Looking out of the Train Window Again

[B37Nth/B48Sth]

Hi All

After looking at many a post over the last few years i have decided to share my trips with the forum.

Lets rewind a bit now first of all as at the the age of 56 this is my 4th visit to enjoying rail travel so a quick bit of history to share ..

My first recollection is Bolton Trinity Street bridge enveloped by the smoke from the last days of steam. From the age of 12 it was the 8.10 from Bolton to Preston on an almost weekly basis to spot
50s swapping , the new 86/87 and Blackpool specials with 37s kept us going at the bottom end of platform 3( Cold days heating supplied by pie from buffet tucked in coat). Further wanderings were provided by the Merrymakers excursions - they squealed their way way round St philips junc or Ashton Moss junc (we would pay a fortune now with todays niche operators). After almost clearing my combined volume ( picture of 87 bursting out of a tunnel) i fell down the route of wine ,women and song.

Sheffield Uni days brought me back again - no numbers but travelled around the area with my newly acquried Pentax SLR.One day hope hope to upload some of these slides to sharing sites so that memories not so long ago can be shared (1981-1983).Still have the camera now.

Cats and kids took over but had another go at spotting/travel 1992-1994 . A great era, the last years of many of the locos i 'grew up' with wearing some of their best liveries (sectorisation/IC).

This spawned an interest in model railways culminating in a Scottish based exhibition layout in N gauge .

Anyway found myself back on the grid in 2016 with a purchase of a Baker atlas. Coloured the lines completed from memory and told my missus that completing the public railway network would be something i would like to do. Thought i would try it first so bought an East Mids Day ranger on a very hot day in July with a in plan mind. No probs with the trains so started colouring my Bakers in blue.
Things escalate of course . In June 2017 thought- why not start logging the units i travel on . Spreadsheet done tick list to complete.
One stage further in Nov 17 out came the orange highlighter - highlighted 240 station alight or depart .

Well , sitting at 367 stations today i have joined the forum !

Will post simple summaries of previous trips over next few days followed by trip summaries as they happen and as time permits.

Martin

 

[Iskra]

Welcome to the forum, I look forward to your observations.

 

[Kite159]

Welcome to the forum

 

[B37Nth/B48Sth]

So, here goes ..... a very basic summary of 2016

In the first post the EMDR was quoted as the first trip.Something acted as a catalyst to that trip which was a few weeks earlier.


Friday Late June
Cumbrian Day Ranger.
I was lured by all the reports on the forum regarding the 37s top and tail on the Cumbrian Coast at the time so a summer Friday off work led to plan to get the 10.04 from Preston.
After a reasonably quick drive up the M6 ( now that was lucky) and finding the nearby car park at the promised £3 for the day was greeted by the superb sound of of two 37s growling away underneath the station roof. I was early enough to get a forward facing right hand seat in the first carriage. On departure from Preston the first carriage appeared to be full of enthusiasts with the same aim. Stayed on the train to Barrow, the sound from each station stop was amazing. At Barrow there was the rush through the subway to bag similar seats on the Carlisle service.I am sure the journey has been documented by others so after the 2pm ish arrival in Carlisle it was quite sad to see the 37s head back south . I had decided to complete the branches available on the CDR so after the previous few hours a rather soulless 390 was taken to Oxenholme . A 185 took me up the Windermere branch and back . A quick journey standing on a TPE 350 (like many- i have never had a seat as yet on these services ) dropped me into Lancaster. The Morecambe branch was duly completed before returning to the car at Preston.

Most of the enthusiasts disappeared at Carlisle as they where on a £10 deal with Northern . I think at £41 at the time i bought one of the most expensive day rovers going !

Saturday Mid July
East Midland Day Ranger
Tutbury - Derby - Matlock - Nottingham - Worksop - Nottingham - Peterborough - Nuneaton - Tamworth - Burton.

At the time , this was about trying to complete the rail network . My concern was are the trains crowded ? will i get a seat ?. Didn't want to try this game travelling in vestibules etc so was pleasantly surprised to find good seats available on summer Sat core services.

So I carried on

15 Sept
Cheshire Day Ranger
Tutbury - Stoke - Stockport - Buxton - Man Picc - Chester( via Northwich) - Helsby - Ellesmere Port - Hamilton Sq - West Kirby - Lime St - Crewe - Tutbury.
A couple of pleasant lines with a good seat from start point (Bux , Man Picc). Got the difficult Helsby Ellesmere Prt in the bag.Learned one thing to watch out for though on Saturdays - football!
With the single 350 from Lime Street (18.04) i was on it quick enough to get the desired window seat before the train was completely rammed by returning football crowds .

No more more trips in 2016 as i was not really wanting to do trips as darkness fell earlier.

But anyway , a bit more in the way of blue highlighter in my Bakers.

 

[B37Nth/B48Sth]

Lets move on to 2017

After East mids and Cheshire it therefore follows West Midlands would be next . Also lack of blue on maps 41/42 in the Bakers screamed WMDR next.

