D841 Roebuck
Established Member
I've rediscovered my notebook for this trip, so may as well do a very belated write up!
The idea for the ALR was to cover a few diesel galas, scratch some track in, cover loco hauled workings on NR and generally enjoy myself.
Day 1 - Sunday 19/9/10.
No early trains from Castleton, so got a taxi to Manchester (the driver was a neighbour who was somewhat bemused at seeing me at 7.30am!)
Bought the ALR at Piccadilly and then checked out my train times. I firstly nipped down to Stockport on 170309 (thought it might be a winner, but wasn't when I checked) then settled down on 221119 at 0936 for the long run to Guildford. The route was via Stoke, Wolves and Coventry, and the most exciting thing en route was tank engine 1361 chuffing about Didcot Railway Centre. The first new track of the trip was entered at Wokingham Jc, the line from here to Guildford being required.
Now time for some EMUs - 455715 on the 1327 to Woking, then 450100 onwards to Alton. A rover ticket was purchased here, and 51363+51405, 34007, 92212, 73096, 33053, 53808, 37905 and 205025 (all winners except the Standard 5) were sampled. The "thumper" was particularly enjoyable uphill, as I recall.
Returning to NR, I took 450089 as far as Aldershot on the 1915, changing here for 450041 on the 1948 to Guildford, via the required curve to Ash. At Guildford, I took the 2020 to Waterloo via Epsom and Worcester Park (new track as far as Raynes Park) then the Bakerloo line (3461) up to Paddington.
At Paddington, I booked a berth on the sleeper, then got myself supper at the adjacent McDonald's. The day ended with me settling down behind 57605 for the long trip West.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 2 - Monday 20/09
My first memory of this Monday is waking up in the middle of the night on a stationary train. Ilooked out of the window, expecting to be at Exeter, to see Yeovil Junction. Bonus - Yeovil Pen Mill to Junction scratched! Getting my head down again, I woke at Truro, had breakfast, decamped from the train at Penzance and - hobbit fashion - had second breakfast at the excellent cafe at the station.
Today was to be a track bashing day, so I started by a quick leap to St Erth on 220009 on the 0940 to points North. I'd visited the town of St Ives before, so contented myself with going straight in and out to score the track, 150243 being the steed. Back at St Erth, recent Midlands refugee 150127 appeared to trundle me to Par, and the second branch of the day.
I enjoyed the Newquay line, particularly its twisty nature, and when deposited there by 153382 had a walk into town for some lunch. I found a decent pub and sat in the beer-garden watching some surfers doing their best with some rather feeble looking waves. Returning to the station, a rather efficient queuing system was in operation and a full ticket check took place before departure back to Par on the same 153.
Back at Par, 150247 was provided for the 1552 to Liskeard. 153361, a former regular on my commute to Manchester, was on branch duties. This was another pleasant trip, with nice views of the river and a decent pub at Looe to while away time before the return trip.
At this point I decided my plan for the next day, so headed East from Liskeard at 1912 (43036+43155), intending to intercept the down sleeper at Reading. I hadn't realised we were routed via Bristol, so left the train at Didcot for a qick spin down to Reading on 166216. Supper (a mediocre kebab) was obtained here before returning to the station to await the sleeper.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 3 - Tuesday 21st
At 00:37, 57602 duly appeared on the sleeper. No berth tonight, I was only going to Exeter. A cold fester here, before catching 159010 on the 05:10 to Salisbury (new track for me beyond Yeovil Junction). Changing here, 158950 appeared on a heavily used 07:19 to Bristol.
Now for some scooping. 67019 was taken to Stapleton Road, then a round trip to Severn Beach (more new track) on 143618. Apparently, this branch is quite scenic in the gorge area, but I slept through this bit in both directions! Returning to Bristol, 143611 reached a respectable speed on the 11:21 to Cardiff.
