LSGs Getting Out n About

[D841 Roebuck]

I was also on some of the same trains last Thursday at the ELR. I certainly coincided with you on 20096/132 up to Rawtenstall, then 56103 back to Ramsbottom. Also had D832, the raucous little beast that is D9531, 25279, 33035, 47402 and (for the first time in 30 odd years) 47765, before finishing with 20311/314 up the hill to Heywood.

Judging by your comments in this and previous reports, I suspect you were the other person enjoying a smoke in the Rawtenstall sunshine after sampling the 20s...

 

[47403]

I was also on some of the same trains last Thursday at the ELR. I certainly coincided with you on 20096/132 up to Rawtenstall, then 56103 back to Ramsbottom. Also had D832, the raucous little beast that is D9531, 25279, 33035, 47402 and (for the first time in 30 odd years) 47765, before finishing with 20311/314 up the hill to Heywood.

Judging by your comments in this and previous reports, I suspect you were the other person enjoying a smoke in the Rawtenstall sunshine after sampling the 20s...

Most likely was me squire. Small world.

 

[alexf380]

Never been to a gala in my life, but your report intrigues me. How much would a ticket like that cost for the day?
A good read as usual, Mickey

 

[47403]

I hope it inspires you to visit a Diesel Gala Alex. I love em, being a nostalgic old fart, getting to ride behind stuff, from my younger days and experience haulage behind stuff I'd never had before, like the Teddy Bears, Westerns and Warships, which, despite being old enough to experience loco hauled turns on a daily basis, I wasnt old enough to have seen the aforementioned locos on the mainline. Experiencing Deltics for haulage, I'd seen them but they were rapidly starting to decline in numbers and started being replaced by zings, when I really planted my feet in the hobby. I only ever had 55010 on the mainline and even then, I was very young and until my cousins told me years later, I didnt even realise I'd had one. Wasnt till they were on the NYMR I experienced Deltics for haulage properly.

I think a walk up day rover for the ELR was £29, £26 in advance and it was a cracking day but they also do Rovers to cover 2 and 3 days too.

They have a Type 1- Type 3 Diesel day coming up on Sept 21st, which I know I cant make, wish I could but I have to cover my gaffer going on holiday.

I've put a screenshot of the planned locos from the ELRs home fleet. I mean whispers are saying they'll be surprised if their Hymek D7076 will be ready in time, I'm not in the know but some are saying its doubtful but this, I believe will be a good day.

 

[55013]

Nothing wrong with an early morning blast of Joy Division.
Wise Up Sucker is a great song and all.

Oh. Trains you say?
The report was most enjoyable and yes, D832 is a monster

 

[47403]

Nothing wrong with an early morning blast of Joy Division.
Wise Up Sucker is a great song and all.

Oh. Trains you say?
The report was most enjoyable and yes, D832 is a monster

I thought you'd approve of an early morning blast of Joy Division. Nice to hear another Poppies fan too. My fave song by them is Bulletproof. For anyone else reading this, if your a fan of Car SOS, the mechanic, Fuzz, is the drummer in the Poppies too.
As you say Mr 13, to the trains, was a great day and Ole Beefy, wow, what a loco.
Thank you for the kind words too.

 

[Cowley]

God that looked absolutely brilliant.
D832 is a wonderful machine by the way. I can hear the noise if I close my eyes...

 

[ainsworth74]

Thread re-opened

 

[47403]

Ah thank you to the mods who re-opened the thread. Will post sooner rather than later.

 

[xotGD]

Ah thank you to the mods who re-opened the thread. Will post sooner rather than later.

Back in the game!

Looking forward to reading your reports...

 

[47403]

Back in the game!

Looking forward to reading your reports...

Yeah back in the game thankfully, Won't be a patch on Back in the day, that's been some quality reading I was on some of your turns on a summer Saturdays, albeit from York, Durham and Darlington. Thanks for the kind words though. Much appreciated.

 

[Cowley]

Good to see you back Mickey.

 

[47403]

LSG Returns..
(getting back into the game again)

Well Hello there, sorry this trip reports a bit late but Railways died on their backside for a bit with me, I've had a few issues, I won't bore you all with details, I think it's fair to say, throughout this pandemic, we've all had our fair share of the brown stuff. I just hope everyone's OK and with restrictions eased I sincerely hope, everyone's making the most of it too.

