Noddy's Trip Reports

[Techniquest]

Jealous of 168324, required! One helluva farce with parking but that was certainly lucky at Lye.

Despite all the issues, an excellent day. You'll definitely need to do a WMDR next time, so much more freedom!

 

[noddy1878]

Sounds like one heck of a good day in the midlands! I'm jealous about 168324, one of my two last ones (325 being the other).

In the end it was a very good day.

Great day out - driving is rubbish isn't it!

Apart from the long drive (I would imagine) sounded like a decent day

These days I don't mind driving if its shortish distances and for a longer period, but with XC being rip off prices I had little choice. I wasn't as tired as I thought I would be which was a relief.

Two great reads there, congrats on getting 33103 and 47701, as usual heres no show without punch, hence 45060 but at least you got that in too.

Completely agree with Cross Country's prices too, the words, Stand and Deliver spring to mind.

Was a great little day. Don't do the Dartmoor railway much because they don't normally have anything I need.

Jealous of 168324, required! One helluva farce with parking but that was certainly lucky at Lye.

Despite all the issues, an excellent day. You'll definitely need to do a WMDR next time, so much more freedom!

Definitely more freedom but I saved quite a bit of money. The extra i drove wouldn't have cost that much more for me and the parking was free.

4th February 2016

Booked way back in December on cheap advance tickets I had a trip to London planned. The £19 tickets each way saw the morning trip go via Temple Meads (like my previous London trip) so its an early start. Having worked 37 hours in the previous three days (we had stocktake at work) I was knackered and had come down with something. I felt awful and if it wasn’t for the fact it was paid for I probably wouldn’t have gone! I felt awful!

We left bang on time at 0509. The best bit about the journey is it skips Totnes (more services really should do that but then i have no interest in stopping there!), but it then stops literally everywhere between Newton Abbot and Bristol! It is fast again from Bristol to London!

We arrived as we left, bang on time! My aim for the day was clear the Central Line for shacks and get my final spoons within the Z6 area. I went and got my Travelcard and headed over to Platform 13 for an Oxford bound pair of turbos. 165125 and 109 were both dud and I left them at Ealing broadway. No sign of any IEPs at North Pole, inside apparently (two i think).

From Ealing I jumped on the Central line set that was waiting to leave. I was so close to not getting it I only managed two set numbers. 91061 and 92042 were had to West Acton and it was gone before I got any more of what was in the consist! From here I will list all my moves as it was obvious what I was doing. I literally went for the shacks I needed at the extremities but in the core I bailed at each stop to maximise the potential number of units I could get. The only place I didn’t do this was between Bond Street and Holborn where it got to busy to bother faffing about!

91009, 92206, 91181, 91213 West Acton - North Acton
91301, 92010, 92436, 92001 North Acton - Perivale
91223, 92098, 93220, 91227 Perivale – Hanger Lane
91203, 92266, 92410, 92021 Hanger Lane - Ruislip Gardens
91317, 93216, 92062, 91273 Ruislip Gardens - East Acton
91041, 92212, 92246, 92033 East Acton - Shepard’s Bush
91029, 93052, 92176, 91015 Shepard’s Bush - Notting Hill Gate
91115, 93190, 92152, 91233 Notting Hill Gate - Queensway
91265, 93420, 92430, 91195 Queensway - Lancaster Gate
91293, 93094, 92230, 91183 Lancaster Gate - Marble Arch
91021, 93410, 92266, 91203 Marble Arch - Bond Street
91075, 93126, 92020, 91245 Bond Street - Holborn
91007, 93218, 92224, 91163 Holborn - Chancery Lane
91277, 93024, 92188, 91099 Chancery Lane - St. Pauls
91037, 93412, 92196, 91243 St. Pauls - Bank
91167, 93244, 92434, 91307 Bank - Liverpool Street
91231, 93036, 92258, 91151 Liverpool Street - Bethnal Green
91349, 93154, 92078, 91121 Bethnal Green - Mile End
91157, 93100, 92048, 91053 Mile End - Stratford
91119, 93202, 92450, 91263 Stratford - Leyton
91313, 93120, 92084, 91013 Leyton - Leytonstone
91205, 93140, 92138, 91169 Leytonstone - Roding Valley
91205, 93140, 92138, 91169 Roding Valley - Grange Hill
91285, 93108, 92050, 91261 Grange Hill - Chigwell
91067, 93438, 92058, 91279 Chigwell - Newbury Park
91145, 93032, 92448, 91139 Newbury Park - Barkingside
91343, 93044, 92432, 91141 Barkingside - Redbridge
91239, 93070, 92022, 91331 Redbridge - Gants Hill
91213, 93181, 92206, 91009 Gants Hill - Leytonstone
91001, 93436, 92010, 91301 Leytonstone - South Woodford
91227, 93220, 92098, 91223 South Woodford - Snaresbrook
91269, 93106, 92086, 91193 Snaresbrook - Debden
91117, 93018, 92341, 91283 Debden - Theydon Bois
91235, 93228, 92236, 91025 Theydon Bois - Stratford

