First trip report

[mervyn72]

So Thursday's off work for a while means a chance for some haulage bashing and a trip to London was in order. I had info on my targets and the plans was to clear class 317, 377, 455 & 458. Yes I only needed a handful of each. Storm Doris tries her best to ruin everything and getting home was problematic but all in all an excellent day out.
The day started off with 2C27 0550 Meldreth to Royston with 365507 and a jump over the bridge to the non stop 1T03 0559 to Kings Cross 365508. Across to Liverpool Street first to get the last three 317's (709, 710, 719). All were London Overground units and looking at thier diagrams there are 11 booked for 14 units so getting all three might not happen. Anyway 2D10 0707 Liverpool Street to Hackney were 317890+891 followed by 2U10 0722 to Stamford Hill, again duds 317708+892. First winner of the day next on 2U11 0740 Stamford Hill to Rectory Road 317709+889. Next up was 2D07 0748 Rectory Road to Hackney Dows and another winner 317710+888. Just one to go and it showed up immediately heading to Chingford. I worked out its return and went to Tesco outside the station for some breakfast. After a short wait in torrential rain 2T27 0848 Hackney Downs to Liverpool Street arrived with 317719+732. All class 317's now ridden for haulage and only took 7 years! Central and W&C tubes to Waterloo and I was rushing to Clapham Junction as a required 377 was soon to be off to the depot. 378224 took me on 2Y80 0931 to Imperial Wharf crush loaded and very rude clientele. 377204 was coming in with dud 377203 which clears the subclass for haulage and puts me back at Clapham Junction. I had a while to wait before my next bit on info came by so chanced my arm on some 458 haulage. Now I needed six of them so you never know. Took 2S23 1002 to Wandsworth Town with 458832 and waited for the first return and what do you know a late running 2K15 1002 with 458506+458510 took me back to Clapham. One down five to go. My next bit of info payed off here as 1F15 1021 Clapham to Victoria was 377111+377162+377411. Despite the wind and everything running a little late things were going well. It was over to London Bridge for the next bit of info and 1P21 1120 to Tattenham was delayed due to it being in the wrong platform. The units split and the jumpers were attached on the wrong side apparently. Finally we left on 455834 and of to Norwood Junction. A fallen tree blocked to Up Slow at Brockley with four trains stuck behind it until the cross from the Up Slow to Up Fast at Penge. The next winner was planned to be right behind me on 2C65 1141 Norwood Juntion to East Croydon. It was with 377131+377106. Second subclass off 377 complete. 455806 came in on 2G44 1201 back to London Bridge and was advertised as running fast from Penge West due to the tree but at Norwood the line reopened and we proceeded as booked. Onto South Eastern to Waterloo East with 2A34 1237 and double winners 465235+465019. Walk to Waterloo and back to 458 hunting and winner two was in 2S25 1252 taken to Clapham 458521+458536. Four to go. Hung around Clapham for a while to see what was going on and noticed another winning 458 in the yard for later which was easy to work out what it would be on as it was the only 458 there. 2V37 1417 next to Putney in the form of 458506+458509 left three and despite all the disruption 707004 came flying though on test. 2U41 1442 next to Richmond left two as it was 458505+458524. I'd worked out that I needed to be back at Waterloo for the final two winners so 2U42 1458 was used with 458525+516. 2V43 1537 should have had a winner on it and indeed it did so 458510+458533 was taken to Clapham Junction where the final one should have arrived soon. A windy wait was fruitful and 2V39 1550 came in with 458518+458512 and a ride to Queenstown Road completed my second class of the day. Walked to Battersea Park for a ride to Victoria and 2R77 1554 was 377610+611. This put me in position for my next planned move and the 2L44 1623 had 377322+377307+377315+377316 and a ride to Clapham left just one 377 left to complete this large class for haulage. I had time for an infill to Waterloo and back with 2P52 1632 (everything is running late now) was 444036+011. Quick turn around and 1N93 1705 was taken back to Clapham with 450099+450004 and I was back in position for my next planned move. 2A74 1750 to Victoria rolled in with the final 377314+377305+377445. Third complete class of the day. Headed back to Clapham but no idea on what as the chaos there was now getting dangerous but this put me in position for the final SWT 455 on 9K51 1905 to Waterloo consisting on 456011+455735+455728. Just one 455 to go now and that was 802. I had no idea where it was so decided to chance it by going to London Bridge and also to see if there were and on the 171's I still need. 2R66 1913 from Waterloo East to the Bridge was 375806+375613 and the chaos continued. Lots of 455's came and went and not a single 171 so I gave up on 802 until next London trip. I couldn't be bothered with the tube so took a number 17 bus to Kings Cross where the entire world seemed to be. I could hardly get in the building and no trains going anywhere. A trip to Waitrose for dinner and eventually in the space of 3 minutes, three VTEC sets came in with one forming to 1N34 2100 to Newcastle. I really couldn't be bothered going to the front to find the 91 so sat and ate my dinner for the ride to Stevenage where I had called the wife to come pick me up. Not a bad day considering all the disruption and I have now completed for haulage classes 144, 155, 315, 317, 319, 365, 377, 379, 456 and 458. Thank you to those who helped me locate the required units as to clear such large classes by chance is virtually impossible. A trip to South Yorkshie planned next Thursday.

