Back on the platform

[Kite159]

Thanks for the confirmation. Will make it easier for me to track them down from my location if they are roaming around the midlands

Although at the moment they are easy enough to grab if you pop to Manchester and set up camp at the end of the platforms, you should be able to make a nice dent before they start appearing by random on the Tring stoppers

 

[Strat-tastic]

I posted my issue onto the forum on the SpotLog website and a very helpful chap advised me that the track machines all came under a separate dataset (UKDPT). However, at the time this set was still at draft stage so not visible on the app.

That said, I've just checked on the app and UKDPT seems to have gone live so head to the app and download the dataset

Edit: I've just downloaded it and it automatically logged my sightings

Yes, it came through for me at the weekend.

Still want bongs though

 

[03_179]

If anyone has MPV numbers and other Departmental stuff that's not on the app PM me the info and I'll get it on the dataset.

 

[The_Train]

Always good to see a class 37 coming through what was 66957 working being chasing that for ages one of my handful of freightliner locos left.

Unfortunately I have only been logging workings for the locos I get photos of and I didn't bother with this (I think all of the duds I'd seen that day had got me assuming everything that came through would be something I'd already seen....lesson learnt there haha).

The only information I have is that it passed Stafford at 15:54. Maybe I will start logging all loco hauled workings in the future so I can assist better with questions like this

 

[The_Train]

If anyone has MPV numbers and other Departmental stuff that's not on the app PM me the info and I'll get it on the dataset.

All of mine have synced correctly now I've downloaded the dataset but I'll keep an eye on it going forward, thanks

 

[The_Train]

Although at the moment they are easy enough to grab if you pop to Manchester and set up camp at the end of the platforms, you should be able to make a nice dent before they start appearing by random on the Tring stoppers

I may do that then, particularly if they are planned to work on more Southern routes out of the midlands. Was hoping they would just end up on the Crewe-Euston or Birmingham-Liverpool runs so I wouldn't have to go far to see them haha.

Can you make a day out of Manchester or does it become a bit repetitive after a while? If it's the latter, what is the best way of making a day out of being in the area (in a cost effective way)?

 

[03_179]

I tend to log everything in case I miss something and can help others if they ask.

 

[Strat-tastic]

If anyone has MPV numbers and other Departmental stuff that's not on the app PM me the info and I'll get it on the dataset.

Maybe we should start a Spotlog thread... I have a question

https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/spotlog.167449/

 

[Kite159]

I may do that then, particularly if they are planned to work on more Southern routes out of the midlands. Was hoping they would just end up on the Crewe-Euston or Birmingham-Liverpool runs so I wouldn't have to go far to see them haha.

Can you make a day out of Manchester or does it become a bit repetitive after a while? If it's the latter, what is the best way of making a day out of being in the area (in a cost effective way)?

I assume you live in the Stoke area so probably the cheapest way would be getting a day return to Stockport with a GM Rail Ranger. I would imagine after a few hours the Northern units will mostly be repeating, but then you can shift to Manchester Victoria.

 

[Skymonster]

Very entertaining thread The_Train. Thank you - I am enjoying reading about your exploits. How did you find the DRS open day at Crewe - I hope you went in the end? I thought it was great and to my surprise ticked off quite a few despite having been to the area many times in the past. Thanks to you and the other contributors I'm now also getting interested in Spotlog, although I need the iThingummy version!

A

 

[Far north 37]

Unfortunately I have only been logging workings for the locos I get photos of and I didn't bother with this (I think all of the duds I'd seen that day had got me assuming everything that came through would be something I'd already seen....lesson learnt there haha).

The only information I have is that it passed Stafford at 15:54. Maybe I will start logging all loco hauled workings in the future so I can assist better with questions like this

Thats fair enough i dont write workings down usually either should start keeping better records myself.