Having spent five hours doing that, the Central line was cleared for stops! The worst bit was the Roding Valley Loop. That stop in particular saw me fester for 20 minutes (an eternity in Tube terms!). I was hungry now and decided I would do my last spoons for dinner. Classified as being in Chingford I knew it would be bit or walking or bus. 317652 took me to Tottenham Hale. Behind that was 317511 which I took to new shack Ponders End. It was now a walk to the spoons. I probably didn’t take the most direct route (i.e. the road) but the path along the canal. Not the greatest and scenic of canals but there were a few barges moored up and travelling alone the canal. I eventually got to the spoons and as it was Curry night I went for a Flaming Dragon. Lets see if whatever I had liked that! I felt better after eating and headed out to the bus stop which I had spotted on the way. The bus would take me straight to Angel Road station and I would head back to Central London from there. I had about 50 minutes until the train so I wasn’t worried.

I got to the bus stop and there were plenty of people waiting. A quick look at the timetable showed a 10 minute minimum frequency. The bus stop got busier and busier. Over twenty minutes passed and now I was worried. My 50 minute cushion was now near 25 minutes. Not again!!!!!! I hate buses! At least if a train is late you know what’s going on 99% of the time!

I started to walk the route of the bus. I was clearly going to miss the train and Angel Road doesn’t have a regular service. I never even saw a bus until I was pretty much at the station (in fact I saw three one after another) and it was too late anyway. The 1753 train was long gone. At this point it hadn’t dawned on me how much trouble I was in. I continued to walk to the station. Angel Road was a (or was it me not feeling well) maze to get into! Even when I found the entrance it was another couple of minutes before I got to the platform!

It was now that I realised I was in trouble. It was ages until the next train, 1853! My train off Paddington was 1945……..

The next train going the other way was 1833. I jumped on that hoping that I could bailed intercept a train heading into London further North. 317502 was had to Enfield Lock for a new shack. A twelve minute wait and 317672 and 317657 (at least they were required!) then took me back towards London. They were Stratford bound and a quick look would see me eventually get to Liverpool street at 1920! Even that was if all was running to time and I got the connection at Stratford with no issue!

I spotted another way. I bailed at Tottenham and caught 317658 that was behind to Liverpool Street. The previous train I was on was running late though and this made this one late. I got into Liverpool Street at 1919! I pegged it to the Hammersmith Line and just missed a train. No matter it was a Metropolitan one anyway. 1 minute until the next train and one that would take me to Paddington. 21321 and 21322 duly arrived and now I had to hope for no problems at all. I was already prepared with my phone to tell me what platform I needed at Paddington. We arrived at 1941! Four minutes! I ran whilst checking my phone! Doh! Platform 10! I would have to run all the way to the end and then back up to the platform I needed!

I boarded with 1 minute to spare! As it was we left three minutes late due to an inbound service running late! As I settled down I realised how ill I felt! I’m pretty sure the last hour and half had done me no favours!

Feeling awful aside I had had a successful day. I had cleared the Central Line, picked up 60 winning units and 18 new shacks. I traveled 585 miles. It just didn’t really sink in for a few days. Even as I write this I still have the hangover from whatever I had!
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9th February 2016

Last report to catch up on! Today was always going to be a cheap day. I was still feeling under the weather and I had even considered just staying in. But at the moment the itch to get out and get stuff is too great. As I have already said previously I need sod all in the way of trains down here in the depths of the South West but I do still need to clear some shacks in Cornwall and Devon. I haver also previously said 2016 is the year I will do them all.

I woke up and checked Twitter for some info regarding the Looe line. It had been closed a lot in the previous few days thanks to Storm Imogen. It was closed again…..but I knew the tide was going out and sure enough a few read tweets later saw Network Rail inspection the line. The plan was back on as the first scheduled train to run on the line would be the one before mine!

So I got ready and I knew the day would involve a bit a walking so I travelled light and geared my self up with my walking gear! I then set off to the station with my missus. She would deviate for work but at least i had company most of the way! The sun even came out at this point!

I got my Ride Cornwall ticket. This is another great value ticket. £10 (£8.30 with my Devon and Cornwall Railcard!) for all rail travel and most buses in the whole of Cornwall. I boarded 150249 which was running the Bristol Parkway - Penzance service that morning. It never ceases to amaze me just how many people get off at this point! The train literally empties from being full and standing to nothing. That said by the time everyone that was waiting for it had got on it was pretty full again. In the summer this two car becomes a three car train and is usually just as full! Incidentally it turned out his was the first time I had been on 150249 since the early 90s! I had ridden it when I was a kid but never since I returned to the hobby in 2010!

We set off on time and 28 minutes later I was in Liskeard, 2 early!

