Andy's Wanderings

[andyb2706]

21st March Ankle Test Day 2

What is the saying? All good plans.....

Set off this morning from Sale Water Park on board 3084 to Cornbrook where I boarded 3060 to take me to Piccadilly station, as usual the Metrolink journey was nothing to write home about. The plan for today was to head off over in the direction of Leeds, Sheffield and Doncaster to pick up some more Northern units and a ride past Frieghliners depot at Leeds and GBRF depot at Doncaster to see if I could cop any more locos on the shed.

On arriving at Piccadilly I noted that the next service to Leeds was the Hull train formed of a 170. Seeing I didn't need any TPE 170's I let that one go on the off chance that the next service would be a required 185. In the meantime I noted that 142078 was forming the 0949 service to Sheffield. On checking my list this was a required 142 for haulage so decided to jump on it but I did have reservations about going all the way to Sheffield on it, so out came my trusted railway atlas and realised I needed Brinnington for my shack attack list and after consulting realtime trains I would only have to wait for about 10 minutes for a return service to Piccadilly.

Now a little bit of information for those who do not know Brinnington and a reason why I have not been to this station before. Brinnington has a reputation in the Manchester area and that is all I am going to say, except for the fact that while I was waiting on the station parents with a child arrived on the station and the mum immediately started to smoke weed in front of the child, the stench was totally recognisable. Don't think I need to say any more on that. So I stood there with this awful smell coming down the platform and was so happy to see 142030 (a dud) trundling into the platform for my journey back to Manchester.

So on arriving back into Manchester I decided to head off to Leeds on the first available train, which turned out to be a pair of 170's on the 1041 to Hull, oh well. I boarded the unit and settled into my seat and at 1041 as we were about to depart the conductor came over the PA to advise us there was going to be a delay due to the unit having just developed a fault and they did not know how long it was going to be and we were to remain seated and we would be on the away as soon as possible and should another train for Leeds be ready before we were he would direct us to that service. About 5 minutes past and another PA announcement from the conductor that we were now ready to depart and just waiting for the signal to clear. I observe the platform staff doing the dispatch check and the driver gets the right of way........and we don't move. Another PA announcement to let us know the fault has re-occurred. I have to say here and now no complaints about the conductor. The professionalism that the conductor showed in his announcements and keeping us informed was very good, but I just wanted to be on the move. I had been looking out of the window and had noted 390123 sitting on one of the other platforms forming the 1055 to London via Crewe and was required for haulage so I decided to get on that to Crewe, or so I thought!! For some strange reason it was showing via Stoke-on-Trent on the train, which was a puzzlement and was either a error or would be explained. It was, but not until we had left the platform. There was overhead line issues in the Sandbach area so all London Euston services were diverted via Stoke, so I had a decision to make, jump off at Stockport or continue to Stoke. I decided to jump off to Stockport as I was feeling hungry, grabbed a Cheeseburger and think what my next move was to be.

My original choice was to get the TPE service to Cleethorpes so I could get to Sheffield, but I did not do that. While I was at Piccadilly before my trip to Stockport I also saw390132 on the next platform which was to form 1115 to London Euston and was another required unit for haulage so I made my way over to the platform and boarded that service when it arrived and decided to get off at Stoke-on-Trent and get the next service to Crewe as the only line affected by the overhead fault was the Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe.

I arrived at Stoke-on-Trent and had quite a while to wait and in the meantime 390010 rolled in forming a diverted London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly service and again, after checking my book this was also a required haulage so I though sod this!! and jumped on board back to Manchester Piccadilly.

On alighting at Piccadilly I saw that 150141, which had been sat on the blocks of Platform 2 for most of the day was readying to depart on a Marple service and you guessed it I needed it for haulage so on board I got to travel to Guide Bridge for another shack attack. At Guide Bridge I jumped on the next service back to Piccadilly which was dud 323228 (don't require any of Northerns 323 units.

At Piccadilly I did note a few 185 flying around that i required but I also noted that 142004 was ready to work a service to Marple, which yet again was another required unit for haulage and yet again a quick trip out to Woodley for another shack attack were I then boarded dud 142030 back to Piccadilly.

This ended my day as I decided to go off and watch the rugby six nations, but all in all for a day that was constantly changing plans to come away with 6 new units and 3 new stations I was quite pleased with that.

By the way, the day after I did not bother with the Metrolink wander I was originally planning as I wanted a quite day at home.

 

[Techniquest]

Looks like you had a good time there! I didn't have those issues at Brinnington (if it is indeed that one I've done, would need to double-check my Baker!) thankfully but had people around somewhere I was recently, doing the same thing and that smell is horrific!

Trying to figure out what sort of ticket would cover you on those journeys, could be useful.

 

[andyb2706]

Greater Manchester Tram/Train Ticket - 30th March

Now the ankle is on the mend, although not perfect yet so no hill walking for a while yet and although having resumed for work I was waiting for a works medical before I can actually resume duty I decided to head off to my local railway and try and knock off a few more Northern trains, in particular 142's.

So a leisurely morning waiting for the peak period to pass so that I can buy the tram/train ticket I was able to have breakfast at home and prepare a packed lunch, which is unusual on a spotting day before heading off to the tram stop. At Sale Water Park 3075 (a dud) arrived and I climbed aboard and positioned myself at the back looking through the glass partition and out of the drivers cab. As we approached Trafford Bar stop I noticed 3021 waiting at the junction coming from Altrincham to follow us To Cornbrook and was the service to Piccadilly, still can't get used to trams being so close together.

At Cornbrook I climbed aboard 3021, another dud unit and positioned myself in the same location at the back of the tram and as we departed I saw another Piccadilly bound tram approaching Cornbrook and after checking my list I noticed it was a required unit for haulage. At Deansgate-Castlefield I dived off the dud unit and only had to wait 30-60 seconds before my first cop of the day arrived in the form of 3066 arrived at the station to take me on to Piccadilly.

At Piccadilly I scoured the platforms for a required unit and nothing of any use. So I decided to examine my rail atlas for a shack attack and noted that quite a few stations along the Styal line were required and that there was a Crewe via the Airport service waiting to depart from the station. So Gatley was planned and a check of the Realtime Trains it showed me I had one minute to get from one platform to the next to get the train back into Manchester, now under the correct circumstances I run from one platform to the next would not be a problem, except that the stations along the Styal line seem to have a very long paths and seeing I still had a dodgy ankle this was not a possibility so next plan...Mauldeth Road where I had 6 minutes to get across to the opposite platform.The train for this journey was 323223,another dud as I do not require any of Northern 323 unit.

At Mauldeth Road I had sufficient time to cross platforms for my return journey to Manchester Piccadilly and when this train arrived it was another Northern 323 in the form of 323237, another dud.

Back at Piccadilly I had another scour of the platforms and noted 175113 stood in the platform waiting to form the 1130 to Carmarthen and was a required unit. With only having ten minutes to wait for this train to depart I climbed aboard and settled down into the seat for the short ten minute journey to Stockport, I'm getting to know this section of track like the back of my hand. Train left on time and within ten minutes we pulled into Stockport station and with a quick walk as possible I made my way across to the platforms for the return journey to Piccadilly and the first train to arrive was 390045 which was a good one to return to Piccadilly on.

