Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a productive day scoring some of your required 43s, plus Turbos 
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Adrock's trip reports
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adrock1976
Established Member
I believe it is more to do with the motors or something like that.
I seem to remember reading about it in a thread either in the Traction & Rolling Stock section, or one of the numerous threads in both the Railway Discussion and Infrastructure & Stations.
adrock1976
Established Member
Class 317 and 319 hunting Saturday 25 March
As today and tomorrow are the days of my meeting, and for later on today, I would be concentrating on reducing my Class 317 and 319 requirements. In regards to the Class 317s operating along Great Eastern Railway metals, this weekend should be straightforward and simple due to engineering works with trains diverted via Seven Sisters as the Tottenham Hale route is closed. From previous experience, whatever is about on Saturdays at Liverpool Street, I have seen the exact same trains the following day. This would mean that the Sunday morning, I would be able to spend some time south of the mighty Thames to make inroads into the third rail requirements and to do that area some justice being as I am based on that side of the river. Furthermore, after a spell at Liverpool Street, I would switch to the remnants of the Class 319 fleet as it would be less for me to do when they eventually transfer to Northern Rail and/or London Midland.
After a good nights sleep, it was an early rise and out of the door for a walk to Hither Green station to board the 08:12 ex Gravesend-London Blackfriars via Lewisham, formed of required 376020+ dud 027 for a bus stop bash to Lewisham. I would like to mention that this weekend due to engineering works, there are no trains at London Bridge, Cannon Street, or Charing Cross as part of the Thameslink 2000 [sic] programme. Trains from Southeastern Railway destinations are diverted to Blackfriars and Victoria. It was a brief fester at Lewisham to board the 08:22 ex Tonbridge-Victoria via Grove Park formed of required pair 465925+901 for the run to Victoria, with Denmark Hill being the only intermediate calling point. Upon arrival at Victoria, I then went to the Wetherspoons for a veggie breakfast on the mezzanine level.
When that was done, it was to the Underground for the Victoria Line northbound. As I would be doing some linear hops along to Highbury & Islington, and for simplicity, I have listed the moves below.
11090+089 Victoria-Green Park (I realised these were dud after the doors had closed)
11048+047 Green Park-Oxford Circus
11092+091 Oxford Circus-Warren Street
11072+071 Warren Street-Euston
11022+021 Euston-Kings Cross SP
11038+037 Kings Cross SP-Highbury & Islington
Of note, every second train was dud, so let it go for the next one behind. After exiting the station, it was to the bus stop to board the 263 up to the meeting venue at Manor Gardens off Holloway Road.
When the meeting finished and after some socialising, it was to Highbury & Islington station for the Victoria Line southbound to Kings Cross, with the first one being required 11015+016. It was upstairs to the mainline station via the long way round (I did come up the escalator that directly takes you into the station concourse near the departure boards 4 or 5 years ago, but cannot remember how to get to it from the Victoria Line) and to see if any required Class 317s are about (I require 10 out of the fleet of 12 that is allocated to GTR). Failing that, I could easily switch to the Class 365s as I require 39 out of 40, and/or Class 387s that were common along the Thameslink route until recently.
Having seen what was on the next couple of workings from Platforms 9-11, I settled upon the 16:52 Cambridge that was formed by required pair 387110+121 for a run to Finsbury Park, keeping a lookout for any 317s heading in the opposite direction. It was over to Platform 3 for the 17:13 ex Cambridge to Kings Cross, formed of required 387127. It was then immediately over to the opposite face from Platform 10 to 11 to hop on the 17:22 Peterborough, formed of required pair 317340+343 for another run to Finsbury Park. I returned back to Kings Cross on the 5 minutes delayed 17:43 ex Peterborough, formed of required 365515.
As I wanted to see what was about at Liverpool Street, it was downstairs to the Metropolitan Railway platforms to board required 21113+114 straight to Liverpool Street, foregoing linear hops. After spotting various duds and with 315810 and the 3 remaining LO 317s unlikely to make an appearance, I settled upon the 18:43 Cambridge, formed of required pair 317507+671 for a run to Seven Sisters. It was over to the London platform where I had 3 options in quick succession. The 19:06 ex Enfield Town and the 19:10 ex Cambridge were both dud, so it was onto my third option (I did have the get out of jail free card of the Victoria Line if need be), which was the 19:13 ex Stansted Airport. I returned back to Liverpool Street on this as it was formed of required 379020+ dud 018. It is noted that I require 9 Class 379s to clear the class, which is ironic as this is the youngest class of the Anglia fleet.
I then went downstairs to the Underground and to the Central Line westbound platform. The plan I had in my mind for some reason (and considering my brain temporarily stopped working) was to take the Central Line westbound to Oxford Circus, then Bakerloo to Elephant & Castle so as to see what Class 319s (or anything else south of the mighty Thames) would be around. I hopped on required 91035+92002+ duds 92148+91225 for the westbound run. I had realised that I could have simply took a Circle Line to Blackfriars and gone upstairs, so I bailed from the Central Line at Bank. It became apparent as to why I have not done this interchange for a very long time, as it is quite a hike from the Central Line to the District at Monument. It makes getting from platform level to street level at Glasgow Charing Cross pretty tame in comparison.
Anyway, it was on required 21481+482 from Monument to Blackfriars, then upstairs to see what was around. It was up to Platform 2 to see what was on the 20:08 ex Three Bridges-Bedford. Much to my surprise it was a Class 700 that was formed of 12 coaches, and more surprisingly, it was one train, rather than 2x6 or 3x4 coupled together. As I am aware that the Class 700s are recent, I will have plenty of time to get those for haulage in the future, as I am concentrating on getting the older trains first before they are withdrawn. My attention switched to the adjacent Platform 4 (one of the 2 bay platforms facing Chatham/Dover) to board the 20:12 Sevenoaks local all stations via Catford and Swanley, formed by required 319439 for a short run to Elephant & Castle. Remaining on the same platform, it was on the 20:19 ex Luton-Wimbledon via Tooting (the Wimbledon & Sutton Railway is closed for engineering works, hence no trains via Mitcham Junction and the frequency being every 30 minutes) that was formed by dud 319445+ required 446 for a run to Streatham.
It was a quick dash over to the London platform for the 20:38 ex Wimbledon-Luton formed of required pair 319430+432 for the northbound run to Loughborough Junction (not to be confused with Loughborough Midland or Central, as those are both north of the Thames in Leicestershire in the East Midlands region), where it was a short fester before boarding the 20:52 ex Luton-Wimbledon formed by dud 319449+ required 002 for a run to Herne Hill. Knowing that the previous Wimbledon train I had from Elephant & Castle would be returning northbound, my attention switched to the mainline of the London, Chatham, 7 Dover Railway. I then hopped on the 21:06 ex Victoria-Swanley formed by required 465043 for a run to Bickley, using Platform 2 at Shortlands along the way (I cannot remember if I have done the PSUL move to/from the Catford loop back in 2014 via the diveunder or not).
Switching back to the Blackfriars-Sevenoaks diagrams (I calculated that there are 5 diagrams), it was on the 5 minutes delayed 21:27 ex Sevenoaks-Blackfriars that was formed by required 319220 for a short run to Shortlands, then on the 21:41 ex Blackfriars-Sevenoaks formed of dud 319428 for a run to St Mary Cray. The delayed 21:52 ex Sevenoaks-Blackfriars was dud, so declined that and went to Platform 3 for the 22:13 ex Ashford International-Victoria limited stop calling at only Bromley South. It was onboard required 375910 for the short run to Bromley South, and knowing that the 22:21 ex Swanley-Victoria was dud having seen it at St Mary Cray, I nipped out to the Tesco store to pick up some provisions.
It was then onboard the 22:39 ex Victoria-Ashford International formed of required 375922 for a run to Swanley. As there are still some trains heading out of London, but very few heading to London, I decided to start heading back into the traditional zonal area, switching to a bus as a get out of jail free card if need be. It was onboard the 9 minutes delayed 23:09 Victoria local all stations, which was formed of dud from earlier 465043 to Beckenham Junction, where I bailed. As it was obvious I could not make the 23:45 from New Beckenham around the corner, I went in search of a bus stop and was fortunate that the 54 came along soon after. This bus runs straight along the A21 and passes through Lewisham, so I would be near my accommodation. As this bus runs along the main street of Lewisham and does not call at the station, it continues up the hill into neighbouring Blackheath, where I bailed. Looking at the map of the area, there was a road I recognised (Lea Park I believe) that would take me downhill onto Lee High Road, with my accommodation being in Old Lane. The walk took me around 15 minutes, with me being in my room at around 00:15.
Although I may have appeared to have jumped around a bit this evening, this was mainly due to the various engineering works and with whatever I saw at Liverpool Street this evening, I can be almost certain that it would be the exact same trains tomorrow basing this on previous experience. I still have managed to reduce my requirements, which was the aim of the day.
Stay tuned for the final installment.
As today and tomorrow are the days of my meeting, and for later on today, I would be concentrating on reducing my Class 317 and 319 requirements. In regards to the Class 317s operating along Great Eastern Railway metals, this weekend should be straightforward and simple due to engineering works with trains diverted via Seven Sisters as the Tottenham Hale route is closed. From previous experience, whatever is about on Saturdays at Liverpool Street, I have seen the exact same trains the following day. This would mean that the Sunday morning, I would be able to spend some time south of the mighty Thames to make inroads into the third rail requirements and to do that area some justice being as I am based on that side of the river. Furthermore, after a spell at Liverpool Street, I would switch to the remnants of the Class 319 fleet as it would be less for me to do when they eventually transfer to Northern Rail and/or London Midland.
After a good nights sleep, it was an early rise and out of the door for a walk to Hither Green station to board the 08:12 ex Gravesend-London Blackfriars via Lewisham, formed of required 376020+ dud 027 for a bus stop bash to Lewisham. I would like to mention that this weekend due to engineering works, there are no trains at London Bridge, Cannon Street, or Charing Cross as part of the Thameslink 2000 [sic] programme. Trains from Southeastern Railway destinations are diverted to Blackfriars and Victoria. It was a brief fester at Lewisham to board the 08:22 ex Tonbridge-Victoria via Grove Park formed of required pair 465925+901 for the run to Victoria, with Denmark Hill being the only intermediate calling point. Upon arrival at Victoria, I then went to the Wetherspoons for a veggie breakfast on the mezzanine level.
When that was done, it was to the Underground for the Victoria Line northbound. As I would be doing some linear hops along to Highbury & Islington, and for simplicity, I have listed the moves below.
11090+089 Victoria-Green Park (I realised these were dud after the doors had closed)
11048+047 Green Park-Oxford Circus
11092+091 Oxford Circus-Warren Street
11072+071 Warren Street-Euston
11022+021 Euston-Kings Cross SP
11038+037 Kings Cross SP-Highbury & Islington
Of note, every second train was dud, so let it go for the next one behind. After exiting the station, it was to the bus stop to board the 263 up to the meeting venue at Manor Gardens off Holloway Road.
When the meeting finished and after some socialising, it was to Highbury & Islington station for the Victoria Line southbound to Kings Cross, with the first one being required 11015+016. It was upstairs to the mainline station via the long way round (I did come up the escalator that directly takes you into the station concourse near the departure boards 4 or 5 years ago, but cannot remember how to get to it from the Victoria Line) and to see if any required Class 317s are about (I require 10 out of the fleet of 12 that is allocated to GTR). Failing that, I could easily switch to the Class 365s as I require 39 out of 40, and/or Class 387s that were common along the Thameslink route until recently.
Having seen what was on the next couple of workings from Platforms 9-11, I settled upon the 16:52 Cambridge that was formed by required pair 387110+121 for a run to Finsbury Park, keeping a lookout for any 317s heading in the opposite direction. It was over to Platform 3 for the 17:13 ex Cambridge to Kings Cross, formed of required 387127. It was then immediately over to the opposite face from Platform 10 to 11 to hop on the 17:22 Peterborough, formed of required pair 317340+343 for another run to Finsbury Park. I returned back to Kings Cross on the 5 minutes delayed 17:43 ex Peterborough, formed of required 365515.
As I wanted to see what was about at Liverpool Street, it was downstairs to the Metropolitan Railway platforms to board required 21113+114 straight to Liverpool Street, foregoing linear hops. After spotting various duds and with 315810 and the 3 remaining LO 317s unlikely to make an appearance, I settled upon the 18:43 Cambridge, formed of required pair 317507+671 for a run to Seven Sisters. It was over to the London platform where I had 3 options in quick succession. The 19:06 ex Enfield Town and the 19:10 ex Cambridge were both dud, so it was onto my third option (I did have the get out of jail free card of the Victoria Line if need be), which was the 19:13 ex Stansted Airport. I returned back to Liverpool Street on this as it was formed of required 379020+ dud 018. It is noted that I require 9 Class 379s to clear the class, which is ironic as this is the youngest class of the Anglia fleet.
