasgow Central. Of note, this may be the last time I will be taking the bus to Central station, as in a couple of weeks time, the route of the 10 is being split, with a new route 87 replacing the 10 between Buchanan Bus Station and Auchinairn (east of Bishopbriggs). During the run to Central station, I made a note of when the bus reaches Buchanan for future use (the timetable remains broadly the same at the start and end of day, but reduced to every 15 minutes from every 12 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytime). As I would have 10 minutes or so to walk from Buchanan to Central, I decided it would be too risky if booked on the 05:40 London Euston departure, likewise if I waited for the 57 that would arrive 5 minutes or so after which still goes south of the Clyde, that arrives at Central station at 05:36. If I was attempting that in the future, I would have to rely on most if not all of the traffic lights being green and not stopping at every stop. My mind is made up in that I will walk down to Central station in future.


While making my way towards Platform 2 for the 05:40 London Euston via Trent Valley Railway, 220015 was on the 06:01 Plymouth via Leeds and Birmingham, and as expected dud 221107 was on the 05:50 London Euston via Birmingham. It was onboard dud 390124 for the run to Preston, having noted that the loco for the Edinburgh portion of the sleeper was not at Carstairs, 66074, 66301, and various Class 68s were at Kingmoor, 57304 and a couple of Class 68s were at Carlisle, 37219+37421 were on the overhead line inspection train at the junction for the Maryport & Carlisle Railway, and 185145 on the Oxenholme – Windermere shuttle. It had been announced that intending passengers for Manchester were advised to change at Preston rather than Lancaster as the 07:48 ex Barrow in Furness – Manchester Airport had been cancelled.


On the approach to Preston, 185138 was at Fylde Junction, while having bailed at Preston, 142009 was on the 08:00 Colne, 390117 on the 10 minutes delayed 07:53 Edinburgh Waverley, and 350404 on the 10 minutes delayed 07:58 ex Manchester Airport – Glasgow Central. Of note, the portion from Blackpool North – Manchester Airport that the ex Barrow in Furness couples up with departing Preston 08:13 had also been cancelled. It was onboard as previously mentioned dud 221107 that was on the 08:17 ex Glasgow Central – London Euston via Birmingham for the run to Wolverhampton, spotting 319364 on the Liverpool LS local and 156490 on the Blackpool North at Wigan NW, 66004 hauling cement tanks at Crewe North Junction heading towards the diveunder, 221113 on the 08:56 ex Chester – London Euston via Trent Valley Railway, 153327 on the 09:14 Swansea via Llandovery, a Class 350 on the 09:01 London Euston via Stoke-on-Trent, a Class 153 on the 09xx Derby, and 350231 at Crewe station. After crossing from the fast lines to the slow lines north of Stafford to continue south along the Grand Junction Railway, I was surprised that the train was routed through Platform 3 (it is normally routed through Platform 5, or has been on previous occasions), then briefly pausing just after the junction where the Trent Valley Railway diverges for a few moments to see 70015 hauling containers northbound. At Wolverhampton, the train was routed into Platform 4 to couple up to another Class 221, with the coupling procedure and the pull test being on the rough side. This must be a recent procedure, as this service never used to run as a double Super Voyager.


After alighting the train I checked the front 221 and as it was dud, I rapidly made my way over to Platform 2/3 island. The ex Shrewsbury was running 10 minutes behind schedule, so thinking that the 08:40 ex Hereford – Birmingham NS via Bromsgrove was due in at 10:09 (the timetable was right at the bottom of my backpack and did not have a chance to rummage to search for it), I decided to hop onboard dud 221129 that was on the ex Manchester Piccadilly – Bournemouth for the run to Birmingham. It is noted that I did consider having a run on the 10:12 Rugeley TV to one of the stations between Walsall and Hednesford if the 150 was dud, however, after checking the timetable of when the 08:40 ex Hereford was due in and checking online for the Class 150 diagram, I realised the Class 150 diagram that also has the dogbox attached was the arrival an hour before, and as there is a large gap before the 10:49 Hereford, I believe that the Sprinters swap around. Also, the delayed ex Shrewsbury that I considered picking up at Wolverhampton was a required 170, so a huge facepalm and also demonstrates that my photographic memory is not very good.