As we arrived at Piccadilly on the adjoining platform was 390129 which was due to depart in about 3 minutes and was also required so quickly boarded it for yet another trip to Stockport. While on the short hop I planned my next trip which was going to be another shack attack to get Heaton Chapel in the book so boarded the dud 323229 to Heaton Chapel followed by the equally dud 150138 from Heaton Chapel to Manchester Piccadilly, although I was able to get some decent photos at Heaton Chapel.

On my return to Piccadilly I decided I wanted to do a trip on the 319 service along the Styal line, but seeing I had ages to wait I decided to jump on the next train to the airport and grab another shack attack on the Metrolink from the airport and still have enough time to get the 319 back to Piccadilly from the airport, so I boarded the dud 156425 and whizzed of to the airport. When I arrived at the airport I saw a tram in the platform and proceeded over to it, as I was in the station building I noticed it was 3075 that was a dud, so slightly disappointed I made my way down to the platform only to find as I got onto the platform the tram started to pull away. About 5 minutes later the next tram arrived.....3072, a required unit, who said good comes to those that wait?

At Peel Hall I got off 3072 for a new station to strike off and as I crossed to the airport bound platform I received a call from my boss who advised me that the next available medical slot at Manchester to get me back to work was the end of May, unless I was willing to attend a medical at 10am the following morning at York! So there is now a spotting trip planned for the following day incorporating a medical and costing me nothing at all, that report to follow the completion of this one, plus it should be my rest day so they have to pay me overtime to attend a medical and then spot. My kind of day.

While all that sunk in 3063 a dud tram arrived at Peel Hall for my trip to Manchester Airport, I knew by the time I arrived back at the airport that the 319 will be in and here is hoping that it is required.

The hoping didn't work, when I got back to the station the 319 turned out to be the only Northern 319 I had been on, 319363. Oh well, there is plenty of time to get the others over the next few years but now it was time to plan my next move after this one.

Having checked Realtime Trains and also having read a lot about the re-opening of the station buildings at Irlam and needing Irlam for a shack attack I decide it is getting close to time for a cup of tea, so I stay on the dud 319363 back to Manchester Oxford Road and cross to the bay platform. Which is a good thing as I have never been on a train out of the bay platform at Manchester Oxford Road and seeing it is reportedly to be demolished when Network Rail extends the platforms here at least I can say I have now done it. I had about fifteen minutes to wait for my train to Irlam and when it does arrive I'm pleased to find that it is a required 156 for haulage in the form of 156471which will take me to a required shack attack station of Irlam followed by a nice cup of tea in the railway themed cafe on the platform. Highlight of the day!

On arrival at Irlam station I was really impressed with the restoration work that has occurred and the cafe has been completed to a high stanard with plug sockets at every wall mounted tables and even in the bay tables that have been formed to look like a compartment carriage, this must be for the use of the public to connect phones and laptops because there just seems too many for the staff to do the cleaning. I would recommend to any of you if you are ever doing a spotting trip in the Manchester area to visit Irlam station and the cafe for some refreshments and visit the little museum here to support this venture. There are plenty of disused station building around the country and if other people can have the foresight of the people involved in the Irlam project these building will no longer be empty. Irlam falls within the Greater Manchester Ranger area.

Time is now getting on after I finished my cup of tea and it has just turned 3pm, with 4pm and the stupid "peak period" looming up towards me I need to head back into Manchester and head on to the tram network which is not affected by the peak period restrictions so I board the dud 156461 back to Oxford Road and then the dud 158799 from Oxford Road to Piccadilly to make my way to the Metrolink. Now do I go home or do I do some shack attacks on the Metrolink? The latter wins out so I plan to do every stop between Victoria and Oldham Mumps.

So at Piccadilly I board a dud 3003 totake me to Victoria and while waiting for the Rochdale tram a unit requirement of 3093 heads in the other direction towards East Didsbury, shack attack will have to wait a while so I board 3096 to St.Peters Square were a board a dud 3043 for the journey to Oldham Mumps, from there it is a dud 3049 to Oldham King Street and then a requied 3088 for the very short trip to Oldham Central followed by a dud 3032 to Freehold which brought me another new unit in the form of 3093to take me to Westwood which in turn brought me a dud 3004 to Hollinwood. I have to point out here that during all this time I have been station hopping on the Metrolink it has resulted in some 10-15 minute waits on the staion while it has been teaming down with rain and cold, so by this point I have had enough and decide that although I have not completed all the stops that I wanted to on the Oldham line they will be there for the next time so when 3014 arrives at Hollinwood I decide it is time to call it a day and head home so I remain on this tram until Chorlton where I board 3075 (I'm sure this unit is stalking me!!) back to Sale Water Park.

So all in all a very good day, with 8 unit copped for haulage and 10 new stations and with the following day trip to York to plan I can't complain although as you can see not many Northern trains knocked off and not a single 142! Need to plan another trip for them

Flickr GM Ranger 30.03.2015 Photos

 

[Techniquest]

Looks like it was an excellent time all in, despite it not going to plan! Your mileage off 3075 must be getting silly!

 

[andyb2706]

Looks like it was an excellent time all in, despite it not going to plan! Your mileage off 3075 must be getting silly!

It is compared to other fairly new trams. It currently stands as 12 miles 23 chains.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
31st March – The Day of Reckoning and Pacer Chaser
Well the morning has come, do I get to return to work or not? I won’t have long to wait to find out. It is an early morning start as I need to be in York for 10am so off to my local tram stop to join the commuters to work. I have to say my day to day job is shift work and it does really affect your social life but I am not sure I could actually do the day to day rush hour commute on a regular basis. The journey to Manchester Piccadilly produced two dud trams in the forms of 3026 to St. Peters Square and 3041 to Manchester Piccadilly where after purchasing a bacon butty and a coffee from Gregg’s I headed to the platform for my train.

When I am out spotting I am one who would let one train go if I didn’t need it if I knew there would be another within the next twenty minutes if there was the slightest chance that I would need it for haulage, this time I didn’t have an option I had to get this train to get to York for my medical so to my total surprise and without even trying when the 0757 to Middlesborough rolled in and to my utter surprise realised that 185124 was a required unit for haulage I was quite happy about that. Due to this being a rather busy service I didn’t note much on the way to York apart from two class 66’s, 66597 and 66610 being parked up in the yard at Guide Bridge then 66433 parked in the sidings outside the ROC at York. So off to the medical, which I passed but was told to try and take it easy as much as possible at work as I would probably still feel a few twinges and with my good byes to the doctor I was off back to York station to start to have some fun and head back to Leeds to do a West Yorkshire Day Ranger ticket and to knock off some more of these pacers. This time I was not as lucky with my steed and turned out to be a dud 185114.

On return to Leeds it was out straight to the booking office to purchase my ticket for the day and then to get started with the hunting down of these pacers……but I got a little distracted. On having a look around the station there was not a single 142 or 144 in sight that I required, however there was parked up a required 158844 about to depart for Manchester Victoria so a short hop to a new shack for me at Morley. Have to say I like Morley for photos, train coming out of the tunnel mouth and the slight cant that is on the rail you get quite a good photograph if I do say so myself, the trip back to Leeds was on a dud 158753, but I needed to get back as I have more chance of a cop from Leeds than Morley.

