Adrock's trip reports

[adrock1976]

I had planned a spin out to Sevenoaks after checking the engineering works page, with the Charing Cross – Hastings via Sevenoaks and Tonbridge being diverted via the Mid Kent Railway and the London, Chatham, & Dover Railway, using the Beckenham Junction curve connecting the two railways, and rejoining the normal route back onto SER metals at Chislehurst Junction north of Petts Wood. Although I have already done the curve last year (October 2015), this was the microgrice into Platform 4 at Beckenham Junction that normally has a limited service. Today, this meant that I would be able to microgrice the crossover from Platform 2 onto the curve on the way back to London. Furthermore, I would attempt to see if I could get a couple of winning Class 319s as a filler move at Sevenoaks while waiting for the northbound train back to CHX.


It was another early start with me checking out of the accommodation and walking to Hither Green station at the same time as yesterday, where it was a hike over to Platform 1 for the 07:37 service from Grove Park (no Sunday service between Grove Park and Bromley North) to CHX avoiding Lewisham. On my way to the footbridge, I had spotted Colas Rail 66573 with ballast wagons in Platform 5 (the Sidcup Loop was closed for engineering works today) before boarding dud 465007 for the run all the way to CHX, now having done both boarding and alighting at Platforms 1 – 4 at Hither Green. Of note, I only need to alight at Platform 5 (from Sidcup Loop to London) and alight at Platform 6 (from London to Sidcup Loop) to complete the whole set of microgrices. Upon arrival at CHX, 465182+178 was in Platform 3 to work the 08:03 to Gillingham via Lewisham and Bexleyheath. I then purchased a tea and something light from one of the catering stalls in the concourse, while being served, a rough looking geezer came out of the middle of nowhere and was requesting 80 pence. Both myself and the staff looked puzzled but sent him on his way afterwards when unsuccessful.


Anyway, it was onboard the 08:13 Hastings service (which was the first Hastings departure today) for the run to Sevenoaks via the MKR and Beckenham Junction, which was formed by winning 375621. The calling points were Waterloo East, Petts Wood (additional call due to engineering works), and Orpington, before arrival into Platform 3 at 08:57. It was a simple interchange to the adjacent platform face on the same island to Platform 4 to board the 09:00 Blackfriars via Catford Loop Railway, which was formed by 319427 for a bus stop bash to the fit, sexy, and exotic sounding Bat & Ball. This was the original terminus station of the LC&DR in Sevenoaks back in the days before they formed a (forced and reluctant) friendly alliance with the SER. It was over the footbridge to the opposite platform for the slightly delayed 09:10 back to Sevenoaks (SER), which was formed by 319425. Of note, I have reduced by Class 319 requirements by 2 today, but still require several to clear.


It was then over to Platform 1 for the 09:20 London Victoria service, which was formed by 375804+806 for the short northbound run to Orpington. I had spotted 465179+163 in Platform 2 at Sevenoaks before departure that was on the 09:40 VIC service, calling all stations and being an extension of the ORP service every 60 minutes to SEV. At ORP, 319381+446 were parked in Platform 1, 465192+162 were in Platform 6, 465041+191 were in Platform 5, and 375808+813 had arrived into Platform 3 working a Ramsgate service. It was then onboard the 09:39 CHX service, formed by 375613+818 for the northbound run, microgricing the crossover at Beckenham Junction, arriving at Waterloo East 7 minutes early at 10:07 for a pause to wait time, before proceeding to CHX arriving 5 minutes ahead of schedule at 10:17. I then made my way to the Underground for the Northern Line to Euston, formed by 51523+524 and changing onto a northbound Victoria Line to Highbury & Islington, formed by 11088+087, then a walk along Holloway Road to my meeting venue.


When my meeting ended at around 14:30 and as I had a few hours spare, I decided to take a look at what was around at Liverpool Street on the Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale routes (there were no trains between LST and Stratford today due to engineering works, so none of my five remaining TfL Class 315s would be there today). It was onboard a southbound Victoria Line from Highbury & Islington to Kings Cross, which was formed by 11081+082. It was then over to the Northern Line to board duds 51543+542 for the southbound run to Moorgate (no Metropolitan Railway services between Kings Cross and Aldgate/Aldgate East today due to engineering work) for a short walk around the corner at street level to Liverpool Street station, to see if my remaining 2 LO Class 315s and any LO or GA Class 317s were about today.


After looking at what was on the Enfield Town, Chingford, and Cheshunt via Seven Sisters departures (all being dud), I picked up the timetable booklets from the booking office. I then had my sights set on the 15:28 Cambridge service that was in Platform 5, which was formed by 317662+881 for a northbound run to Tottenham Hale. It was a short fester on the same platform after the next Stansted Airport service that was behind been and gone where it was onboard the 15:55 LST – Hertford East service (on Sundays, trains to and from the Hertford East branch normally run to and from Stratford, but due to engineering works are instead diverted to LST) calling all stations except Northumberland Park and Angel Road (both stations has no Sunday service), which was formed by 317666 for a short speedy run to Brimsdown. It was then quickly over the level crossing (I also had the option of going down and under via the passageway, but I had my rucksack with me, and it was quite a warm afternoon as well) to the opposite platform with the barrier closing sequence just started after I set foot onto the platform for the 16:08 LST service, formed by 317651 back south to TOM.


It was then up and over to the northbound platform for the 16:25 Hertford East service, which was formed by winning 317668 and dud 317670 for a run to Ponders End. I went over the evil looking footbridge to the London platform to await the slightly delayed 16:38 LST service, which was formed by (as I saw it earlier, and was expecting it) dud 317649 for the run south back to TOM. I remained on the London platform for the 16:47 STD – LST service, formed by 379023+016 for the southbound run to LST. With the next couple of LO departures being dud, I then made my way to Platform 1 for the 17:10 STD service, which was formed by dud 379015 and winning 379022 for a last run to TOM. I then made my way to the Underground for a southbound Victoria Line service, formed by 11059+060 back south to Kings Cross, and leaving the Underground system to head to the mainline station.


I made my way over to Platform 2 for the 18:00 Edinburgh Waverley service, which was formed by winning loco 91107 and dud DVT 82231 for the run north all the way to EDB, calling at Peterborough, York, Darlington Bank Top, Newcastle Central, and Berwick upon Tweed. Of note, 43274 “Spirit of Sunderland” + 43208 “Lincolnshire Echo” were on the Harrogate service in Platform 3, with 91103 on the IC Mk IV set in Platform 1, and 67016 sitting in the headshunt just beyond the platforms. At Peterborough, 66742 plus others were spotted in the yard just north of the station, 43480+468 were on a southbound GC KGX at York, 142025, 018, and 017 were all sitting in Platform 3 at Darlington, while at Newcastle Central, 67023 was facing Carlisle and 220004 was on the 20:56 ICXC EDB service. Upon arrival at EDB, it was a walk from Platform 2 to Platform 13 for the 22:40 Dalmuir via Airdrie service, formed by 334003+036 for an uneventful run westbound to Glasgow QS, then on the 57 bus back up the hill and arriving home not long after midnight.


Overall, this was a worthwhile exercise, which resulted in netting some winners, bearing in mind that when engineering works leads to the normal service operating a small section of route, the trains start to repeat themselves on that day's diagrams quite quickly. With the exception of Lea Bridge, Bush Hill Park, and Turkey Street, I have visited very station between Liverpool Street and Broxbourne while netting some winning Class 317s and some 379s in the process as well. Furthermore, I managed to fit in the not normally used crossover at Platform 2 Beckenham Junction to the New Beckenham curve, and have now visited both Sevenoaks stations (the SER I first did in 2014) with a brief hop to Bat & Ball (the LC&DR former terminus), with the bonus of landing a couple of winning Class 319s, of which I still need quite a lot to clear as well as the 317s.

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a very productive Sunday

 

[adrock1976]

Sounded like a good day in Anglia land

It was indeed, with Turbostars, dogboxes, a 156, top and tail loco hauled set, and not forgetting traditional Intercity loco+DVT sets too!

A very good day had there, both for shack scoring and for winners!

It was very little effort, as my 2010 and 2011 visit was before I started recording my journey again. Back in May this year, I had one Class 156 (156422) and one IC set in my records.

Well done on getting Spooner Row! Sounds like a great time was had there! I really want to get to Anglia land...

AGA only have 5 153s?!

Out of the limited service shacks, it seems that Spooner Row may be the easiest to do on Mondays - Saturdays, owing to there being a bus for a short ride to Wymondham.

According to both Wikipedia and Abrail websites, GA do indeed have a fleet of 5 dogboxes.

Quite a productive day there, lots of little bits I've never done involved. Takes some doing to clear the Southeastern Metro shacks doesn't it!

Your mention of making a list of requirements has reminded me of the memory I made this morning, that is that I have yet to post my quarterly update on 'Your Haulage Requirements' which seems to have died a death recently.

It does seem forever to clear the SER metro, due to the history of how the various railway lines all came together, and during the present rebuilding of London Bridge as part of the Thameslink 2000 [sic] project, combined with various engineering works.

I'm aware that in normal circumstances, the main frequency is every 15 minutes along the common section of the various routes e.g. Cannon Street circulars combine with Dartford services along each of the three routes from CST, and Victoria - Orpington all stations every 15 minutes via LC&DR. It is the late evening and Sundays where it can be slightly tricky to attempt a clearout.