20160209-Liskeard-150249 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

The sun was gone by now and looking a bit ominous. I crossed over to the other side and walked on along to the platform at a right angle to the main line. 153368 would be my train for the next few journeys.

First up I caught the unit to Sandplace.

20160209-Sandplace-153368 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

I then waited for it to return which I took to Causeland.

20160209-Causeland-153368 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

So far so good. I now had 44 minutes before the unit would return and be back down in the valley. To prevent the long fester I would now walk up to St Keyne Wishing Well Halt. Glad I had my walking gear now. The roads were pretty much streams and were muddy too. I had more than enough time to walk the 1.4 miles via the streams….i mean the road, but it was hilly and I was soon getting a bit warm. Problem was it was starting to rain so I couldn’t take my coat off!

I got to the station before the heavens absolutely opened and got in the shelter and cooled down! Close one! I still had about 15 minutes until the train but was listening to the Chris Moyles Podcast so time went quick enough!

20160209- by Steven Booth, on Flickr

153368 returned and I hailed the train. The guard I think was wondering what the hell I was up too! He needn’t worry no more. I would now stay on the unit to Looe and back to Liskeard as I had cleared the Looe Branch line (I had done Coombe Junction Halt a few years ago when I took the opportunity to photograph the the last freight working to Moorswater).

Back at Liskeard I had little option (unless i wanted to fester) but to now head back towards Plymouth! The next westbound unit was nearly an hour away so I might as well meet it coming down. I boarded a pretty busy 150108. I took up literally the last empty seat and then held my breath! Why? In the row of three seats parallel to the seat i was sat in was a disgusting bloke who stank! I felt sick! I think everyone else did too judging by the looks he kept getting. He was oblivious! He was on his phone most of the time and was so load he even drowned out my earphones!

20160209-Saltash-150108 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

We got to Saltash and I bailed for fresh air! Well not just that! Here was where I would meet the westbound train. 150131 crossed the Royal Albert Bridge and eased it’s way into the station. I boarded another busy train (I can see why they want pairs of 158 units on these services. I can’t wait either as I need the GWR 158s in 2 car formation!) and took this to Par. I had 37 minutes here. I had looked at going to St Austell and coming back but it would have been a -1 which wouldn’t work! Very odd I thought that they don’t hold the Newquay train for an extra few minutes to make the connection.

In this time I took a wonder. I knew of a shop round near St Blazey that sold Pasties and I was getting hungry. Pasty devoured on the way back to the station I could see that 153380 was already at the station and waiting. I got on and eventually we were off. We left as the -1 HST literally rolled down the hill into Par.

There was nothing in the yard at St Blazey except what looked like a line of now useless China Clay Hoppers. Long gone are the days when I was a kid and 37s would be here in the yard waiting for work. We travelled up the Luxulyan Valley and were soon at the top and near Goonbarrow. There was more here than St Blazey. A couple of shunters and a line of Clay Hoppers that did look they were being used.

We continued across Goss Moor and soon we arrived at the stop I wanted, St Columb Road. The final shack I needed in Cornwall!

20160209- by Steven Booth, on Flickr

The next train back from here was hours away so it was bus time! It reminded me of last weeks bus exploits…… I had about 30 minutes and headed towards the Coop where the bus stop was. En route I spotted a pub and thought I would have a quick drink to save waiting in the now very cold and showery weather. I left the pub with 10 minutes to spare. I really did not want to miss the bus. It came (a few minutes late) and I got on. We went round the houses of lunar landscape of Cornwalls Alps but eventually were soon arrived in St Austell.

I was being really stupid and I knew the bus was heading to the bus station. I was trying to think about where that was and thought I would be safe and bail in the town centre. It was a five minute walk back to the station then. I got there and realised the bus station was also the station! Doh! Ah well I’m sure the walk up the hill did me good!

My next plan (not train related) was to pop to St Austell Brewery. It’s near the station and I wanted to get some of the new beers they had. But (and luckily I found out before I attempted to do it) the visitor centre and shop were closed for refurbishment. Oh well. I either have to wait till easter or order on line.

The next train to Plymouth was an hour away so I jumped aboard 43198 and 43148 to Truro, my hometown! You get great views as you approach the station where it crosses two viaducts looking down across the City. Memories!

At the station I got a tea from the Pumpkin and crossed to the other platform. 43180 and 43063 soon arrived and it was back to Plymouth. By now the rain had turned into Hail storms and the temperature had dropped. I started my walk home and met my wife as she was still at work. We met and walked home together.

So that was that! I have cleared the Cornish Shacks and travelled 164 miles. I now need to (when I need cheap days) concentrate on Devon. Some of them though only have a couple of services a day so some patience will be required!

 

[Keith Jarrett]

That was definitely some marathon on the Central Line but the fruits of your labours are a fistful of winning shacks and a good inroad into the 1992 tube stock. I see you managed to ride three out of my six remaining 1992 ts, i.e. 92022, 92106 & 92246.