Back at Leeds another hunt for some pacers, still no luck. It’s not as if I only need a handful. I still need 7 North West based Class 142’s and 11 Class 144’s so instead I cop my second 185 for the day, which are now coming down nicely in numbers with 185105 for a hop out to Garforth which is a dud station but the farthest I could go on the ticket I had and while on the journey my next stage was planned with a trip out to Micklefield for a shack attack on the following service which mean a wait of fifteen minutes at Garforth.

I was in luck, yet again. 158797 turned out to be the train operating the service and was another required unit. As I crossed platforms at Micklefield for my return journey 66027 was noted passing through working 6D72 1132 Hull Dairycoates Tilcon to Rylstone Tilcon. I didn’t have to wait long for return trip and this turned out yet to be another good one….but still not a pacer but 158795.

On my return to Leeds I remembered a remark from Techniquest that he cleared a lot of his East Coast stuff travelling between Leeds and Wakefield Westgate, so that is my next move and what better way to start than with a pair of Class 43’s although only one was needed for haulage. These were 43251 and 43302. I am going to miss the Class 43’s when they start to disappear.

Today was the day of the high winds and the trains on the East Coast were severely delayed due to speed restrictions so my return journey which was the 1333 Wakefield to Leeds was running 27 minutes late, which didn’t bother me as it gave me time to take photos of the other services operating through the station. I did have a moment of indecision when a Cross Country 221 arrived that I needed for haulage but I stuck to my plan and waited for the East Coast and to be honest, if there was a chance I needed the East Coast for haulage I would much rather have the Class 43 with Mark 3 stock or Class 91 with mark 4 stock than a Class 220/221 anytime. My faith was paid off. When the late running east Coast service arrived it was 91130 and another one I needed to tick off my list.

On my arrival back at Leeds I decided on two things. It was time for another shack attack and I wanted to go past the Freightliner depot as there is always a load of Locos there. Does anyone know what this depot is called? It is opposite the freightliner terminal and I can’t seem to tie down the name of it. Anyhow the journey to Castleford was on 144019, oh well, one out of two isn’t too bad. As we passed the Freightliner depot I counted five locos there including a couple of Class 70’s which I still need a load of.

At Castleford there was a ten minute wait and how fruitful was it? Very fruitful the first required pacer of the day in the form of 144020 to take me back to Leeds, the return trip I also logged another two locos at the freightliner depot that I had missed earlier, a good and fruitful trip out to Castleford.

By the time I have returned to Leeds it is 1530 so getting close to the time for the silly evening peak to start so I decide to head off home. My train back to Manchester was formed of 170309, 170304 and 170301. All three were duds as was my tram 3057 back home from Manchester.

While on the journey home I was thinking what to do the following day and decided if I did anything I would like to do the West Midlands Day Ranger if I did anything, I’ll decide in the morning.

Link to photos for today is below

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16858191@N03/sets/72157651423504349/

 

[Kite159]

You should have done the 221, you never know where you might come across it again

Sounds like a good day cut short by the annoying evening peak restriction

 

[andyb2706]

You should have done the 221, you never know where you might come across it again

Sounds like a good day cut short by the annoying evening peak restriction

It was annoying....but I back there on Easter Monday on the same ticket and laughed in the face of lack of evening peak

Report to follow

 

[Techniquest]

I have this image of you looking at details of the evening peak restriction and laughing I can't explain why I found that so amusing! I suppose it's the little things that make you laugh sometimes!

A productive day there, and I'm glad a post of mine proved to be useful for you there. Obviously not all my East Coast stuff has been done between Leeds and Wakefield, but it's sure one easy way to get them in!

I look forward to reading about the next trip, and sorry if it's taken me a while to reply, so many threads at the moment I'm subscribed to that I clearly missed this one!

Glad to hear you've recovered sufficiently to return to work, I daresay it'll be nice to get back to normal for a bit. Hopefully you are following doctor's orders and taking it easy!

 

[andyb2706]

1st April – West Midland Day Ranger

Got up this morning and felt like I wanted a quiet day in and update my databases so after a leisurely breakfast I sat down at my desk and started on updating my mileage and shack attack databases and then updating my mileage, haulage and shack attack on Railforums when it hit me……I was about 150 miles behind Techniquest on the mileage leader board (sorry Techniquest I have mentioned in the past I can be quiet competitive) and 18 haulages from my 1000 logged red pen. That did it, it was 1100 and I shut the computer down and proceeded to get ready to go out and do the West Midland Day Ranger, which thankfully is not hampered by the silly peak period rules. At £24.50 it better not be!

For anyone who has not figured it out trains that I have ridden on or stations highlighted in red are new for me. The aim for me is to get as many red letters into this report as possible.

By 1200 I was climbing aboard tram 3066 from Sale Water Park to Cornbrook followed by 3021 to Manchester Piccadilly where I rushed to buy my ticket to Crewe and then rushed for 390039 to take me to Crewe. Up to now none of the rides have been new units for me but that does not matter, my aim for today is to put a dent in all the London Midland stock in particular my Class 323’s and 350’s and try and have 18 new haulages, which didn’t get off to the best of a start.

At Crewe I went and purchase the ranger and had a mooch around the station, there was a few things for me to note. The class 92 in the bay platform, a pair of Class 90’s heading south and The Royal Train on an ECS move, also down south for a presume The Queens trip the following day for the Maundy Thursday service in Sheffield. I headed for the platform for the 1349 to Birmingham New Street and when the train arrived it was a dud 350265. Not a good start to my London Midland bash but it is heading in the right direction for me to have more success so I settled back into the seat and enjoyed the journey. I was debating during the section of my journey as to where to get off. Stafford or Wolverhampton? So out came Realtime Trains and it was clear to see there was more scope at Wolverhampton than Stafford. Problem solved and off to Wolverhampton.

At Wolverhampton I disembarked and only had to wait five minutes for the London Midland Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street service which I had a good chance of needing seeing that my London Midland 170’s were also in a poor state and now my luck started to change when 170635 arrived and was a cop, however as this train was arriving a 323 also arrived in the bay platform to form the 1500 to Walsall so I now had to figure out how to work a trip on that unit into the day. So a quick check on RT (fed up of typing the full name, from hence forth it will be known as RT) and I figured out as well as picking the train up further down the line I could do a couple of Shack Attacks along the way. When 170635 arrived at Sandwell & Dudley (first shack attack of the day) I had five minute to get to the opposite platform to pick up the 1450 to Wolverhampton for one stop which was formed of 350250.

At Dudley Port I left the Wolverhampton train and waited for about 5 minutes for 323204 which was working the service to Walsall, now business has picked up. Three new units in just under twenty-five minutes and all is going swimmingly.

At Birmingham New Street I left this train, I have to say I can’t wait for Birmingham New Street to be finished I think I need to plan a trip here for October to see the new station in hopefully all its glory. The 1522 to Redditch rolled into the platform and it was being operated by 323213 (number four for the day, only another fourteen to do). I did a one station hop on this service to grab another shack attack at Five Ways. One of these days I will head off to Worcester and Hereford area for I have never been around there.

