Back on the platform

[The_Train]

But you seemingly didn't take the TPE Mk.5 DT which would seemingly meet the criteria?

I enquired about the numbers of the new TPE Mk5 stock and was told they didn't have any other than set numbers (TP01 etc I think) which I've not seen on the units. If I'm being fed incorrect information then I shall certainly log them if they do have numbers.

Look I know you're trying to make your tram chasing seem better but I think you're clutching at straws a bit here

 

[palmersears]

Loving this so far, train. I used to love the days of going out and coming back with 100+ winners, enjoy them while they last!

I'm very much annoyed you saw 66002 (my last DB 66 required) and 88010 (last 88) on the same day though. Been after the former for 9 months now

 

[The_Train]

Loving this so far, train. I used to love the days of going out and coming back with 100+ winners, enjoy them while they last!

I'm very much annoyed you saw 66002 (my last DB 66 required) and 88010 (last 88) on the same day though. Been after the former for 9 months now

Thanks palmersears, I certainly will enjoy it while it lasts. I know it only gets harder from here (well I've got a few more untouched areas to visit yet but you know what I mean).

I saw 66002 at Stafford back in June but not seen it since until Doncaster. 88008 was also one I'd caught at Stafford (last month) when it was on the Tesco train. Does seem that the 88s are shuffled about a lot.

What I will say is that it it's annoyed you that I've seen both of those you're chasing on the same day, I'd probably avoid reading part 3

Edit: I meant part 4 not part 3

 

[Skymonster]

I enquired about the numbers of the new TPE Mk5 stock and was told they didn't have any other than set numbers (TP01 etc I think) which I've not seen on the units.

A smokescreen to disguise your move into coaches I suspect - I found details of the TPE Mk.5 formations on abrail in a couple of minutes. And you've already admitted to doing Grand Central 180 coaches...

Look I know you're trying to make your tram chasing seem better but I think you're clutching at straws a bit here

I've already admitted to my transgressions... (Or should that be traMsgressions?)

Anyway I'm really looking forward to the next instalment, even if you are boosting the winners count a bit by including unpowered vehicles.

 

[The_Train]

Tekkin mi'sen up t'Yorkshire - Wednesday 5th September 2018 (Part Four)

I've chosen to not delve into an argument with Mr Monster (because you know I'm right, I hear him shout) and instead thought I would enlighten your Sunday evening with part 4 of my full on day to Yorkshire. There will be unpowered vehicles as they are listed on SpotLog, unlike those trams that Skymonster just simply doesn't do

Anyway, I'd left you all on tenterhooks previously as a chalked off another couple of 185 winners. I've not yet been on the platforms at Doncaster for 90 minutes so surely there was time for more winners before repetition occurs.......

HST class 43 43206 at Doncaster by The_Train

This beastly looking HST power car, 43206, was next into the book with 43319 trailing and while it was standing in the platform dud 88008 (also seen earlier...sorry @palmersears ) crept through platform 1, much to the annoyance of a few photographers who missed an opportunity for a pic......not me though
88008 passing Doncaster by The_Train

Was something a bit different for me to see an 88 hauling something like ballast as I'd only ever seen it on the Tesco train through the midlands. Another of the lovely pacers gets the bold treatment with 144013 being another winner but then disaster struck as 82228 and 91112 made a 2nd appearance of the day and I'd bagged my first unpowered dud of the day. No need for the brown paper bag to assist with my breathing just yet as I comforted myself with the fact that they had only returned from Leeds and gained even more comfort from the arrival of 82210 and 91101 as they headed south
DVT class 82 82210 arriving at Doncaster by The_Train

