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Juliano's World Frenzy/Tech's Trip Reports
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D841 Roebuck
Established Member
Techniquest
Veteran Member
You two make me feel young, my first 37 was October 2004. That feels like a long, long time ago!
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
Ooh I do like some video. And yup, pint next time!
My first 37 would have been some time in the early 21st Centery. I don't know the exact date off the top of my head. But 402? Last had on the 8th of March last year from Nuneaton to Hoe on the MNR (along with 37259 and that Hinton thing). Can you tell I am not so keane on 37409?
Keith Jarrett
Member
First 37 haulage was recorded back in the mid 70s. Don't have the exact details to hand but since then I have got around 220 of them and there's still a few runners available. Some that spring to mind are DRS's 37423, 37032 on the North Norfolk and 37254 on the Spa Valley.
Tech, you definitely had a great time on your anniversary bash. Six days on the go and you must have been totally cream crackered. There again 35 years ago, I'd think nothing of a seven day bash basically living on the trains. No namby pamby hotels just solid bashing 24/7.
The one thing that I'd never entertain is long distance bus leaps but everyone to themselves. Good to see that you got your last 314 and that the 318s are so close. Next time?
It's only a couple of years to my 40th anniversary of formally bashing. Like so many of us, there's no exact date but I consider the South Wales Explorer bash of February 1978 to be the first real bash. Perhaps the 40th ought to be in South Wales with a Valley Explorer?
Tech, you definitely had a great time on your anniversary bash. Six days on the go and you must have been totally cream crackered. There again 35 years ago, I'd think nothing of a seven day bash basically living on the trains. No namby pamby hotels just solid bashing 24/7.
The one thing that I'd never entertain is long distance bus leaps but everyone to themselves. Good to see that you got your last 314 and that the 318s are so close. Next time?
It's only a couple of years to my 40th anniversary of formally bashing. Like so many of us, there's no exact date but I consider the South Wales Explorer bash of February 1978 to be the first real bash. Perhaps the 40th ought to be in South Wales with a Valley Explorer?
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Not even a quarter of that number for me, and 032 and 254 are both requirements for me too.
I was indeed, 10 years ago it would have been a piece of cake but I'm still surprised how little coffee I needed on this one. Blindtraveller suffered more than me I reckon!
24/7 bashing would have suited me but it's not an option in the 21st century!
Part of being the king of budgeting, buses do have their uses and can be entertaining!
Fingers crossed next time the 318 will be out. It was always pot luck as to whether Yoker would chuck it out or not, being a Sunday, but next time I might be more lucky!
That would be a good idea aye, maybe even a Freedom of South Wales?
Finally caught up with the end of your trip! What an adventure!! It looks like you've had a great time overall, and you've done well in meeting several forum members along the way (myself included).
A shame about the bus journey. As you know I'm not a fan!! Could you not get a cheap train ticket up the WCML (managed to get £7 each way for tomorrow, not even with my raikcard)?
Well done on the 314s. I don't have any yet, but that'll hopefully change tomorrow!
A good time in London I see too! I think I'm going to make more of a concerted effort to record my LU haulages from now on. I'm assuming you just record the leading car of each unit?
Got your text re the 150 too
I asked about security at Stanlow and. Thornton because the station is entirely within the oil refinery site, and the security guards have been know to pay people a visit!
A shame about the bus journey. As you know I'm not a fan!! Could you not get a cheap train ticket up the WCML (managed to get £7 each way for tomorrow, not even with my raikcard)?
Well done on the 314s. I don't have any yet, but that'll hopefully change tomorrow!
A good time in London I see too! I think I'm going to make more of a concerted effort to record my LU haulages from now on. I'm assuming you just record the leading car of each unit?
Got your text re the 150 too
I asked about security at Stanlow and. Thornton because the station is entirely within the oil refinery site, and the security guards have been know to pay people a visit!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,543
I think tiredness for me would have been greatly reduced if, A, I wasnt squeezing this in round work (the night before I went, plus the Friday, Saturday afternoon and early evening) and if Id actuall got some
sleap
propperly
on the Caly. Lessons Re the latter learned for the next time however. TBH it was really only the Monday that I was bushwacked!
sleap
propperly
on the Caly. Lessons Re the latter learned for the next time however. TBH it was really only the Monday that I was bushwacked!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
crehld:2257766 said:Finally caught up with the end of your trip! What an adventure!! It looks like you've had a great time overall, and you've done well in meeting several forum members along the way (myself included).
