LSGs Getting Out n About

[Techniquest]

Definitely a good start to the adventure there! Nice work with getting a 68 in, I had one recently but try as I might I got no proper sound in off it until after I got off the train. It's just not cricket without the droplights, and anyone who's sampled a 68 from the vestibule immediately behind a 68 going out of Marylebone, on the old MK3s with droplights, will no doubt tell you the same. It's still nice to have 68s, but it's just not the same.

 

[NorthWestRover]

68s on the Hope Valley at some point too.

 

[47403]

Part 2
Its Gala Time! !!
​

Now i must confess, I've been looking forward to this since, I saw the date and the guest locos being added to the roster. My hunch of the 20's guesting from LSL being duds 20096 and 20107, were confirmed but it didnt put me off. Then telling the other half, the slightly bad news about the 20s, I'm met by, well that's fine by me because I need them for haulage I apologised for beiing selfish. Then 56006 not being fit enough was a bit of a downer too but the owners are probably more disappointed, as they will no doubt be pulling out cash they could probably use elsewhere to fix it. Sadly that's twice its had to pulled on my visits, not that I need one, it just gives me an excuse to return again to come and get it.

On reading the allocations, I was disappointed to see D5054 being only available on Brake Van rides on the Thursday, it's not the end of the world but the 24 now falls into the same bracket as 56006. All that aside, I still couldnt wait to ride behind some classic traction. 37703, 40145, and 60046 would be the red penners and 68031 was an all round winner no less.

The alarm goes off at 6am and I'm up and out of bed, the other half looks at me from her slumber, with a look that just echoes, Are you for F#$!$@g RealLooking for house points I put the kettle on and make us a coffee, forgetting she has tea when she gets up. Oh well, sorry love I forgot seems to be enough, to calm the rather groggy waters. I then disappear outside for a ciggy. Sadly the coffee is ruined by them putrid UHT milk cartons. After weve both showered packed the bags, we head down for Breakfast and a decent cuppa. I ask the reception if it's ok to leave the car here, till around 7pm tonight, despite checking out and the reply was, Yeah no problem, which saves time looking for somewhere to park. The breakfast was beautiful and we were full to the gunnels. Just after 8, we ordered a taxi and we're off.

Around 8.15 I'm stood outside the ELR awaiting a certain Mr Train, who's joining us today. Not long after he comes into view and we all walk down onto the Platform to be greeted by Jock Rail beastie 47765. As is the norm when I'm within touching distance of a 47, I plant a kiss on it.
What a way to start proceedings. Ever the professional, Mr Train, has devised a plan to get almost everything in and that's the plan for the day. Clever lad is Mr Train.

To say 47765 gave a spirited display up to Ransbottom, was slightly under egging it. She was in fine form and I was loving every minute of some tremendous 47 thrash and the noise through Sommerseat Tunnel, was just the job to blow away any early morning cob webs.

Sadly we have to bail at Ramsbottom but the next on offer, is no less a mean machine D345. One of my biggest regrets was not being old enough to regularly have the chance to see a lot of 40s, nevermind travel behind them. By the time o was upwardly mobile on the rails, the 40s were safly being withdrawn at an alarming rate. Only D200, 40013 and 40015 were the only ones I had on the mainline. If you haven't read Mr xots, fantastic, back in the day thread, I urge you all too. Some of the guys travails are eye watering, their tales of riding the 40s, gives me, mega move envy. I firmly believe the Deltics, 37s and 40s, in no particular order, they must be the top 3 of the most popular locos ever introduced in the UK. However I digress.

As expected D345 has a mega crowd on board but what a noise it made up to Rawtenstall. Some Classic EE thrash was a good way to follow on from 47765. The little trick to vacate to the back coach, allowed us to get prime seats/windows for the trip back down to Ramsbottom. Again D345 didnt disappoint, however folk have cottoned on to this little trick now. However it was time to bail D345 at Ramsbottom.

The next move involved D8096 or 20096 in old money double headed with D9531. We got a seat mid train and even from where we sat, the Chopper and Teddy combo provided some rather relentless thrash all the way to Rawtenstall. That must've been quite a fantastic listen at the drop light window. At Rawtenstall Mr Train and I got off to get a pic of the 20 and readily agreed that was some performance by those driving the locos. The journey back downhill was almost as good when the driver got the chance to pull back the power handle. Not a bad start to this
Gala so far.

Back at Bolton Street theres more EE fun awaiting us. 50015 may need a new coat and new knickers cos the one shes wearing may look clapped out but by, they must be cosy, cos she certainly retains her charm and can excite when it matters. Anyhow who's gonna pay for her new clobber. No sooner had we left Bolton street when she excited all aboard, when she opened her throat and let rip, more classic EE Type noise, the thrash up to and through Sommerseat Tunnel, areverberated round the walls and in through the windows, leading to all 3 of us to purse our lips in admiration. It was a shame to leave her at Ramsbottom but I gave her an admiring pat and thanked her as I walked past. Aye, you've still got it pet.

It was over the bridge and onto another one of guests. I had this wee beasty at the KWVR and she was popular there and judging by today, her popularity hasnt waned any. Albeit downhill it was another fine performance by the McRat. 26007 looks quite stunning in the red stripe rail freight grey livery. Those glorious sulzer tones strumming like hell in the Lancashire sun and its Jock Rail compatriot 47765 on the tail. Takes you back to Waverley in the mid to late 80s. Haymarket leaps or a trip to the Kingdom of Fife with a little sulzer and about 5 coaches at the droplight. Ah the memories.

Now for the red pen event of the day and 60046. Now I'm not hater of the Tugs, this DCR Liveried tug looks aesthetically pleasing. It was required and a massive bonus for me. Those at the ELR do a magnificent job, getting locos like this to the Gala. Yes there is a but sadly, having had 60100 a while back st the SVR Diesel Gala. I have to say I was disappointed then and expressed my concerns to Mr Train about that time I was behind 60100. Sadly 60046 merely confirmed my fears. The run from Bolton Street to Rawtenstall was far from exciting noise wise. I may sound ungrateful, trust me I'm not. I'm extremely grateful for the chance to ride behind it but noise wise, was like riding behind a big coffee preculator.

It didnt detract from what so far has been a great day. The other half and I were gonna go up and down with it but we bailed at Ramsbottom with Mr Train. I'm glad we did too.

