Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a couple productive days 
Hopefully the blisters will die down soon
Hopefully the blisters will die down soon
-
Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!
Adrock's trip reports
- Thread starter adrock1976
- Start date
- Status
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R
RailUK Forums
Keith Jarrett
Member
Despite the Derby problems, sounds like you had a great time. It's always good to get PSUL moves in the book.
I was also in and around Derby on the 8th when things blew up. I took the option of some shack-scratching along the Stoke line to get out of the way while EMT were trying to fix the errant 222 that had lost air near Long Eaton (at the time I did not know what the problem was!).
I was also in and around Derby on the 8th when things blew up. I took the option of some shack-scratching along the Stoke line to get out of the way while EMT were trying to fix the errant 222 that had lost air near Long Eaton (at the time I did not know what the problem was!).
adrock1976
Established Member
As I had my last EC Rewards 1st Class to redeem by 18th February, I used it to book on the 12:00 Highland Chieftan departure from London Kings Cross all the way to Inverness. The original intention was to travel on the 05:40 Glasgow Central London Euston as far as Preston, then the 08:05 to Manchester Piccadilly, then the 09:15 EUS via Stoke on Trent service, arriving at 11:24, then over to KGX to INV, then back south on the 20:15 to GLC via the Rutherglen & Coatbridge Railway. Something had came up a couple of weeks previous for this morning that I could not get out of, so it was a change of plan. How could I do the INV leg of the journey I thought to myself? I came up with a plan that it was possible for me to meet it at Newcastle Central (even though that no changes were allowed/possible to the Rewards ticket, but it would be the exact same service I would be intentionally meeting), and rather surprisingly, managed to get a reasonable Advance fare bearing in mind it involved Intercity Crosscountry. Regarding the GLC EUS via MAN leg, I managed to change it to the following day and an hour later, as it was the same fare. This kept it simple so as it was only the £10 change of journey excess I had to pay.
Having completed the task that I could not get out of, it was on the 10:53 Barnhill Dumbarton Central service, which was formed by (all of the Scotrail electric fleet are duds for me, as I have cleared them all, with the exception of the Stars in their Eyes 321s come 320s, of which I only need 2 as I have already had 5 when with London Midland) 334024 as far as Bellgrove. It was then on the 11:02 Airdrie service, which was formed by 320319 for a bus stop bash to Carntyne, then on the 11:15 Edinburgh Waverley service, formed by 334010+029 for another bus stop bash to Shettleston. As I had a 20 minute gap, I went along to Tesco to get a meal deal, then back to the eastbound platform for the 11:38 Airdrie service to Buckfast Alley aka Blairhill. It is of note that the town of Coatbridge has either the pleasurable or dubious honour of having the highest amount of sales of Buckfast. Also, as Hue & Cry are originally from that part of Coatbridge, that probably explains the reason why they escaped soon after they hit the big time in the second half of the 1980s.
There are presently works ongoing at Blairhill station to fit ramps and/or elevators from street level to platform. It was then onboard the 11:57 EDB service, formed by 334016+036 to Uphall, running non-stop between Drumgelloch (2010 site of the station I've not yet scored this one, but I scored the 1989 site of the station a long time ago) and Bathgate. Uphall station seems to be one not to hang around for longer than necessary, due to the adjacent M8 and being of a high elevation above sea level, plus the added bonus of horizontal rain too. It was then onboard the 12:39 EDB service that was 10 minutes behind the previous train I was on, with this one being formed by 334021+019 for the run all the way to Waverley.
It was then over to Platform 8 for the 13:06 Plymouth via Leeds, Birmingham, and Gloucester service, which was formed by winning 220019 and dud 221131 for the run to Newcastle Central, calling at Dunbar and Alnmouth for Alnwick. 67017 was spotted in the bay at the Newcastle end of EDB, while GBRf 66743 was spotted at Dunbar hauling what looked like aggregates northbound. Upon arrival at NCL, 91109+82201 were on the 14:44 EDB departure, 185132 was sitting in Platform 9, and 221137 arriving into Platform 3 from the south forming the Reading via Doncaster and Birmingham departure. After doing some brief spotting, I decided to go on a reconnaissance mission to locate the bus stop for the DFDS ferry, as one of my partner's twin sons will be going to Amsterdam in December. This would turn out to be a huge error on my part, as I would discover when I went back to the station.
I was not expecting the Rewards ticket to work the automatic gate, but tried it with the inevitable result of it being rejected. As I had the original GLC EUS via MAN tickets in my possession so as to highlight my original intention, I pulled them out alongside with the Rewards ticket, but I must have landed one of the gateline assistants who was having a bad day, who appeared to be the strict 1950s school headmistress type. I responed fair enough after the discussion, and I then went away to work out a revised plan in my head. As I knew that through fares to anywhere in Scotland seem extortionate, I was fortunate in that doing previous research, I could use the trick of split ticketing to make it more reasonable.
I had noticed that there was a 15:24 departure to Carlisle, so got that from the machine. It was over to Platform 7 to board dud 156448, and after departure had spotted 142050 sitting at the south end of the platform with the destination blind displaying Chathill. Along the Newcastle & Carlisle Railway, 142019 was spotted heading (I think) to Nunhead, with 142014 working a Metrocentre NCL shuttle. 66010 was spotted hauling what appeared to be track lifting machines eastbound, 142085 passing through Haydon Bridge non-stop, 75301 at Haltwhistle, and 31233 sitting near the head of the Maryport & Carlisle Railway with a yellow Network Rail coach. Arrival at CAR at 16:50 was more or less on schedule. I then got the CAR GLC day single ticket from the machine, then it was over to Platform 1 for the 17:11 MIA GLC service, which was formed by dud 350408. It is noted that 221106 was on the 17:01 EUS EDB via Birmingham departure, and 390154 was on the 17:10 GLC EUS via BHM service. On the northbound run to GLC, I had spotted 66711 hauling containers that had paused at Platform 3 heading northbound at CAR, and 325013+012 heading southbound around Kingmoor, and EWS 67030 at Polmadie. Arrival at GLC was more or less on schedule at 18:30.
As I was starting to feel a bit peckish, I went to get something that was light. When I returned back to the station, I went over to the booking office to find out if it would be possible to excess the Stirling Springburn day single into a day return. The clerk managed to eventually do that, which the cost was only an additional 5 pence. It was then over to Platform 9 for the 19:10 Aberdeen service, which was to my surprise formed by winning 170430. This went along the slow pair of tracks (the ones closest to Polmadie depot) and diverged along the Rutherglen & Coatbridge Railway for the run as far as Kirkwood, before diverging onto the Caledonian Railway mainline northbound via the top side of the triangle that runs between Langloan Junction and Coatbridge Junction. When passing Carmuirs Junction, I had spotted 68003 Astute hauling Caledonian Sleeper coaches from the Falkirk Grahamston direction heading southbound along the CR mainline. Arrival at STG was a few minutes early, before departing for Aberdeen at 20:07.
It was over to the opposite platform for the 20:14 GLC service, which as I expected was formed by superdud 170453. On passing Gartsherrie yard, GBRf 86639 and 86637 were spotted amongst the huge amount of containers, with 92018 at the buffer ends at GLC having hauled in the sleeper coaches from Polmadie. After deciding to call it a day, it was back up the road on the 57 bus.
Although I never managed to make use of my final Rewards ticket, the revised plan saw me land a required Scotrail Class 170 (I only require 456 and 471), and I managed to do the PSUL move of the top side of the triangle of the Rutherglen & Coatbridge Railway Caledonian Railway mainline in daylight and in both directions. Furthermore, I have managed to score some stations along the Airdrie and Bathgate route on the way to Edinburgh, and landed a required Class 220 as well. Furthermore, I do not need to do that section of the track anymore of the R&CR, unless I happen to spot my final Class 170s. My attention can solely be focused on clearing stations in EH and KY postcodes, plus a couple in ML when I do another Central Scotland Rover in the near future.
Having completed the task that I could not get out of, it was on the 10:53 Barnhill Dumbarton Central service, which was formed by (all of the Scotrail electric fleet are duds for me, as I have cleared them all, with the exception of the Stars in their Eyes 321s come 320s, of which I only need 2 as I have already had 5 when with London Midland) 334024 as far as Bellgrove. It was then on the 11:02 Airdrie service, which was formed by 320319 for a bus stop bash to Carntyne, then on the 11:15 Edinburgh Waverley service, formed by 334010+029 for another bus stop bash to Shettleston. As I had a 20 minute gap, I went along to Tesco to get a meal deal, then back to the eastbound platform for the 11:38 Airdrie service to Buckfast Alley aka Blairhill. It is of note that the town of Coatbridge has either the pleasurable or dubious honour of having the highest amount of sales of Buckfast. Also, as Hue & Cry are originally from that part of Coatbridge, that probably explains the reason why they escaped soon after they hit the big time in the second half of the 1980s.
There are presently works ongoing at Blairhill station to fit ramps and/or elevators from street level to platform. It was then onboard the 11:57 EDB service, formed by 334016+036 to Uphall, running non-stop between Drumgelloch (2010 site of the station I've not yet scored this one, but I scored the 1989 site of the station a long time ago) and Bathgate. Uphall station seems to be one not to hang around for longer than necessary, due to the adjacent M8 and being of a high elevation above sea level, plus the added bonus of horizontal rain too. It was then onboard the 12:39 EDB service that was 10 minutes behind the previous train I was on, with this one being formed by 334021+019 for the run all the way to Waverley.
It was then over to Platform 8 for the 13:06 Plymouth via Leeds, Birmingham, and Gloucester service, which was formed by winning 220019 and dud 221131 for the run to Newcastle Central, calling at Dunbar and Alnmouth for Alnwick. 67017 was spotted in the bay at the Newcastle end of EDB, while GBRf 66743 was spotted at Dunbar hauling what looked like aggregates northbound. Upon arrival at NCL, 91109+82201 were on the 14:44 EDB departure, 185132 was sitting in Platform 9, and 221137 arriving into Platform 3 from the south forming the Reading via Doncaster and Birmingham departure. After doing some brief spotting, I decided to go on a reconnaissance mission to locate the bus stop for the DFDS ferry, as one of my partner's twin sons will be going to Amsterdam in December. This would turn out to be a huge error on my part, as I would discover when I went back to the station.
I was not expecting the Rewards ticket to work the automatic gate, but tried it with the inevitable result of it being rejected. As I had the original GLC EUS via MAN tickets in my possession so as to highlight my original intention, I pulled them out alongside with the Rewards ticket, but I must have landed one of the gateline assistants who was having a bad day, who appeared to be the strict 1950s school headmistress type. I responed fair enough after the discussion, and I then went away to work out a revised plan in my head. As I knew that through fares to anywhere in Scotland seem extortionate, I was fortunate in that doing previous research, I could use the trick of split ticketing to make it more reasonable.
I had noticed that there was a 15:24 departure to Carlisle, so got that from the machine. It was over to Platform 7 to board dud 156448, and after departure had spotted 142050 sitting at the south end of the platform with the destination blind displaying Chathill. Along the Newcastle & Carlisle Railway, 142019 was spotted heading (I think) to Nunhead, with 142014 working a Metrocentre NCL shuttle. 66010 was spotted hauling what appeared to be track lifting machines eastbound, 142085 passing through Haydon Bridge non-stop, 75301 at Haltwhistle, and 31233 sitting near the head of the Maryport & Carlisle Railway with a yellow Network Rail coach. Arrival at CAR at 16:50 was more or less on schedule. I then got the CAR GLC day single ticket from the machine, then it was over to Platform 1 for the 17:11 MIA GLC service, which was formed by dud 350408. It is noted that 221106 was on the 17:01 EUS EDB via Birmingham departure, and 390154 was on the 17:10 GLC EUS via BHM service. On the northbound run to GLC, I had spotted 66711 hauling containers that had paused at Platform 3 heading northbound at CAR, and 325013+012 heading southbound around Kingmoor, and EWS 67030 at Polmadie. Arrival at GLC was more or less on schedule at 18:30.
As I was starting to feel a bit peckish, I went to get something that was light. When I returned back to the station, I went over to the booking office to find out if it would be possible to excess the Stirling Springburn day single into a day return. The clerk managed to eventually do that, which the cost was only an additional 5 pence. It was then over to Platform 9 for the 19:10 Aberdeen service, which was to my surprise formed by winning 170430. This went along the slow pair of tracks (the ones closest to Polmadie depot) and diverged along the Rutherglen & Coatbridge Railway for the run as far as Kirkwood, before diverging onto the Caledonian Railway mainline northbound via the top side of the triangle that runs between Langloan Junction and Coatbridge Junction. When passing Carmuirs Junction, I had spotted 68003 Astute hauling Caledonian Sleeper coaches from the Falkirk Grahamston direction heading southbound along the CR mainline. Arrival at STG was a few minutes early, before departing for Aberdeen at 20:07.
It was over to the opposite platform for the 20:14 GLC service, which as I expected was formed by superdud 170453. On passing Gartsherrie yard, GBRf 86639 and 86637 were spotted amongst the huge amount of containers, with 92018 at the buffer ends at GLC having hauled in the sleeper coaches from Polmadie. After deciding to call it a day, it was back up the road on the 57 bus.
Although I never managed to make use of my final Rewards ticket, the revised plan saw me land a required Scotrail Class 170 (I only require 456 and 471), and I managed to do the PSUL move of the top side of the triangle of the Rutherglen & Coatbridge Railway Caledonian Railway mainline in daylight and in both directions. Furthermore, I have managed to score some stations along the Airdrie and Bathgate route on the way to Edinburgh, and landed a required Class 220 as well. Furthermore, I do not need to do that section of the track anymore of the R&CR, unless I happen to spot my final Class 170s. My attention can solely be focused on clearing stations in EH and KY postcodes, plus a couple in ML when I do another Central Scotland Rover in the near future.
