All Line Rover Report

[DarloRich]

This summer I had an opportunity to do something I have wanted to do for a long time – buy an All Line Rail Rover ticket that gives virtually unlimited travel throughout the UK national rail network.

Circumstances put me in a position to pay very little for a 7 day first class ticket or nothing for a 14 day standard class ticket. I decided to go for the 7 day first class option and enjoy a change of pace and quality from my normal rail travel. As will be revealed I was offered a chance to turn the 7 day trip into an 8 day trip. This is a report on that fantastic trip.

The first day of my trip was Sunday 29th June and covered a route that took me from Bletchley to somewhere near Reading on the Night Rivera via the Isle of Wight (as you do!)

A frantic Saturday night was spent charging batteries for the phone, camera and ebook and trying to pack as much as possible into a small back bag. Seeking best value for money meant a very early start on a Sunday and a trip on the first train out of Beltchely. Before that I had the normal hair-raising Milton Keynes taxi journey piloted by a sub continental F1 wannabe with little grasp of the highway code!

The first train of my odyssey was the 0647 London Midland service from Milton Keynes to London Euston. It was formed of a 4 car unit 350106 and arrived at Bletchley 7 minutes late due to delays in train crew reaching the train. Despite using the 350’s on a daily basis this was my first journey in the first class section. Apart from the frosted glass sliding doors, the ability to slightly recline the seat, the plugs and most fantastically the antimacassars there is no real difference between the first & standard on this train. Despite slow running and stopping at every station (except Tring & the enigma that is Cheddington) the train was early into Euston.

Bletchley by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

On leaving the train the station PA was asking for Inspector Sands to contact control and despite quickening my step towards the Northern Line this quickly changed into an evacuation alarm. In the absence of guidance I evacuated the station via a quiet Northern Line train to Waterloo!

Here I obtained adequate sustenance in the form of a bacon roll and tea and boarded the 0815 South West trains service to Exeter St Davids which I enjoyed as far as Basingstoke. Once this route was the preserve of class 50’s and Mkii coaches today it was serviced by a 3 car 159108.

Basingstoke by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The first class section was very comfortable with nice seats at large tables that lined up with the windows although the reclining mechanism was broken on the seat I chose and there were no plugs. Tea at £2.20 when i thought it was free seemed rather expensive! Despite these minor issues the SWT version of these trains were infinitely better than the Scot Rail or Northern types! We rolled into Basingstoke bang on time at 0906 where I alighted to find a pleasant quiet station with 5 platforms covered by glazed canopies on wrought iron posts.

Basingstoke by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

From there I took the 0929 service to Brockenhurst. The train was formed of 444035/13 and was a Waterloo to Weymouth train. Despite being a close relative of the London Midland train the 444 was set out in a much more pleasant 2+1 manner suitable for long distance services. Although the seats were not as comfortable as those fitted to the class 159 unit but there were plugs!

Basingstoke by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Passing Eastleigh at speed I noted a number of 66’s an 08 huffing about and 60045 super shunting in a very busy yard and fairly soon after we pulled into a sadly shabby Brockenhurst station. Here I changed trains for a first for me: A boat train!

Brockenhurst by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Sadly the Mki bodied slam door “3-CIG” units are no more and instead an outrageously over capacitied 450444 (with first class!) was waiting in platform 4 to work the short distance along the bucolic branch line to Lymington pier. The highlight is undoubtedly the Harbour side running and crossing the river before running into the terminus.

Lymington Pier by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The small station at the Pier is very simple with only the most basic facilities and provides access to the Wight Link ferry terminal where the Croatian built MV Wight Light was standing ready to cross the Solent to Yamouth on the Isle of Wight

Lymington Pier by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Further details to come and i look forward to your comments!

PS how do i embed images?

 

[causton]

Brilliant report and pictures

PS how do i embed images?

