crehld's travels

[Kristofferson]

Enjoyed the read, I do like a GA 90 on the GEML! Always more enjoyable in "push" as well. The Bittern Line sounds like a fun short trip as well.

 

[Techniquest]

A nice and fun little trip there! I see you were in London for a brief period of time the same day as I was. Depending which train you did off The Street will have meant we passed within hardly any distance of each other!

Yes the sub-surface lines can be, well, fun sometimes. I find the deep level lines are usually far more reliable, not much use on an Euston to The Street journey though!

I once walked Kings Cross platform 1 to Euston and joined a Liverpool train within about 9 minutes, but this was with not much luggage and going like a bat out of hell! For someone to suggest it could be done in 7 minutes is absolutely insane, especially if you're silly enough to use the Tube to connect between the two! Thank God he wasn't the only one on the ticket office!

Looks like you've got a fantastic April coming up, I'm insanely jealous! Beyond a Great Escape on 13th April I've got nothing planned yet. A trip to the South West is in the works but until I can book holiday time again, it's just day trips!

 

[Kite159]

Liverpool Street screens are useful once you know which part to look for, I think Victoria is the same with the Southeastern departures separated from the southern departures. Just think of it as two separate stations.

Sounds like an enjoyable day trip, I need to get myself onto a 90 towards Norwich again at some point.

 

[crehld]

Enjoyed the read, I do like a GA 90 on the GEML! Always more enjoyable in "push" as well. The Bittern Line sounds like a fun short trip as well.

It is very nice, and plenty to do and see on the way which I think is important.

A nice and fun little trip there! I see you were in London for a brief period of time the same day as I was. Depending which train you did off The Street will have meant we passed within hardly any distance of each other!

1730 LST to NRW!

Yes the sub-surface lines can be, well, fun sometimes. I find the deep level lines are usually far more reliable, not much use on an Euston to The Street journey though!

I once walked Kings Cross platform 1 to Euston and joined a Liverpool train within about 9 minutes, but this was with not much luggage and going like a bat out of hell! For someone to suggest it could be done in 7 minutes is absolutely insane, especially if you're silly enough to use the Tube to connect between the two! Thank God he wasn't the only one on the ticket office!

Probably took me just under 15 minutes to walk it. I knew when I had arrived at KGX I'd missed the connection so I saw no point in rushing too much. It was the attitude which annoyed me most though - an immediate assumption I was trying to pull a fast one!

Looks like you've got a fantastic April coming up, I'm insanely jealous! Beyond a Great Escape on 13th April I've got nothing planned yet. A trip to the South West is in the works but until I can book holiday time again, it's just day trips!

Really looking forward to April! Decided I'm going to use the Great Escape voucher to get the southern LM branch lines done and explore a couple of places I've never been to before!

Liverpool Street screens are useful once you know which part to look for, I think Victoria is the same with the Southeastern departures separated from the southern departures. Just think of it as two separate stations.

I guess if you're used to them... just makes things a bit confusing when you're in a rush and visiting for the first time.

 

[Techniquest]

I'd have been in the Finsbury Park area when you were leaving Liverpool Street, not far apart at all!

I find the Stowmarket to Norwich line to be rather dull and boring, especially on the long drag from Diss! Could be I've done it way too many times to count of course

 

[crehld]

9 April 2015: The Great Escape

Thanks to London Midland's Great Escape promotion, and a day out of the office, I have finally been able to go on a trip for the sake of going on a trip! As many of you know, this year's objective is to improve my rather abysmal route coverage, so I had two objectives in mind for today: the Marston Vale line between Bletchley and Bedford, and the Abbey Flyer between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey.

I had ordered my Great Escape voucher two weeks earlier and printed it off. So arriving off the bus I immediately took it to the ticket office at Crewe. Problem was I couldn't use it until at least 09:30, so to make the most of my day I decided to purchase an additional single to Stafford and start to use my Great Escape ticket from there. Thanks to my delay repay arriving from Great Northern (see post #30) the day before, today's adventure would set me back the princely sum of £3.37!