 

[Kite159]

Congrats on clearing the 317s, I guess you managed to get 317722 when it was floating around?

Also congrats on clearing the 458 & 377s on a very productive day

 

[mervyn72]

Thanks. Turns out the 91 was a winner too. I had 317722 on a Stansted service in 2010

 

[55013]

Welcome to the trip writers club!
What a great move to make your first report on as well!
Congratulations on your clearances.

 

[noddy1878]

Welcome and congratulations on a very good day by the looks of it.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Minor suggestion: hit return occasionally to break up the "wall of text" effect.

 

[47403]

Excellent read. Congrats on clearing out your requirements. I may have a 3 day dash in Capital sometime this year. I need to really start making inroads of stuff for sight nevermind haulage.

Welcome aboard. Look forward to future instalments.

 

[mervyn72]

Another Thursday off work and a trip up North. Two aims to the day was get some more Northern units for haulage and meet up with an old friend in the Sheffield Tap.
The usual 2C27 was first on 0550 from Meldreth to Stevenage with 365501 and onto the first winner of the day with 91110 on 1S04 0635 to Grantham. Whenever I go up North I split at Grantham as it means I get another class 91 in and it arrives in Doncaster only 4 minutes later. Only today was a winner class 90 which keep time despite it's lower top speed. 90019 on 1D02 0740 to Donny.
To the ticket office for a South Yorkshire Connect which are good value I think as there are no time restrictions. Not a winner on the electric to Leeds so waited for a Sheffield train and winner 185136 arrived on 1B69 0842 and off to Sheffield we go.
I observed the goings on for a while and planned my trips which lead to many shuttles between Sheffield and Meadowhall. 158872 came by on 1Y16 1018 to Leeds and 142019 on 2P63 1033 return as I knew that 158901 was on 1L80 1050 to Leeds. Another dud return in 185114 on 1B73 1101 to position for three winners in a row. First 158855 on 1W36 1141 to Scarborough then secondly 185116 back on 1B75 1201 and thirdly 153332 with 144007 on 2N24 1214 to Leeds.
More winning units were in the plan so it was back on 158872 1L83 1230 and straight on 158861 on another coast service 1W38 1241 to Bridlington. Non winner 144002+winner 142071 were taken back on 2N23 at 1251 and I'm beginning to wonder what is going on as every train so far has been on time, even the long distance XC stuff.
I had two more winners planned and they were 158815 on 1Y28 1318 to Leeds with 158861 back again to return me to Sheffield on 1Y33 1354 and in the gap I had a wander into the shopping centre for a Subway and a drink as it had been a while since breakfast.
144011 2N28 1414 to Leeds put me in position for my next winner with 158902 on the 1L87 1430 back to Sheffield.
I thought I'd head back to Donny now so dud (which is annoying as I've got loads to go) 220023 1E40 1447 to Newcastle did the honors and was so early at Doncaster meaning a hell of a wait outside. 67030 and required 91107 were in the sidings at Doncaster so that's not my train home. The electric to Leeds was a winning 322482 on 2N22 1526 as far as South Elmsall. My ticket is still valid here despite it being over the border in West Yorks. I knew from earlier that 321901 would return me and it did on 2B21 1549.
I knew a pacer regularly worker the Hull line so gambled on the 2W44 1652 to Beverley and 142086 was in the book as far as Hatfield & Stainforth. It feels very lonely here and I'm not sure I'd like it a night. A 144 comes by on the third side of the triangle route retention move to Doncaster on 3R45. I knew what was coming next and 158855 2C69 at 1716 took me back and I realise that the new platform 0 is quite a walk if you had to get to platform 5 in a hurry. Back on 185114 1B87 1742 to Sheffield and chance my arm at a 150 on the Hope Valley stopper. I only need four Northern 150's so was thrilled when 150270 was sat on 2S57 1814. There is an EMT train back from Dore almost immediately and another winner in 158785 with 158810 swiftly put in the Tap until my train home.
The oddly routed 1E68 2154 to York with 220006 took me to Doncaster to connect with the last southbound VTEC which was 91116 on 1E29 2243 to Stevenage. Last train if the day was 365529 on 1C86 0035 and I was back in bed. Long, long day but 17 winners, a catch up with an old friend and some great beer means I can't really grumble.