142027 kept up the unit wins and this was followed by another Northern unit in the form of 158790 which arrived with a service to Sheffield. I also increased my HST numbers with 43307 and 43367 going into the book before deciding to have a wander down to the other end of platform 4 where I was able to chalk off 153384 which had arrived into bay platform 5. LNER 82225 arrived with a northbound service being propelled by 91110 and more fun in identifying a 180 with a Grand Central service to London passing the fast lines. With the help of the coach numbers it was ID'd as 180112 and not long after I was able to add 180104 to the growing list of winners. I have to be honest I quite like the 180s in the flesh and love the squeal of the brakes when they are slowing to a halt, just wish the unit numbers were more visible. Having seen plenty of older stock it was only right to get a sighting of the future and that came thanks to a test outing of the new IET class 800 (still to be branded Azuma on the East Coast I believe) with 800202 arriving into platform 1 from the carriage depot. TPE 185148 was next into the growing book of winners and for the first time in a while I managed to bag a freight loco as 66434 passed us by but it was then soon back to the passenger workings, 91121 and 82226 doing the honours. We had a pleasant treat next as the glorious looking (but dud) 37884 crept down the goods line as it made its way back home to Leicester L.I.P having come from the Holbeck Loco Sidings. It was briefly held and not sure if the driver stopped where he did on purpose but it gave a great photo opportunity....
Class 37 37884 passing Doncaster station by The_Train

My first 185 dud made a return from Cleethorpes but 142019 ensured that my spirits weren't dampened. 91132 came by next with 82202 in tow as did duds 82201 and 91122, the latter running southbound and the former heading towards Leeds. A favoured sprinter from my younger days, it was nice to see another class 150 arrive, unfortunately it was 150127 which I'd seen earlier in the day
Class 150 150127 at Doncaster by The_Train

More 66 success with 66785 heading the Middleton Towers to Monk Bretton GBRF train and more success with the LNER stock thanks to 82220 and 91129 as they ran the capital to capital service south towards London. 43308 and 43311 added to my winners as they called into platform 4 on route to York but we then hit a bit of a wall as a few duds rolled through, not helped by XC Voyager services heading in each direction. That was quickly ended though when 91102 arrived pulling DVT 82212 and these were quickly followed by HST power cars 43313 and 43309 before 800202 made its 2nd appearance of the day as it continued its testing
Class 800 IET 800202 test run by The_Train

Back to the older generation now as 158844 was a win, win, winner and before we went back to the future as 800201 came out to play the testing game. The winners kept on rolling in and it was the turn of 91109 and it's partner 82231 next before I had a stroll back up platform 4, not only to make use of the facilities but also to chalk off 322485 which had terminated in platform 6. I got another opportunity to try and identify a 180 but it needed the coach numbers to confirm that it was 180113 and, having returned back to the south end of platform 4, this was followed by another HST set powered by 43316 and 43300.
HST class 43 43316 passes Doncaster by The_Train

I'd expected the 185s to repeat fairly quickly but I was still bagging them as we headed towards 4pm, this time 103 being a winner and the mighty 91s were also being ticked off at regular intervals with 91120 getting the winner treatment and we all know that where there is a winner 91, there is a winner DVT with 82206 being that winner this time around.

I think I will leave part 4 there (mainly because Bodyguard is about to start) with another 42 winners in the bag and some good sightings. That takes me to 170 winners for the day (so far) which is well beyond my previous best of 100.

Time was now starting to become my enemy as I edged closer and closer to my 18:59 train home so don't miss part 5 to see if I could do something I'd never imagined being possible and nail 200 winners or of course miss out on this milestone as we enter a period of the day renowned for increasing the dud counter.

And don't forget to check my flickr where there are more pics from the day so far here

 

[Kite159]

Another productive few hours

 

[gtis]

Another great report glad to see you got to see class 800 on test training looking forward to read part 5
Did you manage to see the DB class 90

 

[Skymonster]

When I did aeroplanes many years ago we had a term for anyone who made a large number of winners in one day - slackers! But it was just friendly banter - honestly

At the time you announced your Doncaster escapade I figured you'd make 100. That you might have ended up doubling that is truly excellent and I look forward very much to reading part 5 when I presume the finally tally will be revealed. I'm also curious to learn where you think your next adventure might take you - onwards and upwards I hope.