I then went downstairs to the Underground and to the Central Line westbound platform. The plan I had in my mind for some reason (and considering my brain temporarily stopped working) was to take the Central Line westbound to Oxford Circus, then Bakerloo to Elephant & Castle so as to see what Class 319s (or anything else south of the mighty Thames) would be around. I hopped on required 91035+92002+ duds 92148+91225 for the westbound run. I had realised that I could have simply took a Circle Line to Blackfriars and gone upstairs, so I bailed from the Central Line at Bank. It became apparent as to why I have not done this interchange for a very long time, as it is quite a hike from the Central Line to the District at Monument. It makes getting from platform level to street level at Glasgow Charing Cross pretty tame in comparison.
Anyway, it was on required 21481+482 from Monument to Blackfriars, then upstairs to see what was around. It was up to Platform 2 to see what was on the 20:08 ex Three Bridges-Bedford. Much to my surprise it was a Class 700 that was formed of 12 coaches, and more surprisingly, it was one train, rather than 2x6 or 3x4 coupled together. As I am aware that the Class 700s are recent, I will have plenty of time to get those for haulage in the future, as I am concentrating on getting the older trains first before they are withdrawn. My attention switched to the adjacent Platform 4 (one of the 2 bay platforms facing Chatham/Dover) to board the 20:12 Sevenoaks local all stations via Catford and Swanley, formed by required 319439 for a short run to Elephant & Castle. Remaining on the same platform, it was on the 20:19 ex Luton-Wimbledon via Tooting (the Wimbledon & Sutton Railway is closed for engineering works, hence no trains via Mitcham Junction and the frequency being every 30 minutes) that was formed by dud 319445+ required 446 for a run to Streatham.
It was a quick dash over to the London platform for the 20:38 ex Wimbledon-Luton formed of required pair 319430+432 for the northbound run to Loughborough Junction (not to be confused with Loughborough Midland or Central, as those are both north of the Thames in Leicestershire in the East Midlands region), where it was a short fester before boarding the 20:52 ex Luton-Wimbledon formed by dud 319449+ required 002 for a run to Herne Hill. Knowing that the previous Wimbledon train I had from Elephant & Castle would be returning northbound, my attention switched to the mainline of the London, Chatham, 7 Dover Railway. I then hopped on the 21:06 ex Victoria-Swanley formed by required 465043 for a run to Bickley, using Platform 2 at Shortlands along the way (I cannot remember if I have done the PSUL move to/from the Catford loop back in 2014 via the diveunder or not).
Switching back to the Blackfriars-Sevenoaks diagrams (I calculated that there are 5 diagrams), it was on the 5 minutes delayed 21:27 ex Sevenoaks-Blackfriars that was formed by required 319220 for a short run to Shortlands, then on the 21:41 ex Blackfriars-Sevenoaks formed of dud 319428 for a run to St Mary Cray. The delayed 21:52 ex Sevenoaks-Blackfriars was dud, so declined that and went to Platform 3 for the 22:13 ex Ashford International-Victoria limited stop calling at only Bromley South. It was onboard required 375910 for the short run to Bromley South, and knowing that the 22:21 ex Swanley-Victoria was dud having seen it at St Mary Cray, I nipped out to the Tesco store to pick up some provisions.
It was then onboard the 22:39 ex Victoria-Ashford International formed of required 375922 for a run to Swanley. As there are still some trains heading out of London, but very few heading to London, I decided to start heading back into the traditional zonal area, switching to a bus as a get out of jail free card if need be. It was onboard the 9 minutes delayed 23:09 Victoria local all stations, which was formed of dud from earlier 465043 to Beckenham Junction, where I bailed. As it was obvious I could not make the 23:45 from New Beckenham around the corner, I went in search of a bus stop and was fortunate that the 54 came along soon after. This bus runs straight along the A21 and passes through Lewisham, so I would be near my accommodation. As this bus runs along the main street of Lewisham and does not call at the station, it continues up the hill into neighbouring Blackheath, where I bailed. Looking at the map of the area, there was a road I recognised (Lea Park I believe) that would take me downhill onto Lee High Road, with my accommodation being in Old Lane. The walk took me around 15 minutes, with me being in my room at around 00:15.
Although I may have appeared to have jumped around a bit this evening, this was mainly due to the various engineering works and with whatever I saw at Liverpool Street this evening, I can be almost certain that it would be the exact same trains tomorrow basing this on previous experience. I still have managed to reduce my requirements, which was the aim of the day.
Stay tuned for the final installment.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
WOW you have been a busy basher! You've sure done exceptionally well on the Thames Valley, it must be said. Congratulations on such an epic clearout, both with GWR and around London. Still a long way to go clearly, and ouch to starting around 0800 and finishing at gone midnight though!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Didn't you know that the 700s are fixed formation units coming in either 8 or 12 coaches?
Sounded like another good day in London getting some more ex-BR stock into your book
Sounded like another good day in London getting some more ex-BR stock into your book
adrock1976
Established Member
South of the Thames clearout, Class 317 hunting, and homeward bound 26 March
Today is my last day in London and as my meeting in the afternoon is not taking place, this meant that I could spend a bit of extra time making another dent into my third rail requirements south of the mighty Thames. An idea came into my mind that as I have never been on a train that has called at Chelsfield, Knockholt, or Dunton Green before even though I have previously been to Sevenoaks. Due to diversions and engineering works, the Sunday frequency today is doubled from every 60 minutes to every 30 minutes. I decided that this is what I would do first to get that task out of the way.
After an early rise and having checked out, it was a walk to Hither Green station and to Platform 4 for the 07:46 ex Victoria-Tonbridge via Grove Park and Orpington. This was formed of required pair 465916+931 for a run to Dunton Green. It was over to the London platform for a 10 minute or so fester before boarding the 08:32 ex Tonbridge-Victoria via Grove Park formed of required pair 465911+926 northbound to Chislehurst. I went over to the opposite platform for the 09:00 ex Victoria-Tonbridge formed of another required pair 465241+030 for a run to Knockholt. As I had a 20 minute fester here, I went for a brief wander, but there was not much around the vicinity of the station, including along the old London Road. Furthermore, as there would be a possibility of me landing the same trains I had earlier on, I decided to leave both Chelsfield and Elmstead Woods hanging, as the trains in opposite directions are timetabled to pass each other within a minute or two. I headed straight to Victoria via Grove Park and Lewisham on the 09:37 ex Tonbridge that was formed of required pair 465902+915. On the arrival at Victoria Platform 1, I had spotted 66061 with 67029 on what may have been the Venice Simplon Orient Express tour in Platform 2.
I made my way over to Platform 8 for the 10:39 Dartford via Lewisham and Bexleyheath, formed of required pair 465032+011 for the run to Welling. I did initially decide to go to the next stop Bexleyheath, but the trains in opposite directions are timetabled to pass each other within a minute or two, so will leave that for a weekday when the frequency is every 15 minutes. Upon arrival at Welling, it was over to the London platform for the 11:22 ex Dartford-Victoria formed of required 465169+ dud 465047 for a run to Nunhead. After the 11:47 ex Sevenoaks-Blackfriars local was as I suspected a dud Class 319 that I had yesterday, it was on the 11:53 ex Victoria-Dartford formed of required 465166+ dud 465024 for a run to Falconwood. I then went over to the London platform for the 12:24 ex Dartford-Victoria formed of dud 465018+ required 465028 for a short run to Kidbrooke, then a shorter run to Eltham on the 12:37 ex Victoria, which was formed of an outright dud and a recent dud from earlier 465047+169. I made a rapid dash down the ramp and under the line, then up the ramp onto the London platform (it is a longer route than you think getting from one platform to another) for the 12:43 ex Gillingham (Kent)-Victoria via Lewisham, which was formed of required pair 465248+040 straight back to Victoria.
As it was time for tea, I purchased one from the Costa kiosk in the main concourse before switching my attentions to north of the mighty Thames. I went downstairs to the Underground to take the Victoria Line to Kings Cross. As I would be doing linear hops along the way, I have listed the moves below.
11066+065 Victoria-Green Park
11028+027 Green Park-Oxford Circus
11062+061 Oxford Circus-Warren Street
11068+067 Warren Street-Euston
11034+033 Euston-Kings Cross SP
I made my way upstairs to the mainline station to see if I could get any of the remaining Class 317 fleet, with the option of Class 365s if need be. I settled upon the 14:04 Cambridge as that was formed of required 317337 for a run north to Knebworth. It was over to the London platform (slow line) for the 14:43 ex Cambridge formed of required 365518 to head south to Finsbury Park, having spotted 66197 at Welham Green heading in a northbound direction. It was a 10 minute fester for the 15:23 ex Cambridge that was formed of required pair 365513+502 for the short run to Kings Cross. I had spoted in Platform 8 a trio of 365539+529+530 that I suspected would be on the 16:15 Kings Lynn and Cambridge express, which I would have to decline owing to time constraints. I also spotted a pair of Class 317s in Platform 9 soon afterwards, with at least one of them being required. I worked out online that it would most likely be the 16:22 Peterborough, so hung about to see if that would be the case. The 16:04 Cambridge was 365518 that I had earlier, and as it was not possible (and would have been very tight) to take the Victoria Line to Finsbury Park and back to Kings Cross on the 16:13 ex Cambridge, I decided to stay put.
The trio of Class 365s in Platform 8 were indeed for the 16:15 Kings Lynn and Cambridge, and the pair of Class 317s in Platform 10 were indeed the 16:22 Peterborough. I made my way over to them, with the train being formed of dud 317338+ required 341 for a run to Finsbury Park. As I needed to be on the 17:05 Liverpool Lime Street from Euston, it was not possible to see what would be heading to Kings Cross (as the next train from upstairs would be the 16:55 ex Peterborough). I made my way downstairs to the Underground to the southbound Victoria Line and boarded required 11035+036 straight to Euston. After nipping into Sainsbury’s for some provisions, it was over to Platform 13 for the 17:05 Liverpool Lime Street, which was dud 390127 “Virgin Buccaneer” (I expected a dud, as I require 5 Class 390s) for the northbound run to Nuneaton.
You may be thinking why on earth did I bail at Nuneaton? This was because I wanted to see what was on the 18:11 Nuneaton-Coventry shuttle, and as it is normally 2x Class 153s coupled together on Saturdays and Sundays, I would have a slightly higher probability of at least one of those being required. As the train approached Nuneaton and was slowing down, I was keeping a lookout to see the Coventry train in Platform 1, with me having a slight frown when I first spotted a dud, then joy when the other dogbox was required. I made my way over to Platform 1 to board the 18:11 Coventry (broadly every 2 hours on Sundays), which was formed of dud 153356 (unsure if that is the one that is eluding Kite159)+ required 334 for the run to Coventry. Of note, I have now got 75% of the LM 153s, meaning that I only require 2 (364 and 366). My forward train from Coventry to Glasgow Central via Preston was the 18:45 ex Euston, formed of dud pair 221106+110. At Wolverhampton, 390016 was on the 19:45 Euston, 37401+68014 were at Crewe South Junction, 66075 was at the yard near Warrington BQ, and 156423 and 156424 were in Platforms 3 and 2 (London facing bay platforms) at Wigan NW. After arriving at Glasgow Central, it was then on the bus back home arriving around 23:50.
I am happy with today’s efforts, and due to my afternoon meeting not taking place, this meant that I as able to spend some extra time south of the mighty Thames to do that area some justice. Next time, I might attempt some Class 455s and 456s when I venture south of the Thames. Although my homeward journey did not produce any winning Intercity trains, my intention was to land a required Class 153 on the Nuneaton-Coventry shuttle.
Today is my last day in London and as my meeting in the afternoon is not taking place, this meant that I could spend a bit of extra time making another dent into my third rail requirements south of the mighty Thames. An idea came into my mind that as I have never been on a train that has called at Chelsfield, Knockholt, or Dunton Green before even though I have previously been to Sevenoaks. Due to diversions and engineering works, the Sunday frequency today is doubled from every 60 minutes to every 30 minutes. I decided that this is what I would do first to get that task out of the way.
After an early rise and having checked out, it was a walk to Hither Green station and to Platform 4 for the 07:46 ex Victoria-Tonbridge via Grove Park and Orpington. This was formed of required pair 465916+931 for a run to Dunton Green. It was over to the London platform for a 10 minute or so fester before boarding the 08:32 ex Tonbridge-Victoria via Grove Park formed of required pair 465911+926 northbound to Chislehurst. I went over to the opposite platform for the 09:00 ex Victoria-Tonbridge formed of another required pair 465241+030 for a run to Knockholt. As I had a 20 minute fester here, I went for a brief wander, but there was not much around the vicinity of the station, including along the old London Road. Furthermore, as there would be a possibility of me landing the same trains I had earlier on, I decided to leave both Chelsfield and Elmstead Woods hanging, as the trains in opposite directions are timetabled to pass each other within a minute or two. I headed straight to Victoria via Grove Park and Lewisham on the 09:37 ex Tonbridge that was formed of required pair 465902+915. On the arrival at Victoria Platform 1, I had spotted 66061 with 67029 on what may have been the Venice Simplon Orient Express tour in Platform 2.