 

[Keith Jarrett]

17 winners, a catch up with an old friend and some great beer means I can't really grumble.

Belated welcome to the trip writers club! A good day out there (in South Yorkie) and as you say, 17 winners, catching up with an old mate and some decent adult beverage and it must have been an excellent day all round.

 

[andyb2706]

Welcome to the trip report world and congratulations on the mega clear out in your first report and the class 90 in your second.

In regards to the South Yorkshire Connect Plus ticket you mentioned what are the railway boundaries for that ticket, I've tried googling it and the pages wouldn't open up.

I look forward to reading them in the future.

 

[mervyn72]

Its all of south Yorkshire plus Denby Dale, Moorthorpe and South Elmsall. Also valid on trams and lots of buses. I use this website for all my rover advice

http://www.railrover.org/

 

[mervyn72]

After last weeks postponement it was up early and off to Birmingham. The aim was to clear the class 323's with London Midland as I have already achieved this with Northern. I also had a plan to cover as many LM 170's and get the last 172 in the book.

The usual 0550 2C27 from Meldreth starts the day with 365513 and takes me to Hitchin. I had cleared all the EMUS's on the GN but the introduction of the 387's means I know plan breaks in my journey South. The 1C43 0644 is the first 387 action with 387121+387122 and Stevenage is my next break. Here a triple 387 is due and 1P03 0658 takes me non stop to Kings Cross. No winners as it was 387127+105+111.

I always walk to Euston from Kings Cross and got there in plenty of time to get the 1U25 0746 to Crewe as far as Rugby with 350369. The ticket cost of £6 to here plus £7.80 for a single to Birmingham is far cheaper than direct with VT and no real hassle. Next up the line was 9G07 0851 to Birmingham with 221115. I expected this to be rammed being a peak working into the city but even after leaving Birmingham International there were seats vacant. Signaling issues in the Hamstead area had snarled everything up so arrival into Birmingham was late.

To the ticket office to buy a Network Daytripper for £6.60 (good value I think) and away to observe the 323's on the cross city line. I had gen (thanks to the supplier of this) on my required workings and all but one of them were out. I took the first set towards Aston 2U22 0945 to Four Oaks with 323221+215 and planned my moves. Due to the disruption and being in the wrong place at the wrong time I missed two required units but had them in the plan for later. Eventually I had to return to New Street and 2R31 1053 to Redditch with winner 323210+241 put me position for some 170 moves.

First up was 1105 1J12 to Shrewsbury with duds 170513+507 and Sandwell & Dudley reached. There was time for a fill in move to Dudley Port before the return Shrewsbury arrived so 2W20 1119 was 350371 and back on 2A21 1130 to Walsall was 350242. The 1G23 next back to New Street at 1146 with another non winner 170505.

On to the Chase line next with 2K62 1212 to Walsall with 153365+170512 and I had my first diesel winner of the day. Time here to nip to Poundland for supplies then on to 2A61 1245 as far as Tame Bridge with 170517. Quick walk over to the other platform provides the 2A93 back to Walsall and another dud 170509. Final unit on the line should be a double winner as I had seen it earlier and 2A62 1315 to New Street was just that with 170510+153334.