You left it a bit tight to get back to Padd but not your fault that the bus screwed up. Would it have been quicker to have got the Victoria Line from Totty Hale to either Kings Cross or Oxford Circus rather than struggle through to Liverpool Street? But you made it, even if your nerves were totally frayed.

 

[FQ]

Shame you weren't feeling great but it sounds like you had a good time on both trips. Congratulations on getting all of the shacks done in Cornwall!

 

[noddy1878]

That was definitely some marathon on the Central Line but the fruits of your labours are a fistful of winning shacks and a good inroad into the 1992 tube stock. I see you managed to ride three out of my six remaining 1992 ts, i.e. 92022, 92106 & 92246.

You left it a bit tight to get back to Padd but not your fault that the bus screwed up. Would it have been quicker to have got the Victoria Line from Totty Hale to either Kings Cross or Oxford Circus rather than struggle through to Liverpool Street? But you made it, even if your nerves were totally frayed.

Well that was one of my thoughts but I couldn't remember what the maze was like at Kings Cross St Pancras to get to the Circle/Hammersmith line!

Shame you weren't feeling great but it sounds like you had a good time on both trips. Congratulations on getting all of the shacks done in Cornwall!

Thanks!

 

[Kristofferson]

Congratulations on your many successes there

 

[Techniquest]

Wow that was a major success in London! I wouldn't want to think about how many scores I'd have had there, shacks or units.

Some good fortune indeed at Paddington, you'd have been a bit stuck otherwise. I think the interchange from the Victoria to the Sub Surface Lines at KXSP is quite a mission, so you probably made the right call.

150131, no I'm not jealous at all, my last GWR 150/1! Many congratulations on clearing the Cornish shacks, it'll be years before I get them done myself. All the GWR 158s are dud as 2-car sets for me so nothing lost there. I'll probably get on with Devon and Cornwall when the 165s head west!

 

[Kite159]

Remember if you need some of the shacks up towards Barnstaple, Sundays are better. Especially for Chapeltown where you have a ~ 15 minute wait for the same unit to come bouncing (if 143) back.

Good day in London, I think the central line is next on my attack list for a Sunday

 

[noddy1878]

Some good fortune indeed at Paddington, you'd have been a bit stuck otherwise. I think the interchange from the Victoria to the Sub Surface Lines at KXSP is quite a mission, so you probably made the right call.

150131, no I'm not jealous at all, my last GWR 150/1! Many congratulations on clearing the Cornish shacks, it'll be years before I get them done myself. All the GWR 158s are dud as 2-car sets for me so nothing lost there. I'll probably get on with Devon and Cornwall when the 165s head west!

Well I wouldn't have been totally stuck as there is a 2035 train to PLY and failing that the Night Riviera. The issue would have been convincing them to allow my ticket. If its another rail related issue it tends to be easy to convince them but buses? I'm not sure the 165/166s will be heading that far west.

Remember if you need some of the shacks up towards Barnstaple, Sundays are better. Especially for Chapeltown where you have a ~ 15 minute wait for the same unit to come bouncing (if 143) back.

Good day in London, I think the central line is next on my attack list for a Sunday

I'll bear that in mind but mid week is always easier for me as the missus is at work!

 

[55013]

Looks like a good day, even with the car parking frustrations.
Mind you, any day involving 68 haulage has it's up side

There were a lot of people out though who clearly can not drive properly and are clearly unaware of other people on the road!

You've noticed that too, then.
Around Bradford stopping at red traffic lights appears to have become optional within the last few months.
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Wait, there's more (I haven't had a chance to read the trip reports over the last few days).
Congratulations on clearing the Central Line shacks!
It'll take me many years as I'm not a big fan of the Underground and don't like to be on it for very long.
The Cornwall bash looks good too, it's been over a year since I was last down that way, I'll have to remedy that at some point.

 

[noddy1878]

Yes the 68s are fine machines. Pity I can't get to them more easily! As for some people's driving....Shocking! They seem completely oblivious to anything around them and think its their right to just go where ever they please. I leave a sensible gap and they just fill it!

I thought I would get bored of the tube but so far its all been good. Definitely tolerable when the winners are flowing, which in the case of the Central Line is a lot at the moment. When I cleared the Bakerloo line stock I got a bit lucky and it didn't take too long to wait around (I couldn't go far as i was nearing the end of the day anyway) and with the Victoria line stock I was only waiting a little while. Potentially the Central Line may drive me nuts trying to clear that! Four units per train so there are loads of them! S7 maybe a little annoying too as they could be anywhere!
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17th February 2016

For my day off this week I was hoping to actually get the red pen out, in Devon! It was half term and the South Devon Railway was running trains all week. There was a more intensive service at the weekends (unable to do them) so I looked at what was running in the week. Two train service and one should be a winner.

Normally when I visit the SDR I go by train to Totnes. The weather however was dire and as forecasted was absolutely chucking it down. There was no way I was walking to the station in that! Car it was then. The time it would have taken me to walk to the station was also the time it would take to drive to Buckfastleigh (even with the horrendous driving conditions!).