The first train of the day was winner 390128 - I know I've only started noting these down, but I travel on Virgin a lot so my luck with the 390s is going to run out any day soon! This takes me to new station Stafford (I live close by but until now have never had a reason to visit or change there!). It's now past the all important 09:30 mark, so I can spend the rest of the day with LM. It's 350113 to take me all the way to Milton Keynes Central. I was fortunate to get a seat on this service, as once we left Stafford it was standing room only. In fact by the time we made it to Lichfield it looked as though we were having to turn people away (or at least no one was able to board in the front carriage I was sat in - maybe they managed to squeeze on towards the back!). Alighting at Milton Keynes Central I was then able to make a 2 minute connection to catch 350267 for the short hop to Bletchley, another new station for me.

At Bletchley I have about 40 minutes to kill before the train to Bedford, so I decide to go for nearby shack Fenny Stratford by walking there. Thanks to some power walking I arrive with plenty of time to spare. This station is hidden away and surrounded by trees, and it s great location to spend 15 minutes in peace and quiet. Eventually 150107 turns up to head towards Bedford. The man opposite me on board is playing country and western music through the loudspeakers on his phone. He apparently has a driving test to go to and it's helping to calm his nerves! To be honest I didn't mind it too much, and in some way it seemed appropriate to the journey (don't ask me why!). The Marston Vale line itself is full of those tiny little stations which add to the charm of it all (a couple of which we didn't seem to fit onto!). I decide to alight early at the tiny station of Bedford St Johns.

I planned an hour in Bedford to make sure I had a chance to grab a bite to eat. I make my way to the town centre along the riverside which is a pleasant walk in the sunshine and I manage to find the obligatory Wetherspoons. Food (comprising of a burger washed down with a pint) consumed, I make my way to Bedford station. This time it's 153354 to take me all the way back to Bletchley. This particular unit stank of diesel fumes inside, to the point that it was making me want to throw up. I soldiered on though and, with the help of fellow passengers we get all of the windows open which helps the situation.

Marston Vale line down, it's time to head to objective 2: St Albans Abbey. Back at Bletchley I take 350101 to new station Leighton Buzzard. I then take 350114 to Watford Junction. There's time to spare so I decide to go for another walk to get in another nearby shack. I have a little bit of trouble getting past the barrier staff at Watford Junction (they seemed to think my Great Escape ticket was a single and wouldn't let me through unless I surrendered it) but a little bit of persuasion and a short walk later, I eventually make it to Watford North.

Here I catch 321412 (looks like Kite159 was on the same train today! This happens to be my first LM 321 ) to St Albans Abbey. Like Bedford I had planned an hour to take in the sights and so on. At St Albans Abbey station there is a poster recommending a 2.5 mile walk along the river to Park Street station. Taking this option would mean another new shack. Plus 2.5 miles within an hour is easily doable, I had the time to spare and the sun is shining so off I went! And what a lovely walk it was too: open fields, countryside, the sound of rippling streams, new born lambs jumping around the place... you get the idea. I make it to Park Street with 15 minutes to spare before 321412 turns up again to take me all the way back to Watford Junction (it's a short line so I guess they just assign one unit for the day and it operates as a shuttle service).

Objectives complete it was time to head back (I promised Mrs crehld I'd be back in by 9)! I caught 350260 and 350368 back to Milton Keynes Central (in hindsight I could have caught the train a couple of minutes earlier to Tring and then picked up the Milton Keynes train from there for an additional shack... oh well, another day perhaps). Alighting at Milton Keynes I have just enough time to purchase an overpriced sandwich and an overpriced can of beer to sustain me for the long haul to Crewe.

It's 350123 and 350129 back to Crewe. As we pull into Stafford, however, I make the impromptu decision to switch trains as there's a stopping service jut five minutes behind us. It's potential another 350 off the list and it pays off as it's 350263.

Overall a great day out! I completed my primary objectives and managed to get some more new stations in along the way too (and the all important winners!). Here are the stats:

Total mileage: 326m 38ch
New shacks: 9
Total cost of tickets: £3.37 (taking into account earlier delay repay) - absolute bargain!
TOCs: VT, LM
Classes travelled: 321, 350, 390
Total winners: 13

 

[Kristofferson]

Cracking day - have added the St Albans - Park Street walk to my "rail stuff" to do list!

 

[crehld]

Cracking day - have added the St Albans - Park Street walk to my "rail stuff" to do list!

It was great! And such a good idea for an afternoon out by rail. Just follow the Abbey Line Walks arrows and you can't go wrong. The local CRP has really put some effort into it! There's even a website: http://www.abbeyline.org.uk/walks.htm

 

[Techniquest]

Looks like a good time was had! A good few winners had, and you did two shacks I still need (Fenny Stratford and Bedford St Johns). Not had that problem on 153s before, no idea what happened there.