 

[The_Train]

Stafford - Tuesday 17th July 2018

Having cleared 350377, my first 156 in the form of 156473 and 323236 at Stoke on Trent on 10/07/2018 during a property hunting trip to Stafford, I returned for the trains mainly to hunt down the TPE Mk5 move from Portbury. So my targets for the day consisted of nabbing the 47s hauling the Mk5 stock and trying to complete the 220 and 221 Voyager units.

As always, my day began at a dreary Stoke on Trent station but it did yield my first success of the day thanks to 153385 heading towards Crewe. 220003 was my haulage to Stafford and as much as it was not needed for sight, it was my first time travelling on. And almost as if the unit wanted to set my day up right, I even managed to get a seat for the journey down. It was to be a fairly lax start at Stafford though, as it took over half an hour for me to gain my first success. 350266 took the honours and also took me to within 7 of completing the WMT 350 units. I had more property related things to sort out in the town so decided to head off to do these considering the slow start I'd had since arriving in Stafford and to ensure I was back for the TPE Mk5 stock. Things went well with the property stuff and with my spirits up I arrived back into the station around lunch time and armed with a meal deal from WH Smith took up a vantage position on the north end of P5 where I got chatting to a couple of nice guys.

There was little to report from the opening half hour of my return, but we did spend a bit of time debating what the Nottingham Eastcroft to Crewe Basford Hall would be with RTT reporting that whatever it was there was over 2000 tonnes being pulled. I'd guessed at track machines of some sort but was proven wrong when surprisingly Colas 56105 came through all on her lonesome
56105 runs light at Stafford by The_Train

This was just my 6th class 56 chalked off for sight and was followed by a double whammy of winner 66s. First Freightliner 66953 headed south through P4 on the 1012 Trafford Park-Felixstowe run
66953 heads south at Stafford by The_Train

And required DRS 66305 chased 66953 through P4 just minutes later running light from Crewe Basford Hall to Bescot Up Engineers
66305 at Stafford by The_Train

In anticipation of the big arrival I decided to move across to P4 and by this time, I'd started to hear good things about my new property and was starting to discuss move in dates with the letting agent. Things were looking up and to emphasise that, it was the turn of the main event as the 0900 Portbury to Manchester Int Dpt TPE Mk5 stock move was pulled through P5 by the fantastic looking 47813 and 47812
47813 and 47812 head into Stafford by The_Train
47813 at Stafford by The_Train
47813 & 47812 power through Stafford by The_Train

Oh and there was the new TPE Mk5 stock attached to the awesome class 47 machines
TPE Mk5 stock at Stafford by The_Train

220018 was my next winner as it took me to needing just 2 more of the 220 Voyager units and with just 221122 eluding me to complete the 221s, my chances of hitting target were increasing all the time. EWS liveried 90020 then made a special guest appearance on the Up Fast, running light from Crewe Electric to Wembley Eur Frt Ops Centre
90020 light at Stafford by The_Train

After all of the excitement of the previous 30 minutes or so, a lull was probably a good thing to give me time to breathe and refocus. That said a 1 and a half hour period of duds was probably a little too long A period of duds like that has to be broken by something good though doesn't it? In this case, you'd better believe it had as it was winner 221122 that arrived on the 1M46 1357 Banbury to Manchester Piccadilly to complete my 221 units for sight
221122 at P5 Stafford by The_Train

My excitement of completing the 221 units did see me drop my guard, however, and it was just as I put my phone into my pocket that winner 56078 snuck down the side of the 221 with winner 70812 in tow. A great picture opportunity missed but 2 more winners all the same. Having missed that photo chance, I decided to zap some power into my phone using the facilities in the waiting room and unfortunately it meant no picture of my next winner as 66425 trundled through the station. Sufficient energy restored to my phone meant I was ready for the next special as winner Crossrail unit 345043 came through on a test run from Crewe CS to Rugby
345043 at Stafford by The_Train

66562 was my next winner as it headed the 0925 Southampton M.C.T to Garston FLT but it would be another hour of duds before the next piece of excitement. But what a piece it would prove to be as double headed 68s in the form of 68001 and 68016 powered into the goods line with the nuclear flasks train running from Bridgwater F.D to Crewe Coal Sidings
68001 & 68016 wait at Stafford by The_Train
68001 and 68016 at Stafford by The_Train