The Hereford line next with fresh off the depot 1349 1V28 taking me to University and 170631+170516. I only need one of the three LM 150's but I didn't know what was down at Blethcley so I chanced the 1M66 1400 but 150105 was doing the honors. 107 would have to wait again! I know waited for a planned 323 winner to take me back to University and 1432 2N52 was 323209. Waited for the next ex Hereford at 1500 1M67 and winner 170501took me away.

Now to get the third diagram on the Shrewsbury line and to put me in position at Sandwell was double voyager winner 1515 9S77 221117+221107 did just that. Quite disturbing at Sandwell as young mother with 2 young kids was approached by a drunk guy. It turns out that she was the ex girlfriend and they were his kids an he wanted to see them. Lots out shouting and swearing got everyone's attention. Eventually he left just as my train arrived with 170632 1G43 at 1546.

Plan now was to get my last LM 172 in the book so took 1F50 1601 350260 to Smethwick GB and upstairs to the diesels. Gen led me to 172222+172215 on 2S60 1617 to The Hawthorns and the 172's for LM were complete. Tram 30 took me to Grand Central and I was back in position for the remaining 170's and 323's.

The 1649 1V21 was taken to University with 170503+170515. The late running 1655 2P66 323204 to me back New Street where I had a dilemma. The 1742 to Rugeley had a winner but I could get that later. The 1749 to Hereford and the 1749 to Shrewsbury both come off the depot but neither return to Birmingham after this working so if there was a winner on both I would have to let one go. I only had two 170's remaining and as predicted one was on each working. I elected to take the Shrewsbury 1749 2J50 to Dudley Port with 170634. That's the LM 170/6's complete. The island platform here makes it easier to get +1 connections which is what I did 2A47 1800 to Smethwick GB 350245. I wanted to get the 153 that works the Snow Hill Line so a late running 2C64 1807 with 172219+220 took me to Moor Street. Winning 153375+ 170630 arrived on 2J02 at 1827. Only went through the tunnel to Snow Hill for tram 23 back to Grand Central.

It was time now to get the last of my seen units so 1942 2R83 to Five Ways was 323205 and quickly back on 2G83 1948 323215. The last 170 of the day was 1V27 1959 back to University again with winner 170511. Due to a broken down train earlier the disruption meant that I could now make easily the 2G85 2005 back to New Street with 323201.

M&S food for the journey home purchased and a couple of linear moves with 2Y26 2054 taken to International on 350107 then 1O34 2114 to Coventry with 220026 and finally 9M60 2131 to Euston with 390117. Another walk to Kings Cross for 2C52 2304 took me home with 387111.

Overall successful day clearing the LM 172's but falling short on the others. I now have 1x323 left (243), 1x170 left (502), 1x150 left (107) and not so much of a problem, 1x139 left (002). 26 winners in total.

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a productive day in Birmingham [I shall make no mention of my final LM unit popping up ]. Good luck in hunting down those last few requirements

 

[Keith Jarrett]

A long day out there but plenty of winners there to keep you motivated - those singleton requirements must be a little irritating. But well done on bagging your last 172 - it took me about four visits to find my last one.

Using the 07:46 from Euston is certainly the best way to get out of London towards the West Midlands.

 

[Techniquest]

I've not read the first trip report, as I just cannot find the patience to read that wall of text. I have read the one from the Midlands though.

The 1749 BHM-HFD doesn't work back to Birmingham aye, I just checked my memory banks on that. It certainly hangs around in Hereford long enough before heading to Worcester! Nice work on getting so close to cleared in the Midlands!

 

[mervyn72]

So the day after London suffers a terrorist attack I have plans for a Travelcard bash. God rest the souls of those killed and lets wish a speedy recover for the injured.
Usual journey to start the 0550 2C27 from Meldreth 365503 then 0559 1T03 to Kings Cross with 365528.
The plan was three fold. In the morning I wanted some diesels out of Paddington then try and locate my last 455 and then head to Liverpool Street to cross off 321's and 360's. It didn't quite happen like that!