Sounded like a good day in SET metro land, well done on clearing the Hayes line without making use of the tram from either Elmers End or a short walk at Clock House to Kent House via Beckenham Road tram stop

Sounded like a very productive Sunday

The Croydon Tramlink would have been my get out of jail free card if the Hayes line decided to call in sick.

The Sunday morning I had planned, whereas the afternoon it was one of those spontaneous moments without straying too far from Kings Cross station for my booked train to Edinburgh.

 

[Kite159]

Eccles Road & Harling Road are semi-easy to do during the week as they have 2 trains a day in each direction so in theory you can do them with a ~ 2 hour fester (or if the weather is nice, walk the 4 and a bit miles between the two stations, finishing at Eccles Road as google suggests there is a pub next to the station

Lakenheath is best on a Sunday, I did it with a 25 minute fester between trains (11:XX Norwich from Cambridge), and Shippea Hill is just awkward outright, as there doesn't seem to be anything around, so will either be a 5 mile walk to Littleport or arranging a taxi to meet you there

 

[Techniquest]

Nice and busy day before heading home, with a fair bit of winning action too. The microgrice at Beckenham Junction I don't recall if I've done that one or not, something to look into though.

Not many people who record DVTs that's for sure!

 

[FQ]

Not many people who record DVTs that's for sure!

I do. Even the Chiltern ones (of which I've had them all several times) get noted down but I don't do mileage for them or anything.

Sounds like another great time there!

 

[adrock1976]

Intro


Thinking of a title for the trip, I had settled on this when I heard The Skids well known hit from 1978 “Into the Valley” on the tranny while I was checking over my draft plans from last summer. As I would be bashing the track in the valleys uphill and north of Cardiff, and with the traction being Class 150 Sprinters and Class 142 and 143 Pacers, that was how I arrived at the title. Of note, I had originally planned to do this trip back in July 2015, but something unexpected thwarted that plan meaning I had to postpone it to July 2016. You may be asking why I put it back a year? The answer is because I intended linking it in with the Hendy Junction – Swansea District Railway curve towards Briton Ferry, which has a passenger service with one train in each direction during the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells. As I have already completed the other two sides of the triangle in February 2015, it was my intention to take the chance to grab the third side that does not normally see any scheduled passenger services using it. Furthermore, with some creative split ticketing, I managed to get a reasonable fare without it feeling like I'm purchasing the whole of a Pendolino and a Class 175 Coradia (the through fares from West Central Scotland to South Wales via the shortest route are extortionate). The route of my choosing would enable me to score new track with a section on the way back (Hereford – Great Malvern) finally putting an end to the 28 year wait to finally get it done.


Day 1 – Outward bound via Birmingham and Gloucester and Hendy Junction PSUL


it was a not so early rise for me before hopping on the 57 bus to Glasgow Central, making my way to Platform 1 for the 06:30 London Euston via Trent Valley Railway, which was formed by 390020 “Virgin Cavalier” for a winning start. In the adjacent platform, 82204+91121 was on the 06:50 London KX via Edinburgh and York service. On passing Kingmoor Yard on the approach to Carlisle, 66528 and an unknown Class 68 were spotted, while 66427 was hauling sleepers and ballast northbound. At Lancaster, 156488 was in Platform 5 forming a Barrow-in-Furness service, while 350403 was on a northbound Manchester Airport – Edinburgh Waverley service.


Upon arrival into Platform 6 at Preston, I alighted here to await the EDB – London Euston via Birmingham service. As the train was running behind schedule, the connecting 09:05 MIA service pulled into the adjacent Platform 5, which was formed by 156466+460. In Platform 3 (Lancaster end), 142028 was waiting to form an empty coaching stock movement to the depot according to the screen. A short while later, the 09:17 EUS via BHM service drew in, which was formed by dud 221111 and winning 221112 for the run south to Birmingham. At Wigan NW, 319366 was spotted on a local all stations service to Liverpool LS, and at Crewe North Junction, 350427 was on a Birmingham NS – LIV via Runcorn service. In the vicinity of Gresty Bridge at the south of Crewe station, 92010 in Caledonian Sleeper livery was spotted, with 325006 working a northbound mail train (presumably to either Warrington or Shieldmuir). 70034 was spotted at Basford Hall yard, while at Stafford, 66135 was hauling covered containers northbound and 390153 was on an EUS – LIV service. As the journey ran into some signalling problems in the Stafford area, arrival at Wolverhampton (where it normally has a 14 minute layover before continuing south to London) was 12 minutes behind schedule. After checking the screen for the Manchester – Bournemouth ICXC service and finding that it was heavily delayed (by around 20 minutes), I hopped back on the EUS service to continue to BHM.


As I had a 40 minute fester here, I made my way to Platforms 10 and 11 to see if my final Class 323 (323213) of the West Midlands batch would roll up for a linear hop to University. Of note, as it is Platform 9's turn to be renovated, this meant that I was unable to see the northbound Cross City Line trains rolling in (it appears that they are using Platform 8). Observations were that 43384+303 was on the slightly delayed 11:17 Plymouth service, 170638 was on the 11:30 Nottingham – Cardiff Central service, while 170112 was stabled on the centre track between Platform 9 and 10 as a hot spare. The 11:12, 11:22, 11:32, and 11:42 were all dud, so it was onboard the 11:49 Hereford via Bromsgrove service, which was formed by 170503 for the run to Worcester Foregate Street. After a short pause at Lifford Junction, I had spotted 323213 on a northbound service – would this tease me forever, or will I land that on Thursday on my way back? Further observations were that Platform 3 at the 2016 Bromsgrove station appears to be used for the southbound services, while Platform 2 is used northbound. Of note, I have finally completed the track between Barnt Green and Droitwich Spa – when I first got into railways in 1988/89, I remember the 1840 site of Bromsgrove station having a sporadic service, which was a shuttle between Worcester and Barnt Green operated by a Class 115 or 116.


Upon arrival at Worcester FS 8 minutes behind schedule, my first port of call was to get some lunch and something that was cold and wet, due to the boiling hot weather. It was back to the station for my next move to Gloucester, having observed 43128+163 on the 5 minutes delayed 12:49 London Paddington – Hereford service. I took the opportunity to do a very short linear hop round the corner to Shrub Hill on the 5 minutes delayed 12:56 Great Malvern – PAD service, which was formed by an expected winning 166218 (I do not really have that many Thames Turbos for haulage). I spotted 170632 in Platform 2 that was on the 13:17 Dorridge via Stourbridge Junction and Birmingham Snow Hill before boarding the 5 minutes delayed 13:06 Weymouth via Bristol TM service (announced as 4 cars, but only 2 turned up), which was formed by another winner 150221 for the run to Gloucester and scoring some new track being the connection between Norton Junction (Oxford, Worcester, & Wolverhampton Railway) and Abbotswood Junction (Birmingham & Gloucester Railway), with some Sprinter thrash along the mainline. Of note, the air conditioning was in perfect working order when the train was in motion, being the old fashioned type that has opening windows in that you can feel the cool breeze and countryside scents of fresh horse manure wafting through.


After arriving at GCR 8 minutes behind schedule and having diverged from Midland Railway metals onto Great Western Railway metals, I had spotted 170523 having just departed on the 13:50 Cardiff Central – Nottingham via BHM service. It was then onboard the 13:58 Maesteg service, which was formed by my first ATW winner 143604 for some Pacer thrash to Chepstow. During the 25 minute fester here, 37057+421 were on a track inspection train that was heading in the Newport direction, before boarding the 8 minutes delayed 14:51 Nottingham – Cardiff Central service to Newport, which was formed by 170104 and arriving at NWP 6 minutes behind schedule. Before my next move westbound to Cardiff, 66187 was spotted hauling trailers that had large steel tubes on them – perhaps for the electrification project maybe? I checked the screen and as I was originally going to board the 15:22 Manchester Piccadilly – Milford Haven service, I discovered that the 14:56 Holyhead – Llanelli (which was cut back to Swansea according to Real Time Trains website) via Wrexham and Hereford was running 27 minutes behind schedule, so hopped on that which was formed by 175006 for the run to CDF, arriving at 15:37 and having gained 1 minute back from the delay.


I then made my way over to Platform 6 for the 15:41 Aberdare service (I was originally going to get the 15:51 Coryton service) for the bus stop bash round the corner to Queen Street, which was formed by 150241. It was then over to Platform 1 to see what was on the 15:48 Cardiff Bay shuttle, which was formed by 153327 that was doing the mundane task of shuttling back and forth today. After remaining onboard back to Queen Street, it was then onboard the slightly delayed 15:56 Penarth service, formed by 143605 back round the corner to CDF, putting me 15 minutes ahead of schedule. I then left the station to check into my accommodation and dump my backpack at the top end of Westgate Street, past the Millennium/Principality Stadium (was that the former Cardiff Arms Park?) and near the castle.


It was then back to the station and feeling a lot lighter after dumping my backpack, the first port of call was to get something cold and wet from one of the retail outlets on the concourse. After checking the departure boards, my original plan of getting the 16:50 PAD – SWA service for a linear hop to Neath, then the 17:52 to Gowerton was thwarted as it was running 55 minutes behind schedule due to disruption around London. It was then a squeeze onboard a crush loaded 5 minutes delayed 17:04 MAN – Tenby service, which was formed by 175114 for the run westbound (I would have picked this up at Neath if the 16:50 had not been delayed), with me standing in the vestibule near the generator and exhaust pipes. Not very pleasant indeed I would like to add. Most of the passengers were appreciative of the call at Llanharen as some fresh air could be let in. There was a slight delay here as somebody had fainted due to the heat – fortunately, there was somebody standing next to me who was a qualified paramedic, so went to offer assistance.