Having arrived early, the 68s were held for what seemed like an eternity and I must admit it was difficult to take my eyes off them. GBRF 66715 did grab my attention momentarily as she headed through with the 1513 Toton Nth Yard - Crewe Bas Hall Engineers train
66715 at Stafford by The_Train

66149, on the 1032 Southampton Eastern Docks to Halewood (Jaguar Cars), quickly followed to make it yet another winner from what was proving to be a fruitful day. 66415 was another success as it passed through with the 0932 Felixstowe North FLT to Trafford Park FLT
66415 at Stafford by The_Train

The winners kept on coming with a double header of 86s added another couple of winners as 86608 and 86627 passed by on the 1113 Felixstowe North FLT to Trafford Park FLT
86608 & 86627 at Stafford by The_Train

The two 86s would prove to be the final loco winners of the day but there was still time to add yet another mail train to my successes as 325013 became my 13th winner from the 325 set leaving me just 3 to find. 220018 was not needed for sight but it did provide me with haulage for the first time as I headed back up north to Stoke to finish off another good day at Stafford.

My stats
Successes today: 23
Completed sets today: Class 221 Voyager
My day rating: 5/5 - completed the 221 sets, the 47s took be back to my younger days, the 56s were a nice bonus and the 68s were a sight to behold

Stafford stats
SEE POST #64

 

[The_Train]

I assume you live in the Stoke area so probably the cheapest way would be getting a day return to Stockport with a GM Rail Ranger. I would imagine after a few hours the Northern units will mostly be repeating, but then you can shift to Manchester Victoria.

I've actually finally moved back down to Stafford but I suppose the same logic applies from here. The GM Rail Ranger seems like a good option particularly as it will give me a chance to clear a few Northern and TPE units at Piccadilly and Victoria. Would there be any easy way to maybe work Crewe into a day out in Manchester?

 

[The_Train]

Very entertaining thread The_Train. Thank you - I am enjoying reading about your exploits. How did you find the DRS open day at Crewe - I hope you went in the end? I thought it was great and to my surprise ticked off quite a few despite having been to the area many times in the past. Thanks to you and the other contributors I'm now also getting interested in Spotlog, although I need the iThingummy version!

A

Thanks for reading and for the positive feedback Skymonster. Got to admit, I never imagined doing full scale reports when I started this thread, but I quite enjoy logging it all down on here. Being a returnee to the hobby after many years away, the folks on here have been a great help in getting me back out and finding decent places to head to so it's the least I can do to report on my days out.

Unfortunately I had to miss the DRS Open Day as my property move (as mentioned in my latest report I've just posted) happened on Saturday so I was busy racing around getting things sorted. Glad that you enjoyed it and managed to get a few new locos chalked off. Having seen a few pics of the day I must admit to being a tad jealous of not being able to go particularly as I'm still yet to see an 88 anywhere. There is always next time in a couple of years though

 

[The_Train]

Thats fair enough i dont write workings down usually either should start keeping better records myself.

Yeah I'm starting to trace back as far as RTT will allow me and adding the workings to my logs for all locos whether new or seen before. I think there is a thread on here for posting workings you've seen so will try and play a part in that

 

[Kite159]

I've actually finally moved back down to Stafford but I suppose the same logic applies from here. The GM Rail Ranger seems like a good option particularly as it will give me a chance to clear a few Northern and TPE units at Piccadilly and Victoria. Would there be any easy way to maybe work Crewe into a day out in Manchester?

Day return from Stafford to Crewe with another day return from Crewe to Holmes Chapel with a pre purchased GM Wayfarer would probably be a good shot

 

[Far north 37]

Yeah I'm starting to trace back as far as RTT will allow me and adding the workings to my logs for all locos whether new or seen before. I think there is a thread on here for posting workings you've seen so will try and play a part in that

Yeah i seen you were noting them down another good day out there plenty variety managed to catch 68016 myself at euston there last saturday.