At Paddington I started with 2R13 0712 to Southall with 165104 and straight onto double winners 165106 & 165120 back to Ealing on 2P14 0727. A quick hop over the bridge for 166217 on 2N14 0736 up to Hayes. I am interested to see how the intro of the 8 car class 387's have help the overcrowding on the services. The 2P18 next at 0753 has 166204 & 165129 and it was busy but not squabbling for a square foot of space busy.

Back at Southall I had 2R17 0826 to Hayes with dud 165112 and then the first Hayes shuttle with 387138 & 387139. Back at Southall for the random stop on the 1P97 from Bourne End at 0901 with 165101. I had seen two winners head to Paddington and knew I could get them so 2N24 0927 to Oxford had 165135 & 165110.

The next pair came of a Didcot service the 2P34 with more winning units 165116 & 165125 taken back to Ealing. Earlier I noted that the Greenford branch unit was a winner so took the 2T30 1011 with 360201 and worked out that with a Central Line move I could make the Chiltern move back to Paddington. 2G20 at 1026 with 165130 took me to Greenford then tube to South Ruislip. Unit 165002 was already there so 2V27 1057 was taken back to Paddington. I haven't done that before.

My problems now began as at Paddington I dropped my phone. No obvious damage but it would not turn on. After many attempts I gave up and referred to my hand written notes like a Victorian. I had planned to try for 455802, my last of the class but I didn't even try, which was a good call as info since revealed it's reclusiveness. The second 387 pair were now in so took them to Ealing on 2S26 1145 with 387135 & 385137.

I wanted to head over to Liverpool Street but thought I'd go via 378 land and maybe get the last Overground 172 now the GOBLIN is back up and working. Bailed the Central Line at Shepherd's Bush for 378231 on 2L02 1228 to Willesden. Then 2N52 at 1246 with 378218 put me at Gospel Oak. I'm looking for 172008 but no luck so far. There's time for an infill move between the 172's arrivals so took 2N54 1310 and dud 378232 to Kentish Town West and 2Y61 1327 back on winner 378202. Disappointment again on the 172's so sat at the café on platform 2/3 and had a tea. Last two 172's came and went but 008 was not seen so took 378214 2N62 1410 to Stratford.

So I need 18 x 321 and 5 x 360 to complete the class for haulage so lets see how much of a dent I could put in that. All trips were Liverpool Street to Stratford so I will just list them but before that I noticed the 'set down only' Norwich services appear on the boards just like the regular services and when it turned up a woman asked the dispatcher if she could get on of which the reply was "of course", so she did, as did I, any many others. I wonder why it shows on the boards as I know they don't at other locations. Anyway, the list.

1446 1P39 90001
1518 1N28 321326 & 321365
1529 2W17 315856 & 315818
1538 2F68 321444 & 321439
1546 1P43 90012

At this point I spot winners that I can't get until later so went to get a paper timetable book to work out their return as RTT was not an option.

1610 1K66 321341 & 321350
1649 2W33 315852 & 315854
1702 1P48 321346 & 321337 & 321352
1719 1K87 321427 & 321362 & 321436

Found another winner straight away on the 1740 to Colchester Town and sat down and noted it into to book. I could see the platform info screen from my seat and noticed it didn't stop at Stratford. Alarming to those around I suppose I dash for the door just as the hustle alarm sounded or I would have ended up in Shenfield and probably a penalty fare. So instead:

1754 1K86 321410 & 321315 & 321358
1806 1Y49 361112 & 360116 & 360104

Turns out only three of the five 360's in need were available so not too bothered if I didn't get any but thanks to those who provided the information.

1825 1K92 321342 & 321317 & 321336
1846 1P55 90010

Time for a drink so upstairs to the Hamilton Hall for a pint of Spring Watch and plugged my phone in to see if that worked and it seems electricity was all that was required to bring it out of it's coma even though battery power was at 75%, and it's still working fine now. So back downstairs:

2002 1Y40 321356 & 321361. I'd work this move out from earlier.
2014 1F71 321426 & 321323 & 321430

I had one more 321 planned from earlier spotting and had time to wait so back to the now much quieter Hamilton Hall for another pint and bumped into an old colleague of mine from when I worked in London. Nice catch up then back for the last moves of the day.