After everything was OK, departure from Llanharen was now 10 minutes behind schedule. During the call at Bridgend/Pen-y-bont, a fellow standee had accidentally caught the door release lever on the trackside door, setting off the alarm. The guard fixed that while handing out bottles of water, before continuing westbound and calling all stations to Tenby. After several passengers alighted at Port Talbot Parkway, I went into the saloon and was appreciative of some cool air for the remainder of the journey. The guard announced that the 18:21 Shrewsbury service would be departing from Platform 1 at Swansea. Of note, I had spotted power car 43134 or 154 at Landore Depot on the approach to SWA. Owing to the delay and unsure if the Shrewsbury service would be departing first, I bailed at Swansea with a huge sigh of relief and made my way over for the 7 minutes delayed 18:21, formed by a much quieter 150236 for the run to Pantyffynnon with a slight delay at Llanelli along the way, where 66112 being spotted running light engine westbound soon after departing.


As the arrival at Pantyffynnon was 18 minutes behind schedule, I sprinted along Pantyffynnon Road and New Road up to the main Pen-y-Banc Road to the bus stop for the X13 that was due at 19:27. I made it with a few minutes to spare and having tendered the fare to the driver, it was via Tycroes, Ebeneezer Road, and Fforest to Pontarddulais. After getting some provisions from the convenience store, it was a gentle saunter to the station platform to await the 10 minutes delayed 20:39 Builth Road – CDF via Hendy Junction PSUL curve and Swansea District Railway for the run back to Cardiff, formed by duds 150235+153312. Due to the running time that is given to this service, it was a right time departure from Port Talbot Parkway at 21:21. On passing Margam Moors, 66089 and 66172 were spotted.


Upon arrival at CDF, I decided to take a run to Bridgend on the 7 minutes delayed 22:09 Carmarthen service, formed by 175008 arriving BGN 10 minutes behind schedule. It was a half hour fester here before returning back to CDF on the 10 minutes delayed 23:15 Crewe – CDF via Llandovery service (started at Shrewsbury 30 minutes late according to RTT), formed by 150283 for the non-stop run back to CDF and to my accommodation to put my head down for the night.


Overall, I have managed to get quite a bit done today, and that is not even starting on the main bit of bashing the track up in the valleys. When I used to reside in the West Midlands, the Stourbridge Railway and the Oxford, Worcester, & Wolverhampton Railway were my local lines, and as there used to be direct services from Cradley Heath and Stourbridge Junction to Cardiff Central via Worcester Shrub Hill and Gloucester when the BHM – CDF services went that way (operated by Class 156s every 2 hours), I have finally got round to doing the connecting curve between the OWWR and the Midland Railway almost 28 years after getting into railways. Additionally, I have covered Barnt Green – Droitwich Spa and Gloucester – Newport, plus the Hendy Junction PSUL curve that I was intending to do last year to complete all three sides of the triangle. For the afternoon section after checking into the accommodation, I (and many other passengers) could have ideally done without the 16:50 PAD – SWA being delayed by 55 minutes, causing the 17:09 CDF – Llanelli to be crush loaded. I might do the Hendy Junction curve again next summer so as to visit a couple more stations along the Central Wales Railway/Heart of Wales Line.


Stay tuned for Day 2.

 

[FQ]

Incredibly poor show from ATW on the 175 - it should have been more than 3 coaches. Other than that it sounds like a good time and you got quite a lot done. I'm looking forward to the rest.

 

[adrock1976]

In fairness though, the crew on the 17:09 Tenby service were probably unaware that there were several passengers who were intending to get the 55 minutes delayed London - Swansea service, which lead to the crush loaded conditions as that was the next westbound departure from Cardiff Central. Ideally, the Manchester - Cardiff/Swansea/etc services should be longer trains, but I suppose that is the side effect of joining various workings together to form a very long regional through route.

Credit is also due for bottles of water being handed out to passengers when the train arrived at Bridgend.

 

[Kristofferson]

Well written trip round ups there, great for picking up anything significant I might have missed earlier!

Bashing during heat waves doesn't sound like fun... Hopefully the weather stays/stayed cooler for your other days!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[adrock1976]

Day 2 – Valley Lines network and an early morning PSUL move


After a good night's sleep, it was an early rise for me to get a PSUL move out of the way first. It was a short walk to CDF to board the 06:42 Pembroke Dock service, formed by dud 150241 for a westbound run to Pyle. This is the PSUL service that runs via Ninian Park and uses the connecting link between the Taff Vale Railway and South Wales Railway at Leckwith Junction. Upon arrival at Pyle, it was a gentle saunter over the evil footbridge to the Cardiff platform for the 07:32 Manchester Piccadilly service, formed by a busy dud 175008 for the eastbound run back to CDF. I nipped back to my accommodation for some breakfast before heading back to the station to start the main bashing trip, picking up some timetables as well. Of note, I had already purchased the Explore Cardiff and Valleys Day Ranger at the Intercity booking office at Glasgow Central the day before I set off.


It was onboard the slightly delayed 09:18 Maesteg service calling all stations, formed by 150245. There was a halt at a red signal on the way to Pontyclun due to cows on the line, so was proceeding with caution. The train was now running around 15 minutes behind schedule, and this is where I consulted the timetable to see if I could get up to Maesteg and back to Bridgend for the 10:45 Aberdare via Barry service. There would be a remote possibility that I may be able to pull off the connection, but if need be, I had to think which section of track to leave out and do at a future date. Eventually, I settled on missing out the Bridgend – Barry Town track, as it would give me better flexibility as even though both Bridgend – Barry Town and Bridgend – Maesteg has a frequency of every 60 minutes on Mondays to Saturdays, Bridgend – Barry Town is every 2 hours on Sundays with the Maesteg branch having no Sunday service at all. Of note, the train draws up to the signalbox at Tondu to receive a token to continue north to Maesteg, with it being returned to the signaller heading southbound. I had noticed rusty and slightly overgrown tracks that bisect the Bridgend – Maesteg line that seems to be disused. The 10:16 return working departed Maesteg 10 minutes behind schedule, with no time being made back up on arrival at BGN.


With the Aberdare service already having departed, it was a short fester here and having spotted 66121 passing through running light engine westbound, it was onboard the 11:01 London Paddington service, formed by 43004+036 for the run back east to CDF. It is noted that the train was in reverse formation with First Class facing away from London, where normally it is at the London end of the train. It is noted that I have 18 GW powercars since I started recording my journeys back in 2014 again – I only require another 101 to clear the GW fleet, so some more work is required here before they get retired as they were built between 1976 and 1982. Perhaps I could rattle through quite a few of them on a PAD – Reading leaps using a Thames Branches Day Ranger in the future?


Anyway, upon arrival at CDF, I made my way over to Platform 7 for the 11:31 Penarth service, formed by 142074 for the run to the end of the line. Of note, I am 15 minutes ahead of my planned schedule, so was able to take a run to Barry Docks to score that visit depending on how the trains are running. I then took a short walk along to Dingle Road Halt for the 12:04 Rhymney service, formed by 142076 and dud 142085 for the run to Grangetown, where it was onboard the slightly delayed 12:14 Barry Island service formed by 150213 to Eastbrook, passing 66507 with heavy haul wagons heading towards Cardiff at Cogan. It was over to the opposite platform for the 12:28 CDF service for a bus stop bash to Cogan, formed by 143622+143601 where it was over to the opposite platform for the slightly delayed 12:33 Barry Island service, formed by 150254 to Barry Docks (I would have bailed at Cadoxton instead if the 12:48 Barry Docks – Aberdare was not delayed), which has an island platform making it easier to pull off a tight connection. It was then onboard the slightly delayed 12:48 Aberdare service, formed by expected and busy fresh dud 150213 to CDF.


It was then onboard the slightly delayed 13:16 Rhymney service, which was formed by 150258 for some eagerly awaited uphill Sprinter thrash north of Cardiff Queen Street along the Rhymney Railway all the way to the end of the line. This is where I would make use of the bus validity of the ranger, so I walked uphill to the Royal Hotel along High Street to board the 1 bus due at 14:32 to Merthyr Tydfil via Heads of the Valleys Road, the retail park at Dowlais Top, and Pen-y-Darren. It was a speedy walk from the bus station to the railway station for the 15:08 Barry Island service, formed by duds from earlier 143601+622 for a partial run along the Taff Vale Railway to Abercynon. Of note, there are signs of industrial decline around Merthyr Tydfil, combined with the effects of Thatcherism and Blairism (both are very much the same thing). After arriving at Abercynon, I went for a wander as I fancied something cold and wet and got a can of juice from a convenience store before heading back to the station. I then boarded the 15:49 Aberdare service, formed by 150230 for the run up the Cynon Valley to the present end of the line at Aberdare (I'm aware of the aspirations to reinstate passenger services further along the line to neighbouring Hirwaun) and back south to Pontypridd, where I bailed and admired the fine Edwardian architecture of the island platform.