Click the button on Flickr in the bottom right of your photo that looks like a 'reply' button which is actually share. Choose the size of photo (smaller the better, remembering the forum rules) and make sure "BBCode" is selected and copy the code in square brackets "[xxx]" and paste in the new post box

 

[DarloRich]

Brilliant report and pictures



Click the button on Flickr in the bottom right of your photo that looks like a 'reply' button which is actually share. Choose the size of photo (smaller the better, remembering the forum rules) and make sure "BBCode" is selected and copy the code in square brackets "[xxx]" and paste in the new post box

thanks - i will give the pictures a go when i get home
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 1 Part 2:

There was some time before boarding as the ferry was unloaded and it was surprising the type and size of vehicles coming off. While the vehicle loading/unloading operations went ahead foot passengers were corralled in the terminal, which had a nice terrace overlooking the estuary. There was enough time for a cup of tea before being called forward down a long covered boarding tunnel and up into the side of the ship. A few flights of steep stairs soon had me lounging on the sun deck watching the boats pass by as we crossed the Solent. Wight Link busy that day with 3 ferries plying the route

Boats in the Solent by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The 35 minute crossing passed quickly in fantastic weather and soon had me on the Isle of Wight. As I had some time to kill before my bus I took a stroll around Yarmouth. It is a small, pretty little town with stone built houses and narrow streets which grew up around the caste and harbour at the mouth of the River Yar. The Castle was built in 1547 by Henry VIII to protect the Isle of Wight from French Raids and offers a great view back across the Solent to the mainland

Yarmouth Castle by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

After buying a £10 all day bus rover ticket, which offered really good value and would be a great way to see more of the island, it was soon time for me to board the Southern Vectis No.7 service to Newport, the largest town on the island. A clean, bright, modern and comfortable green bus arrived and following a pleasant trip through the rural central highlands of the island we arrived at our destination. I would have to change at the main bus station and the time between buses allowed me to get some before boarding the No. 9 bus that took me to Wooton.

Here I boarded the Isle of Wight Steam Railway which is a 5 ½ preserved line passing through unspoilt countryside. The railway runs from Wooton through Havenstreet and Ashey to a joint station with the island line at Smallbrook Junction.

Isle of Wight steam railway by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The station at Wooton, opened in May 2012, is a recreation of a quiet Edwardian country terminus in the style of the Isle of Wight Central Railway. The line itself is very pleasant and relaxed and is based around an HQ at Havenstreet which includes the main station, works and depot. With only one train in steam at the time of my visit the depot yard was full of locomotives being prepared and displayed a good cross section of locomotives once found on the island

Isle of Wight steam railway by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

After a relaxing rest in the sun Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST NO.WD192 “Waggoner” soon chuffed into view with a rake of period coaches and after a swift run round was ready to depart with the 14:33 train to Smallbrook Junction. I travelled in a nine compartment third class carriage built in 1916 and transferred to the Isle of Wight in 1936 and I had the whole compartment to myself for the entire journey.

Isle of Wight steam railway by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

After a half hour journey the train was soon pulling into Smallbrook Junction which was constructed as typical Southern Railway countryside junction station. This is a joint station with two platforms connected by a ramp. The lower of the serves the island line. SWT only call here when the steam railway is in use.

Isle of Wight steam railway by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

After a short wait perhaps the most bizarre sight on the 21st century UK rail network hove into view – a former London Underground 1938 built Class 483 tube train. These almost 80 year old trains are still in daily use with South West Trains on the 8½ mile long Island Line between Ryde Pier Head & Shanklin.

Smallbrook Junction by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

 

[Welshman]

Thank you for a very informative report.
I look-forward to the sequels.

 

[Techniquest]

Most enjoyed the read so far, and it sounds like it's been a great trip already! Looking forward to the rest of it in due course

 

[Blindtraveler]

agreed. Are Cabbys in MK really that bad? Are discounts on the whitelink crossing available with the ALR? Looking forward to the next bits!

 

[DarloRich]

483126 was in charge of the 1515 service which I took from Smallbrook Junction to Shanklin. Travelling on such this train was strange indeed! Inside there is a mixture of comfortable paired, well sprung fore and aft and longitudinal seating covered in a blue and purple moquette which nicely offsets the internal wooden panelling and maroon livery. Interesting only the rear car of the 2 car unit was in passenger use with the guard operating the door panel at the rear before doing ticket checks. Sadly the ride on these displaced underground units was very rocky indeed. As an aside , how is the track maintained and materials delivered to the island?

Shanklin by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

A swift run soon had us at the 1864 built single platform Island line terminus of Shanklin. There was a few minutes turn around time allowing me to grab a drink from the small station kiosk before I boarded the same unit as previously which was now forming the 1538 service to Ryde Pier Head.

Shanklin by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The journey between the 8 stations along the island line takes about 25 minutes and has a very relaxed laid back feel. The loadings on a Sunday were light but people got on an off at all stations. The busiest stations are Ryde, Shanklin and Sandwon while the former junction station and signal box at Brading has been turned into a heritage centre.
The end of this journey was certainly the oddest station I have been to in this country; Ryde Pier Head.