Off we trooped across the bridge at Ramsbottom to await our next steeds. 33109 and 26007 duly arrived. Mr Train kindly offered me the droplight while he got the next window along in the compartment coach. Hes tall enough to stick his head out of those ones? I'm not. I did ask if he was sure but he insisted. The other half took a seat in a compartment with a couple. I did offer them ear plugs but I think they just survived without them for the trip to Rawtenstall. The 33/26 combo were superb, the highlight of the day for me. Yes better than the 47 and the 20/D9531 combo too. What a racket they made and a stark contrast to what we'd bailed off. It was pure bliss, getting whatever crap was coming out the exhausts in my face and what hair that vaguely hangs round the top of my head these days. A Diesel Galas not a Gala unless you go home stinking of Diesel fumes. What a stonking performance they put on. Sadly it was over too quickly, do Mr Train and I belted out the door to get a quick shot of the locos before everyone trundled down to do so themselves.
Afterwards we trundled down the platform to get a shot with the 26 leading, only I'd forgot there was a Wagon on t'other end. If you like wagons then I dont have a problem. This my third time af the ELR and I've managed to stay clear of it, till now.

 

[Techniquest]

By some way that is the most entertaining read of a gala day I've seen in a long time! Certainly the excitement, the joy and the doubtless huge grins when the locos got opened up came through well there. 50015, I have had it only once on my only ELR gala so far, years ago but she sounded amazing back then and I am glad to hear she still does.

40145 looks amazing in that green livery, I will always remember it in blue from when I had it way back in 2007, a shade over 15 years ago to the day actually. I think in celebration of this (22/23 June 2007, just checked) then I've simply got to play my videos on YouTube from that tour! Oh my the racket from 40145 has me grinning like a Cheshire Cat! Shameless plug of said video:

For good measure, the second part:

My video making skills are a bit better than they were 15 years ago, but it's the 40 noise that matters

While I enjoy some nostalgia in the background, regarding the 60, I have to make a similar observation. They're excellent to have the opportunity to enjoy, but I found similar with 88003 on that gala at the SVR a few years back. It was incredibly dull. 60s, for me the best way to enjoy them is to observe them doing their thing on heavy freights. The likes of hauling heavy biomass trains, or even better in my experience a loaded tanker train, is what 60s do best and where they really impress. The deep roar as they open up and really get going on the huge loads, especially on the approach to a big gradient or away from a signal stop, phwoar! A 60 at low speed on a small passenger load, well it's just not cricket!

 

[47403]

Part 3
Its Gala Time !! continued
​

Now I'm stuck with having a ride behind it. I'd be lying trying to tell you when k last had a wagon for haulage. My old school mate Cal loved em, so we always managed to fall on them when out bashing back in the 80s. I had many a begrudging red pen under a fair amount of them too. 45108 was certainly dud for haulage. However, what I will say those who look after it, are doing a grand job looking after it because its immaculate and for that I took a pic for them, they deserve it, whether I like 45s or not those people looking after 45108 your doing a cracking job. You can tell it's a real labour of love. So for those of you who do love a wagon. There you go. I returned to the very back coach and probably grumbled about it all the way back to Ramsbottom.

Next up had the other half positively beaming in excitement. Me too if totally honest, who doesnt like a 37 for haulage, even better if its a winner too. 37703 was one of the big draws of the Gala for me. As 37067 it's a dud. Mr xot will tell me better but I'm sure it surfaced on the Yarmoth or Scarborough summer timetable turns. The Yarmouth seems to ring bells for me. Maybe it's just me but does 37703 look quite shocked to see a McRat this far South or have I just lost the plot.

I jumped aboard and secured a window for the other half, while I had a seat. In true 37 fashion, 37703 growled and snarled her way up the hill to Rawtenstall. Sounded bloody good too. At Rawtenstall I ask madame, if she liked that. Bloody brilliant she says, I even done my own private flail, just to myself though. At Rawtenstall, the little star got the pies and coffee in. We were feeling a tad parky by now and boy did they hit the spot.

We took our seats and let 37703 rumble and growl while we listened to its glorious symphony via the open window till we left it again at Ramsbottom for the new kid on the block 68031 and a winner for everything for me. We were nearer the back than the front and that's even afrer loads got off to partake in a bit more of 37703 but so be it. Sadly this was the last run of the day, 68031 was to go to Rawtenstall and go non stop back to Bolton St non stop. Not a bad way to end I thought. Despite being in the 2nd to last coach 68031 didnt disappoint, as we fairly thundered up the hill. Felix you done a grand job.

Sadly this was the last run now. Well I thought it was until Mr Train informed me, he'd heard a few had requested stopping at Ramsbottom so they could do the last turn of the day. The shunter move back to Bolton St. Mr Train asked if I was up for it. If the 68 stops then yeah definitely was my reply. The other half said you's do it. I will stay on here and meet you at Bury. Till then we enjoyed those Moggy engines thrash their way back down the hill. Just outside Ramsbottom, I didnt think we were gonna stop but stop we did.

For the first time today, we had a bit of leisure time, waiting for the shunters to appear. So we wandered down the platform beside the 68. Noticing an LO, Longsight shed sticker on one end and a BQ Bury one at the other end. The driver saying when this gets back to Crewe or Kingmoor I bet it doesnt have either of them stickers on it. Also visible were 2 massive drones filming the action.

Mr Train and I went to get a coffee as the shunters came in. Thanks to the two blokes buying ice creams, one with his card, we still havent had that coffee yet. We gave up and jumped aboard winners 09024 and all round winner D2062. Real firsts for me. First time having both an 09 and 03, especially together. I've had a few shunters for haulage at Carlisle and a couple of other places shunting stock around but they were 08's. Im normally too busy chasing the big stuff to ride behind the rods at Galas. Maybe this has opened my eyes to it now. So this was a mega bonus indeed. The slow amble back to Bury Street was a perfect way to finish what's been an absolute cracking day.
Arriving back into Bury Bolton Street, Mr Train and I clambered off gkr the obligatory photos of what we've just experienced. Then we both wander towards the exit to find the other half. She tells us 68031 through Sommerseat Tunnel was absolutely brilliant. Shes even said, she would definitely go back and that she thoroughly enjoyed herself.

However one thing we desperately needed was food. Sadly we had to say goodbye to Mr Train, who's company was as usual excellent. We had some great laughs and his plan for the day worked a treat. A massive thank you and a pleasure to share the day with you mate. As he wandered off we dived in a take away, sat down and got a pizza. After that we got on a taxi back to the hotel car park. Jumped in the car, pointed it homewards, blasted some music and were home by half 9 ish. Knackered, stinking of Diesel fumes but big grins on our faces. What a day that was. Those at the ELR, You knocked it out the park again. Thank you for an excellent Gala again.

 

[Techniquest]

Clearly an amazing time! I can only imagine the joy that 37 would have brought, it's been too long since I last had a 37 so I'd have been as close to a window for it as possible all the way! Another great read!

 

[xotGD]

A great read, as ever. It sounds like the three of you had a grand day out.

According to the 37 gen site, 37067 worked the ex-Paignton from Sheffield to the Toon on 29/9/84 and a Scarbados - Edinburgh relief on 20/7/85, so I'm guessing you had it on one of those. I didn't, so it was a red pen moment for me yesterday!