Sounds like a good day despite the issues on the gates. Weird, as i've been let through to Newcastle gateline with just about every single explanation under the sun. Never ever been turned away. If they were that hung up though, i'd have just bought a single to Manors (about £2) and liased with the guard as you saw appropriate.
One other thing though, suspect you didn't see 142085 unless it was straying a little far from Cardiff
One other thing though, suspect you didn't see 142085 unless it was straying a little far from Cardiff
Last edited:
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
I sympathise with losing the final Rewards ticket - my most recent VTEC Rewards ticket was unused after a career change!
Just caught up on the posts I'd somehow missed - well done on cracking the 442s, Teeside Airport, various PSUL and a crazy amount of 323s!
Great stuff
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just caught up on the posts I'd somehow missed - well done on cracking the 442s, Teeside Airport, various PSUL and a crazy amount of 323s!
Great stuff
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Techniquest
Veteran Member
An extremely un-fun way to not use your last EC Rewards ticket after all, must have been gutting. I'd have done what rg177 suggested too, but a bit late now!
At least you got something out of the trip, despite the extra ching!
At least you got something out of the trip, despite the extra ching!
adrock1976
Established Member
As mentioned in my previous report in that I had to revise my intended plans to use up my final EC Rewards 1st Class ticket which resulted in mixed fortunes yesterday, it was while I was looking to use the Glasgow London via Manchester on a different day at the same fare. I had found the same fare for the 06:30 departure, changing at Preston and Manchester, arriving at Euston at 12:24 an hour later compared to my intended plans yesterday. This meant that it was just the £10 change of journey fee I had to pay. The difficult task was to try to find a reasonable fare northbound, of which it felt like that I would be purchasing either the whole Pendolino set or the Class 91 loco with the coaching stock plus DVT. While thinking of breaking the northbound jorney into various sections while I was having a cup of tea, it was while one of Birmingham's finest Judas Priest's Hell Bent for Leather came on the tranny that I hit upon the idea of looking at Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street and walking over to New Street to attempt my final 6 required Class 323s. As I had landed 20 out of 23 back in March, this meant that I should have at least 50% chance of getting them all, as there are 3 sets that are not used in service. Furthermore, as I would be doing the southbound trip via Manchester, I would also be intentionally keeping a look out for my final required Manchester Class 323 (323238) to see if it would be on the 10:004 MAN Crewe via Stockport service.
I did indeed find a reasonable Advance fare from MYB Langley Green. I also found reasonable fares Duddeston Edge Hill, and Edge Hill Preston. I also used the get out of jail free card by means of a Barnhill Preston Off Peak Day Return, not using the outward portion (it is only 10-15 pence difference between the single and return). Also, I would add in a Duddeston Redditch return and Langley Green Duddeston return too.
It was an early rise and on the number 10 bus to Central Station, and making my way over to Platform 1 for the 06:30 EUS via Trent Valley Railway service. This was formed by dud 390001 Virgin Express for an uneventful run to Preston. In adjacent Platform 2 at GLC, 82203+91132 was working the 06:50 London KX departure, while 350403 would be on the 07:09 GLC Manchester Airport service. During the course of the journey, I was served various cups of tea and glasses of orange juice, with my breakfast order being the Eggs Florentine as that was the vegetarian option. Of note when approaching Kingsmoor, GBRf 66520+519 and EWS 67010 (or 110 unsure of the middle digit) were spotted. South of Carlisle Citadel station near the junction with the Maryport & Carlisle railway, 57311 Thunderbird and 31211 were spotted, while at Oxenholme: The Lake District 390138 City of London was on the 08:22 Edinburgh Waverley service and 185114 was on the 08:27 Windermere service.
During the 10 minute interchange time at Preston, 92010 passed through Platform 4 northbound on a light engine working, 150268 was on the 09:05 Blackpool North/Talbot Road service, and 142070 on the 09:00 Colne service, before boarding super duds 156471+460 on the 09:05 MIA service. Near the bridge over the Weaver, 66301+266 were hauling containers northbound. At Manchester Oxford Road, 67002+82308 was spotted working the Chester & Holyhead Railway destinations service. Upon arrival at MAN, it was over to Platform 4 to see if 323238 was on the 10:04 Crewe via SPT service, but unfortunately was dud and therefore declined. It was over to Platforms 6 and 7 for the 10:15 EUS via Stoke on Trent service, which was formed by dud 390008 Virgin King with the 1st Class section very busy and more so south of SPT and SOT going by the reservation screens. Of note, 319362 Northern Powerhouse was heading southbound to MIA from Platforms 13 and 14, and 390135 City of Lancaster was next to me that would be on the 10:35 EUS service. Of note, the meal option had changed from the breakfast offering and I decided to go for the veg soup option. Arrival at EUS was 4 or 5 minutes ahead of schedule.
After eventually exiting through the gateline at EUS, it was a short walk over to the Metropolitan Railway platforms at Euston Square. First up was 21462+461 for a bus stop bash to Great Portland Street, then on 21449+450 to the next stop at Baker Street. I then exited the station and walked along Melcombe Street to Marylebone station. I then glanced across to Platform 3 and knew that would definitely be the 13:10 Birmingham Moor Street service by the size, shape, and style of the train. Yes, I had intentionally checked out the loco hauled diagrams and this departure was one of those. Of note, the last time I did the Great Central Railway/Great Western Railway Alternative route on a Birmingham departure from MYB was back in 1993, where the frequency was a train every 2 hours and had suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the local Birmingham Snow Hill Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa timetable with no blaze of publicity or massive fanfare. Furthermore, I did a London Euston Birmingham International ICWC Blockade Buster via this route in August 2007 when heading back north from festival stewarding.
Anyway, it was 68009 Titan and DVT 82309 that was on the 13:10 today, so I went in the coach immediately behind the loco. As mentioned in various threads, the refurbishment is very elegant indeed, and could be used as a model for Mark III coaching stock refurbishments. Before departure, I had spotted 165308, 172102, 165039, 165019, and 165021 sitting in the various platforms. 168821 was on the Oxford Parkway departure, while 165006, 168218, and 165037 were sitting in the siding next to Platform 1. I enjoyed the uphill thrash through the tunnel immediately after departure, and then emerging into open air to follow the Metropolitan Railway to Neasden passing 165010 at Kilburn heading southbound, before diverging onto the connecting spur to the GCR/GWR Alternative Route.
Onto the Alternative Route proper after Northolt Junctiion, 172101 was spotted southbound at Wembley Stadium, 165005 was spotted at High Wycombe the first calling point after departing MYB. It is noted that the next calling points were Banbury, Leamington Spa, Warwick Parkway (first time I've been on a train that has called there this station opened after I left the West Midlands many moons ago), Solihull, and Birmingham MS. At Moor Street, arrival was at 14:54 (5 minutes ahead of schedule), which meant that I was able to do the zero minute connection onto the 14:59 Kidderminster service from the adjacent platform. At Moor Street, 168329 was working a southbound service to MYB, before boarding 170212+332 for the short hop to Jewellery Quarter while having spotted 168003 sitting in Platform 2 at Snow Hill.
I could not remember if I have ever boarded or alighted at Jewellery Quarter when the line reopened when I was still residing in the West Midlands or not, so did that just to be sure. It was a short 10 minute fester for the 15:15 Worcester FS service, which was formed by 172214 (one of the short-formed services) for the short hop to The Hawthorns. I know that I have definitely not scored this station before, as when the line reopened but before the trams came into operation, this station had a 30 minute frequency back in 1995-98, with the all stations Stourbridge Junction services calling there. It was another 10 minute fester for the 15:29 SBJ service, which was formed by 172213+211 for the run to Langley Green, another station I have not scored before (even though Cradley Heath was my local station many years ago), but for certain reasons have avoided doing so.
It was over the bridge to the Birmingham bound platform, where I was surprised to see the red Permit to Travel machine. I remember these being installed in the early 1990s at various local stations in the WMPTE area. As I had a five pence piece in my pocket, I decided to try it out, to see if it is still functioning these days. It rejected my coin I put in, even though there was mains power to the machine. After a short fester, it was onboard the 15:44 Dorridge service, which was formed by 172342 for the run back to The Hawthorns, where it was a rapid dash over to the Stourbridge platform for the 15:49 Worcester FS service that was formed by 172339 to go round the corner to Smethwick GB. As the doors were released, I spotted a pair of 172s heading in the opposite direction just pulling away, which I knew it would have been highly lucky if I pulled it off for another short run to The Hawthorns and back. It is noted that I have now landed 9 out of 27 LM Class 172s, with my first two back in December on a Cradley Heath Birmingham MS service.
After getting some fresh air, it was down to the L&NWR platforms (Platform 4 I think for Birmingham NS) via a long hike. In, over, across, down, across GWR Birmingham platform, and down. Sounds like part of a crossword puzzle here. It was then onboard the 16:07 local all stations Wolverhampton Walsall via BHM service, which was formed by dud 323210 for a bus stop bash to Smethwick Rolfe Street. Of note, I have previously done the walk between the former Smethwick West and Rolfe Street stations in the late 1980s/early 1990s. It was then over to the northbound platform for the 16:14 local to WVH, which was formed by dud 350247 back to SGB. Again, it was up, across the GWR Birmingham platform, and down for the 16:22 from either Aberystwyth or Holyhead (by not the proper route of Wrexham and Shrewsbury the proper route to me is via Stafford and Crewe) to Birmingham International, which was formed by dud 158825 and winning 158821 for the run to New Street.
Just as the train was drawing up to the platform at New Street, I had spotted a required Class 323 that was disappearing into the tunnel to Five Ways. Fortunately, I brought the Cross City Line timetable with me that I picked up last time, so as to work out when the northbound return would be. It was over to Platforms 10 and 11 (the B end facing Bristol) for some festering (I would like to note that I had already took a glance to see which 323 was on the BHM International short workings and also the 16:39 WVH, but they were duds). After letting various dud 323s pass while also checking the northbound ones emerging from the tunnel, it was onboard the 17:02 Redditch service, formed by 323219 which I was intending taking all the way to the end. Upon arrival at Barnt Green, there was a substantial delay, so decided to bail as I saw some passengers on the opposite platform.
It became apparent that the 17:23 northbound service had been cancelled, with the 17:43 being delayed by 7 minutes. Before the delayed 17:43 arrived, there were 2 out of service 323s that were passing through one dud and 323213 I spotted earlier departing New Street just as I was arriving there from the ATW Class 158. Eventually, it was onboard dud 323206 for a northbound run. At Longbridge, I had spotted another required 323 that had terminated there, so bailed at Northfield. I last used this station back in 1995, as my grandmother (my mum's mum) resided just up the hill near the church at the junction of Church Road and Great Stone Road. From how I remember the booking office on the northbound platform, I think the window to purchase tickets has been rotated 90 degrees and extended slightly I cannot remember exactly as it was so long ago.
Anyway, it was on board the 18:04 northbound service, formed by 323208 for the run back to New Street. It was over to Platforms 10 and 11 for the five minutes delayed 18:32 southbound service, formed by 323215 for a bus stop bash to Five Ways, then a quick dash across to the opposite platform for the slightly delayed 18:38 to Duddeston, which was formed by 323203. I would like to note that this is another station that I'm unsure of scoring before, but I have passed it on the 55 bus many years ago when it ran from Corporation Street (Law Courts), Lancaster Circus, Aston Street (Aston University), Woodcock Street, Jennens Row, Ashtead Circus, Lawley Middleway, Melvina Road, Saltley Viaduct, and onwards via Alum Rock, Shard End, and Kingshurst to Chelmsley Wood. I think nowadays it runs direct via Jennens Row and Nechells Parkway to Saltley.
It was a short fester for the slightly delayed 18:54 WVH service, which was formed by dud 323209 back to New Street, scoring the crossover on the viaduct along the way (which I do not recall there ever being a crossover there before Proof House Junction was remodelled in the early to mid noughties). It was then over to Platforms 10 and 11 for the 19:02 southbound service to Five Ways, formed by 323240 and back to New Street on the slightly delayed 19:08, which was formed by double duds 323242+243. I was rather surprised that I managed to land 5 out of 6 required 323s here, as I was expecting 2 or 3 at the most. The only one I require now is 323213 the one that got away.
After some fresh air, it was over to Platform 4c for the 19:36 Liverpool LS service, which was formed by 350265. Upon arrival at LIV, I nipped out for a wander, and unintentionally stumbled across the vigil for the recent inquest into the Hillsborough Disaster. I was there for a short while, then went back to the station to get something to eat from the Wetherspoons (North Western I think it's called). Eventually, it was over to Platform 1 for the 23:02 Preston service, calling all stations and was formed by 319377. It was then a fester before the 01:00 Inverness/Aberdeen/Fort William sleeper train arrived at 00:45, hauled by 92038. I asked the traincrew if there were any spaces in the seated coach. After confirming my destination, I went into the Aberdeen portion I think (it was the centre to the rear of the train), alighting at Edinburgh Waverley a few hours later after eventually getting some kip.
The lounge and sleeper cars were attached at EDB, with them being the former VTWC branded stock. As I've mentioned in previous reports, I'm a fan of the once mighty but not so mighty nowadays Aston Villa, with Partick Thistle being my adopted Scottish team, therefore I'm used to indulging in a dose of masochism. It was 67011 that was on the 04:50 EDB FTW service, and upon arrival at Glasgow QS, there was no passengers boarding so the doors were not released. I kindly asked the guard if I could leave, as I was going to Barnhill, which they kindly let me out through the rear. As it was a while before the train was due to get me up the road, I decided to get the 57 bus instead.