Ryde Pier Head by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Ryde Pier was constructed in the early 19th century and it is the oldest seaside pier in Britain and is now grade II listed. It carries foot, vehicle and train passengers to the pier head landing point for the ferry service to the main land. There are wooden decking planks lain across an iron super structure, although originally it was constructed entirely of timber. There are, in fact, three piers joined together. One is used by the island line, the middle is now partially dismantled (but was used by trams until 1969) whilst the original Victorian pier is used by foot and vehicle passengers to reach the end of the pier. This has to be the only place you can take an underground train to a station in the sea!

Ryde Pier Head by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

From here I took the WightLink high speed catamaran Wight Rider II across the Solent to Portsmouth harbour. The ferry was full and the only space I could find was on the sun deck but we quickly cut our way though the Solent shipping traffic and berthed early at Portsmouth Harbour. The plan here was to take a southern service to Brighton and travel up to London that way but after about 5 minutes on 377147 hunger and comfort got the better of me and I bailed out at Fratton to catch 377432 back to the harbour.

Ryde Pier Head by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

After sourcing some grub I boarded the 1748 South West Trains service, formed of 444014 and 444041, to Waterloo which I took as far as Guildford. The first class section was quiet and empty and whilst the trains seemed to stop at everywhere the stations themselves were smart and well kept although the running seemed slow perhaps to keeps us to an on time arrival at Guildford.

 

[Kite159]

You must have been on the Porstmouth to London stopper, which is rather slow (as to be expected from a stopper).

Good pictures and a good read so far

 

[DarloRich]

agreed. Are Cabbys in MK really that bad? Are discounts on the whitelink crossing available with the ALR? Looking forward to the next bits!

yes they are! That was generous
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

You must have been on the Porstmouth to London stopper, which is rather slow (as to be expected from a stopper).

Guess so but it let me unwind for a bit!

 

[Kite159]

At least it was a 444 not a 450

 

[Blindtraveler]

beat me to it mate, was about to say the same. If that had been me Id have stayed with the 377 as much prefer them. So, where next then?

 

[DarloRich]

An hour to kill at a rather dull Guildford station on a Sunday evening is a task to say the least! I had to waste time waiting for the 1952 First Great Western service to Reading via the North Downs Line.

This service, from Gatwick, was formed of a tatty 166201 which was in need of an interior refresh. The train was fairly full with a number of military looking types who alighted at North Camp or Sandhurst. The 50 minute journey was fairly tedious not helped by the hard narrow seats and the gratuitous umch umch umch merchant joining me for most of the trip to Reading

Guildford by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The newly rebuilt station, the third busiest interchange outside of London, has changed beyond all recognition with 5 new platforms and much better passenger facilities. I was hoping to catch the 20:59 FGW service to Paddington but it was delayed on its journey up from the south west so I had some time to explore the new station. Eventually, at 21:22, 43097 “Environment Agency” rolled into the station hauling a very full service towards the capital

Reading by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Despite the late arrival the run into London was brisk and we were soon pulling into the wonderful terminus of the Great Western Railway at Paddington which was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel (with assistance from Matthew Digby Wyatt) in 1864.

The station comprises a train shed of three barrel vaults of clear arch construction with a glazed roof supported by columns, ribs and ornamentation made of wrought iron. The fourth span looks similar but is constructed of steel. The roof is 699 feet long and 102 ft high at the highest point. It is without doubt one of the most splendid stations in the UK. It is also one of the busiest!

Paddington by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

With some time before the Night Riviera sleeping train was ready for boarding I made my way to the first class lounge to relax and enjoy some refreshments. The comfortable lounge is split into two parts; a modern open plan, minimalist, business centre and a historic part that offers a quiet, secluded area with soft comfortable leather arm chairs and sofas in what was once Queen Victoria’s waiting room. While the train was serviced I enjoyed a couple of very large complimentary glasses of white wine and a few snacks and importantly charged my phone before being called to board the train.

Paddington by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Paddington by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Great Western liveried 57604 “Pendennis Castle” had brought in the empty stock and was sat at the buffer stops waiting for more work. Seemingly it was trusted with a long trip to Cornwall as Network Rail liveried 57305 was provided as motive power for the 23:45 service to Penzance.