A later than planned start to 2017 commenced with :-
WMDR 17/03/17
Lichfield TV - BNS - Rugeley TV - Rugby - Coventry - Nuneaton - BNS - Cov - Leam Spa - BNS - Burton.

08/04/17
Having already discovered cheap Advances to London on VTWC from Lich TV on a Saturday(07.12 / 18.33 back for £16.00) on day trips for me and Mrs B37 on previous occasions i decided it was time to get some lines covered south of the Thames with the help of a Travelcard.
Waterloo- Hampton Court - New Malden - Shepperton - Teddington - Twickenham - Hounslow - Feltham - Barnes - Richmond - Wiilesden Junc - Clapham Junc - Denmark Hill - Lewisham -
Hayes - London Bridge - Hither Been - Cannon St.
Not sure whether i like going sideways with LO . In recent times tend to stand by door to watch the world go by.

Mid May
The western side of 41/42 was still lacking in blue. West mids DR again
Burton - BNS - Leam Spa - Strat O Av - Whitlocks End - Worc SH (via Stourbridge)- Hereford - BNS - Redditch - BNS - Burton.
With time for a couple of decent pub stops in Worcs and Hereford.Also nice to be on a HST again (Worc - Here)

June 24/26/27
On the Friday i was finalising a South Pennine DR for the 24th when the Missus said she was going to go to work on the Mon/Tues as the weather was not forecasted to be as good as predicted.Also she mentioned she was planning to pick up a VW Beetle Convertible on the Wednesday so was offering a big get out of jail free card for herself by saying 'have some days on the trains my darling'
So i did....
SPDR quickly morphed into East Mids Rover. Objective for the Saturday was the Barnetby - Gainsbor SO service
Whilst awaiting the first train of the day at Tutbury on the Saturday morning i decided to start logging the units used.
(nos omitted for clarity during these summaries.)
24/06/17
Tutbury - Derby - Nottingham - Sleaford - Peterborough - Sleaford - Lincoln - Barnetby - Sheffield ( Via Brigg) - Derby - Tutbury.
Lincoln has some long gaps in its rail service found a pub at the top of aptly named steep hill. 142033 was my steed from Barnetby to Sheffield this was my first time on a pacer and it still has the bus seats .
26\06
Tut - Derby - Not - Granth - Newark - Lincoln - Doncaster - Cleethorpes - Barton - Cleethorpes - Sheffield - Derby - Burton.
The 153 is growing on me

27/06
Tut - Derby - Not - Lincoln - Doncaster - Newark - Doncaster- Sheffield - Derby - Corby - Bedford - Bletchley - MK - Tamworth - Burton.
Objective this day was to complete the Newark triangle and the Derby St pancras via Oakham and Corby. The latter almost failed as the train was in the platform at Derby but locked as train crew member was stuck in traffic - doors released some 30 mins after adv departure time . Well at least it ran.

Next up was the South Pennine Day ranger
29/07
Tutbury - Derby - Chesterfield - Sheffield - Wakefield Kirkgate - Leeds - New Pud - Bradford Int - Huddersfield - Sheffield - Stockport - Picc - Vict - Brad Int - Leeds - Derby - Tut
Still picking up new lines but starting to pause to pick up following unit. Long time since i have done Sheffield Manchester . preferred the Trans pennine units or the European form University days.
Also another forum member was out this day doing a similar thing but can't recall who it is.

Another multi day rover cropped up for September
Freedom of severn and solent
Mon 16/09
Burton - BNS - Worcs FG - Filton - Bristol TM - Bath - Romsey - Romsey ( Via Eastleigh) - Cosham - Ports Harb - South Cent - South Airp - South Cent - Brockenhurst - Lym Pier/Town
Goods high speed ride on newly refurb 158766 from Worc to Filton. Could hardly see out of some of the later GWR 158 windows due to filthy windows.

Tue 17/09
Lym Town - Brockenhurst - Bournemouth - Weymouth - Westbury - Taunton - Bristol TM - Newport - Bristol TM - Burton
150104 formed the service from Weymouth to GreatMalvern ! several of the bays were one / two passengers with luggage tipped on the other seats . From Yeovil to Westbury many standees with people refusing to move suitcases as there was nowhere to put them.Also the the trip from Taunton onwards was dogged by cancellations and short formed two car units
Sat 23/09
Had advance ticket from Burton to Cheltenham but left the house without mobile needed for access to RTT. By the time returned home i decided to drive to Chelt to pick up the plan - it worked well sort of.

Chelt Spa - Bristol TM - Severn Beach - Taunton - Westbury - Chippenham - Bath - Swindon - Cheltenham.

The day started with problems as already mentioned . The idea after returning to Bristol after Severn Beach was Westbury via the normal route but two consecutive services fromm the north were missing ( This was one of the Saturdays of Cardiff services starting from Parkway). First up was a Taunton service so decided to go that way on a friend from earlier in the week 158766.
A HST run took me to Westbury non stop - a lovely line curving its way through a nice part of the world. Chaos again at Westbury there was tree blocking the line near Warminster. Escape from delayed 158 s on the Parkway Portsmouth corridor was offered by the 153 shuttle to Chippenham. Such was the logjam whilst waiting at Bath two 6 car 158s from Portsmouth called within two mins of each other.