As the 10:12 Rugeley TV had already departed, I decided to hang around to see what Class 150 was on the aforementioned 10:49 Hereford. It was dud 150107 (I require 105) so declined that and went for a wander. There is construction work taking place at Paradise Circus, with the eastern arm no longer being accessible to traffic (similar to Colmore Circus near Snow Hill station today, but the northern arm instead). It was a gentle saunter back to the station via the Grand Central (former Pallasades) shopping centre which does seem to be full of chain stores. I can remember the days when it and the Bull Ring Centre had independent traders and stores, which was more interesting then and better when combined with the traction type at the station which had 115s, 116s, the odd 121, 310s, 317s, Class 47 locos hauling Mark II coaches, Class 86 or 87 locos hauling Mark II or III coaches, and of course the best Intercity train the IC125.


Anyway, back to some action now and it was onboard dud 170517 on the 11:49 Hereford via Bromsgrove for the run to Colwall, then 20 minutes or so later onboard dud pair 43194+183 on the 13:15 ex London Paddington for a short run to Ledbury, having visited all stations along the Worcester, Malvern, & Hereford Railway section of Great Western Railway metals 29 years after first scoring Great Malvern when I took a run from either Cradley Heath or Stourbridge Junction to meet the lunchtime Hereford – London Paddington IC125. Of note, as it is single track between the former Malvern Wells station site and Shelwick Junction north of Hereford, the Birmingham – Hereford trains are timetabled to pass each other at Ledbury more or less at the same time, hence how I intended to make use of a London train so as not to have a 60 minute fester at Ledbury.


It was around a 35 minute fester (still better than 60) to await the return of dud 170517 on the 14:00 ex Hereford – Birmingham NS via Bromsgrove for a run to Worcester Foregate Street. Having nipped to the nearby Tesco to pick up some provisions, it was onboard dud 170630+ required 170508 on the 14:32 ex Birmingham – Hereford for the run to Great Malvern, then over to the Worcester platform to board required 158951 (coach 52764) to have cleared the whole train for haulage (the Class 158/9 of the GWR fleet are hybrid trains, with 2 coaches from the original formation plus one added from another 158 that has been split. My strategy is if I have never had a hybrid train for haulage before, normally I go for the odd coach first, then the 2 originals as the odd coach can be removed at anytime thus returning the train back to its original base number) on the 14:50 Weymouth via Gloucester, Bristol TM, and Westbury for the run to Stapleton Road. It was over to the opposite platform for the 16:40 ex Bristol TM – Avonmouth which was to my surprise dud 166212 (I knew that 204, 205, and 208 recently transferred from Reading) for a run to Shirehampton, noting that dud 166204 was the second diagram. It was back onboard the same train due 17:19 for the run to Bristol TM.


Having spotted something required, it was onboard the slightly delayed 17:55 Taunton via Weston-super-Mare formed of very heavily loaded required 150129+ dud 150249 for a run to Yatton, and back to Bristol a few minutes later on the 18:27 ex Weston-super-Mare – Bristol TM formed of required 150265. I then hopped on the 10 minutes delayed 18:54 ex Portsmouth Harbour – Cardiff Central formed of required 158959 with me having the odd coach 52746 so as to complete the original 158746 (I had the odd coach’s matching partner in 158958 last year) for the short run to Filton Abbey Wood. As the 19:27 ex Gloucester – Frome was 25 minutes delayed due to a train fault and the next Bristol bound train being the 19:44 ex Cardiff – Taunton, I went for a wander to the nearby retail park to pick up something cold and wet and hopped on the 19:44 formed of required 150926 with me opting for the odd centre coach 57212 for the run to Bristol TM.