Overall, I surprisingly managed to land 5 out of 6 required LM 323s, plus I intentionally booked on the Chiltern Railways loco hauled workings. It was worthwhile, as the Glasgow London via Manchester leg was intended for yesterday, but I had to do a couple of tasks in the morning that I could not get out of doing. The northbound journey I did it that way so as to keep the costs reasonable, and not feel like that I was purchasing a Pendolino set. On a final point, Sod's Law will probably determine that both remaining Class 323s; 323238 (Manchester) and 323213 (Birmingham), will not be around when I am intentionally looking out for them, or they will be heading in the opposite direction when I need to be somewhere else.
I did indeed find a reasonable Advance fare from MYB Langley Green. I also found reasonable fares Duddeston Edge Hill, and Edge Hill Preston. I also used the get out of jail free card by means of a Barnhill Preston Off Peak Day Return, not using the outward portion (it is only 10-15 pence difference between the single and return). Also, I would add in a Duddeston Redditch return and Langley Green Duddeston return too.
It was an early rise and on the number 10 bus to Central Station, and making my way over to Platform 1 for the 06:30 EUS via Trent Valley Railway service. This was formed by dud 390001 Virgin Express for an uneventful run to Preston. In adjacent Platform 2 at GLC, 82203+91132 was working the 06:50 London KX departure, while 350403 would be on the 07:09 GLC Manchester Airport service. During the course of the journey, I was served various cups of tea and glasses of orange juice, with my breakfast order being the Eggs Florentine as that was the vegetarian option. Of note when approaching Kingsmoor, GBRf 66520+519 and EWS 67010 (or 110 unsure of the middle digit) were spotted. South of Carlisle Citadel station near the junction with the Maryport & Carlisle railway, 57311 Thunderbird and 31211 were spotted, while at Oxenholme: The Lake District 390138 City of London was on the 08:22 Edinburgh Waverley service and 185114 was on the 08:27 Windermere service.
During the 10 minute interchange time at Preston, 92010 passed through Platform 4 northbound on a light engine working, 150268 was on the 09:05 Blackpool North/Talbot Road service, and 142070 on the 09:00 Colne service, before boarding super duds 156471+460 on the 09:05 MIA service. Near the bridge over the Weaver, 66301+266 were hauling containers northbound. At Manchester Oxford Road, 67002+82308 was spotted working the Chester & Holyhead Railway destinations service. Upon arrival at MAN, it was over to Platform 4 to see if 323238 was on the 10:04 Crewe via SPT service, but unfortunately was dud and therefore declined. It was over to Platforms 6 and 7 for the 10:15 EUS via Stoke on Trent service, which was formed by dud 390008 Virgin King with the 1st Class section very busy and more so south of SPT and SOT going by the reservation screens. Of note, 319362 Northern Powerhouse was heading southbound to MIA from Platforms 13 and 14, and 390135 City of Lancaster was next to me that would be on the 10:35 EUS service. Of note, the meal option had changed from the breakfast offering and I decided to go for the veg soup option. Arrival at EUS was 4 or 5 minutes ahead of schedule.
After eventually exiting through the gateline at EUS, it was a short walk over to the Metropolitan Railway platforms at Euston Square. First up was 21462+461 for a bus stop bash to Great Portland Street, then on 21449+450 to the next stop at Baker Street. I then exited the station and walked along Melcombe Street to Marylebone station. I then glanced across to Platform 3 and knew that would definitely be the 13:10 Birmingham Moor Street service by the size, shape, and style of the train. Yes, I had intentionally checked out the loco hauled diagrams and this departure was one of those. Of note, the last time I did the Great Central Railway/Great Western Railway Alternative route on a Birmingham departure from MYB was back in 1993, where the frequency was a train every 2 hours and had suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the local Birmingham Snow Hill Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa timetable with no blaze of publicity or massive fanfare. Furthermore, I did a London Euston Birmingham International ICWC Blockade Buster via this route in August 2007 when heading back north from festival stewarding.
Anyway, it was 68009 Titan and DVT 82309 that was on the 13:10 today, so I went in the coach immediately behind the loco. As mentioned in various threads, the refurbishment is very elegant indeed, and could be used as a model for Mark III coaching stock refurbishments. Before departure, I had spotted 165308, 172102, 165039, 165019, and 165021 sitting in the various platforms. 168821 was on the Oxford Parkway departure, while 165006, 168218, and 165037 were sitting in the siding next to Platform 1. I enjoyed the uphill thrash through the tunnel immediately after departure, and then emerging into open air to follow the Metropolitan Railway to Neasden passing 165010 at Kilburn heading southbound, before diverging onto the connecting spur to the GCR/GWR Alternative Route.
Onto the Alternative Route proper after Northolt Junctiion, 172101 was spotted southbound at Wembley Stadium, 165005 was spotted at High Wycombe the first calling point after departing MYB. It is noted that the next calling points were Banbury, Leamington Spa, Warwick Parkway (first time I've been on a train that has called there this station opened after I left the West Midlands many moons ago), Solihull, and Birmingham MS. At Moor Street, arrival was at 14:54 (5 minutes ahead of schedule), which meant that I was able to do the zero minute connection onto the 14:59 Kidderminster service from the adjacent platform. At Moor Street, 168329 was working a southbound service to MYB, before boarding 170212+332 for the short hop to Jewellery Quarter while having spotted 168003 sitting in Platform 2 at Snow Hill.
I could not remember if I have ever boarded or alighted at Jewellery Quarter when the line reopened when I was still residing in the West Midlands or not, so did that just to be sure. It was a short 10 minute fester for the 15:15 Worcester FS service, which was formed by 172214 (one of the short-formed services) for the short hop to The Hawthorns. I know that I have definitely not scored this station before, as when the line reopened but before the trams came into operation, this station had a 30 minute frequency back in 1995-98, with the all stations Stourbridge Junction services calling there. It was another 10 minute fester for the 15:29 SBJ service, which was formed by 172213+211 for the run to Langley Green, another station I have not scored before (even though Cradley Heath was my local station many years ago), but for certain reasons have avoided doing so.
It was over the bridge to the Birmingham bound platform, where I was surprised to see the red Permit to Travel machine. I remember these being installed in the early 1990s at various local stations in the WMPTE area. As I had a five pence piece in my pocket, I decided to try it out, to see if it is still functioning these days. It rejected my coin I put in, even though there was mains power to the machine. After a short fester, it was onboard the 15:44 Dorridge service, which was formed by 172342 for the run back to The Hawthorns, where it was a rapid dash over to the Stourbridge platform for the 15:49 Worcester FS service that was formed by 172339 to go round the corner to Smethwick GB. As the doors were released, I spotted a pair of 172s heading in the opposite direction just pulling away, which I knew it would have been highly lucky if I pulled it off for another short run to The Hawthorns and back. It is noted that I have now landed 9 out of 27 LM Class 172s, with my first two back in December on a Cradley Heath Birmingham MS service.
After getting some fresh air, it was down to the L&NWR platforms (Platform 4 I think for Birmingham NS) via a long hike. In, over, across, down, across GWR Birmingham platform, and down. Sounds like part of a crossword puzzle here. It was then onboard the 16:07 local all stations Wolverhampton Walsall via BHM service, which was formed by dud 323210 for a bus stop bash to Smethwick Rolfe Street. Of note, I have previously done the walk between the former Smethwick West and Rolfe Street stations in the late 1980s/early 1990s. It was then over to the northbound platform for the 16:14 local to WVH, which was formed by dud 350247 back to SGB. Again, it was up, across the GWR Birmingham platform, and down for the 16:22 from either Aberystwyth or Holyhead (by not the proper route of Wrexham and Shrewsbury the proper route to me is via Stafford and Crewe) to Birmingham International, which was formed by dud 158825 and winning 158821 for the run to New Street.
Just as the train was drawing up to the platform at New Street, I had spotted a required Class 323 that was disappearing into the tunnel to Five Ways. Fortunately, I brought the Cross City Line timetable with me that I picked up last time, so as to work out when the northbound return would be. It was over to Platforms 10 and 11 (the B end facing Bristol) for some festering (I would like to note that I had already took a glance to see which 323 was on the BHM International short workings and also the 16:39 WVH, but they were duds). After letting various dud 323s pass while also checking the northbound ones emerging from the tunnel, it was onboard the 17:02 Redditch service, formed by 323219 which I was intending taking all the way to the end. Upon arrival at Barnt Green, there was a substantial delay, so decided to bail as I saw some passengers on the opposite platform.
It became apparent that the 17:23 northbound service had been cancelled, with the 17:43 being delayed by 7 minutes. Before the delayed 17:43 arrived, there were 2 out of service 323s that were passing through one dud and 323213 I spotted earlier departing New Street just as I was arriving there from the ATW Class 158. Eventually, it was onboard dud 323206 for a northbound run. At Longbridge, I had spotted another required 323 that had terminated there, so bailed at Northfield. I last used this station back in 1995, as my grandmother (my mum's mum) resided just up the hill near the church at the junction of Church Road and Great Stone Road. From how I remember the booking office on the northbound platform, I think the window to purchase tickets has been rotated 90 degrees and extended slightly I cannot remember exactly as it was so long ago.
Anyway, it was on board the 18:04 northbound service, formed by 323208 for the run back to New Street. It was over to Platforms 10 and 11 for the five minutes delayed 18:32 southbound service, formed by 323215 for a bus stop bash to Five Ways, then a quick dash across to the opposite platform for the slightly delayed 18:38 to Duddeston, which was formed by 323203. I would like to note that this is another station that I'm unsure of scoring before, but I have passed it on the 55 bus many years ago when it ran from Corporation Street (Law Courts), Lancaster Circus, Aston Street (Aston University), Woodcock Street, Jennens Row, Ashtead Circus, Lawley Middleway, Melvina Road, Saltley Viaduct, and onwards via Alum Rock, Shard End, and Kingshurst to Chelmsley Wood. I think nowadays it runs direct via Jennens Row and Nechells Parkway to Saltley.
It was a short fester for the slightly delayed 18:54 WVH service, which was formed by dud 323209 back to New Street, scoring the crossover on the viaduct along the way (which I do not recall there ever being a crossover there before Proof House Junction was remodelled in the early to mid noughties). It was then over to Platforms 10 and 11 for the 19:02 southbound service to Five Ways, formed by 323240 and back to New Street on the slightly delayed 19:08, which was formed by double duds 323242+243. I was rather surprised that I managed to land 5 out of 6 required 323s here, as I was expecting 2 or 3 at the most. The only one I require now is 323213 the one that got away.
After some fresh air, it was over to Platform 4c for the 19:36 Liverpool LS service, which was formed by 350265. Upon arrival at LIV, I nipped out for a wander, and unintentionally stumbled across the vigil for the recent inquest into the Hillsborough Disaster. I was there for a short while, then went back to the station to get something to eat from the Wetherspoons (North Western I think it's called). Eventually, it was over to Platform 1 for the 23:02 Preston service, calling all stations and was formed by 319377. It was then a fester before the 01:00 Inverness/Aberdeen/Fort William sleeper train arrived at 00:45, hauled by 92038. I asked the traincrew if there were any spaces in the seated coach. After confirming my destination, I went into the Aberdeen portion I think (it was the centre to the rear of the train), alighting at Edinburgh Waverley a few hours later after eventually getting some kip.
The lounge and sleeper cars were attached at EDB, with them being the former VTWC branded stock. As I've mentioned in previous reports, I'm a fan of the once mighty but not so mighty nowadays Aston Villa, with Partick Thistle being my adopted Scottish team, therefore I'm used to indulging in a dose of masochism. It was 67011 that was on the 04:50 EDB FTW service, and upon arrival at Glasgow QS, there was no passengers boarding so the doors were not released. I kindly asked the guard if I could leave, as I was going to Barnhill, which they kindly let me out through the rear. As it was a while before the train was due to get me up the road, I decided to get the 57 bus instead.
Overall, I surprisingly managed to land 5 out of 6 required LM 323s, plus I intentionally booked on the Chiltern Railways loco hauled workings. It was worthwhile, as the Glasgow London via Manchester leg was intended for yesterday, but I had to do a couple of tasks in the morning that I could not get out of doing. The northbound journey I did it that way so as to keep the costs reasonable, and not feel like that I was purchasing a Pendolino set. On a final point, Sod's Law will probably determine that both remaining Class 323s; 323238 (Manchester) and 323213 (Birmingham), will not be around when I am intentionally looking out for them, or they will be heading in the opposite direction when I need to be somewhere else.
Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a very long day, but productive with several units/locos and shacks scored in the book
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Quite a long day indeed, but worth it without a doubt. 68009 seems to have scored by everyone but me so far, something I need to change!
Even Newcastle's going down this year!
Even Newcastle's going down this year!
Keith Jarrett
Member
An excellent, if tiring day. Well done on the near-elimination of the Starships.
PS to Tech - Cat 9 is also on my requirements list!
PS to Tech - Cat 9 is also on my requirements list!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I meant to add the same about the Starships, nearly there now!
Glad someone else needs 68009, although I also need Cat 8 which is just embarassing. Mind you, my Scottish needs are very low
Glad someone else needs 68009, although I also need Cat 8 which is just embarassing. Mind you, my Scottish needs are very low
alexf380
Established Member
A nice day in Birmingham for you Adam, must have been gutting seeing your second-to-last 323 whiz past you though!
Also, for the record, I have so far only scored 2 class 68 members, so you can stop panicking about it!