A shame about the bus journey. As you know I'm not a fan!! Could you not get a cheap train ticket up the WCML (managed to get £7 each way for tomorrow, not even with my raikcard)?
Well done on the 314s. I don't have any yet, but that'll hopefully change tomorrow!
A good time in London I see too! I think I'm going to make more of a concerted effort to record my LU haulages from now on. I'm assuming you just record the leading car of each unit?
Got your text re the 150 too
I asked about security at Stanlow and. Thornton because the station is entirely within the oil refinery site, and the security guards have been know to pay people a visit!
Sorry about the text regarding the 150, several people got the same gen. Wasn't too happy about it was I?
What an adventure indeed! The coach was left in from the original plan, before the holiday time was booked. I was more than tempted to pass on it and the 7 quid Advance I had to get from Warrington to Birmingham for the coach, instead booking something up to Glasgow and booking a cheap place to stay. The idea of wasting 28 quid though made my stomach turn, especially when it meant spending more money!
LU recording of haulage is down to the individual, I used to just mark the coach I travelled in, but these days I have finally adopted the general standard of marking the end car of each set in the consist.
Fair enough on the security thing, it never crossed my mind that it could be an issue! I hadn't originally planned to do it so never queried it.
47403
Established Member
No worries tech, I might be a 47 nut but I still enjoy the sound of a syphon thrashing away too.
Keith Jarrett
Member
The generally accepted way that I was taught how to record Underground sets are the first and last car in each set, e.g. for the 2009ts on the Victoria Line 11001+11002, for the S7 21301+21302 and the 1995ts, you would record 51501+51502. There are some exceptions -
1992ts on the Central Line: record all four 92xxx cars as Central Line units are two cars only
1972ts on the Bakerloo Line: record the 34xx car in the three-car set rather than the 35xx car
Double cab units of D-stock (75xx) and 1973ts (8xx numbers): record the even numbered cab irrespective of whether at the end or in the middle.
Other recording techniques are of course permitted!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Announcing the hashtag for next week's Blackpool trams bash:
#techsinblackpool
Yes I'm finally going to do the trams in Blackpool, something I've been putting off for longer than I care to think about!
I had originally planned to use that money more wisely, but an inquisitive look got me booking rather fast! Full story to come next week of course
A busy few weeks ahead with this lot:
16/17th August - Blackpool Trams
30th August - Pre-tour London bash
31st August - UKR's The Yorkshire Byways tour
1st September - Post-tour London bash
6th/7th September - Borders Railway bash
18th-21st September - Dublin and Cork 'norm' bash, with some trams thrown in for good measure!
After which there's nothing booked at all. Plans are underway for an intensive 3 or 4 day light rail marathon bash. However until real life situations sort themselves out, I can't commit to that.
#techsinblackpool
Yes I'm finally going to do the trams in Blackpool, something I've been putting off for longer than I care to think about!
I had originally planned to use that money more wisely, but an inquisitive look got me booking rather fast! Full story to come next week of course
A busy few weeks ahead with this lot:
16/17th August - Blackpool Trams
30th August - Pre-tour London bash
31st August - UKR's The Yorkshire Byways tour
1st September - Post-tour London bash
6th/7th September - Borders Railway bash
18th-21st September - Dublin and Cork 'norm' bash, with some trams thrown in for good measure!
After which there's nothing booked at all. Plans are underway for an intensive 3 or 4 day light rail marathon bash. However until real life situations sort themselves out, I can't commit to that.
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,543
Sounds good mate. Do you have a bed for the night in London on the 30th?
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Thankfully yes, a bed for both nights in London. Malmaison is the first night (Lansdowne Hotel, Croydon the other) which I'm looking forward to.
crispy1978
Member
Announcing the hashtag for next week's Blackpool trams bash:
#techsinblackpool
Yes I'm finally going to do the trams in Blackpool, something I've been putting off for longer than I care to think about!
I had originally planned to use that money more wisely, but an inquisitive look got me booking rather fast! Full story to come next week of course
A busy few weeks ahead with this lot:
16/17th August - Blackpool Trams
30th August - Pre-tour London bash
31st August - UKR's The Yorkshire Byways tour
1st September - Post-tour London bash
6th/7th September - Borders Railway bash
18th-21st September - Dublin and Cork 'norm' bash, with some trams thrown in for good measure!