I now had time for a minor track bash before chasing locos. So 143607 was taken to Coryton (new track beyond Birchgrove) for a short walk which sourced some chocolate from the local shop and then 142074 back to Central. Spin and win time commenced with 67020 to Bristol for 67028 back as far as Newport. I alighted here to view the WAGEX, but this was un required 57315, so I continued to Cardiff (43086+43037), back to Filton Abbey Wood (67026), on to Parkway (150238) and then straight back to Manchester on the 18:10 (220023). Trams1006/1021 and 158906 successfully return me to Castleton before closing time...
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 4 - Wednesday 22nd
A late start saw me heading to Manchester at 13:07 (150275). Tram 1004 to Piccadily, and I settled down on 390051 for a fast run to Milton Keynes on the 14:15. A bit of a wait here, watching the busy services heading through, then a short hop to Bletchley on 377202. Another wait here in the sunshine was followed by a trundle to Bedford on 153354. I hadn't previously realised how dull this line was, or how closely it parallels the MML. Still, the line was scratched...
At Bedford, failure to check my records resulted in my taking one of the half-dozen 319s I'd had before (429 to St Albans City. A pleasant walk, via a pint, brought me to the Abbey station in plenty of time to catch 321412 on the 19:12 to Watford Jc. The walk across to the main platforms here reminded me of The Crystal Maze with its twists and turns - not sure the programme had a Portakabin Zone, though! 350245 whisked me to Euston for a quick supper.
I then indulged my sleeper fetish again, heading for Inverness behind 90019.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 5 - Thursday 23rd.
For some reason I found the Caledonian sleeper less comfortable than its Western cousin. I certainly took longer to get to sleep, although once there I stayed there. I eventually woke at Newtonmore, and partook of breakfast on the ride down to Inverness, where I discovered 67007 had supplied power from Edinburgh.
Here, I changed plans. I was originally going to go to Wick, but realised this would inevitably involve 3 consecutive nights on the sleepers, so wimped out. Instead, I headed back to Aviemore (170416) and had a round trip to Broomhill behind a highly polished CR828 on the Strathspey Railway (very pleasant and friendly place, and new track to boot). I then enjoyed a fish & chip lunch before the long trip back to Edinburgh on 170455.
Time for a bit more loco scooping here (67021 to Haymarket, 67009 to South Gyle, 170396 back to Waverley) then homeward bound on 185132 (surprisingly comfortable for a long journey) to Bolton, 150139 and 158844 returning me to Castleton for a good night's sleep.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 6 - Friday 24th
Too good a night's sleep! I woke at 1pm so, discarding Plan A (I now can't remember what this was) I headed for Brighouse on the 14:16 (144016). Time for a beer here, then off to King's Cross on the 15:47 (180101). These units are most comfortable, and the staff on the train seemed to be enjoying their jobs as well as being good at them.
Time to score some track now, so I decamped next door to St Pancras for a speedy ride to Ashford on (the annoyingly un required) 395018. Then some new track, trundling through the marshes in the dark on a very wedged (and annoyingly bogless) 171721 on the 19:38 to Hastings. Here, I sought relief and a smoke break.
Back to the station and more new track (as far as Tunbridge Wells) on the 20:50 to Charing Cross. Here, I spent for ever trying to find the Bakerloo line before heading off on 4542 to Paddington, for the familiar McDonald's and book berth move. I'd heard that 57604 (the only one I now required) was allocated to the sleeper, and was not disappointed!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 7 - Saturday 26th
A gala visit was planned today, but first it was time to clear the remaining Cornish branch (if any attentive readers are wondering at this point, I'd visited Gunnislake in 2007!) So I left the sleeper at Truro and rode through the morning sun to Falmouth Docks (153305 out, 153382 back after a fag break. Then a quick trip back to Bodmin Parkway with 43145+43035.
The BWR were having a diesel gala that day, and I'd not visited the line before so a pleasant couple of hours were spent with 50980+52054, 50042, 33110 and 47306, and an excellent bacon butty consumed at Bodmin General. Back to the main line, and 43143+43179 took me to Plymouth.