 

[The_Train]

Day return from Stafford to Crewe with another day return from Crewe to Holmes Chapel with a pre purchased GM Wayfarer would probably be a good shot

That's definitely worth a thought although having slept on it, I'm thinking that maybe sticking to your original idea for Manchester may be best (is it worth venturing out to any other places on the GM Rail Ranger....Wigan maybe?) and tie Crewe into a Cheshire Day Ranger. That said, trains are slightly on hold whilst I settle into my new place so won't be getting out for a couple of weeks now

 

[palmersears]

Excellent thread sir, reminds me of my (sadly now neglected) thread where I'm also attempting to chalk off as many winners for sight as I can. Ahh the heady days where you can go out for the day and get to double-figures for winners!

Regarding Manchester, it all depends on whether you want a bit of a day out, or just want to chalk off the maximum number of winners possible. If it's the latter then I'd probably avoid a prolonged stop at Crewe. There's little passing through that you won't see at Stafford (save for the odd EMT 153 and bits of ATW 150/153 action), whilst most of the freight terminating in Basford Hall yard from the north is only accessible from the 'Horse Landing' outside the station.

Get to Piccadilly, spend 3 hours or so there, and then head across to Victoria for more of the same. Sadly the latter isn't the nicest place in the world to spot, but the number of winners you'll get will make up for it. If you've still got time left in your day after that then returning via Wigan will also get you a few further winners by way of 319s on the Wigan-Liverpool runs, and bits and pieces of Virgin units.

 

[The_Train]

Excellent thread sir, reminds me of my (sadly now neglected) thread where I'm also attempting to chalk off as many winners for sight as I can. Ahh the heady days where you can go out for the day and get to double-figures for winners!

Regarding Manchester, it all depends on whether you want a bit of a day out, or just want to chalk off the maximum number of winners possible. If it's the latter then I'd probably avoid a prolonged stop at Crewe. There's little passing through that you won't see at Stafford (save for the odd EMT 153 and bits of ATW 150/153 action), whilst most of the freight terminating in Basford Hall yard from the north is only accessible from the 'Horse Landing' outside the station.

Get to Piccadilly, spend 3 hours or so there, and then head across to Victoria for more of the same. Sadly the latter isn't the nicest place in the world to spot, but the number of winners you'll get will make up for it. If you've still got time left in your day after that then returning via Wigan will also get you a few further winners by way of 319s on the Wigan-Liverpool runs, and bits and pieces of Virgin units.

Thank you for your kind words and advice.
I'm certainly enjoying the double figures of winners while I can as I know that this will become increasingly rarer as I get deeper into this. Having spent a lot of time at Stafford in the early days of my return to the hobby, there are some days there when it is dud after dud but I guess that's all part of the fun.

I think the Manchester run will be one of my next. What makes Victoria so unpleasant to spot at just out of interest? And which platform is the best vantage point at both Piccadilly and Victoria? Do the staff at either of these stations make life difficult for spotters?

Also, Nuneaton was due to be my next venture out as I'd heard good things about it but I've recently spoke to a few people who've said they were disappointed with it. Is it worth a trip out for a day?

 

[palmersears]

Thank you for your kind words and advice.
I'm certainly enjoying the double figures of winners while I can as I know that this will become increasingly rarer as I get deeper into this. Having spent a lot of time at Stafford in the early days of my return to the hobby, there are some days there when it is dud after dud but I guess that's all part of the fun.

I think the Manchester run will be one of my next. What makes Victoria so unpleasant to spot at just out of interest? And which platform is the best vantage point at both Piccadilly and Victoria? Do the staff at either of these stations make life difficult for spotters?

Also, Nuneaton was due to be my next venture out as I'd heard good things about it but I've recently spoke to a few people who've said they were disappointed with it. Is it worth a trip out for a day?