 

[The_Train]

Another great report glad to see you got to see class 800 on test training looking forward to read part 5
Did you manage to see the DB class 90

I'd been told that I might get to see one or two of them on test but was still nice when they made an appearance. I didn't see any 90s all day which makes a change as they are regulars through my local

 

[The_Train]

When I did aeroplanes many years ago we had a term for anyone who made a large number of winners in one day - slackers! But it was just friendly banter - honestly

You will have to enlighten me as to how that term came to be used in such a manner?

At the time you announced your Doncaster escapade I figured you'd make 100. That you might have ended up doubling that is truly excellent and I look forward very much to reading part 5 when I presume the finally tally will be revealed. I'm also curious to learn where you think your next adventure might take you - onwards and upwards I hope.

I am sure part 5 will be the final part. Will hopefully post it around early evening tomorrow.

I have a few ideas regarding future movements with one currently edging the rest for my next trip. However, I will stick them into the end of the next part of the Donny trip and see what you more experienced folk think

 

[Cowley]

I’ve got to congratulate you on this photo of the 37,66 and 67 at Doncaster...

What an absolute peach of a picture.

 

[The_Train]

Thanks very much, got to say I impressed myself with that one Cowley haha

 

[Cowley]

You definitely caught a moment in time there...

 

[palmersears]

More excellent progress!

The Europhoenix 37s are wonderful to see. They pop up all over the place as well so are always a nice surprise. I'm hoping now 901 is about to exit Eastleigh in that livery I might finally get to tick it off my list.

I think the 90s on hire to LNER only get as far as Newark so that's why you won't have seen them. Although I remember seeing one on a Leeds service a while back so I could be wrong.

 

[The_Train]

More excellent progress!

The Europhoenix 37s are wonderful to see. They pop up all over the place as well so are always a nice surprise. I'm hoping now 901 is about to exit Eastleigh in that livery I might finally get to tick it off my list.

I think the 90s on hire to LNER only get as far as Newark so that's why you won't have seen them. Although I remember seeing one on a Leeds service a while back so I could be wrong.

I'm a big fan of 37s in any guise but must admit that the Europhoenix ones are a particularly good sight. It's amazing that those involved in the livery jobs can make such old engines look so much like new. It's unfortunate I've only managed to see a limited number of 37s since getting back into the hobby but I guess it makes it that little bit more exciting when I do see one. Is there any particular place where there is more chance of seeing them or is it just pot luck these days?

As for the 90s at LNER, I had hoped to see at least one but them only going as far as Newark would answer why I didn't. Guessing a trip to Peterborough would sort that then? Will they just work the ECML until the IETs enter full service?

 

[palmersears]

I'm a big fan of 37s in any guise but must admit that the Europhoenix ones are a particularly good sight. It's amazing that those involved in the livery jobs can make such old engines look so much like new. It's unfortunate I've only managed to see a limited number of 37s since getting back into the hobby but I guess it makes it that little bit more exciting when I do see one. Is there any particular place where there is more chance of seeing them or is it just pot luck these days?

As for the 90s at LNER, I had hoped to see at least one but them only going as far as Newark would answer why I didn't. Guessing a trip to Peterborough would sort that then? Will they just work the ECML until the IETs enter full service?

Just pot luck really for the 37s. Colas use theirs all over the country on test train work, whilst the DRS lot will be heading out for RHTT season soon (as will a couple of Colas' probably). Europhoenix have carved a niche out for themselves in doing unit drags/moves, typically the 345s from Derby to Old Oak/Abbey Wood/Wembley/Crewe at present.

The 90s tend to swap over fairly regularly, so you might see them on the WCML if you're patient. That said a day out to Peterborough might help; fill in any gaps with your LNER requirements, grab a few more EMT 158s, and start on the Anglia 170s as well as the Great Northern 365s and 700s.