After which there's nothing booked at all. Plans are underway for an intensive 3 or 4 day light rail marathon bash. However until real life situations sort themselves out, I can't commit to that.
Sounding good!!
Are the trams running the whole network at the moment?
Techniquest
Veteran Member
As far as I can tell, yes. Nothing found to suggest otherwise, would be incredibly disappointing otherwise. Conversely, I'd make sure I scored every active tram on the open section, and every shack was scored!
47403
Established Member
Announcing the hashtag for next week's Blackpool trams bash:
#techsinblackpool
Yes I'm finally going to do the trams in Blackpool, something I've been putting off for longer than I care to think about!
I had originally planned to use that money more wisely, but an inquisitive look got me booking rather fast! Full story to come next week of course
A busy few weeks ahead with this lot:
16/17th August - Blackpool Trams
30th August - Pre-tour London bash
31st August - UKR's The Yorkshire Byways tour
1st September - Post-tour London bash
6th/7th September - Borders Railway bash
18th-21st September - Dublin and Cork 'norm' bash, with some trams thrown in for good measure!
After which there's nothing booked at all. Plans are underway for an intensive 3 or 4 day light rail marathon bash. However until real life situations sort themselves out, I can't commit to that.
wow gonna be a busy lad
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Oh yes I will be busy, but in my book not busy enough! There's still so many trips I was going to make this year but haven't done so (and probably won't manage many at all of them now) so a lot to carry over to 2016!
crispy1978
Member
The last 2 or 3 times I've been to Blackpool in the last few years the line has been shut in various locations - I know they were doing extensive works up north.
47403
Established Member
The North East in the plan for next year?
Techniquest
Veteran Member
It is aye, although to what extent I have yet to establish. Certainly the list of 2016 trips is being firmed up, and it's quite extensive. A fairly heavy session is more than due again already on the Tyne and Wear Metro, if I had my way I'd be up there before the year is out.
Another Tyne and Tees Day Ranger no doubt coming my way, although I might also do a Tyne Valley bash too. A North Country Rover is also on the cards, but then so is a 7 day consecutive FoNE!
Another Tyne and Tees Day Ranger no doubt coming my way, although I might also do a Tyne Valley bash too. A North Country Rover is also on the cards, but then so is a 7 day consecutive FoNE!
Keith Jarrett
Member
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Commented, further comments may come along after I get my stock lists out for LU.
My sister used to work at a Malmaison. They are quite stellar hotels. Enjoy!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Day 1 of the Blackpool bash has gone rather well. Don't take my word for it though, have a read of the trip report below and see for yourself!
16/08/2015 - Tech's in Blackpool, Day 1
This trip sure was a bit implusive! During some adjusting to the ABP [Advanced Budgeting Plan - Ed] after the 10th Basherversary bash, I discovered funds were better than originally expected, due to a most significant under-spend. Somehow I ended up looking up a trip to Blackpool before work, and I discovered the fares, when splitting Advances in Manchester, would come to less than £56. I had planned to do a Daytripper in Birmingham, as I would then have a decent sum to allocate towards stuff for other trips, therefore hugely taking the pressure off the next 2 budgets. Nevertheless, as I also had a free night somewhere, thanks to the Hotels.com Rewards programme, the fares and accommodation were coming in at less than £59. Hmm, a bargain basement Midlands bash, or dealing with a gap in my coverage that has been irritating me for years? Yes this trip was costing me 35 quid more than I'd be otherwise spending, but at the same time I'd get new coverage and a much higher chance of winners. Hmm, yes, it was obvious what I would do! My base camp, Staymor Hotel, was only costing me 3.06 to cover Hotels.com fees, bargain!
So it was all booked, and a lift into town on the Sunday organised. I realised after booking that in each direction I had an hour or so in Manchester, which would allow for delays at least. Time allowed too for a Costa break on both occasions too, as well as time to do some Metrolink spotting too, or if my last 390s were about there is potentially time to do a Stockport lesp too! I also realise a few days later that the money I spent on this trip was supposed to have covered the 3 nights accommodation in Dublin on that trip, oops! The following day's work-bound commute was entirely spent re-visiting the ABP [this is how I can afford all my trips on a low income, extreme budgeting, much advance planning and tight-fistedness! - Ed] and I'm well chuffed. By making a weekly spending budget 30 vice 50 quid I can still make everything work happily. Tight-fistedness ruled supreme there of course, but I got myself out of a hole, and I re-knight myself The King of Budgeting! Anyway, that's the backstory done, Blackpool and its trams are calling! Yes I really have never done anything on the trams there, I need all the trams, shacks and track!