Good to see you finally got to have a proper bash this year! So much you can do on LM and on a Great Escape, the options are massive. Surprised you haven't visited Stafford before, considering you're fairly local to it!

 

[crehld]

Looks like a good time was had! A good few winners had, and you did two shacks I still need (Fenny Stratford and Bedford St Johns).

They're both quite close to Bletchley and Bedford respectively so if you have a bit of a fester (as I did) then it's worth walking to them and getting the train from there!

Good to see you finally got to have a proper bash this year! So much you can do on LM and on a Great Escape, the options are massive.

It was great

Surprised you haven't visited Stafford before, considering you're fairly local to it!

I've only ever passed through and never needed to change there. Thinking about it if it wasn't for the 09:30 restriction on the great escape it probably would've been missed again!

 

[Kite159]

It's a short line which is single track only, like a long siding. Easiest way to get my last LM 321 in the book

I was on the 10:50 ish departure so would have been too early, although 114 does ring a bell at a 350 I decided to let go and get on the one following.

Sounds like a busy day, didn't think about going back up via Birmingham?

 

[crehld]

Sounds like a busy day, didn't think about going back up via Birmingham?

The thought did cross my mind, but I had to be back on the 2035 bus. Besides I'd met my objectives for the day, and I'll be passing through Birmingham tomorrow!
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12 April 2015 London via Birmingham, plus a bit of London bashing too!

An early train to Brussels for a work trip the next meant a trip down to London today. Work would cover the cost of an off-peak return for Crewe to London, routed any permitted. I supplement this with my own travelcard which will allow a small amount of London bashing.

Given the flexibility of my ticket I spent a while a couple of days beforehand studying the routing guide maps for Crewe-London and this highlighted a number of possible routes and opportunities to cover yet more track I needed. My route was selected, and itineraries printed off from National Rail Enquirites, just to make sure!

At Crewe, the first train of the day would be 350130, yet another 350 winner. This would take me the 'long' way round (via Stoke on Trent) to new station Rugeley Trent Valley. There was a short fester at Rugeley while I waited for the Birmingham train and I got talking to a fellow passenger. He wanted to know how far the town centre was and whether there was an open pub. 10:30 on a Sunday morning seemed a bit early to heading to the pub to be honest, but it didn't matter as I've never been to Rugeley before, let along have idea about the local pub offering!

Eventually 170513 showed up to take us to Birmingham New Street. Before we'd set off the guard came round to check tickets. He seemed slightly bemused by the route I was taking to London, but was nevertheless happy once I showed him my NRE itinerary (lucky I printed it off eh?). I think he thought I was a little mad... oh well! At least it's added the Chase Line to my coverage map. Arriving into New Street I made a dash for nearby and new station Birmingham Snow Hill. I then picked up 172339 for the short hop to Birmingham Moor Street - a rather dull journey with nothing to note given it's so short and in a tunnel!

At Moor Street I changed to the Chiltern service towards London Marylebone, another London terminal I'd yet to visit. This turned out to be 168003. This was my first time on a 168, and what a strange looking thing. For all intents and purposes it appears to be a 170, but with the cab end of a networker... I'm guessing this was the prototype Turbostar model?

Having arrived into London Marylebone I now needed to get myself to the Travelodge in Stratford. My plan was to kill two birds with one stone and get there by covering yet more of London's rail network. The first job was to get the Bakerloo line to Queens Park. Here I switched to London Overground 378232. This took me as far as Willesden Junction, where I switched to 378230. The line between Camden Road and Stratford was closed for engineering works, so I changed at Gospel Oak and decided to head towards Barking, which would allow me to add the GOBLIN line to the coverage map. 172004 would be the train to take us to Barking. This particular train had the aircon set to max (or perhaps I mean to say "min"? Whatever, it was bloody cold on board!). The effect of the cold sinks in further as we are held up for what seems like an age outside Barking while we wait for a freight train to clear ahead of us.

When we eventually arrive into Barking I pick up 357017 and 357225 to West Ham. Here it's a change to the DLR and trains 114 and 102 take me to Stratford High Street, the closed station to my hotel.