Victoria has the Manchester Arena plonked on top of it, so is rather dark and dingy unless you frequent the very eastern end of platforms 4/5. In reality, you'd need to wander around though, as a number of services terminate at either the western or eastern ends of the through platforms, and platforms 1 and 2 are slightly separated from the rest as well. Staff at Victoria are sometimes a little awkward but have got better.

For Piccadilly, your best bet is platforms 8/9 (If I'm recalling the layout right). This should allow you to ID everything coming in and out, but you might need to move around a little as the 142s are difficult to ID from medium/long distance. Depends how good your eyesight is! Northern services from all platforms except 13/14 will repeat after a couple of hours or so. Staff here are much nicer than Victoria, just sign in at the information desk on the main concourse and they'll leave you be all day then. You'll also hopefully get the 67+DVT on the ATW loco-hauled service, and there's a 66 trundling through to Trafford Park at least once an hour.

I've done Nuneaton a couple of times, and you'll get bits and bobs you don't get at Stafford. CrossCountry 170s for a start, as well as the WMT 153 on the Coventry shuttle, and plenty of freight to/from Lawley Street/Hams Hall/Bescot/Leicester/Peterborough that doesn't continue up the WCML to Stafford. Good luck ID'ing any of the Virgin stuff though, they travel through at a fair rate of knots!

 

[The_Train]

Thanks for the info. I think Nuneaton will be next on my list and will follow that with the Manchester trip.

Additional unplanned sightings

On top of the lengthier visits to stations, I've had a few instances where I've used the railway as a simple passenger (apparently people do this all the time ) and have managed to pick up a few extra winners along the way. A trip to Stafford on 19th July came with just 1 sight success with 153313 doing the honours. Despite no other positive sightings I did gain some haulage on 350122 and 220011 for the first time. This was followed by house move day on 21st July which required a move north from Stoke before heading down to Stafford and my time in and around Stoke proved to be quite successful. First I nailed winners in both directions of the Crewe-Derby line with 153326 being followed by 153308 and then my first trip on a 323 in many years was to be on required 323235 so sight and haulage done in one go there. The journey took me past Longport TMD and despite a pendolino trying to ruin it for me, I caught sight of a 66 and 08 stabled there. These were kindly confirmed as winners 66414 and 08220 by Skymonster on the TOPs thread.

The latest of my winners both came at Stafford as I had to head back up to Stoke on 23rd July to tie up some loose ends but during my short time awaiting 220018 to take me north for my 2nd batch of haulage on it, only 66092 was a winner for sight as it came through on the Dollands Moor Sidings-Ditton Foundry. 220012, not needed for sight, provided me haulage for the first time on the return to Stafford. My most recent sighting was this morning as I strolled into town and caught sight of departmental DR73922 heading through Stafford station. Quite handy having a route into town that takes me on a walk that is parallel to the Northern approach to the station.

And that is me completely up to date.
Having started logging on 30th May, I've managed to chalk off the following so far:

08 x2
37 x6
43 x4
47 x3
56 x6
57 x3
60 x1
66 x91
67 x6
68 x7
70 x8
82 DVT x1
86 x7
90 x13
153 x12
156 x1
158 x1
170 x14
220 x32
221 x44 (complete)
323 x9
325 x13
345 x4
350 x70
390 x56 (complete)
Track machines x8

 

[The_Train]

Stafford - Friday 27th July 2018

Having spent a good chunk of Thursday sweating (quite literally in the heat) over the installation of some flat pack furniture, and having a bit of spare time on Friday I decided to head to home ground to see if I could finish off the 220s and 350s (excluding the 350/4 units).