29/10
Manchester beckoned
Still a few lines missing but really needing some Northern trains units for travel.
Manchester Wayfarer

Tut - Stoke - Stockport - Picc - Man Air -Picc - Sal Cresc - Wigan Wall - Wig NW - Picc - Glossop- Guide Bridge - Rose hill - Picc - Stoke - Tut

11/11
Closer to home
The excellent value Derbyshiire Wayfarer was used . Mainly to cover Nottingham to Clay Cross as i am sure i did this route in student days days . Given the element of doubt lets get it done.
Also at this stage it was a case of trying to get the local units for travel . This was case of working out how many units were covering Derby Crewe and Matlock - Lincoln try to intercept as many as poss during the day . Throw in a few Northern 158 and some 222 made for a good day.

But something else came out of this

If I am jumping on off trains at random stations to travel on the next unit why not plan to get off at a certain station and log units.

This turned out to be the last trip of 2017 . There are now three objectives......

To travel all of the public railway /Timetabled network

To travel on most of the units (mainly diesel Units) with the challenge of clearing locally based (EMT,Northern,LNWR) allocations.

To alight or depart from most of the 256? stations on the network . At 367 so far i would like to get to at least 2000.

2018 to follow over the next few days. Also planning a trip out on Monday

 

[Skymonster]

Compressed into short reports like that, it certainly seems like you've been very busy. Hope Monday goes well, where ever you are going...

 

[B37Nth/B48Sth]

To Iskra, Kite and Skymonster thank you for your encouragement.

to 2018..

The first few Saturdays of 2018 were not the best weather wise.
Looking at maximum hit rate on stations i went for a West Mids Daytripper
17/02/18
Starting from Blake Street (BS) spent a couple of hours completing all stations except Butlers Lane on the Lichfield line boundary .From Aston attention turned to the Walsall line and was left with Hamstead to complete another day. Returning on a 170 to BNS . a trip was taken to what i now call staircase capital Smethwick GT to plug into the Stourbridge line .Also had a few to and forths between BNS and international for haulage before returning to BS. A good day as 22 stations went in the bag along with the local traction

March
Two long standing advances with VTWC formed the basis for this month - booking these in Jan for weather is better. We all remember March weather this year don't we.

03/03
Lichfield to EU on the good old 7.12 was booked as above. The Thur/Fri of this week was full of the horror stories of road rail travel so was put off . On the Sat morning roads looked ok and a quick check on RTT said service left PIC on time . Trip on with the usual travel card...
LTV- EUS - Waterloo - Raynes Park - Chess Sth - Mots Pk - Epsom - Sutton - Tulse Hill ( Via WIM) - Sutton ( via Mitcham) - Epsom Downs - Sutton - Selhurst - Caterham - Purley -Tatt Corn -
East Croydon - Blackfiars - St Panc.
Totally freezing all day, even with a good mountain coat.
Walked to Euston when i was greeted with more crowds than normal looking at the lottery board above the platforms. Most trains north were cancelled with my service suggesting 19.00 to Manchester. The two preceeding Man trains had been canc along with ours. I was lucky when lottery board confirmed the platform no i managed a seat in U on the Pendo. On departure the TM did the right thing and said first was declassified.

17/03
Weather not quite settled but kept up with my plan of Crewe to Glasgow and back for £24.
A 20 mins late arrival led to a quick reshuffle but managed this before the 18.40 back to Crewe.
Today was all about lines
Glas Cent - Kilmarnock - Ayr - Kilwinning - Largs - Glas Cent - Paisley Canal - Cathcart Circle.
A lively journey back south in B48 . Coach B was full of North West / Midlands footie fans off to support Rangers along with others on a St Patricks day drinking trip to Glasgow led to a rather raucous and entertaining journey back. My concern was the increasing amount of snow outside.
The Easterly drive from Crewe was through snowfalls becoming heavier . Thankfully dropped the car on the drive at 23.00 - next morning it was under 6 inches of snow . Just in time.

Good Friday
30/03/18
Derbyshire wayfarer and SY Connect.
managed to complete the stations from Sheffield to Darton ( inc ) along with line to Denby Dale ( exc Dodworth). Then it was case of the Moorthorpe Line . Goldthorpe awaits a visit although in reality i could have walked from Thurnscoe. Upon return to Sheffield a bit of a unit fest took place between Sheffield and Meadowhall before returning south.