Paddington by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

This First Great Western train is one of the 3 remaining overnight sleeper trains in the country and is a fantastic way to travel. The sleeper compartments (berths) are cosy if small. The same room is offered regardless of the class of ticket you hold but they are set out differently. A standard berth is set out with upper & lower bunks (meaning you may have to share) while a first class ticket guarantees privacy with just the lower bunk set out for use. The beds come with a surprisingly warm duvet, clean sheets & decent pillows. Soap, towel and a small bottle of mineral water are provided for each passenger along with a washbasin with hot & cold running water. The rooms are not en suite. Instead toilets are provided at the end of each sleeping-car. Once slight issue is that there are no plugs on the train to charge up your phone or device so make sure you have a full charge before boarding!

The Night Riviera by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The lounge car on the Night Riviera is a standard MKIII first class carriage with all the seats around tables. The attendants will happily sell you drinks and light snacks from the buffet before you retire for the evening. In the morning the steward will bring you a tray with tea or coffee, fruit juice and a croissant with jam to help you wake up with a view of the Cornwall at your window.

The Night Riviera by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The Night Riviera - As seen in Explore! by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

St Germans by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

 

[Techniquest]

Another fascinating section of the trip report there, enjoying it muchly Only a couple of comments at the moment (for once I'm on a laptop not my phone so I can reply easily!):

The 483s, in my book - NREA 2012 - at least, are 483002, 483004 etc, so you would have got 483006.

You had the same loco as I did on the steam railway during my 2012 visit I see, but I didn't think much of the steam railway personally.

444s on Portsmouth to Waterloo services is unusual these days in my experience, compared to my first trip up that line in 2005 when it was 444s and nothing else. I've since had 450s up that way from Havant to Guildford, the experience is not even remotely the same!

57305 looks so very different to when I last had it in Virgin livery, that's for sure!

Looking forward to the rest of your trip report, even though I won't have a chance until next Sunday to read it anyway!

 

[Kite159]

Makes me want to do the Night Riviera at some-point.

Sounds like you are having a blast so far

 

[DarloRich]

Sorry about the delay in finishing this all off - had a few family issues to attend to and crazy work loads. Hope to get back to it all this week

 

[Bodiddly]

A tip for anyone using either the Caledonian or Night Riviera sleepers. Take a euro conversion plug (£1 from any poundland) for charging phone and tablets from the shaving socket (240v side) although you will still need your 3 pin charging cable to plug in with. Works a treat!

 

[Techniquest]

A tip for anyone using either the Caledonian or Night Riviera sleepers. Take a euro conversion plug (£1 from any poundland) for charging phone and tablets from the shaving socket (240v side) although you will still need your 3 pin charging cable to plug in with. Works a treat!

Ooh that's going to be worth a try next week...

DarloRich: Fair enough that, I know only too well how difficult it can be to get trip reports done with life issues!

 

[DarloRich]

A tip for anyone using either the Caledonian or Night Riviera sleepers. Take a euro conversion plug (£1 from any poundland) for charging phone and tablets from the shaving socket (240v side) although you will still need your 3 pin charging cable to plug in with. Works a treat!

that was going to be my top tip but as i couldn't find the bloody adapter in the shops i wasn't sure it would safely work!

 

[Blindtraveler]

Ooh that's going to be worth a try next week...

Next week? are your headed my way?

 

[Techniquest]

I am indeed blindtraveler, although I'm on the seats so the tip regarding chargers won't apply to me.

I'll PM you asap and let you know what's going on

 

[Blindtraveler]

I am indeed blindtraveler, although I'm on the seats so the tip regarding chargers won't apply to me.

I'll PM you asap and let you know what's going on

Look forward to it, if your stuck for accom, do let me know! Hope youve got ear plugs and a large whisky for the Caly Insomnia. If memory serves, theres 240v shaving points in the 2 toilets in the MK2 SEATED coach↲

 

[Techniquest]

I am indeed blindtraveler, although I'm on the seats so the tip regarding chargers won't apply to me.

I'll PM you asap and let you know what's going on

Look forward to it, if your stuck for accom, do let me know! Hope youve got ear plugs and a large whisky for the Caly Insomnia. If memory serves, theres 240v shaving points in the 2 toilets in the MK2 SEATED coach↲

Got my accommodation sorted and other overnight travel done, will detail it more in the PM when I can get on the laptop (far easier to do then than it is on my phone!)