As is to be expected now, winners would prove to be rare and it took a good 30 minutes before 66596 came through heading south to Felixstowe South FLT. Another half hour of duds followed so I decided to head into town to hunt for some food. There is usually a few pop up stalls in the town centre offering good food at good prices but as it turned out they were lacking today as the centre was being prepared for a farmers market running over the weekend. Not fancying anything else I decided to just roam around for a bit before heading back to the station where I was left with a BLT meal deal at WHSmith. My return to the station didn't seem to improve my luck and I had plenty of time to munch through my sandwich as a shed load of duds passed me by with my only highlight being an opportunity to photograph 66424 for the first time even though it wasn't required for sight
66424 at Stafford by The_Train

My run of duds was ended by GBRF 66706 heading down to Felixstowe with a rake of containers before 66598 made it a quickfire double as it trundled through running the 1127 Hayes and Hayton Tarmac Sidings to Crewe Basford Hall
66706 forming 4L18 at Stafford by The_Train

My luck was changing now and just 3 minutes later it was yet another winner thanks to 66563 heading north to Garston having departed Southampton 7 hours earlier. 66149 headed through with the empty car wagons to Halewood and although it wasn't required for sight it caused a little confusion amongst the remaining spotters as it headed through the goods platform. The confusion sparked a conversation with a gentleman who turned out to be involved with the Great Central Railway in Loughborough, particularly working in the preservation of 37714. Gave me a good insight into the intricate workings of not only a preserved line but also the work involved in maintaining an aging loco. Back to the trains still on the National network and it was a surprise next as 57303 came through with 47812 in tow running a rake of barrier coaches down to Leicester L.I.P having previously been used to move the new TPE Mk5 stock up north
57303 leads 47812 through Stafford by The_Train

Winners kept popping up now and again to maintain my interest. 66729 becoming just my 6th winner of a slow day as it passed by with its not so challenging cargo of one empty ballast wagon
66729 at Stafford by The_Train

It then went 70s crazy as we were joined by no less than 3 within 15 minutes of each other. 007 and 015 were very much duds (particularly 007 which seems to go through Stafford every day) but 70002, running Felixstowe to Trafford Park, was another much needed winner
70002 catching the sun at Stafford by The_Train

The late afternoon/early evening was proving more fruitful than the previous many hours of watching duds go by but when I saw a pair of 86s heading up the goods line on their way to Trafford Park I wasn't optimistic of winners as it always seemed to be the same old 86s at Stafford. But as luck would have it, 86614 and 86607 were at the helm and despite showing their age a little (nothing a good wash wouldn't help with) they were a sight to behold
86614 and 86607 waiting at Stafford by The_Train

It had been a long slog but I was finally heading towards double figures for winners and that duly arrived in the form of Stoneblower DR80201 which had sat in the Salop Sidings at the south end of the station before sneaking out for a trip to Crewe P.A.D. Making it to 10 winners felt like an achievement although I'd not managed to nail the last of the 220s and 350s but my persistence was rewarded as 319442 tried to sneak through as my attention was diverted by the track machine. My first 319 chalked off and without having ventured into Northern territory yet. Apparently large parts of the nation had been soaked throughout the day but Stafford had maintained a lovely sunny day although the clouds had begun to arrive when a very colourful 66711 made an appearance with a rake of car wagons forming the 6L48 Garston Car Terminal to Dagenham
66711 at Stafford by The_Train

By now I'd crept up to 12 winners for the day and remarkably, 5 of those had arrived within a 23 minute spell either side of 6pm. Unfortunately that would prove to be it but as I was still chatting away to the guy from Great Central Railway I never took a great deal of notice of the amount of duds that were passing through, nor of the time until the clouds started to darken and the light started to fade. A quick check of RTT showed a couple more possibilities so I decided to stretch things out until 9pm and was duly rewarded as 66150 came through running from Arpley Sidings to Peterborough West Yard. Unfortunately the final act (or so I thought) was to be 66729, a winner earlier in the day, returning back to Toton having picked up a few extra ballast wagons to go with the one it had earlier. That was enough reason to call it a day (well that and the fact I was bloody starving by now) so I decided it was home time and headed out of the station but as a final reward for my lengthy persistence I managed to spy 70005 heading through the station running early with a Southampton M.C.T to Trafford Park FLT as I walked back towards my apartment. A nice way to finish a long day and even though I managed 14 winners in the end, the long slog is probably Staffords way of telling me I am exhausting things there a little bit. Still it was off to home for a well earned pizza


