anthony263
Established Member
Here is my report on my trip to London last thursday.
I had a phone call from my freind Andrew last Monday asking about a trip to LOndon that week. as the train fares we too high I had a look at booking cheap coach tickets on Megabus and National express. After I had pruchased and printed off our E tickets I emailed andrew to confirm details as he needed to arrnage a lift home when we got back to Cardiff.
Anyway on thursday morning:
After I woke up at 02:50 I made my way downstairs after picking up my wallet, house keys without waking my younger brother up.
Once downstairs I made myself some breakfast and a cup of coffee before watching sky news til about 03:25. After clearing my bowl and cup away and turning the tv off I went and had a shower before getting changed into my clothes for the day.
After getting out of the shower and finishing getting changed I checked the time and noticed it was 03:55 so I decided to make sure I had everything packed and my camera's batteries were charged before leaving my parents house at 04:07 and making my way to Pyle railway station.
I arrived at Pyle railway station at 04:31 after taking a quick walk (No idea why) once on platform 2 I had a look around station was clean and tiday, however it could do with some work for example having some information screens added and new shelters which actually protect you from the elements.
I sat down to do some reading and I hoped to see some freights and empty stock workings however all I saw were a couple of HST's.
Eventually I was joined by 6 other passengers 1 of whom I know used to get the 07:10 train to Cardiff before it was changed arrive at Pyle at 07:30, however ATW have kindly decided to restore a departure from Pyle to Cardiff at 07:10 although this means the loss of the 07:45 swanline departure which I know was used by a lot of students going to Pencoed college.
This is not too good especially since the local bus service to Bridgend is already overcrowded with students going to Bridgend to connect with the buses to Pencoed so I hate to see how things are follwoing the timetable change today.
The 06:08 service to Machester had been re-timed today to run about 5 minutes later and so arrived worked by 175003 at 06:13. Apart from 175110 I have actually managed to travel on all of the class 175's despite what I had thought before I checked my notes from previous trips.
The train was quiet with only about 7 people on however it quickly filled up with another couple of people getting on at Bridgend. I really think there should be a service from Maesteg to Bridgend at 05:45 to connect with this service before proceeding the unit heads back to Maesteg to work the 06:45 Maesteg - Cardiff - Ebbw Vale service using the stock which works the 05:51 Cardiff - Maesteg service which is a bit of a waste considering the 05:40 Cardiff - Milford Haven train also stops at Pontyclun etc.
A lot more passengers got on the train at the local stations between Bridgend & Cardiff especially Pontyclun which was very busy considering the time of morning. I saw the remains of the Pontylcun - Beddau line which has been mooted as a contender for re-opening. I can't help wondering if this should be re-opened as a light rail rather than heavy rail route especially if you consider it isn't possible to run through to Cardiff because of the congestion on the mainline between Bridgend & Cardiff Central.
Arrival into Cardiff central was exactly on time at 06:48. After leaving the station I made my way to the megabus coach stop on Greyfriars road/Kingsway where I sent a txt to my friend Andrew to ask where he was. He eventually arrived after getting lift from his mother who kindly drove him down from Roath at 07:22.
Our coach arrived at the stop at 07:31 sadly not 1 of stagecoach new double deck coaches and after showing our ticket to the driver we sat down and awaited our departure at 07:45.
We had a great Italian driver who gave us a good laugh as he joked with us after completing his safety briefing. The coach was mostly full of women off to do some christmas shopping it seems. We left at 07:45 and had a clear run apart from a little bit of congestion on the A48 near Pentwyn. After crossing over the severn bridge we passed by Bristol which this journey wasnt booked to serve as there was another service from Newport which did stop at Bristol.
I must admit the M4 between Bristol & Slough is boring despite Andrew pointing stuff out to me using his M4 guidebook.
After a very quick run where we were running early we hit traffic just after Hammersmith and ended up arriving 15 late at Victoria coach station.
Me and Andrew made out way to Vicoria tube station where we purchased our zone 1-9 travelcards. before maing ur ways to teh district line platforms.