 

[Skymonster]

37s... Carlisle / Cumbria coast or Norwich are the only choice for passenger workings. Some DRS 37s will be visible stabled at Kingmoor (Carlisle) and Gresty Bridge (Crewe). The COLAS 37s, NR 97/3s and DRS 37s are most frequently seen at Derby R.T.C. (LORAM) but it's a lottery how many are present as some will be out working (the remodelling has temporarily reduced the number of test trains working out of Derby). The Europhoenix / ROG 37s work off Leicester and can turn up almost anywhere, anytime. I've not seen specific allocations for the RHTT season yet, but as Mr. Ears says some 37s are likely to be out and once the workings are known they will be predictable although they will only run for around six weeks.

For what it's worth, RHTT will also offer the only guaranteed regular 20s running on the national network (the GBRf/HNRC Litchurch Lane - Old Dalby - Banbury - Amersham S-Stock workings being a little less predictable). So if you want to see 20s running - I think DRS are only putting three of them up this year - another trip to Sheffield might be worthwhile once the season starts.

 

[gtis]

Hi definitely seen class 90 at Doncaster the last twice I have been there
Neil

 

[47403]

I haven't read through your day 4 yet but the 88 working is the Donnie-Millerhill, works Monday -Friday. Apart from the first few weeks when it started, when a DRS shed done the turn, it's booked Solid for an 88 now. They roughly change over every 2-3weeks. You'll know when its changing because normally on the Saturday or Sunday, the change over loco will be in the parcel Sidings at York. Between that and the Sellafield-Seaton flasks, I think almost all of the10 clockwork cats have been seen in the North East.

 

[The_Train]

Just pot luck really for the 37s. Colas use theirs all over the country on test train work, whilst the DRS lot will be heading out for RHTT season soon (as will a couple of Colas' probably). Europhoenix have carved a niche out for themselves in doing unit drags/moves, typically the 345s from Derby to Old Oak/Abbey Wood/Wembley/Crewe at present.

The 90s tend to swap over fairly regularly, so you might see them on the WCML if you're patient. That said a day out to Peterborough might help; fill in any gaps with your LNER requirements, grab a few more EMT 158s, and start on the Anglia 170s as well as the Great Northern 365s and 700s.

Peterborough is on my list of places to visit but it's been knocked back a bit with me doing Donny last week. I was thinking it would be a good place to go to try and mop up the LNER stuff so the info on what units I'd see is very helpful, thanks.

37s... Carlisle / Cumbria coast or Norwich are the only choice for passenger workings. Some DRS 37s will be visible stabled at Kingmoor (Carlisle) and Gresty Bridge (Crewe). The COLAS 37s, NR 97/3s and DRS 37s are most frequently seen at Derby R.T.C. (LORAM) but it's a lottery how many are present as some will be out working (the remodelling has temporarily reduced the number of test trains working out of Derby). The Europhoenix / ROG 37s work off Leicester and can turn up almost anywhere, anytime. I've not seen specific allocations for the RHTT season yet, but as Mr. Ears says some 37s are likely to be out and once the workings are known they will be predictable although they will only run for around six weeks.

For what it's worth, RHTT will also offer the only guaranteed regular 20s running on the national network (the GBRf/HNRC Litchurch Lane - Old Dalby - Banbury - Amersham S-Stock workings being a little less predictable). So if you want to see 20s running - I think DRS are only putting three of them up this year - another trip to Sheffield might be worthwhile once the season starts.

Thanks for the info. When does the RHTT season generally start as this will be my first opportunity to see this? Am I likely to see much around Stafford or will I need to travel further a field? (I'd be particularly interested in seeing the 20s as I've not bagged any of them so far)

 

[The_Train]

I haven't read through your day 4 yet but the 88 working is the Donnie-Millerhill, works Monday -Friday. Apart from the first few weeks when it started, when a DRS shed done the turn, it's booked Solid for an 88 now. They roughly change over every 2-3weeks. You'll know when its changing because normally on the Saturday or Sunday, the change over loco will be in the parcel Sidings at York. Between that and the Sellafield-Seaton flasks, I think almost all of the10 clockwork cats have been seen in the North East.