My stats
Successes today: 14
Completed sets today: None
Highlights: Seeing my first 319
My day rating: 2/5 - no targets completed, only one unit chalked off (albeit my first 319) and a long slog for few winners

Stafford stats
SEE POST #64

Winners at Stafford are clearly becoming harder to come by so I think going forward it will be somewhere I nip to for a few hours here and there when I have nothing else to do. I am heading off to Nuneaton on Thursday just to mix up my locations a bit and hopefully to see some different freight on the additional paths that run through there. I then have a plan for East Midlands Parkway/Nottingham for next week and maybe a venture to Birmingham the week after

 

[Kite159]

Another good day for your book of sights

 

[47403]

Great few reads again Mr Train, good luck with your new pad too. Didn't envy that stress of moving but when you've got in, sorted the utilities and change of address, you sit down on the settee with a cuppa and think, thank the lord that's done and dusted, with a small sense of pride.
Certainly roping in 35 new sights on the local is excellent but as you say, things are starting to get a little sparse. I think Stafford will continue to throw a few cops your way but once your local units and mainline passenger turns, 350s, pendos and voyagers in your case, are roped in, that's when it starts to bite.
The pic of the 47s powering up to leave Stafford I love, however anyone reading your thread, who's aware of my love of 47s, probably knew Id be gushing when. I saw that. There's some other excellent shots too but for obvious reasons, that's why I mentioned that particular one.
A bit of Envy in the fact 66777 went through your local, with the extra 10 being added to the GB Sheds, that's 1 of the 15 I need to clear them. Also 37407, going Southwards instead or Northbound, one of the 37/4s I need for haulage and was hoping it would get its arse on the Cumbria Coast turns.
Advice/Suggestions, if money can afford a West Midland Day Rover, Do Nunny, a ride past Bescot, Chiltern Cats from Moor St-Leamington Spa are very worthy nominees too. Cheshire Day ranger for Manchester, as it gets Warrington in, plus a ride to Chester on the 67 hauled 1D31 16.50 Man Picc-Llandudno, going round the back of Arpley.
As Palmersears has advised at Man Picc it's a station I love visiting, cos it always throws a few cops my way. Just jump on a TPE 185 to Man Vic, not only do you get the odd freight through, you've got the trams too.
Happy hunting at Nunny.

 

[palmersears]

Them 86s make my heart sing

Another good day, time to start spreading your wings a bit now I reckon!

 

[The_Train]

Another good day for your book of sights

In the grand scheme of things it wasn't too bad Kite, and if nothing else stretching my day out to beyond 9pm on Friday at least kept me occupied.

Great few reads again Mr Train, good luck with your new pad too. Didn't envy that stress of moving but when you've got in, sorted the utilities and change of address, you sit down on the settee with a cuppa and think, thank the lord that's done and dusted, with a small sense of pride.
Certainly roping in 35 new sights on the local is excellent but as you say, things are starting to get a little sparse. I think Stafford will continue to throw a few cops your way but once your local units and mainline passenger turns, 350s, pendos and voyagers in your case, are roped in, that's when it starts to bite.
The pic of the 47s powering up to leave Stafford I love, however anyone reading your thread, who's aware of my love of 47s, probably knew Id be gushing when. I saw that. There's some other excellent shots too but for obvious reasons, that's why I mentioned that particular one.
A bit of Envy in the fact 66777 went through your local, with the extra 10 being added to the GB Sheds, that's 1 of the 15 I need to clear them. Also 37407, going Southwards instead or Northbound, one of the 37/4s I need for haulage and was hoping it would get its arse on the Cumbria Coast turns.
Advice/Suggestions, if money can afford a West Midland Day Rover, Do Nunny, a ride past Bescot, Chiltern Cats from Moor St-Leamington Spa are very worthy nominees too. Cheshire Day ranger for Manchester, as it gets Warrington in, plus a ride to Chester on the 67 hauled 1D31 16.50 Man Picc-Llandudno, going round the back of Arpley.
As Palmersears has advised at Man Picc it's a station I love visiting, cos it always throws a few cops my way. Just jump on a TPE 185 to Man Vic, not only do you get the odd freight through, you've got the trams too.
Happy hunting at Nunny.