One thing that the pandemic brought was everyone going for walks, a mate of mine, is a very outdoors type and also excellent at finding places to go walking, he's an old railway crank from the 70s, so he introduced my girlfriend and I to some walks that were old railway lines in the North East. Bowes Railway, Tanfield, the sight were the Stella Power Station used to be, now Blaydon Burn. My personal fave was one at Derwentwaugh, a mere 15mins from my house by car. Its where the Railway ran up to Consett from Swalwell. One of the former platforms at Swalwell Station platform is still visible although largely overgrown but as you wander on you come to what was Lintz Green Station, both platforms can be walked on, as can the footbridge that links them. I had to, just to say I had a shack, that maybe a few of you Shack-aholics hadn't.

As you walk further to the viaducts, there's a stunning view from them to the rolling hills and where you can freely watch Buzzards and Red Kites going about there daily business. If your into your walking and in the area give it a visit.

However the girlfriend and I were having an afternoon stroll from Dunston past the Staithes, and along by the Tyne, towards the Millennium bridge. We were seeing the Azumas, Voyagers and Novas going over the King Eddie Bridge, when my girlfriend said I wonder where they've been or going? She was quite shocked when I told her where they'd likely to be have been or going to. How do you know that, I'm asked, this turned into a tale of my love of railways past. A walk to Tyne Yard, saw me actually stand on the bridge for the first time in years, largely recounting the many hours, I'd stood on this bridge, overlooking the yard, with mine and other friends parents, to the days I was old enough to go with just with mates, where we'd stand and take piss out of each other for the duration, occasionally we'd try planning trips.

I stood there with a smile, as I told my girlfriend, we must've sickened that foreman, with the words, can we go and get the locos off the stabling point or Any chance of a TOPS Reports. Sadly Tyne Yard was dead, as a door nail, today there's only a 325 and a handful of new Azumas caged off at the bottom of the yard and a Hull trains version stood nearest the Bridge and a Voyager was stood in the fueler.

Christ Almighty, How the mighty (to me, at least) had fallen. Even the Blunts(91s) had gone and they're relatively new, this place used to have its own gronks at one point. Not even a slight whiff of a 31, 37, 47 or 56, even the newer 60s and 66s have abandoned the place. I find it devastating to see it this way because Tyne Yard holds a big place in my heart, always will too.

Why don't you take it up again, I was asked, it'll do you the world of good, it seems like it's never left you, be good for you, an escape, if you don't mind I can come with you, I won't be buying a book or nowt though. So I thought, OK why not, a few weeks later, the weather was alright, one Evening we drove down to Plawsworth, which is between Chester Le Street and Durham Station. Its a bit out the way but its a lovely spot, dead quiet, its dead peaceful, odd bit of wildlife, I even copped a stoat for sight there the other week, never saw a stoat in the wild before. If you like your own space, there's plenty birdsong to listen to, accompany you, whilst collecting your thoughts and train numbers. We'll it would be but for the fact, I'm getting a million and one questions and what's next

Standing on the bridge overlooking the lines, trying to get the numbers on the Azumas going North was erm fun. Did I say fun, I meant frustrating. The other side of the bridge the vegetation makes it hard to see them approaching said bridge but the other side, is OK for Southbound stuff, Northbound not impossible but if you factor in a) my eyesight is crap nowadays b) I've been out the loop for catching train numbers at speed and c) the angle your looking from and they're going away from you. Left us looking at each other asking, did you get that. Eventually I sussed it but the other half didn't, still hasn't either. Luckily 66021 went through South at a fairly pedestrian pace with the Jarrow Tanks, even she got that number, light engine 66848 trundled South to Donny from Millerhill, another my other half proudly proclaimed she'd got the number of. Shortly after that 57313 and 57314 came through on a Northern Belle. I was more interested in the locos they were not the abominations they are now, in fact if I'd had a dictaphone the coaching stock would've been more appealing. After 66109 went through with the Tees to Mossend intermodal, we took off home, now I had seen some of what I call the new stuff but not loads, so I did wonder how many 'the book of sights' (copyright owned by kite) would benefit from tonight's sojourn out. As it turned out I ended up underlining about half the Azumas and TPE Novas, we'd seen. Much to my shock, the other half said, that was enjoyable, I'm crap at getting the numbers though.


