Juliano's World Frenzy/Tech's Trip Reports

[backontrack]

Enjoy NYC, i.e the at most second best York in the world!

Will you be able to post here when you're there?

 

[Techniquest]

Enjoy NYC, i.e the at most second best York in the world!

Will you be able to post here when you're there?

Assuming the hotel has WiFi in the rooms then yep, absolutely!

In 48 hours we should have it booked!

 

[fowler9]

Assuming the hotel has WiFi in the rooms then yep, absolutely!

In 48 hours we should have it booked!

I'd assume you would have wi fi in a New York hotel. I got free wi fi in a £15 a night hostel in Wroclaw. Ha ha.

 

[Drsatan]

(deleted)

 

[Techniquest]

As it was at 200 quid more each then we passed on that option.

I haven't disappeared forever from the trip report thread, as you can see I've been very busy working out stuff for New York. Time has been against me for going bashing lately, as has illness. Nearly back to full health now thankfully! Other things have been going on too, but let's not go there...

Yesterday I decided to say stuff it to the consequences, I need to have a proper bash again. It's been a month now since the last one and it's a long tough week at work (not including the other weeks like it) so a decent bash somewhere for the day is simply more than required!

Yes this means #techsbeenMIA is back on! I haven't yet decided where I'm going but that will be sorted soon.

 

[noddy1878]

I know that feeling! i've had periods this year where I have done sod all (but the last few weeks I've done my best to put that right as you know!).

 

[FQ]

I hope your feeling better now! Maybe Bristol for the next trip?

 

[Techniquest]

I know that feeling! i've had periods this year where I have done sod all (but the last few weeks I've done my best to put that right as you know!).

Normaldom has been an issue lately, but I've learnt a lot from it, that's for sure. Not the place to go into it all mind!

Aye you had a really long dry spell but you sure have turned it around! Next week's your ALR isn't it?
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I hope your feeling better now! Maybe Bristol for the next trip?

Better almost, a bit more Covonia tonight and probably tomorrow morning should sort that last bit of cough out. Wonderful stuff for sure and will always use it over Benylin in the future!

Bristol is an option for Monday, but just as likely I'll be in the Midlands to hunt the last two 390s (016 and 114) I need, plus of course some 68s and trams. I'm mostly going to leave that decision until Monday morning I think, see what takes my fancy. Partly it depends on what is affordable, both of those options should be. Weather forecast will no doubt play a part in the decision too!

Tweets due to start by 0630 on Monday and last until late evening (around 2200 I think) with the trip report live Monday night hopefully.

Just got to get through 3 long and tough days at work first...

 

[Bald Rick]

Yes this means #techsbeenMIA is back on!

Thought you were going to New York, not Florida.

(Gets coat)

 

[Techniquest]

Yes this means #techsbeenMIA is back on!

Thought you were going to New York, not Florida.

(Gets coat)

You've confused me there!

 

[D841 Roebuck]

You've confused me there!

Got that one. MIA might mean more than one airport...

Sorry to hear you've been unwell/suffering from normaldom. No doubt a small jaunt on Monday will complete the cure!

 

[Keith Jarrett]

We've all been missing your reports so definitely time to get out on the rails again.

You're quite right though. Normaldom and bashing do not mix when on the rails and something to be avoided at all costs.

Roll on Monday!

 

[Techniquest]

You've confused me there!

Got that one. MIA might mean more than one airport...

Sorry to hear you've been unwell/suffering from normaldom. No doubt a small jaunt on Monday will complete the cure!

I should imagine so, then I'll probably end up addicted again and out every week for a while to compensate for the time wasted recently!
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We've all been missing your reports so definitely time to get out on the rails again.

You're quite right though. Normaldom and bashing do not mix when on the rails and something to be avoided at all costs.

Roll on Monday!

Nice to know the trip reports have been missed. I'd have got on with posting some more ancient ones but I'm just ridiculously busy these days. By the time I get home I have absolutely zero patience for typing up massive posts, quite I still need to update my moves book from the recent trips!

I can't disagree with either of your other two points there! I do however remember a rather cold winter's day a couple of years ago (late 2012 or early 2013 I believe) when bashing and normaldom almost combined, but that's a long story...

 

[47403]

tech said:-I'll be in the Midlands to hunt the last two 390s (016 and 114) I need, plus of course some 68s and trams.

Firstly, go enjoy yourself tech, both your pendo's ran out of Man Picc yesterday, so they're both out and about.