2113 2K12 321419 & 321355. Bonus as I hadn't planned this one.
2152 1F77 321441 & 321344

Over to Kings Cross for the 2252 1C82 387106 which was the last train to Cambridge before replacement buses so expected it to be busy but no. Paddington seemed much less busy than usual but I had put that down to the 387's. Liverpool Street and Stratford trains seemed less busy too. I wonder if the events of the previous day had anything to do with it?

Anyway productive day but for the 455 in hiding, managed 32 winners (3 x 90, 8 x 165, 2 x 166, 11 x 321, 3 x 378 and 5 x 387)

 

[Kite159]

Quite a productive day in London for winners. Hopefully your phone damage isn't terminal.

Lucky you bailed from that 321 instead of having a non-stop trip to Shenfield, chances of getting caught would have been small and you wouldn't have long to wait for a service back to the safety of zones 2&3

Hopefully that last 172 will fall for you sooner rather than later, I found Blackhorse Road was a good place to fester as the services pass there within a minute or so (hence reducing the overall wait)

 

[Keith Jarrett]

Shame about the phone - just goes to show how much we rely upon our electronics these days! But even though, you had a decent haul on the Liverpool Street-Stratford shuttle and it was just bad luck that your last 172 eluded you.

 

[Techniquest]

Quite an impressive haul there, and I concur with Kite on Blackhorse Road as I festered there for my last 172

 

[mervyn72]

Next trip to report on. A Monday this time and to one of my less frequent regions for me, the East Midlands. Target was to get EMT multiple units of which I have had very few for haulage except lots of 158's between Stockport and Manchester.

Early alarm call for the 2C27 0550 from Meldreth and 365514 did this mornings honors down to Stevenage where 91102 took me to Grantham on 1S04 at 0635. This was a good start as I now only need 5 class 91's. It's the school holidays round me but plenty of school kids in uniform at Grantham so maybe some parts of the country are different. Bought my ticket for the day, an East Midlands Day Ranger, which seems a little pricey.

Eventually the 1R62 0758 to Liverpool turns up with double dud 158806 & 158846 and off to Netherfield. This calls at all stations between Grantham and Nottingham to pick up commuters but was remarkably empty considering its prime arrival time into a large city. I was entertained listening (eavesdropping) on a girl who was sharing her story of how she hitched hicked from Bottesford with her friend all the way to Dubrovnik in Croatia, and it only took her 9 weeks. Her story was quite the morning enlightenment. Soon Netherfield arrived where I bailed to find breakfast and not too far away is a Co-Op. Breakfast bought and back to the station for the 2S09 0851 to Skegness with winners 156498&153383. There is a +4 at Bingham which I made as 2S04 0905 took me into Nottingham on 153311&153355.

I had worked out that there are 5 diagrams on the Skegness line, 4 diagrams on the Matlock to Newark line, 4 on the Lincoln to Leicester line, 4 on the Robin Hood Line and 3 on the Derby to Crewe line as well as a couple of extra workings in the evening peak.

At 0932 the 1B28 took me to East Midlands Parkway, built as a Park & Ride for the Triangle of cities and East Midlands airport. 43049 & 43045 did the honours and it was time for more dmu's. I have only had one EMT 156 before on a Liverpool train and another when it was with Northern Rail and here was 156414 on 2L63 0956 taking me to Beeston. I wasn't expecting 158810 on the 2A26 1025 to Matlock but a short ride to Attenborough was had. Good job there is a bridge here as the level crossing does not raise before the 2N27 1032 arrives with 156404 to take me back to Beeston. The ex Northern 156473 takes me back to Parkway on 2L58 1042 followed by another 158, but winning 158866 this time on 2L65 to Beeston at 1056. Final two Matlock units now with 156470 on 2A30 back to Attenborough for another dud 158864 back to Beeston on 2N31. Final Leicester unit 156406 arrived on 2L60 1142 but this time I was going to try and see if I could make the the zero connection at Loughborough for the 1D24 1158 to Nottingham. I did and 222104 whisked me back.