March gave me 33 new stations

April
The Crowds are out on this one
14/04
On the Friday i told someone where i was going on Saturday - Liverpool . But Martin you are mad its the Grand National and Liverpool have a 5.30 kick off.
Undaunted i set off
A drive up to Wigan as the start point for a Lancashire Day Ranger. Parked opposite NW and noticed lots of photographers on the platform above the bridge. Thought at this stage this would be steam special, quick check on RTT showed a couple of late running 50s on a rail tour. Fantastic sound as they moved off northbound - so many memories of listening to them in Preston in days of old .
LDR duly purchased at Wallgate a slow walk up the to the bay platform for the Kirkby train rekindled memories of real locos on that embankment in front of me. A Pendo hummed across to bring me back to reality. Even more real was the 142 for the quick trip to Kirkby. The next bit was Kirkby / Liv Central/ Ormskirk. I was in front of the Aintree crowds at this point but when 150 111 trotted in from Preston looking like something from India i realised i had been look so far.
A lightly loaded 150 111 ( except for the drink debris ) took me to Preston were the next lot of Aintree revellers were planning how to fill the train. A quick trip to Lancaster then created my own image of the crowding i had seen . Should have been a simple case to join 153332 to get Bare Lane on my way to Heysham. Morecambe were playing Carlisle. As the last person to join the dogbox set off. Got off at Bare Lane with other potential travellers denied boarding by BTP. Though maybe i had dropped a clanger at this point - if the Heysham once a day service is likewise rammed there will be no trip to Heysham today. Thankfully (?) 142005 turned up with the football crowds on 3 of the doors with enough room to get the Bare Lane punters on at the 4th.Heysham branch done with its unusual way of way working ( Driver clips points ?) it was down to Wigan NW via a pub stop inLancaster.
From WNW is was down to Liv LMS where the plan was Merseyrail to Southport then back to the car at Wigan.
At Liv Central something was very wrong . I was one of the last allowed access to the platforms - everything westbound was cancelled with a problem near Sandhills mentioned . At this point Aintree would be disgorging its punters, Liverpool were at home at 5.30 so thought the best thing to do would be retrace my steps to Wigan. By now the queues to get to the platforms were quite lengthy.

May
No major trips but ended up with a cheeky 4 London stations.
19/05
Managed to get Lichfield - Euston for £12 return each with VT on the usual services. Surprised given a certain wedding and FA cup final.
A hot day so after sourcing picnic ingredients on Borough Market a we decided to sunbathe on Hamstead Heath. Highbury/Hamstead Heath/ Gospel Oak and Camden Rd made their way into my list . Sadly the only 4 for this month.

June
09/06
Cardiff
An XC advance on the 6.48 from Burton and 20.00 back formed the basis of a Valleys explorer.
The outbound journey was lightly filled in my carriage - no more than a handful of people until Chepstow.
Plan was for all three really - get some new lines done - pause at station if frequency determined and of course Arriva units.
Upon arrival the trip was roughly bounded by :-
Cardiff - Treherbert - Pontypridd- Treforest - Aberdare - Central - Ebbw Vale - Central - Coryton - Queen St.
The highlight of this was the 153 /150 mix on the Ebbw vale service. At home on the Crewe - Derby line the 153 is our staple diet and i do enjoy them so always sit in a 153 if it part go the consist. 153323 seriously pushed its limits on the fast line from the junc outside Newport to Cardiff. Superb noise from the open windows - life got even better when the high speed switch(70 mph) took place between fast and slow a few miles outside Cardiff
The other 153 highlight was 153327 on the Radyr - Coryton shuttle . This turned up at about 18.00 on the way to Rady . Unfortunately Stereophonics were playing Ninian Park . Ever seen what must have been 200 try to get on a 153. Thankfully i squeezed on and was one of the 3 left on the train after NP.
A couple of beers in Cardiffs pubs before a very cold well loaded 2 car 170 took me back to Burton.

21/07
West Mids Daytripper
Chose the extension that is now available to cover some of the outlying areas ( Leam Spa/Stratford/Kidderminster/ Lichfield)
Picked up more stations and made inroads into the 172 . Also had 68 haulage on he Chiltern services which were a bonus . Real locos with real carriages - excellent !

As I have almost caught up to real time the next couple of trips will be in more detail
04/08 AND 01/09.

Catch up soon

 

[NorthWestRover]

Looks like I can get 170s and 172s in the West Midlands then.

 

[djpontrack]

Some really good trips there mate. I do a lot of trips like that for units and shacks and a pub visit or two on the way. I can recommend the Little Bare micropub which is a few minutes walk from Bare Lane station if you are back this way again.

 

[Kite159]

Sounds like some good trips

It is currently 2566 stations, although that includes Corfe Castle which is summer Saturday only

 

[B37Nth/B48Sth]