Interesting stuff. What are the chances of them doing some of the Mountsorrel stuff going forward? Have they all got duties now then as the last I'd heard a good percentage of them were just sitting around at Kingmoor?

 

[03_179]

If you do Peterborough you may come across the occasional 387.

Another good location in Stratford (London).
Classes: 90, 345, 321, 315, 317 on passenger
Classes: 66 mostly on freight but with occasional 70s and 86s.

 

[Skymonster]

When does the RHTT season generally start as this will be my first opportunity to see this? Am I likely to see much around Stafford or will I need to travel further a field? (I'd be particularly interested in seeing the 20s as I've not bagged any of them so far)

Most RHTT (Rail Head Treatment Trains, or leaf-busters) run between the beginning of October and late November / early December. They are either MPVs (self-propelled units with a cab at either end, a bit like track machines) or a series of tank wagons top and tailed by locos. They cover most of the network on a daily or every other day basis but not always at weekends. So DRS do quite a few (especially in the east of England) which will probably be 57s or 37s, COLAS likewise work some runs (this year particularly in the Midlands I believe) with 56s, 37s and rumouredly 70s and GBRf also work some circuits (66s). I haven't seen all the details released for this year yet and no have idea what will work through Stafford. But the good thing is they all appear in the WTT and on RTT.

DRS Class 20s have to work one of the Yorkshire RHTT circuits because of guaging restrictions. The run starts at York and variously routes through Wakefield, Hull, Grimsby and Bridlington with two reversals at Sheffield. The following will be the Monday / Wednesday / Friday Class 20 working (Tuesdays and Thursdays are different):

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H45270/2018/10/03/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H45276/2018/10/03/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H45277/2018/10/03/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H45284/2018/10/03/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H45286/2018/10/03/advanced

The validity is October 1 to until December 7 but the dates can be reduced or extended depending on how the leaves are actually falling - if there is a lot of wind and all the leaves are off the trees by mid-November the RHTTs usually cease then, or vice versa if we have a calm Autumn. The above is the operation I like to try to catch because (in the 4th entry) it pauses at Sheffield on one of the through lines for more than an hour in the mid-afternoon. DRS have 20302, 20303 and 20305 being prepared at Gresty Bridge with expected ready dates of October 1.

 

[Skymonster]

What are the chances of them doing some of the Mountsorrel stuff going forward?

I don't think you'll see 88s on the Mountsorrels because most of the route (Nuneaton-Leicester, Midland Main Line, and Derby-Crewe are not electrified. Yes the 88s also have a diesel but it wasn't really intended for long stretches away from overhead wires with very heavy trains.

 

[Skymonster]

Looks like Stafford RHTT has been DBCargo 66s in recent years - but no idea if the contract is changing this year.

 

[The_Train]

I don't think you'll see 88s on the Mountsorrels because most of the route (Nuneaton-Leicester, Midland Main Line, and Derby-Crewe are not electrified. Yes the 88s also have a diesel but it wasn't really intended for long stretches away from overhead wires with very heavy trains.

I never considered that, just got all excited about more 88 action through my local.

Thanks for the info on the RHTT movements as well

 

[55013]

90s to Leeds?
On an almost daily basis at the moment.
During my 91 recent mileage hunt I've had 90019/020/036 and I know several others have been out.
There's no fixed diagram but one that seems to produce a lot is 1D04 07.33 Kings Cross - Leeds, followed by 1A22 10.15 Leeds - Kings Cross.
This is then often, but not always, followed by a Newark out and back.
Afternoon trips to Leeds aren't unknown - on the 6th of July I had 90036 on 1D15 13.00 Kings Cross - Leeds.