It was then over to the northbound platform (which was built in the early 1990s) for the 17:06 Treherbert service, formed by dud pair 14083+143604 for the run up the Rhondda Vale to the end of the line. North of Treherbert station, the formation of the former Rhondda & Swansea Bay Railway can be made out by the continuation of the tracks a short distance westbound. It was back on board the 17:47 CDF service along the Rhondda and rejoining the Taff Vale at Pontypridd for the run to CDQ, arriving 10 minutes behind schedule due to being held at the exotic and sexy sounding Ystrad Rhondda station to await the delayed 17:59 northbound Treherbert service to pass as it is single track section northwards. At CDQ, I awaited the 5 minutes delayed 18:55 Coryton service, but declined when it was a dud dogbox (153312) and went to the convenience store outside the station as I was feeling peckish after noting a required Pacer on the Cardiff Bay shuttle.


Back to the station and over to Platform 1 for the 19:12 CDB shuttle, which was to my surprise formed by 142081 as I was expecting a dogbox. I took a spin to the bay and back, then boarded the 7 minutes delayed 19:16 round the corner to CDF, formed by 142002+143610. It was then over to the recently built Platform 0 for the 19:35 Ebbw Vale Town service, formed by 150282 for the run to the end of the line and back to CDF on the 20:41. Of note, with me missing out the Coryton line and Ninian Park – Radyr section, I was an hour ahead of my planned schedule. After consulting the timetable and realising that it was not possible to do those sections of track, I decided upon one final move of the evening and hopped on the slightly delayed 22:09 Carmarthen via Swansea District Railway service, formed by 175010 for a westbound run to Pencoed. It is noted that this station has staggered platforms either side of a level crossing, with the good news is that there is an evil footbridge to change platforms if you do not mind the hike to the Cardiff platform. It was then onboard the 22:44 Gloucester service back to CDF, formed by 150253 and calling it a day.


Overall, I managed to cover quite a lot of new track, plus I fitted in the Ninian Park – Leckwith Junction PSUL move. Although I had to leave out a couple of sections of uncovered track, that can be a task for the future when I'm back for a good clearout of the ATW Class 142/143/150 fleet.

 

[FQ]

The idea of doing using the 'Thames and branches day ranger' (or as I call it, the Thamesline) is a good one for getting the trams and is one that I've done several times.

It sounds like a great day there - I think a rank pacer on the Bay shuttle is unusual but not certain (I don't think I've ever read of a pacer being on it).

 

[Kite159]

Another productive day in the valleys Adam, well done for getting that PSUL move in the book (something I need to do as well). Quite a bit of coverage as well

As for the HSTs, I'm sure you will be able to grab some when they make their way up north to Scotland to work the intercity services in place of the 170s.

 

[alexf380]

A cracking and detailed report, Adam, and one I thoroughly enjoyed as well. One thing, the Pacer of the Cardiff Bay shuttles is listed as 142041, which is a Northern Rail machine, so you may want to check your notes on that.

 

[Techniquest]

Minor note, it's Builth Road, not Builth Wells for the Heart of Wales shack. You'd not believe it now, but that used to be a High Level and Low Level station, although without my trusty Then and Now atlas to hand I can't give you the details of where the other line ran to/from. Builth Wells is the town a handful of miles away, but from what I was told back in 2005 it was a dangerous walk along the A483 to get to/from the station. It remains to this day a shack I need, disgraceful considering it's within my locality! It is still planned to be dealt with later this year, but it's going to take some creativity...

Ystrad Rhondda, sounding exotic and sexy? I never thought I'd hear that

FQ: 142s and 143s turn up on the Bay shuttles more at weekends but do turn up on weekdays if not enough 153s are available.

 

[adrock1976]

A cracking and detailed report, Adam, and one I thoroughly enjoyed as well. One thing, the Pacer of the Cardiff Bay shuttles is listed as 142041, which is a Northern Rail machine, so you may want to check your notes on that.

It was 142081 - I've fixed that typo.

Minor note, it's Builth Road, not Builth Wells for the Heart of Wales shack. You'd not believe it now, but that used to be a High Level and Low Level station, although without my trusty Then and Now atlas to hand I can't give you the details of where the other line ran to/from. Builth Wells is the town a handful of miles away, but from what I was told back in 2005 it was a dangerous walk along the A483 to get to/from the station. It remains to this day a shack I need, disgraceful considering it's within my locality! It is still planned to be dealt with later this year, but it's going to take some creativity...

Ystrad Rhondda, sounding exotic and sexy? I never thought I'd hear that

FQ: 142s and 143s turn up on the Bay shuttles more at weekends but do turn up on weekdays if not enough 153s are available.

I've fixed "Wells" to "Road" in the third last paragraph. A thing I've noticed is that along the route, there are several placenames that contain the suffix "Wells", such as Llanwyrtd, Llandrindod, Builth, etc.

Ystrad Rhondda probably sounds better than Ystrad Manach, as for somebody whose hearing may be starting to go would sound like the local residents of Ystrad Manach are into cannibalism, sounding like Strap Man Hack.

In my original neck of the woods in the West Midlands, I've never really done much in the CV postcode area, with the exception of Coventry, Rugby, Leamington Spa, and Stratford-upon-Avon. I have been on trains that have called at all of them (with the exception of Coventry Arena and Bermuda Park, as those are recently opened). That may be a task for me in the WM region in the future, as I have landed my final WM Class 323.

As I used to reside in the DY postcode area, it was Hartlebury that was the most trickiest to get. Ironically, with the improved frequency it now receives, I managed to score that easily on my way back, but I've had to leave Hagley hanging owing to delays - my sole remaining one in DY postcode.

 

[PHILIPE]

Minor note, it's Builth Road, not Builth Wells for the Heart of Wales shack. You'd not believe it now, but that used to be a High Level and Low Level station, although without my trusty Then and Now atlas to hand I can't give you the details of where the other line ran to/from. Builth Wells is the town a handful of miles away, but from what I was told back in 2005 it was a dangerous walk along the A483 to get to/from the station. It remains to this day a shack I need, disgraceful considering it's within my locality! It is still planned to be dealt with later this year, but it's going to take some creativity...

Ystrad Rhondda, sounding exotic and sexy? I never thought I'd hear that

FQ: 142s and 143s turn up on the Bay shuttles more at weekends but do turn up on weekdays if not enough 153s are available.

The Builth Rd Low Level Line ran from Brecon to now defunct Moat Lane Jcn which is on the Cambrian near to Caersws. 150s can also turn up on the Bay at the weekend and 2 Cars are frequent on Saturdays to provide additional accomodation if there is a large event on in Cardiff Bay. I've stood myself returning in the evening on a 150.

 

[adrock1976]

Day 3 – Homeward bound via Hereford and some bits along the OW&WR 21 July


Having checked out of the accommodation, it was a short walk to Cardiff Central to do a couple of final tasks before heading back. It was over to Platform 6 where I boarded the slightly delayed 08:26 Merthyr Tydfil service round the corner to Queen Street, formed by 143623+142006. After seeing that dud 153327 was on the Bay shuttle, I declined that so decided to hang about for a bit to see if there were any winners heading to Central. The 08:36 Bridgend service was dud, so declined that to see what was next. The 08:41 CDF were winners but would be heading back out soon after a short ECS move to Canton Depot and back, so saved those for the next run. It was onboard the slightly delayed 08:46 CDF service, formed by 143608+142069 for the short hop round the corner. During the brief fester, I had spotted 66148 hauling coal wagons westbound, 253001/43002 “Sir Kenneth Grange” (the designer of the IC125) was the rear powercar on the 08:51 PAD – SWA service, 66039 on a light engine move westbound, 66030 hauling what appeared to be masts for the electrification project eastbound. It was then onboard the 4 minutes delayed 08:56 Merthyr Tydfil service back round the corner to CDQ, formed by 143602 and dud 142074, before returning back to CDF on the 09:11 Penarth service, formed by 150256.


I had spotted 43016+032 arriving from PAD on a terminating service before boarding the 09:21 Manchester service, formed by dud 175002 for the short eastbound run to Newport. At Alexandra Docks, 66101 and 66124 attached to coal wagons facing London were spotted. Of note, I could have got the next departure from CDF, which would be the Swansea – London Paddington service, but it would be cutting it a bit fine for my next task. Soon, it was on board the slightly delayed 09:40 CDF service (the Holyhead – CDF WAG/”Gerald”) express, which was formed by 82307+67002. I sat in the rear coach in front of the loco to listen to some thrash along the mainline. It was then over to Platform 2 for the 10:00 Taunton service, formed by dud 150122 for a linear hop to NWP, then onboard the 10:19 Manchester service, formed by dud 175104 to Hereford. Of note, there must have been a set swap earlier, as the reservation labels in the seat backs did not match the working of this train at all, which led to some confusion amongst passengers.


During the half hour fester here, I had spotted 66082 on the centre tracks with the headlamps facing Newport, 175003 passing through southbound with an ECS working. I got myself a large tea from the Pumpkin outlet before my next move, and having spotted 175112 on the 11:35 Carmarthen service. It was onboard the 11:40 Birmingham NS via Bromsgrove service, formed by dud 170517 for the run to Malvern Link, spotting 166207 shortly after departing HFD and 150109 at Ledbury heading towards HFD. (It is noted that I have now finally got round to completing the track between Hereford and Great Malvern – it has only took me 28 years to finally get it done. I went on a spin from either Cradley Heath or Stourbridge Junction to Great Malvern to meet the lunchtime IC125 on the Hereford – London Paddington service for a short hop to Worcester, then a break at Droitwich Spa later on). During the fester here, double dogboxes 153305+369 was on the 5 minutes delayed 12:26 GMV service, before hopping onboard the slightly delayed 12:40 London Paddington service for the short hop to Worcester FS, formed by as expected 166207 with a brief pause before crossing the mighty, mighty Severn (the UK's longest river) waiting for the PAD – HFD IC125 to clear off.