Also, for the record, I have so far only scored 2 class 68 members, so you can stop panicking about it!
adrock1976
Established Member
While checking through the NRES websites for future engineering works, I had happened to stumble upon both the Glasgow Central – Edinburgh Waverley via Shotts and Glasgow Central – Lanark being diverted on this day as there were engineering works in the Motherwell area. The Lanark services were being diverted via Queens Park and Holytown, and the GLC – EDB services were being diverted via the Rutherglen & Coatbridge Railway and Mossend North – East Junctions. Back in the late 1990s and early noughties, there was no Sunday service on the route via Shotts, however Edinburgh City Council and West Lothian Council sponsored a Sunday service between EDB and Fauldhouse operating every 2 hours. Strathclyde PTE provided a Sunday service in December between GLC and Shotts via the R&CR and Mossend North – East Junctions operating every 60 minutes during shopping hours. Eventually in the late noughties, the EDB – Fauldhouse was extended to GLC via the normal route of Bellshill on a 2-hourly frequency all year round, with the R&CR seeing a Sunday service every 60 minutes since it was electrified. As I never had the chance to do the Mossend North – East Junction on those Sundays in December those years ago, I decided to nip out to bag that section of track. Also, I would do the Newton Station East Junction in the direction to GLC, as I've already done it to Carlisle on the Saturdays Only 04:28 departure a couple of times, and would knock out some stations south of the mighty Clyde even though I do not require any electric units at all.
It was a short stroll down the road to Barnhill station to board the 09:28 Partick service, which was formed by 334013 for the run to Glasgow Queen Street. I then had a gentle stroll across to Glasgow Central, and had spotted 156434 on the 10:12 to Kilmarnock and 170426+413 on the 10:23 to Aberdeen. It was then onboard the 10:16 Edinburgh Waverley service that is diverted via the Rutherglen & Coatbridge railway due to engineering works, which was formed by dud 158718 and winning 158869 for the run to Carfin. This meant that I had scored the Mossend North – East Junction section of track, and have now completed every inch of metal of the various junctions at Mossend. It was announced that upon arrival at Carfin, it would be the centre door (local door) to exit the train due to the slightly short platform. I then exited the station and headed off for a walk to Holytown station via Newarthill Road, Glenmore Road, Loanhead Road, and Atlin Drive.
Having arrived at Holytown, I had 2 options here. I could either hop on the 13:30 EDB – GLC service if it was a winning Class 156 or 158, or let that go and get the 12:11 that was due from Lanark to GLC via Queens Park. The service from EDB was dud, so I briefly had a wander before hopping on 318253+268 for the run to GLC. As this is diverted via Queens Park today, this meant that I could do the connecting track east of Newton station, therefore having done it in both directions. Upon arrival at GLC, I decided to go for some second helpings and remained on the same pair of 318s back to Holytown departing GLC at 12:50, then a short fester for the 13:32 service from EDB to GLC via the R&CR, which were the same 158s I had for the outbound run earlier on.
As I have already completed my main task of bagging the Mossend North – East Junction curve, I decided to spend the remainder of the day clearing out shacks south of the mighty Clyde, even though I do not require any of the Scotrail electric fleet. Upon arrival at GLC at 14:05, it was a rapid dash from Platform 5 to Platform 8 for the 14:08 anything that is in the colour green is detested/Teddy Bear Town AKA Larkhall via Queens Park service, which was formed by 314209. It is noted that when I was planning this trip recently, the journey planners had the southbound train passing the northbound one between Chatelherault and Merryton, with a 25 minute layover at Larkhall. However, upon arrival at Hamilton Central, there was a 12-15 minute layover there on southbound journeys, with the standard 10-12 minutes layover at Larkhall. This probably got altered at the eleventh hour, as I never noticed it a couple of days previously.
I still stuck to my original plan of having bailed at Chatelherault, with a near 25 minute fester. The station is next to the country park and next to the old Carlisle Road, with a recent residential development on the other side of the track that has been given the less than inspiring name of Ferniegair (similar to Bonkle in Wishaw, Carnbroe in Coatbridge, and Thrashbush in Airdrie). As it was a pleasant sunny afternoon, this would save me festering in normal weather i.e. chilly, windswept, and horizontal rain for good measure. Anyway, it was back on 314209 for the northbound run to Croftfoot, then on the 15:55 Larkhall service that definitely was running (the PIS on the platform had it down has having been delayed by 20 minutes, then cancelled, then running as intended), formed by 314203 for a short hop to Kirkhill. It was then over to the opposite platform for the 16:12 GLC service to my intended alighting point of Shawlands, but made a boo-boo by alighting at Kings Park instead as I misread my sheet (the intention was to walk from Shawlands to Pollokshaws East via Hector Road and Tassie Street, then back to Kings Park and then walk to Cathcart).
I exited Kings Park station and walked via Menock Road and Manse Brae in the direction of Cathcart. I was meant to continue staight ahead and turn off into Delvin Road, but turned into Old Castle Road instead in error. I then came across Linn Park and attempted to cut through to the other side. Linn Park to me appears to be similar to the second tier of the English football league system in that it is easy to get into, but tough to get out off. The footpaths are not straight, but go round in curves, with each junction of footpaths not being clear which way is out onto the main Clarkston Road. When I eventually reached the main road, the board of the layout of the park did not have the “You are here” marker, so was tricky in determing whereabouts I was at Clarkston Road. Eventually, I headed in the right direction to the old cinema (now Sainsbury's) at Muirend, and went down to the platform just in time for the 17:08 Neilston service, which was formed by 314212 for the short hop to Whitecraigs.
It was then over to the opposite platform for the 17:26 GLC service, which was to see me have 314209 for the third time today for the short run back to Muirend. It was then on the 17:38 for the bus stop bash to Williamwood, formed by 314213, then over to the opposite platform for the 17:58 GLC service, which was formed by 314212 as expected for the third time today for the run all the way back to GLC. It was this point I had to temporarily leave the clearing of southside shacks to deviate to Paisley, as I had an appointment to deal with a task there. For information, it was the 18:30 to Paisley GS, formed by 380108, and back to GLC on the 20:46, formed by 380012.
Having dealt with the task in Paisley, I was in two minds whether to head back home, or attempt to do both Shawlands and Pollokshaws East that I was intending doing earlier, so as not to leave them hanging. I decided to attempt it, and boarded the 21:08 Larkhall service via Queens Park, which was formed by 314204. As there was a minus one connection at Kings Park, it would be optimistic if I could wrangle it so as to finish an hour early, but the Larkhall – GLC via Maxwell Park had already departed according to the PIS, so remained on to Hamilton Central. It was then over to the opposite platform for the 21:59 GLC via Maxwell Park service, which was formed by 314214 for the run to Shawlands. It was then directly across Pollokshaws Road into Hector Road and right turn into Tassie Street to Pollokshaws East station, which was done in 7 or 8 minutes. It was on the 22:47 to Kings Park, which was formed by 314212 and making it the fourth time I've had this today, and then on the 23:19 to GLC via Queens Park, formed by 314210 all the way to the end and then on the 57 bus back up the road and home.
Overall, I had set out what I had intended to achieve, which was to cover the Mossend North – East Junctions curve, with everything else being optional afterwards. The only Caledonian Railway stations south of the mighty Clyde in the West of Scotland that I require are Blantyre, Hamilton West, Merryton, Shieldmuir, Wishaw, Cleland, Hartwood, and Shotts. I could save those for when I next do the Central Scotland Rover in the future. Furthermore, I was not expecting to land a winning 158 earlier on today, so that came as a pleasant surprise. I only require 2 Class 170s (456 and 471), 8 x Class 156s (including 478 and 509, with 4 that are fitted with RETB equipment), and 10 x Class 158s (with 8 of those belonging to Inverness Depot).
PS I will comment on some of the replies shortly. I have been rather busy with various tasks over the last few weeks.
It was a short stroll down the road to Barnhill station to board the 09:28 Partick service, which was formed by 334013 for the run to Glasgow Queen Street. I then had a gentle stroll across to Glasgow Central, and had spotted 156434 on the 10:12 to Kilmarnock and 170426+413 on the 10:23 to Aberdeen. It was then onboard the 10:16 Edinburgh Waverley service that is diverted via the Rutherglen & Coatbridge railway due to engineering works, which was formed by dud 158718 and winning 158869 for the run to Carfin. This meant that I had scored the Mossend North – East Junction section of track, and have now completed every inch of metal of the various junctions at Mossend. It was announced that upon arrival at Carfin, it would be the centre door (local door) to exit the train due to the slightly short platform. I then exited the station and headed off for a walk to Holytown station via Newarthill Road, Glenmore Road, Loanhead Road, and Atlin Drive.
Having arrived at Holytown, I had 2 options here. I could either hop on the 13:30 EDB – GLC service if it was a winning Class 156 or 158, or let that go and get the 12:11 that was due from Lanark to GLC via Queens Park. The service from EDB was dud, so I briefly had a wander before hopping on 318253+268 for the run to GLC. As this is diverted via Queens Park today, this meant that I could do the connecting track east of Newton station, therefore having done it in both directions. Upon arrival at GLC, I decided to go for some second helpings and remained on the same pair of 318s back to Holytown departing GLC at 12:50, then a short fester for the 13:32 service from EDB to GLC via the R&CR, which were the same 158s I had for the outbound run earlier on.
As I have already completed my main task of bagging the Mossend North – East Junction curve, I decided to spend the remainder of the day clearing out shacks south of the mighty Clyde, even though I do not require any of the Scotrail electric fleet. Upon arrival at GLC at 14:05, it was a rapid dash from Platform 5 to Platform 8 for the 14:08 anything that is in the colour green is detested/Teddy Bear Town AKA Larkhall via Queens Park service, which was formed by 314209. It is noted that when I was planning this trip recently, the journey planners had the southbound train passing the northbound one between Chatelherault and Merryton, with a 25 minute layover at Larkhall. However, upon arrival at Hamilton Central, there was a 12-15 minute layover there on southbound journeys, with the standard 10-12 minutes layover at Larkhall. This probably got altered at the eleventh hour, as I never noticed it a couple of days previously.
I still stuck to my original plan of having bailed at Chatelherault, with a near 25 minute fester. The station is next to the country park and next to the old Carlisle Road, with a recent residential development on the other side of the track that has been given the less than inspiring name of Ferniegair (similar to Bonkle in Wishaw, Carnbroe in Coatbridge, and Thrashbush in Airdrie). As it was a pleasant sunny afternoon, this would save me festering in normal weather i.e. chilly, windswept, and horizontal rain for good measure. Anyway, it was back on 314209 for the northbound run to Croftfoot, then on the 15:55 Larkhall service that definitely was running (the PIS on the platform had it down has having been delayed by 20 minutes, then cancelled, then running as intended), formed by 314203 for a short hop to Kirkhill. It was then over to the opposite platform for the 16:12 GLC service to my intended alighting point of Shawlands, but made a boo-boo by alighting at Kings Park instead as I misread my sheet (the intention was to walk from Shawlands to Pollokshaws East via Hector Road and Tassie Street, then back to Kings Park and then walk to Cathcart).
I exited Kings Park station and walked via Menock Road and Manse Brae in the direction of Cathcart. I was meant to continue staight ahead and turn off into Delvin Road, but turned into Old Castle Road instead in error. I then came across Linn Park and attempted to cut through to the other side. Linn Park to me appears to be similar to the second tier of the English football league system in that it is easy to get into, but tough to get out off. The footpaths are not straight, but go round in curves, with each junction of footpaths not being clear which way is out onto the main Clarkston Road. When I eventually reached the main road, the board of the layout of the park did not have the “You are here” marker, so was tricky in determing whereabouts I was at Clarkston Road. Eventually, I headed in the right direction to the old cinema (now Sainsbury's) at Muirend, and went down to the platform just in time for the 17:08 Neilston service, which was formed by 314212 for the short hop to Whitecraigs.
It was then over to the opposite platform for the 17:26 GLC service, which was to see me have 314209 for the third time today for the short run back to Muirend. It was then on the 17:38 for the bus stop bash to Williamwood, formed by 314213, then over to the opposite platform for the 17:58 GLC service, which was formed by 314212 as expected for the third time today for the run all the way back to GLC. It was this point I had to temporarily leave the clearing of southside shacks to deviate to Paisley, as I had an appointment to deal with a task there. For information, it was the 18:30 to Paisley GS, formed by 380108, and back to GLC on the 20:46, formed by 380012.
Having dealt with the task in Paisley, I was in two minds whether to head back home, or attempt to do both Shawlands and Pollokshaws East that I was intending doing earlier, so as not to leave them hanging. I decided to attempt it, and boarded the 21:08 Larkhall service via Queens Park, which was formed by 314204. As there was a minus one connection at Kings Park, it would be optimistic if I could wrangle it so as to finish an hour early, but the Larkhall – GLC via Maxwell Park had already departed according to the PIS, so remained on to Hamilton Central. It was then over to the opposite platform for the 21:59 GLC via Maxwell Park service, which was formed by 314214 for the run to Shawlands. It was then directly across Pollokshaws Road into Hector Road and right turn into Tassie Street to Pollokshaws East station, which was done in 7 or 8 minutes. It was on the 22:47 to Kings Park, which was formed by 314212 and making it the fourth time I've had this today, and then on the 23:19 to GLC via Queens Park, formed by 314210 all the way to the end and then on the 57 bus back up the road and home.
Overall, I had set out what I had intended to achieve, which was to cover the Mossend North – East Junctions curve, with everything else being optional afterwards. The only Caledonian Railway stations south of the mighty Clyde in the West of Scotland that I require are Blantyre, Hamilton West, Merryton, Shieldmuir, Wishaw, Cleland, Hartwood, and Shotts. I could save those for when I next do the Central Scotland Rover in the future. Furthermore, I was not expecting to land a winning 158 earlier on today, so that came as a pleasant surprise. I only require 2 Class 170s (456 and 471), 8 x Class 156s (including 478 and 509, with 4 that are fitted with RETB equipment), and 10 x Class 158s (with 8 of those belonging to Inverness Depot).
PS I will comment on some of the replies shortly. I have been rather busy with various tasks over the last few weeks.