 

[Kite159]

The tram seats are not that comfortable in Edinburgh (and being 'leather' in non AC units, I can see them getting quite warm during summer months)

 

[DarloRich]

Rover Report day 2

Day two of my rover began with me waking up somewhere near St Germans after a good nights rest as the sleeper ploughed its way south and west from Paddington. Despite waking early the steward quickly responded to my bell call with a welcome cup of tea and a bacon roll. I ate my breakfast watching the world go by from the comfort of my berth before moving along to the lounge car for the rest of the journey.

Reading by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The morning papers were set out and I relaxed with a copy of the Times and more tea as we trundled through Cornwall. As it passes through Kernow the sleeper becomes a normal service train and stops regularly to collect school children and commuters going about their business. It beats a crowded London Midland 350 into Euston as a way of getting to work!

Penzance by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

There are 10 stops between Plymouth and Penzance and while progress was leisurely 57305 did a good job upfront and time keeping was pretty good. The stations served have evocative names of summer holidays gone by and rural branch lines; Liskeard, Par, St Erth

Penzance by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

I changed my plans on the journey down and, on the advice of the on train stewards, hoped to make the crossing to the Isles of Scilly. Sadly on reaching Penzance RMV Scillonian III was already standing out into the bay having sailed early. (Did you know this is one of only 4 ships still entitled to carry the designation RMS?)

Penzance by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

This gave me some time to explore the local area as the first train north (east?) was not for some time. Penzance station was opened in 1852 with the current solid stone built buildings erected in 1879. Consisting of 4 platforms, 3 under the short overall roof with the 4th in the open air marked with a large stone at the head of the platform welcoming you to Penzance in English and Cornish. Its platforms are squeezed into a space between the sea wall and a hill side and are served by a single line from the evocatively named Single Line Junction just before Long Rock depot!

(Did you know that while Penzance is the most southerly station in the UK it is not the most Western? That accolade is held by Arisaig on the West Highland Line in Scotland!)

Penzance by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

While waiting for my train I took a turn along the sea wall outside the station which offered fantastic views of St Michaels Mount and fell into conversation with a local fisherman who gave me a fascinating potted history of Cornish transport links with the rest of the country illustrating how isolated the county was and therefore how deserving it was of independence. Unfortunately, my need to catch a train cut short this illuminating discussion and quickened my step to the station!

Penzance by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

On arrival I found the 10:00 departure to Paddington, formed by a First Great Western HST set powered by 43030 and 43025, burbling away in platform 4. This is one of a number of FGW services to carry a name and is called “The Cornishman”. It is also a Pullman service with a travelling chef boarding at Plymouth.

Penzance by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Sadly the pleasant first class ambiance was ruined by a fabulously miserable buffet steward who steadfastly refused to believe that someone such as I was a suitable person to be conveyed within a first class railway carriage and that furthermore even if I were a suitable person my ticket wasn’t actually valid for such a service! We had a chat about this for a few minutes and we decided that I was right and that my ticket was valid after all.

Truro by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

We rolled out of Penzance after a right time departure and the large windows gave me a fantastic view of both St Michaels Mount and Truro Cathedral. The Cornish main line feels at times as through it is in a time warp in places. This is feeling is enhanced by passing through pleasant rural countryside in a relaxed fashion, over solid stone viaducts and under semaphore signals. This image was confirmed at Bodmin where a tank engine was waiting for passengers from the London train and was ready to haul a short train towards Boscarne Junction!

Bodmin Parkway by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

 

[DarloRich]

As the train trundled its way through Cornwall I was able to sit back and enjoy the view. There are a fantastic number of viaducts on this section of the route and wonderful rolling countryside with the odd glimpse of the sea. On approach to Saltash station I was able to stick my head out of the window and appreciate one of the great structures of our railway network; The Royal Albert Bridge.

Plymouth by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Spanning the River Tamar and crossing the divide between Devon and Cornwall this fantastic bridge was designed by Ismabard Kingdom Brunel to help carry the burgeoning railway network ever west wards.

Surveying started in 1848 and construction commenced in 1854. The first main span was positioned in 1857 and the completed bridge was opened by Prince Albert on 2 May 1859.

This fabulous monument, in wrought iron and stone, to the pioneering Victorian railway engineers has a unique design consisting of two 455 feet lenticular iron trusses standing on stone pillars 100 feet above the water, with conventional plate-girder approach spans. This gives it a total length of 2,187.5 feet and a total height of 172 feet carrying a single railway line over the river

Plymouth by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The unique design was forced on Brunel as the Admiralty, responsible for the river below the bridge, insisted on no more than one pillar in the navigable river and stipulated a height limit to ensure shipping could access the naval base up stream at all times of the year. Due to rising costs he was forced to settle for a bridge that could carry just a single line across the river.