I made my way over to Platform 8 for the 10:39 Dartford via Lewisham and Bexleyheath, formed of required pair 465032+011 for the run to Welling. I did initially decide to go to the next stop Bexleyheath, but the trains in opposite directions are timetabled to pass each other within a minute or two, so will leave that for a weekday when the frequency is every 15 minutes. Upon arrival at Welling, it was over to the London platform for the 11:22 ex Dartford-Victoria formed of required 465169+ dud 465047 for a run to Nunhead. After the 11:47 ex Sevenoaks-Blackfriars local was as I suspected a dud Class 319 that I had yesterday, it was on the 11:53 ex Victoria-Dartford formed of required 465166+ dud 465024 for a run to Falconwood. I then went over to the London platform for the 12:24 ex Dartford-Victoria formed of dud 465018+ required 465028 for a short run to Kidbrooke, then a shorter run to Eltham on the 12:37 ex Victoria, which was formed of an outright dud and a recent dud from earlier 465047+169. I made a rapid dash down the ramp and under the line, then up the ramp onto the London platform (it is a longer route than you think getting from one platform to another) for the 12:43 ex Gillingham (Kent)-Victoria via Lewisham, which was formed of required pair 465248+040 straight back to Victoria.
As it was time for tea, I purchased one from the Costa kiosk in the main concourse before switching my attentions to north of the mighty Thames. I went downstairs to the Underground to take the Victoria Line to Kings Cross. As I would be doing linear hops along the way, I have listed the moves below.
11066+065 Victoria-Green Park
11028+027 Green Park-Oxford Circus
11062+061 Oxford Circus-Warren Street
11068+067 Warren Street-Euston
11034+033 Euston-Kings Cross SP
I made my way upstairs to the mainline station to see if I could get any of the remaining Class 317 fleet, with the option of Class 365s if need be. I settled upon the 14:04 Cambridge as that was formed of required 317337 for a run north to Knebworth. It was over to the London platform (slow line) for the 14:43 ex Cambridge formed of required 365518 to head south to Finsbury Park, having spotted 66197 at Welham Green heading in a northbound direction. It was a 10 minute fester for the 15:23 ex Cambridge that was formed of required pair 365513+502 for the short run to Kings Cross. I had spoted in Platform 8 a trio of 365539+529+530 that I suspected would be on the 16:15 Kings Lynn and Cambridge express, which I would have to decline owing to time constraints. I also spotted a pair of Class 317s in Platform 9 soon afterwards, with at least one of them being required. I worked out online that it would most likely be the 16:22 Peterborough, so hung about to see if that would be the case. The 16:04 Cambridge was 365518 that I had earlier, and as it was not possible (and would have been very tight) to take the Victoria Line to Finsbury Park and back to Kings Cross on the 16:13 ex Cambridge, I decided to stay put.
The trio of Class 365s in Platform 8 were indeed for the 16:15 Kings Lynn and Cambridge, and the pair of Class 317s in Platform 10 were indeed the 16:22 Peterborough. I made my way over to them, with the train being formed of dud 317338+ required 341 for a run to Finsbury Park. As I needed to be on the 17:05 Liverpool Lime Street from Euston, it was not possible to see what would be heading to Kings Cross (as the next train from upstairs would be the 16:55 ex Peterborough). I made my way downstairs to the Underground to the southbound Victoria Line and boarded required 11035+036 straight to Euston. After nipping into Sainsbury’s for some provisions, it was over to Platform 13 for the 17:05 Liverpool Lime Street, which was dud 390127 “Virgin Buccaneer” (I expected a dud, as I require 5 Class 390s) for the northbound run to Nuneaton.
You may be thinking why on earth did I bail at Nuneaton? This was because I wanted to see what was on the 18:11 Nuneaton-Coventry shuttle, and as it is normally 2x Class 153s coupled together on Saturdays and Sundays, I would have a slightly higher probability of at least one of those being required. As the train approached Nuneaton and was slowing down, I was keeping a lookout to see the Coventry train in Platform 1, with me having a slight frown when I first spotted a dud, then joy when the other dogbox was required. I made my way over to Platform 1 to board the 18:11 Coventry (broadly every 2 hours on Sundays), which was formed of dud 153356 (unsure if that is the one that is eluding Kite159)+ required 334 for the run to Coventry. Of note, I have now got 75% of the LM 153s, meaning that I only require 2 (364 and 366). My forward train from Coventry to Glasgow Central via Preston was the 18:45 ex Euston, formed of dud pair 221106+110. At Wolverhampton, 390016 was on the 19:45 Euston, 37401+68014 were at Crewe South Junction, 66075 was at the yard near Warrington BQ, and 156423 and 156424 were in Platforms 3 and 2 (London facing bay platforms) at Wigan NW. After arriving at Glasgow Central, it was then on the bus back home arriving around 23:50.
I am happy with today’s efforts, and due to my afternoon meeting not taking place, this meant that I as able to spend some extra time south of the mighty Thames to do that area some justice. Next time, I might attempt some Class 455s and 456s when I venture south of the Thames. Although my homeward journey did not produce any winning Intercity trains, my intention was to land a required Class 153 on the Nuneaton-Coventry shuttle.
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Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounds like an amazing few days down south.
It's 153365 that evades Kite. Seems like it lives on the Hereford services
Indeed, but I've got a plan to visit Birmingham one day the week after next with the hope it pops up
Sounded like a good day in SET land Adam
Techniquest
Veteran Member
That was quite a productive time there adrock
alexf380
Established Member
In that case, it's destined to head down to Bletchley that week
A very productive time down south, Adam. You've got me green with envy now...
adrock1976
Established Member
Intro
Having had some big value Rail Travel Vouchers that needed to be redeemed by mid February 2017 (courtesy of Virgin Trains WC from the Storm Frank disruption back in December 2015), I decided to use them to purchase the Freedom of the North East Rover. As the only missing bit of track I require in the area bounded by the Pennines between the Humber and the Tyne is between Meadowhall Interchange and Rotherham Central, plus the odd one or two PSUL bits, I would be mainly concentrating on reducing my Intercity EC requirements before the hyped up Azuma fleet enters service in the near future. I would also be keeping a lookout for any required Sprinters ( I require over 50 of the Northern Rail fleet), Class 185s, Class 180s, Class 144s, and 1985s finest lean, mean, basic bare bones machines the Class 142s where possible. Similar to when I previously done this rover in June 2016, I would be basing myself at the Safestay hostel along Micklegate in York, which is a ten minute walk from the station.
Day 1 Outward bound and warm up session 11 April
With me being prepared and ready, I set off just before 15:00 for the bus to Glasgow Queen Street to board the 15:30 Edinburgh Waverley via Falkirk High. As I only require 170456 out of the Scotrail fleet, I was expecting a dud, of which this train was formed by 170420. As I had gen on some required Inverness based Class 158s in the Edinburgh area this afternoon, it was onboard the 16:37 Edinburgh-Dunblane formed of required 158719+ dud 158736 for a short hop to Haymarket. It was back to Waverley on the 16:45 ex Glenrothes with Thornton-Tweedbank formed by dud 158782. I then made my way from Platform 1 to Platform 11 for the 16:57 Glasgow Central via Shotts that was formed by required 158704 for another short hop to Haymarket. I would like to note that I require 3 of the Inverness based 158s (701, 710, and 716), and 2 of the Haymarket ones (734 and 867).
I then had a short fester on the footbridge to see if there was a remote possibility of both my required Haymarket 158s or 170456 would be heading to Waverley on the next couple of departures, but this was to no avail. Of note, 68017 and 68007 were on both the Fife loco hauled sets. I made my way to Platform 1 for the 17:21 ex Aberdeen-London KX that arrived 5 minutes or so ahead of the scheduled departure time, formed by required 43329+ dud 311 for a linear hop to Dunbar, spotting 67021 in the former Motorail platform at Waverley, and 43272, 73967, 73970, and another Class 73 at Craigentinny Depot.
After having a brief wander, it was onboard the 18:27 ex Glasgow Central-Birmingham NS via Leeds formed by required 221120 for the southbound run to Alnmouth for Alnwick, spotting 60002 and possibly 60087 on Lafarge Cement tanks in the yard south of Dunbar. During the fester here, I kept a lookout to see if the 19:22 ex Chathill-Hexham was required for a hop to Morpeth, but it was dud 156451 therefore I declined that. If anybody is wondering why I am doing linear hops to fit Dunbar and Alnmouth for Alnwick in, it is because this is the time of day where it is the easiest to do both due to the service pattern and frequency. Also, as Alnmouth for Alnwick broadly has a frequency of one train every 2 hours that calls (the ICXC) and are also timetabled within a few minutes of each other in opposite directions, I did not feel confident in doing it from the Newcastle or Morpeth direction. Furthermore, I would also like to mention that I have now scored all of the Intercity stations (half a mark for Grantham as I arrived and departed on a Class 156 from Skegness and a Class 158 to Peterborough in October 2016) between London Kings Cross and Aberdeen.
Anyway, it was onboard the 19:39 ex Edinburgh Waverley-London KX formed by dud 91108+ required DVT 82228 for an uneventful run to Doncaster, arriving 21:38 at Platform 1. It was over to Platform 4 for the 21:45 ex London KX-Leeds formed by required pair 91110+82224 for the run to Leeds arriving into Platform 8 at 22:23, then to Platform 15 for the 22:33 ex Manchester Piccadilly (cancelled between Manchester Airport and Pic)-York, which was formed by required 185132 for the non-stop run to York, arriving a few minutes ahead of schedule at 22:54. I made my way to the accommodation to check in and settle for the evening.
Overall, I am happy with the warm up session, and have managed reduce various requirements slightly. I have managed to fit in both Dunbar and Alnmouth for Alnwick as they are not normally easy to do at the same time on a linear hop. Furthermore, I have managed to reduce my Inverness based Class 158s by 2 of which I was not expecting these to have fell at the time I would be around Edinburgh.
Having had some big value Rail Travel Vouchers that needed to be redeemed by mid February 2017 (courtesy of Virgin Trains WC from the Storm Frank disruption back in December 2015), I decided to use them to purchase the Freedom of the North East Rover. As the only missing bit of track I require in the area bounded by the Pennines between the Humber and the Tyne is between Meadowhall Interchange and Rotherham Central, plus the odd one or two PSUL bits, I would be mainly concentrating on reducing my Intercity EC requirements before the hyped up Azuma fleet enters service in the near future. I would also be keeping a lookout for any required Sprinters ( I require over 50 of the Northern Rail fleet), Class 185s, Class 180s, Class 144s, and 1985s finest lean, mean, basic bare bones machines the Class 142s where possible. Similar to when I previously done this rover in June 2016, I would be basing myself at the Safestay hostel along Micklegate in York, which is a ten minute walk from the station.
Day 1 Outward bound and warm up session 11 April
With me being prepared and ready, I set off just before 15:00 for the bus to Glasgow Queen Street to board the 15:30 Edinburgh Waverley via Falkirk High. As I only require 170456 out of the Scotrail fleet, I was expecting a dud, of which this train was formed by 170420. As I had gen on some required Inverness based Class 158s in the Edinburgh area this afternoon, it was onboard the 16:37 Edinburgh-Dunblane formed of required 158719+ dud 158736 for a short hop to Haymarket. It was back to Waverley on the 16:45 ex Glenrothes with Thornton-Tweedbank formed by dud 158782. I then made my way from Platform 1 to Platform 11 for the 16:57 Glasgow Central via Shotts that was formed by required 158704 for another short hop to Haymarket. I would like to note that I require 3 of the Inverness based 158s (701, 710, and 716), and 2 of the Haymarket ones (734 and 867).
I then had a short fester on the footbridge to see if there was a remote possibility of both my required Haymarket 158s or 170456 would be heading to Waverley on the next couple of departures, but this was to no avail. Of note, 68017 and 68007 were on both the Fife loco hauled sets. I made my way to Platform 1 for the 17:21 ex Aberdeen-London KX that arrived 5 minutes or so ahead of the scheduled departure time, formed by required 43329+ dud 311 for a linear hop to Dunbar, spotting 67021 in the former Motorail platform at Waverley, and 43272, 73967, 73970, and another Class 73 at Craigentinny Depot.
After having a brief wander, it was onboard the 18:27 ex Glasgow Central-Birmingham NS via Leeds formed by required 221120 for the southbound run to Alnmouth for Alnwick, spotting 60002 and possibly 60087 on Lafarge Cement tanks in the yard south of Dunbar. During the fester here, I kept a lookout to see if the 19:22 ex Chathill-Hexham was required for a hop to Morpeth, but it was dud 156451 therefore I declined that. If anybody is wondering why I am doing linear hops to fit Dunbar and Alnmouth for Alnwick in, it is because this is the time of day where it is the easiest to do both due to the service pattern and frequency. Also, as Alnmouth for Alnwick broadly has a frequency of one train every 2 hours that calls (the ICXC) and are also timetabled within a few minutes of each other in opposite directions, I did not feel confident in doing it from the Newcastle or Morpeth direction. Furthermore, I would also like to mention that I have now scored all of the Intercity stations (half a mark for Grantham as I arrived and departed on a Class 156 from Skegness and a Class 158 to Peterborough in October 2016) between London Kings Cross and Aberdeen.