I arrived at 1045 and went and got my ticket. First up would be Pannier Tank 1369 that I would take to Totnes Littlehempston. I dropped back to Staverton behind this also where I bailed for what should be 4612 coming back the other way. Sure enough the planned timetable was correct and wining 4612 was had back to Totnes. With the rain still relentless I had no desire to get off the train during the loco run round.

Once back at Buckfastleigh there was an hours gap. I popped to the shop to get a magnet (I’m collecting magnets that look like station signs for all the preserved railways I visit, most seem to have them but some don’t annoyingly!). It was then time for a Pasty and Chips for lunch.

I then had a wonder round the yard. Nothing out of the ordinary and with the rain still coming down I kind of wished I hadn’t! The ground was saturated and I wasn’t wearing the best footwear for the lakes that were forming!

It was soon time to reboard the train with 4612 once more in charge. I had planned for another two round trips but on the way back on the first we got held at Staverton for ages waiting for the other train. I decided that I would knock the last round trip on the head and go home.

I had got a winning loco (in Devon) and 33 miles under my belt. One thing’s for certain, it has made me look forward to the West Somerset Railway Spring Gala in March where I (subject to loco availability from the list given) I will score a whole load winners in the Steam world!

 

[Techniquest]

Congrats on the Devon winner! A nicely productive little day out, despite the weather wanting to bowl you out!

 

[Kristofferson]

A lovely day out, that. Reminds me, I need to get back to the RHDR and actually board a train this time...

 

[FQ]

Sounds like awful weather but at least you managed to get a winner in Devon again! When was your last one?

 

[noddy1878]

Sounds like awful weather but at least you managed to get a winner in Devon again! When was your last one?

Literally a year ago at the South Devon Railway. Picked up 4566 and 6412 at the same Winter Steam festival! Last winner on the mainline in Devon was possibly (that I can remember!) when I got my final GWR (well FGW then!) power car from TOT to EXD. That was back in Feb 2012!

 

[FQ]

Wow! A long time ago then!

 

[noddy1878]

Yes. To get anything I have to either go to Cardiff and hope my last ATW 153 or last two 158s are out, Southampton and beyond for one 444, quite a few 450s and 377s or Birmingham for a few bits and pieces.

 

[PHILIPE]

Yes. To get anything I have to either go to Cardiff and hope my last ATW 153 or last two 158s are out, Southampton and beyond for one 444, quite a few 450s and 377s or Birmingham for a few bits and pieces.

Normally only 3 x 158s are seen at Cardiff in a day. The rest would be working Cambrian/Birmingham International/Holyhead.

 

[noddy1878]

22nd February 2016

The first of my multi-dayday trips this year had been a long time coming! Planned well before Christmas it would see me get a few days away with my Dad. In previous trips with my Dad we have done a FONW, FONE and two trips to Scotland. We could have quite easily done anyone of those again but we went for a FONW. Dad kindly paid for all the rail tickets and the accommodation, I just paid for any food and drink we had. The plan was to be a mixture of (hoping for) winners, route, new shacks and new Spoons.

As with most of my trips, I always avoid XC mainly because of the price. Half the time its not much slower going via London but definitely cheaper. We set out on the 0553 from Plymouth to Paddington. 43198 and 43148 were in charge (still together as well as I had had them a couple of weeks earlier in Cornwall) for the uneventful journey. We arrived 16 late but we had plenty of time to get across to Kings Cross where the next stage of our journey would commence. 21330 and 21329 slowly (we were held for ages outside Baker Street) dragged us to our destination. We picked up our FONW here so we didn’t have to worry about them later on.

Onto Platform 0 and much to my surprise an HST. Powered by 43302 and 43290 (too much to ask for either of my last two VEC ones) we set off on time. For the first time in absolutely ages of all the locos (ok 66s) we saw on the way I didn’t need one of them (ok I don’t need many, just 16, but most of them are GBRF ones so I was slightly hopeful!). We nearly arrived into Leeds on time but were checked outside the station resulting in a minute late arrival. From here the FONW will kick in and off we went!

Stage one of the plan was to head to Sowerby Bridge for lunch in the required Spoons which was all the better when winning 150119 was sat in the platform and took charge of the service. After lunch we headed back through a rain shower to the station (the only bit of rain we would thankfully see all trip). It wasn’t long before a 155 could be seen arriving in the distance. Would it be my last one? No unfortunately! It was 155341 which we would take all the way through to Manchester Victoria.

There wasn’t a lot around when we arrived and we jumped onto 150270 which we took to Swinton. It wasn’t long before we were on a train heading the opposite way and it was a winning 156491! We bailed at Salford Crescent. We didn’t wait here for long, a few minutes later a TPE service operated by the Northern 156s rolled in and I needed one of them! 156427 and 156428 were had for the short trip to Manchester Piccadilly.