Another HST now with 43066 & 43075 on 1B43 1232 to Parkway where 1F28 1248 took me up to Long Eaton with 222102 in charge. A 5 minute linear wait for an XC brought in 170114 on 1G26 and I was now in Derby. Here the next plan was to get the three Derby to Crewe units of which all should be 153's. The 1K15 1342 was 153385 and I took my seat by the luggage rack. Now I don't know if have that sort of face but I have never been asked by so many people "is this the train to Crewe?". I could tell that many were not expecting a one carriage train. Tutbury & Hatton has an 11 minute connection so time to buy lunch before 1K18 1407 with 153357 arrived and took me back to Derby. I took the same unit back to Tutbury in order to get the third diagram which was 153384 on 1K16.

Back towards Nottingham now with 170636 on 1M99 at 1540 and Beeston is back again. The 1D44 with 222017 completes the move and Nottingham is achieved. Another HST to Parkway with 43058 & 43047 on 1B63 1630 was a fill in move before the Robin Hood line. 156406 brought me back on 2L77.

A very busy 156411 was the 2W22 1726 to Worksop and to make these for diagrams easily you have to wait for this one as it calls at Newstead as earlier it wouldn't have. From Bulwell we raced a tram and beat it to Hucknall, just, but Newstead for me next to a firmly boarded up Station Hotel. This ex mining village looks to have struggled somewhat since the closures which is all too frequent a scene in my native West Yorkshire. 156413 soon arrives in 2D21 1759 and one shack hop to Hucknall was needed for the third diagram which was 156410 on 2W23 1817. Back at Newstead for the final diagram, another 158, this time 158854 was on 2D22 1832. In the front carriage a boy of about 8 was throwing a full on tantrum and his poor Mother was struggling to cope. It got so bad I wondered if he had some form of disability but it got worse as after leaving Bulwell he pulled the passenger alarm. The sight of the driver and guard did seem to calm the boy down thankfully for the rest of the ride back to Nottingham.

So time for a few fill in moves before my train home and 222009 was the 1B76 1905 to Loughborough where 43043 & 43061 on 1D90 shunted me back to Parkway. Here I expected a fifth Leicester diagram as there is a swap at Lincoln and correctly 153310 & 153326 arrived with 2L48 to Beeston. A double Meridian is due next on the Lincoln train which was 222007 & 222008 1D64 at 2016.

I had a choice of two trains here for my route back to Grantham but the Norwich train was late so opted for the 2S33 to Boston at 2051 on 156405. We were held anyway for the Norwich fast which was dud and back to Grantham I went along with the same hitch hiking girl from this morning. The 1E27 2216 took me to Stevenage with dud 91121 and my final train of the day was 387107 on 2317 1C82.

So a good, if not slightly expensive day was had with plenty of winners (31) for haulage and a serous dent into EMT dmu's. I was surprised to see 5 158's away from the Norwich to Liverpool services (2 on Matlock, 1 on Leicester, 1 on Worksop and 1 on Skegness). I don't know how many are needed daily but maybe some 156's covered.

 

[noddy1878]

That was a very busy day there! The east mids day ranger is expensive. If not the most expensive day ranger available.

 

[Segedunum]

That was a very busy day there! The east mids day ranger is expensive. If not the most expensive day ranger available.

I raise you the North East Round Robin, at £48 without a railcard!

Sounds like an excellent day otherwise. I need to have a good bash on those EMT HSTs.

 

[noddy1878]

I raise you the North East Round Robin, at £48 without a railcard!

Sounds like an excellent day otherwise. I need to have a good bash on those EMT HSTs.

That's expensive!

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a good day to knock down your EMT requirements

 

[mervyn72]