So roughly twice a week we have a trundle to a spot near King Edward Bridge Junction and watch stuff go by for a couple of hours at most. I've done quite OK roping in these new trains. The other half has now adopted nicknames for the 156s and 158s, they're simply flat faces to her. An Evening trip out to Eaglescliffe too, was a fairly decent evening out, OK the NREA was never threatened but there was a good 5 or 6 freights came through in the couple of hours we were there. In fact as we got into the car park, we were bowled on the bin liner train, which had 66027(thanks to the Jonathon on the TOPS thread for that) by double Tugs 60001 and 60039


As happens, you get back into this hobby, the urge to travel overtakes you. The car will get ditched for the day as the train will take the strain. So after a good butchers in the NREA and decide what needs scratching, I'm left to my own devices to organise a North East Round Robin with a couple of add on's. It also gave me a chance to try out what these Azumas and Novas are about. Which is where I will leave this and do the next installment very soon.

 

[47403]

Good to see you back Mickey.

Cheers Nick. Much appreciated.

 

[Cowley]

It’s a blessing to have a partner that encourages your hobby that’s for sure. My other half had no idea until I think it was our second date when I plucked up the courage to show her the model railway in my loft.
Thirteen years later and we’ve been on loads of railway trips, galas etc, she’s built stuff for my railway and she likes English Electric stuff and Westerns.
To be fair I’ve always known when to give it a rest and we’re into loads of the same stuff anyway which helps too.
What a weird year this has been though. It’s good to hear that it’s going a bit better for you, you’ve always struck me as a very kind hearted person and you deserve a bit of luck mate.

 

[xotGD]

That was a nice read.

Doing something you enjoy is the key to it. Whether it is spotting, photography, bashing or scratching lines and stations.

As the gambling adds say, 'When the fun stops, stop'. And then when the interest comes back, good.

 

[47403]

It’s a blessing to have a partner that encourages your hobby that’s for sure. My other half had no idea until I think it was our second date when I plucked up the courage to show her the model railway in my loft.
Thirteen years later and we’ve been on loads of railway trips, galas etc, she’s built stuff for my railway and she likes English Electric stuff and Westerns.
To be fair I’ve always known when to give it a rest and we’re into loads of the same stuff anyway which helps too.
What a weird year this has been though. It’s good to hear that it’s going a bit better for you, you’ve always struck me as a very kind hearted person and you deserve a bit of luck mate.

Wow very kind words Nick. I do.try to be hospitable when any of the railway fraternity off here visit my neck of the woods or offer any Pearl's of wisdom to those planning to come here. I think Techniquest, Blindtraveller and Mr Train might just vouch for me on that front. I also had the pleasure of meeting young Quinn and his Dad in the Midlands. Who's hospitality was greatly recieved by me at the time. I hope to meet many more folk in the years to come too.
Mr xot thank you for your kind words too, your not wrong there mate. Getting out again and enjoying it is part n parcel in whichever branch of this hobby floats your boat.

 

[Blindtraveler]

I I can indeed confirm that the north east hospitality is particularly good if this particular forum member is around during any extended waiting time in Newcastle

 

[47403]

I I can indeed confirm that the north east hospitality is particularly good if this particular forum member is around during any extended waiting time in Newcastle

If you said owt else young man, I'll be knocking on your door with a 14 pound hammer. I jest ofcourse. Seriously, cheers mate. Hope your keeping safe and well.

 

[Blindtraveler]

As good as can be expected in the strange times. And I was deadly serious, you found a pub in Newcastle that serves a decent dram. More than I've ever managed it must be said

 

[47403]

LSGsTheNewAgeTraveller....

So the day arrived, the chance to sample some new rides, armed with the tickets we'd bought the day before, we landed in Toon and hour before the Rovers began, we sought the breakfast of Champions, coffee and bacon sarnies at Greggs. I had a quick tab then proceeded towards the platforms, the stock might be all change round here but our Rovers failed to open the Barriers, so I guess it's nice to see some things never change.

We make our way to the North end of Platform 3 and find there's a Nova parked on platform 5, even better, its one of the 4, I need for sight 802214 now that's not a bad way to start the day. Well I thought so at least.