On arrival at Five Ways I had a mad dash of sorts across to the opposite platform to pick up the next service to Birmingham New Street which was operated by a dud 323218.

Back at Birmingham New Street I didn’t hang around. All I noted was 170104 working a service to Cardiff, need to do some bashing on these too, before I boarded 350262 the 1539 to Wolverhampton.

At Tipton I left this train and joined the dud 323201 back towards Birmingham New Street but alighted at Smethwick Rolfe Street nipped across to the other platform and boarded 350244 for a one station hop.

At Smethwick Galton Bridge I got off the train and here had a bit of a quandary, my initial thought was to get the Arriva Trains Wales service back to Birmingham however this train was running late or should I go upstairs and do a trip on the Snow Hill line? Although my requirements for the London Midland Class 172 is getting limited as this is the area of Birmingham I had been concentrating on in the recent years I decided to have a bash on the Snow Hill line again. As to Smethwick Galton Bridge no matter how many times I go there I always seem to get lost and end up on the wrong platform, is this just me or does it happen to other people too? Anyhow I did not have long to wait when 172220 coupled with 172212 arrived to form the 1621 to Worcester Forster Square. I boarded this train and decided to have a trip to Stourbridge Junction as I still required 50% of the Class 139 as every time I was at Stourbridge Junction it was always the same one!

On the approach to Stourbridge Junction I noticed 68014 in the sidings all alone. This is the first Chiltern Class 68 I have seen and I think that in June I am staying overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon as I am going to see my first Shakespeare play I might try and have a run on one of them. At Stourbridge Junction I crossed to the Stourbridge Town platform and only had to wait a few minutes for my plea to be answered when 139001 came wobbling around the corner, if there is any unit worse than a Class 142 this is it. Class 139 now all cleared, I know there is only two and it should not be a hard task but for me it was.

At Stourbridge I decided it was tea time so out cam my 2015 CAMRA guide app to find the nearest Wetherspoons which turned out to be The Edward Rutland which was only a five minute walk from the station. I am celebrating a milestone birthday this year so one of the things I want to do is visit 40 (that should give you an idea as to the milestone birthday) different CAMRA pubs in 40 different towns and try 40 different beers. This was only number 4, I think I am going to have to pick up the pace a bit if I am to reach my target. So after food and beer it was back to the station for the trip back to Stourbridge Junction.

No need to tell you what the train was back to Stourbridge Junction as that should be obvious, but once I got back to Stourbridge Junction I had two minutes to get from platform 1 to platform 3 via the subway and although my ankle is on the mend I still can’t run, more of a hop and a skip to platform 3, so Techniquest to answer your question, No, I’m not quite doing what the doctor ordered….but it was worth it as 172343 was operating the 1757 to Stratford-upon-Avon.

I returned to Smethwick Galton Bridge and made my way to the main line platform and did not have to wait long for an ATW service to Birmingham International which was formed of two Class 158 units which I needed both for haulage so I board 158829 to Birmingham New Street. At Birmingham New Street all I did was walk from 158829 unit into 158837 and settled down there for the journey from Birmingham New Street to Birmingham International.

A shack attack occurred when I arrived at Birmingham International, I can’t believe I have never been here! Anyhow, yet again I had two minutes to get from Platform 5 to Platform 1 to get a Cross Country service back to Birmingham New Street and I already knew I needed it for haulage and I nearly made it, I just got on the platform as the doors were closing. Never mind, I only had about ten minutes to wait for the delayed 1847 London Midland service to Birmingham New Street so I crossed back to platform 2 to await its arrival. About a minute before my train arrived a London Midland class 323 arrived on the adjoining platform to form the 1918 stopping service back to Birmingham New Street and on checking the unit out it was a required unit for haulage, so out came RT and checked the stopping patterns of both the late running 1847 and the 1918 and found I could get both units before getting back to Birmingham New Street….happy days!!! Even more happy days when the late running 1847 was formed of 350119. Apparently, services were being severely delayed coming out of London due to “an incident”. The 1847 I got on wasn’t the 1847 that left London as that train was running over an hour late and this 1847 had been started from Northampton, going off on a tangent for a minute, apart from needing Northampton for a shack attack is it worth a visit? Can you see anything on the depot from the station?

At Lea Hall I disembarked and had a wait of just under twenty minutes for my train to Birmingham New Street, the light by now was starting to fade and if I had been here earlier it would have been a great spot to take photos of trains flying pass the station, I tried but it just didn’t quite work. At 1923 323215 rolled in and I boarded for my journey back to Birmingham New Street.

On arriving back at Birmingham New Street I decided it was time to head back “up north” and had a look on the departure boards for anything interested and one stood out above the rest, the 1950 Virgin Train to Shrewsbury, Class 221, which I needed loads!! Made my way to the platform and waited. They announced the train several times as being formed of ten coaches and that passengers wanting to travel to Shrewsbury should travel in the front five coaches as the train splits at Wolverhampton, my thought was brilliant I’ve got double the chance of one of them being a required unit…..the train arrived and it only had five coaches formed of 221110, they still carried on announcing it at ten coaches. The platform staff were as bemused as I was, I think they were expecting ten coaches too. This is where the fun began, as you might recall I mentioned that there had been an incident outside of London and the trains were delayed. Well the relief driver had been caught up in it and was having his PNB and the train would be about ten minutes late. I now need to explain that the last tram from Manchester Piccadilly I can get to connect with my tram back to where my car was park is roughly 2258…..it is now going up for 2000 and I had to go back via Crewe. Ten minutes went by, it’s going to be another ten minutes, another ten minutes go by, and oh it’s going to be another ten minutes. The 1950 ended up leaving Birmingham at 2021, 31 minutes late.

We arrive at Wolverhampton were I leave the train and there is only five minutes to wait for a Cross Country to Manchester Piccadilly….via Stoke, no good for me…doh!! I only had to wait ten minutes for a London Midland Liverpool service formed of a dud 350127 to take me to Crewe.

At Crewe a dilemma…there is an on time stopping service at 2145 formed of a dud Class 323, however the 2123 Virgin Trains to Manchester Piccadilly was running about 25 minutes late and was only going to be a few minutes behind the stopper. The question I had is that with the Virgin Train service running 25 minutes late if they run the VT behind the stopper all the way the Virgin Train is going to fail CaSL that will cause additional penalties to the TOC’s and Network Rail so will they loop the stopper at either Sandbach or Chelford? Would it be quicker on the stopper or the Virgin Train? I could do without this sort of dilemma at this time in the evening.

With the Class 323 being a dud that swung it for me, I took the gamble and waited for the Virgin Train, which started well when 390122 rolled into the platform, another one scratched off my list. We left Crewe now 35 minutes late and they did not loop the stopping train and by Chelford we had caught up with it….time was ticking away for my last tram, I might have to resort to a taxi back to the tram station car park as I dare not leave my car overnight at the car park as it costs a £60 fine! Fell for that once, never again. We continued to lose time up to Wilmslow, where thankfully we turned left and went via the Styal Line….until we got caught behind another stopping service to Manchester Piccadilly. Luckily we rolled into Piccadilly at 2240 and a quick stroll to the tram stop meant that I was able to get the next to last tram that I can make my connection with the airport tram at Cornbrook…phew!