So after Monday's East Midlands trip an opportunity came up to fill in gaps. My wife was away on training for work so I went too. Staying at Eastwood Hall meant I could use the newly opened Ilkeston station to start my day.
Day 1 - 7th April
After a large breakfast it was a 5 mins drive to the station to find about 10 cars there. I expected busier but time will tell. Parking is free until the 16th which was a bonus. Helped an elderly couple buy their tickets from the TVM and noticed a return to Meadowhall is cheaper than a return to Sheffield. 1Y16 0929 turned up with dud 158784 then it was hunting Northern classes 142 & 158 of which I need 11 and 8 respectively.
Almost immediately 158791 popped up on 1W34 1041 to Bridlington and I was off to Meadowhall. Straight back on winner 142025 & 142011 and the day starts well. Observed for a while then 158792 appears for the 1L82 1150 to Leeds. Observed again until the ex York at 1225 2Y87 with 142079 put me back in Sheffield.
Three winners in a row booked in now from earlier observations so185135 1B76 1310 to Meadowhall then 142021 on 2N19 to Rotherham. Time to pop for chips round corner from station and watch a young Mum and kid almost get knocked down by a lorry as she was too busy staring at her phone to check if it was safe to cross! Anyway, third winner was 142094 on 2R21 1407 to Adwick as far as Swinton. I've heard Adwick pronounced with and without the 'w' but don't know what's correct and I used to live not too far from there.
142025 on it's own now on 2P71 back to Sheffield and thinking about heading home. A winner EMT 158858 & 158889 arrived on 1L12 1537 to Norwich which stopped at Ilkeston but I wanted to get the Friday only afternoon southbound XC HST so bailed at Chesterfield. Went back to Sheffield on 220020 & 221140 1S49 to Dundee and awaited the HST. 43384 & 43303 on 1V64 were late but hopefully got the road before the Nottingham train which they did. Off at Chesterfield again and it was a good decision. Finally 158907 competed my day with 1Y45 back to Ilkeston and back to the hotel.
Not bad for an impromptu voyage with 10 winners (3 x 142, 3 x 158, 2 x 43, 1 x 185 and 1 x 220)

 

[mervyn72]

Day 2 - 8th April

Northern on strike today so to Nottingham this time but would there be trains from Ilkeston? EMT extra stopped their Liverpool services which was helpful.
158810 starts the day on 0915 1L05 and is my most used 158 at 11 journeys. I had crossed of quite a few 156's & 153's earlier in the week so expected many duds but sun was shining and I made hay.

Observed a bit in Nottingham and spotted some winners for later then went to Derby on 170520 at 1010 1V07. Non winner on the first Crewe but double winning 153302 & 153308 were 2A26 1052 to Duffield. Island platform for tight turnaround onto winner 153319 2N37 back to Derby. The next Crewe was winners 153379 & 156497 1K11. Strengthened apparently as Stoke City were playing at home.

I soon recalled why I don't normally go bashing at weekends as Derby was full of football watchers devoid of the intelligence to communicate with one another without shouting, and after wading through a sea of inflatable penises from the hen parties and I was out of there on my way to Tutbury.
Another strengthened service back on 1K10 1207 was another winning 153384 & 156408 and more football people, specifically Huddersfield Town folk.
Back to Nottingham now on 170103 1M60 at 1240 and off at Beeston for the service right behind which was winning 156403 on 1304 2L69 to Lincoln.
Time to watch the goings on now and spotted my last two EMT 156's. Firstly 156401 on 2S21 to Bingham and 156405 back on 2S16. I now just needed 156415 to complete the set but had time for a infill to Beeston with dud 170636 on 1541 1G46 with 170523 & 170113 back on 1M99.

Right on cue 156415 arrived on 2L70 at 1636 and I was at Beeston for the last time. Took a trip to to Co-Op and had to use my first aid badge for an old lady who took umbridge at the price of rich tea biscuits and collapsed and had a fit right by the tills. The staff were great and Jean soon came round, though rather confused. Paramedics on scene in 3 minutes and I made it back to winning Meridian 222014 back on 1D49 which left 158846 & 158863 for the extra stop at Ilkeston.

Drive back to hotel for another night of luxury before the drive home tomorrow.
14 winners today (4 x 170, 4 x 153, 1 x 222, 5 x 156 all EMT's fleet ridden)

 

[Techniquest]

Nice work on clearing the EMT 156s, and I sympathise about the horrid crowds on weekends!

Is it easy to change platforms at Ilkeston?

 

[Kite159]

Congrats on another couple productive days

 

[mervyn72]

Nice work on clearing the EMT 156s, and I sympathise about the horrid crowds on weekends!

Is it easy to change platforms at Ilkeston?

No problem. Standard stairs and overbridge and very long disabled ramp.

 

[Kite159]

No problem. Standard stairs and overbridge and very long disabled ramp.

I shall make a note for future reference