Franchise Changes Pics (Series)

[1D53]

I'm going to create a new series of collections to show the last dying days and services of the changing franchises. GNER, MML, Silverlink, Central Trains and Virgin Crosscountry along with changes to TPE and VWC services, between now and 9th December.

Part one is saying Goodbye to Midland Mainline and Silverlink whose franchises finish this week.

Part two should follow on Friday, saying goodbye to Central Trains and Virgin Crosscountry.

Today's photos at http://jst.fotopic.net/c1403508.html

 

[D306]

I'm giving a good sendoff to Silverlink, by making a video, like I did with 4771 (Can be found on my youtube)

 

[westcoaster]

nice pics there* but what is a swt 450 and liverpool st to do with silverlink/ mml*

 

[5872]

Whats the stalker got to do with GNER , MML , VXC and silverlink?.

 

[westcoaster]

Whats the stalker got to do with GNER , MML , VXC and silverlink?.

is that some kind of joke?

 

[5872]

is that some kind of joke?

:???:.

 

[1D53]

Just other pics I've taken throughout the day thats all. It was primarliy for Silverlink and Midland Mainline but I did go on and see other trains!

 

[Dennis]

Just a thought, but if you are capturing the last days of a franchise, might it not be an idea to focus the phots on branding; after all this is what will change, not the trains or locations (yet anyway).

Here's my efforts from the last evening of Wessex Trains (very overcast and got dark quickly so not brilliant); amazing how little seems to have changed since then; still less than a handful of FGW liveried units running around although ex TPEX 158's now dominate.

 

[devon_metro]

I see TOX has already found his way onto the CTRL.

 

[Jim]

That 450 night shot is very good!

Keep it up

Jim

 

[1D53]

Tox gets everywhere sadly. Can even be seen as far up the MML as Luton.

 

[D306]

where are the 321s and 350s?

 

[1D53]

where are the 321s and 350s?

Didn't find a 321 all day sadly, managed to get 350's today as was planned.

Did get a Silverlink 321 at WALSALL today of all places!

 

[Coxster]

I see TOX has already found his way onto the CTRL.

Probably one of his supporters.

 

[me123]

I do like the 450 shot, but the first shot is just so... senitmental almost. "As the last train pulls away..."

 

[1D53]

Today has been goodbye to Central and Virgin Crosscountry.

To say the least, it hasn't been a paticularly good day.

'High'lights include:

- Getting up at half 5 and forgetting Tripod
- Bad light all day
- Leeds ticket office being confused by a simple ticketing request
- Getting stuck in a lift at Aston! (Don't ask!!)
- Delays delays and more delays
- Silverlink striking affecting Central's half of Northampton - Crewe services
- Cancellations!

Central were there for up to their usual standard it must sadly be said.

Leeds - Manchester - 185 - 15 late due to late Northern Service
Manchester - Crewe - 390 - On time
Crewe - Wolverhampton - 350! - On time
Wolverhampton - Stourbridge Junc - 150 - On time
Stourbridge Junc - Town - Junc - 153 - On time
Stourbridge Junction - Worcester - 150 - On time
Worcester - University - 170 - On Time
University - Lichfield - 323 - +5
Lichfield - Rugeley - CANX
Lichfield - Aston - 323 - +5
Aston - Walsall - 350 - +5
Walsall - Stafford - 150 - +8
Stafford - Crewe - 350 -+ +3
Crewe to Derby - CANX
Crewe to Stockport - 150 -Left +10 arr +25, 150 instead of booked 323
Stockport to Sheffield - 185 - +5
Sheffield to Leeds - 221 - Left +17 arr +36!

 

[Ascot]

Good pics, should of come down the Severn Valley and said hello :-P Plus VXC services diverted via Kidderminster on the 10th.