Having checked in, I spend a little time faffing about in the hotel room before I decide I need to get back out there again. The line between Stratford and Tottenham Hale and the Chingford branch line would be the objectives. If I went to Stratford now, it would mean a 40 minute fester. So to make the most efficient use of my time I plan to walk up to nearby Maryland station for a shack attack. I set off and as I approach the station entrance I reach into the pocket for my day travel card contained in my railcard holder. But wait... it's not there! Have I dropped it somewhere? Have I lost it? I definitely had it at Gospel Oak because a ticket inspection was carried out as we left, and I seem to remember having it in the hotel room. I hope I have left it there and not lost it for good!

At this point I have little option but to back track to the Travelodge, hoping I will find it. Sure enough there it is, sitting on the bed. I'm relieved, but also frustrated as it means I'll have to miss Maryland now. I head back out. Having now walked up this stretch of the road four times I'm rather bored of it (and admittedly a little lazy), so I take DLR trains 89 and 77 to Stratford. Here I pick up 379012, which takes me to new shack Ponders End.

From here the plan is to walk to Chingford Station. I arrive at 18:00, and I'd quite like to be on the 18:40 from Chingford to Liverpool Street. Google Maps tells me it's a 40 minute walk, so I have little option but to enter power-walk mode. No time to see the sights today, which doesn't matter too much as there's nothing of any real interest to see en route.

I eventually make it to Chingford with five minutes to spare. I find a seat on 317887 and give myself a well-deserved rest. I'm pretty knackered now and as well as getting the daily exercise in, the walk has worked up an appetite. I decide to stay on the train all the way to Liverpool Street (I pass up chances for more shack attacks en route as, quite frankly, I'm hungry and can't be bothered - food will always win!). As we pull into Clapton, however, all of a sudden four BTP officers pile on and start running up and down the train and the platform. The officers tell us they're looking for a "suspected suspect" (their words!!). We're held at the station for about five minutes until the BTP suddenly run off, seemingly without their suspect.

All this excitement and the earlier walk means as we arrive into Liverpool Street the hunger is really starting to set in! I take a central line train to Holborn and decide to see if I can find any acceptable and reasonably priced food in the Covent Garden area. After passing a few restaurants I find a quiet Mexican place and settle for this.

Good food is had, but I'm now keen to head back to the hotel. I walk to Embankment station, where I pick up the Circle Line train to Tower Hill. From here it's a short walk to et another new London Terminal, Fenchurch Street. Despite it being pas 9pm on a Sunday evening the coffee shop is still open to I purchase an espresso to perk me up a little. I then make my way to 357044 and 357033 waiting to take me to West Ham. At West Ham it's now DLR duds 89 and 77 back to Stratford High Street.

Overall an eventful day, complete with excitement, achievements and frustrations! Here are the stats:

Total mileage: 232m 21ch
New shacks: 13 (national rail - haven't had a chance to check my LU and DLR logs yet)
Total cost of tickets: £82.10 (although work will be paying the £74.20 for the Crewe to London leg).
TOCs: LM, CH, LO, LU, CC, DLR, LE
Classes travelled: 168, 170, 172, 317, 350, 357, 378, 379
Total winners: 13 (excluding DLR)

Well that's it for now folks. I'm aware a lot of trip reports have gone up recently, so I promise I'll get round to reading them soon!

 

[Kristofferson]

An interesting route to London indeed, and an interesting read

 

[Techniquest]

As always an interesting read! Productive too, always good when it's like that

I've also been inspired to count how many haulages I've had. Started counting them up today, got to do the EMUs later on my way home after work. Certainly my figures will be interesting, shall have them posted on my trip report thread tonight or tomorrow

 

[Kite159]

I think I've stayed in the very same travel lodge for business last year, nice little day out

 

[crehld]

28 April 2015: A trip on the Chieftan

Before the franchise change I had amassed enough East Coast rewards points for a free first class trip. With the abolition of the rewards scheme this sort of opportunity isn't going to come about again so I decided to go for the longest journey I could find: Kings Cross to Inverness on the Highland Chieftan.

The first task was to get to London and I'd decided to go via Derby as I was bored of the usual WCML route. The day, however, didn't start well. Poor planning and traffic issues meant I missed the Derby train by the skin of my teeth. I had an advance ticket from Derby so had to be on that train! Thus a mad dash to Stoke on Trent ensued to pick up the train there. I made it just in time to catch 156406. It was a cold morning, made worse by the fact the train heating hadn't been turned on. Nevertheless a 156 was a pleasant surprise. It's usually 153s on this route, but I've noticed 156s and 158s putting in more of an appearance of late - it's needed as these trains are always busy!