Last edited:
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Nicely done with that curve at Mossend, I need that myself!
adrock1976
Established Member
I've managed to dig out the thread that Keith made a while ago for tips on how to record London Underground trains - many thanks both of you for the tips.
Sounded like a couple productive days
Hopefully the blisters will die down soon
My feet have safely recovered within a week of the Derbyshire Wayfarer trip.
Sounds like a good day despite the issues on the gates. Weird, as i've been let through to Newcastle gateline with just about every single explanation under the sun. Never ever been turned away. If they were that hung up though, i'd have just bought a single to Manors (about £2) and liased with the guard as you saw appropriate.
One other thing though, suspect you didn't see 142085 unless it was straying a little far from Cardiff
I was thinking about that as well, but the Inverness train had already drew into the platform after being turned away from the gateline. The 142 that I had spotted had a 5 in the last three digits somewhere, so unsure which one it was.
Many thanks - I was not properly awake at that stage, and knew that it ended in 1 and 0. Furthermore, I seem to forever see 67s between Glasgow and Preston mainly, which is probably why I thought there were more that what there actually is.
A nice day in Birmingham for you Adam, must have been gutting seeing your second-to-last 323 whiz past you though!
Also, for the record, I have so far only scored 2 class 68 members, so you can stop panicking about it!
I will have to keep a look out for it next time I'm at Birmingham NS, and even better hope that it is on either the International local or a Redditch service so as I can finally get the recently installed loop at Alvechurch.
Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a productive Sunday, well done on scoring that quite rare track around Mossend.
Wouldn't it be better to do those shacks on a Daytripper ticket and save the Central Scotland Rover for those shacks requirements in the area not covered by the Daytripper?
Wouldn't it be better to do those shacks on a Daytripper ticket and save the Central Scotland Rover for those shacks requirements in the area not covered by the Daytripper?
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Adam, I need to get down the Redditch branch again and do the loop myself. I keep forgetting about it if I'm honest, much like I keep forgetting about the new microgricing opportunities in the Valleys (p3 at Barry etc)!
adrock1976
Established Member
Intro
While looking through some correspondence from UK Railtours, there were 2 that attracted my attention. The Midland & Great Central for this weekend was one, with the other one being The Diversionary Tactic. After reading the description of the route of the second one, I realised that I have covered all the track except Newcastle-Eaglescliffe via Sunderland and Hartlepool, and Doncaster-Lincoln Central via Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway (of note, I did the Northallerton low level track and the Stillington routes back in 1990 when the IC 125 I was on from Birmingham to Newcastle Central was diverted that weekend when the main line via Darlington was being electrified). I could easily do those sections of track on normal scheduled services with a rover, so opted for the Midland & Great Central instead, due to covering difficult to get sections of track. I had booked online a couple of weeks before which was the easy bit. The tricky bit was to get a reasonable fare to London through clever manipulation of the Webtis booking engine on the GWR website. I eventually managed to split ticket at Stoke on Trent, with the Barnhill-SOT section being via Manchester southbound and via Alsager northbound. The SOT-EUS leg of the journey in both directions was on the London Midland service. Furthermore, I got reasonable cost accommodation in London for £13 per night, bearing in mind it was a four bed shared dorm in a very posh hostel in the Lewisham area and involving a Saturday night stay too.
Day 1 Outward bound to London 6 May
It was a short walk down the road to Barnhill station to board the 07:53 Dumbarton Central via Yoker service, which was formed by 334009 for the run to Glasgow QS. I then deviated to take a quick look at the tunnel works at the viewing area before making my way across to Central. It was Platform 1 as expected that the 08:40 EUS via Trent Valley Railway was departing from, which was formed by dud 390119 Virgin Warriorfor an uneventful run to Preston. 37401 and a couple of Class 67s at Kingmoor yard were spotted, with 60095 Colas Rail hauling oil tankers northbound and stoneblower DR 80213 were spotted at the junction of the Maryport & Carlisle Railway. At Penrith, 73904 Thomas Telford was spotted, while 185151 was on the Windermere shuttle service. At Lancaster, 156454 was in Platform 1 while stoneblower 80028 was just south of the station. Arrival into Platform 6 at PRE was at 11:01 five minutes behind schedule and soon after, DBS 66114 was passing through southbound hauling cement wagons.
It was over to Platform 4 for the 11:05 Manchester Airport service, which was formed by dud pair 156425+489 to Manchester Piccadilly. It was here where I was intending to look out for 323238 to see if it was on the 12:04 Crewe via Stockport service. It was about today, but alas, it was on either the MIA shuttle or Crewe via MIA service. I think it was gently teasing me, as my intention was to go via Stockport. Anyway, I took a look to see what was on both the 12:07 and 12:27 XC services, but both were dud Class 220s. The 12:15 EUS via SOT service (omitting Macclesfield) was a required 390, but declined and decided to stick with the 12:35 EUS via SOT departure (calling Macclesfield) after purchasing something light and a cup of tea.
It was onboard dud 390136 City of Coventry for the run to SOT. At the northern end of Stockport station, 66547 was spotted hauling recycling wagons northbound, while at Edgeley Junction 66197 was spotted. Arrival at SOT was on schedule at 13:11, where it was a 10 minute fester before the 13:28 LM service to EUS via Stafford arrived 5 minutes before departure. This was formed by my first winner of the day in 350127 for the near 2 ½ hour run all the way to EUS, arriving on schedule at 15:52. It is noted that after departing SOT, 66002 was spotted south of the station, 70001 was spotted on the fast line north of Stafford after scoring new track on the recent Norton Bridge flyover, and 57311 Thunderbird was spotted in the bay platforms facing London at Rugby.
At EUS, it was out through the gateline and via the shortcut to the Underground, where it was down to the Northern Line Bank Branch southbound platform. I was surprised that I did this in 4 or 5 minutes, and that there was a train approaching too. I boarded 51664+663 for the run to Old Street, where I then made my way to the Northern City Line platforms. As I require 30 Class 313s in London (plus 5 that operate on the London, Brighton, & South Coast Railway) and also these being the oldest multiple units in operation dating back to 1976 (they have been around as long as I have), I decided beforehand to grab as many as possible. Of note, I had a very high chance of getting most of the ones that are required, due to the frequency being every 5 minutes between Moorgate and Finsbury Park at least at this time of day.
Anyway, it was onboard the 16:10 northbound service for a bus stop bash to Essex Road, which was formed by winning duo 313030+033. It was a 10 minute fester before the 16:23 came along, formed by another winning duo 313027+031 for a short hop to Drayton Park. Five minutes later, the 16:28 was formed by a solitary 313054 for a longer run to Alexandra Palace, the last station along the common section of route before the Hertford Loop Line diverges from the Great Northern Railway main line. It was then back south on the 16:52 to Finsbury Park, which was formed by winning 313028 and dud 049. It was another brief fester before boarding the 17:02 MOG service, formed by another winning duo 313123+060 for the bus stop bash to Drayton Park. It is noted that at this stage, I have started to use the good old fashioned five bar gate to help me count the number of winning 313s I've landed of all time, and that I have reached 22 out of the 44 that operate in London.
It was a very brief fester for the 17:08 northbound service, which was formed by dud 313046 and winning 052 back up the hill to FPK. The next northbound service was a pair of duds, so I let them go and boarded the 17:21 to AAP, formed by dud 313026 and winning 040. It was on the 17:30 Gordon Hill limited stop service to Enfield Chase, formed by dud 313041 and winning 059, before heading to the southbound platform for the 17:50 back to AAP, formed by winning duo 313036+134. It was a brief fester for the 18:01 southbound to Drayton Park, which was another winning duo in 313062+038, before heading north for the short hop to FPK on the 18:18, formed by dud 313047 and winning 018. Both the 18:26 and 18:31 northbound departures were dud pairs, so I declined those. It was on the 18:36 to AAP, which was formed by dud 313029 and winning 051. It was here at AAP that there were 3 northbound services in a row that had been cancelled due to an earlier train fault, so it was a fester for the 19:01 southbound service to Drayton Park, formed by winning duo 313064+044. During the fester, I decided to do a count of winning 313s so far, and was delighted that I have now got it up to 32 out of 44.
It was then back northbound and round the corner to FPK on the 19:23, formed by winning 313061 and dud 057, then on the 19:31 for a bus stop bash to Harringay on winning duo 313032+050. I then hung around to see what was on the 19:38 Letchworth Garden City service, but was dud 313054, so declined. It was over to the southbound platform to see what was on the delayed 19:48 MOG service, but that was dud so went back over to the northbound platform. It was onboard the 19:58 to Bowes Park, which was formed by winning duo 313045+042, then on the 20:13 for a linear hop to Palmers Green on winning duo 313024+037, and back on the 20:25 southbound to Old Street on dud pair 313031+027, omitting Hornsey and Harringay and using the southbound outer track at the side of Hornsey station. During the run back south to Old Street, I did a count and was rather pleased that I had done better than expected in landing 26 winning 313s today, bringing the total to 40 out of 44. My remaining 4 London 313s are 313025, 055, 056, and 122.
It was then to the Underground section to board a northbound service to Angel, formed by 51501+701. I then went to the Wetherspoons for something to eat before heading back to the Underground to head south. As I would be doing linear station hops between Angel and Stockwell, before heading directly back north to London Bridge, I have outlined the Northern Line trains below:
51656+657 Angel-Old Street
51719+623 Old Street-MOG
51563+564 MOG-Bank
51647+648 Bank-LBG
51514+513 LBG-Borough
51624+625 Borough-Elephant & Castle
51608+607 Elephant & Castle-Kennington
51664+663 Kennington-Oval (dud from earlier and my brain was starting to switch off at this point)
51595+715 Oval-Stockwell
51650+649 Stockwell-LBG
Upon arrival at LBG, it was out of the Underground system and over to the Southeastern Railway side of the station for the 22:54 Orpington via Lewisham service from Platform 1, which was formed by winning 465908 and dud 465249 for the run to Hither Green and a walk to my accommodation in Old Road.
Overall, I felt that I did really well in in increasing my 14 Class 313s to a total of 40 out of 44 today, which makes up for landing duds on the way to Stoke on Trent earlier. As I will be limited to what track I am able to bash and being on the railtour in the morning, I have managed to do a fair amount of scoring winners today.
Stay tuned for Days 2, 3, and 4.
While looking through some correspondence from UK Railtours, there were 2 that attracted my attention. The Midland & Great Central for this weekend was one, with the other one being The Diversionary Tactic. After reading the description of the route of the second one, I realised that I have covered all the track except Newcastle-Eaglescliffe via Sunderland and Hartlepool, and Doncaster-Lincoln Central via Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway (of note, I did the Northallerton low level track and the Stillington routes back in 1990 when the IC 125 I was on from Birmingham to Newcastle Central was diverted that weekend when the main line via Darlington was being electrified). I could easily do those sections of track on normal scheduled services with a rover, so opted for the Midland & Great Central instead, due to covering difficult to get sections of track. I had booked online a couple of weeks before which was the easy bit. The tricky bit was to get a reasonable fare to London through clever manipulation of the Webtis booking engine on the GWR website. I eventually managed to split ticket at Stoke on Trent, with the Barnhill-SOT section being via Manchester southbound and via Alsager northbound. The SOT-EUS leg of the journey in both directions was on the London Midland service. Furthermore, I got reasonable cost accommodation in London for £13 per night, bearing in mind it was a four bed shared dorm in a very posh hostel in the Lewisham area and involving a Saturday night stay too.
Day 1 Outward bound to London 6 May
It was a short walk down the road to Barnhill station to board the 07:53 Dumbarton Central via Yoker service, which was formed by 334009 for the run to Glasgow QS. I then deviated to take a quick look at the tunnel works at the viewing area before making my way across to Central. It was Platform 1 as expected that the 08:40 EUS via Trent Valley Railway was departing from, which was formed by dud 390119 Virgin Warriorfor an uneventful run to Preston. 37401 and a couple of Class 67s at Kingmoor yard were spotted, with 60095 Colas Rail hauling oil tankers northbound and stoneblower DR 80213 were spotted at the junction of the Maryport & Carlisle Railway. At Penrith, 73904 Thomas Telford was spotted, while 185151 was on the Windermere shuttle service. At Lancaster, 156454 was in Platform 1 while stoneblower 80028 was just south of the station. Arrival into Platform 6 at PRE was at 11:01 five minutes behind schedule and soon after, DBS 66114 was passing through southbound hauling cement wagons.
It was over to Platform 4 for the 11:05 Manchester Airport service, which was formed by dud pair 156425+489 to Manchester Piccadilly. It was here where I was intending to look out for 323238 to see if it was on the 12:04 Crewe via Stockport service. It was about today, but alas, it was on either the MIA shuttle or Crewe via MIA service. I think it was gently teasing me, as my intention was to go via Stockport. Anyway, I took a look to see what was on both the 12:07 and 12:27 XC services, but both were dud Class 220s. The 12:15 EUS via SOT service (omitting Macclesfield) was a required 390, but declined and decided to stick with the 12:35 EUS via SOT departure (calling Macclesfield) after purchasing something light and a cup of tea.
It was onboard dud 390136 City of Coventry for the run to SOT. At the northern end of Stockport station, 66547 was spotted hauling recycling wagons northbound, while at Edgeley Junction 66197 was spotted. Arrival at SOT was on schedule at 13:11, where it was a 10 minute fester before the 13:28 LM service to EUS via Stafford arrived 5 minutes before departure. This was formed by my first winner of the day in 350127 for the near 2 ½ hour run all the way to EUS, arriving on schedule at 15:52. It is noted that after departing SOT, 66002 was spotted south of the station, 70001 was spotted on the fast line north of Stafford after scoring new track on the recent Norton Bridge flyover, and 57311 Thunderbird was spotted in the bay platforms facing London at Rugby.