Having had a look at the IC125 powercars that would be on the 20:30 London Paddington, both were required and more importantly, one of them is allocated to Old Oak Common. It is noted that Old Oak Common depot closes in December 2017, and that all 22 IC125 sets and the 44 powercars will be transferring to Edinburgh Craigentinney depot. At the present time, I require 7 of the Old Oak Common powercars, 2 from Laira (Plymouth), and 8 from Landore (Swansea), with the Landore powercars remaining as I believe they have different alternators in them. Anyway, I had a look to see what was on the previously mentioned delayed 19:49 ex Gloucester – Frome running 15 minutes behind schedule, and hopped onboard required 153370+ dud 150130 for a run to Bath Spa. My final moves of the evening were the 20:43 ex Bristol TM – London Paddington formed of required pair 43161+141 to Swindon, the 21:16 ex London Paddington – Neath (rail replacement bus to Swansea/Abertawe) formed of dud pair 43158+131 to Newport, and the 22:14 ex Nottingham – Cardiff Central formed of dud 170105 to Cardiff Central to bring the day’s action to an end.


Overall, I am happy with today’s efforts as I have reduced my Sprinter requirements (I started 2017 with requiring 198, with a target to get it down to double figures by the end of December), finally got round to finish scoring all of the stations along the Worcester, Malvern, and Hereford Railway, and unexpectedly landed a pair of required IC125 powercars.


Stay tuned for further installments.

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a productive day getting various sprinters and Turbostars into your book

 

[adrock1976]

Day 2 – Deckchair session and win and spin 11 August


I was feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep and after having had some breakfast, I set off at around 08:40 for the walk to Cardiff Central station. It was to Platform 0 for the 09:00 Plymouth via Bristol TM and Weston-super-Mare formed of dud 150128 for the run to Bristol TM, spotting 66051 and possibly 66018 at Alexandra Dock Junction at Newport. My first mission was to check the 10:00 ex Paignton – London Paddington, but both powercars were dud, as was the 10:00 Manchester Piccadilly and a dud Turbo on the 10:03 Avonmouth. I would like to note that an option I had penciled in for today was to make my way to Portsmouth around lunchtime and to use the hovercraft to Ryde Esplanade and take a run to Brading, hoping that I would land a couple of required 1938 former London Underground stock (I require 3 out of 5 – I have already had 007 and 009). Failing that, I could do that another time, as my main task is to reduce my Sprinter requirements with the added bonus of maybe landing some required IC125 powercars.


As I would be keeping a lookout for anything required and hopping on to take a spin to meet a train heading back in the opposite direction, I have summarised the moves below similar as for linear hops on London Underground, with requirements highlighted in bold:


150101 10:28 Bristol TM – Bedminster (scored all stations along the Bristol & Exeter Railway)
150248 5 minutes delayed 10:39 Bedminster – Bristol TM (coach 57248 was required, as 52248 was temporarily in a hybrid set last year)
158959 11:22 Bristol TM – Bath Spa (coach 57778, as I had the odd coach yesterday)
159102 11:47 Bath Spa – Bristol TM (from London Waterloo via Salisbury)
158952 12:22 Bristol TM – Bath Spa (the odd coach 57745)
158960 5 minutes delayed 12:36 Bath Spa – Bristol TM (the odd coach 57749, and deciding to abandon the run to the Isle of Wight)
43152+154 (14:00 Bristol TM – Chippenham (I knew that the 14:31 ex London Paddington would be dud powercars)
43069+078 14:44 Chippenham – Bristol TM
158960 15:22 Bristol TM – Bath Spa (coach 52769)
150130 16:08 Bath Spa – Bristol TM (66559 was spotted hauling containers towards Newport)


As the Crosscountry Voyagers and IC125 powercars were all dud (my required Voyagers are probably around Southampton – last year, I did not have any luck at Southampton, but did have better luck at Bristol). Also, the Sprinters were dud as well during the next 60 minutes or so.


158954 17:22 Bristol TM – Warminster (the odd coach 57747 to clear this set outright, as I had both original coaches of 158760 last year)
150266 18:18 Warminster – Westbury (59002 hauling Mendip Rail wagons in the London direction, 5 Colas Rail Class 70s, 66126 and 66x04 were spotted at Westbury)
153377 18:32 Westbury – Swindon via Melksham
43022+175 19:30 Swindon – Chippenham
43138+016 19:55 Chippenham – Swindon (66111 was spotted, and 800003 was in Platform 3 with headlights facing London)
43140+093 20:17 Swindon – Bristol Parkway (802001 arrived into Platform 4 facing London, before changing direction to head to Swansea)
220008 5 minutes delayed 20:56 Bristol Parkway – Bristol TM


As the trains around Bristol TM were starting to thin out and as the 21:14 ex Taunton – Cardiff was dud, I hung about for the 21:54 ex Portsmouth Harbour formed of dud 158798 to take me back to Cardiff Central and bring the day’s action to an end.