 

[47403]

By some way that is the most entertaining read of a gala day I've seen in a long time! Certainly the excitement, the joy and the doubtless huge grins when the locos got opened up came through well there. 50015, I have had it only once on my only ELR gala so far, years ago but she sounded amazing back then and I am glad to hear she still does.

40145 looks amazing in that green livery, I will always remember it in blue from when I had it way back in 2007, a shade over 15 years ago to the day actually. I think in celebration of this (22/23 June 2007, just checked) then I've simply got to play my videos on YouTube from that tour! Oh my the racket from 40145 has me grinning like a Cheshire Cat! Shameless plug of said video:

For good measure, the second part:

My video making skills are a bit better than they were 15 years ago, but it's the 40 noise that matters

While I enjoy some nostalgia in the background, regarding the 60, I have to make a similar observation. They're excellent to have the opportunity to enjoy, but I found similar with 88003 on that gala at the SVR a few years back. It was incredibly dull. 60s, for me the best way to enjoy them is to observe them doing their thing on heavy freights. The likes of hauling heavy biomass trains, or even better in my experience a loaded tanker train, is what 60s do best and where they really impress. The deep roar as they open up and really get going on the huge loads, especially on the approach to a big gradient or away from a signal stop, phwoar! A 60 at low speed on a small passenger load, well it's just not cricket!

Some videos them. 40145 certainly giving it big licks there bud. I totally concur with the sentiments on the 60s tech. However I will say, whoever organises getting them there, deserves a massive pat on the back. Noise wise, ok not the greatest but the chance to ride behind them is excellent. 60046 appearance probably put a few bums on seats too.

Clearly an amazing time! I can only imagine the joy that 37 would have brought, it's been too long since I last had a 37 so I'd have been as close to a window for it as possible all the way! Another great read!

Get the bike out and get yourself looking for some 37 action lad. Your missing out mate. Thanks for the kind words Tech. Very much appreciated mate.

 

[47403]

A great read, as ever. It sounds like the three of you had a grand day out.

According to the 37 gen site, 37067 worked the ex-Paignton from Sheffield to the Toon on 29/9/84 and a Scarbados - Edinburgh relief on 20/7/85, so I'm guessing you had it on one of those. I didn't, so it was a red pen moment for me yesterday!

Mr Xot I knew you'd come up trumps, so it was the Scarborough turn eh. Christ almighty that was 37 yr ago.
Yeah it was an excellent day mate. Thoroughly enjoyable. I'm sure you had just as good a day yesterday. Thanks for the kind words too.

 

[The_Train]

A superb write up of the fantastic Gala Day @47403 - made the differing emotions we went through with the different locos come to life

It was a great day, and always a pleasure to spend a day with you two already looking forward to the next opportunity to catch up with you both!

 

[Cowley]

Love it. It’s such a great line and they know how to entertain up there.

 

[Cowley]

Attention Attention.

Geordie update about to land…

 

[47403]

Attention Attention.

Geordie update about to land…

 

[47403]

(It's been a while)
 #LSGsGettingOutandAbout
​

Its been a helluva long time since one done a trip report, sadly life has threw a few curve balls my way at some point but thankfully all has returned to some kind of normal again. So i thought i'd do a bit of a catch up.of what's been going on throughout this year and hopes for the rest.

I have been out n about during the abscence on here, the odd day out here n there, the odd diesel gala and a little trip here n there. One trip to Carlisle, where the other half n I, had a pleasant enough trip out but the real highlight was the battered haggis from the chippy, it was a sheer culinary delight, to the point, whenever Carlisle gets mentioned, that battered Haggis invariably gets mentioned too. There was the bonus of adding a couple of 397s to the book of sights to what was a bit of a dreary day railway wise. I did snag a Jock Rail 156 to Dumfries to the haulage log.
I do find myself looking at Realtime on a daily basis, looking for something to go and see. Some days it proves fruitful and other days, not so. One move, gets regularly checked and sometimes, I probably drive the TOPs Request folk mad, for gen on the 6 or 0N71. Donnie to Tyne Yard turn. Sometimes the info is there but genuinely, when i request gen, its often not there but no sooner do I ask, then it suddenly appears. I apologise to all and sundry if I've driven you mad. However, I've become a regular visitor to my old stomping ground of Tyne Yard again. Chasing these new bodysnatchers, the 69s have probably dragged my backside out the house, more than any other loco and reinvigorated the need to get out looking. It hasn't half been too bad either, I've got out and seen 13 out of the 16 in various places and had 009 and 014 for haulage. In fact 69014 recently added itself to the list of all those seen to date, I've now seen the 13 at Tyne Yard too. Just waiting of 10, 15 and 16 to make their merry way to the North East. So hoz up GBRf.
However its not all 69s (ooer missus ) we have ventured out for 37s 409 and 403 on their way to Linlithgow at Newcastle, it takes no persuading the other half out, if there's a 37 involved or something out of the norm really. She did like going out to see 87002, as she hadnt seen an 87 moving before, stabled at Crewe, yes, on the main line no. As much as the 87 was a draw, I think that it had more to do with catching up with Staffords very own, Matt or ontheplatform or something like that is hes known on here. So we made our way to the coach he was in, Matt came to the window and we managed to a quick natter and a brief catch up with him in the 5 or so minutes he was there for.

Always nice to see something worthwhile in Toon, these made a welcome change

A trip down to King Edward Bridge South Junction a couple of times were had too. I had what I thought was a great video of a pair of 37s growling their way up the bank towards us, off the Tyne Valley line, it sounded and looked superb, only to realise afterwards my phone had some form of brain fart and never recorded. Just to check it wasn't me, I done the same thing with a 156 from the same direction and my phone just froze completely. I had to the technical thing, switch it off and on again and it was fine after that but ooh there was a lot of industrial language afterwards. We've managed to collar a couple of kettles too at the same place and a quite chance impromptu visit, shocked us, when 47712 passed with the bubble car. Sadly no pic or video, just sheer delight.
As is the case, we start to get itchy feet, the other half loves a gala as much as I do. She loves riding behind the trains, especially at the SVR and KWVR, so we decided we'd do 3 days at the SVR, book hotels first, then the gala tickets to avoid pulling everything out at once. I only really have to mention a new 37 for haulage and she's in. However she leaves me to decide wether its worth going or not. The SVR's troubles don't need documenting but I did feel sorry for them.
there, the expense of running a preservation line is bad enough without what happened there.
However the draw of the 2 Colas 56s, the 70, a West Coast 37 and 58023, which I missed last time, were enough to say, yes dear, its very much worthwhile visiting the SVR Diesel Gala. When 57003 was added, i thought well it looks the part if nowt else.
The plan was to go the Gala on the Thursday, Friday n Saturday but travel down on the Wednesday and come back Sunday morning.
We always call somewhere on the way down, this gets left to me to arrange, as long as we're not deviating too far off track so to speak. I decided a few hours in Tamworth could be beneficial to the book of sights. There's more than a few 350s i could rope in, the new Azumaesque Avanti Evero's were fair game too. Maybe catch up with the 2 errant Cross Country 170s would be nice. Plus there's a decent amount of Freight to see on both levels. Sadly a nasty accident on the way down, meant we missed a 37 on a unit delivery but in context, missing a 37 wasn't such a bad thing. As the few hours wore on, I ensnared 14 for the book of sights as well as seeing 66509 dragging 70020 to the SVR. For what was a very profitable and enjoyable day on a beautiful sunny day.