At EUS, it was out through the gateline and via the shortcut to the Underground, where it was down to the Northern Line Bank Branch southbound platform. I was surprised that I did this in 4 or 5 minutes, and that there was a train approaching too. I boarded 51664+663 for the run to Old Street, where I then made my way to the Northern City Line platforms. As I require 30 Class 313s in London (plus 5 that operate on the London, Brighton, & South Coast Railway) and also these being the oldest multiple units in operation dating back to 1976 (they have been around as long as I have), I decided beforehand to grab as many as possible. Of note, I had a very high chance of getting most of the ones that are required, due to the frequency being every 5 minutes between Moorgate and Finsbury Park at least at this time of day.
Anyway, it was onboard the 16:10 northbound service for a bus stop bash to Essex Road, which was formed by winning duo 313030+033. It was a 10 minute fester before the 16:23 came along, formed by another winning duo 313027+031 for a short hop to Drayton Park. Five minutes later, the 16:28 was formed by a solitary 313054 for a longer run to Alexandra Palace, the last station along the common section of route before the Hertford Loop Line diverges from the Great Northern Railway main line. It was then back south on the 16:52 to Finsbury Park, which was formed by winning 313028 and dud 049. It was another brief fester before boarding the 17:02 MOG service, formed by another winning duo 313123+060 for the bus stop bash to Drayton Park. It is noted that at this stage, I have started to use the good old fashioned five bar gate to help me count the number of winning 313s I've landed of all time, and that I have reached 22 out of the 44 that operate in London.
It was a very brief fester for the 17:08 northbound service, which was formed by dud 313046 and winning 052 back up the hill to FPK. The next northbound service was a pair of duds, so I let them go and boarded the 17:21 to AAP, formed by dud 313026 and winning 040. It was on the 17:30 Gordon Hill limited stop service to Enfield Chase, formed by dud 313041 and winning 059, before heading to the southbound platform for the 17:50 back to AAP, formed by winning duo 313036+134. It was a brief fester for the 18:01 southbound to Drayton Park, which was another winning duo in 313062+038, before heading north for the short hop to FPK on the 18:18, formed by dud 313047 and winning 018. Both the 18:26 and 18:31 northbound departures were dud pairs, so I declined those. It was on the 18:36 to AAP, which was formed by dud 313029 and winning 051. It was here at AAP that there were 3 northbound services in a row that had been cancelled due to an earlier train fault, so it was a fester for the 19:01 southbound service to Drayton Park, formed by winning duo 313064+044. During the fester, I decided to do a count of winning 313s so far, and was delighted that I have now got it up to 32 out of 44.
It was then back northbound and round the corner to FPK on the 19:23, formed by winning 313061 and dud 057, then on the 19:31 for a bus stop bash to Harringay on winning duo 313032+050. I then hung around to see what was on the 19:38 Letchworth Garden City service, but was dud 313054, so declined. It was over to the southbound platform to see what was on the delayed 19:48 MOG service, but that was dud so went back over to the northbound platform. It was onboard the 19:58 to Bowes Park, which was formed by winning duo 313045+042, then on the 20:13 for a linear hop to Palmers Green on winning duo 313024+037, and back on the 20:25 southbound to Old Street on dud pair 313031+027, omitting Hornsey and Harringay and using the southbound outer track at the side of Hornsey station. During the run back south to Old Street, I did a count and was rather pleased that I had done better than expected in landing 26 winning 313s today, bringing the total to 40 out of 44. My remaining 4 London 313s are 313025, 055, 056, and 122.
It was then to the Underground section to board a northbound service to Angel, formed by 51501+701. I then went to the Wetherspoons for something to eat before heading back to the Underground to head south. As I would be doing linear station hops between Angel and Stockwell, before heading directly back north to London Bridge, I have outlined the Northern Line trains below:
51656+657 Angel-Old Street
51719+623 Old Street-MOG
51563+564 MOG-Bank
51647+648 Bank-LBG
51514+513 LBG-Borough
51624+625 Borough-Elephant & Castle
51608+607 Elephant & Castle-Kennington
51664+663 Kennington-Oval (dud from earlier and my brain was starting to switch off at this point)
51595+715 Oval-Stockwell
51650+649 Stockwell-LBG
Upon arrival at LBG, it was out of the Underground system and over to the Southeastern Railway side of the station for the 22:54 Orpington via Lewisham service from Platform 1, which was formed by winning 465908 and dud 465249 for the run to Hither Green and a walk to my accommodation in Old Road.
Overall, I felt that I did really well in in increasing my 14 Class 313s to a total of 40 out of 44 today, which makes up for landing duds on the way to Stoke on Trent earlier. As I will be limited to what track I am able to bash and being on the railtour in the morning, I have managed to do a fair amount of scoring winners today.
Stay tuned for Days 2, 3, and 4.
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
Great progress on the 323s... The "one that got away" feeling is familiar!
Same with the 313s - cracking progress
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Same with the 313s - cracking progress
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Kite159
Veteran Member
Lewisham is posher than the Croydon EasyHotel
Sounded like a very productive day, mopping up those pesky 313s
Sounded like a very productive day, mopping up those pesky 313s
adrock1976
Established Member
Day 2 Midland & Great Central Railtour 7 May
After a good night's sleep, it was an early rise and out of the door for the 10-12 minute walk to Hither Green station. It was onboard the 06:37 Cannon Street via Lewisham service, which was formed by double winners 465195+185 for the northbound run to London Bridge, arriving on schedule at 06:52. It was then down to the Underground for the northbound Northern Line to Kings Cross St Pancras, which was 51710+560 that whizzed me there. I then purchased something light and a cup of tea before making my way to the Midland Railway platforms of STP for the IC 125 that was sitting in Platform 4. The powercars were dud 43050 and winning 43059 that would be with me today. Before boarding, I had spotted 222006 in Platform 2, and 222022+019 in Platform 3, and then took my seat in Charlie coach ready for departure at 07:32.
The route was along the mainline as far as Knighton South Junction (the one immediately north of Wigston North Junction and before Leicester London Road station). Picking up passengers at Luton Airport Parkway, Bedford Midland, and Market Harborough, where the train had become fully booked from this point onwards. At Knighton South, it was a gentle crawl along the line due to the low linespeed and historic land subsidence passing though Coalville and passing by former coal mining activity, with various former lines that have been closed. Eventually, the Birmingham & Derby Junction Railway was reached at Birmingham Curve Junction south of Burton upon Trent, where the train got held for 10 minutes or so. It was at this point that I decided (alongside everybody else it seems) to get a cup of tea and a cheese and tomato roll from the buffet car. When the signallers gave the go-ahead for the train to proceed, it then joined the B&DJR to proceed round the curve and continue northbound, passing through BUT and Willington to diverge at the next junction, Stenson Junction.
The train then took the diverging route at Stenson Junction onto the line that passes through Castle Donington to reach the mainline at Trent Sheet Stores Junction. It then diverged to head in the direction to Nottingham, before diverging onto the Erewash Valley line at Toton to head north. I had spotted a Class 67 loco and various others, but my pen decided to have a mind of its own and stopped working at that point. Fortunately, I always carry a spare with me. After passing the yard at Toton, there appeared to be a rather ghastly green footbridge, which I believe is the site of the yet to be constructed Ilkeston Parkway station. After passing Langley Mill, the train took the diverging route at Ironville Junction (south of the former Pye Bridge Junction) to head to Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and continuing north via Mansfield to Woodend Junction near Worksop.
At the junction, the train diverged left to join the Manchester, Sheffield, & Lincolnshire Railway, then passing through Shireoaks before diverging right onto the South Yorkshire Joint Line to continue north. After passing through various former coal mining areas and formations of former lines, St Catherine's Junction south of Doncaster was eventually reached. It was then over the Great Northern Railway mainline and past the edge of the racecourse to reach Kirk Sandall Junction, then via Hatfield & Stainforth, Scunthorpe, Wrawby Junction, and Grimsby Town to the end of the line at Cleethorpes arriving on schedule at 14:00. It is noted that upon arrival, part of the rear of the train was not on the platform, so the driver had to draw very slowly to the buffer stop before the doors were released. Furthermore, it was announced that during the course of the journey, attempts would be made to have a go at cleaning the windows as it was a replacement set, with the intended set having broken down at 3 AM at Derby.
Having alighted from the train, I had spotted 185135 that would be on the 14:26 Manchester Airport service, and 153335 (I think) was in the adjacent platform that was most likely to be on the 14:55 Barton upon Humber service. After consulting the timetable poster at the station concourse, that option was ruled out for bashing the track between Haborough and Barton upon Humber due to arriving back after the charter train was scheduled to depart at 16:20. I decided instead to have a wander around town as it was a reasonably pleasant day (with the exception of a cool sea breeze) and went to the vicinity of the leisure centre where the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway was based. After establishing that the next departure would be at 15:15 and arriving back just after 16:00, I decided against it as I did not feel like a massive sprint along the promenade back to the station. I hung about to see the incoming working before making my way in the direction of the station and went into the Wetherspoons (The Coliseum) for some lunch before heading back to the station.
Back at the station, I had spotted 170303+308 that would be on the 16:26 MIA service, while 153332 was in the adjacent platform that was most likely to be on the 16:55 Barton upon Humber service. It was back on board for a prompt departure at 16:20, while it was announced that during the layover, the train crew had a go at trying to get some of the windows cleaned, which was tricky due to there no longer being any hosepipes at Cleethorpes station. I could tell that the window next to me did indeed have an attempt at getting cleaned, but it seemed probably worse as there was some stubborn grease.
Anyway, it was westbound to Wrawby Junction, but this time diverging via Market Rasen to Lincoln Central some more new track for me that although I could get on normal scheduled services, it is random times with no pattern in particular, and no Sunday service. At Pelham Street crossing in Lincoln where the train got held for a while due to being 15 minutes early, I had spotted 156470 heading to Grimsby Town. During the driver changeover at LCN, 153385 was in Platform 5 facing London. After departing LCN 10 minutes ahead of schedule, it was then on towards Newark on Trent, pausing before the flat crossing before clattering over to head towards Nottingham. It was a gentle crawl before arriving at NOT for another driver change, who got delayed from an incoming normal scheduled service. There were some passengers who alighted here as well. During the delay, 158865, 156497, and 156414 were spotted at some point, while 158788+783 was on a westbound service to either Sheffield, Manchester Piccadilly, or Liverpool LS.
Eventually the train departed 10-12 minutes or so behind schedule, and it was directly to London via the main line. After being held at Trent Junction after taking the London diverging route, the train was routed onto the goods line after crossing the Trent. At Barrow upon Soar, 66138 was spotted, while at Sileby, 222001 overtook on the southbound fast line. At Humberstone Road Junction, 66619 was hauling Lafarge Cement wagons northbound, and after that, the train was routed onto the loop that passes Leicester LR, with 222014 working a southbound London SP service, DR 73908, 98215, 156414, and 170519 from Birmingham having been spotted. Upon arrival at Market Harborough, the train had emptied out a lot, with some more passengers alighting at Bedford Midland. At BDM, 387201 was spotted in Platform 1 ready to work a southbound service to somewhere south of the mighty Thames to a destination on the London, Brighton, & South Coast Railway.
Further on southbound, 319428 was spotted at Luton (Town) on a southbound service, while at the penultimate calling point of Luton Airport Parkway, some more passengers alighted. At Silkstream Junction, the train was routed over the flyover to the opposite side of the formation and continued south passing through Hendon to Brent Curve Junction just north of the depot at Cricklewood. As the train was now ahead of schedule and was not due to arrive at STP until 21:35, it was held in the loop between Cricklewood and West Hampstead Thameslink for a while. Eventually, it was on the move again and arriving at STP on schedule.
After alighting from the train, I then made my way to the Underground for the southbound Northern Line platform. I did some linear hops to London Bridge, of which the movements are noted below:
51579+580 Kings Cross St Pancras-Angel
51596+597 Angel-Old Street
51679+680 Old Street-MOG
51603+604 MOG-Bank
51573+574 Bank-LBG
It was then to the Southeastern Railway side Platform 1 at LBG for the 22:24 Orpington via Lewisham service to Hither Green, which was formed by winning 465012 and dud x36 (either 036 or 236, both dud anyway). I then purchased something to eat from a convenience store along the main road before heading to my accommodation for the night. Overall, I enjoyed the railtour, despite the breakdown of the intended set meaning that another one had to stand in as a substitute.
Stay tuned for Days 3 and 4.
After a good night's sleep, it was an early rise and out of the door for the 10-12 minute walk to Hither Green station. It was onboard the 06:37 Cannon Street via Lewisham service, which was formed by double winners 465195+185 for the northbound run to London Bridge, arriving on schedule at 06:52. It was then down to the Underground for the northbound Northern Line to Kings Cross St Pancras, which was 51710+560 that whizzed me there. I then purchased something light and a cup of tea before making my way to the Midland Railway platforms of STP for the IC 125 that was sitting in Platform 4. The powercars were dud 43050 and winning 43059 that would be with me today. Before boarding, I had spotted 222006 in Platform 2, and 222022+019 in Platform 3, and then took my seat in Charlie coach ready for departure at 07:32.
The route was along the mainline as far as Knighton South Junction (the one immediately north of Wigston North Junction and before Leicester London Road station). Picking up passengers at Luton Airport Parkway, Bedford Midland, and Market Harborough, where the train had become fully booked from this point onwards. At Knighton South, it was a gentle crawl along the line due to the low linespeed and historic land subsidence passing though Coalville and passing by former coal mining activity, with various former lines that have been closed. Eventually, the Birmingham & Derby Junction Railway was reached at Birmingham Curve Junction south of Burton upon Trent, where the train got held for 10 minutes or so. It was at this point that I decided (alongside everybody else it seems) to get a cup of tea and a cheese and tomato roll from the buffet car. When the signallers gave the go-ahead for the train to proceed, it then joined the B&DJR to proceed round the curve and continue northbound, passing through BUT and Willington to diverge at the next junction, Stenson Junction.