On the tram news no new haulages for me here. Except when I got to Cornbrook the screens were telling us to board the East Didsbury tram and change at Firswood as the Airport trams were running normally from there, no idea what had gone on but what made it weirder was that a tram had just arrived in the opposite platform and made its way into the turn back sidings and on the PIS as well as the message about Airport trams were running normally from Firswood to the Airport it was stating the next tram to the Airport was in ten minutes!? I wasn’t going to take the chance and boarded the next East Didsbury tram and changed as stated, then what should turn up on the Airport service but the tram I saw in the turn back sidings at Cornbrook.

Apart from the squeaky bum with the timings towards the end of the day it was a very enjoyable trip. But you remember at the beginning I said I needed 18 new trains to reach the milestone of 1000 trains logged for haulage I managed 15 so total now is 997. Maybe I should not have had tea and a beer at Stourbridge and just had a sandwich and carried on the trains? Nah!! Beer and food was good, I’ll just have to meet that 1000 target on my next trip.

Link to photos for today is below

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16858191@N03/sets/72157651454495010/

 

[Kristofferson]

Glad your ankle is fixed... nothing worse than limping everywhere, like I said before! Enjoyed the read

if there is any unit worse than a Class 142 this is it. Class 139 now all cleared

Congrats... I had to look that one up, what an odd machine

At Stourbridge I decided it was tea time so out cam my 2015 CAMRA guide app to find the nearest Wetherspoons which turned out to be The Edward Rutland which was only a five minute walk from the station. I am celebrating a milestone birthday this year so one of the things I want to do is visit 40 (that should give you an idea as to the milestone birthday) different CAMRA pubs in 40 different towns and try 40 different beers.

Sounds like a good challenge, certainly an enjoyable one

Oh! And before I forget, love the pictures.

 

[crehld]

A great read. Thanks! Sounds like you had a productive day in and around Brum. Sounds like out almost came apart at the end of the day, but glad you made it home. The 139s really aren't that bad considering their purpose is to be a shuttle on a 3/4 mile branch line (Although I've yet to travel on one so I may change that!). 15 winners for haulage is very respectable indeed, at least by my standards, and as you say beer and food will always will the argument

 

[Techniquest]

Considering you didn't start until 1349 off Crewe (1304 Liverpool Lime Street to Birmingham New Street, if you're curious), you did well! Thank Goodness you made it back in time for the last tram, an unexpected taxi fare would certainly have been unwelcome!

You're competitive? I'm sure it will be obvious by now from the Red Pen 2015 thread, but in case it's not I'm competitive too! I'm sure you can only imagine the frustation at reading everyone's recent impressive lists of winners on that thread, really can't wait for my next trip!

You must have been really frustrated at being so close to the 1,000 haulages count! I honestly don't want to know how many unique haulages I've had in 11.5 years, certainly my figure will be most significant!

Looks like you had fun in my local area, and on one of my favourite tickets. I hope you'll let me know when you come to Hereford, and I hope I'll be available for a natter over a pint (the Spoons is no more than 5 minutes walk - on good footing! - from the station)!

Not listening to doctor's orders about your ankle, tut tut! Still, I suppose it's good to test it in such a way, bound to have tougher days ahead!

 

[andyb2706]

Considering you didn't start until 1349 off Crewe (1304 Liverpool Lime Street to Birmingham New Street, if you're curious), you did well! Thank Goodness you made it back in time for the last tram, an unexpected taxi fare would certainly have been unwelcome!

It is and I am,just wait until I post for the day in your "Seen Working" thread all the details will be there. I'd rather pay a taxi fare to pick up my car rather than the £60 charge Metrolink charge you if you park up overnight! I learnt to my cost when I took the tram last year to pick up a train to Cardiff where I stayed overnight. When I returned the following day there was a nice little sticker on my car windscreen. I'll keep that in mind the next time I plan a trip down to the West Midlands.

6th April –West Yorkshire Day Rover

After finishing my night shift and with being back on in 24 hours I decided I would say up today so that I would be able to sleep tonight, but if I stayed in I knew for a fact that I would most likely fall asleep, so with it being a bank holiday and no stupid evening peak I decide to head across the border into Yorkshire and take advantage of the West Yorkshire Day Rover ticket. With working for the railway I can get access to certain programmes that will tell me what the units are working that day so I kind of interrogated this to find out what was working what so I could plan the day out, some might say it was cheating but I don’t because then you have to plan the logistics of the day and after the debacle of my last visit to Leeds with the lack of pacer units.

This time I am going to try and knock off a few pacers after my pathetic attempt the other week. So I drive to Manchester Piccadilly and call at Greggs for a bacon butty and then buy my ticket to Huddersfield and head to the platform and await the arrival of the 0941 to Hull which is formed of 185133 and 185138. I settle down on 185138 for my trip and my first cop for haulage for the day. As we left Manchester it was damp and foggy, not the best of weather and it was like that all the way to Stanedge Tunnel but once we exited the tunnel at Marsden it was beautiful blue skies and once we arrived at Huddersfield it was time to take the jacket off and bask in the warm sun.

On arrival at Huddersfield I head for the ticket office to purchase the day ranger before heading off to platform 6 for the 1031 to Wakefield Westgate which is formed by 144004 and I remain on this train to the Wakefield Westgate to pick up a needed class 91 to get to Leeds which was formed by 91110. With this train and the previous two new haulages today it is time for the fanfare and party hats to come out to celebrate my 1000 recorded different train to have haulage on, roll on the next 1000!!!!!
On arriving at Leeds one of the first things I want to do is a trip out to Castleford so that I could see what is on the Freightliner depot and the next one to Castleford was formed of 144016 so of course seeing I needed it I decided to do this trip now. Well worth the trip out as I noted one Class 70 and five Class 66’s.
I have been to Castleford a few times now and I decided now I want to keep an eye out for any railway tours that go beyond Castleford as I want to do that bit of track, it is so tantalizing. My return trip to Leeds arrived and was formed of 144008. On the return trip I ended up picking up another Class 70 and three Class 66’s which I failed to log on the outward trip.

Back at Leeds a required 153315 along with 155346 working the 1259 to Knaresborough so a short hop to Burley Park was called for. At Burley Park I had a short wait for a dud 150223 to take me back to Leeds, by now I already had my next move planned as I had noticed that according to RT the next Kings Cross service is a HST.
I arrived at Leeds at 1330 and had a 45 minute wait for the departure of the Kings Cross service and decided to head to Sainbury’s Local to pick up a late lunch and good news Subway has re-opened after receiving reports it had shut down. I picked up my sandwich and headed back to the station and still had quite a bit of time to kill and noticed that the 1359 to Rochdale was formed of a 158 and a 153, both needed for haulage….dilemma!!! Having checked RT I realised I could get the haulage to Bramley (a new station for me)and have three minutes to cross to the opposite platform to get the train back to Leeds to pick up the 1415 to Kings Cross. So I took the gamble, I boarded 153331 for the trip.