After checking in at our base camp at the The Severn Stars near Stourbridge Junction Station. I had a cuppa and decided to have a walk up and see if I could snare a few of the remaining 172s I needed for sight, as well as seeing what Chiltern Cats were knocking round, the other half was weary off driving, so she decided to stay indoors.
As is the law, when you visit Stourbridge Junction, you have to get a pic of one of these....

68010 joined the proceedings of which some of the coaching added itself to the book of sights, before reversing out into the Sidings, 172003 kindly joined the book of sights too for a bit of a bonus. I was too busy looking at Realtime working out wether to stay for the freight due through in about half an hour, I was starting to flag a bit and thought, oh why not.

A silver moggy and a bit of the red death sneaks in and adds a bit colour to Stourbridge Jct

That's when 66074 snuck in early with what I assumed was some steel train of sorts. The shed duly knocked off to where it was heading, sorry I've forgotten where it was from or going and with that i called it a night, for a relatively early night and the Gala tomorrow.
To be continued..........

 

[Cowley]

(It's been a while)
 #LSGsGettingOutandAbout
​

Its been a helluva long time since one done a trip report, sadly life has threw a few curve balls my way at some point but thankfully all has returned to some kind of normal again. So i thought i'd do a bit of a catch up.of what's been going on throughout this year and hopes for the rest.

I have been out n about during the abscence on here, the odd day out here n there, the odd diesel gala and a little trip here n there. One trip to Carlisle, where the other half n I, had a pleasant enough trip out but the real highlight was the battered haggis from the chippy, it was a sheer culinary delight, to the point, whenever Carlisle gets mentioned, that battered Haggis invariably gets mentioned too. There was the bonus of adding a couple of 397s to the book of sights to what was a bit of a dreary day railway wise. I did snag a Jock Rail 156 to Dumfries to the haulage log.
I do find myself looking at Realtime on a daily basis, looking for something to go and see. Some days it proves fruitful and other days, not so. One move, gets regularly checked and sometimes, I probably drive the TOPs Request folk mad, for gen on the 6 or 0N71. Donnie to Tyne Yard turn. Sometimes the info is there but genuinely, when i request gen, its often not there but no sooner do I ask, then it suddenly appears. I apologise to all and sundry if I've driven you mad. However, I've become a regular visitor to my old stomping ground of Tyne Yard again. Chasing these new bodysnatchers, the 69s have probably dragged my backside out the house, more than any other loco and reinvigorated the need to get out looking. It hasn't half been too bad either, I've got out and seen 13 out of the 16 in various places and had 009 and 014 for haulage. In fact 69014 recently added itself to the list of all those seen to date, I've now seen the 13 at Tyne Yard too. Just waiting of 10, 15 and 16 to make their merry way to the North East. So hoz up GBRf. View attachment 183830
However its not all 69s (ooer missus ) we have ventured out for 37s 409 and 403 on their way to Linlithgow at Newcastle, it takes no persuading the other half out, if there's a 37 involved or something out of the norm really. She did like going out to see 87002, as she hadnt seen an 87 moving before, stabled at Crewe, yes, on the main line no. As much as the 87 was a draw, I think that it had more to do with catching up with Staffords very own, Matt or ontheplatform or something like that is hes known on here. So we made our way to the coach he was in, Matt came to the window and we managed to a quick natter and a brief catch up with him in the 5 or so minutes he was there for.
View attachment 183836
Always nice to see something worthwhile in Toon, these made a welcome change
View attachment 183838
A trip down to King Edward Bridge South Junction a couple of times were had too. I had what I thought was a great video of a pair of 37s growling their way up the bank towards us, off the Tyne Valley line, it sounded and looked superb, only to realise afterwards my phone had some form of brain fart and never recorded. Just to check it wasn't me, I done the same thing with a 156 from the same direction and my phone just froze completely. I had to the technical thing, switch it off and on again and it was fine after that but ooh there was a lot of industrial language afterwards. We've managed to collar a couple of kettles too at the same place and a quite chance impromptu visit, shocked us, when 47712 passed with the bubble car. Sadly no pic or video, just sheer delight.
As is the case, we start to get itchy feet, the other half loves a gala as much as I do. She loves riding behind the trains, especially at the SVR and KWVR, so we decided we'd do 3 days at the SVR, book hotels first, then the gala tickets to avoid pulling everything out at once. I only really have to mention a new 37 for haulage and she's in. However she leaves me to decide wether its worth going or not. The SVR's troubles don't need documenting but I did feel sorry for them.
there, the expense of running a preservation line is bad enough without what happened there.
However the draw of the 2 Colas 56s, the 70, a West Coast 37 and 58023, which I missed last time, were enough to say, yes dear, its very much worthwhile visiting the SVR Diesel Gala. When 57003 was added, i thought well it looks the part if nowt else.
The plan was to go the Gala on the Thursday, Friday n Saturday but travel down on the Wednesday and come back Sunday morning.
We always call somewhere on the way down, this gets left to me to arrange, as long as we're not deviating too far off track so to speak. I decided a few hours in Tamworth could be beneficial to the book of sights. There's more than a few 350s i could rope in, the new Azumaesque Avanti Evero's were fair game too. Maybe catch up with the 2 errant Cross Country 170s would be nice. Plus there's a decent amount of Freight to see on both levels. Sadly a nasty accident on the way down, meant we missed a 37 on a unit delivery but in context, missing a 37 wasn't such a bad thing. As the few hours wore on, I ensnared 14 for the book of sights as well as seeing 66509 dragging 70020 to the SVR. For what was a very profitable and enjoyable day on a beautiful sunny day.

After checking in at our base camp at the The Severn Stars near Stourbridge Junction Station. I had a cuppa and decided to have a walk up and see if I could snare a few of the remaining 172s I needed for sight, as well as seeing what Chiltern Cats were knocking round, the other half was weary off driving, so she decided to stay indoors.
As is the law, when you visit Stourbridge Junction, you have to get a pic of one of these....
View attachment 183850
68010 joined the proceedings of which some of the coaching added itself to the book of sights, before reversing out into the Sidings, 172003 kindly joined the book of sights too for a bit of a bonus. I was too busy looking at Realtime working out wether to stay for the freight due through in about half an hour, I was starting to flag a bit and thought, oh why not.
View attachment 183851
A silver moggy and a bit of the red death sneaks in and adds a bit colour to Stourbridge Jct
View attachment 183852
That's when 66074 snuck in early with what I assumed was some steel train of sorts. The shed duly knocked off to where it was heading, sorry I've forgotten where it was from or going and with that i called it a night, for a relatively early night and the Gala tomorrow.
To be continued..........