Anyway, it was onboard the 19:39 ex Edinburgh Waverley-London KX formed by dud 91108+ required DVT 82228 for an uneventful run to Doncaster, arriving 21:38 at Platform 1. It was over to Platform 4 for the 21:45 ex London KX-Leeds formed by required pair 91110+82224 for the run to Leeds arriving into Platform 8 at 22:23, then to Platform 15 for the 22:33 ex Manchester Piccadilly (cancelled between Manchester Airport and Pic)-York, which was formed by required 185132 for the non-stop run to York, arriving a few minutes ahead of schedule at 22:54. I made my way to the accommodation to check in and settle for the evening.
Overall, I am happy with the warm up session, and have managed reduce various requirements slightly. I have managed to fit in both Dunbar and Alnmouth for Alnwick as they are not normally easy to do at the same time on a linear hop. Furthermore, I have managed to reduce my Inverness based Class 158s by 2 of which I was not expecting these to have fell at the time I would be around Edinburgh.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Nice work on reducing your Scottish needs quite considerably, not to mention some awkward shacks. Dunbar is so much easier to get than it ever used to be, that's for sure.
Kite159
Veteran Member
adrock1976
Established Member
Day 2 Blank slate and a couple of PSUL bits 12 April
After having a good nights sleep, it was an early rise and out of the door just after 08:00 for the short walk to the station, so as I could check what would be on the 08:21 ex Sunderland London KX and to meet it later if required. There was some minor disruptions of the odd 10 minute or so delays in the southbound direction along the mainline. However, the 08:21 was a dud pair of powercars, therefore do not need to chase after that later on. The 08:35 ex Edinburgh KGX and the 08:31 ex KGX Edinburgh were dud pairs, as was the delayed 08:40 Scarborough, which meant that I could decline those later on if I happen to meet them somewhere. Having got myself some tea and something light as I was not yet properly awake, I had a walk over to Platform 9 to see what was on the 8 minutes delayed 08:45 ex Edinburgh Waverley Plymouth via Leeds and Birmingham. I was rewarded with dud 43285+ required 443303 so hopped onboard for the southbound run to Wakefield Westgate arriving 10 minutes behind schedule.
With the 09:29 ex Leeds KGX having already departed from Leeds ahead of the Plymouth train, I spotted a dud Class 91 and a required DVT on the 09:31 ex KGX Leeds which would form the 10:15 departure to London. My attention switched to the 09:34 local all stations service to Doncaster and hopped onboard required 322483 for the run to Fitzwilliam, keeping a lookout to see what is on the second diagram, which was required. Of note, the Leeds Doncaster locals are timetabled to pass in opposite directions at Fitzwilliam within a couple of minutes of each other, but there is a get out of jail free card with the xx59 ex Sheffield Leeds local owing to the uneven 15/45 minute frequency in the Leeds direction if anybody is attempting to score Fitzwilliam from the Leeds side on the Doncaster local.
It was over to the Leeds platform for the 09:59 ex Sheffield Leeds that was formed by required 144002 for the run to Outwood. It was a gentle saunter over to the opposite platform to await the 10:30 ex Leeds Doncaster local and to confirm that my mind is not playing tricks on me. I was rather surprised that it was required 321901 that indeed rolled in, as according to the Abrail website, this train has been marked as being in storage at Ilford Depot in Essex for a good while. Anyway, I hopped onboard for the southbound run with the intention of bailing at either Adwick or Bentley (Yorkshire) to see what would be on the 11:15/11:19 Sheffield. However, on arrival at South Elmsall, there was some smoke coming from one of the wheels of which both the driver and the guard investigated, being in contact with control. Apparently, the smoke was caused by lineside foliage that had become trapped underneath and after 20 minutes, control gave the go ahead for the train to proceed after it was ascertained that there was no more smoke, with the rearmost coach out of use from this point onwards.
Having decided to stay onboard to Doncaster as the 11:16 Adwick Sheffield had already departed upon arrival at Adwick, this meant that I was still in a good position to attempt to score some PSUL track after doing some observations. The observations included dud 43305+ required 320 on the 10:00 ex KGX Aberdeen passing through at around 11:30, 66736 hauling coal wagons northbound, 67030 stabled in Platform 2 facing London, and 66090 running light engine southbound through Platform 4. Of the VTEC Intercity sets, Sprinters and Pacers that I saw, they were all dud so can decline those if I meet them later. After purchasing some tea, it was now time to switch my attention to position myself to score my first intended PSUL track today. It was onboard the 12:25 ex York KGX for the run to Retford, formed by dud pair 43310+251 with me being in the centre of the train and spotting 66517+716 hauling containers northbound at Decoy Yard.
It was over to Platform 2 for the slightly delayed 12:46 ex KGX York formed by required pair 91112+82202 for the northbound run back to Doncaster. This is the train that covers the PSUL track between Loversall Carr Junction and Flyover Bridge Junction that omits Black Carr and Potteric Carr Junctions. After alighting at Doncaster, I had a look at the 13:26 Leeds local over at Platform 6 to see if 321901 had been taken out of service, which it had been as I saw it on the track adjacent to Platform 8. I hopped onboard required 322481 for the run to Leeds and scoring the Copley Hill chord that links the Great Northern Railway and London & North Western Railway lines just before Whitehall junctions west of the station throat at Leeds. As the train arrived a few minutes ahead of schedule, it was a quick dash from Platform 13 to Platform 8 for the 14:15 KGX formed of required DVT 82206+ dud 91124 for a run to Wakefield Westgate, then over to the opposite platform for the 14:33 ex KGX Leeds formed of required 91105+ dud 82223 back to Leeds.
As the set I arrived on would be the same that would form the 15:15 KGX, I decided to switch my attention to the 14:59 Knaresborough via Harrogate, bearing in mind I am not having much success with Sprinters so far. Walking along Platform 1 I was rewarded with required 155342+ dud 153363 so hopped on the Class 155 for a short run to Burley Park. It was over to the opposite platform for the 5 minutes delayed 15:14 ex York back to Leeds formed by dud 144016. Having received gen earlier on that a couple of my required Class 180s are about and are gettable, it was time for me to head to Doncaster on the 15:45 KGX, formed of required 82217+ dud 91118 to get myself into position for my next move.
I made my way from Platform 1 to Platform 3a to board the 16:24 ex KGX Bradford Interchange via Pontefract Monkhill, formed by required 180107 for the run to Wakefield Kirkgate, spotting 66106 at Knottingley and 66951 . As there would be the option of the 17:28 ex Sheffield Leeds limited stop with the possibility of it being a dud Class 158, I decided to make my way over to Westgate for the 17:33 ex KGX Leeds or the 17:49 (18:08 Leeds) ex Plymouth Glasgow Central so as to help me get to York for my second required Class 180. This turned out to be a good judgement call on two counts the first being that it was required pair 91113+82230 for the run to Leeds (the screen had the 17:49 as being delayed by 20 minutes, jeopardising my connection at York) arriving 5 minutes behind schedule due to a temporary speed restriction north of Wakefield, and the second being that according to the Real Time Trains website when I checked later on, the 17:28 from Kirkgate was apparently held there for around 25 minutes or so.
After observing the screens to see what would be heading to York first and with the 17:52 being delayed by just over 20 minutes, I settled upon my fall back option of the 18:12 ex Liverpool LS Scarborough that was formed of dud 185151+ required 149 for the run to York, calling at Cross Gates and with the adrenaline flowing rapidly that I could pull off the connection for my next move, while also keeping an eye on how the 16:50 off KGX Sunderland is progressing. Of note, the Scarborough train I was on would be arriving into Platform 5 at 18:35, with the Sunderland train being behind from Colton Junction and would arrive into Platform 11 (I would have preferred Platform 9 as that is the opposite through platform face of the same island, but realised that be careful what I wish for). There was huge relief when I arrived at York on schedule and well away from the melee at Leeds and was further relieved when the 18:41 ex KGX Sunderland was a couple of minutes behind schedule.
It was soon onboard required 180112 for the northbound run to Eaglescliffe where I decided to bail after checking various options. My intention was to score Allens West, but as I needed to make my way to Sheffield, I realised that it was not possible for me to do that, so instead, it was straight to Darlington (Bank Top the mainline Intercity station) on the 19:31 ex Saltburn that was formed of dud 142023 and my first of 1985s finest lean, mean, basic bare bones machines of this bashing trip. Ironically, it was a far more comfy trip on this Pacer than both of the Class 180s Ive had today. The Class 180s for some weird reason and despite being built around 2001 have screeching brakes that sounds like the fluid has run out, the tables and seats appear to rattle from the vibrations of the engines when the train is in motion, and the seat backs are not ergonomic friendly at all, as it gave me a huge backache and when combined with the rattles and shakes when in motion, it feels like a really dreadful Swedish massage being performed. According to the Wikipedia page of the Class 180s (and assuming the information is correct and can be referenced), I can understand why First Great Western got fed up with the fleet and handed most of the whole fleet of 14 back to the leasing company around 9 or 10 years ago.
Anyway, back to the main event of me heading south to Sheffield. It was onboard the 20:07 ex Newcastle Central Birmingham NS formed by dud pair 220020+220014 for the run to Doncaster, then onboard the 21:07 ex Bridlington Sheffield via Rotherham Central formed by required 158790 and also completing the missing track coverage between Rotherham Central and Meadowhall Interchange. After alighting from the train and checking the screen for the 21:54 ex Southampton Central York via Doncaster was running on time, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. The reason being is that this is the train that covers not one, but two bits of PSUL track between Woodburn Junction and Rotherham Central via Tinsley Yard running parallel to the tramline for part of the way, and the section between Aldwarke North Junction and Mexborough East Junction via Thrybergh Junction (the cut off between Swinton (Yorkshire) and Mexborough stations. I attempted this PSUL move last year, but as the train was delayed by just over 10 minutes, there was the decision by the signallers and control to help get the train back on time by omitting the PSUL diversionary route and to run via the normal route via Meadowhall Interchange and Swinton to Doncaster.
It was onboard required 220021 for the run to Doncaster via the PSUl route mentioned above, then after a 15 minute fester, it was back to York on the 22:46 ex KGX Newcastle formed of recent dud pair from earlier 91113+82230 arriving at 23:10 and for a walk back to the accommodation to settle down for the evening.
Overall, I am happy with todays efforts, and as well as reducing my Intercity fleet requirements, I have managed to fit in two PSUL moves and griced the Copley Hill chord west of Leeds as well.
After having a good nights sleep, it was an early rise and out of the door just after 08:00 for the short walk to the station, so as I could check what would be on the 08:21 ex Sunderland London KX and to meet it later if required. There was some minor disruptions of the odd 10 minute or so delays in the southbound direction along the mainline. However, the 08:21 was a dud pair of powercars, therefore do not need to chase after that later on. The 08:35 ex Edinburgh KGX and the 08:31 ex KGX Edinburgh were dud pairs, as was the delayed 08:40 Scarborough, which meant that I could decline those later on if I happen to meet them somewhere. Having got myself some tea and something light as I was not yet properly awake, I had a walk over to Platform 9 to see what was on the 8 minutes delayed 08:45 ex Edinburgh Waverley Plymouth via Leeds and Birmingham. I was rewarded with dud 43285+ required 443303 so hopped onboard for the southbound run to Wakefield Westgate arriving 10 minutes behind schedule.
With the 09:29 ex Leeds KGX having already departed from Leeds ahead of the Plymouth train, I spotted a dud Class 91 and a required DVT on the 09:31 ex KGX Leeds which would form the 10:15 departure to London. My attention switched to the 09:34 local all stations service to Doncaster and hopped onboard required 322483 for the run to Fitzwilliam, keeping a lookout to see what is on the second diagram, which was required. Of note, the Leeds Doncaster locals are timetabled to pass in opposite directions at Fitzwilliam within a couple of minutes of each other, but there is a get out of jail free card with the xx59 ex Sheffield Leeds local owing to the uneven 15/45 minute frequency in the Leeds direction if anybody is attempting to score Fitzwilliam from the Leeds side on the Doncaster local.