At Piccadilly we stayed at Platform 13 for a bit to see what was coming in leaving. Nothing of note for me for about 25 minutes when a 150 and 156 arrived into 14. The 156 was needed so we boarded. 150223 and 156421 were had as far as Salford Crescent. We let a few other trains go before eventually boarding 150277 led by 150137 to Bolton.

There wasn’t much happening at Bolton and we were keeping an eye on the time as we needed to be at Victoria by 1800 to back to the fixed plan! A quick look at RTT and I saw a move for a new shack and be back at Victoria for 1800. 150228 and 153332 were had to Hall i’ th’ Wood. A longer than expected wait (late running train) finally saw winning 150222 arrive. We took this all the way to Victoria where the plan would see us join a pair of pacers to Atherton. 142042 and 142046 took us to a winning shack before we joined 150133 to another winning shack and dinner in the Spoons at Walkden.

After dinner we went back to the station and winning 156425 took us to Daisy Hill. From here it was a walk to Westhoughton (via the Spoons of course!) for 150223 and 156421 to Wigan Wallgate. From here a short walk to North Western and a twenty odd minute wait for our next train. I rang my wife during this time and before I knew it our train had arrived! The final train of the day, 390141 was a dud but it was off to Carlisle we went. We checked into the Travelodge (I have no issue with them. You know what you are going to get, they are cheap and I always get a good nights sleep in them!).

So that was Day 1. 631miles travelled, 7 winning trains, 7 winning shacks and three new Spoons. A good start!

 

[D841 Roebuck]

That looks to be a good start to your trip.

A few familiar looking moves there. I also scratched Hall"I"th"Wood as a something to pass the time at Bolton move, whilst Daisy Hill > Spoons > Westhoughton was done yesterday by myself and Techniquest!

Like the Cross Country avoidance start as well...

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a good first day in the north west

 

[FQ]

Sounds like a very productive first day! I'm not jealous at all...

 

[Techniquest]

Like Fishquinn, I'm not jealous, no not at all...

An excellent start to your multi day adventure, and an excellent read of course!

 

[noddy1878]

Thanks everyone!

23rd February
After a much needed (although short) sleep, we were out of the Travelodge by 0500. You have probably guessed the reason why, the Cumbrian 37s! The plan was to get the 0515 for the first set to Sellafield for the second set back to Carlisle. I attempted this move back in October when doing my ALR and it went wrong when the 0515 never materialised!

We got to the station and headed over to the other side. There were quite a few people waiting also, more then last October. 92018 arrived with the sleeper (92s are working properly again then!) and we waited. And waited and waited. Not again! After 20 odd minutes the Northern Crew that were waiting for the train found out that the train had failed due frozen brakes apparently. I know it was -3 but surely that shouldn’t cause a failure? Now the plan was not going to work. The Rovers weren’t valid until 0845 on any other service and we’d checked out of the Travelodge! The unit that was being prepped for a Newcastle service was (and quite quickly to be fair to Northern) pushed over to our side. We caught it as we had little other choice (unless we wanted to be cold!). So off we went in the dark towards the coast on 156472 (at least it was a winner!). The next problem was we were 30 minutes down, so the Sellafield connection wasn’t going to happen. Then whilst talking to the guard he said there were problems with the other set yesterday so wasn’t sure what was heading up! He said he would try and find out and come back to us. He was unable to find out so we decided that we wanted to get off the Coast asap before it stopped the rest of the day’s plan! We bailed at Flymby for the (now because we were 30 late) +10 back to Carlisle. Unbelievably it was a winner (6 in two days, only needed 4 more Northern ones)! 156481 took us back North. It was also now turning out to be a glorious day weather wise. Not a cloud in the sky and the views were stunning!

Back at Carlisle a lot earlier than planned we hung around for a bit as three freight movements were due in. 66425 and 66551 both arrived at the same time (both heading North) and soon after 37610 and 37716 headed south. We then had 45 odd minutes before our train south. We went off to find some breakfast and drink before heading back to the station.

So we were back on plan, sort of! The plan was to get the first (when Rover was valid) train south to Preston where we would have met the 37 we should have headed south on at Preston. We would then be heading North on it for a bit before the next part of my plan! However I didn’t even know if the 1004 would run from Preston now as I didn’t know if the unit that replaced it would be caped as it was 30 down (I think it made up a huge chunk of time to be fair and did make it). The next problem was the train we were catching off Carlise was now late! 390137 took us south but because it was now running later than the time I had we bailed at Lancaster. The part of the plan I wanted to do was the Leeds train as I needed the route between Carnforth and Long Preston. A quick look on RTT saw a couple of fill in moves that were possible, both getting a new shack in. In the end the first train that arrived was caught. TPE service in the hands of 156469 (another 156 winner!!!) was had to Kents Bank where we would have a short wait. Passing Carnforth we saw the graveyard(?) of WCRC. I had never seen so many locos there but with them being quite rightly banned from running trains I guess this was expected. I seriously hope someone can sort the mess out there as it would be a shame to loose ‘Safe Operating’ steam trains on the mainline.