The train then took the diverging route at Stenson Junction onto the line that passes through Castle Donington to reach the mainline at Trent Sheet Stores Junction. It then diverged to head in the direction to Nottingham, before diverging onto the Erewash Valley line at Toton to head north. I had spotted a Class 67 loco and various others, but my pen decided to have a mind of its own and stopped working at that point. Fortunately, I always carry a spare with me. After passing the yard at Toton, there appeared to be a rather ghastly green footbridge, which I believe is the site of the yet to be constructed Ilkeston Parkway station. After passing Langley Mill, the train took the diverging route at Ironville Junction (south of the former Pye Bridge Junction) to head to Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and continuing north via Mansfield to Woodend Junction near Worksop.
At the junction, the train diverged left to join the Manchester, Sheffield, & Lincolnshire Railway, then passing through Shireoaks before diverging right onto the South Yorkshire Joint Line to continue north. After passing through various former coal mining areas and formations of former lines, St Catherine's Junction south of Doncaster was eventually reached. It was then over the Great Northern Railway mainline and past the edge of the racecourse to reach Kirk Sandall Junction, then via Hatfield & Stainforth, Scunthorpe, Wrawby Junction, and Grimsby Town to the end of the line at Cleethorpes arriving on schedule at 14:00. It is noted that upon arrival, part of the rear of the train was not on the platform, so the driver had to draw very slowly to the buffer stop before the doors were released. Furthermore, it was announced that during the course of the journey, attempts would be made to have a go at cleaning the windows as it was a replacement set, with the intended set having broken down at 3 AM at Derby.
Having alighted from the train, I had spotted 185135 that would be on the 14:26 Manchester Airport service, and 153335 (I think) was in the adjacent platform that was most likely to be on the 14:55 Barton upon Humber service. After consulting the timetable poster at the station concourse, that option was ruled out for bashing the track between Haborough and Barton upon Humber due to arriving back after the charter train was scheduled to depart at 16:20. I decided instead to have a wander around town as it was a reasonably pleasant day (with the exception of a cool sea breeze) and went to the vicinity of the leisure centre where the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway was based. After establishing that the next departure would be at 15:15 and arriving back just after 16:00, I decided against it as I did not feel like a massive sprint along the promenade back to the station. I hung about to see the incoming working before making my way in the direction of the station and went into the Wetherspoons (The Coliseum) for some lunch before heading back to the station.
Back at the station, I had spotted 170303+308 that would be on the 16:26 MIA service, while 153332 was in the adjacent platform that was most likely to be on the 16:55 Barton upon Humber service. It was back on board for a prompt departure at 16:20, while it was announced that during the layover, the train crew had a go at trying to get some of the windows cleaned, which was tricky due to there no longer being any hosepipes at Cleethorpes station. I could tell that the window next to me did indeed have an attempt at getting cleaned, but it seemed probably worse as there was some stubborn grease.
Anyway, it was westbound to Wrawby Junction, but this time diverging via Market Rasen to Lincoln Central some more new track for me that although I could get on normal scheduled services, it is random times with no pattern in particular, and no Sunday service. At Pelham Street crossing in Lincoln where the train got held for a while due to being 15 minutes early, I had spotted 156470 heading to Grimsby Town. During the driver changeover at LCN, 153385 was in Platform 5 facing London. After departing LCN 10 minutes ahead of schedule, it was then on towards Newark on Trent, pausing before the flat crossing before clattering over to head towards Nottingham. It was a gentle crawl before arriving at NOT for another driver change, who got delayed from an incoming normal scheduled service. There were some passengers who alighted here as well. During the delay, 158865, 156497, and 156414 were spotted at some point, while 158788+783 was on a westbound service to either Sheffield, Manchester Piccadilly, or Liverpool LS.
Eventually the train departed 10-12 minutes or so behind schedule, and it was directly to London via the main line. After being held at Trent Junction after taking the London diverging route, the train was routed onto the goods line after crossing the Trent. At Barrow upon Soar, 66138 was spotted, while at Sileby, 222001 overtook on the southbound fast line. At Humberstone Road Junction, 66619 was hauling Lafarge Cement wagons northbound, and after that, the train was routed onto the loop that passes Leicester LR, with 222014 working a southbound London SP service, DR 73908, 98215, 156414, and 170519 from Birmingham having been spotted. Upon arrival at Market Harborough, the train had emptied out a lot, with some more passengers alighting at Bedford Midland. At BDM, 387201 was spotted in Platform 1 ready to work a southbound service to somewhere south of the mighty Thames to a destination on the London, Brighton, & South Coast Railway.
Further on southbound, 319428 was spotted at Luton (Town) on a southbound service, while at the penultimate calling point of Luton Airport Parkway, some more passengers alighted. At Silkstream Junction, the train was routed over the flyover to the opposite side of the formation and continued south passing through Hendon to Brent Curve Junction just north of the depot at Cricklewood. As the train was now ahead of schedule and was not due to arrive at STP until 21:35, it was held in the loop between Cricklewood and West Hampstead Thameslink for a while. Eventually, it was on the move again and arriving at STP on schedule.
After alighting from the train, I then made my way to the Underground for the southbound Northern Line platform. I did some linear hops to London Bridge, of which the movements are noted below:
51579+580 Kings Cross St Pancras-Angel
51596+597 Angel-Old Street
51679+680 Old Street-MOG
51603+604 MOG-Bank
51573+574 Bank-LBG
It was then to the Southeastern Railway side Platform 1 at LBG for the 22:24 Orpington via Lewisham service to Hither Green, which was formed by winning 465012 and dud x36 (either 036 or 236, both dud anyway). I then purchased something to eat from a convenience store along the main road before heading to my accommodation for the night. Overall, I enjoyed the railtour, despite the breakdown of the intended set meaning that another one had to stand in as a substitute.
Stay tuned for Days 3 and 4.
Kite159
Veteran Member
That 153 which was sat on P2 was buffer-blocking for the day (maybe to attach itself to the last service to Sheffield via Brigg?), it was 153330 on the Barton line services
And at least you got a winning 43 from the replacement set
And at least you got a winning 43 from the replacement set
Techniquest
Veteran Member
An excellent pair of reads there, I see I wasn't far from you (nor were Kite159 and hassaanhc!) on the Friday, as we were all bashing around London that day.
Certainly I preferred my hotel bed to setting up base in a hostel, you're obviously made of tougher stuff than me!
I was in coach E on the tour, Kite was your end of the train I believe. You'll have passed me on your way to get your cuppa, certainly came close to meeting!
Certainly I preferred my hotel bed to setting up base in a hostel, you're obviously made of tougher stuff than me!
I was in coach E on the tour, Kite was your end of the train I believe. You'll have passed me on your way to get your cuppa, certainly came close to meeting!
adrock1976
Established Member
Day 3 – Berney Arms, Lymington Pier, and Beaulieu Road trip 8 May
Due to the engineering works that would result in a train from Euston to Crewe, bus to Preston, bus to Carlisle, and bus to Glasgow, I investigated the route via York and Edinburgh, but as passengers for destinations in Scotland were travelling that route as it seemed, the remaining Advance fares were extortionate. It was cheaper for me to stay overnight in London on the Sunday, even when combined with my intended trip to Berney Arms in the morning, and Lymington Pier and Beaulieu Road in the late afternoon are taken into consideration. Of note, while I was investigating the Berney Arms run, I also considered making a visit to Lakenheath too, but there was engineering works at various points during the course of the day between Thetford/Brandon and Ely/Peterborough resulting in replacement buses. Needless to say, I abandoned the Lakenheath visit and went for Beaulieu Road instead. Ironically, all three of Berney Arms, Lakenheath, and Beaulieu Road has a better frequency of service when compared to Mondays to Saturdays, and as it would be tricky for me to do them when I'm in London every 3 months or so for a meeting along Holloway Road, I decided that this would be the best chance I would have.
It was an early rise but an hour later compared to yesterday. It was a gentle saunter to Hither Green station for the 07:37 Charing Cross avoiding Lewisham service (engineering works at London Bridge today), which was formed by double winners 465180+021. It was then downstairs to the Underground for a northbound Northern Line to Tottenham Court Road, which was 51638+639. It was then on an eastbound Central Line service to Liverpool Street, which was 92120+092+311+079. I then exited the Underground and headed over to the Great Eastern Railway east platforms, while having a glance at what 315s and 317s were out today. They were all dud so it would save me festering later on. I saw a proper Intercity set in one of the higher numbered platforms, believing that to be the 08:32 Chelmsford service, as I had a reservation putting me in Juliet coach. While looking at the screens at the platforms, I had noticed that the Intercity set was not my booked train, but it was a pair of Class 321s sitting in Platform 11. Very strange indeed, or it must have been a last minute set swap or a fault with the reservation system churning out non-existent coach lettering and seat numbers.
Anyway, it was on board double winners 321445+358 for the run to Ingatestone, calling at Stratford and Shenfield. Due to morning engineering works between Chelmsford and Colchester, replacement buses would be running. Normally, I avoid replacement buses if I can, but it was this itinerary in the journey planners that would have me arriving at Berney arms at lunchtime, with the engineering works over and done with by then for the run back to London. At Shenfield, 66544+549 were spotted. After alighting at Ingatestone, it was directly over to the car park for the replacement bus to Colchester, calling at Marks Tey, and it was this leg of the journey that was one of the causes which resulted in my intended plans to completely unravel for the rest of the day, leaving it looking nothing at all like the original.
The replacement bus was by an operator called Galloway European. It was soon onto the main A12 but to my surprise, the bus turned off at the next junction and went via Chelmer Valley Road, A130 towards Braintree (Freeport centre) amongst some congestion, A120, and back onto the A12 calling at Marks Tey, and onwards to Colchester, arriving 25 minutes later than planned at 10:35 (supposed to arrive at 10:08) and therefore causing me and other passengers to miss the 10:20 Norwich service. It became apparent that the reason for the detour via Braintree was because the A12 was closed north of where the bus turned off and Marks Tey was due to a road traffic accident that had resulted in a fatality. It put everything into perspective and appreciate that I am still alive. Anyway, I spoke to the clerk in the booking office and stamped the reverse of my various tickets to allow travel on later services.
As the Berney Arms services are every 2 hours on Sundays, I decided to take a spin up to Clacton on Sea, as I would not get to Berney Arms any quicker if I got the 11:2x NRW. With the 12:25 being a valid connection at NRW, I decided upon that course of action instead. After purchasing a Super Off Peak Day Return from the machine, it was over to Platform 5 for the 10:48 Clacton on Sea service, which was formed by 360117 for the run to the seaside, calling all stations except Weeley. At Thorpe-le-Soken, 321435 was on the shuttle to Walton-on-the-Naze, while at Clacton on Sea, 321421+306 were in Platform 4, and 321435+336 were in Platform 2. It was over to Platform 3 for the 11:35 Colchester service, which was formed by double winners 360112+103 for the run back to Colchester, passing 360108 heading to Clacton at Wivenhoe. I then picked up something light and a cup of tea from Pumpkin on the London platform at Colchester.
It was over to the Norwich platform for the 12:25 NRW service, which was formed by DVT 82107 and loco 90009. I had a look at some free seats in the 1st Class section, and settled upon one in Juliet coach at the London end. I noticed that at the Norwich end in that coach, the 2 seats on the right closest to the disabled toilet appear to be metal and possibly a present day version of the Stanley Milgram experiment that they are used for. Anyway, it was an uneventful run to Norwich, calling at Manningtree, Ipswich, Stowmarket, and Diss, while having had spotted 90045 at Ipswich and 90005 attached to the former VTWC set at Crown Point depot, and 60004 “Rapid” at the station throat.
I then made my way to the 13:36 Great Yarmouth via Reedham service, but was rather surprised to see that the screen at the platform had shown it going via Acle. I asked the guard, and it was explained that there had been a points failure at Reedham, so was going via Acle instead. Of the various options after I mentioned that the intention was a straight out and back to Berney Arms, I settled upon taking a run all the way to Great Yarmouth, getting on board 156422 and remaining on back to Norwich, arriving at 14:54. Of note, 158813+846+780 were spotted in the vicinity of Crown Point, while 170202 was in Platform 6 and 170201 was in Platform 3.
It was onboard the 15:00 LST service, which was formed by 90006 and DVT 82137 for the run all the way back to London...or so I thought and was expecting to be the case. However, soon after departure, it was announced that there has been a problem with the overhead wires between Shenfield and Romford, and that there may be a possibility that the train would be terminating at Colchester and to listen to further announcements. It was at this point that I thought that there is still a chance of me doing Beaulieu Road and possibly Lymington Pier, as Beaulieu Road has a frequency of every 60 minutes on a Sunday, compared to occasional trains that call there on Mondays to Saturdays. However, soon after departing Manningtree, it was announced that the train would be terminating at Colchester, and that there would be a forward service to Chelmsford, and that attempts would be made to lay on bus replacement services to Shenfield from Chelmsford, and to Stansted Airport from Witham for passengers travelling to London.
It was on board the 16:25 departure to Chelmsford, which was formed by double winners 321329+337 all the way to Chelmsford. It became apparent that the station staff were unable to source replacement buses, so it was back to Witham for me on the 17:11 that was formed by the now double duds that I had earlier 321445+358. Needless to say it was pandemonium at Witham due to everybody piling off the train and attempting to get a replacement bus to Stansted Airport for onward connections to London. As it became clear that the replacement buses would be a while, I took the opportunity to score some new track (obviously not intentional when I started out this morning) and deciding to abandon the run out to Beaulieu Road, I boarded the 17:25 Braintree service that had been held for 5 minutes or so and was formed by winning 321350 for the run to Braintree and back to Witham, where the queue at the bus stop had decreased outside.