It was over to the Leeds platform for the 09:59 ex Sheffield Leeds that was formed by required 144002 for the run to Outwood. It was a gentle saunter over to the opposite platform to await the 10:30 ex Leeds Doncaster local and to confirm that my mind is not playing tricks on me. I was rather surprised that it was required 321901 that indeed rolled in, as according to the Abrail website, this train has been marked as being in storage at Ilford Depot in Essex for a good while. Anyway, I hopped onboard for the southbound run with the intention of bailing at either Adwick or Bentley (Yorkshire) to see what would be on the 11:15/11:19 Sheffield. However, on arrival at South Elmsall, there was some smoke coming from one of the wheels of which both the driver and the guard investigated, being in contact with control. Apparently, the smoke was caused by lineside foliage that had become trapped underneath and after 20 minutes, control gave the go ahead for the train to proceed after it was ascertained that there was no more smoke, with the rearmost coach out of use from this point onwards.
Having decided to stay onboard to Doncaster as the 11:16 Adwick Sheffield had already departed upon arrival at Adwick, this meant that I was still in a good position to attempt to score some PSUL track after doing some observations. The observations included dud 43305+ required 320 on the 10:00 ex KGX Aberdeen passing through at around 11:30, 66736 hauling coal wagons northbound, 67030 stabled in Platform 2 facing London, and 66090 running light engine southbound through Platform 4. Of the VTEC Intercity sets, Sprinters and Pacers that I saw, they were all dud so can decline those if I meet them later. After purchasing some tea, it was now time to switch my attention to position myself to score my first intended PSUL track today. It was onboard the 12:25 ex York KGX for the run to Retford, formed by dud pair 43310+251 with me being in the centre of the train and spotting 66517+716 hauling containers northbound at Decoy Yard.
It was over to Platform 2 for the slightly delayed 12:46 ex KGX York formed by required pair 91112+82202 for the northbound run back to Doncaster. This is the train that covers the PSUL track between Loversall Carr Junction and Flyover Bridge Junction that omits Black Carr and Potteric Carr Junctions. After alighting at Doncaster, I had a look at the 13:26 Leeds local over at Platform 6 to see if 321901 had been taken out of service, which it had been as I saw it on the track adjacent to Platform 8. I hopped onboard required 322481 for the run to Leeds and scoring the Copley Hill chord that links the Great Northern Railway and London & North Western Railway lines just before Whitehall junctions west of the station throat at Leeds. As the train arrived a few minutes ahead of schedule, it was a quick dash from Platform 13 to Platform 8 for the 14:15 KGX formed of required DVT 82206+ dud 91124 for a run to Wakefield Westgate, then over to the opposite platform for the 14:33 ex KGX Leeds formed of required 91105+ dud 82223 back to Leeds.
As the set I arrived on would be the same that would form the 15:15 KGX, I decided to switch my attention to the 14:59 Knaresborough via Harrogate, bearing in mind I am not having much success with Sprinters so far. Walking along Platform 1 I was rewarded with required 155342+ dud 153363 so hopped on the Class 155 for a short run to Burley Park. It was over to the opposite platform for the 5 minutes delayed 15:14 ex York back to Leeds formed by dud 144016. Having received gen earlier on that a couple of my required Class 180s are about and are gettable, it was time for me to head to Doncaster on the 15:45 KGX, formed of required 82217+ dud 91118 to get myself into position for my next move.
I made my way from Platform 1 to Platform 3a to board the 16:24 ex KGX Bradford Interchange via Pontefract Monkhill, formed by required 180107 for the run to Wakefield Kirkgate, spotting 66106 at Knottingley and 66951 . As there would be the option of the 17:28 ex Sheffield Leeds limited stop with the possibility of it being a dud Class 158, I decided to make my way over to Westgate for the 17:33 ex KGX Leeds or the 17:49 (18:08 Leeds) ex Plymouth Glasgow Central so as to help me get to York for my second required Class 180. This turned out to be a good judgement call on two counts the first being that it was required pair 91113+82230 for the run to Leeds (the screen had the 17:49 as being delayed by 20 minutes, jeopardising my connection at York) arriving 5 minutes behind schedule due to a temporary speed restriction north of Wakefield, and the second being that according to the Real Time Trains website when I checked later on, the 17:28 from Kirkgate was apparently held there for around 25 minutes or so.
After observing the screens to see what would be heading to York first and with the 17:52 being delayed by just over 20 minutes, I settled upon my fall back option of the 18:12 ex Liverpool LS Scarborough that was formed of dud 185151+ required 149 for the run to York, calling at Cross Gates and with the adrenaline flowing rapidly that I could pull off the connection for my next move, while also keeping an eye on how the 16:50 off KGX Sunderland is progressing. Of note, the Scarborough train I was on would be arriving into Platform 5 at 18:35, with the Sunderland train being behind from Colton Junction and would arrive into Platform 11 (I would have preferred Platform 9 as that is the opposite through platform face of the same island, but realised that be careful what I wish for). There was huge relief when I arrived at York on schedule and well away from the melee at Leeds and was further relieved when the 18:41 ex KGX Sunderland was a couple of minutes behind schedule.
It was soon onboard required 180112 for the northbound run to Eaglescliffe where I decided to bail after checking various options. My intention was to score Allens West, but as I needed to make my way to Sheffield, I realised that it was not possible for me to do that, so instead, it was straight to Darlington (Bank Top the mainline Intercity station) on the 19:31 ex Saltburn that was formed of dud 142023 and my first of 1985s finest lean, mean, basic bare bones machines of this bashing trip. Ironically, it was a far more comfy trip on this Pacer than both of the Class 180s Ive had today. The Class 180s for some weird reason and despite being built around 2001 have screeching brakes that sounds like the fluid has run out, the tables and seats appear to rattle from the vibrations of the engines when the train is in motion, and the seat backs are not ergonomic friendly at all, as it gave me a huge backache and when combined with the rattles and shakes when in motion, it feels like a really dreadful Swedish massage being performed. According to the Wikipedia page of the Class 180s (and assuming the information is correct and can be referenced), I can understand why First Great Western got fed up with the fleet and handed most of the whole fleet of 14 back to the leasing company around 9 or 10 years ago.
Anyway, back to the main event of me heading south to Sheffield. It was onboard the 20:07 ex Newcastle Central Birmingham NS formed by dud pair 220020+220014 for the run to Doncaster, then onboard the 21:07 ex Bridlington Sheffield via Rotherham Central formed by required 158790 and also completing the missing track coverage between Rotherham Central and Meadowhall Interchange. After alighting from the train and checking the screen for the 21:54 ex Southampton Central York via Doncaster was running on time, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. The reason being is that this is the train that covers not one, but two bits of PSUL track between Woodburn Junction and Rotherham Central via Tinsley Yard running parallel to the tramline for part of the way, and the section between Aldwarke North Junction and Mexborough East Junction via Thrybergh Junction (the cut off between Swinton (Yorkshire) and Mexborough stations. I attempted this PSUL move last year, but as the train was delayed by just over 10 minutes, there was the decision by the signallers and control to help get the train back on time by omitting the PSUL diversionary route and to run via the normal route via Meadowhall Interchange and Swinton to Doncaster.
It was onboard required 220021 for the run to Doncaster via the PSUl route mentioned above, then after a 15 minute fester, it was back to York on the 22:46 ex KGX Newcastle formed of recent dud pair from earlier 91113+82230 arriving at 23:10 and for a walk back to the accommodation to settle down for the evening.
Overall, I am happy with todays efforts, and as well as reducing my Intercity fleet requirements, I have managed to fit in two PSUL moves and griced the Copley Hill chord west of Leeds as well.
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Kite159
Veteran Member
Two bits of rare track into your book, plus some more 321/322s plus a handful of other winning locos
adrock1976
Established Member
Day 3 Blank slate and Northumberland limited service stations 13 April
It was another early rise and out of the door just after 08:00 so as I could check the 08:21 ex Sunderland London KX departure. I was lucky in that both powercars were required, meaning that I could met this train later on around lunchtime on its return working. Once again, the Sprinters and Pacers that I saw were dud, as was the 08:35 ex KGX Edinburgh. However, the 08:31 ex Edinburgh KGX had a required DVT and dud loco so marked that for later. It was over to Platform 9 to see what was on the 08:45 ex Edinburgh Plymouth, so hopped on board that as it was required 43301+ dud 43321 for the run to Leeds. As most of my following morning moves are close together with short festers and for easy readability, I have summarised them below similar as how myself and a few fellow trip reporters do for London Underground. Requirements are highlighted in bold.
82218+91126 09:16 Leeds Wakefield Westgate
322485 09:34 Wakefield Westgate Sandal & Agbrigg
322483 09:50 Sandal & Agbrigg Wakefield Westgate (4 or 5 minutes delayed, missing required pair on the 09:45 ex Leeds KGX. I would be determined to get this later on)
90019+82222 10:01 Wakefield Westgate Leeds (the hired Class 90)
82220+91104 10:15 Leeds Wakefield Westgate (pulled off a -3 minute connection)
43311+43239 10:31 Wakefield Westgate Leeds (this train was already in the platform, with both powercars unknown until I alighted at Leeds)
150210+153316 10:59 Leeds Headingley (spotted 950001 after departure)
144003 11:11 Headingley Leeds (delayed 10 minutes)
As I would now have to consider making my way to York, I had a look at what was on the 11:45 KGX for later, but it was a dud pair anyway. The 12:15 KGX would be required pair 82219+91116, and would form the Glasgow Central off London KX, meaning that I could get that tomorrow if need be. Checking the screens to see if the Transpennine trains are running to schedule, I had a couple of options here. First up was the 12:12 ex Liverpool Scarborough, which was formed of required 185140 for the run to York. After getting a tea and some lunch, I checked what was on the Edinburgh and KGX ICEC departures, but were both dud.
I had a couple of options here for a linear hop to Northallerton before the ex KGX Sunderland train was due. First up was the slightly delayed 13:08 ex Manchester Piccadilly Newcastle Central formed by required 185136 for the run to Northallerton. The 13:50 ex Newcastle Manchester Piccadilly was required, so marked that for later if need be. The 13:40 ex Manchester Airport Middlesbrough was dud, which pulled into the southbound platform more or less at the same time as the 7 minutes delayed 13:46 ex KGX Sunderland. It was onboard required 43480+467 for the run to Eaglescliffe, and clearing the whole of the Grand Central fleet including both Class 180s I had yesterday.
I was now concentrating on switching to my intended plans for today, and to start to head in the direction of Darlington and onwards to Morpeth. It was onboard the 14:31 ex Saltburn Bishop Auckland, which to my surprise was not one of 1985s finest, but even more surprisingly was required 156444 which had recently been refurbished as you can tell by the accessible lavatory. As I was needing to be on the 13:30 KGX Edinburgh due Newcastle at 16:43, I checked various options for a linear hop to Durham. First up was the 15:00 ex Penzance Glasgow Central formed of required 221128 for the run to Durham.
As the 15:25 ex KGX Newcastle and the 15:32 ex Southampton Central Newcastle were both dud, it was left to the 10 minutes delayed 15:57 ex Manchester Pic Newcastle, formed of perennial and evergreen dud 185151 that always seems to appear wherever I am along routes that are served by Transpennine Express. Of note, this is one of the trains that calls at Chester-le-Street every 2 hours the very first time I have ever been on a train that is timetabled to call there, and no longer being the third highest number of times I have passed through a station without calling. My top two are Norton Bridge (still technically open) and Polesworth. On the approach to Newcastle Central, 67014 was spotted facing King Edward Bridge.
After nipping to Sainsburys to pick up some provisions, it was onboard the 12 minutes delayed 16:43 ex KGX Edinburgh, formed of required 91115+ dud 82201 for the run to Morpeth. I then made my way to the bus station in town and with just under 20 minutes to spare (I saw the 17:19 Arriva 35 depart this was not my intended bus anyway). I hopped on the next departure of the 35 at 17:39 for the run to Pegswood railway station with around 25 minutes to spare. Not surprisingly, I was the only passenger who boarded the 18:12 ex Gateshead Metrocentre Chathill with nobody alighting on dud 142025 for the run to Acklington. Of note, I may have unintentionally griced the northbound loop at Chevington, as the 15:00 KGX Stirling was 20 minutes behind schedule. There were another 2 passengers who alighted with me at Acklington.
As the train was 7 minutes behind schedule, I set off for a rapid pace along the main road to the Acklington crossroads junction. It is a hike of around a mile, and if anybody is attempting this, there is not much of a get out of jail free card here with the exception of returning back to the station. I arrived at the bus stop at the crossroads with 5 minutes or so to spare to take the Arriva X18 bus due at 18:53 to Widdrington station (the frequency of the X18 is every 60 minutes). I had just under 30 minutes spare for the 19:37 ex Chathill Hexham and not surprisingly, I was the only passenger who boarded with nobody alighting. I had another run on 142025 to Morpeth where I bailed.
It was onboard the 19:56 ex Edinburgh KGX formed of dud pair from earlier 82220+91104 for the run to Newcastle. It was over to Platform 7 for the 20:27 Liverpool LS formed of dud 185135 departing via High Level Bridge for the southbound run to Darlington. The 21:05 ex KGX Edinburgh and the 21:15 ex Southampton Central Newcastle were both dud, so it was onboard the 10 minutes delayed 21:21 ex KGX Edinburgh formed of required pair 91117+82203 (that I missed at Wakefield Westgate this morning) for the run to Newcastle. After having a wander around the city, it was back to York on the 22:48 ex Aberdeen Leeds formed of dud 43319+ required 43307 departing via High Level Bridge.