Overall, I have reduced my Sprinter requirements further plus I have landed some more required IC125 powercars as well. Having decided to abandon the dash across to the Isle of Wight, I simply stuck to what I was already doing and can leave that for another time. I did not have much luck with Crosscountry Voyagers here. Although unscientific, they are probably around Southampton this time compared to when I previously done this rover last year.

 

[noddy1878]

Sounds like a very productive trip so far.

 

[adrock1976]

Day 3 – Pilning visit and some London & South Western Railway bits 12 August


Today was an early rise for me as I have the intention of fitting in the visit of Pilning, plus Caldicot and Severn Tunnel Junction before that. Having set out just after 06:40 for the short walk to Cardiff Central station, I first had a look at what was on the 07:00 Manchester Piccadilly via Bristol TM and Birmingham that is operated by a Crosscountry Voyager. As it was dud 220028 I declined that and opted for the 07:07 Cheltenham Spa formed of dud 142006 for the run to Caldicot, spotting 66183, 66103, and a couple more 66s at Alexandra Dock at Newport. Of note, I was deliberately saving both Caldicot and Severn Tunnel Junction for when I would do Pilning, as Caldicot has some gaps in service, with trains timetabled to pass each other within a couple of minutes. Furthermore, it is also a reasonable walk between Caldicot and Severn Tunnel Junction, with the timings working out well to get between them today.


Having alighted from the train, I set off for the walk to Severn Tunnel Junction via Station Road, Longfellow Road, and the B4245 Rogiet Road until I came to Station Road. I made it with 12 minutes to spare just in time to spot 66094 hauling wagons in the Cardiff direction at around 08:09, and 66597+562 double heading containers in the Cardiff direction 15 minutes or so later. It was soon onboard the 08:26 ex Cardiff – Taunton via Weston-super-Mare formed of required 158953 with me going for 57750 which was one of the original coaches of 158750 as that was at the rear of the train. Although there was no requirement to do so, I decided to purchase a single from the guard so as my usage of Pilning station is logged in the system somewhere. It was the till roll type of ticket rather than the traditional cardboard, although I can remember back in the late 1980s/early 1990s that the machines the guards had at the time printed the tickets on fax type paper. Not surprisingly, I was the only passenger who alighted at Pilning, and I cannot remember if somebody boarded. A local resident from the Friends of Pilning Station gave me a leaflet about the station and the local area.


After taking some images of the station, I set off for the walk along Station Road to the main B4005 to await the bus due at 09:14 with 15 minutes to spare. Although there was a bus due 10 minutes or so later heading the opposite direction to Severn Beach station, it arrives 1 minute before the train is due to depart, and as the trains to Severn Beach are every 2 hours, I went for the easier option of heading to Stoke Gifford as intended. It was onboard the 625 operated by Wessex Bus for this leg of the journey via Centaurus Retail Park and Cribbs Causeway bus station, Patchway village, crossing the main Gloucester Road, Little Stoke Lane passing close to Patchway station, and Hatchet Road to Parkway station forecourt. Due to having arrived slightly early, my intention was to take the 10:12 Weston-super-Mare local, but took the 09:54 ex Manchester Piccadilly – Newquay formed of dud 220002 (I did say I was not having much luck with Voyagers around Bristol this time) for the short hop to Bristol TM, arriving at 10:04. My next port of call was to one of the catering outlets for some tea to wake me up properly.