We arrive at Derby and I'm in need of a caffeine hit. I have 15 minutes so figure I have enough time to go grab a coffee from Costa (in true Techniquest style ). There would have been enough time had the person in front not ordered a decaf soy latte which takes an age to make. This means another rush across the bridge to catch 222011 (my first 222 of the year). This is heading to London, but I get off at Leicester to catch 222002 which would run fast to St Pancras. We arrive in good time and I now have a couple of hours to spare so decide to use the opportunity to get the Moorgate line and the Thameslink core added to the coverage map.

317338 took me from Kings Cross to Finsbury Park, where a quick dash across the platforms leads me to 313035 and 313063[B/]. These take me all the way to Moorgate. Here I take the Northern line to Elephant and Castle. A short walk through a dated shopping centre takes me to Elephant and Castle national rail station. I just miss the next northbound train so there's a bit of a fester here, but it's not too long until 319425 and 319373 take me back to St Pancras.

Objectives complete I now make the short walk across to Kings Cross ready to catch the much awaited Chieftan. 43274 and 43290 are doing the honours today. I board and make my way to my seat. I have to say the first class service was top notch the whole way ! A cheese and tomato tart, salad, fruit cake, a glass of wine and coffee are provided as soon as we depart and are most welcome as I suddenly realise because of the rush this morning I hadn't yet eaten today! I have to say if I had the money I would travel first class much more often!

As we speed our way non-stop to York, further wine and coffee top ups are provided. Stunning views of Durham and over the North Sea are had as we make our way to Edinburgh. The second food service is provided as we leave Haymarket. I go for the Pork cobbler this time which is very tasty indeed, especially when washed down with more wine and supplemented with yet more cake

The views really get spectacular as we make our way up the Highland mainline. There's still snow on the mountains which adds to it all. I take advantage of one last drinks run. The train empties itself at Aviemore and I practically have the carriage to myself for the last stint to Inverness. I notice the Cally sleeper in the platform opposite. This was a potential option for the return journey but I'm pretty tired now so glad I went for the local Premier Inn instead.

I really enjoyed my trip, but I would say being sat down for 8 hours is a bit too much (even when you do get up to pace about every now and then). I'd probably really struggle if I were doing it in standard with less space and no free booze!

 

[Techniquest]

I did the HC in Standard Class in March 2007, so I had the benefit of proper engines to enjoy at least! Of course back in the GNER days there were still IC70 seats in the coaches so it was comfortable. We were over 30 minutes late due to a signalling issue in the Darlington area, which then made us wait at Dalwhinnie for a southbound 170 to pass. Due in at 2008 and eventually arrived at 2041 or so, having been sat on the train for nearly 9 hours! Like you I was more than ready to get off, although I'd taken a pack of 4 cans of Murphys to share with my travel companion that day!

I like that I came to mind with the Costa move

Good to hear it was an enjoyable trip, agreed doing the sleeper would have been a bit much! My last First Class trip was ages ago, but nothing fancy. Mind you I wasn't expecting much with London Midland

 

[crehld]

30 April 2015: Return from Inverness

Well my time in Inverness was short lived and today I would be travelling to the base in Yorkshire. I arrived at Inverness station to find 158711 and 158715 ready to take be back down the Highland mainline. The weather was a little clearer today so I was able to take in more of the spectacular views. At Perth we took a different route towards Edinburgh from yesterday, via Kirkcaldy, so that'll help towards the coverage map! This offers more great views over the coast, especially as we traverse the Forth Bridge. Eventually we come to Haymarket, where I'm due to change.

There's a 40 minute fester here so I figure that's enough time for a move and back to Edinburgh Waverley. This nets me my first to 334s: 334038 to Edinburgh and 334042 back to Haymarket. I now pick up 390042, another winning Pendo. This takes me as far as Carlisle.