Overall, I am satisfied that I have reduced my Intercity fleet requirements further, plus one or two Voyagers and Class 185s here and there. I have managed to fit in the tricky stations between Morpeth and Alnmouth for Alnwick as well today.
It was another early rise and out of the door just after 08:00 so as I could check the 08:21 ex Sunderland London KX departure. I was lucky in that both powercars were required, meaning that I could met this train later on around lunchtime on its return working. Once again, the Sprinters and Pacers that I saw were dud, as was the 08:35 ex KGX Edinburgh. However, the 08:31 ex Edinburgh KGX had a required DVT and dud loco so marked that for later. It was over to Platform 9 to see what was on the 08:45 ex Edinburgh Plymouth, so hopped on board that as it was required 43301+ dud 43321 for the run to Leeds. As most of my following morning moves are close together with short festers and for easy readability, I have summarised them below similar as how myself and a few fellow trip reporters do for London Underground. Requirements are highlighted in bold.
82218+91126 09:16 Leeds Wakefield Westgate
322485 09:34 Wakefield Westgate Sandal & Agbrigg
322483 09:50 Sandal & Agbrigg Wakefield Westgate (4 or 5 minutes delayed, missing required pair on the 09:45 ex Leeds KGX. I would be determined to get this later on)
90019+82222 10:01 Wakefield Westgate Leeds (the hired Class 90)
82220+91104 10:15 Leeds Wakefield Westgate (pulled off a -3 minute connection)
43311+43239 10:31 Wakefield Westgate Leeds (this train was already in the platform, with both powercars unknown until I alighted at Leeds)
150210+153316 10:59 Leeds Headingley (spotted 950001 after departure)
144003 11:11 Headingley Leeds (delayed 10 minutes)
As I would now have to consider making my way to York, I had a look at what was on the 11:45 KGX for later, but it was a dud pair anyway. The 12:15 KGX would be required pair 82219+91116, and would form the Glasgow Central off London KX, meaning that I could get that tomorrow if need be. Checking the screens to see if the Transpennine trains are running to schedule, I had a couple of options here. First up was the 12:12 ex Liverpool Scarborough, which was formed of required 185140 for the run to York. After getting a tea and some lunch, I checked what was on the Edinburgh and KGX ICEC departures, but were both dud.
I had a couple of options here for a linear hop to Northallerton before the ex KGX Sunderland train was due. First up was the slightly delayed 13:08 ex Manchester Piccadilly Newcastle Central formed by required 185136 for the run to Northallerton. The 13:50 ex Newcastle Manchester Piccadilly was required, so marked that for later if need be. The 13:40 ex Manchester Airport Middlesbrough was dud, which pulled into the southbound platform more or less at the same time as the 7 minutes delayed 13:46 ex KGX Sunderland. It was onboard required 43480+467 for the run to Eaglescliffe, and clearing the whole of the Grand Central fleet including both Class 180s I had yesterday.
I was now concentrating on switching to my intended plans for today, and to start to head in the direction of Darlington and onwards to Morpeth. It was onboard the 14:31 ex Saltburn Bishop Auckland, which to my surprise was not one of 1985s finest, but even more surprisingly was required 156444 which had recently been refurbished as you can tell by the accessible lavatory. As I was needing to be on the 13:30 KGX Edinburgh due Newcastle at 16:43, I checked various options for a linear hop to Durham. First up was the 15:00 ex Penzance Glasgow Central formed of required 221128 for the run to Durham.
As the 15:25 ex KGX Newcastle and the 15:32 ex Southampton Central Newcastle were both dud, it was left to the 10 minutes delayed 15:57 ex Manchester Pic Newcastle, formed of perennial and evergreen dud 185151 that always seems to appear wherever I am along routes that are served by Transpennine Express. Of note, this is one of the trains that calls at Chester-le-Street every 2 hours the very first time I have ever been on a train that is timetabled to call there, and no longer being the third highest number of times I have passed through a station without calling. My top two are Norton Bridge (still technically open) and Polesworth. On the approach to Newcastle Central, 67014 was spotted facing King Edward Bridge.
After nipping to Sainsburys to pick up some provisions, it was onboard the 12 minutes delayed 16:43 ex KGX Edinburgh, formed of required 91115+ dud 82201 for the run to Morpeth. I then made my way to the bus station in town and with just under 20 minutes to spare (I saw the 17:19 Arriva 35 depart this was not my intended bus anyway). I hopped on the next departure of the 35 at 17:39 for the run to Pegswood railway station with around 25 minutes to spare. Not surprisingly, I was the only passenger who boarded the 18:12 ex Gateshead Metrocentre Chathill with nobody alighting on dud 142025 for the run to Acklington. Of note, I may have unintentionally griced the northbound loop at Chevington, as the 15:00 KGX Stirling was 20 minutes behind schedule. There were another 2 passengers who alighted with me at Acklington.
As the train was 7 minutes behind schedule, I set off for a rapid pace along the main road to the Acklington crossroads junction. It is a hike of around a mile, and if anybody is attempting this, there is not much of a get out of jail free card here with the exception of returning back to the station. I arrived at the bus stop at the crossroads with 5 minutes or so to spare to take the Arriva X18 bus due at 18:53 to Widdrington station (the frequency of the X18 is every 60 minutes). I had just under 30 minutes spare for the 19:37 ex Chathill Hexham and not surprisingly, I was the only passenger who boarded with nobody alighting. I had another run on 142025 to Morpeth where I bailed.
It was onboard the 19:56 ex Edinburgh KGX formed of dud pair from earlier 82220+91104 for the run to Newcastle. It was over to Platform 7 for the 20:27 Liverpool LS formed of dud 185135 departing via High Level Bridge for the southbound run to Darlington. The 21:05 ex KGX Edinburgh and the 21:15 ex Southampton Central Newcastle were both dud, so it was onboard the 10 minutes delayed 21:21 ex KGX Edinburgh formed of required pair 91117+82203 (that I missed at Wakefield Westgate this morning) for the run to Newcastle. After having a wander around the city, it was back to York on the 22:48 ex Aberdeen Leeds formed of dud 43319+ required 43307 departing via High Level Bridge.
Overall, I am satisfied that I have reduced my Intercity fleet requirements further, plus one or two Voyagers and Class 185s here and there. I have managed to fit in the tricky stations between Morpeth and Alnmouth for Alnwick as well today.
alexf380
Established Member
A good third day for you, Adam, and I might steal those moves for when I eventually get round to attacking those Northern stations north of Morpeth.
Looking forward to day 4!
Looking forward to day 4!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Using the bus is certainly a better way than riding (in the rain) between those limited served ECML shacks.
A few winners as well, congrats on clearing GC
A few winners as well, congrats on clearing GC
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Two very intensive days there, but highly productive! Just the way I like a bash to be.
I like the way you got those shacks in north of Morpeth, I would hope to remember them for future reference!
I like the way you got those shacks in north of Morpeth, I would hope to remember them for future reference!
adrock1976
Established Member
Day 4 Total blank sheet 14 April
As I was starting to come down with a cold and was up at 03:00 coughing and spluttering, I decided to take it easy today and not do anything too strenuous. I was out of the door slightly later just after 08:15 for the walk to the station. Of note there was engineering works at Micklefield east of Leeds, meaning that trains between Leeds and York were diverted via Castleford and Sherburn-in-Elmet this weekend. I checked what was on the 08:35 ex KGX - Edinburgh and hopped onboard (Good Friday is a holiday) required pair 91106+82208 for the northbound run to Darlington. While checking online to see how the 06:50 ex Glasgow Central KGX was progressing as it was my intention to get the required pair 82219+91116 that I had worked out yesterday, I was disappointed that it had been cancelled due to a train fault.
All of the southbound trains and the Bishop Auckland - Saltburn were all dud, and as I had some gen on 5 of my 6 required IC125 VTEC powercars, I worked out a plan to get at least 4 of them. As I had sufficient time before attempting to get my first powercar, I had spotted something required heading northbound. I hopped on the 09:41 ex Liverpool Newcastle formed of required 185144 for the run to Chester-le-Street. It was over to the southbound platform for the 10:13 Liverpool LS formed of required 185115 for the run to Darlington, then on the 10:58 ex Edinburgh KGX formed of required 82227+ dud 91127 to York.
Making a note of anything that is required heading north or south, and after having some tea and something light, it was onboard the 12:32 ex Plymouth Glasgow Central formed of required 221132 for another run to Darlington. I had two options to return to York if I was to meet the first required powercar of the day the first being the 13:15 Plymouth and the second being the 13:18 ex Edinburgh KGX. The 13:13 was dud 221125, so declined that to see what would be on the 13:18. I was rewarded with required pair 82205+91103 for the run to York.
Unknown to me, this would be a gamble that would backfire on me, as even though I had a 10 minutes to spare at York, the train came to a halt just before Northallerton for 5 minutes or so. Combined with the temporary speed restriction through Thirsk, the train was 12 minutes delayed arriving into York, and for a kick in the teeth, the 13:58 ex KGX Inverness had one of my required powercars on which I would have took to Darlington to meet the 14:29 ex Aberdeen KGX that also had another required powercar as well. Further investigation meant that I would not be able to get this tomorrow on the southbound return as I would be elsewhere at the time it is between Newcastle and York. However, it would still be possible to land the ex Aberdeen on the Harrogate working later on if need be.
It was not a total disaster though as I got to see 37609+258 on "The Spring Highlander" railtour in Platform 10 soon after. After checking to see if anything required was kicking around, I got myself some tea and lunch and as another one of my required powercars would be on the 15:55 ex KGX Aberdeen, I had a look online for a filler move. I settled for a run to Malton on the 14:42 Scarborough from Platform 2, formed of dud 185148. It was back to York on the 15:13 ex Scarborough formed of required 185129 terminating in Platform 2, having griced the not often used platform in both directions.
My next move was the 15:55 ex KGX Aberdeen formed by dud 43300+ required 43313 for another run to Darlington, spotting 66037 hauling ballast wagons northbound soon after. Having declined duds in all directions, it was time for me to head south towards Doncaster so as to get a couple more powercars later on. I boarded the 16:59 ex Edinburgh KGX that was formed by dud 82231+ required 91116 back to York, then over to Platform 6 for the 18:02 KGX formed by required pair 82219+91128 to Doncaster, spotting what appeared to be either a Class 465 or 466 at the north end of the Wabtec works on the approach to Doncaster. Of note, 67030 was in Platform 2 facing London, which got me wondering if that loco is a permanent fixture there or not.
After nipping out to the Sainsburys store to pick up some provisions, it was back to the station to see 810002+001 drawing into Platform 1 from the London direction at around 19:00, before changing direction to head south again and sounding like it had switched to the diesel engines. It was then onboard the 19:10 ex KGX Hull formed by required 43290+ dud 43367 for the run to Selby, meaning that I had foregone the required powercar that I had intended to meet at Darlington earlier on. I returned to Doncaster on the 19:45 ex Hull KGX formed of dud 180110, finally managing to pick up a timetable onboard the train so as to work out if one of my moves for tomorrow would be a required Class 180. Soon after alighting the train at Doncaster, 66736+765 were hauling coal wagons northbound along the centre track at around 20:00, and 66741 was on the WBB Minerals train crossing over to Platform 3a to continue in its northbound direction.
There was a remote possibility of me landing another one of my required VTEC powercars that was on the 20:00 KGX Sunderland if I could meet it at York departing 21:53. This would involve me pulling off a tight connection of 2 minutes at Selby onto the 20:49 York, which happens to start from Platform 3. Very optimistic indeed I would like to add. Anyway, I hopped onboard the 20:33 ex KGX Hull formed of required 180111 for the run to Selby. As there was a slight delay in departing Doncaster, I had suspected that I would not be able to make the 20:49 York, which was confirmed when I saw it getting ready to pull out just before the Hull train came to a halt.
As it was not possible for me to get anymore of my required VTEC powercars and have only managed to get 2 out of a possible 4 or 5, I looked at it in perspective meaning that it is still 2 less for me to chase after in the near future. Anyway, it was back to Doncaster on the 21:03 ex Hull Doncaster IC125 which saw the return of 43367+290 as expected. After checking online and also the screens at the station, I worked out a possible filler move before the next York train would be due. It was over to Platform 4 and onboard the 7 minutes delayed 21:23 ex Sheffield Scunthorpe formed of required 158872 for a run to Hatfield & Stainforth. It was over to the opposite platform via what appears to be an evil footbridge to return to Doncaster on the 21:50 ex Goole Doncaster formed of dud 144011.