As i said almost final catch up
04/08
Derbys Wayfarer ,SY Connect ,West Yorks rover
At £29 ish this is a good combination for flexible movement across a wide area purchased Friday evening for the obvious reason below
Trip started with 06.03 Burton - Glasgow as my own private train to Chesterfield , honestly not another soul on board .Bet no other member has had 221141 as their taxi!. Reason of course for the trip at this point was the diversions via Donington and Toton with the Derby shutdown. A punctual arrival at Leeds lead to a compact 45 mins of shack and 3 out of 4 unit gains on Headingley and Burley Park leaps including 170477/8 recently moved from Scotland. Back to Leeds and time to get on the job of completing Ilkley and Bradford FS lines . 422481 took me to Illey and back down to Guiseley. Unusual looking unit inside with that large support column for the panto. A more up to date 333016 was used to Bradord FS- these are comfy units seats seem to line up to windows . Around Baildon you can see the valley below with the Shipley Leeds line illustrating how high up the line is at this stage.At BFS 33015 took me the short distance to Frizinghall before rejoining 016 to Bingley. . The departure board was showing my next planned service to Keighley (onwards to Carlisle) as delayed . Time for a quick 20 min wander and purchase of lunch goodies . Dud 158910 took me Keighley ( i was quietly hoping a 153 was lashed on the back). Disappointment continued as dud 158907 devoid of strengenthing 153 took me back to Leeds .Next up was 150203 to Sowerby Bridge via Mirfield to complete the missing bits of the triangles around Brighouse and Halifax. 150215 took me back to Mirfield a small place but possible complicated station . It seems to be basic reversible island with additional platform on a loop . Watch out if you have a +3 on a westbound !.
A very lightly loaded and hot 144023 was the traction to Wakefield Kirkgate. This was held before Ravensthorpe to allow 2 westbound TPE services to pass encroaching into my +5 at the time.
At Kirkgate a mad dash ensued almost boarding the wrong train. My ex Knottingley was held around the corner out of view. At this time my back up plan was a walk to Westgate. Ex GWR 153377 and 142051 would be my consorts for the next few trips. Trip one was the mile or so needed track up to Westgate . I then had 40 mins to explore - don't go west as you will end up in prison literally. Nothing much the other way either so missed a potential pub break.My western exile with its Pacer returned to take me to Monkhill. Didn't go to Knotts as earlier in week when planning returning service showed leaving +2 from other platform . Up pops 153377 and co back to Leeds via Castleford. The guard/manager really had is work cut out on this service - wheelchair at Monkhill off at Castleford and heavy loading for Leeds drinking night out. He even took time to personally say goodbye to everyone off the door at Leeds
Getting my 3rd 91 (91106) and a quick phone charge took me back to Westgate. 150150 took me to Fitzwilliam. My service from FTW back to Sandal guard who knows what some of us are up to as he commented on the WY Rover issued at Burton 'doing a bit of gricing then are are we " and off he he went.
150136 was my means of escape from Sandal - was there for about 25mins but there was an unusually behaved person there all the time which was a bit disconcerting.The service was used to Doncaster for a bit more blue line in the book. Just made it to the EMT ex Scarboro service but it was dud 222007 - a couple of mins behind was an ex Brid 158 as an option but this was also dud ( not a good day for gaining 158).
Final chariot of the day was winning 221136 down to Burton from Sheffield.

A couple of freight lines in the book - surprised at high line speeds around Toton

 

[B37Nth/B48Sth]

Looks like I can get 170s and 172s in the West Midlands then.

Looking over the notes for 21/07 something like 11 172 s for travel over the 3 hours on the Stourbridge/ Dorridge / Whitlocks lines . Many were double 2 car units , Moor St best for sight. The LNWR 170 s are on the Shrewsbury, Rugeley and Hereford services. Anything not used on the day will be on Tyseley, as others have mentioned , too far away for numbers from passing trains

 

[NorthWestRover]

Not worried about spotting, so should pick them up easily enough for travelling on.

 

[eastwestdivide]

A couple of freight lines in the book - surprised at high line speeds around Toton

Yes, the Sheffield/London trains diverted away from the works going on at Derby don't really need any extra time to go via Alfreton-Toton instead.
e.g.
Mon 1 Oct, the 1629 from Sheff arrives London at 1838, after calls at Chesterfield and Leicester, and diverting via Toton.
Mon 29 Oct, the 1629 from Sheff arrives London at 1838, after calls at Chesterfield, Derby and Leicester.
Admittedly, the time at Leicester is 2 mins later on the diverted service, but the padding/recovery time afterwards allows the St P times to remain the same.

 

[B37Nth/B48Sth]

Final catch up trip was on 01/09

During the last week of Aug thoughts turned to North West based around Manchester starting at Congleton for a day out on 01/09 . RTT showed no services for Sat morning - ahh ! then it dawned on me another Northern strike . Thoughts turned to East Mids Day ranger but still a bit disturbance from the Derby works . Came up with the idea of West Mids DR - concentrating on the northern side of the boundary of the ticket to complete shacks.