We arrive on time which is just as well as I have a six minute connection to make. 158794 is ready and waiting to take me down the Settle and Carlisle line. More great views are had of course. I get off at Settle to pick up provisions but the irregular timetable means there's almost a 2 hour fester here. So I head to a pub to pass the time by until 158796 takes me on the final leg to Hellifield.
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1 May 2015: Airedale and Wharfedale bash

Well after my Scottish adventure over the last couple of days I decided a proper bash was in order. Today's objective would be to get all the Airedale and Wharfedale coverage on the map, as well as achieving all the stations. This would also enable me to start getting some 333s marked in red.

It started with 158817 which took me to Skipton (ok, so I've been here loads of times before, but not since January 2014 when I started noting these things down, so it's new for all intents and purposes). Here I move onto my first 333: 333009. I take this as far as Keighley. It's a short wait before 333016 arrives to take me to Shipley.

I make my way across the triangle and have just enough time to grab a coffee from the platform cafe before now dud 333009 takes me to Baildon. Here I have a decision to make. I want to get to Ilkley but a look at the timetable highlights a possible move to Frizinghall with the catch that there's a two minute connection time back onto an Ilkley train. I decide to take the risk and 333001 soon arrives. We arrive into Frizinghall on time, but it takes a good 40 seconds for the guard to release the doors! The platforms here aren't opposite each other so the tight connection becomes even tighter. I'm half way across the road bridge as 333004 pulls in, prompting a mad, but successful, dash to catch it.

I stay on until Ben Rhydding and decide to stretch my legs a little, so make the short walk to Ilkey. Here I catch 333013 to Burley-in-Wharfedale. It's then 333007 to Menston. A study of the timetable reveals a reverse move is available so go for this. Somewhat surprisingly 321901 shows up. I thought it was only 333s on the Wharfedale line? Oh well it's a winner nonetheless so I'll take it. Back at Burley dud 333001 shows up to take me to Guiseley. Here I take up the opportunity of another reverse move back to Menston on 333002. It's the back on 333009 (again!) all the way to Leeds.

As we pull in the cheery guard announces that anyone wanting to go to London needs to get the "pointy silvery train" on the platform opposite. A quick look reveals this to be the HST set that had taken me to Scotland two days earlier! No time to muck about however as its straight on to 333006 back to Shipley. It's then a short move to Saltaire (really pretty town by the way, world heritage site and well worth a visit) on 333009 (seriously I'm beginning to think this train is following me about!). It's then hop to Bingley on 333006, followed immediately by another to Crossflatts on 333004. Here there's a mad dash across the bridge and down the very long ramp to catch 333008 back to Bingley, before catching 333010 to Steeton and Silsden.

I decide to wait it out here for a bit to see if any winners turn up. I pass up 333007 which is scored earlier in the day, but then another unexpected unit 322483 shows up. Unexpected yes, but it's a winner nonetheless so take it to Cononley. A short fester here is had until 333012 takes me back to Skipton. It's then an absolutely rammed (standing room only) 142070 back to Hellifield. 142s are a new development on the Morecambe train I have to say: it's usually either a 150 or a 144.

Anyway, back at base I reflect on what's been a really productive day! All Airedale or Wharfedale lines covered and shacks except Bradford Forster Square obtained (I'll be back for that don't worry ). I've also made a significant dent into my 333 requirements, scoring 11 and leaving 5 left to get. To celebrate I treat myself to a pub dinner at the Station Inn in Ribblehead (highly recommended by the way), with 158797 taking me back and 158905 taking me back on the last train of the day.

 

[55013]

An interesting report from my local area, thanks for posting.
There's usually at least one 321/322 in the mix around that area, after all if they only worked the Leeds - Doncaster's there'd be eight units for two diagrams.
You can, if you're lucky, get views like this:
EMU 322484_2015.01.01_1_Bradford Forster Square_& 322485 by philwood55013, on Flickr

 

[Techniquest]

Sounds like it was a really good day! I also need 5 333s, although I am going to try and deal with that on 31st May finally. My only required shack served by 333s is the last one before Skipton, whatever it's called.

I'm going to try and remember that about the Station Inn at Ribbleshead for the day I eventually get up there to do some of the many shacks up that way, sounds like a good spot.

 

[crehld]

An interesting report from my local area, thanks for posting.
There's usually at least one 321/322 in the mix around that area, after all if they only worked the Leeds - Doncaster's there'd be eight units for two diagrams.
You can, if you're lucky, get views like this:
EMU 322484_2015.01.01_1_Bradford Forster Square_& 322485 by philwood55013, on Flickr

I never knew that. Although actually thinking back I seem to remember seeing 321s stabled in the sidings at Skipton every now and then. It used to be my local area but I moved away a few years ago. I still have a base there though!