The bag is packed after work the night before, and the rest of the prep is carried out too, much later than planned as I watched The Bourne Supremecy first! Alarm set for 0800 and I get a lift into town, contributing to the fuel cost of course. An emergency supply raid is carried out at Tesco, as I forgot to pack the toiletries! The first train of the day out of Hereford is for me today, the 0830 Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly, and I have 175113 for the 114 mile journey. My commuting logs are brought up to date, and it's time for some tunes on the long journey north. I wonder what will be on the 1346 from Piccadilly to Blackpool North? I know it's not likely to be 156s as I have a seat reservation [unlike the way home, so expecting plenty of miles of Sprinter thrash there - Ed] so I'm hoping for a winner 185 from the 7 of them that I need. I've not done a 185 to Blackpool for some years, which was 2008 I believe as part of an all-nighter move to do Tyne Valley diversions on HSTs! The weather is stunning so far this morning too, and the flask is out for a coffee on the slow run [how slow you ask? All but 3 stops to Crewe! - Ed], with a very efficient air con going on with a surprisingly light load so far this morning.
It occurs to me once upon a time that this journey 10 years ago would have been a 158, which led me to wonder what things could have been like on ATW if they had never got the 175s, what we would have otherwise. Certainly would be a rather different scene on ATW's premier line! You never know what might happen in a few years, after all HSTs going to ScotRail in 2017/2018 was deemed ridiculous by many [not me, for the record - Ed], and it's happening! Certainly this service filled up a lot at Crewe, good thing we arrived 3 minutes early! Fast stretches ahead now to Wilmslow, which is our last stop before Manchester. I see 175007+175104 paired up in platform 9 as we leave Crewe, although no gen on where they were going. I see Manchester City football shirts being worn, that's probably why it's busy today. I'd forgot the football season is on again, meaning weekend travel is to be avoided again! Arrival is at platform 5, so a potential micro-grice there. 390119 was on the 1215 to London Euston so I stick to the plan to do a Metrolink tram spotting session. I eventually come away with 3101 scored for sight, and end up in Subway for my usual sub. I'm now on 1,003 points on my Subcard, that'll come in handy tomorrow!
Sadly the sun's gone now, but still dry so I go back to tram spotting. Nothing else I need, 22 more Metrolink trams to see following 3101. I take advantage of the free Lucozade promo on the concourse, then I see and take a photo of 150224 in its heavily graffitied state [photos are a Twitter exclusive! - Ed] which looked truely awful. I treat myself to a large Costa Americano, since I didn't do Burger King. I was surprised to see Northern have put 319s out today, didn't know they worked on Sundays now. I prep myself for a fight to get onto the 185 to Blackpool, thankfully sense was had an we have a pair of them this afternoon [1329 Manchester Airport-Blackpool North - Ed]. It's dud 185146 leading winner 185130, 6 more 185s to go now then! No fight to get on as a result and my table seat is easy to get to. On goes the charger as I was already down to 51% charge! Some tunes next for the long drag to Wigan [it's really quite dull on your own otherwise - Ed] and I get the trip report back up to date, along with the various memo files. Now bring on Blackpool and finally, FINALLY, conquering the trams there! The flask of coffee is finished off just after Preston, it lasted well considering I made it around 0825 this morning and ran out at 1435! By the time we pass Layton, I have 86% charge on my phone, an impressive 35% increase in 70 minutes. Tons of 156s and even a fair few 142s on the sidings stabled for the morning I see, and we reach North at 1459, 2 up.