Sadly, Brunel died in the same year as his bridge opened and his name was then placed above the portals at either end of the bridge as a mark of respect. The bridge is a grade 1 listed structure and recently the 155 year old bridge has undergone a 3 year £10m refurbishment.

Plymouth by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

After crossing the Tamar Valley line and passing Devonport Naval Dockyards the train rolled into Plymouth station where a crew change took place. Here we said good bye to the fabulously grumpy steward and hello to a much nicer crew! Sadly, lunch was only available from Newton Abbot so the new crew offered me a platter of sandwiches, tea and cake to fortify me in lieu of luncheon. On the left was the Cross Country train I intended to take to Bristol but I elected to stay on the FGW train and enjoy a run along the south Devon coast to Exeter.

However, in the space of those 30 odd miles between Plymouth & Newton Abbot are the third, fourth and seventh steepest inclines on the railway network, collectively known as the South Devon Banks. They were a formidable challenge in the days of steam and are so steep that even today an HST working on one power car is forbidden from making the journey. Despite being nearly 40 years old both power cars sounded in fine fettle and conquered the three banks easily. At Totnes David Dimbleby joined the train and sat opposite me until he was called into the restaurant carriage for lunch.

In a short period of time we found ourselves weaving in and out of tunnels cut through the red sandstone cliffs and running alongside the magnificent sea wall at Dawlish. Built in sections in 1846 by the South Devon Railway, originally as an atmospheric railway, the line here runs for 13 miles check by jowl with the sea and the Exe estuary. It is a beautiful and well known stretch of line but also vulnerable to assault by Mother Nature.

Teignmouth/Dawlish by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The sea wall of the coast-hugging line at Dawlish was breached by storms on 5 February, leaving the track dangling in mid-air.Repair work was under way before being hampered by another severe storm on the night of February 14 when huge waves damaged a line of shipping containers forming a breakwater and punched a new hole in the sea wall.

Hole in the wall by Teignstu, on Flickr (not my picture)

End of line.. by Ollie_57/Mainly off, on Flickr (not my picture)

In total the two storms that struck the area destroyed around 100m of sea wall and caused a significant stretch of railway to collapse into the sea, Dawlish station was severely damaged along with the housing adjacent to the line. The destruction meant that towns west of Exeter were cut off from the rest of the railway network for 8 weeks.

2014-02-23_13-58-52-7D-3962-ewf by mark@langstone, on Flickr (not my picture)

The scale of the works undertaken by the 300 strong orange army of fluorescent clad engineers who worked around the clock for two months in often-appalling weather conditions to rebuild the line were mammoth:

A temporary sea wall was created from 18 shipping containers welded together to protect engineers as they worked to repair the breach in the sea wall. The breach was then repaired and strengthened with more than 6,000 tonnes of concrete and 150 tonnes of steel, 25,000 tonnes of collapsed cliff had to be removed along with hundreds of tonnes of debris while 600m of parapet wall repaired. More than 13 miles of new cable had to be installed, a temporary signalling system designed and installed, Dawlish station repaired, the platform rebuilt and over 700m of track and ballast replaced. Finally the sea wall was repaired with the original stones, the walk way along the seaward side and the road on the land side of the sea wall were rebuilt and the full signalling system repaired and reconnected. Oh and a main communication cable from the UK to the USA was repaired at the same time!

Teignmouth/Dawlish by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

After a swift run along the river Exe we were soon pulling into Exeter St David’s where I left my FGW train. I had a few minutes to kill until the 1324 Cross Country service, formed of another HST, arrived so I wandered around the station watched the depot staff shunt some units and 150’s shuffle off up the hill to central

Exeter St Davids by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Within no time 43378 and 43303 rolled into the station and took me off to Bristol Parkway. I was met by a very friendly hostess who immediately offered me team from a big tea pot, cakes and sandwiches. The carriage was quiet and really comfortable and miles away from the experience of travelling in cattle class on one of the Cross Country voyagers. At Taunton loads of Glastonbury types boarded the train cramming second class but first remained peaceful.

Bristol Parkway by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

I alighted at Bristol Parkway and had about half an hour to fill before my train to Cardiff.