 

[Techniquest]

Did the "Welcome to the Leeds train" and so on announcements get really irritating after a while for you as much as it did for me last time I was in the area? Always makes me jump the first time I hear it!

I'm hoping the 321s and 322s I need make a presence when I go up in 4 weeks' time!

 

[crehld]

Sounds like it was a really good day! I also need 5 333s, although I am going to try and deal with that on 31st May finally. My only required shack served by 333s is the last one before Skipton, whatever it's called.

I'm going to try and remember that about the Station Inn at Ribbleshead for the day I eventually get up there to do some of the many shacks up that way, sounds like a good spot.

Cononley is your required shack. You'll have no problem getting that. 4 trains an hour each way. Note, however, if you have a tight connection with a service on the other platform then bear in mind there's no bridge and you'll be stuck behind the level crossing gates!

31 May eh... I may be about myself!

The pub in Ribblehead is dead easy to find... It's the only building (other than the station itself and the famous viaduct) literally for miles around and is well served by a late evening train (2100) back to Leeds, which is handy. This begs the question: is the station there to serve the pub, or is the pub there to serve the station? Personally, and if you're into this sort of thing, I'd recommend getting the train to Horton, walking up to Ingleborough summit to take in the spectacular views (especially of the viaduct), then walking back down to Ribblehead, reward yourself with a pint or two and then get the train back
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Did the "Welcome to the Leeds train" and so on announcements get really irritating after a while for you as much as it did for me last time I was in the area? Always makes me jump the first time I hear it!

Yes they're super loud! But you get used to them.

 

[Techniquest]

Yep I'm up there indeed, was originally planning to do that Northern Ranger thing (MUST remember to download the form in the meantime actually, now I think about it!) but I forgot there's a block on it on that day so doing a West Yorkshire Day Rover. Think the plan's to chase after 321903, 3 of the 322s and the 5 333s I need that day, as well as trying to do some shack scratching when I'm up there. The day after I'll be doing that Northern ranger to shack attack like crazy on the Harrogate Loop, hopefully scoring some of the many Northern DMUs I need at the same time!

Cononley is a pain in the face, as it means an extra fare. Still, it'll get done eventually. Not rushing to do that one, I've already planned to do it on a seperate trip. Details to be unveiled eventually!

 

[Kristofferson]

Just caught up, the Cheiftan sounds like a good trip - is the 4 hours north of Edinburgh as scenic as I imagine?

 

[Techniquest]

It was certainly nice in March 2007 so I would hope it still is!

crehld: If you're about (and I finally see where your username comes from! Took me long enough! ) on 31st May, do let me know either via Twitter or via a PM on here

 

[Cletus]

The Ribblehead camera on www.railcam.uk shows the pub just down the road.

 

[Kite159]

Another basher making a Frizinghall mad dash

Glad you made it as there is pretty much nothing around Frizinghall station.

Isn't there a 333 currently out of service in Neville Hill (doors covered with wood)?

2 diagrams for Leeds - Doncaster, good to know [up in Leeds this coming Saturday so might hunt down whatever 2 units are on that service]

 

[55013]

2 diagrams for Leeds - Doncaster, good to know [up in Leeds this coming Saturday so might hunt down whatever 2 units are on that service]

Indeed. If you want to cover both, the best bet for a short wait is to do one Leeds to Sandal And Agbrigg for the second set back.
This gives you 13 minutes there. You have something like plus one at the next stop, Fitzwilliam, and it's quite a hike between platforms.

 

[crehld]

crehld: If you're about (and I finally see where your username comes from! Took me long enough! ) on 31st May, do let me know either via Twitter or via a PM on here

I probably will be about, but all still subject to confirmation. Will get in touch once I know what's going on.
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Just caught up, the Cheiftan sounds like a good trip - is the 4 hours north of Edinburgh as scenic as I imagine?

Sure is. It was quite cloudy so no doubt this didn't do the views justice, but there was snow on the mountains which certainly made for a pretty picture or two (had I had a camera with me)!
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Another basher making a Frizinghall mad dash

Glad you made it as there is pretty much nothing around Frizinghall station.

Isn't there a 333 currently out of service in Neville Hill (doors covered with wood)?