I checked realtime trains and saw the Donny to Millerhill was due in at 09.15 and if we were lucky we may see the Tyne Dock to Lynemouth biomass working that was due around the same time as we were due to leave on the 09.30. The Aberdeen working produced another new sighting in the form of 801224 no sooner had that departed,, when 70808 came through with the Donny to Millerhill. I might be wrong but without checking I more than positive that's every one of the Colas 70's I've seen in the North East now.

A mere 5mins later, in came our steed for the trip to York, a winner, obviously but 800104 lent itself for my maiden voyage on an Azuma. It still smelt new, whether that was just the alcohol rubs used by cleaners I'm not sure. They're airy enough and the air con was working well but was I impressed, sadly not, I felt a little let down, I was expecting a bit more rapid acceleration, maybe the acceleration is generally smoother, gets there quicker without you feeling it, maybe I'm used to blunts and zings, where you generally feel the pull as they accelerate. Maybe they're more rapid South of York, Who knows but they do run fairly smooth.

At Darlo, I'm greetedby another for the book of sights in 801229 and whilst looking to see if there was a tamper or roble in the Engineers siding, I'm startled by 66790, on the opposite side I was looking, if truth be told I nearly missed it too, Oooh a GB Shed cop, it's been a bloody long while since I had one of those, there maybe no tamper or roble but 66790 was certainly more well received by yours truly.

As we pull in towards York Yard I did click a tamper DR73113 took the cops up and at York I knew there was at least 1 more waiting for me, however a support coach outside the NRM was added to the list too, as it resided with a first gen DMU, 09107 and a rather big maroon water boiler in the shape of 4562. At York we're off 800104 and walking up to the TPE end of the platform. In the bay I'm met by a loco I expected to see and add to the cops list. 68030 looks resplendent in the TPE Livery, I just wish these Cats had a yellow nose. I think it would make them look even better.
A short walk up the platform to 68029 forming the 11.00 to Scarborough, sadly its not a cop but it is a winner in the haulage stakes, further more the full rake of coaching stock is required for sight too. After a few pics we cambered aboard and found a table seat on the left hand side, so I could see the comings and goings as we waited for the off. 801216 duly obliged my NREA before 37402 came past us light engine and growled off in the general direction we'd be heading too. I scanned real-time trains and saw it was on a York Parcel Sidings and back via the Yorkshire Coast. A couple of mins later 68029 opened its lungs for a bit and we were off to Scarborough, a station i haven't visited since locos were replaced by units, I've had a multitude of traction on this line. 31s, 37s, 45s, 46s and 47s were all frequent visitors with me onboard. The place was a hive of rare NB locos during the summer timetables in the 80s but the Liverpool Scarborough turns could throw up a few things in its day.

We were 5 late into Scarborough, nothing really, we had plenty time but I was more than happy I'd sampled more Cat mileage again. I was smiling like a Yorkshire Cat, even more so when I got off the stock to this fine beast awaiting me to say Hello.

I couldn't actually give you a date when I last saw a 37 here, granted I don't come here very often but I'm talking decades not years. T'other half, as they say in this neck of the woods, loves the 37, the Scotty dog on the side got her seal of approval too. She even liked the sound as it growled off but blotted her copy book by saying, they look like sad puppy dogs. In fairness to her she went for the coffees and brought a bar of dairy milk to accompany it, partially forgiven, for the puppy dog remark while I went for a ciggy. Oh I forgot to tell you 68020 was at Scarborough too, it and its coaching stock were added to the cops list and even better 68020 was working the 12. 33 back to York. Whey Hey ya beauty more Cat mileage and an all round winner to boot. Happy Days. The guard came round and she said, you didn't stay long, did you only come for fish n chips? No I'm here for the Cats. The Cats, you bought a cat? no the locos on the trains, they're nicknamed cats. They resemble Cats if you look but they're nicknamed more because of their caterpillar engines. Oh OK was her reply.



Back at York, we had a bit of a sit down, much to my shock the poor girlfriend said, they're nice trains them trains that go to Scarborough, I enjoyed that. I felt like saying, they're much better on the Fife Circle thrashing through the tunnels at Waverley, with your head out the Droplight window but I guessed that would be too much info to bring to the party for time being.