Remaining on the same platform at WOF, it was not long before hopping on the 13:03 Weymouth service, formed by as expected dud 153369 and winning 153305 for a bus stop bash round the corner to Worcester SH. It was then over to Platform 2 passing the recently restored Victorian waiting rooms to board the 13:17 Dorridge via Stourbridge Junction and Birmingham Snow Hill service, formed by 170633 for the run along the Oxford, Worcester, & Wolverhampton Railway to Hartlebury. It is noted that Hartlebury has a frequency of every 60 minutes on Mondays – Saturdays nowadays, compared to there being just 2 or 3 journeys in each direction early morning and early evening when I used to reside in the West Midlands. Furthermore, there were a couple of passengers who alighted with me here. This is a station that has a level crossing and no footbridge, so be aware of that if any fellow bashers attempt to score that station. I then had a wander along Station Road onto the old Worcester Road, and with the village being a further quarter of a mile away, I went into the post office/convenience store to purchase something cold and wet in the limited time I had before heading back to the station to the Worcester platform over the level crossing. Myself and 2 under 16s boarded the slightly delayed 13:52 WOS service to Droitwich Spa, formed by dud pair 172212+213.


It was a gentle saunter over to the northbound platform via the car park and roadbridge (I did not feel like using the footbridge between the platforms), and having spotted 170502+505 on the 14:20 HFD service, it was soon onboard the 14:25 Dorridge via SBJ and BSW and formed by 172215 for the run north to Stourbridge Junction. It was a short wait for the terminating service from Stratford-upon-Avon to arrive, using the recently installed crossover from the Oxford track to the Wolverhampton [sic] track into Platform 2 (that crossover was not there the last time I was out here almost 20 years ago – the trains used to terminate in Platform 3 then would shunt into the sidings by the signalbox, then switch tracks and pull into Platform 2. There were some rare occasions where the terminating train in Platform 3 would depart straight out if delayed if it was not the couple of early morning departures to do so). It was then onboard the 14:57 SAV, formed by 172344 for a bus stop bash to Lye (I was unsure if I've ever had this station before, so have done it today just to be sure), then back to SBJ on the slightly delayed 15:18 SBJ service, formed by 172217. Of note, I remember the Stourbridge Railway having Class 150s operating it when I used to reside in the area, and Class 156s on the Cardiff Central services. Before that, there were Class 115s and 116s before the 150s came along to replace them.


As the 15:25 Stourbridge Town shuttle had already departed, I hung around on Platform 1 for the 15:35 departure, formed by 139002 for the run to SBT and back for my very first spin on a Parry People Mover. I am surprised as how tiny they are! I can remember a single Class 115 then a Class 153 dogbox having the mundane task of working the shuttles a long time ago. As I was originally going to do a linear hop to Hagley, then Blakedown, then Droitwich Spa, I decided to forego the Hagley hop as that has 3 trains per hour that call there nowadays with Blakedown being every 30 minutes (I remember it being every 60 minutes, with Blakedown being every 2 hours. From SBJ, there were 2 tph heading to Worcester, with one of those running non-stop between SBJ – Kidderminster, and the other calling Hagley, Blakedown (every 2 hours), and Kidderminster, before calling DTW and one or both Worcester stations).


It was onboard the 10 minutes delayed 15:59 Kidderminster service, formed by 172331 for the run to Blakedown. It is noted that the ongoing delays were caused by an earlier signalling problem around Birmingham. It was a brief wait before the 7 minutes delayed 16:15 Worcester FS service arrived, formed by 172343 for the southbound run to Droitwich Spa, spotting 50049 and 50035 at the Severn Valley Railway at Kidderminster. As I already pencilled in a break at DTW due to the (not possible today due to the delayed WOF service) rather optimistic 2 minute connection to the 16:33 BHM via Bromsgrove service, I went for a wander in town and as I was feeling peckish, I got something from the Waitrose store (I know it is mainly targeted at middle class people, but it was the first supermarket I stumbled upon). It was back to the station the long way round via the western side of the ring road and onto the northbound platform, having spotted 66115 hauling covered wagons heading in the Worcester direction.


I then boarded the rather busy 17:33 BHM via BGV service, which was to my delight formed by 150109. It has been a good number of years since I last had a Class 150 in my old neck of the woods. There was an exchange of passengers upon arrival at Platform 2 at the 2016 Bromsgrove station, suggesting that it is used for local hops between Worcester, Droitwich, and BMV. After departing, the thrash was great going uphill along the Lickey Incline, in first gear to draw lots of power from the engines so as to keep the momentum of the train moving at a constant rate, which is a damned sight better than the Class 170s. Of note, I've had thrash along here on a couple of non-stop Cheltenham Spa – BHM runs in 1989/1990 on an IC125 with the original Valenta engines and Class 47 loco hauled stock, with the engines screaming away like hellfire. It will be interesting to see how the Class 323s cope with the gradient when the wires are extended from Barnt Green to Bromsgrove, and hope that the motors do not burn out, considering Hunslet rushed out to build them on the cheap and went into liquidation soon afterwards around 1993, leaving Metro-Cammell to sort out the resulting technical problems that the 323s had in their early days. Furthermore, the last time I had some Class 150 thrash in the West Midlands was on a run on the Stourbridge Railway along the uphill section between Cradley Heath and just past the M5 bridge between Rowley Regis and Langley Green when I was on a journey to Birmingham in the late 1990s.


Anyway, that is more than enough reminiscing and diverging onto a tangent here. After reaching the top of the hill, the train began to pick up extra speed and changed gears for a whizz through Barnt Green station. This was where I was keeping a lookout for 323213 between here and University or BHM. 66014 was spotted hauling coal wagons in the Gloucester direction, while having noted a couple of dud 323s in each direction. I decided to have a roll of the dice and bail at University to see if my final WM 323 is out today. When I went up to the bridge, I had thought to myself that Sods Law would determine 3 things – it would either be on a BHM – International shuttle, the Wolverhampton – Walsall local all stations service, or not out at all today. After some dud 323s in both directions came and went (I was on the footbridge looking through the non-frosted safety glass) and spotting 170506 on the 18:05 Great Malvern service, it was with great delight and relief that 323213 appeared on the slightly delayed Longbridge service, which I took all the way to the end after consulting the timetable while on board.


Upon arrival at LOB, I was surprised that the train arrived into the southbound platform, as I remember terminating trains crossing straight into the Birmingham platform. After enquiring with the guard if it would be going back out as the 18:42, it would be departing from the other side. It was then a long hike up the recently installed ramp (the 1978 steps from the bridge to the southbound platform are no longer in use, as can be evident by the disused part of the platform and the top end of the stairs on the bridge being blocked off) and over the bridge and down the steps to the Birmingham platform to reboard 323213 to BHM.


It was then over to Platform 6 for the 19:15 Glasgow Central via Preston service, formed by 390050 “Virgin Invader”. 221124 was on the centre tracks between Platforms 5 and 6. Of note, it was a First Class Advance I purchased, as it was cheaper than Standard Class even when factoring in the splitting of tickets at Preston. Sometimes, the fares system totally defies belief. Anyway, at Wolverhampton, 390127 “Virgin Buccaneer” was spotted on the 19:45 EUS departure, while around Crewe, 09204 was in the Arriva Traincare livery, an ATW Class 153, 90010 CS livery at Gresty Bridge, an EMT Class 158 in Platform 4, and a LM Class 350 with the destination board displaying Northampton were all spotted during this brief spell. At Acton Grange, 66094 was spotted while 150237 at Warrington BQ was on a Chester service, 319363 was at Wigan NW on a local all stations Liverpool LS service, 57311 was at the Lancaster facing siding at the end of Platforms 3 and 4 at Preston, Colas Rail 60021 and 153352+359 on a Whitehaven service were spotted at Carlisle. After departing CAR, the train came to a halt at Beattock, incurring a 20 minute delay due to the 18:30 EUS – GLC via Trent Valley Railway in front developing a train fault. Eventually, it was back in motion again, arriving at GLC at 23:32, 15 minutes behind schedule and busting my connection with the 23:52 from Glasgow Queen Street.


It was a worthwhile trip overall, with me managing to get quite a lot done in these few days. I have at long last finally got round to completing the missing bit of track between Hereford and Great Malvern, 28 years after first doing the section from my then local station to GMV. I have also sampled the Parry People Mover on the Stourbridge Junction – Town shuttle, plus got some Class 150 thrash up the Lickey Incline and landing my final West Midlands Class 323. I have yet to do the Lickey Incline in a Class 172 by itself or a Class 220/221 Voyager. Of note, I still require 323238 in Manchester, which ironically, I started those first in the summer of 2015, with the WM fleet in March 2016. As I'm writing this at the time, I'm considering having a clear out in the Greater Manchester PTE area, to see if I can land 323238 and reduce Class 142 and 150 requirements, while fitting in Reddish South and Denton as well.