A 10 minute walk has me at North Pier tram stop, and 001 is my first tram score today, taking it all the way to Starr Gate to clear that section of line. I walk back to Harrow Place then Burlington Road West to score the stops, then check into base camp, Staymor Hotel. A full review of this will feature in Day 2's trip report. After the break, I get 011 from Waterloo Road [I know, I thought of the TV programme too! - Ed] having scored the others by foot as there was time, and the tram got very full! I bail at Cliffs Hotel, and end up walking fast to Gynn Square as the next tram had already caught up. 009 takes me to Wilton Parade for another race like a bat out of hell, back to Pleasant Street for 012 to Bispham. I walk first to Cavendish Road then Lowther Avenue when I discover there's time. Only just mind! I end up bailing at West Drive off 004, walking back to Cleveleys. I decide to find my choice of Spoons in Fleetwood, via the Pubfinder app, and happen to notice one just down the road here, so I score a winner Spoons, The Jolly Tars. My choice of beer is Lytham Brewery's Ginger and Nut, a half for £1.23 will do as it's too busy to get a table for tea. Absolutely, 100%, rancid stuff which I gave up on after 3 sips! It is however the 99th log on Untappd [basically a beer ticker's app - Ed] and it got a zero rating from me! I happen to jump on 003 for a quick leap to Anchorage Lane next, but slightly too late arriving to get the intended tram back!
No matter, I can now source a drink and wash that rancid taste out of my mouth and throat! A big bottle of Pepsi Max and some chocolate doughnuts are sourced for just £2 in the Spar opposite Anchorsholme Lane tram stop, and I use the free time to catch this trip report up. At this point I have something like 22 stops left to go, which I'm intending to sort out tomorrow, the goal now is to get to Fleetwood and score the remaining track! 014 is tram winner 7 today, and en-route to Fleetwood Ferry I finally have the sandwiches made this morning. It had been 5 and a half hours since I finished my Subway lunch so done well! Nearly done with the track, and Fleetwood Spoons is due to be ticked off while I'm up here too. Back onto 014, the only repeat so far, to do the rest of the loop with a leap to Victoria Street, followed by a walk to London Street and The Thomas Drummond (Spoons). A lush half of Acorn Brewery's Old Moor Porter goes down beautifully, 100 unique brews now logged! I walk to the next 3 stops before joining winner tram 002 at Lindel Road [praise the stops being quite close together in places! - Ed] with 015 noted out and required. 14 stops [so far... - Ed] left to score out of 37. That should be easy enough tomorrow, what with a 10 minute frequency from 0810 on the entire route! There's 2 more trams out that I need so I bail at Tower, with Central Pier and Manchester Square easily walked to before the next tram was due.
Trams winner number 9 is with 010 and just 10 stops left to get tomorrow. I wait with a very full bladder [so imagine the discomfort levels, on my scale it was at 8! - Ed] at St Chads Road for 015 to turn up, then it was back to South Pier with it for a trip to McDonalds and a late tea before going back to base camp. 015 is winner tram 10, so just 6 more to hunt down tomorrow with just 005 to find for sight. The urgent PNB dealt with, I join the enormous queues in McDonalds for my tea, going to be a while! My usual meal had, and the stomach satisfied, the last move of the day falls to 001 [wasn't expecting to start and finish my day of tram moves on the same one! - Ed] to Burlington Road West. A call home is made once back at base camp, and then it's time to post this trip report.
It's been an excellent day with 10 winner trams and a massive 27 required shacks, as well as a winner 185 earlier. Tomorrow will see me get my last 10 shacks on Blackpool's tram line, and I would love it if I get my last 6 trams too! Bring on tomorrow I say!
16/08/2015 - Tech's in Blackpool, Day 1
This trip sure was a bit implusive! During some adjusting to the ABP [Advanced Budgeting Plan - Ed] after the 10th Basherversary bash, I discovered funds were better than originally expected, due to a most significant under-spend. Somehow I ended up looking up a trip to Blackpool before work, and I discovered the fares, when splitting Advances in Manchester, would come to less than £56. I had planned to do a Daytripper in Birmingham, as I would then have a decent sum to allocate towards stuff for other trips, therefore hugely taking the pressure off the next 2 budgets. Nevertheless, as I also had a free night somewhere, thanks to the Hotels.com Rewards programme, the fares and accommodation were coming in at less than £59. Hmm, a bargain basement Midlands bash, or dealing with a gap in my coverage that has been irritating me for years? Yes this trip was costing me 35 quid more than I'd be otherwise spending, but at the same time I'd get new coverage and a much higher chance of winners. Hmm, yes, it was obvious what I would do! My base camp, Staymor Hotel, was only costing me 3.06 to cover Hotels.com fees, bargain!