Here, the plan was to go across to the Plym Valley Railway, but I couldn't locate the bus link. So I settled for watching 60163 Tornado arriving on a rail tour (first time I'd seen it) then headed Londonwards on 43087+43130. I was now running ahead of myself, so decided to get to my overnight accommodation in East London (no, not the one in South Africa) via Network Rail metals. So I left the train at Reading.
At first, things went well. 458018 started trundling me competently towards my destination. However nemesis arrived at Ascot. There was presumably a race meeting that day, because the train filled up with drunken braying suits accompanied by variously aged mutton-dressed-as-lamb. The journey onwards was vile, so I abandoned half-formed thoughts of working my way to New Cross and baled out at Richmond.
After a break, I entered another test - this time of endurance whilst travelling sideways. 378022 was taken on the North London Line to Stratford. (New track from Gunnersbury to Willesden Jc.) What seemed like several hours later, I staggered across to 315803 for the short ride to Ilford, and a Travelodge/curry.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 8 - Sunday 27th
Another day, another gala. Today's being at the Mid Norfolk Railway.
A reasonably early start sees me heading for Liverpool Street on the 07:57 from Ilford (315845). Then some new track from Bethnal Green to Cambridge, with 317658 doing the honours through the drizzle. On to Ely with 365541 and Wymondham with 170202. Then a walk a ross town to the Abbey station, and a gala with a difference.
The difference being the variety of motive power on offer. Basically Class 37s. Ten of them.
Some hours and several beers later, and back at the main line, 170270 restores some sanity to proceedings by taking me to Norwich and another travelodge.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 9 - (Just another manic) Monday 28th
A start from Norwich at a civilized hour. I recall letting one London train go in favour of required 90010 on the 09:00. This was taken to Manningtree (brand new 70001 being noted en route) on new track beyond Ipswich, and an excellent coffee was had at the buffet.at the latter.
Plan for the day was branches, so next on the agenda was a trip to Harwich and back down to Colchester with 360105. Most of Harwich seemed to be devoted to half built wind turbines, and it looked a thoroughly depressing place. At Colchester, the next branch was that to Walton. This was covered on 321365, via Colchester Town.
And then I lost my appetite for the trip. Thoughts of visiting Clacton, Sudbury and Braintree repelled me. So I had a mooch round Walton instead - a quiet, friendly place. Then I headed for home. 321359 took me to Thorpe-le-Soken, where I connected with 360121 on the fast London train.
Approaching the capital, my spirits revived and I decided to take a convoluted route to Euston. I bailed off the train at Stratford and headed for Dalston Kingsland Road on 378006. Walking across to Dalston Junction, I took the New Cross train then capped a bad day by leaving my hat on 378154 when I got off at Whitechapel. Heading downstairs to the Underground, I took the first (17009, District Line) train to Aldgate East, then waited 25 minutes whilst a farce was sorted out before 5172 took me to Euston Square.
From there, it was a fast trip home - 3 hours Euston to my front door via 390006, Trams 3007 and 2004 and 158797.
Would Tuesday be any better??
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 10 - Tuesday 28th.
Didn't bother.
Day 11 - Wednesday 29th.
A ride to Wigan and back for a beer or two with a friend.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 12 - Back on the rails - Thursday 30th.
A reasonably early start saw 156466 and Tram 1021 get me to Manchester Piccadilly in good time for a fast ride to Euston on the 10:55 with 390018. Partially reversing my homewards route from Monday, I took the tube to Tower Hill (5549). I then walked across to Tower Gateway and took car 88 to Limehouse on the Docklands Railway. Crossing back to NR land, I headed East for some new track.