 

[Blindtraveler]

For one horrid moment I thought you were about to tell us youd scored a Voyager, and thought to myself no why would he do that? Such a waist. However I then remembered the 2 lunchtime ones of Plymouth are HSTs. Great wee report that, lots of history that I never knew so thanks!↲

 

[DarloRich]

For one horrid moment I thought you were about to tell us youd scored a Voyager, and thought to myself no why would he do that? Such a waist. However I then remembered the 2 lunchtime ones of Plymouth are HSTs. Great wee report that, lots of history that I never knew so thanks!↲

No voyagers for me unless there is no other way! Lots more report to come

 

[Techniquest]

Glad to hear more is to come

Just reading this is making me really keen to do a First Class ALR!

 

[DarloRich]

I alighted at Bristol Parkway and had about half an hour to fill before my train to Cardiff. The station has changed a little since my last visit about 10 years ago. A new platform as been created, the concourse has been spruced up and where once a Royal Mail terminal stood there is now a Network Rail training school, however it is still a soul destroying place which feels very lonely.

Bristol Parkway by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

I was very pleased to see the 1509 service to Cardiff Central round the bend. This was the second FGW HST of the day and was formed of 43378 at the front of a rake of mark 3 coaches with 43303 brining up the rear. The train was quiet and we made rapid progress towards Wales. However in order to reach the principality our train had to traverse the 4 mile 624 yard long, steeply graded, Severn Tunnel.

Construction started on this subterranean masterpiece in 1873 but it took 14 years to force the tunnel under the 2 ¼ mile wide estuary and to develop the means of pumping the tunnel dry and it was not until December 1886 that services ran. Today service speed through the tunnel at 75 mph but few people will know that the pumps have to run constantly to shifting on average 15,000 gallons per minute which means they pump out 10 million gallons of water a day! It has been calculated that if the pumps didn’t run it would take just 26 minutes to completely flood the tunnel. The majority of the water comes not from the river, but from underground springs and it is directed into a mid track culvert which runs the length of the tunnel to the pumping station at Sudbrook where it is evacuated – I understand that a great deal of this water ends up being used to brew Budwiser at a nearby brewery!

Cardiff Central Station - As seen in Explore!!!!!!!!! by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

After bursting out of the darkness of the tunnel and into Wales we were soon running into Newport where our train stopped before heading on to Cardiff Central, which we reached on time. I left the train here and was confronted by the vast Brains Brewery which almost derailed me! Somehow resisting a pint I jumped onto 150231 in the adjoining platform for the short journey along the elevated track to Cardiff Queen Street where I changed for the 16:12 service to Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Bay by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The journey along the 1 mile 6 ch Bluetown Branch is very short and until recently used to be operated by a veteran class 121 unit. Today the service was in the hands of a very smart 153327 which shuttled up and down the line in 2 minutes and so I was quickly back at the busy Queen Street station where lots of trains were coming and going. Swiftly 150242 pulled into the station to ferry me back to Central where I had some time to explore before my next train. Perversely I had hoped to be ferried around on one of the class 143 units which, like me, are north east exiles!

Cardiff Central by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Cardiff Central is the chief station of 20 (!) in Cardiff and the busiest in Wales and was used last year by 11.638m people. The current grade II listed station were rebuilt in Portland stone by the GWR between 1932 and 1934 in an art deco style. These fabulous buildings replaced the original buildings which dated from 1850. It was Brunel ( him again!) who made the site of the station feasible by diverting the course of the nearby River Taff westwards thus reducing the risk of flooding and allowing the railway into Cardiff.

Cardiff Central Station by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

After exploring the station area I visited the first class lounge but it was small and very busy so I helped myself to some free refreshments and spent some time watching the world go by filling in time until my appointment with Gerald.

Cardiff Central Station by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

This would be one of the highlights of the trip – a proper train with a proper restaurant car serving proper food created by a proper travelling chef on a service passing some through some fantastic scenery on a journey from one corner of Wales to the other. It certainly lived up to its billing as the “Premier Service”! Y Gerallt Gymro (Gerald of Wales), or to some the WAG express, is more prosaically known as the 17:16 Arriva Trains Wales service from Cardiff Central to Holyhead. This is a service beyond the Arriva franchise requirements and run under a separate contract to the Welsh Government. The more cynical amongst you may suggest it is run entirely FOR the benefit of the Welsh Government but I couldn’t possibly comment.