So it was all booked, and a lift into town on the Sunday organised. I realised after booking that in each direction I had an hour or so in Manchester, which would allow for delays at least. Time allowed too for a Costa break on both occasions too, as well as time to do some Metrolink spotting too, or if my last 390s were about there is potentially time to do a Stockport lesp too! I also realise a few days later that the money I spent on this trip was supposed to have covered the 3 nights accommodation in Dublin on that trip, oops! The following day's work-bound commute was entirely spent re-visiting the ABP [this is how I can afford all my trips on a low income, extreme budgeting, much advance planning and tight-fistedness! - Ed] and I'm well chuffed. By making a weekly spending budget 30 vice 50 quid I can still make everything work happily. Tight-fistedness ruled supreme there of course, but I got myself out of a hole, and I re-knight myself The King of Budgeting! Anyway, that's the backstory done, Blackpool and its trams are calling! Yes I really have never done anything on the trams there, I need all the trams, shacks and track!
The bag is packed after work the night before, and the rest of the prep is carried out too, much later than planned as I watched The Bourne Supremecy first! Alarm set for 0800 and I get a lift into town, contributing to the fuel cost of course. An emergency supply raid is carried out at Tesco, as I forgot to pack the toiletries! The first train of the day out of Hereford is for me today, the 0830 Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly, and I have 175113 for the 114 mile journey. My commuting logs are brought up to date, and it's time for some tunes on the long journey north. I wonder what will be on the 1346 from Piccadilly to Blackpool North? I know it's not likely to be 156s as I have a seat reservation [unlike the way home, so expecting plenty of miles of Sprinter thrash there - Ed] so I'm hoping for a winner 185 from the 7 of them that I need. I've not done a 185 to Blackpool for some years, which was 2008 I believe as part of an all-nighter move to do Tyne Valley diversions on HSTs! The weather is stunning so far this morning too, and the flask is out for a coffee on the slow run [how slow you ask? All but 3 stops to Crewe! - Ed], with a very efficient air con going on with a surprisingly light load so far this morning.
It occurs to me once upon a time that this journey 10 years ago would have been a 158, which led me to wonder what things could have been like on ATW if they had never got the 175s, what we would have otherwise. Certainly would be a rather different scene on ATW's premier line! You never know what might happen in a few years, after all HSTs going to ScotRail in 2017/2018 was deemed ridiculous by many [not me, for the record - Ed], and it's happening! Certainly this service filled up a lot at Crewe, good thing we arrived 3 minutes early! Fast stretches ahead now to Wilmslow, which is our last stop before Manchester. I see 175007+175104 paired up in platform 9 as we leave Crewe, although no gen on where they were going. I see Manchester City football shirts being worn, that's probably why it's busy today. I'd forgot the football season is on again, meaning weekend travel is to be avoided again! Arrival is at platform 5, so a potential micro-grice there. 390119 was on the 1215 to London Euston so I stick to the plan to do a Metrolink tram spotting session. I eventually come away with 3101 scored for sight, and end up in Subway for my usual sub. I'm now on 1,003 points on my Subcard, that'll come in handy tomorrow!
Sadly the sun's gone now, but still dry so I go back to tram spotting. Nothing else I need, 22 more Metrolink trams to see following 3101. I take advantage of the free Lucozade promo on the concourse, then I see and take a photo of 150224 in its heavily graffitied state [photos are a Twitter exclusive! - Ed] which looked truely awful. I treat myself to a large Costa Americano, since I didn't do Burger King. I was surprised to see Northern have put 319s out today, didn't know they worked on Sundays now. I prep myself for a fight to get onto the 185 to Blackpool, thankfully sense was had an we have a pair of them this afternoon [1329 Manchester Airport-Blackpool North - Ed]. It's dud 185146 leading winner 185130, 6 more 185s to go now then! No fight to get on as a result and my table seat is easy to get to. On goes the charger as I was already down to 51% charge! Some tunes next for the long drag to Wigan [it's really quite dull on your own otherwise - Ed] and I get the trip report back up to date, along with the various memo files. Now bring on Blackpool and finally, FINALLY, conquering the trams there! The flask of coffee is finished off just after Preston, it lasted well considering I made it around 0825 this morning and ran out at 1435! By the time we pass Layton, I have 86% charge on my phone, an impressive 35% increase in 70 minutes. Tons of 156s and even a fair few 142s on the sidings stabled for the morning I see, and we reach North at 1459, 2 up.