Before heading back to York and having decided to forego the Fridays Only 23:15 Sheffield Leeds via the PSUL route between Calder Bridge Junction and Turners Lane Junction around the Wakefield Kirkgate area as I was under the weather still, 67007 was heading southbound on a light engine move around 22:15, and 66037 passed through Platform 2 southbound hauling a few unladen flatbed trailers. I returned north to York on the 22:31 ex Southampton Central York formed of dud 220030.
Overall, I felt that I had made good progress in reducing my requirements, even though I missed out on at least 2 required powercars today. On the other hand, I managed to reduce a Class 185 and a Class 158 requirement through switching to a couple of filler moves.
As I was starting to come down with a cold and was up at 03:00 coughing and spluttering, I decided to take it easy today and not do anything too strenuous. I was out of the door slightly later just after 08:15 for the walk to the station. Of note there was engineering works at Micklefield east of Leeds, meaning that trains between Leeds and York were diverted via Castleford and Sherburn-in-Elmet this weekend. I checked what was on the 08:35 ex KGX - Edinburgh and hopped onboard (Good Friday is a holiday) required pair 91106+82208 for the northbound run to Darlington. While checking online to see how the 06:50 ex Glasgow Central KGX was progressing as it was my intention to get the required pair 82219+91116 that I had worked out yesterday, I was disappointed that it had been cancelled due to a train fault.
All of the southbound trains and the Bishop Auckland - Saltburn were all dud, and as I had some gen on 5 of my 6 required IC125 VTEC powercars, I worked out a plan to get at least 4 of them. As I had sufficient time before attempting to get my first powercar, I had spotted something required heading northbound. I hopped on the 09:41 ex Liverpool Newcastle formed of required 185144 for the run to Chester-le-Street. It was over to the southbound platform for the 10:13 Liverpool LS formed of required 185115 for the run to Darlington, then on the 10:58 ex Edinburgh KGX formed of required 82227+ dud 91127 to York.
Making a note of anything that is required heading north or south, and after having some tea and something light, it was onboard the 12:32 ex Plymouth Glasgow Central formed of required 221132 for another run to Darlington. I had two options to return to York if I was to meet the first required powercar of the day the first being the 13:15 Plymouth and the second being the 13:18 ex Edinburgh KGX. The 13:13 was dud 221125, so declined that to see what would be on the 13:18. I was rewarded with required pair 82205+91103 for the run to York.
Unknown to me, this would be a gamble that would backfire on me, as even though I had a 10 minutes to spare at York, the train came to a halt just before Northallerton for 5 minutes or so. Combined with the temporary speed restriction through Thirsk, the train was 12 minutes delayed arriving into York, and for a kick in the teeth, the 13:58 ex KGX Inverness had one of my required powercars on which I would have took to Darlington to meet the 14:29 ex Aberdeen KGX that also had another required powercar as well. Further investigation meant that I would not be able to get this tomorrow on the southbound return as I would be elsewhere at the time it is between Newcastle and York. However, it would still be possible to land the ex Aberdeen on the Harrogate working later on if need be.
It was not a total disaster though as I got to see 37609+258 on "The Spring Highlander" railtour in Platform 10 soon after. After checking to see if anything required was kicking around, I got myself some tea and lunch and as another one of my required powercars would be on the 15:55 ex KGX Aberdeen, I had a look online for a filler move. I settled for a run to Malton on the 14:42 Scarborough from Platform 2, formed of dud 185148. It was back to York on the 15:13 ex Scarborough formed of required 185129 terminating in Platform 2, having griced the not often used platform in both directions.
My next move was the 15:55 ex KGX Aberdeen formed by dud 43300+ required 43313 for another run to Darlington, spotting 66037 hauling ballast wagons northbound soon after. Having declined duds in all directions, it was time for me to head south towards Doncaster so as to get a couple more powercars later on. I boarded the 16:59 ex Edinburgh KGX that was formed by dud 82231+ required 91116 back to York, then over to Platform 6 for the 18:02 KGX formed by required pair 82219+91128 to Doncaster, spotting what appeared to be either a Class 465 or 466 at the north end of the Wabtec works on the approach to Doncaster. Of note, 67030 was in Platform 2 facing London, which got me wondering if that loco is a permanent fixture there or not.
After nipping out to the Sainsburys store to pick up some provisions, it was back to the station to see 810002+001 drawing into Platform 1 from the London direction at around 19:00, before changing direction to head south again and sounding like it had switched to the diesel engines. It was then onboard the 19:10 ex KGX Hull formed by required 43290+ dud 43367 for the run to Selby, meaning that I had foregone the required powercar that I had intended to meet at Darlington earlier on. I returned to Doncaster on the 19:45 ex Hull KGX formed of dud 180110, finally managing to pick up a timetable onboard the train so as to work out if one of my moves for tomorrow would be a required Class 180. Soon after alighting the train at Doncaster, 66736+765 were hauling coal wagons northbound along the centre track at around 20:00, and 66741 was on the WBB Minerals train crossing over to Platform 3a to continue in its northbound direction.
There was a remote possibility of me landing another one of my required VTEC powercars that was on the 20:00 KGX Sunderland if I could meet it at York departing 21:53. This would involve me pulling off a tight connection of 2 minutes at Selby onto the 20:49 York, which happens to start from Platform 3. Very optimistic indeed I would like to add. Anyway, I hopped onboard the 20:33 ex KGX Hull formed of required 180111 for the run to Selby. As there was a slight delay in departing Doncaster, I had suspected that I would not be able to make the 20:49 York, which was confirmed when I saw it getting ready to pull out just before the Hull train came to a halt.
As it was not possible for me to get anymore of my required VTEC powercars and have only managed to get 2 out of a possible 4 or 5, I looked at it in perspective meaning that it is still 2 less for me to chase after in the near future. Anyway, it was back to Doncaster on the 21:03 ex Hull Doncaster IC125 which saw the return of 43367+290 as expected. After checking online and also the screens at the station, I worked out a possible filler move before the next York train would be due. It was over to Platform 4 and onboard the 7 minutes delayed 21:23 ex Sheffield Scunthorpe formed of required 158872 for a run to Hatfield & Stainforth. It was over to the opposite platform via what appears to be an evil footbridge to return to Doncaster on the 21:50 ex Goole Doncaster formed of dud 144011.
Before heading back to York and having decided to forego the Fridays Only 23:15 Sheffield Leeds via the PSUL route between Calder Bridge Junction and Turners Lane Junction around the Wakefield Kirkgate area as I was under the weather still, 67007 was heading southbound on a light engine move around 22:15, and 66037 passed through Platform 2 southbound hauling a few unladen flatbed trailers. I returned north to York on the 22:31 ex Southampton Central York formed of dud 220030.
Overall, I felt that I had made good progress in reducing my requirements, even though I missed out on at least 2 required powercars today. On the other hand, I managed to reduce a Class 185 and a Class 158 requirement through switching to a couple of filler moves.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
A shame you were feeling under the weather, but fair game to sticking out for a full day still. Missing those required HST power cars must have been most disappointing, but you've filled your books well on other stuff so it's not the end of the world
Kite159
Veteran Member
Disappointing on not getting some of those power cars, but you got a few more 91s, a couple 180s plus a couple other units into your book, so not a wasted day.
Hope you get better soon
Hope you get better soon
adrock1976
Established Member
Day 5 Some awkward bits and homeward bound 15 April
Although I was still under the weather slightly, I had a better nights sleep compared to yesterday and was feeling slightly better too. It was an early rise for me due to the trains being diverted via Sherburn-in-Elmet and Castleford between York and Leeds, therefore I checked out and was out of the building just after 06:00 for the short walk to the station. It was onboard the 06:20 Plymouth formed by dud 220016 for the run to Sheffield, spotting 66426 at York facing London soon after departure. As there would be a 12 minute or so layover at Leeds, this gave me the chance to see if the 07:05 KGX was required, however, when I saw the locomotive and the first coach behind it, I could tell that it was a dud Class 91+DVT so declined and remained onboard the Voyager to Sheffield (of note, if the 07:05 was required, I would have took that to Wakefield Westgate and rejoined the Voyager there as it would have been 5 minutes or so behind it).
After alighting at Sheffield, I went to get some tea and something light from the (I think) Cafe Ritazza stall in the concourse near M&S as I was not properly awake yet. I made my way to Platform 1 for the 08:03 Saturdays Only Cleethorpes via Brigg, formed of dud 144002. Over in Platform 3, 144012 Evolution was spotted. There were several passengers who boarded at Gainsborough Central, with me remaining on until Brigg, where I bailed alongside 3 other passengers with nobody boarding. I went for the short walk into town gently sauntering along, then to the bus stop near the White Horse to board the 366 bus to Scunthorpe via the A18, operated by Hornsby Travels of Scunthorpe. It is noted that the bus service in Brigg seems to mainly be sporadic journeys on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
I had a brief wander around the shopping centre next to the bus station before boarding the 103 Stagecoach in Lincolnshire bus that was due at 11:00 to Kirton in Lindsey via the A159 and B1400, alighting at the stop just after passing underneath the railway bridge. Of note, the bus seems to be one every 2 hours to and from Lincoln on this route. It was then a gentle saunter back along the main road and up a cul-de-sac next to the railway bridge up onto the platform, where it was a fester of 15 minutes or so before boarding the slightly delayed Saturdays Only 11:56 ex Cleethorpes Sheffield (I was the only passenger who boarded, with nobody alighting) and the return of 144002 for the westbound run to Gainsborough Central, where myself and a few other passengers alighted.
I then made my way over to Gainsborough Lea Road via Trinity Street, reaching Lea Road station and the Doncaster platform a few minutes before the 12:40 Lincoln Central arrived heading south, which was required 142066 the first time I have spotted one of 1985s finest that was required during this trip. I made a note of that for later in case the 13:10 Retford Hull was a dud Class 180 (I calculated from the timetable that it would either be 180113 (required) or 180111 (dud), as I saw 113 heading to Hull at Doncaster late last night. There is 1 Hull Trains Class 180 that is based at Old Oak Common depot in London, with the other 3 in service. I worked out 109 was at Old Oak Common the previous day). It was onboard the slightly delayed 12:46 ex Lincoln Central Adwick formed by dud 144007, positioning myself at the front doors for the run to Retford.
After making the hike to Platform 2 via the lavatory on Platform 1, I awaited to see if my calculations of what would be on the 13:10 ex KGX Hull was required. A few minutes later, my calculations turned out to be right so I hopped onboard required 180113 for the northbound run to Selby. It was over to Platform 2 for the 13:49 ex Hull York formed by a busy and required 150149 for the run to Sherburn-in-Elmet where I bailed. It is noted that a while ago, it was my intention to alight here and walk to South Milford, but due to the engineering works, there are no trains at South Milford this weekend. However, this also meant that I was able to score Church Fenton easily today, owing to the York Blackpool North via Bradford Interchange and Blackburn starting at Leeds, with a shuttle service between York and Church Fenton every 60 minutes, as in contrast with the normal service where the York Blackpool North trains call every 2 hours.
It was onboard the 14:28 ex Sheffield York via Pontefract Baghill for a countryside style bus stop bash northbound to Church Fenton, formed by dud 158794. I then had a 10 minute or so fester before the shuttle from York arrived at Platform 3 (the southbound platform to Leeds via Micklefield) and having seen it at York over the last couple of Days, I knew that it would be a dud Class 158. I hopped onboard a very lightly loaded dud 158755 departing at 14:49 from Platform 3 for the northbound run to York, gricing the crossover north of Platform 3 to the northbound track north of Platform 4 and the centre loop. I was thinking that a 3 car set was maybe overkill, but due to the engineering works, this would mean that there would be sufficient fuel for the train over the weekend compared to a 2 car set.
I went to have a look at what was on the 15:08 and 15:13 Newcastle and Middlesbrough TPE respectively, but both were dud. My next port of call was to answer the call of nature, so after doing that, it was time to consider heading in the direction of Newcastle as I am booked on the 15:00 KGX Edinburgh from Berwick-upon-Tweed (depart Newcastle 17:59). It was onboard the 15:32 ex Plymouth Aberdeen formed of required 221124 for a run to Darlington. Of note, if anything required was heading south, I had only one option to be sure of meeting the 15:00 KGX Edinburgh at York, which would be 16:13 ex Edinburgh Plymouth. It was dud 221123 anyway, which eliminated that option and would allow me to concentrate on what was heading towards Newcastle, and if there were any of 1985s finest that were required on the Stockton & Darlington Railway metals.
During the fester here, the observations were that 66108 passed through Platform 4 northbound hauling containers around 16:35, 43311+238 (both dud) were on the 16:22 ex KGX Aberdeen, 142087 (dud) was on the 16:31 Darlington Saltburn, dud pair 82223+91105 on the 8 minutes delayed 16:28 ex Edinburgh KGX, dud 185136 on the 16:41 ex Liverpool Newcastle, dud 185115 on the 16:43 ex Newcastle Liverpool, dud 142070 on the 16:53 ex Bishop Auckland Saltburn, dud 142089 on the 16:49 terminating service from Saltburn, dud 221125 on the 17:00 ex Penzance Edinburgh, and dud pair 82200+91114 on the 16:57 ex Edinburgh KGX. As I was starting to feel peckish, I decided to cut my losses and head to Newcastle on my final option, being the slightly delayed 17:08 ex KGX Edinburgh formed of dud pair 91128+82219, spotting 67014 on the approach at Newcastle Central facing King Edward Bridge.