First up was the 13:42 to Westcliiff via Grays (357042). I changed here as advised for the Shoeburyness train (375224), took this to the terminus then returned to Southend Central on 375006. I then managed to get lost on the way to Victoria - how, I'm not sure - and eventually headed for Wickford on the 16:21 (321342). Changing here, 321307 was motive power to Southminster. I was impressed on this train by the competence of the guard, who managed to help a mother clean and comfort her child who had been ill, in addition to carrying out their normal duties.
At Southminster I had a walk into the village and found a pleasant pub to spend an hour. I then returned to Liverpool Street (321325 to Shenfield, 321336 thereafter) and had some tea (fishcakes in Thai sauce) before an evening's bash. This consisted of 357220 on the 20:34 to Grays (covering Forest Gate Jc to Woodgrange Park Jc) and 357042 again back to Fenchurch St via Dagenham, finishing my coversge of the LTS system.
Then it was back to Tower Hill, and the Underground to Paddington via Embankment (8028/3466).Deja vu saw me book a berth on the sleeper and get a burger.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 13 - Friday 1st.
57605 was in charge again for my trip to Penzance. Another good night's rest was had, followed by breakfast at the station.
Plan for the day was some more 67s, so I then headed for Plymouth (43174+43003) and Newton Abbot (220005), before picking up 67022 on the 13:06 which I took to Yatton. 67026 took me back to Weston for an ice cream before 67005 to Bristol and the same HST as earlier to Swindon, where I had hotel booked.
I checked in, and eschewed a trip round the Chippenham/Trowbridge/Bath triangle in favour of a bath, meal and early night.
Day 14 - When Saturday 2nd Comes.
A spot of football today.
After breakfast, 43122 and an unknown partner took me to Bristol on the 09:51. Changing here, I took the 10:45 to Exeter with 220012, had some lunch and then headed to St James Park on 143612 (to Central) and 143611 (beyond).
I then watched Exeter City beat Rochdale 1-0.
I hadn't sampled 153382 for a few days, so it came out to bid me farewell to the rover as far as St Davids. I then headed home with 220028 to Cheltenham and 220016 to Manchester.
And that's it!
The idea for the ALR was to cover a few diesel galas, scratch some track in, cover loco hauled workings on NR and generally enjoy myself.
Day 1 - Sunday 19/9/10.
No early trains from Castleton, so got a taxi to Manchester (the driver was a neighbour who was somewhat bemused at seeing me at 7.30am!)
Bought the ALR at Piccadilly and then checked out my train times. I firstly nipped down to Stockport on 170309 (thought it might be a winner, but wasn't when I checked) then settled down on 221119 at 0936 for the long run to Guildford. The route was via Stoke, Wolves and Coventry, and the most exciting thing en route was tank engine 1361 chuffing about Didcot Railway Centre. The first new track of the trip was entered at Wokingham Jc, the line from here to Guildford being required.
Now time for some EMUs - 455715 on the 1327 to Woking, then 450100 onwards to Alton. A rover ticket was purchased here, and 51363+51405, 34007, 92212, 73096, 33053, 53808, 37905 and 205025 (all winners except the Standard 5) were sampled. The "thumper" was particularly enjoyable uphill, as I recall.
Returning to NR, I took 450089 as far as Aldershot on the 1915, changing here for 450041 on the 1948 to Guildford, via the required curve to Ash. At Guildford, I took the 2020 to Waterloo via Epsom and Worcester Park (new track as far as Raynes Park) then the Bakerloo line (3461) up to Paddington.
At Paddington, I booked a berth on the sleeper, then got myself supper at the adjacent McDonald's. The day ended with me settling down behind 57605 for the long trip West.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 2 - Monday 20/09
My first memory of this Monday is waking up in the middle of the night on a stationary train. Ilooked out of the window, expecting to be at Exeter, to see Yeovil Junction. Bonus - Yeovil Pen Mill to Junction scratched! Getting my head down again, I woke at Truro, had breakfast, decamped from the train at Penzance and - hobbit fashion - had second breakfast at the excellent cafe at the station.