From Kents Bank 153317 was then taken to Carnforth. The 153 was rammed which did not help with the dwell times. We started getting later and later and the +7 we had turned into a +3 at one point. A nervous last few minutes but in the end we made it and we made up 1 minute. Onto 150205 at Carnforth then and onto new route for me. It was a scenic route and a lot quicker than I expected but after a few years of trying to get the track in I finally manage it! Once at Leeds it was time to head back over to Manchester! We went over to the far side and winning 185110 came in. We caught this to Huddersfield and bailed as it wasn’t stopping at Staybridge. We caught 185145 to Staybridge and we went off to get lunch in the Spoons. Once lunch was had it was back to the station, purchase a GM Wayfarer (to extend where we could go) and onto 185127 to Piccadilly.

The rest of the afternoon was about visiting a few spoons that I needed (some of which are being sold. I believe its something to do with the lease). First up 150133 and 150136 was had to Hazel Grove. The Spoons was only a few minutes walk so we were back before the next train anyway. 156489 was then had back to Stockpot before 323229 to Wilmslow. Another quick Spoons visit and then to Cheadle Hulme on 323255. An early dinner here before 323224 back to Piccadilly and then the plan changed again! I saw a winning 185151 so we swapped what we would do and I’m glad as I think it meant I got more in the long run.

We headed to the Airport and then decided if there was nothing about we would hit the Metrolink and clear some of the spoons we could get too on that. This would also allow me to get a few stops in and some route I’ve yet to do, starting with the airport line which was required on 3081. We didn’t have time for any stops until Chorlton. The plan was to head back towards Didsbury then to clear that route. But before we did that, a quick walk to the Spoons near Chorlton before jumping on 3023 paired with 3014 to West Didsbury. There was another tram right behind which was 3057, 3009 which we took to the end of the line at East Didsbury. The spoons was found and we had another quick drink before heading back to the station for the short hop with 3048, 3020 to Didsbury Village. We had enough time to pop in for an even quicker drink (dad skipped this one!) before heading straight to Victoria with 3032 and 3012. We were staying round the corner in the Travelodge and we checked in at this stage. Dad called it a day but I decided to head back out and make the most of the ticket and head to Rochdale to complete the route and clear the spoons en route.

So bag dumped I headed out and the music came on. My latest album is Elle King. What a fantastic album (only listened to at work and bought off the back one listen!). I got back to the station (how much better is Victoria?) and headed out on 3094. I decided to break the long journey up by stopping at Shaw & Crompton. The spoons was a 2 minute walk up the road and with that done I rang my wife and headed back to the tram stop. 3092 arrived and once we got to Rochdale Town Centre I was very surprised to find the centre completely devoid of people! I know it was nearly 2300 but not a soul? I found the spoons and was a little bit miffed to find it shut! Shut for refurbishment! My feelings about this were made clear to my wife (who I was still talking too) and I was back onto 3092. Oldham next then.

There are two spoons here but time was getting on. I said my goodbyes to my wife and bailed at Oldham Mumps and headed up into the town centre. The two spoons were found with ease and with both done it was time to get back to the travelodge. I walked back to Oldham Central and saw I could head back to mumps and then back to Victoria. So 3079 was had first before the final winner of the day in 3083! I arrived just after midnight on what looked like the last tram to Victoria.

In the end a productive day and despite the Cumbrian 37s trying to derail it most of my plan achieved. Plenty of new route and winners. The final numbers were 355 miles traveled, 15 winning trains/trams and 12 new shacks/stops. Oh and ten new spoons (that dented my GM requirements for them!).

 

[D841 Roebuck]

The Regal Moon ( Rochdale Spoons) has been shut since it was flooded on Boxing Day.

 

[FQ]

Shame about the problem with the Cumbrian tractors but it sounds like you had one hell of a great day anyway! Still not jealous...

 

[Techniquest]

Spoons Spree there! I dread to think how many you've had now.

Even with the farce on the Cumbrian Coast you did very well indeed, to almost have the Northern fleet cleared is quite an achievement!

 

[Kristofferson]

That's a real shame about the 37s! Great time had nonetheless I see, and I'm sure the Spoons visits made everything better [emoji28]

 

[noddy1878]

The Regal Moon ( Rochdale Spoons) has been shut since it was flooded on Boxing Day.

Didn't know it had flooded. Will have to wait until my next Manchester visit.

Shame about the problem with the Cumbrian tractors but it sounds like you had one hell of a great day anyway! Still not jealous...

Yes it was a good day anyway, and at least both 156s were required!

Spoons Spree there! I dread to think how many you've had now.

Even with the farce on the Cumbrian Coast you did very well indeed, to almost have the Northern fleet cleared is quite an achievement!