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a good last day

 

[Techniquest]

As a basher who's main stomping ground is the West Midlands these days (formerly South Wales then Wiltshire), I found your final day's trip report especially interesting. The nostalgia you wrote about was welcome too, as some of it was nostalgia for me too. It's been a long time since 153s ran the Stourbridge Town shuttle that's for sure, although I confess to not remembering when that finished now.

Hartlebury's got easier than when I did it then, as even then in 2012 (I think) it was still only a handful of services in the mornings and evenings. Platform 2's crossover from the Birmingham direction only went in in the last couple of years, it's a crossover I need too as, like yourself, it wasn't there when I was shack scoring on that line.

Can't comment on the useage patterns at Bromsgrove, as usually when I go through there in the mornings it's all on to Birmingham and no-one (occasionally a couple of people off but not often) getting on. The afternoons see a mass exodus of people getting off, meaning a better chance of a seat after Bromsgrove when coming back from Birmingham.

I've never known Longbridge operate any differently to the way it does now, so can't comment fairly but the idea of crossing over into the northbound platform with services as densely packed as they are now is just never going to happen now. The closure of the factory nearby will have no doubt been an influence to some degree there.

My recent run on 150109 on a Hereford service was a trip down Memory Lane for me too, fond memories of 150s on the Snow Hill Lines!

Glad you enjoyed the run on one of my local lines, jealous though as 166207 is one of my last 5 166s to get for haulage. Well done on finally clearing that gap in your coverage, and well done on getting your last LM 323 as well. I never knew that about their being built on the cheap, a problem that still seems to plague the class as there are spells of Starships running on one motor only. Happening less on my last trips to Birmingham, and it's especially worst in winter, perhaps the work being done to the fleet in Longsight (I think the LM fleet are all getting it done, I'm a bit behind on news on that) will finally sort that out.

As always an excellent read, and well done on a most productive few days!

 

[Keith Jarrett]

Certainly a great time was had by all. I've always enjoyed bashing in South Wales and by the looks of it, you did too. Good call on your part by doing some "business" on the way home in the West Midlands. I need to get back to South Wales but that's not going to happen any time soon I've got too much else going on at the moment.

And the nostalgia is great; keep it coming!

 

[FQ]

I'm planning to get some of the mentioned shacks a week on Saturday. Good to know that Hartlebury has a level crossing!

Congrats on the LM starships! It sounds like a brilliant last day was had there too.

 

[55013]

A very evocative report - I well remember the line of brand new 323s parked up outside the Hunslet factory in Leeds, visible from passing trains and already with a bad reputation.

 

[Kristofferson]

Congrats on the 323s! There also seems to be a lot of love for the 139s on these forums recently, which is great

Your Welsh tour sounded like a jolly good way to spend a few days. Will certainly be glad to get back to Cardiff soon, although there is no way I could persuade the other half to board another Pacer! "One is enough"...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Techniquest]

I don't blame your Mrs for not wanting to board another Pacer, I'd prefer a Peak to a Pacer. And that is getting desperate here, hated those things for many a year (blame 45112) but the noise is not quite as bad as a Pacer!

 

[adrock1976]

I felt it was time for another attempt at a clearout in the Greater Manchester PTE area, as my previous spell in November 2015 concentrated on the Class 323s. I could concentrate on the Class 142s and 150s owing to still requiring several of those, plus I would also attempt to see if I could get my final Class 323 for haulage as well. Furthermore, as it is a Friday, my intention is to also fit in the visits of Reddish South and Denton too, so as not to leave those hanging when I next intend to be in Manchester in October for a conference, leaving me to concentrate on a clearout in the CH and CW postcode areas on a Cheshire Day Ranger.


It was back to an early rise for me, leaving at 03:50 for the mainly downhill walk to Glasgow Central station. I noticed some passengers who were sitting on the seats in the concourse area, and when I glanced at the departure board, it had displayed that the 04:28 London Euston service had been cancelled. It was not the start I would have liked, and with the next departure being at 05:40, this meant that I would have to forego the Reddish South and Denton section, as it is only possible to do that on a Friday. My intention was to walk between the 2 Reddish stations, and take a short bus ride from Denton to Hyde Central. I then decided to sit down and wait for the 05:40.


When I could no longer take anymore of Glasgow Central's take on the Stanley Milgram experiment, with my buttocks becoming cold and numb and my back starting to ache, I got up for a brief wander outside. As it was just after 05:00 there were some people still milling about that had came out of various entertainment venues earlier. There was a group of lads who were obviously worse for wear and on their way somewhere, with them obviously having been to a football match the previous night. I was asked what team I support. “The once mighty but not so mighty nowadays Aston Villa, as I'm originally from the West Midlands”. One of the guys replied “Great”. After the conversation developed, it then turned to “Is there a Scottish team you support?”. I replied “Yes. Partick Thistle. I'm used to indulging in masochism”. “Aye, you're OK. Have a safe journey” the guy replied to me and on they went.


I went back inside the station after a short while, and had a look at what trains were stabled in the platforms. 314203 in Platform 5, 314204 in Platform 8, Platform 11 had a quintet from rear to front: 314205, 314212, 314202, 314215, and 314213, Platform 15 had 314209 (rear) and 314208 (front), 380102 arriving into Platform 12, 221107 in Platform 4 for the 05:50 EUS via Birmingham service, 170450 (rear) and 170416 (front, after detaching from 170450) on the 05:30 Dyce service at Platform 9, 220023+220018 in Platform 1 on the 06:01 Plymouth via Edinburgh and Leeds, and a 390 in Platform 2 (which I had an inkling would be the 05:40 EUS via Trent Valley Railway service).


Eventually, it was to Platform 2 for the 05:40 EUS via Trent Valley Railway service, which was formed by wining 390115 “Virgin Crusader” for the southbound run to Preston. On this leg of the journey, 92018 was at Carstairs waiting for the Edinburgh portion of the sleeper, 66061,66031, 66431, and 66222 were some of the locos at Kingmoor, 185144 was on a northbound Manchester Airport – GLC or EDB service at Carlisle, 66013 was hauling coal wagons northbound in the passing loop at Shap Summit, and 185120 was on the Windermere shuttle at Oxenholme: The Lake District. After alighting at Preston, 185119 was on the 07:58 MIA – GLC service, and 142037 was on the 08:00 Colne service. It was soon onboard the 08:13 MIA service to MAN, which was formed by dud 185147 (from Blackpool North/Talbot Road) and winner 185105 (from Barrow-in-Furness).


Upon arrival at MAN, I went over to the main trainshed platforms to see if I could see 323238. I saw it on Platform 8 and thought that I've finally got it at long last. When I looked at the screen, it was “Empty to Depot” that was displayed, and was coupled to another 323. “Aarrgh” I screamed in my mind. It would seem that the wait (or torture) goes on for me to attempt to land this one, which would require a fifth attempt next time. Anyway, I decided to make my way over to the booking office to purchase the GM Day Ranger, with it being busy most likely due to the schools breaking up for the summer.


With me obviously unable to do both Reddish stations and Denton, I had a look to see if any required 142s or 150s were about. I hopped on the 09:31 Rose Hill Marple via Hyde Central service, formed by dud 142028 and winner 150270 for a run to Woodley. It was over to the opposite platform for the 10:03 MAN service, formed by dud 150133 to Gorton. I then walked to Fairfield via some alleyways and sidestreets, keeping close to the railway line and taking me onto Ashton Old Road, then into Booth Road to Fairfield station. After 73914 passed through heading in the Manchester direction, it was onboard the 10:44 MAN service, formed by as expected the return of 150270+142028. It is noted that I am actually 30 minutes ahead of my original intended plans. On arrival at MAN, I got myself something light and a tea before I did anything else, as I was feeling slightly sluggish.


It was then onboard the 11:14 New Mills Central service, formed by 142033 for a run to Ryder Brow. I then walked along Levenshulme Road and Knutsford Road (both side roads), then along the main Hyde Road to Belle Vue station. It is noted that Belle Vue has a frequency of every 2 hours, which is surprising as it is near the greyhound track and along a main road. It was eventually a hike downhill to the platform for the 11:52 MAN service, formed by dud 142036. It is also noted that I am now 60 minutes ahead of my original planned schedule at this point.


I decided to wander over to Platforms 13 and 14 to see if anything required would roll up, with me being rewarded with 185106 on the 12:07 Liverpool LS service for a bus stop bash to Oxford Road. It was back to MAN on the slightly delayed 12:16 Hazel Grove service, formed by 150204, which has had the new WC fitted. I then looked at the screens for the next service towards MCO, but it appeared that the trains were running haywire during this time. After 66503 passed through Platform 14, I made my way to Platform 10 for the 12:49 Buxton service, formed by 150207 and dud 150222 for a run to Stockport. It was here where my luck would run out, as during the 25 minute fester, the EUS – MAN, both ICXC 220s, the Chester – MAN via Altricham, a Buxton – Man service, and another EUS – MAN (formed by 390115 that I had from GLC – PRE earlier) were all duds, so I decided to cut my losses and hop on the 13:29 MAN service that was from Crewe, formed by dud 323225, and head in the direction of Salford Crescent to try my luck there.