Nice to read one of these again Mickey. I knew you’d done quite a few galas recently. I guess there’s a fair amount of stuff to type up!

 

[The_Train]

(It's been a while)
 #LSGsGettingOutandAbout
​

Its been a helluva long time since one done a trip report, sadly life has threw a few curve balls my way at some point but thankfully all has returned to some kind of normal again. So i thought i'd do a bit of a catch up.of what's been going on throughout this year and hopes for the rest.

I have been out n about during the abscence on here, the odd day out here n there, the odd diesel gala and a little trip here n there. One trip to Carlisle, where the other half n I, had a pleasant enough trip out but the real highlight was the battered haggis from the chippy, it was a sheer culinary delight, to the point, whenever Carlisle gets mentioned, that battered Haggis invariably gets mentioned too. There was the bonus of adding a couple of 397s to the book of sights to what was a bit of a dreary day railway wise. I did snag a Jock Rail 156 to Dumfries to the haulage log.
I do find myself looking at Realtime on a daily basis, looking for something to go and see. Some days it proves fruitful and other days, not so. One move, gets regularly checked and sometimes, I probably drive the TOPs Request folk mad, for gen on the 6 or 0N71. Donnie to Tyne Yard turn. Sometimes the info is there but genuinely, when i request gen, its often not there but no sooner do I ask, then it suddenly appears. I apologise to all and sundry if I've driven you mad. However, I've become a regular visitor to my old stomping ground of Tyne Yard again. Chasing these new bodysnatchers, the 69s have probably dragged my backside out the house, more than any other loco and reinvigorated the need to get out looking. It hasn't half been too bad either, I've got out and seen 13 out of the 16 in various places and had 009 and 014 for haulage. In fact 69014 recently added itself to the list of all those seen to date, I've now seen the 13 at Tyne Yard too. Just waiting of 10, 15 and 16 to make their merry way to the North East. So hoz up GBRf. View attachment 183830
However its not all 69s (ooer missus ) we have ventured out for 37s 409 and 403 on their way to Linlithgow at Newcastle, it takes no persuading the other half out, if there's a 37 involved or something out of the norm really. She did like going out to see 87002, as she hadnt seen an 87 moving before, stabled at Crewe, yes, on the main line no. As much as the 87 was a draw, I think that it had more to do with catching up with Staffords very own, Matt or ontheplatform or something like that is hes known on here. So we made our way to the coach he was in, Matt came to the window and we managed to a quick natter and a brief catch up with him in the 5 or so minutes he was there for.
View attachment 183836
Always nice to see something worthwhile in Toon, these made a welcome change
View attachment 183838
A trip down to King Edward Bridge South Junction a couple of times were had too. I had what I thought was a great video of a pair of 37s growling their way up the bank towards us, off the Tyne Valley line, it sounded and looked superb, only to realise afterwards my phone had some form of brain fart and never recorded. Just to check it wasn't me, I done the same thing with a 156 from the same direction and my phone just froze completely. I had to the technical thing, switch it off and on again and it was fine after that but ooh there was a lot of industrial language afterwards. We've managed to collar a couple of kettles too at the same place and a quite chance impromptu visit, shocked us, when 47712 passed with the bubble car. Sadly no pic or video, just sheer delight.
As is the case, we start to get itchy feet, the other half loves a gala as much as I do. She loves riding behind the trains, especially at the SVR and KWVR, so we decided we'd do 3 days at the SVR, book hotels first, then the gala tickets to avoid pulling everything out at once. I only really have to mention a new 37 for haulage and she's in. However she leaves me to decide wether its worth going or not. The SVR's troubles don't need documenting but I did feel sorry for them.
there, the expense of running a preservation line is bad enough without what happened there.
However the draw of the 2 Colas 56s, the 70, a West Coast 37 and 58023, which I missed last time, were enough to say, yes dear, its very much worthwhile visiting the SVR Diesel Gala. When 57003 was added, i thought well it looks the part if nowt else.
The plan was to go the Gala on the Thursday, Friday n Saturday but travel down on the Wednesday and come back Sunday morning.
We always call somewhere on the way down, this gets left to me to arrange, as long as we're not deviating too far off track so to speak. I decided a few hours in Tamworth could be beneficial to the book of sights. There's more than a few 350s i could rope in, the new Azumaesque Avanti Evero's were fair game too. Maybe catch up with the 2 errant Cross Country 170s would be nice. Plus there's a decent amount of Freight to see on both levels. Sadly a nasty accident on the way down, meant we missed a 37 on a unit delivery but in context, missing a 37 wasn't such a bad thing. As the few hours wore on, I ensnared 14 for the book of sights as well as seeing 66509 dragging 70020 to the SVR. For what was a very profitable and enjoyable day on a beautiful sunny day.

After checking in at our base camp at the The Severn Stars near Stourbridge Junction Station. I had a cuppa and decided to have a walk up and see if I could snare a few of the remaining 172s I needed for sight, as well as seeing what Chiltern Cats were knocking round, the other half was weary off driving, so she decided to stay indoors.
As is the law, when you visit Stourbridge Junction, you have to get a pic of one of these....
View attachment 183850
68010 joined the proceedings of which some of the coaching added itself to the book of sights, before reversing out into the Sidings, 172003 kindly joined the book of sights too for a bit of a bonus. I was too busy looking at Realtime working out wether to stay for the freight due through in about half an hour, I was starting to flag a bit and thought, oh why not.
View attachment 183851
A silver moggy and a bit of the red death sneaks in and adds a bit colour to Stourbridge Jct
View attachment 183852
That's when 66074 snuck in early with what I assumed was some steel train of sorts. The shed duly knocked off to where it was heading, sorry I've forgotten where it was from or going and with that i called it a night, for a relatively early night and the Gala tomorrow.
To be continued..........

Nice little read! Was a nice bonus to an amazing day out with 87002 to see you and t'other half at the Toon. Not the norm to see an 87 on the ECML but the idea of doing Euston to Kings Cross via Edinburgh behind an AC beast like that was always going to tempt me out, even when having to pay London prices for hotels!

Good to see that red pen still being worked hard mate

 

[47403]

Nice to read one of these again Mickey. I knew you’d done quite a few galas recently. I guess there’s a fair amount of stuff to type up!

Cheers Nick, yeah there's still a way to go. I wont go totally in depth but hopefully I will try n keep it remotely interesting.

 

[47403]

Nice little read! Was a nice bonus to an amazing day out with 87002 to see you and t'other half at the Toon. Not the norm to see an 87 on the ECML but the idea of doing Euston to Kings Cross via Edinburgh behind an AC beast like that was always going to tempt me out, even when having to pay London prices for hotels!