Cardiff Central by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The brainchild of Ieuan Wyn Jones, former deputy first minister of Wales , transport minister and assembly member for Anglesey (all becomes clear ) this service is designed to improve communications and offers the fastest route, in 4 hours and 17 minutes, between north and south Wales. Von Ieuans express is dogged by controversy being a bete noire of the Conservatives who complain bitterly about the £2.69m yearly subsidy and the fact that, on average, only 8 passengers travel the route in first class every day. I am not sure this was what Gladstone had in mind when he introduced parliamentary trains in 1844 but this 21st century version of the parliamentary train is rather pleasant – Perhaps the issue is that it doesn’t serve the Conservative constituencies so they don’t get to travel?

Cardiff Central by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Using this train is like stepping into a different world. I was met by a hostess on boarding the train and shown to a large, comfortable, spacious seat and offered a cup of tea. There were 4 other people in the carriage, one of whom immediately started reading government papers taken from his red box, the other 3 were bashers. So a below average crowd then on my journey!

The tables were already set for dinner, with a crisp white table cloth and spotlessly clean crockery and cutlery. On the tables were fresh flowers is vases and a menu offering a 3 course meal with three choices per course along with a wine list, spirits and beers! Everything was terribly civilised and a far cry from the usual hassles of standard class travel – it was more like an ocean liner than a train journey such was the level of attention and pampering.

Cardiff Central by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

Everything on the menu is cooked freshly to order using as many Welsh ingredients as possible with the choices changing on a regular basis. The food and soft drinks are covered by the ticket price and I understand you can pay an upgrade forom Standard class to have a meal. Alcohol is charged additionally but was not overly expensive as I washed my meal down with 4 bottles of Welsh ale which cost me £11.40.

Cardiff Central by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

67001 powered the short formation, of 3 standard and 1 first class/restaurant carriage from the rear while DVT 82308 led the train away from the Welsh capital bang on time at 17:16. My order was taken before we reached the evocatively named Wentloog Freightliner terminal and the first beer of the day was served, in a proper glass, as we reached Newport.

For my starter I chose grilled peppered mackerel served with a horseradish cream dressing, rocket salad, a bread roll and Welsh butter. My first course was served as the train pulled away from a stop at Abergavenny and was very well cooked. The fish was soft and plump and fell of the bone in large chunks and tasted really good. The cream dressing had the right balance of velvety smooth cream and fire from the horseradish while the salad was very fresh.

Cardiff Central by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

I was served my main course of pot roasted saltmarsh Welsh shoulder of lamb, Savoy cabbage with peas and bacon, root vegetable mash and lava bread sauce as we passed Pontrilas Signal Box. It was stunningly good. The meat was superbly cooked; soft, tender and lean while the sauce had a fantastic flavour that added to the dish. The mash was wonderfully tasty and the cabbage perfectly prepared and served.

Cardiff Central by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

The desert I chose was Crème Brule with chocolate shortbread which was served at Ludlow. Sadly this was the weakest dish of the trio being merely very good but it was still very enjoyable and better than anything I expected.

Cardiff Central by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

So engrossed was I with my meal that I did not appreciate that we had crossed the border and that for long periods this Welsh train runs in England and serves Hereford, Shrewsbury and Chester. The scenery along this route is varied ranging from the cityscape of Cardiff through the industrial remains of south Wales via the hills of the Marches, the fields of Shropshire and Herefordshire and on to the coastline of North Wales. It really is a joy to speed along in such comfort, enjoying such wonderful scenery while being served a delicious meal.

At Chester the train reversed, most of the passengers left us and I was alone in the carriage. The staff came out to say they closed up at Rhyl but would stay open to keep me company. This was very good service at the end of what they told me was a 16 hour day! I was worried that my plan to get the train back from Holyhead to Chester in the morning would mean no cooked breakfast but the staff rang the chef and asked him to start cooking early. You don’t get that on Virgin!

North Wales by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

We ran along the north Wales coast at sunset and the views over the sea and beaches were picturesque while the sight of the sun setting out to sea and offering a vivid red/orange glow as it sank beneath the horizon was stunning. It was a fantastic sight and something to remember as we pulled into the terminus of our journey at Holyhead.

Holyhead by DarloRich2009, on Flickr

 

[causton]

So gutted I've had to cancel my first class ALR, which included a trip on the WAG Express...

...as I now start a new job halfway through!

As soon as I get a chance I will rebook my week off, it looks absolutely amazing. Done the WAG express in Standard and it was nice enough (but running very late!)