A 10 minute walk has me at North Pier tram stop, and 001 is my first tram score today, taking it all the way to Starr Gate to clear that section of line. I walk back to Harrow Place then Burlington Road West to score the stops, then check into base camp, Staymor Hotel. A full review of this will feature in Day 2's trip report. After the break, I get 011 from Waterloo Road [I know, I thought of the TV programme too! - Ed] having scored the others by foot as there was time, and the tram got very full! I bail at Cliffs Hotel, and end up walking fast to Gynn Square as the next tram had already caught up. 009 takes me to Wilton Parade for another race like a bat out of hell, back to Pleasant Street for 012 to Bispham. I walk first to Cavendish Road then Lowther Avenue when I discover there's time. Only just mind! I end up bailing at West Drive off 004, walking back to Cleveleys. I decide to find my choice of Spoons in Fleetwood, via the Pubfinder app, and happen to notice one just down the road here, so I score a winner Spoons, The Jolly Tars. My choice of beer is Lytham Brewery's Ginger and Nut, a half for £1.23 will do as it's too busy to get a table for tea. Absolutely, 100%, rancid stuff which I gave up on after 3 sips! It is however the 99th log on Untappd [basically a beer ticker's app - Ed] and it got a zero rating from me! I happen to jump on 003 for a quick leap to Anchorage Lane next, but slightly too late arriving to get the intended tram back!
No matter, I can now source a drink and wash that rancid taste out of my mouth and throat! A big bottle of Pepsi Max and some chocolate doughnuts are sourced for just £2 in the Spar opposite Anchorsholme Lane tram stop, and I use the free time to catch this trip report up. At this point I have something like 22 stops left to go, which I'm intending to sort out tomorrow, the goal now is to get to Fleetwood and score the remaining track! 014 is tram winner 7 today, and en-route to Fleetwood Ferry I finally have the sandwiches made this morning. It had been 5 and a half hours since I finished my Subway lunch so done well! Nearly done with the track, and Fleetwood Spoons is due to be ticked off while I'm up here too. Back onto 014, the only repeat so far, to do the rest of the loop with a leap to Victoria Street, followed by a walk to London Street and The Thomas Drummond (Spoons). A lush half of Acorn Brewery's Old Moor Porter goes down beautifully, 100 unique brews now logged! I walk to the next 3 stops before joining winner tram 002 at Lindel Road [praise the stops being quite close together in places! - Ed] with 015 noted out and required. 14 stops [so far... - Ed] left to score out of 37. That should be easy enough tomorrow, what with a 10 minute frequency from 0810 on the entire route! There's 2 more trams out that I need so I bail at Tower, with Central Pier and Manchester Square easily walked to before the next tram was due.
Trams winner number 9 is with 010 and just 10 stops left to get tomorrow. I wait with a very full bladder [so imagine the discomfort levels, on my scale it was at 8! - Ed] at St Chads Road for 015 to turn up, then it was back to South Pier with it for a trip to McDonalds and a late tea before going back to base camp. 015 is winner tram 10, so just 6 more to hunt down tomorrow with just 005 to find for sight. The urgent PNB dealt with, I join the enormous queues in McDonalds for my tea, going to be a while! My usual meal had, and the stomach satisfied, the last move of the day falls to 001 [wasn't expecting to start and finish my day of tram moves on the same one! - Ed] to Burlington Road West. A call home is made once back at base camp, and then it's time to post this trip report.
It's been an excellent day with 10 winner trams and a massive 27 required shacks, as well as a winner 185 earlier. Tomorrow will see me get my last 10 shacks on Blackpool's tram line, and I would love it if I get my last 6 trams too! Bring on tomorrow I say!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Bring it on!!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
- Joined
- 28 Feb 2011
- Messages
- 10,543
Excillent. What more needs saying? Glad your enjoying it!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Aye it has to be said the trams here are pretty good. The seats aren't too comfy but even on a 28 minute trip earlier they were still good enough.
Hopefully I'll have good news to share tomorrow. All that remains tram wise now when it all opens is the Snow Hill to New Street extension on the Midland Metro and NET's two new lines. After that is clearing up the remaining shacks on Supertram and Metrolink, and of course on Tyne and Wear Metro as well. Plenty of trams/units to see and travel on on all 4 systems yet!
Hopefully I'll have good news to share tomorrow. All that remains tram wise now when it all opens is the Snow Hill to New Street extension on the Midland Metro and NET's two new lines. After that is clearing up the remaining shacks on Supertram and Metrolink, and of course on Tyne and Wear Metro as well. Plenty of trams/units to see and travel on on all 4 systems yet!
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