As the 10:34 Avonmouth was a dud Turbo, I switched my attention to the 10:22 ex Cardiff – Portsmouth Harbour. Although it was required (158950) this train was totally rammed with the train crew and the platform dispatcher eventually announcing that passengers for Bath Spa were advised to take the 10:30 London Paddington instead. Of note, I had not hopped on board as I was still deciding whether to have a run somewhere on this, but eventually declined knowing that I will see this train somewhere in due course over the next couple of days. Furthermore, this train eventually departed 10 minutes behind schedule. Having spotted 66566+569 running light engine through Platform 3 in the direction of Filton, I hopped onboard the 11:00 London Paddington formed of required 43153+ dud 197 to take me to Bath Spa, returning to Bristol TM on the 11:26 formed of dud pair 43005+125.


Having spotted a required powercar on the 12:00 London Paddington, it was another run to Bath Spa on dud 43129+ required 087, returning to Bristol on the 12:26 formed of dud 43127+ required 198 (an Old Oak Common powercar surprisingly having the green livery). Not wanting to be in a potential huge crowd on the 13:22 ex Cardiff – Portsmouth Harbour, I took a run on the 12:54 ex Portsmouth Harbour – Cardiff to Filton Abbey Wood formed of required 158961 (odd coach 52749 to complete the original 158749 as I had its matching partner 57749 in 158960 yesterday). It was onboard the aforementioned 13:22 Bristol – Portsmouth due at Filton Abbey Wood at 13:09 formed of required 158960 (coach 57769 to clear the unit outright, as well as having scored both the original coaches of 158769) for the run to Salisbury, swapping sides at Bristol TM before the hordes boarded. On passing Westbury, 150247, 66029, and 66097 were spotted.


After purchasing the Devon Day Ranger for tomorrow, it was onboard the 14:54 ex London Waterloo – Exeter St Davids formed of dud 159104+ required 159017, with dud 159009 having being uncoupled upon arrival. I had a run to Axminster and it was immediately over to the London platform to await the 16:06 ex Exeter SD – Waterloo due a few minutes later after the Exeter train departed, formed of required 159010+ dud 159014 for a run to Yeovil Junction. One thing I have noticed this year compared to last summer when having an eyeball at the timetable poster was that there appears to be very little trains that run round the curve to Pen Mill, with only a couple on Mondays to Fridays. They could be reinstated after the ongoing works at London Waterloo have been completed.


I boarded the 16:40 ex Waterloo – Exeter SD formed of dud pair 159102+159021 for the run to Crewkerne. It is noted that Crewkerne is one of these stations that can be scored from either side, as it is a 30 minute fester to await the train heading in the opposite direction. It was onboard the 17:19 Waterloo formed of required 159106 to Tisbury, then the slightly delayed 18:02 Exeter SD formed of required 159022 to Sherborne. It is noted that the trains are timetabled to pass each other within a few minutes of each other here due to the various single track sections, although it appears that there is the added option of passing at Gillingham (Dorset) and Yeovil Junction as there are 2 platforms there. During this leg of the journey, I was keeping an eye on how the 17:25 off Exeter was doing, with it running to schedule. Having made back some time to be on schedule, this meant that I did not have to pull back one stop at Templecombe and was able to carry on to Sherborne as intended. As I had positioned myself at the centre rear of the train, it was not far to walk to the footbridge to cross over to the London platform to board the 18:37 Waterloo, formed of expected recent duds from earlier 159017+159104 for the run to Salisbury.


It was onboard the 19:40 ex Portsmouth Harbour – Cardiff formed of a very heavily loaded and required 158961 (odd coach 57747) for the run to Bristol TM. Of note, Southampton were hosting Swansea City today at St Marys, with several Jacks retuning on this train. At Westbury, 66094, 66069, 66x66, and 59203 were spotted in the Taunton side of the yard. As the train lost some time and arrived 10 minutes behind schedule at Bristol TM, I decided to bail here to see what would be on the 21:29 ex Taunton – Cardiff. This was formed of required 158953 with me choosing the odd coach 52745 for the run back to Cardiff, arriving into Platform 1 at Newport spotting a set of Mark II coaches in Platform 2 (I did not get the loco as it was dark). As the train was routed onto the westbound relief line, there was extra running time in the timetable but arrived at Cardiff 3 minutes ahead of schedule at 22:28.


Overall, I have got some more Sprinters and reduced my IC125 powercar requirements further, managed to fit in the station score of Pilning, plus I have felt I have started to do the rover some justice having ventured onto London & South Western Railway metals this afternoon.