 

[Techniquest]

12/10/2015 - Tech's Been MIA

Have no fear all, I've not abandoned the scene yet! It's been a long time since my last proper bash on 7th September [5 weeks ago today! - Ed] but after a lot of things got in the way such as illness and Normaldom, I'm back! I can't promise Normaldom won't rear its ugly head again sometime, but The Grand Plan is underway. Long story there which has nothing to do with trains! It's been a chaotic few weeks at work, last week especially so with some rather long stressful days, so an escape from reality [not a term I've used for a long time - Ed] was more than welcome! Even my best mates had noticed a difference in me, which had them concerned. Makes a change for the tables to be turned, it's usually me concerned about them! Of course there was a fair bit of time dedicated to planning and booking New York too, which there's still tons of stuff to organise for yet but it's all coming together. I haven't picked up my tablet this morning, so doing this trip report on my phone today. Which reminds me I still haven't shared September's Rolling Review, I hope to do so tonight. It's up and at 'em at 0600 this morning, and a bit of How I Met Your Mother is watched before I carry out final prep for departure. More than a little brisk out this morning and I'm glad I have my hat on as well as my hi-vis coat! VX12 FBO is on the early turn as usual, and I'm well over 13,400 miles off this one now!

I get the gen I need for today and get some moves planned, definitely a case of a WMDR today! I had initially put that idea to rest, as I need a single to Ledbury on top of it to use the 0849 from Hereford, then the WMDR becoming valid at Ledbury [curse the lack of an easement allowing use of a WMDR throughout on the 0849! - Ed] bringing the total cost of fares up to 30.90 against 22.50 for a day return and Daytripper combination. However it shall be worth the extra for the benefits I'll get! Costa is the first port of call this morning for the usual coffee and a PNB, then the usual walk down to the station. The single to Ledbury for 6.10 and my first WMDR of 2015 for 24.80 [the pound symbol doesn't translate from my phone to the forum properly, hence lack of it - Ed] purchased, I claim my free coffee from Pumpkin once the college brats get out of the way. The usual huge crowd through the narrow doorway take a while to get through, thank Goodness there's no train due between 0827 and 0842! 170516 and 153371 are on the 0849 to Birmingham Bat Cave [47403, I still haven't forgotten that! - Ed] and I crack on with updating my moves book, as it was quite out of date, as well as the commuting logs. Game plan for 390016 made, but the first moves once in Birmingham will be to Leamington Spa. A plus 5 exists there onto Blindtraveller's move up from London, and I can get there on a 68 too so happy days!

September's review gets posted on my Rolling Review thread [in the General Discussion section - Ed] and I make my way to Moor Street as there's nothing at the Bat Cave which takes my fancy. 3.25 later and I have a rather nice bacon roll and filter coffee, that should do the trick! Dud 68013 is on the 1055 to London Marylebone, which I'm on to Leamington Spa to join Blindtraveller on his way up. That 68 may well be a winner! Good grief aren't these services slow moving off when the 68 is in push mode! Winner 68015 takes us to Solihull, where as it's a nice day we decide to fester for the 68 that's due 30 minutes behind us. A coffee is also enjoyed from the cafe here, and disappointingly it's a 168 vice 68! We need to get to Crewe now, so we plan to avoid the horrors of the Bat Cave and join Super Dud 172333 to Smethwick Galton Bridge to do so. I hadn't noticed it this morning [too busy texting! - Ed] but 68011 is parked up with its coaches and DVT on the sidings at Moor Street. Maybe that's how come we ended up with a 168 on the 1045 from Marylebone? We have the option of a 350 forward to Crewe at 1307 or a 350 at 1316 for a Bus Stop Bash to Sandwell and Dudley for a Virgin service forward. Neither of us fancy a 350 all the way to Crewe so we take our time and do the leap to Sandwell and Dudley.

We discover here we're going to get a single 221 on this turn, which is far less than pleasing but we have to do this move now! 221104 takes us to Crewe and we get rewarded with a 'Delayed' on the board for the 1347 Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston. Why is this important? According to the gen, 390016 is on this service. It being my penultimate 390 to score for haulage, it has been a key goal for the day, the only reason to come out to Crewe! So we figure, once we find it's expected 20 minutes late, to go for a pint. This idea is fine in theory, except the nearest pub away from the station is a bit of a distance away and awkward to cross the roads for. After several minutes of getting anywhere near it, we give up on trying to cross the road and head back to the station. Eventually the 390 shows up and it is indeed winner 390016! That just leaves 390114 to get, which was not out to play today. Off to Stafford we go, and after a PNB there we position ourselves for another 390 back. The odds were never in favour of 390114 having been chucked out to work a service today, but it was kept an eye out for just in case. Dud 390148 takes us back to Crewe, where we discover Blindtraveller's booked train home is a pair of 221s! To say he was unamused is an understatement! I leave him get on board and I go to figure out my next move. The only sensible one was the 1619 with LM back to the Bat Cave, which produced 350249.