It was then over to Platforms 13 and 14 for the 15 minutes delayed LIV via Warrington Central service, formed by 158846+877 for a leap to MCO. It is rather surprising that since I started to record my trips again back in 2014, this is the first occasion I've had any of the Nottingham based Class 158s. Technically, you could say I'm now off the mark with this fleet allocation, and only require another 24 of the EMT 158s. It was back to MAN on the 13:57 MIA service, formed by 156488 and dud 156464. I then quickly hopped on the 14:03 Blackpool North service, formed by dud 150204 to Salford Crescent, to try some luck on the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway metals.


After checking the screens, I decided to take a short run to Moorside on the 14:21 Kirkby service, formed by double duds 142042+068. It is easier to score Moorside from the Salford end rather than the Wigan end, as the frequency is every 60 minutes with there being 3 minutes between the trains heading in opposite directions. It was then back to SLD on the slightly delayed 14:33 Blackburn via Manchester Victoria and Todmorden Curve, formed by dud 150141. I then hopped on the slightly delayed 14:40 Wigan Wallgate via Bolton service, formed by dud 142043 and winning 142031 for the run to WGW. It was back on the 15:24 MCV service, formed by the same pair of 142s to Westhoughton. It was over to the Wigan bound platform for the 10 minutes delayed 15:36 WGW service, formed by 150218 and dud 142057 for a westbound run to Hindley. I had a rapid dash over to the opposite platform when I heard a train pulling in, it being the 15 minutes delayed 15:35 MCV via Atherton service, formed by 150113 and dud 156482 for the run to Salford Crescent.


It was during this time I was thinking whether to attempt to take a run to Piccadilly to see if 323238 would make an appearance, but I decided against it due to the likelihood that I would either miss the 16:34 circular service to Glossop and Hadfield, or that it would not reappear again today. I decided to stick with L&YR metals and hopped on the off standard pattern 16:42 Clitheroe service to Bromley Cross, formed by 156455. It is noted that the standard pattern of the Clitheroe services pass at Bromley Cross within a couple of minutes of each other. However, as this was an off pattern service, this gave me sufficient time to walk down the hill to turn left and under the bridge onto Turton Road, continuing with a right swing onto Tonge Moor Road to the junction of the A58 and taking a right turn to reach Hall i' th' Wood station. After taking a hike up to the Bolton bound platform, it was onboard the 17:32 MCV service, formed by dud 153331 and winning 156426 for the southbound run to SLD.


As I had a bit of a gap here, I made use of the time to nip upstairs to purchase a single to a limited service station nearby. It was back down to the platform to board the 18:02 MCV service for a bus stop bash to Salford Central, formed by 150137 and dud 142034. It was then down and under and up to the opposite platform for the 18:13 WGW service, formed by 142054 for the run to the limited service station of Clifton, which only has one service in each direction on Mondays to Fridays (AM to MCV, PM to WGW). The passengers on board and the guard seemed surprised that there was somebody who was alighting here, and unsurprisingly, there was nobody who boarded. I then made my way to Swinton (Lancashire) station via Rake Lane and Queensway to the main Bolton Road, then over into Station Road and along to Swinton station.


It was then onboard the 18:58 WGW service, formed by 142038 to Atherton, then on the 19:14 Blackburn via MCV service, formed by 142019 and dud 142030 that was locked out of use for the run back to SLD, wrapping up things for the day. As it was a while before the next service in the direction to Preston was due, I gladly assisted a family who had some heavy luggage up the stairs, as the lift was out of order. It was onboard the 19:56 Blackpool North service, formed by busy double duds 156481+469 (makes a change from perennial duds 156471+460 as I always seem to land those on most occasions between MAN and PRE) for the northbound run to Preston, passing 86608+628 hauling containers and tanks northbound near Farrington Curve Junction.


At Preston, 153316+332 were stabled in Platform 5, 185119 stabled in Platform 7, 350405 was on the 20:48 MIA service, 390112 on the 10 minutes delayed 20:41 GLC service, 158851 on the 20:48 BPN service, 150137+142034 on the 20:50 MCV service, and 158756 was on the 20:56 York via Blackburn, Bradford, and Leeds service. It was then onboard my booked train, the 8 minutes delayed 20:53 Glasgow Central service (17:43 from EUS via BHM), formed by dud 390137 “Virgin Difference” for the run back to GLC, spotting 185147 at Lancaster on a southbound service. It was then over to Glasgow QS for the 23:34 back home to Barnhill, with 318255 providing the honours of doing so.


Despite me not getting off to the start I would have liked due to the cancellation of the 04:28 GLC – EUS service, and missing out on doing both Reddish stations and Denton, I've managed to reduce my requirements in the Manchester area. As it presently stands regarding the diesel traction, I only require 31 x Class 142s, 20 x Class 150s, 11 x Class 153s, 5 x Class 155s, and 13 x Class 156s, also not forgetting I will still have to put up with 323238 teasing me in the meantime. I may try again in the second half of September, so as when I'm in Manchester for a conference in October, it would free me up to concentrate on the CH and CW postcode areas on a Cheshire Day Ranger, due to me finding cheap accommodation that is reasonably priced near Meols (Cheshire) station. The price of accommodation that weekend in Manchester is quite pricey, due to it being the school holidays.

 

[FQ]

Shame you missed out on Denton and the two Reddish stations but it sounds like a good day was had anyway. Have you claimed delay repay from VT?

That starship would've really, really annoyed me, that's for sure!

 

[Kite159]

Apart from the delayed start to the day causing you to miss Denton international & Reddish South, sounded like a productive day with lots of shacks scored and required units

 

[Techniquest]

I'd have claimed Delay Repay without question if the 0428 was cancelled!

Rather productive day all in, despite 323238 not producing for you. I'm fairly certain it would have been back into Piccadilly by 1630 for the evening peak, but hopefully it turns up for you without any issue next time.

Rather long day there mind, not sure how on Earth you managed to keep going all day!

 

[adrock1976]

When I was checking out the National Rail Enquiries website for future engineering works, I happened to stumble upon a diversion local to me on Sundays during August. The East Kilbride and Kilmarnock services would be diverted via Polmadie Signal 789 (next to the Intercity depot) and Larkfield Junction – Muirhouse South Junction. This is the section of track that runs from just before the southern portals of Eglinton Tunnels to the Glasgow & South Western Railway just before Crossmyloof station, which does not normally see any scheduled passenger services. When planning to cover this section of rare track, I settled upon a Roundabout Glasgow instead of a simple Barnhill – Pollokshaws West return, which would enable me to see if there was any requirements on the Glasgow Central – Edinburgh Waverley via Shotts services. Any winning diesel traction requirements today greater than zero would be a bonus, as there is very little that I require of the Scotrail fleet. Furthermore, as I do not require any of the electric fleet (when Glasgow hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014, I got a lot of 318s, 320s, and 334s on linear hops between Bellgrove and Partick, probably having done too much, too soon), I would also take the chance to score some shacks mainly in the ML postcode area, so as to leave me to concentrate on EH and KY for a future Central Scotland Rover.


It was out of the door and a short walk along to Barnhill for the 09:28 Partick service, formed by 334034 for a run to High Street. I would like to note that since the Glasgow & Garnkirk Railway was electrified in 2014, the Sunday services from What's it called? Cumbernauld run to Partick via Glasgow Queen Street low level. At first, the Sunday service used to run non-stop between Springburn and Bellgrove, and at the December 2014 timetable change, they now call at Barnhill, Alexandra Parade, and Duke Street during shopping hours – similar to Argyle Street on the Glasgow Central Railway and the Paisley Canal route. At High Street, it was over to the eastbound platform for the 09:47 Edinburgh Waverley service, formed by 334024+022 to Caldercruix. Normally, there is only 1 minute to change platforms here, but this train is a slightly off pattern timetable due at Caldercruix at 10:19, giving 3 minutes to change platforms.


After alighting at Caldercruix, it was over to the westbound platform and found out that I indeed had a sufficient gap here, albeit longer than I had intended as the 10:22 Helensburgh Central service had been cancelled. I decided to forego scoring Easterhouse at this moment in time, so went for a brief wander. There were not much facilities being close in the vicinity of the station apart from a Ladbrokes bookies and a convenience store. It is noted that I stumbled upon a hostelry that has the imaginative name of “The Railway Inn”, with a notice stating “No football colours” as is common in the Airdrie area. Furthermore, in the Monklands area, the residents of Airdrie tend to pledge allegiance to the establishment, support the Glasgow team that plays at Ibrox, the fashionable tipple of the 1990s was Hoopers Hooch alcopops, and takes the events of 12th July 1690 seriously. Neighbouring Coatbridge is the opposite, with the favourite tipple being Buckfast.


Anyway, it was onboard the slightly delayed 10:50 Helensburgh Central service, formed by 334040+017 for a short run to Airdrie. It was then over to Platform 3 (the first time I have ever boarded a train departing from this platform – I have already griced both Platforms 1 and 2 in both directions many moons ago) for the slightly delayed 11:12 EDB service, formed by 334016+014 for a bus stop bash to Drumgelloch. It is noted that I have already scored the 1989 site of Drumgelloch, but not the present day 2010 site, although I have been on trains that have called there. It was then over to the westbound platform for the slightly delayed 11:24 Helensburgh Central service, formed by 334027+029 to Glasgow Queen Street, arriving 7 minutes behind schedule after a delay at Airdrie.