Here is an account of the ttrain we travelled on:
17090 (D-stock) 11:30 Victoria - Earl's Court
17040 (D-stock) 11:49 Earl's Court - Kensington Olympia.
At Olympia we noticed there was disruption on the London Overground. Noticed 2 class 378's in the station with 1 working to Clapham junction using the platform which northbound trains normally use.
Also while we were there we saw:
66556 (Freightliner) and 59206 (DBS)
Aftwer we took some pics we made our way back on our D stock to go to High Street Kenssignton.
8040 (D-stock) 12:05 Kensington Olympia - High St Kensington
5545 (C-stock) High St Kensington - Paddington
After I had finished using the loo we decided to plan out next course of action. our 1st plan was to get some shots of the new uncovered arch at Paddington while we were there before heading down to the Bakerloo line.
3352 (Bakerloo line) 12:46 Paddington - Baker St.
We then made our way to the Metropolitan line platforms for a fast train to Chesham as these are also being withdrawn off peak from today.
5073 (A-stock) 13:01 Baker St - Chesham (fast)
We arrived into Chesham at 13:52 then I went into Chesham where I purchased a buagette and took a pciture of a UVG urbanstar low floor dart operated by Arriva the Shires- sadly not a leyland olympian like the previous visit.
25056 (S-stock) 14:27 Chesham - Chalfont and Latimer (This was the 1st S stock I had seen at Chesham.)
6232 (A-stock, part of set 5232) 14:47 Chalfont - Moor Park
5015 (A-stock) 15:18 Moor Park - Watford and 15:43 Watford - Moor Park
Light was now fading so I did have a bit of problems getting some good photo's
25014 (S-stock) 15:52 Moor Park - Harrow on the Hill (fast)
5153 (A-stock, coupled to 5015) Harrow on the Hill - Wembley Park
96456 (Jubilee Line 1996 stock) Wembley Park - Stanmore
96511 (96 stock) Stanmore - Wembley Park
Andrew continued on this through to Finchley Road while I did some photographing at Wembley park testing out my camera's ability to take night shots.
96409 (96 stock) Finchley Road - Wembley Park (Andrew only!)
5057 (A-stock) 17:34 Wembley Park - Baker Street
We then visited Mc donalds for food and used the special offer vouchers we had cut out of thursdays issue of the Metro.
96424 (Jubilee Line '96 stock) Baker St - Green Park
A very fast run which I enjoyed
12035 (Victoria Line '09 stock) Green Park - Victoria
We arrived back into Victoria coach station at 20:15 before making our way to stand 4 to await our coaches departure time.
And finally... National Express Caetano Levante FJ11 GNO (Edwards Coaches no. ED3!) 21:00 Victoria - Cardiff Bus Station. where we arrived 1 minute late 00:06 thanks to annoying traffic lights near Cardiff University. This was my 1st trip on a Levante and I must say I enjoyed it especially the leather seats etc.
Andrew then git a lift home from his father while I made my way to Cardiff Central station where I arrived at 00:20. I noticed that there was a lot of empty stock works happening to Canton depot. I did mange to get some shots of various freight trains including 60054 with a steel train I think to Llanwern.
I spend a few minutes chating to some ATW staff I knew while there were a few BTP officers making their way on to the 00:30 service to Hereford which was worked by 2 class 153's, This train was packed suprisnly considering it was a friday morning however I suspect some people had been out to christmas party's .
My hst arrived at 01:12 before we departed at 01:16 where I stuck my head out of the droplight while opn the way to Bridgend where we arrived at 01:38.
I then took some photos of the work which was going on at Bridgend station to install the new footbridge complete with lifts.
Overall a good trip and I now have a half price voucher to use on my next trip on national express which will be in January on anotehr trip to London where I am hoping to do the whole DLR network and get a trip on 1 of stagecoach's new double deck coaches.
Many thanks to Andrew for taking the notes during the day as I didnt have a notebook with me only my A4 writing pad which was a bit difficult to keep on taking out of my rucksack.