Glad I made it too! I was helped by the fact Northern guards take ages to release the doors on the train, so it had been stood at the platform a good 40 seconds before anyone could get on. No idea about the 333 out of service... I was going in blind (as I always do).
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2 May: to Chester and a Wirral bash

Today I had to be in Chester for the morning (a little bit of extra work necessitates a trip every month or so), so decided to take the opportunity to for a mini-Wirral bash in the afternoon.

I was still in Hellifield, so my first task was to get to Chester for 10:00. Fortunately Northern provide a very reliable early morning service to Lancaster (06:52, on weekdays this departs at 05:56 and it used to be the case you could get to London before 10am!). 153352 coupled to 142087 (this line gets 144s all the time, but seeing 142s here (as I had the day before) is a new development). The 153 appeared to be locked out, so I got on the 142 and bought my ticket to Warrington from the guard. We make our way to Lancaster via the Bentham line (very underrated in my opinion, although very bumpy in a 142 along over 20 miles of unwelded track). At Lancaster I go to the ticket office and purchase a Cheshire Day Ranger for later on. I was due to wait for a Virgin service to Warrington, but running before it 185124 which was a winner for me so decided to get it as far as Preston. Given it was standing room only on this 3 carriage train (I still don't understand why they thought 3 car trains would be suitable on this very busy route) it was a very uncomfortable journey, but never mind, it's in the book now. Getting off at Preston I switched platforms and boarded 390132 which had been running behind us. This service was running late so I began to worry about missing the tight 5 minute connection at Warrington Bank Quay. I needn't have worried as the Llandudno train (which I would be getting as far as Chester) was also running late, so the connection was made.

Three hours is spent in Chester before I get back to the station and decide to head up to Liverpool on track I've yet to cover. 507009 takes me all the way to James Street. Here the plan is shack scratching along the loop, although I discover on route that Moorfields is closed for refurbishment (will have to come back another day for this). I get the next train to pull in which is 507001 to Liverpool Lime Street and then 507023 to Liverpool Central.

Here I have a sit down, consult the timetables and decide on a plan of action. I'd quite like to get the Ellesmere Port to Helsby line covered so decide to go for that. But I figure I've still got some spare time before before I have to head that way so get 508114 to Birkenhead North, and then 507033 to Wallasey Village. I don't have time to get the whole New Brighton Line in, but as I cross to the other platform at Wallasey Village to get the train back, I do notice the next station up can't be more than a five minute walk away, so I've missed another shack opportunity there. Oh well, another excuse to come back! From here it's 507001 to Birkenhead Park, followed by 508115 to Hamilton Square, and then 508110 to Ellesmere Port.

There's now a 20 minute fester here so I decide to head off into town to pick up a sandwich. I'm not particularly impressed with the place to be honest, but maybe the poor weather isn't doing it justice and I'm being too harsh. Anyway, back at the station 150205 is ready to take me on. It's only me on the train (well the guard and the driver too) and we set off through the middle of what looks like a massive oil refinery. We don't stop at any of the intermediate stations until we get to Helsby (although we slow down at each one so I'm guessing they're request stops). I stay on the train until Runcorn East, where I cross over the bridge in time to catch 175113 past Chester to Shotton.

There's a forty minute fester here and Google Maps informs me of a Weatherspoons close by, so I make my way up the stairs and along the upper level platform towards the main road. It's at this point I notice there's a late-running northbound train to Bidston. I decide the opportunity is too good to miss and hop on 150285, putting in my request to the guard to stop at Hawarden Bridge. Alighting just a minute later, I then use the footpath to walk back along the bridge I'd just traversed on the train. It's really not that far, and I'm back at Shotton within five minutes. This means there's still enough time to grab a swift half at the Weatherspoons identified earlier.

Thirst quenched, it's back to the station where I take 175109 to Chester. It's then a very smelly 153323 (as in toilet tank desperately needed emptying) back to Crewe in time for the last bus home. This doesn't quite go to plan as the bus never shows up. After waiting 30 minutes in the rail and cold I give up and fork out the £25 for a cab ride back home (D&G Buses will be getting a strongly worded letter of complaint!).

Despite this hiccup, it's been a good day overall. Winners all round, new shacks and some new coverage to add to the map. I now stand on 4165 miles for this year. I will probably update the coverage map in the next few days, but suffice to say it will be looking much more healthier after the last few days travels!