The screens at Crewe stated 'Virgin Pendolino' for the 1547 from Liverpool, no help to me. As it turned out, it was 390115 when I saw it at Stafford so I didn't miss out. I'm absolutely starving now, so I'm looking forward to getting some food when I get back to Birmingham. As I type this, it's been a shade over 6 hours since my last food, so naturally I'm hungry! I'm also tired, too tired to play music which has the downside to making my journey down so much of a drag it's unreal! Meal Deal to the rescue, where I get a plain ham and cheese baguette, fries and a can of pop for just 1.74 what a bargain. Down to the platforms for the 1749 to Hereford which produces 170504 and 170514. The moves book gets updated and several tunes go on, and by Great Malvern I'm bored off my face. I just can't find the spark at the moment, is it lost forever? Well it must be there and just buried deep inside me, as I'd have never run for winner 150925 otherwise on the 1850 Great Malvern to Bristol Temple Meads! We eventually arrive into Foregate Street, after a long wait for a late running LM to clear our way. Supply raid at Tesco Express before the HST home and a short wait for the bus home. I can't remember the last time I did an HST! I already have the gen that it's 43155+43175, certainly long time absentees from the moves book!

I enjoy my bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale once we get going at 1948, 8 minutes late. If it wasn't only a +14 between train and bus I wouldn't be worried, the tight connection is what has always put me off this move. Normally I'd have stayed on the 170s and done a food move in Hereford, but this wasn't necessary this time. The safer connection would have been better though! I get some tunes on and also re-think The Grand Plan a bit. I cannot detail this as the many phases need their timescales reset, but one of the key ones is currently very behind plan, and the other proving difficult. Once those are complete, currently scheduled for July 20th 2016, the next major phases shall be slightly easier to manage. Again, no details can be discussed and they have nothing to do with trains anyway!

As for this move, I score one of the many renumbered HST trailers which was a bonus. The renumbering of the FGW HST stock is a bit of a sore point here, I had so many of them done then they changed them! Arrival into Hereford is at 2033, 2 minutes late and it's one helluva march over to the bus home. I'm glad I did today, but that magical spark is not quite back yet. Maybe next Monday I'll go somewhere different and try again, it's not set in stone and I do have several social obligations between now and the end of the year. What will happen and when are two very different things right now.

Thank you Blindtraveller for your company today. I wasn't the best company for you I'm afraid, the head's still all over the place as you may have noticed!

 

[Blindtraveler]

Your company was Excillent. Should have had mine up by now but been a tad busy. Thanks rather much.

 

[Kristofferson]

You've been spending too much time with us norms, Tech!

Maybe a break from bashing is in order - or maybe the more you do it, the more you'll get back into it? Either way, get that last 390 before you decide!

Great read as usual chap

 

[Keith Jarrett]

Tech, another great read even though you say the spark has gone. Good to hear that you managed to get your last nine car Pendolino, just the dreaded 114 to go now.

As for the loss of spark, I know where you are coming from. If you are getting stressed at work (and spending too much time with normals) things can definitely go awry. Bashing is like so many other pleasures in life - a prolonged absence is not good for you. Perhaps the next outing will be better, especially if there's more to chase after.

 

[FQ]

Congrats on getting 390016! The 68s in push mode are sometimes very good, it depends on the driver. There aren't many drivers that aren't very good with them so you were unlucky there! But it sounds like a great day.

 

[Techniquest]

Your company was Excillent. Should have had mine up by now but been a tad busy. Thanks rather much.

That's OK then, I guess I could have been worse and talked norm stuff much more lol!
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You've been spending too much time with us norms, Tech!

Maybe a break from bashing is in order - or maybe the more you do it, the more you'll get back into it? Either way, get that last 390 before you decide!

Great read as usual chap

Certainly sounds like I have aye! I have been building up an extensive knowledge of norm stuff as a result, so my genius is becoming a bit more varied. Not a bad thin at all!

Aye I can't decide if a serious break from bashing (and indeed the forum) for a while will be beneficial. Another proper bash will be the deciding factor I have so far decided, one will see.

Glad you enjoyed the read, I must admit I wasn't sure how much it was droning on in many places!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Tech, another great read even though you say the spark has gone. Good to hear that you managed to get your last nine car Pendolino, just the dreaded 114 to go now.