Sadly now class 319's this time although I am hoping to do 1 next time.
I had a phone call from my freind Andrew last Monday asking about a trip to LOndon that week. as the train fares we too high I had a look at booking cheap coach tickets on Megabus and National express. After I had pruchased and printed off our E tickets I emailed andrew to confirm details as he needed to arrnage a lift home when we got back to Cardiff.
Anyway on thursday morning:
After I woke up at 02:50 I made my way downstairs after picking up my wallet, house keys without waking my younger brother up.
Once downstairs I made myself some breakfast and a cup of coffee before watching sky news til about 03:25. After clearing my bowl and cup away and turning the tv off I went and had a shower before getting changed into my clothes for the day.
After getting out of the shower and finishing getting changed I checked the time and noticed it was 03:55 so I decided to make sure I had everything packed and my camera's batteries were charged before leaving my parents house at 04:07 and making my way to Pyle railway station.
I arrived at Pyle railway station at 04:31 after taking a quick walk (No idea why) once on platform 2 I had a look around station was clean and tiday, however it could do with some work for example having some information screens added and new shelters which actually protect you from the elements.
I sat down to do some reading and I hoped to see some freights and empty stock workings however all I saw were a couple of HST's.
Eventually I was joined by 6 other passengers 1 of whom I know used to get the 07:10 train to Cardiff before it was changed arrive at Pyle at 07:30, however ATW have kindly decided to restore a departure from Pyle to Cardiff at 07:10 although this means the loss of the 07:45 swanline departure which I know was used by a lot of students going to Pencoed college.
This is not too good especially since the local bus service to Bridgend is already overcrowded with students going to Bridgend to connect with the buses to Pencoed so I hate to see how things are follwoing the timetable change today.
The 06:08 service to Machester had been re-timed today to run about 5 minutes later and so arrived worked by 175003 at 06:13. Apart from 175110 I have actually managed to travel on all of the class 175's despite what I had thought before I checked my notes from previous trips.
The train was quiet with only about 7 people on however it quickly filled up with another couple of people getting on at Bridgend. I really think there should be a service from Maesteg to Bridgend at 05:45 to connect with this service before proceeding the unit heads back to Maesteg to work the 06:45 Maesteg - Cardiff - Ebbw Vale service using the stock which works the 05:51 Cardiff - Maesteg service which is a bit of a waste considering the 05:40 Cardiff - Milford Haven train also stops at Pontyclun etc.
A lot more passengers got on the train at the local stations between Bridgend & Cardiff especially Pontyclun which was very busy considering the time of morning. I saw the remains of the Pontylcun - Beddau line which has been mooted as a contender for re-opening. I can't help wondering if this should be re-opened as a light rail rather than heavy rail route especially if you consider it isn't possible to run through to Cardiff because of the congestion on the mainline between Bridgend & Cardiff Central.
Arrival into Cardiff central was exactly on time at 06:48. After leaving the station I made my way to the megabus coach stop on Greyfriars road/Kingsway where I sent a txt to my friend Andrew to ask where he was. He eventually arrived after getting lift from his mother who kindly drove him down from Roath at 07:22.
Our coach arrived at the stop at 07:31 sadly not 1 of stagecoach new double deck coaches and after showing our ticket to the driver we sat down and awaited our departure at 07:45.
We had a great Italian driver who gave us a good laugh as he joked with us after completing his safety briefing. The coach was mostly full of women off to do some christmas shopping it seems. We left at 07:45 and had a clear run apart from a little bit of congestion on the A48 near Pentwyn. After crossing over the severn bridge we passed by Bristol which this journey wasnt booked to serve as there was another service from Newport which did stop at Bristol.
I must admit the M4 between Bristol & Slough is boring despite Andrew pointing stuff out to me using his M4 guidebook.
After a very quick run where we were running early we hit traffic just after Hammersmith and ended up arriving 15 late at Victoria coach station.
Me and Andrew made out way to Vicoria tube station where we purchased our zone 1-9 travelcards. before maing ur ways to teh district line platforms.