Good to see that red pen still being worked hard mate

Firstly @The_Train sorry for forgetting your handle on here. Trying to keep track of where you are is normally hard enough, nevermind remembering that. Still the chance to catch some classic traction, while your on it, made it an easy decision for the Queen of the Grids(all will be revealed later) and I to venture out. I did laugh in the car on the way home, when i was asked, what wouldve happened, if the 87 had just sailed through without stopping or did it have to stop? We wouldve had to wave to him instead, was my reply. That would've been wor luck down to a T and i could imagine you p***ing yourself laughing at us, if it had too
The black pen, has been working overtime lately, which is always a good thing.

 

[47403]

#LSGsGettingOutandAbout
Riding the Magnificent Severn Again
​

After a great nights kip, the 6am alarm just raised our excitement, rather than feeling groggy. A quick shower and cuppa, it was double check to see if the bags packed for the day. We skipped Breakfast at the BnB and jumped in the car around 7.30, set the SatNav and aimed the car in the general direction for Kidderminister.
It seemed a relatively easy enough journey, I suppose its always easy when your not driving but we never got lost. Plenty enough spaces in the car park but it was time to source some form of breakfast.

Bacon Sarnie and a cuppa sourced, it was onto the platform to get things started. 20142 and 20189 got things started and off we whistled up to Hampton Loade. As i walked up the coaches i bumped into two familiar faces, I stood yacking to Shaun a fellow Geordie and his mate Tom. At Hampton Loade I bailed off to get a pic of the 20s, I was completely taken aback by the drop, I'd completely misjudged iit and got quite a shock as I landed, fortunately no harm done.
Back onboard it was time to let 40106 do the honours back to Kidderminister. This time we sat with Shaun n Tom and asked about their plans for the day and the rest of the summer.

I dunno if anyone remembers the kids TV programme The Machine Gunners, there was a guy, who constantly said, Where your going now? Well the other half turned into the female version.of him, everytime we got past Bewdley, the inevitable question was asked, Where we going now? Hopefully the link posted below from the Machine Gunners explains and can put a bit on the bones, as to what we had a little giggle at.

50049 was the next steed on the Bewdley shuttle, I was asked if this one was a dud for us, which made me giggle, it was as it happens but the other halves getting into the rail speak but whilst its not offensive in any way, it just sounds weird coming from her. She does get things mixed up a bit at times, like being bowled or bamboozled as she once said, when we went to Chester le Street to get a pic of 69013 on the 6N71. She was genuinely worried about me being on platform 1, Won't you be better on the other platform, in case something comes through this one and you get bamboozled ? I said, You mean Bowled love? Same difference was her words, then we just set off giggling. She does shock at times too.
Sorry to keep harping on about the 6N71 but 69003 done a fair spin on it for a while and she asked, what's on the 69 turn today, I said 69003 again, the words that came next, could've knocked me over with a feather. The words came in slow motion, Really, I think thats been bolted on, its about time they changed that. Now to any rail enthusiast chatting, that's pretty standard but that was certainly not a sentence, I thought i'd ever hear from a girlfriend of mine. She genuinely loves being out n about looking at Trains, add in the rail speak too, I think I've created a monster.
At Bewdley we crossed over the bridge for winner 56094 back to Kidderminister.

Its here the grid gave an impressive display of noise and clag even just from Bewdley. The other half was mightily impressed indeed and has now developed a real soft spot for them but not as much as the next move.
Another winner in the form of 37706 was taken all the way up to Highley, the syphon was in fine form, we sat with the windows open enjoying the 37 thrash uphill.
At Highley, it was everyone off as the 37 shunted the stock and it seemed like everyone wandered over the bridge for a photo op.

More to come soon, the cricket on the radio and making our tea needs my attentions.

 

[47403]

Riding the Magnificent Severn Again
Continued
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The first day continues, the weather and the traction was going excellent, the haulage ticks were in full effect, 66509 added itself to the haulage log. 58023 became my first ever Bone for haulage, a smokey and at times noisy ride up to Highley made it a rather enjoyable experience indeed.
The timetable was starting to fall too, I think the shunting movement at Highley was proving a problem but it didn't detract from an excellent day.
57003 looks the part for this lover of a 47, the livery its in reminds me of the day I saw 47317 stabled on Landore, one balmy Sunday morning, whilst on a bus trip doing the Welsh depots and stabling points and onwards into Devon and Cornwall to do the same down there. That day I needed, I took its pic, sadly long lost. That day, I only needed its nameplate, Willesden Yard. I love 47s, its no secret, I make no bones about it but much as I'd love to say I had em all for haulage, I got nowhere near, a good 200+ of them yes but as far as I can remember 47317, never entered my haulage logs. 57003 did, my first ever bodysnatcher for haulage, lets just say, a lot more folk enjoyed the ride a lot more than I did. Like I say, at least it looks the part, which is more than I can say for the 57/3s and that gaping hole for the dellner.

Built by Brush, powered by Zanussi​

My haulage log tells me we took it to Highley and due to using my app and not writing things down, I think 66509 took us back down to Kidderminister to end yhe day.
On the first day we did also enjoy whizzos Western Champion and Western Courier for an excellent spin up to Highley n back. I do love the Hydraulic locos mind. The noise and thrash is fantastic off them. Thank God for those preservationists, who without them, getting to ride behind the Whizzos, Warships and Hymeks would be lost to those of us who missed them first time round. In fact, without them, we'd have all missed out on a lot of traction plus having somewhere to ride behind it, on such preserved lines too. It was an excellent first day, with excellent company too, @The_Train and Ted provided a great deal of laughs, although I do think poor Ted fails to fully understand our fantastic Geordie accents at times. Matt, I think is used to it.

Highlights from the next couple of days​

There was a lot, biggest surprise for me goes to 46045 I'm not a lover of a wagon, total respect to you folk who do and those who put the time in, to bring em back. Most the peaks on the preserved lines I've seen are immaculately looked after. 46045 was no different, not only looked good, it sounded excellent too. The ride behind it was stunning and this is from a 47 man, who argued like cat n dog with his peak loving mate about which was the better. 46045 got the unexpected star of the show for me and i must admit, I think this loco, was needed not only for haulage but possibly sight too. I seriously can't remember ever seeing 46045 till the Gala and to see it was once a GD loco too only added more fog to the memory. Obviously being a Sulzer, it sounded more of a 47 than 57003 ever could now.