Oh, and your report was excellent

 

[47403]

Also whilst they have a decent pulling power whilst in diesel mode, they tend to send them in pairs, whilst doing so.i know for flask trains they've gotta be double headed. I'm not sure on the mileage from Sellafield-Seaton and return but I'd assume, a pair could probably do the Mountsorrel turn easy enough.

 

[Skymonster]

Also whilst they have a decent pulling power whilst in diesel mode, they tend to send them in pairs, whilst doing so.i know for flask trains they've gotta be double headed. I'm not sure on the mileage from Sellafield-Seaton and return but I'd assume, a pair could probably do the Mountsorrel turn easy enough.

Mounsorrel-Crewe is sometimes 2,000 tons trailing. There was debate about whether a 3,500HP Class 68 Bo-Bo could do it - it was proved it can - but I'm not sure how well even two 950HP Class 88s would do.

 

[The_Train]

Tekkin mi'sen up t'Yorkshire - Wednesday 5th September 2018 (Part Five)

Having had a very productive day already I still had a few more hours in Doncaster and was still on the hunt for winners. 82219 and 91108 complied before I got chance to watch some repeat units come and go. 185132 was definitely not a repeat though as it became my 7th winner of this class and 91125 kept my LNER winners ticking over with 82200 in support. 66002 made its 2nd appearance of the day (sorry again @palmersears ) having picked up its load to take to London Gateway before another 91 success with 103 doing the honours this time and 82207 at the other end
Class 91 91103 at Doncaster by The_Train

I then suffered with 4, yes FOUR, duds in a row as a couple of repeat 158s (790 and 851 for the record) and a LNER electric set came through but 180114 broke that shocking run. Any thoughts that I'd broken the back of the LNER stock for the day were put to one side as DVT 82205 and it's power 91128 went into the book. It was time for a large latte as the long day started to catch up with me and having energised myself with this I headed across to platform 3 for a new perspective to the station. Unfortunately my move brought with it a batch of duds in many forms, one of which was 800201 returning back through as it continued its testing, this time heading towards York
Class 800 IET 800201 by The_Train

Even a double headed freightliner train to Leeds was unable to break my negative run as it was headed by dud 66547 and 66415 but another TPE 185 did break the mini drought thanks to 185141. As time started to catch up with me, so did the dud counter as a lot of the LNER stock started to make its return journeys, 82231 and 91109 being those duds in this case
Class 82 DVT 82231 departing Doncaster by The_Train

It wasn't to be all doom and gloom though as proven by winners 82218 and 91111 as they headed south and 91118 and 82215 heading towards Scotland. In between those sets of victors, a dud HST set did arrive back to Doncaster but as it was headed by the delightfully liveried 43238 it is definitely worth another mention
HST 43238 at Doncaster by The_Train

The successful units had been slowly drying up but this process was halted, at least for a short period, by the arrival of 158784 with a Northern service ex Scarborough and on its way to Sheffield, before, somewhat remarkably, more red success as 91114 and 82229 became my 21st set winner of the LNER electrics. It was back to the trusty 66s for another success as GBRf 66748 goes bold having made an appearance running from Immingham to Drax Aes
66748 at Doncaster by The_Train

With less than 90 minutes of my time at Doncaster left, winners were becoming a bit scarce and I decided to end my time at Donny where it began - at the north end of platform 4. There was still time nab another IET out on test as 800107 arrived back in the north having travelled from Kings Cross. Here it is heading back through Doncaster towards the carriage depot having gone up to Shaftholme Jn to reverse
Class 800 IET 800107 by The_Train

In a shocking twist, I managed to go the next 20 minutes without a sniff of a winner as the dud count increased and it was left to the master of all sprinter classes, the 158, to end that barren run - in this case it was 158908 who was shortly followed by 180107 which was my 9th (and final) 180 winner of the day. An added bonus came next as we were blessed by a visit from Flying Scotsman
LNER Class 91 91101 at Doncaster by The_Train