Here is an account of the ttrain we travelled on:
17090 (D-stock) 11:30 Victoria - Earl's Court
17040 (D-stock) 11:49 Earl's Court - Kensington Olympia.
At Olympia we noticed there was disruption on the London Overground. Noticed 2 class 378's in the station with 1 working to Clapham junction using the platform which northbound trains normally use.
Also while we were there we saw:
66556 (Freightliner) and 59206 (DBS)
Aftwer we took some pics we made our way back on our D stock to go to High Street Kenssignton.
8040 (D-stock) 12:05 Kensington Olympia - High St Kensington
5545 (C-stock) High St Kensington - Paddington
After I had finished using the loo we decided to plan out next course of action. our 1st plan was to get some shots of the new uncovered arch at Paddington while we were there before heading down to the Bakerloo line.
3352 (Bakerloo line) 12:46 Paddington - Baker St.
We then made our way to the Metropolitan line platforms for a fast train to Chesham as these are also being withdrawn off peak from today.
5073 (A-stock) 13:01 Baker St - Chesham (fast)
We arrived into Chesham at 13:52 then I went into Chesham where I purchased a buagette and took a pciture of a UVG urbanstar low floor dart operated by Arriva the Shires- sadly not a leyland olympian like the previous visit.
25056 (S-stock) 14:27 Chesham - Chalfont and Latimer (This was the 1st S stock I had seen at Chesham.)
6232 (A-stock, part of set 5232) 14:47 Chalfont - Moor Park
5015 (A-stock) 15:18 Moor Park - Watford and 15:43 Watford - Moor Park
Light was now fading so I did have a bit of problems getting some good photo's
25014 (S-stock) 15:52 Moor Park - Harrow on the Hill (fast)
5153 (A-stock, coupled to 5015) Harrow on the Hill - Wembley Park
96456 (Jubilee Line 1996 stock) Wembley Park - Stanmore
96511 (96 stock) Stanmore - Wembley Park
Andrew continued on this through to Finchley Road while I did some photographing at Wembley park testing out my camera's ability to take night shots.
96409 (96 stock) Finchley Road - Wembley Park (Andrew only!)
5057 (A-stock) 17:34 Wembley Park - Baker Street
We then visited Mc donalds for food and used the special offer vouchers we had cut out of thursdays issue of the Metro.
96424 (Jubilee Line '96 stock) Baker St - Green Park
A very fast run which I enjoyed
12035 (Victoria Line '09 stock) Green Park - Victoria
We arrived back into Victoria coach station at 20:15 before making our way to stand 4 to await our coaches departure time.
And finally... National Express Caetano Levante FJ11 GNO (Edwards Coaches no. ED3!) 21:00 Victoria - Cardiff Bus Station. where we arrived 1 minute late 00:06 thanks to annoying traffic lights near Cardiff University. This was my 1st trip on a Levante and I must say I enjoyed it especially the leather seats etc.
Andrew then git a lift home from his father while I made my way to Cardiff Central station where I arrived at 00:20. I noticed that there was a lot of empty stock works happening to Canton depot. I did mange to get some shots of various freight trains including 60054 with a steel train I think to Llanwern.
I spend a few minutes chating to some ATW staff I knew while there were a few BTP officers making their way on to the 00:30 service to Hereford which was worked by 2 class 153's, This train was packed suprisnly considering it was a friday morning however I suspect some people had been out to christmas party's .
My hst arrived at 01:12 before we departed at 01:16 where I stuck my head out of the droplight while opn the way to Bridgend where we arrived at 01:38.
I then took some photos of the work which was going on at Bridgend station to install the new footbridge complete with lifts.
Overall a good trip and I now have a half price voucher to use on my next trip on national express which will be in January on anotehr trip to London where I am hoping to do the whole DLR network and get a trip on 1 of stagecoach's new double deck coaches.
Many thanks to Andrew for taking the notes during the day as I didnt have a notebook with me only my A4 writing pad which was a bit difficult to keep on taking out of my rucksack.
Sadly now class 319's this time although I am hoping to do 1 next time.