It was then over to Glasgow Central for the 12:16 Edinburgh Waverley via Shotts service, which had been cancelled with passengers advised to take the 12:20 Motherwell service for a connecting bus. I thought to myself “sod that” as I'm still recovering from the ordeal I had back in May on Great Eastern Railway metals with sporadic buses from Witham to Stansted Airport, and none from Chelmsford whatsoever, and between Preston and Carlisle the following day due to disruption. I looked at my plan, and realised I could switch a couple of things around and be back for the 14:16 EDB via Shotts service (the trains run every 2 hours on Sundays along this route, with no late evening service). I made my way to the low level platforms of the Glasgow Central Railway to board the 12:25 Teddy Bear Town aka Larkhall (another town of Lanarkshire that takes the events of 12th July 1690 seriously) service, formed by 320315 to the penultimate stop Merryton. It was soon the return of the same train on the 13:10 Balloch via Yoker (Balloch trains run via Yoker on Sundays, and via Westerton on Mondays to Saturdays) to Blantyre, birthplace of the explorer David Livingstone, who also put the wheels in motion to abolish the slave trade.


It was over to the opposite platform to board the 13:26 Motherwell service, formed by 318254+265 for a bus stop bash to Hamilton West. I then went over the footbridge to the opposite platform for the 13:35 Milngavie service, formed by 320308 for the run back to Glasgow Central. After alighting, it was up to the main part of the station to check the boards for the 14:16 EDB via Shotts service, and to switch to some diesel traction, with this being the first out of four intended chances to land a winner. Much to a huge sense of relief, it was indeed running as a train, so made my way to Platform 7. As the departure time was approaching and with no sign of a train arriving, it was announced that it would be here shortly, followed by another announcement moments later that the train would not be calling at Uddingston or Bellshill, with the first stop being Holytown. Some passengers who were travelling to both of the omitted stops made their way across to the 14:20 Motherwell via Bellshill service.


The train arrived into the platform just before 14:20, with boarding commencing after the inbound passengers had alighted. This service was formed by winning 158722 (I only require 7 Inverness Depot Class 158s, and 2 Haymarket based ones) and dud 158869 (one of my Haymarket required 158s is 865, which Scotrail will be losing in a couple of years, so still plenty of time yet to land that one). Departure was at 14:23, 7 minutes behind schedule. The train reduced speed slightly just after passing through Newton, most likely due to catching up with the 14:20 MTH service that departed before the 14:16 EDB service. Eventually, some speed was gained after passing through Bellshill and Mossend Junctions, before slowing down for Holytown. After departure, the guard had announced that passengers for Carfin were to make their way to the centre of the train, due to the short platform. As the train was running further behind schedule, I decided to bail at the next stop, Cleland, so as to reduce a normally 40 minute fester to a 30 minute fester, plus it would give me a bit of leeway for a future Central Scotland Rover in the event of delays.


As there is not a great deal facilities wise near the vicinity of the station, I decided not to wander off too far just in case the 15:26 GLC service (the working back from EDB formed by the cancelled 12:16 from GLC) would be cancelled and replaced by a bus, or not replaced with anything at all. It was at this point that I took up the chance to have some lunch, as I have a sufficient fester here. Eventually, it was onboard dud 158736 for the run back to GLC, calling at the stations as scheduled to do so,spotting Freightliner 90045 at the London end of the Caledonian Sleeper with GBRf 92032 with the Eurotunnel logo on it at the Glasgow end. On arrival at GLC, it was over to Platform 11 for the 16:12 Paisley Canal service, formed by 314208 for the short run to Corkerhill, passing various electric units stabled at the depot.


I then set off for a walk to Dumbreck station via Aros Drive, Mosspark Drive, and Mosspark Boulevard to Dumbreck Road, where I had a lapse in concentration. I have viewed this walking route several times on a map, and wrote down the directions, but forgot to lift the piece of paper that I wrote the directions down on. I realised afterwards that I should have took a left turn into Dumbreck Road rather than me turning right, and keeping a look out for Nithsdale Road on the right. When I asked somebody if I was going in the right direction, it transpired at that point I was heading the wrong way. Realising that I could not make the 16:48 GLC service, I suddenly had an inside flash of creativity. As I only require both Crookston and Mosspark stations, and as the trains are timetabled to arrive and depart Dumbreck at exactly the same time on Mondays to Saturdays, and as I do not require any of the Scotrail electric fleet, by scoring both Crookston and Mosspark, I would never have to come down this line again for anything (unless the new fleet of Class 385s were ever to make an appearance here, which is most unlikely under normal circumstances).


Eventually, I made my way along Nithsdale Road to Dumbreck station and after a 15 minute fester, it was back onboard 314208 on the penultimate 17:18 PCN service to Crookston. It was light showers at this moment, so I put on my kagoule just before the train arrived. It was then a walk to Mosspark station via left along Crookston Road, right turn into Crookston Avenue, straight on into Cardonald Drive, left at the end, then right turn into Berwick Drive, then right turn into Dundee Drive going uphill then gently descending to Mosspark station. It was 5 minutes or so before the return of 314208 on the penultimate 17:43 GLC service all the way back to Glasgow Central, taking a look at the boards for my next move of the day that I've been intending to do, albeit an hour later than planned.


First of all, I had spotted the “Northern Belle” coaching stock at Platform 2, which had 68005 “Defiant” at the Glasgow end and 68022 (unsure of name, as I only spotted it after departing GLC on my next move) at the London end. It was onboard the 18:00 Kilmarnock service, formed by a busy dud 156508 for the run to Pollokshaws West. This is the diverted service (with also the East Kilbride services) on Sundays in August that run via Polmadie Signal 789, and Larkfield Junction – Muirhouse Junction to rejoin the normal route. When the train came to a halt at the Intercity depot at Polmadie, 57302, 08954, 08764, and 08451 were spotted. After alighting at Pollokshaws West, the showers were heavy at this point, and as I was making my way to the steps, I narrowly missed out on a drenching as there was a slightly strong breeze. It was down, under, and up to the Glasgow platform for the 18:28 GLC service back to Glasgow Central via the same route, formed by dud 156507. Of note, 66746 was spotted at the London end of the “Flying Scotsman” coaching stock at Platform 11 (I was unsure if there was a loco at the Glasgow end, due to the train I was on arriving into Platform 10).


After alighting, I spotted an ICXC Voyager in Platform 9, and after pulling out my sheet of required Class 220/221/222s, the 19:00 Newcastle Central via Edinburgh was indeed one of my requirements, and would be a bonus. It is noted that I had originally pencilled in another run along the Shotts route, and end at GLC at 20:00 in the unlikely event there has been a unit swap halfway through the day, but was happy to forego that and making me be an hour ahead of my intended plans. Depending on how things go, I could finish off the day by scoring Easterhouse later on, so as not to leave that one hanging.


Anyway, I hopped on board 220002 for a quick run to Motherwell, passing Colas Rail 60011 (facing London) + 60085 hauling ballast wagons at Newton. It was then to Bellshill on the 19:21 GLC service, formed by 380006 and spotting 68025 “Superb” and 37059 when passing the yard just north of Motherwell station. After alighting at Bellshill, I went to a nearby convenience store for something cold and wet, then back to the station for the slightly delayed 19:38 Lanark service, formed by 320310 for the run to Shieldmuir. I then went over to the northbound platform via the evil footbridge to consult the timetable poster before walking to Wishaw via Kimberley Street and Glasgow Road. As I took a slightly longer walk via the town centre, I arrived at Wishaw station 10 minutes before the train was due. It was then onboard the return of 320310 on the slightly delayed 20:40 GLC service for the run back to Glasgow Central arriving at 21:16.


When I had a quick eyeball of one or two Class 156s that were kicking about and with them being duds, I then made my way over to Queen Street and took a quick look at the reopened high level. The platforms and prep work for the electrification appear complete, with further works to come for the main concourse. The couple of Class 170s that were about were dud (I still require 170456 and 471), so went down to the low level for the 21:45 EDB service, formed by 334002+006 for the run to Easterhouse so as not to leave that station hanging. It was over to the westbound platform for the 22:09 Helensburgh Central service, formed by 334001+012 for the run to High Street where I decided to bail, and walk up to the Royal Infirmary and onto Springburn Road to head home.


Overall, I managed to achieve what I intended to do by covering the rare bit of track between Larkfield Junction – Muirhouse South Junction that does not normally see passenger services. I got one winning Class 158 out of it, and also a winning Class 220 as an unexpected bonus on a move that was not intentional. Although I got slightly confused walking between Corkerhill and Dumbreck stations, I turned it around and managed to score Crookston and Mosspark to complete the Paisley Canal route, something that again was not intentional. I have also cleared a few tricky bits in ML, most notably Caldercruix as there is normally 1 minute between trains passing there (even though I had an unintended extended gap due to a cancellation). I have also managed the fester at Cleland as well. I have found that regarding doing local bashing, if you have cleared required classes too fast, too soon, as I got most of the electric Classes 318s, 320s, and 334s during the 2014 Commonwealth Games on linear hops between Bellgrove and Partick when most services were running in double formation, it does not leave you with much to do. Of note, the only stations in ML I require are Hartwood and Shotts, and the 4 remaining ones in G are Ardlui, Arrochar & Tarbet, Garelochhead, and Helensburgh Upper. My remaining KA stations I am intending to use the Daytripper for that, which will be my next local bashing trip before the end of 2016.