Where next I'm asked, Leeds I think we'll try one of them TPE Novas for haulage, we'll see what they're like. Oh is there anything special at Leeds? More new units, I ain't seen any of the Diesel or Electric ones, so I'm hunting them down. Oh so you get to see more. Are they like them snake ones too(the Azumas and Novas look like snakes)? Snake ones, OK, well there maybe some of them there too yes but the ones I'm after are a bit like modern flat faces., God you've even got me saying flat faces now.

To be continued......................

 

[47403]

As good as can be expected in the strange times. And I was deadly serious, you found a pub in Newcastle that serves a decent dram. More than I've ever managed it must be said

Local knowledge always helps bud but thanks regardless.

 

[xotGD]

Lovely photo of 402. Ignoring the 185 in the background, you'd think it was a terminus in the wilds of Scotland a couple of decades ago.

 

[Cowley]

Lovely photo of 402. Ignoring the 185 in the background, you'd think it was a terminus in the wilds of Scotland a couple of decades ago.

Yeah. It’s got something of the Thurso or Perth about it I thought, especially now it’s a bit weathered. Lovely.

 

[47403]

Lovely photo of 402. Ignoring the 185 in the background, you'd think it was a terminus in the wilds of Scotland a couple of decades ago.

Yeah. It’s got something of the Thurso or Perth about it I thought, especially now it’s a bit weathered. Lovely.

I'd never thought of it like that to be fair but now you say it, yes it does. Not very often I get praise for photos, I'm usually quite crap at taking pics. Suppose every now and again you get lucky So thanks lads.

 

[Techniquest]

A warm welcome back from me too, I've been a wee bit busy for days so only just read this thread. Plenty to catch up on too, but the alarms go off for work in 4 and a half hours so I'll reply more fully another time.

I am very glad to hear things are going well, I was thinking about you and what you might be up to recently, never got round to dropping a PM mind! Yeah 2020 hit hard here too, unsurprisingly, but like the rest of us I'm rising out of it and spending a small fortune doing so! Last minute cross-country journeys and hotels are bits of ching I didn't miss last year

I can indeed also confirm the hospitality on my previous visits was very welcome and appreciated! Good heavens, it's 4 years this year isn't it since me and Blindtraveller were up your way? Time has flown by...

Sounds like a break from the railway did you good, refuelled the desire for it clearly. My interest dives up and down these days, I'm usually found only on the forum when I need a rest from the exercise Welcome back I say, and here's to reading about your next adventure soon

 

[47403]

Cheers for the welcome back and the kind words Tech, much appreciated.
Its 4yrs since I last saw you n blindtraveller. Bloody hell where did that go? It must by about 6yrs since we met for a few beers in the Kings Fee, then you joined me onboard 67023. Also the metro hop with rg177 must be around 4yrs too.

 

[Techniquest]

It's been that long since you visited my city?! Good grief that's nuts! That was a good run on 67023, still not been north of Shrewsbury on a 67. Hoping to change that soon I've seen your PM arrive, I'll read it after work (got to get back to it after a much needed coffee break)

 

[47403]

LSGsNewAgeTraveller
continued

So we wandered over to Platform 5 to make our way down to Leeds, here the plan was to make a start on the 195s and 331s, I've seen them in passing but never ID'd any, so any I see will obviously need underlined in the NREA, with the hope I may even snag some required Azumas or any of the 3 remaining Novas I need. Until then it was time to try out TPE's Novas for haulage.

As we stood on the platform awaiting our next turn, I'm asked, which one are we getting on now. I explained one of the blue n grey ones and with a bit luck hopefully it might be 1 of the 3 I need to see. I'm then asked what's the numbers of the ones I need before I'm told?, if it's one of those, it'll just prove i'm your lucky charm won't it..

We were both open mouthed when 802203 reduced their numbers by a third, an all round winner to take us to Leeds isn't a bad way to open their account for haulage. Despite the numbers getting on, we managed to get a table seat to ourselves and on the right too, perfect to see what's in Neville Hill, if theres owt worth seeing on it ofcourse.

As it goes the Novas seem much the same as the Azumas, they just seem to be quieter 185s, the capacity is obviously bigger but I suppose the acid test would be to see what the ride like over the Pennines, they're not really gonna get tested over the route between York n Leeds are they. Thankfully the air con is working nicely, as it's rather warm out now. So we sit and enjoy that aspect of 802203.