Started at Tutbury with 153372/153355 forming the first westbound service at 06.56. Due to the Derby works this was already sat in the station a good 10 mins before departure which was useful as i was dressed for warmer weather promised later.Purchase of rover /single to Stoke/ single Tamworth- Burton ( there is a 2 hour gap late evening westbound on the Derby service) off we went to Alsager.A station well looked after by its locals. 350261 hummed its way to a very foggy Kidsgrove. Next up was a now late running return of the 153s to Longport, late enough to miss the return to Kidsgrove for a planned wander around the canal. Thankfully LNWR were calling at Longport for the local pottery event so the fester was not too long and sourced an excellent bacon Staffordshire oatmeal roll -give it a try if you are in this part of the world !.350231 took me to Stone with a quick return on 350373 to Stoke. The football crowds were waiting as Stoke were playing West Brom . I joined 221130 for a quick blast down to Stafford actually gaining a seat on this standing room only Voyager. At Stafford nice to see chap with 4-5 daughter waving at trains , trying to get the good old bee - bow sound from the driver . Most of them did. Up next was 350114 down to Penkridge . Time for another wander , village looks good and finished up watching a bit of crown green bowling before 350232 took me to Wolverhampton. Before trip had 7 350 for haulage , 3 of them repeated this morning !
From Wolverhampton the plan was 158 traction to Telford on the 11.43 and then work the LM service back for shacks . A 10 mins late stopper on front of planned service meant 170632 was taken as far as Shifnal as TLF connection would be missed .Shifnal was unplanned and looks a good place to visit in the future , with town and all amenities sitting below a viaduct.
170507/170509 took me back to Codsall with further double 170501/170502 westbound to the 3 carriage platform at Oakengates. This did mean picking up 170632 back to Albrighton,
try the platform one pub , i had a swift half of Titanic before 507/9 pitched up again to Wellington. The plan now to get a few Arriva 158 for haulage ( after missing the pair that sped under the footbridge at Shifnal heading west). Thankfully 158825/158831 turned up for my amble to Gobowen where a few mins late arrival was offset by late arrival of Holyhead to Maesteg service . 158822 rolled in with a standing only and very hot trip back to Shrewsbury . Even seated passengers were suffering with the heat and wondering how they could last to South Wales.After watching the melee move to an equally full Cambrian Coast -Birm service I adjourned to a pub by the river for a bit of sunshine and a couple of pints.
Luck was with me on the return to the station. I was already expecting standing to Birmingham on the ex North wales service but the platform indicator was suggesting my train was in one of the south facing bays in the station . Wandered down and found an almost empty 158818/158835 sitting on a set swap for my trip to BHM. Unable to see what rolled in from the north but at least had a good table seat for the trip back to BHM.
Time to go under the wires as i still needed the last bit of Cross City outside the Daytripper zone for shacks. Hit on winning 323243 for the trip to Alvechurch- just made it to 323219 for the squeal into Barnt Green.Noticed at this point that i could plug into the ex Hereford service at University. So up popped 323202 to University followed by double score 170505/510 for the 3 mile trip to Birmingham New Street to round off gains into LNWR 170s.
I was able to bag one more 170 as 170518 was gained for the 30 mile trip to Burton.

I have now (almost - went out on 24/09) caught up.

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a good day trip to the West Midlands

 

[55013]

Welcome to the forum.
I've been away for a couple of weeks and am just getting round to reading all the trip reports.
Very enjoyable stuff, keep 'em coming

 

[B37Nth/B48Sth]

Managed to get out on a day trip last Monday 24/09

Thoughts had turned to Manchester a few weeks ago but the Northern Saturday strikes put paid to that. The downside of a Monday of course the GM Wayfarer is not valid until 9.30. The rough plan for the day was have half of the day fixed hitting a few stations in the area,then the rest of the time making some inroads into Northern units.

The day started with a drive over the edge of the Peak District to start the rover at Macclesfield. I was there some 20 mins before the ticket was valid so was able make a mental note of what was around for later . 2 323s were likely candidates for the return journey as they were required. Dud 220016 turned up for the quick trip to Stockport where the fixed part of the plan was to use the 2 tph on the Buxton branch to get some of the stations on the branch. 150226 was used for the short trip to Davenport for a 15 min wait before 150140/150144 ( 140 was the front unit so i though this was going be one of those days!) wheeled up for the scenic trip to Whaley Bridge. This service was couple of minutes early so i was able to get over the bridge to
150149 for a trip back to Disley. There was enough time for a quick wander round the village centre - if it was an hour later i am sure one of the pubs would have been subject to visit.
150275 turned up for the short trip to New Mills Newtown had a wander down the hill to find the canal. The sweet factory was a good smell to start off with but soon became quite strong . 150102 provided the escape to the fresh country air around the isolated Chapel en le Frith. This station still retains much of its old character with a brief history of the key railway events affecting the station. It was now time to leave the countryside behind so 150275 returned to take me back towards suburbia in the form of Levenshulme. A quick 10 mins here before 319375 on a crewe service (was hoping for a 323) hummed its way to Heaton Chapel. Watch out here if you on a tight turnaround - access to the northbound platform is quite well hidden!.
Enough time here to work out the next moves on RTT before returnee 150102 took me to Man Picc.
Slade Lane junc is well worked out. We switched from slow to fast to allow a 185 from the airport to join the slow. At the same time a Voyager passed southbound on the fast at the same time as another unit went to the airport. I was curious enough to look at the layout on Google maps the next day. Also one of TPE s new toys in the form of a shiny 68 headed 5 car rake was in the siding opposite Longsight along with a few suits in very clean Hi Vis checking out their new toy.
After grabbing a few items for lunch it was down to plats 13/14 with the plan of hopefully doubling my tally of 175s. The plan was a success , 175106 took me to Earlestown with 175115 used for the short trip to Newton Le Willows . A lightly loaded 185105 then formed the final piece of a convoluted but productive way of getting to Victoria.
Waiting on platform 6 the good news was the Rochdale service would be a 3 carriage service - good - one of those nice 153 s must be in the mix. 153305/150209 made up the formation , sitting in the 153 to Moston . The 153 made a fine sound up the pretty steep Miles Platting bank. A late running 150119 formed the service back to Salford Crescent. From here i did a couple of return trips to Bolton. With nearly all services formed of 2 units quick gains were made with 142003/150205,153373/150110,156468/156489 going on the excel sheet for 9 miles before 150204 let the winning streak down. At 17.30 ish it was time to start thinking about heading back to Macclesfield as I did not want to back home too late with work in the morning.
150274/156420 were the final gains of the day with a trip from Salford Crescent to Picc.
At Piccadilly a bit of a problem was developing . A tree had blown across the wires near Macclesfield so no services with the advice down as get to Stockport where bus replacement would be available. As it was the evening peak there was a rather lengthy queue with no signs of buses. Several taxis were about , when an 8 seater turned up a quick deal was made by some of us to get to Macclesfield for £5 each otherwise I think I could have been there a while.