Arriving at Bramley 30 seconds late I head of to the opposite platform not having realised that they were staggered platforms either side of a rail over road bridge and I had to exit the station down onto the road and then up onto the platform, this was going to be tight. Just as I was getting on the platform the train I should have been on was pulling out 30 seconds early. If only the train I had arrived on was on time and the train I should have left on was on time I would have made it…..how annoying and more so I had 35 minutes to wait for the next train and there is not much around the station and more so it meant I would miss the HST. I now had time to plan my next move and decided to do a shack attack and as between Leeds and Micklefield I only needed East Garforth that was to be my next trip. 155344 arrived on time at Bramley for my trip to Leeds.
When I arrived at Leeds I had 5 minutes to get over to the platform for the 1452 to Leeds for 144021 I was double happy as well as heading to a new shack it was also a new haulage for me.
At East Garforth I don’t have too long to wait for a dud 150138 back to Leeds.

On returning to Leeds I had another problem. I wanted to get some Class 91’s today but I had 45 minutes to wait for the next departure but I found that the 1533 to Sheffield via Castleford was formed by required 144017 but if I went to Castleford again I would not be back in time for the 1615 Kings Cross. I sacked off the idea of the Kings Cross train because at least I knew I needed this one for haulage so I set off for Castleford. I had noted that there was a train to Leeds from Woodlesford about a minute before we arrived…typical!!! Anyhow as we were approaching Woodlesford there was no sign of the train in the opposite direction. I quickly checked the RT and saw that the train to Leeds was running a couple of minutes late, could this be a lucky turn of events for me? As we arrived in Woodlesford (a new shack) there was no sign of the Leeds train so I jumped off and dashed over the bridge and as I was going down the steps to the platform 142067 rolled in, which was a dud but at this stage I didn’t care and jumped aboard.

Arrived at Leeds at 1550 with 25 minutes to spare until the departure of the 1615 to London Kings Cross. So planning the next hour or so was a possibility, which involved more northern and Virgin East Coast trips. The 1615 was formed of 91106, to say it was a bank holiday this train was packed.

Arriving at Wakefield Westgate I had decided to let the next VEC train to Leeds to go and wait for the Northern Doncaster to Leeds service as I still required a few of the electrics that operate this service. So I have a half hour wait and was just letting my mind wander and having in the past noticing Wakefield Prison I google it for the first time not realising what high profile prisoners it holds. After a few trains have passed through the local stopping service to Leeds arrives in the form of 321903 for my trip back. This is to be the start of a quick fire round of haulages.

On my arrival at Leeds I head for the next Kings Cross service that is formed of 91120 and head back to Wakefield Westgate were I head to the other platform and board the next Virgin East Coast train to Leeds which is 91101. Back at Leeds it is across to catch the 1806 to Carlisle formed of 158845 as far as Shipley were I was going to wait about 15 minutes for the 1838 to Leeds which was formed of 321902, my last Class 321/9.

Now it is time to head home and I plan to get the 1909 to Liverpool Lime Street back to Manchester, however this was delayed by 30 minutes due to vandals placing troughing on the line east of Leeds, the train was formed of 185131. Due to the late running once we had arrived at Manchester Piccadilly they ended up cancelling its forward working to Liverpool and stuck the train into platform 1 and the next train to Liverpool was in 3 minutes from platform 14, any of you that don’t know Manchester Piccadilly that is quite a way.
Today there was a total of 16 new haulages and 3 new shacks, another enjoyable and interesting day. My next trip is planned for later this month is “The East Coast Escapade”. The plan is to get a TPE to York, followed by VEC up to Newcastle, spend the day in Newcastle hopefully knocking off the Heaton based Northern DMU’s as well as VEC before heading off down to Peterborough in the evening where I will stay overnight and then more VEC trains and Great Northern stuff out of London.
With a bit of time until my next trip it should give me time to update my logs and read and post on other threads.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16858191@N03/sets/72157651872578802/

 

[Techniquest]

Not yet looked at the photos, but crikey that was an amazingly productive trip! hock: Were many of the winners from gen or just by luck? I agree it's not cheating to use the system if you can, particularly when it comes to things like the last of a big class/TOC fleet which can end up in many different places!

I must try and remember that about Bramley on my next West Yorkshire bash, as it's a required shack here too.

Castleford to Milford Junction (I think that's the section in particular you refer to) does get done on overnight TPX trains on a regular basis, it should be listed on PSUL. Be warned it's not the best area and vandals do screw things up with that route. I speak from experience!

Your next trip sounds like an amazing time, I assume you're doing a Tyne and Tees Day Ranger when you go up there? I reckon it's fantastic value at £21.50 and want to do another one this year. I can recommend Hebburn Bed and Breakfast if you haven't already booked accommodation, I had an excellent stay there and will be re-using it when I return to Newcastle!

Don't forget Middlesborough to Whitby services produce 142s as well as 156s. Memory tells me you'll have at least 5 different DMUs on Nunthorpe-Hexham services, perhaps 6. Not 100% sure on the amount, and Darlington to Saltburn will chuck out at least 5, maybe 6 DMUs too. Factor in the options of Newcastle to Carlisle and Metrocentre to Morpeth and you're well away!

 

[andyb2706]

Most of the winners was from gen, trying to thread them all together wasn't that easy though.

That is the line I'm referring too, but according to the railway atlas it is a freight line

My plans for my visit to the North East doesn't include the Tyne and Wear this time, maybe later this year. I still need quite a few of the Heaton based 142's and I noticed quite a few of them working out of Darlington the last time I was up there. So a visit to Darlington for an hour or two should result in a few of them and new shack attacks (all stations apart from Darlington are needed in the area) then up to Newcastle. Also I can do a recce and see if any of the trains go close enough to the new Hitachi factory and whether anything can be seen from the train and production begins there.

I've booked into Thorpe Lodge Hotel in Peterborough, only about 10 minute walk from the station but thanks for the recommendation. I'll remember that for when I stay in the North East.

I've got a load of planned for overnight trips for the rest of the year so I have a load of options.

 

[Techniquest]

It is a non-passenger line yes, but it does have PSUL booked passenger work. I'm on my phone so can't link to it but Google PSUL 2015 and you should find it in there somewhere!

 

[andyb2706]

Never heard of PSUL!! Just having a look now and it looks very interesting indeed. Thanks for the heads up

 

[Techniquest]

Nay drama, I assumed everyone knew about it. Hopefully it'll come in handy for you

 

[andyb2706]

Too right, already planning the Milford Junction to Castleford trip....now just need to find the days to do it.

 

[Kristofferson]

Productive indeed. I do wonder how passenger loadings would vary if all enthusiasts had access to webgemini...

Appreciate the pics as always

 

[55013]

An interesting report from my local area, including a few stations that I've never done (Bramley, for a kick off).

You've made my consider totting up my total haulages, which thinking about it is far from easy as when I were a lad DMUs weren't in fixed sets.
I might just do all locos and all current units, it'll keep me amused for a few hours

As regards "cheating", you can't cheat in a game where you set your own rules.
That's my take on it, anyway.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Kite159]

Reference that track from Castleford to Millford, if you can try and get the Sundays 2018 Leeds - Hull, that appears to cover a bit extra track (Milford Junction - Gascoigne Wood). Overnight stay in Selby or come back to Leeds area on the 21:20 departure from Selby.