Today was to be a track bashing day, so I started by a quick leap to St Erth on 220009 on the 0940 to points North. I'd visited the town of St Ives before, so contented myself with going straight in and out to score the track, 150243 being the steed. Back at St Erth, recent Midlands refugee 150127 appeared to trundle me to Par, and the second branch of the day.
I enjoyed the Newquay line, particularly its twisty nature, and when deposited there by 153382 had a walk into town for some lunch. I found a decent pub and sat in the beer-garden watching some surfers doing their best with some rather feeble looking waves. Returning to the station, a rather efficient queuing system was in operation and a full ticket check took place before departure back to Par on the same 153.
Back at Par, 150247 was provided for the 1552 to Liskeard. 153361, a former regular on my commute to Manchester, was on branch duties. This was another pleasant trip, with nice views of the river and a decent pub at Looe to while away time before the return trip.
At this point I decided my plan for the next day, so headed East from Liskeard at 1912 (43036+43155), intending to intercept the down sleeper at Reading. I hadn't realised we were routed via Bristol, so left the train at Didcot for a qick spin down to Reading on 166216. Supper (a mediocre kebab) was obtained here before returning to the station to await the sleeper.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 3 - Tuesday 21st
At 00:37, 57602 duly appeared on the sleeper. No berth tonight, I was only going to Exeter. A cold fester here, before catching 159010 on the 05:10 to Salisbury (new track for me beyond Yeovil Junction). Changing here, 158950 appeared on a heavily used 07:19 to Bristol.
Now for some scooping. 67019 was taken to Stapleton Road, then a round trip to Severn Beach (more new track) on 143618. Apparently, this branch is quite scenic in the gorge area, but I slept through this bit in both directions! Returning to Bristol, 143611 reached a respectable speed on the 11:21 to Cardiff.
I now had time for a minor track bash before chasing locos. So 143607 was taken to Coryton (new track beyond Birchgrove) for a short walk which sourced some chocolate from the local shop and then 142074 back to Central. Spin and win time commenced with 67020 to Bristol for 67028 back as far as Newport. I alighted here to view the WAGEX, but this was un required 57315, so I continued to Cardiff (43086+43037), back to Filton Abbey Wood (67026), on to Parkway (150238) and then straight back to Manchester on the 18:10 (220023). Trams1006/1021 and 158906 successfully return me to Castleton before closing time...
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 4 - Wednesday 22nd
A late start saw me heading to Manchester at 13:07 (150275). Tram 1004 to Piccadily, and I settled down on 390051 for a fast run to Milton Keynes on the 14:15. A bit of a wait here, watching the busy services heading through, then a short hop to Bletchley on 377202. Another wait here in the sunshine was followed by a trundle to Bedford on 153354. I hadn't previously realised how dull this line was, or how closely it parallels the MML. Still, the line was scratched...
At Bedford, failure to check my records resulted in my taking one of the half-dozen 319s I'd had before (429 to St Albans City. A pleasant walk, via a pint, brought me to the Abbey station in plenty of time to catch 321412 on the 19:12 to Watford Jc. The walk across to the main platforms here reminded me of The Crystal Maze with its twists and turns - not sure the programme had a Portakabin Zone, though! 350245 whisked me to Euston for a quick supper.
I then indulged my sleeper fetish again, heading for Inverness behind 90019.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 5 - Thursday 23rd.
For some reason I found the Caledonian sleeper less comfortable than its Western cousin. I certainly took longer to get to sleep, although once there I stayed there. I eventually woke at Newtonmore, and partook of breakfast on the ride down to Inverness, where I discovered 67007 had supplied power from Edinburgh.
Here, I changed plans. I was originally going to go to Wick, but realised this would inevitably involve 3 consecutive nights on the sleepers, so wimped out. Instead, I headed back to Aviemore (170416) and had a round trip to Broomhill behind a highly polished CR828 on the Strathspey Railway (very pleasant and friendly place, and new track to boot). I then enjoyed a fish & chip lunch before the long trip back to Edinburgh on 170455.
