July trip

[47403]

Early stages but im planning an overnighter, probably Stafford, leaving Newcastle around lunchtime, down to York, Leeds and Doncaster, to break the journey, before taking in Derby and Crewe, then on to Stafford overnight. Was wondering if there was a day ranger I can get on the morning that will possibly get me down to Birmingham New Street from either Crewe or Stafford. I aint been out for donkeys ages and was also wondering if Bescot is still worth a visit too these days. Im basically chasing loco's (obviously that'll be mainly sheds and 70's), also trying to scratch off some units too, of all variations, not only for sight but haulage too, although im trying to avoid voyagers for haulage like the plague if possible.
Any help would be greatly appreciated folks.

 

[D6975]

West Midlands day ranger. Quite a big area.
According to NRE it's £22.50 so not exactly cheap, but worth it if you're travelling around a bit. You can sample Chiltern's Silver trains on this ticket too.

If you catch the 10:55 off Moor St (weekdays), there's a +4 at Leamington for another 67 back.

 

[47403]

Thanks mate, very much appreciated. Yeah not exactly cheap but its been so long since I took in the midlands, its definitely something i will take up. Gonna be a long slog but Im up for the challenge.
D6975 said;-
If you catch the 10:55 off Moor St (weekdays), there's a +4 at Leamington for another 67 back.
Thanks for that, that'll definitely be on the radar.

 

[Techniquest]

Well if you're doing a WMDR you're going to have some decent variety for sure. Crewe to New Street is easy to avoid Voyagers at least, think it's 390s on the Virgin runs nowadays and there's also 2 LM services an hour with 350s. New Street to Tamworth can be done on 170s with XC, xx19 and xx49 off New Street. No Voyagers to Nuneaton either, nor to Shrewsbury or Hereford. In fact, it's quite easy to avoid Voyagers for the most part on a WMDR! Unless you want to do Leamington to Coventry, then unfortunately that's only Voyagers.

As for the +4 at Leamington Spa, I wouldn't rely on making it personally. Unless the northbound one is late. Don't think I've ever had the 1055 leave on time, then there's almost guaranteed delays at Solihull too. Try it if you feel brave, but if you do miss it a Wetherspoons is not far away (about 7 minutes walk) so something to do!

 

[Chester025]

WMDR 67 move -

1055 Moor Street - Leamington Spa 1121 (67 no.1)
1125 Leamington Spa - Moor Street 1154 (67 no.2)
1201 Moor Street - Dorridge 1220 (LM 172)
1224 Dorridge - Snow Hill 1248 (67 no.3)
1312 Snow Hill - Leamington Spa 1348 (67 no.3)
1423 Leamington Spa - Moor Street 1454 (67 no.1)

I've found that the 1055 usually makes the connection at Leamington having done it and observed it several times.

 

[47403]

thank you very much folks, looks like the 67 move will be defo on the agenda. Many many thanks. Very much appreciated.