Enjoyed the day out though missed the opportunity at the end to get those 323 s. Another day.

 

[Kite159]

Other than the farce at the end of the day sounded like a good day in Manchester.

 

[B37Nth/B48Sth]

20/10

Been itching to get out on the trains again over the last couple of weeks
Weather and other factors looked good for a day on the rails for the 20th - big decision , where to go..Northern out for the next few Saturdays so decided to head east using the East Midlands Day Ranger as the ticket to ride. On the Monday the plan in the head was to get the shacks Leicester / Peterboro' completed then swing round to Nott via Grantham covering some of the inbetweenies . get some action on the Mansfield line with a trip up the Newark line.

Reality set in with +5 at Melton and Stamford and it turned out quicker to get to Nottingham from Stamford via Leicester. Eventually got a plan sorted and this is how the day panned out ..

First up was a trip from Burton to Derby on 170110. Fast approach into the new layout at Derby , not too sure on the new station itself as it looked a bit stark in the early morning darkness.
Next move could have been the Nottingham EMT as far as Long Eaton but was dud so jumped on 222014 down to Leicester( leaving before the Notts service- good choice). Nice to see the real trains on the old Leicester stabling point on the way in .
Modern life returns with the first winner of the day in the form lightly loaded 170103 for the scenic trip to Oakham. Had longer to wander around this scenic market town and farmers market ( wanted to buy all sorts but i guess fellow PAX later in the afternoon would not like the smell of cheese/meat etc ) as RTT already had my return to Melton as 8 late. Back to the station then and 170104 had lost more time to completely blow away the +5 at Melton Mowbray. Time for another town centre visit before returning to the station for my trip eastwards. I had already noted a charter was calling at 10.44 so on my return to the station the camera brigade was out in force , many of them on the eastbound platform . My eastbound service had lost 5 mins at Syston so ended up blocking the view of 60009( i think) on its approach. 170108 was the culprit for my trip to Stamford. At this point it looked as though i was now 2 hours down on my plan (Stamford was also +5). The westbound service was 3 late off Peterborough so there was still hope. Positioned myself where i thought the footbridge might be (spot on !-Google maps) but thankfully no train in sight, downside - throngs of people.
Well this was fun 170115 turned up and managed to get a seat reserved from Melton so plonked myself in that until the rightful owner turned up , standing for the remaining bit to Leicester.
At Leicester it looked as though 10-15 were denied boarding such was the overcrowding.
The theme continued when 222101 rolled in to take me to Nottingham , again managed a seat and phone charge, again many standing in the aisles .On our late arrival watched my +5 to Worksop drift away into the sunshine as we slowly disembarked. I was now 1.5 hours down on my plan so sat down on a bench to do a bit of "what next". There was a 60 rumbling in the platform on a crew change , looked up as it pulled away but didn't look at the number. Seeing me with notepad and and pen a spotter turned up asking what the the 60 was and more than dissatisfied when i was unable to give the number.
Relief from questing was given when 158770 arrived taking me to Newstead . A quick bask in the sunshine before an internally refurb 156410 was used for the quick hop to Hucknall. With a few minutes to spare time was taken to look at one of the NET trams before a run on 153381 to Mansfield Woodhouse. A quick look at the modern trainshed on platform 3 before a trip back to Nottingham on the return service.
I had planned 2 extra stations on the southern part of the Robin Hood line but they will need to wait another day.
I was now back on the original plan for the remainder of the day so it was 153384 calling at the limited stop Netherfield . Almost unable to get off due to someone leaving 6 Primark bags next the exit door! It was a short walk to Carlton where i had a choice of trains due a good paced walk.The first was dud but was rewarded 10 mins later with a short trip back to Nottingham on 158788. Now it was time to explore the top end of the Newark line.
GWR exile 153372 (EMT vinyls , GWR interior) formed the shoppers special taking me to Rolleston( confusing as this a village next to Tutbury where i live). At this point we about 8 late but risked the next move which was the fast paced walk back to Fiskerton . Said 153372 returned on time for a one stop hop down to Bleasby . As darkness crept in 156404 was the final EMT move of the day back to a now rather familiar Nottingham.A wander across tp Platform 6 brought me back to the first TOC of the day , good news as well as winning 170639 formed the 18.41 back to Burton. A very slow journey (non stop) back to Derby.153372 (to Matlock)left Nott some 15min late also causing probs for 156404 ( Leicester), our service tailgating the procession.
Light relief was provided at Derby when a well behaved but boisterous 50th celebration took over the carriage to Burton.