 

[Kite159]

Congrats on scoring the awkward Pilning, plus getting some more stations and units/43s into your books

 

[adrock1976]

Day 4 – Devon Day Ranger 13 August


The aim of today’s venture into Devon was to locate my sole remaining Exeter based Class 143 and to score Sampford Courtenay, plus some others while hopefully further reducing requirements for haulage. While planning this aspect of the trip, I had the option of the 08:00 from Cardiff changing at Bristol TM onto the 09:48 to Exeter, or rising an hour early and using Megabus to get me to Bristol for the 08:44 as that was the train I took to Exeter last year on the Sunday. I decided to opt for the Megabus move in the end.


It was an early rise and having set off at 06:10, I walked along the embankment to Castle Street passing the castle and round the corner to Friary Gardens to the bus stop at Kingsway, arriving 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time of 06:35. The bus arrived and as it had the destination of Sheffield and Leeds and noting one of the via points of Birmingham, I asked the driver if it was going via Bristol, as I was expecting the destination to be London. The bus was indeed going via Bristol, so after marking off my reference number of the booking, I went on the top deck for the run to Bristol via Park Place (passing Cathays station), A470 North Road, A48 Eastern Avenue, A48 (M), joining the M4 at Junction 29, Second Severn Crossing, passing Almondsbury Interchange (where the M4 meets the M5), exiting at Junction 19 for the M32, and exiting at Junction 1 for the A4174 Filton Road to call in at the university. After a break of 10 minutes or so, the bus rejoined the M32 at Junction 1 to continue to Bristol, with the M32 becoming the A4032 for the short run to the stop at Bond Street just past Cabot Circus. I gently made my way to Temple Meads via Penn Street and the A4044 Temple Way, then taking a short cut via Temple Back East to the entrance at the west side of the station rather than continuing via Temple Gate and Station Approach. I arrived at the station concourse at around 08:20.


Having noted that the 08:28 Penzance via Weston-super-Mare was a dud Class 150 and the 08:45 London Paddington had a dud pair of powercars, I purchased some tea from one of the catering stalls in the passageway. It was onboard the 08:44 Plymouth formed of dud 220024 for the run to Exeter St Davids. After alighting, I had a look to see what was stabled in the adjacent depot, spotting a dud Class 150 and 143603 at the London end, plus 150238 at the Plymouth/Penzance end. This meant that required 143619 was out somewhere today, and definitely not on the Paignton – Newton Abbott shuttle as that does not run on Sundays. Of note, dud dogboxes 153333+372 were in Platform 1 and after checking online, these would be on the Exeter Central – Exmouth short workings today.


First up, it was onboard the 09:54 ex Exmouth – Paignton formed of dud 153329+ required 153325 for a thrashy run to Dawlish Warren. Wading my way though the crowds via the road underbridge to the London platform, I hopped onboard the 10:24 ex Paignton – Exmouth formed of dud pair 143612+143621 for the run via Exeter Central to Lympstone (I had intended to alight at Commando, but the station was locked up today. I may attempt it again on a weekday and walk to Exton). Around 15 minutes later, it was back on the same train to Starcross via Exeter Central due at 11:28, spotting 143620 on the 12:01 Barnstaple at Exeter SD. Having gently made my way via the footbridge to the London platform, it was onboard the 12:28 ex Paignton – Exmouth formed of dud pair 153369+150127 back to Exeter SD, having had all three of the Exmouth – Paignton diagrams and knowing already what was on the Exeter Central – Exmouth short workings.


As I had a bit of time before my intended 14:33 ex St James’ Park – Okehampton was due, I did some observations with 153305+153380 on the 12:15 Plymouth, 159108 on what would be the 13:25 London Waterloo, a dud pair of IC125 powercars on the 12:48 ex Penzance – London Paddington via Westbury, dud 43285+ required 43366 on the 12:53 ex Leeds – Plymouth, dud 150221 9that I would be having later on) on the 12:59 ex Okehampton – St James’ Park, and dud pair 43163+124 on the 13:15 ex London Paddington – Penzance. If you were wondering why I declined a required IC125 powercar on the Leeds – Plymouth, this was because there was also a required powercar on a Crosscountry IC125 on the 13:24 ex Plymouth – Glasgow Central via Leeds, which would have departed Newton Abbot at the same time as the Leeds – Plymouth arrives. Also, the Glasgow Central is the set that may also have a required EMT or VTEC powercar in place of the one that had a fault the other day. I awaited the 13:24 to roll in, which had dud VTEC powercar 43305+ as expected required 43207 to take a short run to Tiverton Parkway.