After nipping to Sainsburys to pick up some provisions, it was onboard the 17:59 ex KGX Edinburgh formed of dud 91125+ required 82212 for the run to Edinburgh, spotting 66108 and the New Measurement Train at the depot at Heaton. 90043 was in the headshunt by Platform 10 facing Newcastle at Edinburgh Waverley. I had a look around to see if on the off chance any of my 5 required Scotrail Class 158s were about, and also if 170456 was on anything heading to Haymarket, but to no avail. It was onboard the 20:00 Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High formed of dud pair 170427+415, then to Barnhill on the 21:06 formed of dud 334026.
Conclusion
When I first planned this trip, I had set out with the intention of mainly reducing my Intercity requirements both the VTEC and Crosscountry fleets. During the course of the trip, a lot of the Sprinters and Pacers were dud, meaning that I could concentrate on the Intercity requirements. Of note, I started with 18 Class 91 locos and 20 Class 82 DVTs, with that now reduced to 7 of each remaining. Of the VTEC IC125 powercars, I started with requiring 8, and now require 4 (I would only require 2 if I did not get delayed between Darlington and York on the Friday). Of the Grand Central fleet, I required 2 powercars and 2 Class 180s, which I have cleared the entire GC fleet. I required 3 Hull Trains Class 180s, and only require 1 (180109, and also Great Western 180104 to clear the class and never set foot on those heaps of junk again). Much to my surprise, I only require 1 each of the Northern Class 321 and 322 to clear, and I have also reduced my Class 185 requirements from 22 down to 15. Of the Crosscountry fleet, I have reduced the IC125 powercars from 4 to 2, and the Voyagers to 5 of each Class 220 and 221 from 6 and 9 respectively.
During this trip, I had also set out with the intention of completing the missing track for coverage between Meadowhall Interchange and Rotherham Central, the PSUL coverage between Loversall Carr Juntion and Flyover West Junction south of Doncaster, the PSUL between Sheffield and Mexborough via Woodburn Junction, Tinsley, Rotherham Central, and the Swinton cut off (that did not produce for me last time as the train was delayed between 10-15 minutes), and to cover the PSUL Calder Bridge Junction Turners Lane Junction around Wakefield on the Fridays Only 23:15 Sheffield Leeds (which I abandoned as I was feeling under the weather). I also managed to score some very awkward limited service stations the three between Morpeth and Alnmouth for Alnwick, the three Saturdays Only Gainsborough Central, Kirton in Lindsey, and Brigg along the Manchester, Sheffield, & Lincolnshire Railway (later Great Central Railway), and also took advantage of the weekend engineering works to do Sherburn-in-Elmet and Church Fenton.
With the exception of Adwick and Bently (Yorkshire), I have scored all between Leeds and Peterborough (half mark for Grantham though, as it is an Intercity station with me arriving and departing on Sprinters), and with the exception of Edinburgh Gateway, Musselburgh, and Drem, I have scored all stations from Crianlarich, Helensburgh Central, and Inverkeithing as far as Peterborough, as well as all of the Intercity stations between London Kings Cross and Aberdeen.
Although I was still under the weather slightly, I had a better nights sleep compared to yesterday and was feeling slightly better too. It was an early rise for me due to the trains being diverted via Sherburn-in-Elmet and Castleford between York and Leeds, therefore I checked out and was out of the building just after 06:00 for the short walk to the station. It was onboard the 06:20 Plymouth formed by dud 220016 for the run to Sheffield, spotting 66426 at York facing London soon after departure. As there would be a 12 minute or so layover at Leeds, this gave me the chance to see if the 07:05 KGX was required, however, when I saw the locomotive and the first coach behind it, I could tell that it was a dud Class 91+DVT so declined and remained onboard the Voyager to Sheffield (of note, if the 07:05 was required, I would have took that to Wakefield Westgate and rejoined the Voyager there as it would have been 5 minutes or so behind it).
After alighting at Sheffield, I went to get some tea and something light from the (I think) Cafe Ritazza stall in the concourse near M&S as I was not properly awake yet. I made my way to Platform 1 for the 08:03 Saturdays Only Cleethorpes via Brigg, formed of dud 144002. Over in Platform 3, 144012 Evolution was spotted. There were several passengers who boarded at Gainsborough Central, with me remaining on until Brigg, where I bailed alongside 3 other passengers with nobody boarding. I went for the short walk into town gently sauntering along, then to the bus stop near the White Horse to board the 366 bus to Scunthorpe via the A18, operated by Hornsby Travels of Scunthorpe. It is noted that the bus service in Brigg seems to mainly be sporadic journeys on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
I had a brief wander around the shopping centre next to the bus station before boarding the 103 Stagecoach in Lincolnshire bus that was due at 11:00 to Kirton in Lindsey via the A159 and B1400, alighting at the stop just after passing underneath the railway bridge. Of note, the bus seems to be one every 2 hours to and from Lincoln on this route. It was then a gentle saunter back along the main road and up a cul-de-sac next to the railway bridge up onto the platform, where it was a fester of 15 minutes or so before boarding the slightly delayed Saturdays Only 11:56 ex Cleethorpes Sheffield (I was the only passenger who boarded, with nobody alighting) and the return of 144002 for the westbound run to Gainsborough Central, where myself and a few other passengers alighted.
I then made my way over to Gainsborough Lea Road via Trinity Street, reaching Lea Road station and the Doncaster platform a few minutes before the 12:40 Lincoln Central arrived heading south, which was required 142066 the first time I have spotted one of 1985s finest that was required during this trip. I made a note of that for later in case the 13:10 Retford Hull was a dud Class 180 (I calculated from the timetable that it would either be 180113 (required) or 180111 (dud), as I saw 113 heading to Hull at Doncaster late last night. There is 1 Hull Trains Class 180 that is based at Old Oak Common depot in London, with the other 3 in service. I worked out 109 was at Old Oak Common the previous day). It was onboard the slightly delayed 12:46 ex Lincoln Central Adwick formed by dud 144007, positioning myself at the front doors for the run to Retford.
After making the hike to Platform 2 via the lavatory on Platform 1, I awaited to see if my calculations of what would be on the 13:10 ex KGX Hull was required. A few minutes later, my calculations turned out to be right so I hopped onboard required 180113 for the northbound run to Selby. It was over to Platform 2 for the 13:49 ex Hull York formed by a busy and required 150149 for the run to Sherburn-in-Elmet where I bailed. It is noted that a while ago, it was my intention to alight here and walk to South Milford, but due to the engineering works, there are no trains at South Milford this weekend. However, this also meant that I was able to score Church Fenton easily today, owing to the York Blackpool North via Bradford Interchange and Blackburn starting at Leeds, with a shuttle service between York and Church Fenton every 60 minutes, as in contrast with the normal service where the York Blackpool North trains call every 2 hours.
It was onboard the 14:28 ex Sheffield York via Pontefract Baghill for a countryside style bus stop bash northbound to Church Fenton, formed by dud 158794. I then had a 10 minute or so fester before the shuttle from York arrived at Platform 3 (the southbound platform to Leeds via Micklefield) and having seen it at York over the last couple of Days, I knew that it would be a dud Class 158. I hopped onboard a very lightly loaded dud 158755 departing at 14:49 from Platform 3 for the northbound run to York, gricing the crossover north of Platform 3 to the northbound track north of Platform 4 and the centre loop. I was thinking that a 3 car set was maybe overkill, but due to the engineering works, this would mean that there would be sufficient fuel for the train over the weekend compared to a 2 car set.
I went to have a look at what was on the 15:08 and 15:13 Newcastle and Middlesbrough TPE respectively, but both were dud. My next port of call was to answer the call of nature, so after doing that, it was time to consider heading in the direction of Newcastle as I am booked on the 15:00 KGX Edinburgh from Berwick-upon-Tweed (depart Newcastle 17:59). It was onboard the 15:32 ex Plymouth Aberdeen formed of required 221124 for a run to Darlington. Of note, if anything required was heading south, I had only one option to be sure of meeting the 15:00 KGX Edinburgh at York, which would be 16:13 ex Edinburgh Plymouth. It was dud 221123 anyway, which eliminated that option and would allow me to concentrate on what was heading towards Newcastle, and if there were any of 1985s finest that were required on the Stockton & Darlington Railway metals.
During the fester here, the observations were that 66108 passed through Platform 4 northbound hauling containers around 16:35, 43311+238 (both dud) were on the 16:22 ex KGX Aberdeen, 142087 (dud) was on the 16:31 Darlington Saltburn, dud pair 82223+91105 on the 8 minutes delayed 16:28 ex Edinburgh KGX, dud 185136 on the 16:41 ex Liverpool Newcastle, dud 185115 on the 16:43 ex Newcastle Liverpool, dud 142070 on the 16:53 ex Bishop Auckland Saltburn, dud 142089 on the 16:49 terminating service from Saltburn, dud 221125 on the 17:00 ex Penzance Edinburgh, and dud pair 82200+91114 on the 16:57 ex Edinburgh KGX. As I was starting to feel peckish, I decided to cut my losses and head to Newcastle on my final option, being the slightly delayed 17:08 ex KGX Edinburgh formed of dud pair 91128+82219, spotting 67014 on the approach at Newcastle Central facing King Edward Bridge.
After nipping to Sainsburys to pick up some provisions, it was onboard the 17:59 ex KGX Edinburgh formed of dud 91125+ required 82212 for the run to Edinburgh, spotting 66108 and the New Measurement Train at the depot at Heaton. 90043 was in the headshunt by Platform 10 facing Newcastle at Edinburgh Waverley. I had a look around to see if on the off chance any of my 5 required Scotrail Class 158s were about, and also if 170456 was on anything heading to Haymarket, but to no avail. It was onboard the 20:00 Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High formed of dud pair 170427+415, then to Barnhill on the 21:06 formed of dud 334026.
Conclusion
When I first planned this trip, I had set out with the intention of mainly reducing my Intercity requirements both the VTEC and Crosscountry fleets. During the course of the trip, a lot of the Sprinters and Pacers were dud, meaning that I could concentrate on the Intercity requirements. Of note, I started with 18 Class 91 locos and 20 Class 82 DVTs, with that now reduced to 7 of each remaining. Of the VTEC IC125 powercars, I started with requiring 8, and now require 4 (I would only require 2 if I did not get delayed between Darlington and York on the Friday). Of the Grand Central fleet, I required 2 powercars and 2 Class 180s, which I have cleared the entire GC fleet. I required 3 Hull Trains Class 180s, and only require 1 (180109, and also Great Western 180104 to clear the class and never set foot on those heaps of junk again). Much to my surprise, I only require 1 each of the Northern Class 321 and 322 to clear, and I have also reduced my Class 185 requirements from 22 down to 15. Of the Crosscountry fleet, I have reduced the IC125 powercars from 4 to 2, and the Voyagers to 5 of each Class 220 and 221 from 6 and 9 respectively.
During this trip, I had also set out with the intention of completing the missing track for coverage between Meadowhall Interchange and Rotherham Central, the PSUL coverage between Loversall Carr Juntion and Flyover West Junction south of Doncaster, the PSUL between Sheffield and Mexborough via Woodburn Junction, Tinsley, Rotherham Central, and the Swinton cut off (that did not produce for me last time as the train was delayed between 10-15 minutes), and to cover the PSUL Calder Bridge Junction Turners Lane Junction around Wakefield on the Fridays Only 23:15 Sheffield Leeds (which I abandoned as I was feeling under the weather). I also managed to score some very awkward limited service stations the three between Morpeth and Alnmouth for Alnwick, the three Saturdays Only Gainsborough Central, Kirton in Lindsey, and Brigg along the Manchester, Sheffield, & Lincolnshire Railway (later Great Central Railway), and also took advantage of the weekend engineering works to do Sherburn-in-Elmet and Church Fenton.
With the exception of Adwick and Bently (Yorkshire), I have scored all between Leeds and Peterborough (half mark for Grantham though, as it is an Intercity station with me arriving and departing on Sprinters), and with the exception of Edinburgh Gateway, Musselburgh, and Drem, I have scored all stations from Crianlarich, Helensburgh Central, and Inverkeithing as far as Peterborough, as well as all of the Intercity stations between London Kings Cross and Aberdeen.
Kite159
Veteran Member
Congrats on clearing the Brigg line
Brigg is a nice little market town
Brigg is a nice little market town
Techniquest
Veteran Member
You certainly got cracking on shack scoring there, certainly worth remembering those buses!
adrock1976
Established Member
Regarding the comments made about considering doing the bus moves in the future, it is best to check the bus operating companies website nearer the time as well as the Traveline website to be sure, as some are not very frequent.
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