Time for a bit more loco scooping here (67021 to Haymarket, 67009 to South Gyle, 170396 back to Waverley) then homeward bound on 185132 (surprisingly comfortable for a long journey) to Bolton, 150139 and 158844 returning me to Castleton for a good night's sleep.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 6 - Friday 24th
Too good a night's sleep! I woke at 1pm so, discarding Plan A (I now can't remember what this was) I headed for Brighouse on the 14:16 (144016). Time for a beer here, then off to King's Cross on the 15:47 (180101). These units are most comfortable, and the staff on the train seemed to be enjoying their jobs as well as being good at them.
Time to score some track now, so I decamped next door to St Pancras for a speedy ride to Ashford on (the annoyingly un required) 395018. Then some new track, trundling through the marshes in the dark on a very wedged (and annoyingly bogless) 171721 on the 19:38 to Hastings. Here, I sought relief and a smoke break.
Back to the station and more new track (as far as Tunbridge Wells) on the 20:50 to Charing Cross. Here, I spent for ever trying to find the Bakerloo line before heading off on 4542 to Paddington, for the familiar McDonald's and book berth move. I'd heard that 57604 (the only one I now required) was allocated to the sleeper, and was not disappointed!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 7 - Saturday 26th
A gala visit was planned today, but first it was time to clear the remaining Cornish branch (if any attentive readers are wondering at this point, I'd visited Gunnislake in 2007!) So I left the sleeper at Truro and rode through the morning sun to Falmouth Docks (153305 out, 153382 back after a fag break. Then a quick trip back to Bodmin Parkway with 43145+43035.
The BWR were having a diesel gala that day, and I'd not visited the line before so a pleasant couple of hours were spent with 50980+52054, 50042, 33110 and 47306, and an excellent bacon butty consumed at Bodmin General. Back to the main line, and 43143+43179 took me to Plymouth.
Here, the plan was to go across to the Plym Valley Railway, but I couldn't locate the bus link. So I settled for watching 60163 Tornado arriving on a rail tour (first time I'd seen it) then headed Londonwards on 43087+43130. I was now running ahead of myself, so decided to get to my overnight accommodation in East London (no, not the one in South Africa) via Network Rail metals. So I left the train at Reading.
At first, things went well. 458018 started trundling me competently towards my destination. However nemesis arrived at Ascot. There was presumably a race meeting that day, because the train filled up with drunken braying suits accompanied by variously aged mutton-dressed-as-lamb. The journey onwards was vile, so I abandoned half-formed thoughts of working my way to New Cross and baled out at Richmond.
After a break, I entered another test - this time of endurance whilst travelling sideways. 378022 was taken on the North London Line to Stratford. (New track from Gunnersbury to Willesden Jc.) What seemed like several hours later, I staggered across to 315803 for the short ride to Ilford, and a Travelodge/curry.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 8 - Sunday 27th
Another day, another gala. Today's being at the Mid Norfolk Railway.
A reasonably early start sees me heading for Liverpool Street on the 07:57 from Ilford (315845). Then some new track from Bethnal Green to Cambridge, with 317658 doing the honours through the drizzle. On to Ely with 365541 and Wymondham with 170202. Then a walk a ross town to the Abbey station, and a gala with a difference.
The difference being the variety of motive power on offer. Basically Class 37s. Ten of them.
Some hours and several beers later, and back at the main line, 170270 restores some sanity to proceedings by taking me to Norwich and another travelodge.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 9 - (Just another manic) Monday 28th
A start from Norwich at a civilized hour. I recall letting one London train go in favour of required 90010 on the 09:00. This was taken to Manningtree (brand new 70001 being noted en route) on new track beyond Ipswich, and an excellent coffee was had at the buffet.at the latter.