During the 20 minute or so fester here, I purchased some tea from the independent store in the waiting room on the London platform. I would recommend this as you get change from £2, and it is made the proper way i.e served from a teapot. Taking a very gentle saunter over what appears to be an evil footbridge to the Exeter platform, it was onboard the 7 minutes delayed 13:59 ex London Paddington – Paignton via Westbury formed of dud pair 43181+126 for the run back to Exeter SD. A few moments later, dud powercars 43177+139 were on the 14:24 ex London Paddington – Penzance that was behind, with 150238 on the 14:34 ex Barnstaple – Exeter Central and 143617+619 terminating in Platform 3 from Exmouth. By process of elimination and owing to the time of day, I knew that the units swap over at some point, and have worked it out that this pair of 143s would be on the Barnstaple run later on. It was over to Platform 3 for the 14:33 ex St James’ Park – Okehampton formed of as expected dud 150221 for the run to Sampford Courtenay, with me participating in a survey and to lend my support for regular all year round services. Of note, the campaign to restore regular services are pragmatic and owing to the limitations of the present infrastructure would be happy with a frequency of a train every 2 hours to and from Okehampton. When I alighted at Sampford Courtenay, there were a few other passengers who alighted with me.


It was around a 15 minute fester before awaiting the same train to return due at 15:30 for the run to Crediton, again participating in the survey. I had briefly nipped along to the cashpoint at the Tesco store and returned to the station to await the 16:18 ex Exeter Central – Barnstaple formed of as expected dud 143617+ required 143619, clearing all of the Exeter based Class 143s (I require 607+609 which are based in Cardiff, which can be done in the summer of 2018). While consulting the timetable to make my mind up where to bail, I settled for Kings Nympton rather than Eggesford, as Kings Nympton has a limited service on Mondays to Saturdays, while I can walk between Chapelton and Umberleigh in the future. Regarding Eggesford, no matter what day of the week I would score it, there would still be a 60 minute fester there as the trains are timetabled to pass each other at the same time on Mondays to Saturdays, with it being a level crossing at the London end, slightly staggered platforms, no footbridge between the platforms, and taking a chance as to which train would arrive first.


I went for a gentle wander before returning back to the platform so as to wind down the clock slightly during the 50 minute gap to await the same train due at 17:42 to take me back to Exeter SD. I had a few options here to get to Bristol TM and onwards to Cardiff, with the first one being the 18:52 ex Penzance – London Paddington via Westbury if it had a (or both) required powercars. I awaited this train to roll in and although it was 5 minutes delayed, I was delighted when it was required 43186+ dud 093, meaning that was another Old Oak Common powercar less to chase after. Bailing at Westbury and having spotted 66097 and 70085 in the yard, with 158955 on the 19:59 ex Cardiff – Portsmouth Harbour, it was immediately to the adjacent Platform 2 to board the 20:00 ex Portsmouth Harbour – Cardiff via Bristol TM formed of required 158953 (odd coach 52745 to clear the unit outright, plus having had its matching partner 57745 in 158952 a couple of days ago) for an uneventful run all the way to Cardiff Central as it was starting to catch up with me. At Filton Abbey Wood, I had noticed on the screen that the Portsmouth Harbour – Cardiff train an hour later due at 21:44 had been cancelled, therefore a wise decision not to attempt anymore this evening. As similar to last night at Newport, it was Platform 1 the train was routed into and then a run along the westbound relief line to Cardiff Central, arriving more or less on time at 21:42.


Overall, I have managed to clear all of the Exeter based Class 143s, had a run to Sampford Courtenay, a few required IC125 powercars, and a few more Sprinter requirements reduced.


Stay tuned for the final installment.

 

[Kite159]

Another good day