At Neville Hill 800106 blocks most of the depot but 08950, 43317 a few 158s and 333's can be seen but nothing required. A look at Realtime and I see a move from Eastcroft to Neville Hill that readily springs out to me, its due through Ledds at 14.31 but it's running 7 early, I can't exactly remember what the working code was but I think it may have been 0Z37, it may not have been that obvious but even it wasn't the aforementioned head code, you didn't have to be Sherlock Holmes to guess that it was going to be a a 37.Well I thought it would be, hope and intuition I think. Probably more hope.

As we arrived in Leeds, I didnt see anything pass us, so my eyes were peeled. I jumped off our train, in hope of getting a quick pic of 802203, I'd just passed the nose of said Nova, when I looked to my right, when i saw an absolutely gleaming Colas liveried 37057, slowly trundling through before it stopped at a red signal. I set off in a gallop to try and get a pic, well, what a gallop is like for me these days, probably looks like one of them Dad runs Peter Kay goes on about. I'm up the stairs, ran the full length of the bridge, down the stairs and trying to peg it up the platform. Sadly i got about 50yards away from 37057 before the signal changed and off she growled. Ah bollocks, I bet I looked a right tit The next day I found out 37057 was there to pick up some HST power cars to take to them to the Severn Valley.

The other half caught up with me and asked, did you manage to catch it? No it pulled away, it's my own fault I should've checked the platform it was coming in on via Realtime and made my way there first, instead of messing round trying to get a photo of the Nova. In the end I got a photo of neither.

I needed a coffee and a ciggy, so we made our way off the platform. Well tried to, the rovers wouldn't open the barriers again. The other half said she'd go for the drinks while I went for a ciggy. Around 10mins later were wandering round the platforms, me explaining the different units, she likes the look of the 333s, I said we'll have a ride up to Shipley on one later if you want. For a while I made hay on the 195s and 331s before the next move. The 2nd add on of the day.

We made our way over to platform 17B for a ride out to Wakrfield Kirkgate, mainly for a ride past Midland Road, I saw a pic the day before and parked in amongst the conga line of 70s and Freds, was one of my Fred requirements. Please let it still be there. I'm pleased to see we have an all round winner in the shape of 195011 as our steed to Wakefield Kirky. Another maiden voyage. As units go they're not bad either, I still prefer a 156 though.

As we approach Midland Road the dictaphone is primed and I'm machine gunning the numbers into the dictaphone. Did i see the fred I'm after, I wasnt sure, I'll wait till i go past again and then play the dictaphone back and see. However if I'm asking myself if I saw it or not, then it's probably not there. As we arrive in Kirky, we're met by the Knowsley to Wilton Bin Liner, 66068 has the dubios honours today and for the record, yes it did smell rather charming especially in todays heat.

We cross platforms through the subway only to find out our connection straight back is cancelled, no worries it's only around 30mins till another takes us back. Time to chill, have a seat and a cold drink. I look at Realtime and see theres a Grand Central working due in soon. I'd totally forgot the Bradford to Kings Cross comes this way. If our train hadn't been cancelled we'd be on our way back to Leeds now. So you can imagine my sheer delight, when the major pain in the arse of 180104 pulled into Kirky. At long long last a major irritation had been scratched. At long long last the clearance cannon sounded on these damn 180s that sounded so loudly in my head it could've given me a migraine. At long last I dont have to look at the bloody things anymore. Smile as wide as the Tyne, I sat down and thought, everytime I saw one of the 180s, I swore bad words, when it wasnt 180104. My lucky charm sat there smugly and smiled before proclaiming, I told you I was your lucky charm.

Well I must've used all my luck up, cos for the first time today it was dud for everything 150270 back to Leeds for that 2nd run past Midland Road. Again as we pass I'm machine gunning the numbers into the dictaphone, only this time I see the Fred I was after and theres a possibility of 2 more that I may need on top.