As for the loss of spark, I know where you are coming from. If you are getting stressed at work (and spending too much time with normals) things can definitely go awry. Bashing is like so many other pleasures in life - a prolonged absence is not good for you. Perhaps the next outing will be better, especially if there's more to chase after.

Thanks Keith, glad you enjoyed the read. Getting that last 9 car 390 was most welcome, I hope 114 will not take too long to get marked off!

The next outing could indeed be better, it depends a lot on the cashflow and whether I can stomach another 15 hour day! Lots of time spent with norms in recent months that's for sure, I do think a trip to Bristol would do wonders for revitialising the spirits. I haven't been there in years, I would like to see Temple Meads and Bath Spa again. An option for Monday but I'll decide that by Sunday, once my next 4-week budget has been worked out. I plan to do that on the way home tonight, if I'm not too tired!
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Congrats on getting 390016! The 68s in push mode are sometimes very good, it depends on the driver. There aren't many drivers that aren't very good with them so you were unlucky there! But it sounds like a great day.

I must have been unlucky indeed, much better performance when the 68 is leading!

I sure had a good bit of variety, that cannot be denied, and some excellent company too!

 

[Kite159]

Congrats on that 390 & 150

Very good read as always

 

[Techniquest]

Congrats on that 390 & 150

Very good read as always

Glad to hear you enjoyed the read, hope your trip is still going well. Going by your updates on Shack Attacks 2015 you're doing well!

 

[crispy1978]

Good read - I'm no basher as you know, so I might be talking complete rot - but quite a few of journeys seem to be quite repetitive as you search for the 'magic number train' - so you end up going over the same track.

Perhaps you need to mix it up a bit, get on to different lines, get a change of scenery - enjoy the views out of the window?

Like I say it's a bit of constructive advice from where I sit - I might be talking rubbish, and if so I apologise - but I would hate to see you give up on a hobby which you are obviously passionate about.

 

[fowler9]

Hey tech, excellent write up as always. One thing to consider is that you have been ill recently, this can often depress the old mood which can lead to loss of interest in things you normally like. At the same time people change. I gradually lost interest in bashing and other things as I got older. At the same time though I still like the occasionally trip out like when I went on the Preston to Barrow recently, the actual number of the loco wasn't important any more, it was nice to be pulled by a 37. Shame I couldn't dangle out of the window. I also went to Manchester Airport pretty much purely to see an A340 because I like them, the one that turned up didn't matter. Further still I made sure I saw one of the recent Vulcan flights. I tend to get the train just for the pleasure of the journey these days, I am not much interested in units but I still enjoy the experience, normally. Just assess what it is you enjoy.

 

[47403]

Another good read matey, a cat in the bag too, I'd say jealous but daren'tafter last weeks escapades, would still love to be behind some more. 1 out of 2 of the required pendo's scratched off and winning unit, plus a ride behind your beloved HST's. I'd call that a relatively succesful day tech.
We all have highs and lows, maybe a change of scenery will probably get the enthusiasm going again, go somewhere you need a boat load, get stuck into it, a couple of days away with your own thoughts will do you the power of good.
I done that with last weeks trip, work was driving me up the wall, ok I half killed myself with the overnighter but it done me the world of good, to get away.
fowler, seems a wise man, like he says, find out what enjoyment you get out of it and do more of that.
Chin up tech, you'll get your mojo back mate.

 

[Segedunum]

Good read - I'm no basher as you know, so I might be talking complete rot - but quite a few of journeys seem to be quite repetitive as you search for the 'magic number train' - so you end up going over the same track.

Perhaps you need to mix it up a bit, get on to different lines, get a change of scenery - enjoy the views out of the window?

Like I say it's a bit of constructive advice from where I sit - I might be talking rubbish, and if so I apologise - but I would hate to see you give up on a hobby which you are obviously passionate about.

It depends how well travelled you are to be honest, I'd have no issue doing that in the Tyne Tees area or something as the track is all dud, whereas in the South West I'd probably mix it up more

 

[Techniquest]

Good read - I'm no basher as you know, so I might be talking complete rot - but quite a few of journeys seem to be quite repetitive as you search for the 'magic number train' - so you end up going over the same track.

Perhaps you need to mix it up a bit, get on to different lines, get a change of scenery - enjoy the views out of the window?

Like I say it's a bit of constructive advice from where I sit - I might be talking rubbish, and if so I apologise - but I would hate to see you give up on a hobby which you are obviously passionate about.

No that's some advice, so it's not complete rot!