Them Bloody Geordies get everywhere
​

56113 was probably high on a lot of folk list, it was rammed to the gunnels, even so the ride up to Hampton L9ade snd back was memorable, it was loud and smokey, sheer joy. It was made memorable because yhe other half just chambered aboard found herself a seat in the back coach and on the way back, she was sat in the front coach, front compartment, by the window with the big 56 men, although she was blissfully unaware of it. When she told Matt n I where she was, we just laughed, I said you do realise you've probably been in a coach with the top lads in 56 bashing. She just shrugged her shoulders and said, i wondered why one gave me a funny look when I threw his haversack on the opposite seat, one kept standing on my bloody toes when he putting his head out the window too. Matt n I took the p*ss for a while, saying she was now Queen of the Grids. Keeping them in check.


Onboard was the much maligned Francis, Now folk give him a load of stick for the way he goes on, saying he gives us a bad name, as people think us in this hobby, all go on like that. I personally don't mind that at all, its just his passion for railways, life would be boring, if we were all the same and I've said that all along. Up until tthat day I'd never met the lad but those who i know, who have, tell me, he's a really nice lad and you know what, they were right, he is. He kindly spoke when I said hello, both the other half n I had a brief conversation about the day and his love of 56s with him and he kindly accepted our request for a picture with him, with a yeah no problem, before saying his goodbyes and I hope you enjoy the rest of the day. I just said to the other half, he was as pleasant as i'd been told he was.

Another loco I never tire of on the SVR is 37263, I've had the 37 a few times and its a typical 37, its loud, its brash and thrashes with best of them. Who cares if it was held up as the timetable folded like a Mars Bar in the Sahara desert, the ride up to Highley was epic. Even the other half who's a self certified 37 fan, put her head out the window and gave it a flail.

The last move of the day fell to 58023 again, whilst not as epic as the 37, was still memorable, on the way back a points failure at Kidderminister could hold us up for the forseeable, off we popped for photos. Whilst
some took the chance to go to the pub down the way. On returning back to the platform, one of the drivers had opened the side panels of the bone and was giving a talk on how to start the 58 and answer what else those beside was asking. I thought that was an excellent touch by the guy and certainly passed the time away.

Another enjoyable day had finished, a bit late due to the timetable and the points failure but hey ho. It was back off to base camp but not before i ensnared my last west Midlands 172/0. 172008 completed that lot much to my delight. On the way home as the other half n I discussed the day, a bloody idiot in a Black Audi coming the opposite way overtook two cars and nipped in the gap, fortunately it getting dark and a little bit unsure of the roads, she was in driving Miss Daisy mode, unless we might've been a road traffic statistic. Certainly snapped us into a bit of a panic. The language in the car was certainly not for the faint hearted.
Back at base camp we had a bit food we'd picked up from the Tesco Extra n a cuppa. Then sat and listened to the two ladies that were playing downstairs, joining in with the songs before we both flaked out.

 

[xotGD]

Some very enjoyable reading, and good to see that the both of you have been enjoying some bashing trips.

I've only had 46045 in preservation, so perhaps it was a less common 46 on passenger than some of its classmates.

The two 37s would have been my highlights of the SVR gala, but after getting up at stupid o'clock a few years back in order to attend, I gave it a miss this year.

Mind, depending what turns up at their 37 event in the autumn, I might have to set an early alarm!

 

[The_Train]

although I do think poor Ted fails to fully understand our fantastic Geordie accents at times. Matt, I think is used to it.

I'm almost a native now I've spent so much time with you pair

Matt n I took the p*ss for a while, saying she was now Queen of the Grids. Keeping them in check.

They were all asking where she was on the BLS tour last weekend

Another great read. The SVR gala was another epic event to be fair to them, this even despite the ongoing issues they face!

 

[47403]

I'm almost a native now I've spent so much time with you pair

They were all asking where she was on the BLS tour last weekend

Another great read. The SVR gala was another epic event to be fair to them, this even despite the ongoing issues they face!

We consider you an Adopted Geordie now Matt. As for the lads asking where she was on the BLS Tour, she says. She let them go by themselves, as long as they promised to behaved themselves
Thank you for the kind words too.

Some very enjoyable reading, and good to see that the both of you have been enjoying some bashing trips.

I've only had 46045 in preservation, so perhaps it was a less common 46 on passenger than some of its classmates.

The two 37s would have been my highlights of the SVR gala, but after getting up at stupid o'clock a few years back in order to attend, I gave it a miss this year.

Mind, depending what turns up at their 37 event in the autumn, I might have to set an early alarm!

Yeah but I just kinda expect the 37s to be good, both 37706 and 37263 were excellent. Just 46045 took me by surprise. Yeah that 37 event sounds very promising indeed. Again thank you for your kind words

 

[47403]

Riding the Magnificent Severn Again
Continued
​

Our final day. Having been up.early the two.previous days, we decided to have a lie in., arriving around 10.ish at Kidderminister. It was another boiling hot day and a day where things would get a lot busier, everyone's expecting the young guns out to play. I have to say there's a healthy brigade of young uns into the hobby too. In fact for this much maligned hobby, its nice to see so many young uns interested in it, given the other interests out there.
We had a few targets in mind, then it was down to riding on anything we just fancied after that.
First target was required 20048 on a Bewdley leap, here i told the other half, I'd meet her at Bewdley on 70020. The other half doesnt like stairs, ever since she fell down a set, shes really wary on them and Bewdleys not her favourite station, so i just agree to meet her on the 70.

20048 and an EMD trifle.​

After returning back to Highley with 58023 its another Bewdley leap for me, this time 40106, takes me off to Bewdley for 37706 for the ride back up to Highley from Bewdley. It ws fairly rammed but I found the other half got a seat and liet the 37 take the strain, enjoying the thrash up the hill.
Uncle Tom Cobley and all bailed off and set off over the bridge, me included for a pic of the 37. The other half said, I'm going for a sit down, I'm not join that scrum thanks.

When I returned, the little star had got the coffees in. 50035 took us off back to Kidderminister.. we'd only been out 3hrs and I'd done 4 EE moves in what ws supposed to be a more relaxed day.

Its at Kidderminister we decided to have a look round the stalls, I'd seen a book i was wanting to buy the day before but by the time i got back to the stalls everything had been packed up. Plus the other half wanted the loo. I had a quick mooch round the stalls, where the class 58 group relieved me of some money for a t-shirt and the stall next to it, relieved me of more money for that very book I was after, Andy Chards, Winners and Losers book. A book of 90s bashing tales. Its an excellent read and I'd certainly recommend it but its left me wanting to buy the first book of bashing in the 80s. Sadly, trying to get your hands on his first one is a non starter. Tales from the 80s, is nigh on impossible to get, as Platform 5 only printed a certan run. I did tweet Andy to see if there was gonna be a re-run. He said he would ask Platform 5 if they could do a re-run of ibut as of yet no news. One can only hope they do.


After sitting having a couple of cold drinks, The, "Where your going now" moment had resurfaced, a brief look at the timetable and we decided to take 33108 to Bewdley and wait for the zings, just to get them in. to catch up with, what my other half calls the Golden Turd.