Thanks 47403, the actual moving of stuff went quite well. Downsizing to an apartment meant I finally had to go through stuff that I've not needed for years and get rid of it. The local charity shop was certainly happy to receive a suitcase full of clothes, some of which I'd never even worn

Anyway onto the trains, I think that now I live within a 5 minute walk of Stafford station I will make use of RTT to time visits when there is a chance of something special heading through or when there are those periods when freight after freight comes through instead of spending hours on end there. I'm no expert on photography but I must admit that the 47s powering up is probably the best pic I've nabbed so far and is certainly my favourite. 37407 was a total surprise to be honest, as I knew there was a loco move from the Greater Anglia region but assumed it would be a 90 running light again. I literally just made it down the stairs in time to get the pic but I had to generate a bit of sweat in doing so.

I will note down your suggestions but money is playing a big part in things at the moment. For the first time in my life, I'm out of work but hopefully that won't be for long now I'm back in the West Midlands properly as it opens up my options. However, the guy I was speaking to on Friday gave me the following suggestions:

1) drive to East Midlands Parkway and purchase a return to Nottingham. I think he said that will allow me to park there for £6 and then have a run to Nottingham for a couple of hours
2) drive to Blake Street (up from Lichfield City) as it is free parking there, then purchase a West Midlands Daytripper to have a day at New Street, Moor Street and also still head out towards Bescot (I think!!)

Edit: thinking about option 2, the West Midlands Ranger might not be much different in terms of cost, considering fuel costs of driving to Lichfield, as I can start at Stafford with it

 

[palmersears]

Your first time in Birmingham will be a right treat (well as much as hanging around New Street can be classed as a treat!). If you set out as soon as the Ranger is eligible then do New Street for 3 hours you can probably clear nearly all WMTs 323s, a vast percentage of the 170s and some of the 150s/153s as well. You'll get XC HSTs and 170s in addition. After that a trip past Bescot might be good, always plenty of locos floating around, but they're not always easy to ID due to the number of wagons in the way. Alighting at Bescot and using the footbridge there to get a higher vantage point often works, but you might need binoculars.

Moor Street the first time around is also excellent. Plenty of WMT 172s, and all the Chiltern stuff. The 68s setting off are a thing of beauty for the ears as well

 

[433N]

Nice read.

"... particularly (70)007 which seems to go through Stafford every day"

Do you know what the 319 was working ?

Also, just out of interest, and feel free to ignore my nosey question, if you like but did the fact that your new apartment is not far from Stafford station influence your choice of apartment ?

 

[The_Train]

Your first time in Birmingham will be a right treat (well as much as hanging around New Street can be classed as a treat!). If you set out as soon as the Ranger is eligible then do New Street for 3 hours you can probably clear nearly all WMTs 323s, a vast percentage of the 170s and some of the 150s/153s as well. You'll get XC HSTs and 170s in addition. After that a trip past Bescot might be good, always plenty of locos floating around, but they're not always easy to ID due to the number of wagons in the way. Alighting at Bescot and using the footbridge there to get a higher vantage point often works, but you might need binoculars.

Moor Street the first time around is also excellent. Plenty of WMT 172s, and all the Chiltern stuff. The 68s setting off are a thing of beauty for the ears as well

I've only ever used New Street as an interchange station and it always felt really enclosed but hopefully the platform ends will be a little more open? I think a trip down there will be more than beneficial to get plenty more units chalked off. I think I would go beyond Bescot on the outward journey and then alight there heading back. Might have to hope there is someone else there with binoculars though as I don't own any. Something for the wishlist maybe.

I love the 68s so a trip to Moor Street would be worth it just for those, particularly for a ride behind one.