At Leeds I check the dictaphone and then check the NREA, out of the 15-20 or so Locos picked off Midland, two gap fillers are gained, 66567 and 66955 are gleefully recieved. Without seeming greedy I'm in Leeds for peak and I'm hoping to fill my boots with a few more extra 195s and 331s. After a loo break I'm met by this
Surely the best livery of all just ahead of the battle of Britain one. Never thought I'd be so happy to see a blunt. Maybe now the Azumas are here, I appreciate them a lot more

The girlfriend loves the livery, she said, she'd obviously never ever seen this before but wow that's really poignant. The poppies and the imagery, that's a fitting way to remember them indeed. I agreed wholeheartedly.

In amongst clicking about another half dozen between the 195s and 331s, I managed to snaffle in one of my 4 required NH 150s, you know when you just see something and you think, hold on, that rings a bell, well that happened, as soon as I clapped eyes on 150268 It had me reaching into the bag immediately for the NREA and my hunch was obviously correct. That was a totally unexpected bonus.

After a while a filler move was needed, that move to Shipley I promised on the 333s would now come into fruition. We walked down to the bay platforms, here I scoured for a winner 333. I found one going to Bradford Forster Square, so we boarded winner 333016 and took a seat. By the aircon was working lovely on here. It was like stepping into the chilled aisles in Tesco or Asda and was just what we needed. The ride to Shipley was short n sweet but the other half enjoyed the journey on the 333, simply because it was nice n cool on there. 10 mins later I'm gifted another winner in the shape 333004 just as brfore, the aircon was working in a similar fashion.

Back at Leeds, it was nigh on time for our next move out back to York, now it was time to for the other half to try Cross Country's trains but not before I snagged another Azuma and one more 195. 195020 was added to the ever growing cops list, before we moved platforms so my other half could sample what Cross Country has to offer.
Believe it or not it was bang on time too. Yes I was as shocked as you probably are but nonetheless 43303 and 43385(both duds for everything) took us to York. I'm not a massive fan of the zings but you didnt expect me to climb aboard a Voyager did you?

At York,we bailed, I needed the loo, a ciggy and we both needed food. After a quick nip to the loo, on leaving said oblutions, I'm met by 60085 coming through on a Tyne to Drax turn before moving on and getting a couple of meal deals at WH Smith before finding a seat to eat it.

As we were eating 802305 kindly rolled through and added itself to the book of sights as did 195103 as I walked over to platform 10 while missy said, she wanted to use the subway. More cross country action this time in the form of 43304 and 43208 (again both duds for everything) were to take us to Darlo. We climbed aboard and found a table seat easy enough but it was a tad warm on here. About 15mins out of Darlo the guard told us there was more seats in the other carriages as the air cons not working in this coach, it certainly explained the heat. About 5mins later the air con seemed to spring into life but we didnt feel the real benefit as we bailed at Darlo. I'm told, You can tell them ones are much older, the decors more dated inside. I agree but say The HSTs are better in my opinion. The new Azuma's and Novas are very much the same. Least they seem to have a bit more charachter to them, not the sterile conformity of the new stuff. I'm greeted with oooh listen you. We both laughed.

Here at Darlo we had a ten minute wait for our last train of the day. So I nipped off the station for s quick ciggy whilst the other half went in the bag to get the power bank out to charge her phone. I'd forgot to bring the plug but brought the lead fortunately(schoolboy error). Our last train of the day was winner 801229 and this would take us back to the Toon. The day had lasted just long enough. Both of us were beginning to flag, we'd both felt the effects of the heat but had really enjoyed the day out but still managed to get one last pic of 801220 for the trip report.

43 new sights had been roped in. Which I was astounded at, 11 of those were coaching stock and one was a Tamper but it's not to sniffed at. I've at long last cleared them damn 180s, what a massive irritation that bas....., I mean, that thing was. 2 new 68s for haulage and I've now ridden on a 195, two classes of the Azumas, a Nova and 2 zings( allbeit duds can say its at least for prosperity alone). So it's with confidence, I can say it's been a very worthwhile day indeed. So where to next, well you'll have to tune in, in about 3 weeks for that pop pickers. Unless I give the game away looking for gen

 

[Techniquest]

Banging day out there good sir, fair play. Nice work on finally getting that infernal 180 too, and all this talk of trains around Leeds has me wanting to visit for a mighty good red pen fest. I need every single Azuma for everything, most of the TPX ones, many 68s, 4 333s, loads of 195s, all the 331/1s...I'd have a field day on a West Yorkshire rover!