In summary a couple of duds to start off with but at least the 170s started rolling into the red pen list. Could have been worse timing wise if Stamford had also gone wrong. Hopefully with next trip not put too many +5 on 1hour services !

Until the next one .......

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like you made good use of that East Midlands Day Ranger

 

[B37Nth/B48Sth]

03/11
A Merseyrail station fest really , no looking for units for travel - just stations, stations and ...stations

A wonderfully traffic free journey up the M6 found me on the park and ride at Liverpool South Parkway just before 8. Purchased the Saveaway from open plan ticket office which is a nice idea.

There was no plan as I didn't really know what time i would get there so with a 15 min interval on most services it was a case of go with the flow and see what could be done. Also would have liked to have done something with the Shotton line but this was 2 hourly today so that was binned. I had a target in mind - will tell you at the end whether I beat it. Off we go:-

507009 was the first yellow train of the day from Liverpool South Parkway to Hunts Cross . Allerton was packed out with Northern units having their usual Saturday off. Same unit again down to Aigburth.Over the bridge for an easy wait for 507004 back to Cressington. 508138 quickly turned up for a short run to Brunswick for a 10 min explore on the north side of the station.507004 returned to plunge me into the tunnels as far as Moorfields.The next move was 507005 to Fazakerley which turned up again to take me down to Rice Lane. At this point a quick walk was used to pop round the corner down past the prison walls to Walton. The very short trip to Orrell Park was on 507031, waiting for 507001 for the trip to the terminus( for trains) for today, Aintree.
A quick trot over the footbridge got me back on 507031 down to Kirkdale .Today would be about old friends so 507005 reacquainted that bond for the short trip to Sandhills. The first of cross platform changes saw 508115 as my means of a trip to Bootle New Strand named after the local shopping centre.This area of the Southport line lends itself to the 'two up and one back approach( tuba)' illustrated by the next few moves . 507003 back to Bootle Oriel road followed by 507027 to another island platform at Waterloo , wait two mins and 508114 back to Seaforth & Litherland. 507009 up to Hall road and 508123 back down to Blundellsands & Crosby maintained the tuba moves.From here tuba fell down as the next station was passing times so 508138 was used to Formby where time allowed a brief exploration . After avoiding a large group of Nordic walkers on the narrow bridge i awaited 508140 taking me further up the line to Hillside, with (yes you've guessed it ) a hop back to Ainsdale on 507009 past the pristine and expensive looking golf courses . Now this station has everything , all the facilities of a mainline station including its own police station( also looks like a decent chippy a few paces away). End of line was reached by 507003 to Southport.

With a little more time this a line worth further exploration moving from dockland infrastructure and associated housing to high end commuter belt followed by golfing and dunes .

After a short break in Southport it was back on 507003 for the trip back to the city as far as one of the passing stations , Bank Hall. A quick explore of industrial surroundings before 508114 led to change of units and lines at Liv Central. After changing levels 508128 was the unit to Conway Park( never seen a station like it - probably needs its own feature).More tunnel travel was experienced with 508125 to Birkenhead Park. No more tunnels now as light was provided by 508122 to New Brighton. A wander down to the beach to see the sea and the Seaforth docks to join 507017 to Wallasey Village . Down the steps and back up the steps ( plenty of them) on the other side to wait for the quick returnee 508128 to the what should really be walking distance Wallasey Grove Road. Whilst waiting for 507023 for the trip to Hamilton Square(HS) i decided the best bet with the onset of failing light would be the 6 trains per hour as far as Hooton on a linear basis . From HS 507014 emerged into the light of Birkenhead Central , the few mins used to look at the old, overgrown carriage shed before 508127 kept the yellow conveyor belt running down to Rock Ferry.507026 rocked up (yes i did that - getting coat ) for the hop to Bebington . Too add to the falling darkness the wet stuff started to come down shelter came in the form of 507126 to Bromborough Rake. To get the other Bromborough station in the bag the final move southwards was on board 507019.

As was now dark time to head back . 508127 was already on the return cycle to Moorfields where i decided to change . Everton at home and shoppers at Central meant try to get ex Southport here. Managed a seat as at Central some potential customers where unable to board 507115 to LPS.

I came away with a positive feeling of Merseyrail , every station had a manned ticket office, toilets, cycle storage and free parking. Also the train manager , not selling tickets, walking up and down the train just keeping an eye on things. At £5.20, fantastic value for money

ohh and my target was 30 , my excel sheet gave me 34 for the day

Thanks
Martin

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a good trip on Merseyrail