Too much of the same thing recently, mixing it up will do me the world of good for sure!

I spent a lot of time this morning, aided by some tunes, thinking about things. I've come to the decision that, while things aren't perfect currently and nothing is going to plan, some of what I've been craving is not realistic at this time and can wait until next year. So I decided that enough is enough, no more being miserable as sin as I have been lately, I'm going to have some fun until things pan out, I'm going to make a full-on return to the bashing scene. It's high time I looked after number 1 again, I have been too focussed on everyone else for too long.

Monday's trip to Bristol is most definitely on, I haven't been in years and I want to revisit an old stomping ground!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Hey tech, excellent write up as always. One thing to consider is that you have been ill recently, this can often depress the old mood which can lead to loss of interest in things you normally like. At the same time people change. I gradually lost interest in bashing and other things as I got older. At the same time though I still like the occasionally trip out like when I went on the Preston to Barrow recently, the actual number of the loco wasn't important any more, it was nice to be pulled by a 37. Shame I couldn't dangle out of the window. I also went to Manchester Airport pretty much purely to see an A340 because I like them, the one that turned up didn't matter. Further still I made sure I saw one of the recent Vulcan flights. I tend to get the train just for the pleasure of the journey these days, I am not much interested in units but I still enjoy the experience, normally. Just assess what it is you enjoy.

Sound advice chap, as I mention in my reply to crispy1978 I've decided to go back to enjoying the railway and letting things run their course for now.

People do change aye, but I'm not able financially to change yet so let the status quo return!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Another good read matey, a cat in the bag too, I'd say jealous but daren'tafter last weeks escapades, would still love to be behind some more. 1 out of 2 of the required pendo's scratched off and winning unit, plus a ride behind your beloved HST's. I'd call that a relatively succesful day tech.
We all have highs and lows, maybe a change of scenery will probably get the enthusiasm going again, go somewhere you need a boat load, get stuck into it, a couple of days away with your own thoughts will do you the power of good.
I done that with last weeks trip, work was driving me up the wall, ok I half killed myself with the overnighter but it done me the world of good, to get away.
fowler, seems a wise man, like he says, find out what enjoyment you get out of it and do more of that.
Chin up tech, you'll get your mojo back mate.

A fairly successful day it was indeed, shame the other 390 wasn't out but it'll come to me one day!

A right properly mad time down in London is needed and it is still on the agenda. Monday I'm going to revisit the old stomping ground in Bristol, as I've not been in far too long and I used to love it there. Still need some 150s and a 158 down there so hopefully it'll all work out. I have a source for gen on them so I might be in luck!

The spark is back, that's for sure and I can't wait for Monday!

 

[Kristofferson]

Come down to London early next year eh

 

[47403]

No that's some advice, so it's not complete rot!

Too much of the same thing recently, mixing it up will do me the world of good for sure!

I spent a lot of time this morning, aided by some tunes, thinking about things. I've come to the decision that, while things aren't perfect currently and nothing is going to plan, some of what I've been craving is not realistic at this time and can wait until next year. So I decided that enough is enough, no more being miserable as sin as I have been lately, I'm going to have some fun until things pan out, I'm going to make a full-on return to the bashing scene. It's high time I looked after number 1 again, I have been too focussed on everyone else for too long.

Monday's trip to Bristol is most definitely on, I haven't been in years and I want to revisit an old stomping ground!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Sound advice chap, as I mention in my reply to crispy1978 I've decided to go back to enjoying the railway and letting things run their course for now.

People do change aye, but I'm not able financially to change yet so let the status quo return!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


A fairly successful day it was indeed, shame the other 390 wasn't out but it'll come to me one day!

A right properly mad time down in London is needed and it is still on the agenda. Monday I'm going to revisit the old stomping ground in Bristol, as I've not been in far too long and I used to love it there. Still need some 150s and a 158 down there so hopefully it'll all work out. I have a source for gen on them so I might be in luck!

The spark is back, that's for sure and I can't wait for Monday!

Hes found his mojo, welcome back tech mate. Go enjoy bring us all a stick of rock back

 

[Techniquest]

Come down to London early next year eh

Depends on time off etc, don't think I've got much left to book but will look into it!

47403: Cheers, I intend to thoroughly enjoy it! I have a colleague's birthday bash to attend on the 27th but I've got an option exercised to make it more affordable. Another colleague's birthday bash on 15th November then that's the social obligations cleared for the year. If I had my way I'd be off on a FoSS on Saturday night but not a realistic option.

I haven't decided on a hashtag for Monday yet, but it'll be announced tomorrow on here and on Twitter.