The station staff were doing their best they could in the circumstances, trying to locate a replacement bus and updating on the progress of when the railway line between Shenfield and Romford would reopen. Eventually, it was announced that the line had now reopened, and all being well, the first London service would be the 18:47, which was 5 minutes or so behind schedule. It was a pair of 321s that rolled in, with passengers alighting off the train for replacement bus to Stansted Airport according to the train crew. Both the train crew and the station staff got in contact with control to establish exactly what was happening, with the favourable outcome of the train running in service all the way to LST. I then walked to the rear of the train where there was not so many passengers in the rear coach, with both of the 321s being winners in the form of 321444+423. After departing at approximately 19:00, the train called at Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, Shenfield, and Stratford on the way to Liverpool Street.
After arriving at LST, I made my way to Moorgate station and entered the Underground system, heading to the northbound Northern Line platform. It was on 51536+535 to Old Street, 51636+635 to Angel, and 51643+642 to Kings Cross St Pancras. My intention was to get a pizza from a takeaway called Royal Pizza, based along Grays Inn Road at the one way system. However, it appears to have closed down (I last used it in 2012/13) so I set off for a walk along Euston Road. Eventually, I settled upon Pizza Express (not necessarily the cheapest place for a pizza). Later on, I made my way to Euston station to re-enter the Underground, heading to the southbound Northern Line (Charing Cross branch) to do some linear hops along to Embankment. The details are below:
51554+555 – EUS-Warren Street
51543+542 – Warren Street-Goodge Street
51614+615 – Goodge Street-TCR
51705+609 – TCR-Leicester Square
51534+533 – Leicester Square-Charing Cross
51519+518 – Charing Cross-Embankment
I then exited Embankment station and walked up the hill to Charing Cross to board the 21:52 Dartford via Sidcup and avoiding Lewisham service, which was formed by double duds 465182+038 for the run back to Hither Green. I then made my way to the accommodation for the night.
Overall, today was a case of mixed fortunes for me. Despite the Liverpool Street – Ingatestone leg of the main bashing trip was the only one that worked as intended, I managed to unintentionally bash some new track by means of taking a run up to Clacton on Sea and to Braintree. In addition, I also unintentionally covered the track all the way to Great Yarmouth via Acle. As I will be doing the Anglia Rover in July, I will investigate revising plans to see if I can do the track via Berney Arms in both directions, and alight there and walk to Reedham. I can do Beaulieu Road on another Sunday when I'm next in London, or maybe tie it in with the Severn and Solent Rover some point in the future. With the circumstances that led to the replacement bus being diverted this morning, it makes me appreciative and grateful that I'm alive. My intended plans that did not work out afterwards are detailed below.
Hither Green
0737
London Charing Cross
0757
LU Northern Line to LST or MOG
Liverpool Street
0832
Ingatestone
0906
Ingatestone
0912
Colchester Main
1008
Replacement bus
Colchester Main
1020
Norwich
1131
Norwich
1136
Berney Arms
1203
Berney Arms
1224
Norwich
1254
Norwich
1300
Liverpool Street
1503
Waterloo
1635
Brockenhurst
1816
Brockenhurst
1834
Beaulieu Road
1839
Beaulieu Road
1850
Brockenhurst
1856
Brockenhurst
1859
Lymington Pier
1909
Lymington Town
1946
Brockenhurst
1954
Brockenhurst
2009
Waterloo
2149
Stay tuned for the final day.
Due to the engineering works that would result in a train from Euston to Crewe, bus to Preston, bus to Carlisle, and bus to Glasgow, I investigated the route via York and Edinburgh, but as passengers for destinations in Scotland were travelling that route as it seemed, the remaining Advance fares were extortionate. It was cheaper for me to stay overnight in London on the Sunday, even when combined with my intended trip to Berney Arms in the morning, and Lymington Pier and Beaulieu Road in the late afternoon are taken into consideration. Of note, while I was investigating the Berney Arms run, I also considered making a visit to Lakenheath too, but there was engineering works at various points during the course of the day between Thetford/Brandon and Ely/Peterborough resulting in replacement buses. Needless to say, I abandoned the Lakenheath visit and went for Beaulieu Road instead. Ironically, all three of Berney Arms, Lakenheath, and Beaulieu Road has a better frequency of service when compared to Mondays to Saturdays, and as it would be tricky for me to do them when I'm in London every 3 months or so for a meeting along Holloway Road, I decided that this would be the best chance I would have.
It was an early rise but an hour later compared to yesterday. It was a gentle saunter to Hither Green station for the 07:37 Charing Cross avoiding Lewisham service (engineering works at London Bridge today), which was formed by double winners 465180+021. It was then downstairs to the Underground for a northbound Northern Line to Tottenham Court Road, which was 51638+639. It was then on an eastbound Central Line service to Liverpool Street, which was 92120+092+311+079. I then exited the Underground and headed over to the Great Eastern Railway east platforms, while having a glance at what 315s and 317s were out today. They were all dud so it would save me festering later on. I saw a proper Intercity set in one of the higher numbered platforms, believing that to be the 08:32 Chelmsford service, as I had a reservation putting me in Juliet coach. While looking at the screens at the platforms, I had noticed that the Intercity set was not my booked train, but it was a pair of Class 321s sitting in Platform 11. Very strange indeed, or it must have been a last minute set swap or a fault with the reservation system churning out non-existent coach lettering and seat numbers.
Anyway, it was on board double winners 321445+358 for the run to Ingatestone, calling at Stratford and Shenfield. Due to morning engineering works between Chelmsford and Colchester, replacement buses would be running. Normally, I avoid replacement buses if I can, but it was this itinerary in the journey planners that would have me arriving at Berney arms at lunchtime, with the engineering works over and done with by then for the run back to London. At Shenfield, 66544+549 were spotted. After alighting at Ingatestone, it was directly over to the car park for the replacement bus to Colchester, calling at Marks Tey, and it was this leg of the journey that was one of the causes which resulted in my intended plans to completely unravel for the rest of the day, leaving it looking nothing at all like the original.
The replacement bus was by an operator called Galloway European. It was soon onto the main A12 but to my surprise, the bus turned off at the next junction and went via Chelmer Valley Road, A130 towards Braintree (Freeport centre) amongst some congestion, A120, and back onto the A12 calling at Marks Tey, and onwards to Colchester, arriving 25 minutes later than planned at 10:35 (supposed to arrive at 10:08) and therefore causing me and other passengers to miss the 10:20 Norwich service. It became apparent that the reason for the detour via Braintree was because the A12 was closed north of where the bus turned off and Marks Tey was due to a road traffic accident that had resulted in a fatality. It put everything into perspective and appreciate that I am still alive. Anyway, I spoke to the clerk in the booking office and stamped the reverse of my various tickets to allow travel on later services.
As the Berney Arms services are every 2 hours on Sundays, I decided to take a spin up to Clacton on Sea, as I would not get to Berney Arms any quicker if I got the 11:2x NRW. With the 12:25 being a valid connection at NRW, I decided upon that course of action instead. After purchasing a Super Off Peak Day Return from the machine, it was over to Platform 5 for the 10:48 Clacton on Sea service, which was formed by 360117 for the run to the seaside, calling all stations except Weeley. At Thorpe-le-Soken, 321435 was on the shuttle to Walton-on-the-Naze, while at Clacton on Sea, 321421+306 were in Platform 4, and 321435+336 were in Platform 2. It was over to Platform 3 for the 11:35 Colchester service, which was formed by double winners 360112+103 for the run back to Colchester, passing 360108 heading to Clacton at Wivenhoe. I then picked up something light and a cup of tea from Pumpkin on the London platform at Colchester.
It was over to the Norwich platform for the 12:25 NRW service, which was formed by DVT 82107 and loco 90009. I had a look at some free seats in the 1st Class section, and settled upon one in Juliet coach at the London end. I noticed that at the Norwich end in that coach, the 2 seats on the right closest to the disabled toilet appear to be metal and possibly a present day version of the Stanley Milgram experiment that they are used for. Anyway, it was an uneventful run to Norwich, calling at Manningtree, Ipswich, Stowmarket, and Diss, while having had spotted 90045 at Ipswich and 90005 attached to the former VTWC set at Crown Point depot, and 60004 “Rapid” at the station throat.
I then made my way to the 13:36 Great Yarmouth via Reedham service, but was rather surprised to see that the screen at the platform had shown it going via Acle. I asked the guard, and it was explained that there had been a points failure at Reedham, so was going via Acle instead. Of the various options after I mentioned that the intention was a straight out and back to Berney Arms, I settled upon taking a run all the way to Great Yarmouth, getting on board 156422 and remaining on back to Norwich, arriving at 14:54. Of note, 158813+846+780 were spotted in the vicinity of Crown Point, while 170202 was in Platform 6 and 170201 was in Platform 3.
It was onboard the 15:00 LST service, which was formed by 90006 and DVT 82137 for the run all the way back to London...or so I thought and was expecting to be the case. However, soon after departure, it was announced that there has been a problem with the overhead wires between Shenfield and Romford, and that there may be a possibility that the train would be terminating at Colchester and to listen to further announcements. It was at this point that I thought that there is still a chance of me doing Beaulieu Road and possibly Lymington Pier, as Beaulieu Road has a frequency of every 60 minutes on a Sunday, compared to occasional trains that call there on Mondays to Saturdays. However, soon after departing Manningtree, it was announced that the train would be terminating at Colchester, and that there would be a forward service to Chelmsford, and that attempts would be made to lay on bus replacement services to Shenfield from Chelmsford, and to Stansted Airport from Witham for passengers travelling to London.
It was on board the 16:25 departure to Chelmsford, which was formed by double winners 321329+337 all the way to Chelmsford. It became apparent that the station staff were unable to source replacement buses, so it was back to Witham for me on the 17:11 that was formed by the now double duds that I had earlier 321445+358. Needless to say it was pandemonium at Witham due to everybody piling off the train and attempting to get a replacement bus to Stansted Airport for onward connections to London. As it became clear that the replacement buses would be a while, I took the opportunity to score some new track (obviously not intentional when I started out this morning) and deciding to abandon the run out to Beaulieu Road, I boarded the 17:25 Braintree service that had been held for 5 minutes or so and was formed by winning 321350 for the run to Braintree and back to Witham, where the queue at the bus stop had decreased outside.
The station staff were doing their best they could in the circumstances, trying to locate a replacement bus and updating on the progress of when the railway line between Shenfield and Romford would reopen. Eventually, it was announced that the line had now reopened, and all being well, the first London service would be the 18:47, which was 5 minutes or so behind schedule. It was a pair of 321s that rolled in, with passengers alighting off the train for replacement bus to Stansted Airport according to the train crew. Both the train crew and the station staff got in contact with control to establish exactly what was happening, with the favourable outcome of the train running in service all the way to LST. I then walked to the rear of the train where there was not so many passengers in the rear coach, with both of the 321s being winners in the form of 321444+423. After departing at approximately 19:00, the train called at Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, Shenfield, and Stratford on the way to Liverpool Street.
After arriving at LST, I made my way to Moorgate station and entered the Underground system, heading to the northbound Northern Line platform. It was on 51536+535 to Old Street, 51636+635 to Angel, and 51643+642 to Kings Cross St Pancras. My intention was to get a pizza from a takeaway called Royal Pizza, based along Grays Inn Road at the one way system. However, it appears to have closed down (I last used it in 2012/13) so I set off for a walk along Euston Road. Eventually, I settled upon Pizza Express (not necessarily the cheapest place for a pizza). Later on, I made my way to Euston station to re-enter the Underground, heading to the southbound Northern Line (Charing Cross branch) to do some linear hops along to Embankment. The details are below:
51554+555 – EUS-Warren Street
51543+542 – Warren Street-Goodge Street
51614+615 – Goodge Street-TCR
51705+609 – TCR-Leicester Square
51534+533 – Leicester Square-Charing Cross
51519+518 – Charing Cross-Embankment
I then exited Embankment station and walked up the hill to Charing Cross to board the 21:52 Dartford via Sidcup and avoiding Lewisham service, which was formed by double duds 465182+038 for the run back to Hither Green. I then made my way to the accommodation for the night.
Overall, today was a case of mixed fortunes for me. Despite the Liverpool Street – Ingatestone leg of the main bashing trip was the only one that worked as intended, I managed to unintentionally bash some new track by means of taking a run up to Clacton on Sea and to Braintree. In addition, I also unintentionally covered the track all the way to Great Yarmouth via Acle. As I will be doing the Anglia Rover in July, I will investigate revising plans to see if I can do the track via Berney Arms in both directions, and alight there and walk to Reedham. I can do Beaulieu Road on another Sunday when I'm next in London, or maybe tie it in with the Severn and Solent Rover some point in the future. With the circumstances that led to the replacement bus being diverted this morning, it makes me appreciative and grateful that I'm alive. My intended plans that did not work out afterwards are detailed below.
Hither Green
0737
London Charing Cross
0757
LU Northern Line to LST or MOG
Liverpool Street
0832
Ingatestone
0906
Ingatestone
0912
Colchester Main
1008
Replacement bus
Colchester Main
1020
Norwich
1131
Norwich
1136
Berney Arms
1203
Berney Arms
1224
Norwich
1254
Norwich
1300
Liverpool Street
1503
Waterloo
1635
Brockenhurst
1816
Brockenhurst
1834
Beaulieu Road
1839
Beaulieu Road
1850
Brockenhurst
1856
Brockenhurst
1859
Lymington Pier
1909
Lymington Town
1946
Brockenhurst
1954
Brockenhurst
2009
Waterloo
2149
Stay tuned for the final day.
Last edited:
- Status