Even though it was just a short hop to Bewdley, the 33 was in fine form, I'd like to give myself a clout for bailing of a perfectly good 33 for zings but in my defence, I was just hoovering bits needed for haulage. A few days after a friend after said, didn't you get them when they worked for Grand Central. I told him, if they were in front of me, i'd have done them but I'm not in the habit of chasing zings, i'd landed on a few EMT ones when out n about but I didn't go chasing them, unless they landed before me, I'd sooner do a zing than a voyager mind.
At Bewdley 43468 and 43480 got the full underline, here we sat far enough away not to hear the zings on the front and up.to Highley to meet the Golden Turd. 69014 joined the winners list as we came back to Kiddy.

The timetable had fallen big time by this point so this meant we jumped aboard another of our targets for the day, 50033.

50033 looking quite Glorious
​

50033 was taken to Highley were we quickly bailed onto Western Courier for the journey back to Kiddy. By now we'd done the whole roster and almost everything we wanted to do was done but we wanted just one more .

That was left to 37263 to do the honours, so we took that up to Hampton Loade. We had some enjoyed excellent thrash behind it too. We we knackered and decided this is the last move. The timetable had gone to the dogs, all that was left was the beerex's behind 57003 and the zings, so the last move of the Gala went to Western Champion to take us back. We were booshed and off we tottered back to the car and back to the digs. We'd both enjoyed the last 3 days, the heat and the action took it out us but it was worth it.

We slept well that night but we could'nt just go straight home. The breakfast in our B n B, as we'd found out last year too, its phenomenal, it was no different today either and we literally needed rolling into the car after we'd eatwn it. The plan was to find somewhere for Sunday lunch on the way home but other than some fruit and a big bag of haribo's, we were too full to stop for Sunday lunch.

We did deviate to Toton bankside on the way home. I went up to the bankside, the other half reclined the driving seat and had a bit kip and left me to see if there's owt worth seeing or needed for the book of sights. Sheds everywhere, majority seemed to be in the new DB red, I had hoped some of the newly renumbered and re-geared ones might've been there, there well may have been but there wasn't any viewable among the rows of sheds. I did click a DB Cargo DVT for sight, so all wasn't totally lost. Small mercies and all that. I didn't realise Id been up on the hill for well over an hour n a half snd as I got to the car, I was told, I was about to ring you, The other half was gonna go to Asda to pick up some cold drinks. As it turned out I needed a few things for home too, so I popped in and got a bit shopping and some cold drinks and were back home around 6pm and a decent cuppa. Nowt beats a home made cuppa.

​

 

[xotGD]

Looks like you had another enjoyable day.

I didn't realise that 33108 was working at the SVR gala. And I need it. Grrr!

I admire your stamina doing multiple days back to back.

 

[47403]

Looks like you had another enjoyable day.

I didn't realise that 33108 was working at the SVR gala. And I need it. Grrr!

I admire your stamina doing multiple days back to back.

Thanks again for the kind words. I have a feeling the next few write ups, might be a bit different.
Was very enjoyable by the end of Day 3, I think we were starting to lose the enthusiasm a bit. However the reason we stayed for the Saturday was to get 69014, 50033 and 20048 in. Plus we made a mini break of it and the get away done us the world of good.
Plus we'd made a concious decision, to get stuff done Thursday.and Friday and relax a bit on Saturday. Ok it started a bit frenetic but we just done our thing afterwards. Plus there was the bonus of riding behind the 37s. Which the other half absolutely loves,
Im really shocked you need 33108 at all. Well at least you know where to go to get it.

 

[47403]

#LSGsGettingOutandAbout
Something a bit different​

I've recentley caught up with an old friend from Central Station. When i got right back into the hobby, I'd go to central and go chase up the renumbered zings, chase down the coaching stock, I'd ignored over the years from both the HSTs and Blunts(91s) and try n rope in any of these 66s. I got talking to a few lads on the station and I recently bumped into Richard at Tyne Yard.
We swapped numbers and I said we should meet up. So I'm at loose end one day and rang him to see if he was up for a day out. There was a test train running and we agreed to go meet up at Central. The test train was nowt special, despite realtime putting it down as a diesel loco, it was a 153. So.i asked Richard if he fancied a tootle looking for the new Metros, I had yet to have a ride on one and was eager to start getting them into the book of sights. I mean I could walk down to places locally, at silly o'clock at night or early hours of the morning, when they're getting delivered and scratch them off that way but I just think, ah to bollocks with that.
Richard readily agreed, he seemed to know someone who had the relative gen on which turns they were on, so we had a bit of an afternoon into early evening chasing them down and catching up on everything really.

555005 at Gateshead Stadium
​

They're new, they're relatively nippy but I prefer the old metro's seating. They keep finding various faults of different kinds but that's the teething issues, which on a new build you would expect but rain coming through the roof, which is the latest problem apparently, you'd kinda think Stadlers Quality Control should really be putting to bed put to bed before delivery.
We picked up 3 of the 4 that were out that day

555007 at Monument​

We went out to Kingston Park to use the loo and pick up a bite to eat at the big Tesco superstore before intercepting the next metro riding up to the airport and awaiting the new one to arrive.

555020 at Airport​

This we took to Gateshead before going our separate ways and I have to say, it was a great way to catch up. I've since seen another 5 and one of the 5 for haulage, when I fell on one after a trip into Newcastle with my Daughter and Mam. For those remotely interested it was 555028

The other 4 I managed to snaffle in, after seeing the Sellafield to Seaton Flask train was running. So I decided a walk down to Gateshead Stadium metro could maybe snaffle the odd new metro in and chance to see the return working off the flasks and what tugs were on the Tyne Dock to Lynemouth workings.

68002 and 68004 pass Gateshead Stadium on the 6M60 on the way back to Sellafield
​

For the record 60026 and 60056 were on the biomass trains but i didnt get a pic of either. After the flask train went through, i made my way home and cooled down. Downing a bottle of iced water, it was a tad warm out there.

 

[xotGD]

Im really shocked you need 33108 at all.

I didn't have many 33s back in the day, and have been chipping away at those in preservation. Plus getting the 3 WCRC examples on the big railway.

Mind, I did have 20048 at Peak Rail back in 1993.

 

[47403]

I didn't have many 33s back in the day, and have been chipping away at those in preservation. Plus getting the 3 WCRC examples on the big railway.

Mind, I did have 20048 at Peak Rail back in 1993.

Yeah I didn't have too many 33s or 50s on the mainline myself for that matter but I got a few in, out to or from Woking mainly. I think ive had more of both on preserved lines now. Swings and roundabouts isn't it. I do suggest you've had more for haulage than I ever did but there's probably some I had that you need n vice versa but that's the nature of the beast. On my Railway bucket list is a Thumper. I think they sound excellent for what is a unit.

 

[xotGD]

Thumper

Only had one once, Ashford to Hastings as part of a dubious circular day out as part of the cheap March tickets offer back in the 80s.