Although that time of night, options leaving Leeds are limited

(Gives me an idea for a long weekend, try and do that line on a Sunday evening, stay overnight and come back on the Monday)

 

[andyb2706]

Looks like you had fun in my local area, and on one of my favourite tickets. I hope you'll let me know when you come to Hereford, and I hope I'll be available for a natter over a pint (the Spoons is no more than 5 minutes walk - on good footing! - from the station)!

I've just spent the last couple of days planning my trips for the year, 15 2-day trips and counting!! Bring the on

I'll be in Hereford (new shack for me) more likely than not on the 23rd June on my final day of a 2 day trip to the West Midlands (spending the previous night in Stratford-Upon-Avon where I will be seeing my first ever Shakespeare play) and seeing the Spoons is only a five minute walk from the station it sounds a blooming good idea. Although can I be trusted to walk on decent footpaths....I'm not too sure about that
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Productive indeed. I do wonder how passenger loadings would vary if all enthusiasts had access to webgemini...

A very useful tool, especially when you are down to needing only a few.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Congrats... I had to look that one up, what an odd machine

.

It's even weirder inside the thing, I can see why they didn't get follow on orders however it seems a perfect fit for the journey it does and is well used. I might be doing the thing a dis-service saying it is a worse ride than a 142. the track condition was a bit left to be desired.

 

[Techniquest]

If I'm free at all on the 23rd of June, I've not checked the calendar, then I'll join you for a pint and a natter Remind me nearer the time and I'll give you directions

 

[andyb2706]

Friday 17th April - A Cheeky Wayfarer

Having just finished a stint of night shifts I decided to stay up so as to be able to sleep tonight so instead of just sitting at home, which would have meant I would have fallen to sleep I've decided to do a cheeky GM Wayfarer to circumnavigate the ever so stupid evening peak rules. Seeing I was on shift when I made the choice I consulted the diagrams of required unit and nipped to the station next to my office to purchase the ticket so that when the time came I could just jump straight into the job. So it was off home for breakfast as well as put up some sandwiches for later and to wait for morning peak to pass. Having just got a new tablet I am also planning to write up this trip as I am going around.

At 9am I leave home allowing myself 30 minutes to get to Dane Road tram stop, a stop I have not used before so to start the day there is a shack attack, the plan was to go in the opposite direction than normal and to go to Altrincham to pick up the Northern service to Stockport. 30 minutes to walk to Dane Road was not quite enough time and I started to wonder whether I would make my connection. I arrived at Dane Road after 35 minutes and only had 3 minutes to wait for my tram, I now breathed a sigh of relief as I knew here would be sufficient time to pick up the connection dud 3052 came round the corner to take me to Altrincham.

On arriving at Altrincham I was surprised by the work on the interchange and it is looking really good, even better once it is finished. Although I only live down the road from Altrincham I rarely visit. The cost of the tram to get to Altrincham I believe is very expensive, for an extra £1.20 you get a longer journey and more to do in Manchester, may need to allow it for once and to have a mooch around Altrincham at some point. I cross to the national rail platforms and have only 6 minutes to wait for my train which is formed of 150215, my first newbie for the red pen for my trip to Stockport. As the guard, I'm still old fashioned it is not a conductor as Starbursts are still Opal Fruits....oh dear, I'm turning into one of the grumpy old men!! Anyhow back to what I was saying, as the guard was closing the doors the tram after mine was only just rolling in...That was a close thing.

As stated I rarely travel along this section of track so it makes a pleasant change. On arriving at Stockport I was surprised on how busy it was with something nearly on every platform with 319380 being stabled in the sidings still in Capital Connect livery. I have 15 minutes for my next train and it would have been a good idea for a coffee break. Unfortunately there is no Costa available as the station is served with Starbucks......no thanks so I wander to the platform and note quite a few trains passing through with the highlight being 390107 which is my last 390 for sight and one I intend to have a journey on later on in the day, at just before 1030 my next trip rolls into the station which is the 1030 to Chester formed of 142011, number two for the day which is surprising me as Northern hasn't done any unit swaps yet! I board and settle down for my trip to Hale which would be a new shack for me back along the line I have just come along.

All good plans....With a person already getting on the train at Stockport with a bike we reached Navigation Road where three adults with five children all wanted to get on the train each with a bike, I always thought there was a limit to the number of bikes you were allowed on trains? This delayed us by two minutes and the thought of getting to Hale and missing my train back and having to wait another hour and throw my day into disarray wasn't worth thinking about although there are plenty of nice coffee shops in Hale. I jump off 142011 at Altrincham and await the train back to Manchester. Oh swear words! Having jumped off 142011 at Altrincham and crossed to the opposite platform and updated this log I have a look at Realtime trains to find that my Manchester train was running two minutes late also and I would have had time to do Hale

I have to now keep focused on my intentions for today and that is to do a load of red penning, shack attacks can come later and with that my train to Manchester Piccadilly arrives and is formed of 156452, another new one. I manage to get a table and it doesn't take long to type up this section and I settle back to enjoy the remainder of the journey. Is it me or are the guards now looking very young!?

Okay, change of plan, as we were approaching Edgeley Junction the guard announced that he next express train for Manchester Piccadilly will be from the adjoining platform so I peered out of the windows and saw Virgin Trains 390137 arriving in the adjoining platform so after a quick check I found it was required so I bounded of the Northern train and boarded the Virgin Train. Although the Northern train left before us we soon sailed past it at Heaton Chapel...what a bonus!

At Manchester Piccadilly I now have a few more minutes to head for my next train, which is only a positioning run to pick up what I hope to be my next cop, but even this isn't as planned as I was planning to get the 1138 to Manchester Airport but the TPE Scottish train was running a few minutes late so I boarded dud 350410 (do not need any of the 350/4) but still it is travelling in a bit more comfort. Once I get to the airport I have two choices, one is to do a run out to Shadowmoss for a shack attack which could mean I miss my next planned run or sit at the end of the platform and have lunch, I am beginning to feel that my two Weetabix and banana for breakfast are wearing off.

On arriving at Manchester Airport I faced another dilemma, 185115 a required unit was sat in platform 1 forming the 1155 to Cleethorpes, should I jump on it? After checking the realtime trains website I realised that I would only have a 1 minute connection time at Piccadilly to get the train back to the airport and then a 1 minute connection time to get the 319 that should be on the 1240 Liverpool. Do I chance it?....err in one word no. Most of today is planned and should it work out it will be a successful day so there is no need to jeopardise it. Shadowmoss is now forgotten as I'm hungry. Lunch time and grab a coffee too. For the second time today I never realised how busy a station is, this time it is Manchester Airport, at 1225 two trains on platform 3 and a train on each of the other two platforms. Even with platform 4 the future plans under Northern Hub this station is going to be hectic. Lunch consumed and my chariot arrives in the form of 319361, still my gen is good and another one struck of my list. My last trip on a 319 was in the power car which was quite noisy so his time I'm in one of the cab cars and wait to hear the difference. One thing that strikes me on this train that didn't on the last Northern 319 I was on and seeing they are being used on the Liverpool to Manchester Airport services there is no room for luggage that I can see.