Ok it was only 91101 and it was dud but it still looks good in its livery. So blessed with a visit from the world's most famous locomotive I was not, but I was blessed with another victory in the game of catch the 66 as 66090 was chalked off running a Dollands Moor to Scunthorpe but I wasn't so successful with its partner, 66165, which entered the dud book. Unbelievably there was still more to be gained from this wonderful station with 82209 and 91106 passing through the fast lines and 158906 improving the unit successes even further as it headed towards Sheffield having originated in Bridlington. 322481 arrived into platform 6 ex Leeds and terminated before heading out and returning into the middle line between platforms 6 and 7 as it was put to rest for the night. It almost felt like the railways version of the last orders bell being rung in a pub and right at the last knockings, I managed to finish on a high with 82214 and 91116 completing the winners at Doncaster as they ran 1E22 ex Edinburgh to Kings Cross.

Just a few minutes later 220002 arrived (4 minutes late but it will make that up won't it?) to take me back to the Midlands. It was a busier service than those I made earlier and despite having a seat reservation I plonked myself down next to the first unsuspecting soul I saw (my thinking was that the carriage would empty at Sheffield anyway) and we headed off. Unfortunately Sheffield didn't arrive quite when it should as a broken level crossing barrier (a car had somehow driven into it) somewhere around Holmes Jn near Meadowhall caused us to be static for nigh on 25 minutes. I wasn't too concerned about connections at Tamworth as I had options (unlike the poor chap across who was losing his mind a little bit over a missed connection at Sheffield) but I was concerned that it was highly likely to be dark when we passed by Toton as I'd hoped to pick a few more up I'd missed on the outward journey. Finally reaching Sheffield 25 down did have a slight benefit as there was a few units in the station so 153328, 158770 & 158852 all get the bold treatment. Toton did prove to be a disappointment as the night had drawn in by the time we went past but I did manage to spot a gronk at Etches Park which I later identified (with the help of the TOPS thread on here) as 08899. We were further delayed as we had to wait for a path into Derby, eventually arriving there 35 late although it did allow me to spot 222004 which crept past as we sat waiting. I was also able to chalk off 43049 although I never saw the other power car but still, one is better than none.

XC Voyager 220002 at Tamworth by The_Train

We finally arrived into Tamworth 37 late but still in time for me to catch my final haulage of the day in the form of a pendolino, 390156 doing the honours. After an extremely comfortable ride I was soon back in Stafford where I found a chap who I'd spoken to a few times and who had been out 'bus bashing' all day and was awaiting the last bus home. I spent a good half hour chatting with him (didn't seem right to leave him on his own in a pretty barren station) and while we were chatting dud 66124 came through hauling 67013, also dud, and would you believe it also in the convoy was 92042 and to top off an awesome day, I'd finally got my 92s off and running.

My stats
Successes today: 206 (admittedly with the help of the 60s at Toton)
Completed sets today: None
Highlight of the day: I think the day in general was a highlight but individual highlights would be seeing the IETs and the class 92
My day rating: 5/5 Great day - really ate into the ECML stuff and also some of the Northern units

Doncaster stats
Doncaster rating: 4/5 (plenty of activity particularly passenger workings of which there was a wide variety of locos/units but too much freight using the avoiding line stops it scoring a perfect 5)
What classes you can expect to see: 43, 66, 82, 91, 142, 144, 150, 153, 158, 180, 185, 220, 221, 321, 322, 800
Facilities: Coffee Shops, Toilets & a shopping centre next door

More pics on my flickr for those interested

Up next
Reading via a couple of hours at Birmingham New Street

Future trips

• Manchester Piccadilly/Manchester Victoria/Leeds
• Clapham Junction
• Peterborough (maybe incorporating a visit into the Anglia region?)

I would also like to spend some more time at Sheffield as my hour there during this trip was rewarding and I think it has more to offer