Plan for the day was branches, so next on the agenda was a trip to Harwich and back down to Colchester with 360105. Most of Harwich seemed to be devoted to half built wind turbines, and it looked a thoroughly depressing place. At Colchester, the next branch was that to Walton. This was covered on 321365, via Colchester Town.
And then I lost my appetite for the trip. Thoughts of visiting Clacton, Sudbury and Braintree repelled me. So I had a mooch round Walton instead - a quiet, friendly place. Then I headed for home. 321359 took me to Thorpe-le-Soken, where I connected with 360121 on the fast London train.
Approaching the capital, my spirits revived and I decided to take a convoluted route to Euston. I bailed off the train at Stratford and headed for Dalston Kingsland Road on 378006. Walking across to Dalston Junction, I took the New Cross train then capped a bad day by leaving my hat on 378154 when I got off at Whitechapel. Heading downstairs to the Underground, I took the first (17009, District Line) train to Aldgate East, then waited 25 minutes whilst a farce was sorted out before 5172 took me to Euston Square.
From there, it was a fast trip home - 3 hours Euston to my front door via 390006, Trams 3007 and 2004 and 158797.
Would Tuesday be any better??
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 10 - Tuesday 28th.
Didn't bother.
Day 11 - Wednesday 29th.
A ride to Wigan and back for a beer or two with a friend.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 12 - Back on the rails - Thursday 30th.
A reasonably early start saw 156466 and Tram 1021 get me to Manchester Piccadilly in good time for a fast ride to Euston on the 10:55 with 390018. Partially reversing my homewards route from Monday, I took the tube to Tower Hill (5549). I then walked across to Tower Gateway and took car 88 to Limehouse on the Docklands Railway. Crossing back to NR land, I headed East for some new track.
First up was the 13:42 to Westcliiff via Grays (357042). I changed here as advised for the Shoeburyness train (375224), took this to the terminus then returned to Southend Central on 375006. I then managed to get lost on the way to Victoria - how, I'm not sure - and eventually headed for Wickford on the 16:21 (321342). Changing here, 321307 was motive power to Southminster. I was impressed on this train by the competence of the guard, who managed to help a mother clean and comfort her child who had been ill, in addition to carrying out their normal duties.
At Southminster I had a walk into the village and found a pleasant pub to spend an hour. I then returned to Liverpool Street (321325 to Shenfield, 321336 thereafter) and had some tea (fishcakes in Thai sauce) before an evening's bash. This consisted of 357220 on the 20:34 to Grays (covering Forest Gate Jc to Woodgrange Park Jc) and 357042 again back to Fenchurch St via Dagenham, finishing my coversge of the LTS system.
Then it was back to Tower Hill, and the Underground to Paddington via Embankment (8028/3466).Deja vu saw me book a berth on the sleeper and get a burger.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Day 13 - Friday 1st.
57605 was in charge again for my trip to Penzance. Another good night's rest was had, followed by breakfast at the station.
Plan for the day was some more 67s, so I then headed for Plymouth (43174+43003) and Newton Abbot (220005), before picking up 67022 on the 13:06 which I took to Yatton. 67026 took me back to Weston for an ice cream before 67005 to Bristol and the same HST as earlier to Swindon, where I had hotel booked.
I checked in, and eschewed a trip round the Chippenham/Trowbridge/Bath triangle in favour of a bath, meal and early night.
Day 14 - When Saturday 2nd Comes.
A spot of football today.
After breakfast, 43122 and an unknown partner took me to Bristol on the 09:51. Changing here, I took the 10:45 to Exeter with 220012, had some lunch and then headed to St James Park on 143612 (to Central) and 143611 (beyond).
I then watched Exeter City beat Rochdale 1-0.
I hadn't sampled 153382 for a few days, so it came out to bid me farewell to the rover as far as St Davids. I then headed home with 220028 to Cheltenham and 220016 to Manchester.
And that's it!
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