Uneventful journey as far as I know to Piccadilly because I think I dozed most of the way, I do remember waking myself up with a snort several times. Back at Piccadilly I only have to cross to platform 13 for my next trip but I do have 10 minutes and although I had a so and so coffee from the Airport I had time for a trip for a proper coffee from the Costa in the satellite lounge before heading back down to the platform. Now with a proper coffee in my hand I am ready to continue today's adventure and waited for the 1303 to Manchester Airport to arrive in the former of 319365.I thought that the Northern 319 were supposed to have automated announcements, I have never heard one. On the journey to the airport I have checked my future moves for the day and it looks like Northern have started their unit swaps, once I've returned to Piccadilly I am supposed to be picking up the 1403 to Salford Crescent which should have been formed of 150115....However I've just seen 10115 going to Preston, I don't think it will be back in time to do the 1403!

Coffee consumed and I can already feel the effect of a proper coffee even before I arrive at Manchester Airport....I think I am high on caffeine, as I am typing his I am on the next train 185121(1333 to Middlesborough) back to Manchester Piccadilly the automatic announcement is announcing we are arriving at Manchester Airport, thankfully the guard has told everyone to ignore it.....phew, not high on caffeine then

Back at Manchester Piccadilly I have just over 10 minutes to wait for my next train, just enough time to spend a penny, although I don't know why we say that anymore as it is more like 30p on the station. I was also right about 150115, it didn't have time to go to Preston and back and the 1403 was operated by dud 150207, I can't win them all and so far today it has gone really well. Just hope this is a glitch and normal service will resume very shortly. I'm now off to Salford Crescent for my next red pen entry hopefully. Normal service has resumed. 150140 arrives for my journey back now to Manchester Piccadilly which knocks off another Northern 150, it is only 1426 and the services are beginning to fill up, there is definitely a need of extra capacity within the Manchester area.

Back at Piccadilly I am now going blind. My next booked move isn't until 1535 so a quick rundown to Stockport on an unknown East Midlands Train and return trip on an unknown Arrival Trains Wales is in order to pass the time. I am lucky with he EMT as one of the two units was a very useful 158783, however I was not so lucky with the ATW which was 158829. As well as services getting full they also seem to be running late as well, just hope I make my next connection back at Manchester Piccadilly.

Nicely timed, couldn't have planned it better, the train God's are smiling on me. The late running ATW that I got from Stockport arrived on platform 9 at 1529, my next train was at 1535 on platform 8 so I just had to cross the platform and board 390107 to take me back to Stockport, this was the 390 that helped me complete them for sightings earlier today.

With about 30 minutes at Stockport until my next train at 1617 and this being the biggest gap between trains it is time to get an early dinner and a trip to McDonald's outside the station is in order and a Chicken Legend with cool mayo....hmmm. I return to the station with my food and I am able to sit there and eat it before the arrival of the 1617 Northern stopping service formed of 150118 and 150148, both are good units for me but this time I travel in 150118 hoping to pick up 150148 later on this evening.

I have about ten minutes to wait for my next train which is a quick return trip to Manchester Airport on board 142043 which is coupled with 156472 the 1637 to Manchester Airport, both are required. Over the last few weeks I keep seeing the Arrival Train Wales loco hauled stock and keep forgetting to check what service it runs, I now know, plans are now a foot to travel aboard that train at some point next month.

At the Airport it was off the 142 and onto 156472 for its return journey the 1706 to Southport as far as Manchester Oxford Road where I am hunting another 156 unit. Would have liked a quiet trip back to Manchester, but not to be a couple of kids and a group of men who seem to be on a do. I'm not sure which is the noisiest. Caffeine has started to wear off, another dose maybe required at Oxford Road. Just approaching Piccadilly and I think I had better put his away seeing it is now 1718, I might need to position myself strategically so I am able to get off when I want to.

Arrived at Manchester Oxford Road to find the TPE Glasgow and Northern Electrics Liverpool service still stood there it appears there is some incident on the Chat Moss Line somewhere, luckily I am trying to head off to Urmston for a shack attack on another good unit in he for of 156427.

Urmston is a good station, it has a pub on it. Unfortunately I don't get the chance to try it as I am driving later on, so it is off to the opposite platform to take in the sun and wait for 20 minutes for my train back to Manchester Oxford Road which turns out to be a dud 156452, second trip on it today.

Arriving back in Manchester I decide to call it a day and head off home with a couple of dud trams in the former of 3074 and 3080, 150148 will have to wait for another day mind you 14 new units for haulage and 2 new shacks isn't to be moaned about. It's time to head off home to get ready to the Ceili night, they are great nights but no dancing for me as I'm still being careful with the ankle.

Photos for the day can be found at:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16858191@N03/sets/72157652023781041/

 

[Techniquest]

An exceptional productive day, obviously helped by having the gen in advance Of course the NRDMUG wasn't totally kind to you in the end but for the most part it all worked!

Which tablet do you have, and is it worth the money?

Sounds like your Northern requirements have really come down well lately, and congratulations on clearing your 390s for sight!

Oh aye, meant to mention it recently, I see 23rd June is a Tuesday. I'm working til 1700 and have to be on the bus home at 1815, but if you're about let me know and we'll meet for a pint and natter

 

[andyb2706]

An exceptional productive day, obviously helped by having the gen in advance Of course the NRDMUG wasn't totally kind to you in the end but for the most part it all worked!

Which tablet do you have, and is it worth the money?

Sounds like your Northern requirements have really come down well lately, and congratulations on clearing your 390s for sight!

Oh aye, meant to mention it recently, I see 23rd June is a Tuesday. I'm working til 1700 and have to be on the bus home at 1815, but if you're about let me know and we'll meet for a pint and natter

I got the Samsung Tab 4 and I think it is worth its money, currently downloading a movie and some BBC programmes to watch. Also and more importantly I can transfer my train excel databases to it for when I'm out and about and to be honest I wouldn't have got any other brand. I'm a Samsung geek with a TV, phone and laptop.

As to my Northern fleet I still need 118,but that is also counting the 319's that are still to be delivered. Hope to knock a few more of them off this next week. as to the 390's it has taken ages to catch up with 107 but I still need 20+ for haulage, however I'm going to be chasing the VEC stock over the next 18 months due to their uncertain future.

I've been checking on train times and the latest one back to Manchester I can get so that I can get a tram is 1955, so I should be knocking around in the area still.

 

[Techniquest]

I have a Samsung TV (not that I really use it!) and a Samsung mobile so I understand the Samsung geek thing That tablet you have is rather expensive though isn't it?

Not doing too bad with Northern stuff then, better than me from memory

 

[andyb2706]

It's not badly priced. It cost less than £200. The original Galaxy tab were at least double that. By the way I have the Samsung Galaxy camera too

 

[noddy1878]

Just caught up with lots of your reports. You've been busy. I like the way you highlight winning trains and stations in red. I might borrow that idea if you don't mind?