I have visited 752 of the ones currently open. 759 if you include the ones that have shut.

I am down to 43 Northern units required in total.

That's a real shame about the 37s! Great time had nonetheless I see, and I'm sure the Spoons visits made everything better [emoji28]

Yes second time I have been bowled out on the Cumbrian Coast. I managed them back in September OK though.

On with the next day!

24th February
Another early start (although not as early as the two days before that!) we were out of the Travelodge for about 0630. The idea was to clear some tram route/stops and get breakfast before the FONW would kick in. This morning would see us head up to Bury. I needed all the route beyond Abraham Moss and all the stops. We had until 0800 to clear it (plenty of time as it turned out) before breakfast. The moves we did were as followed. Most were linear as the trams became regular.

3034, 3051 Victroia - Bowker Vale
3037, 3027 Bowker Vale - Crumpsall
3033, 3042 Crumpsall - Heaton Park
3059 Heaton Park - Prestwich
3024, 3028 Prestwich - Besses o’ th’ Barn
3010 Besses o’ th’ Barn - Whitefield
3018 Whitefield - Bury

It was absolutely freezing with a very heavy frost and was very glad to be in the warm getting breakfast at the Spoons. We had food in one and a tea in the other (as long as I buy something in it I count it as visited - it does not have to be a beer!).

It was then 3059 back to Victoria. That was the Bury branch cleared in its entirety. Now to head to Merseyside for the main objective of the day. 142052 and 142005 bounced their way to Kirkby. The objective today was clear the Northern Line shacks North of Liverpool, clear the Merseyside spoons and in the process hopefully clear some units.

Once at Kirkby we took the (longer than I thought) walk into Kirkby for the Spoons there. It was then the annoying move from Kirkby to Fazakerley on 507005 (all 1m 69c of it) before heading back on 508140. That was that branch cleared. 508140 was then had to Sandhills where we boarded 508131 to Town Green. Finally a winner turned up with 508108 had back to Aintree. 508112 back to Aughton Park before finally (after waiting for its return) taking us back to Old Roan to clear this branch. We had no choice at this stage but to wait for the unit behind to take us forwards to Kirkdale where we would head out for lunch. We could see the ‘Grand Old Lady’ (Goodison Park for those who don’t know!) as we got nearer. I could also see our previous home (Anfield) but the less said about that the better :-x

Lunch was had and it was back to the trains. 507005 once more was had to Sandhills. The plan now was to head up towards Southport. The problem was a unit I had seen already (and needed) turned up, 507025. I was pretty sure this was the last unit working the two branches I had cleared that I hadn’t got. So it was back up to Kirkdale before dropping back to Sandhills once more on 508140.

Next up was a series of moves to clear the North part of the Northern line. Here were our moves.

508141 Sandhills - Hall Road
508125 Hall Road - Blundellsands & Crosby
507019 Bludnellsands & Crosby - Formby
508126 Formby - Hightown
508134 Hightown - Ainsdale
508137 Ainsdale - Freshfield
508136 Freshfield - Birkdale
508114, 508134 Birkdale - Hillside
508136, 507024 Hillside - Liverpool Central

The stations were cleared but I only picked up two winners. I’m not sure what I missed either. Some sets were now being doubled up which gave me one winner. The question was do I stay on this line or see what was on the Wirral lines?

In the end we dropped down to the Wirral line and decided to do once round the loop and bus stopping. What an inspired move too!

507012 was the second train to arrive after we got to the platform and was needed. We took this to James Street. 20 minutes passed before the next required unit came in. 507015 onto Hamilton Square. We headed up and over to continue the loop and missed 507026 by ten seconds! Damn! It was on my list as being required! But as it turned out when I got home my list was slightly wrong! I had had the unit last year and not crossed it off and this turned out to be very good! Which you will see why! Unbelievably the next three trains one after another I needed! 507014, 508115 and finally 507030 took us to James Street, Moorfields and finally Lime Street! 507030 was my final 507 required to clear them! Had I caught 026 I would not have had 030 as we went upstairs upon arriving at Lime Street.

Now for two annoying Spoons (and dinner at one). 319383 was boarded to Wavertree Technology Park. We then walked the mile or so the Spoons north of Broad Green before the trek back past Broad Green to the Spoons south of it. We had dinner here and then it was back to Broad Green.

Oh dear! Everything was delayed! We were waiting for the 1829 but the service 30 mins before hadn’t even gone through yet! A quick check on twitter revealed trespass in the area and everything was stopped. About five minutes later the train to Wigan (319363) appeared. I suggested we took this to Roby and waited for our train back to Manchester that was behind it there. Then it went even more wrong. We waited at Roby only for the displays to update ten minutes later showing everything as cancelled. Northern basically ran our train non stop until Huyton where it then carried on picking up! Great! We were now stuck here for an hour at least!

We popped out of the station to a nearby pub. At least it was warm! We then went back to the station. Our train was running although it left Liverpool late. Finally after 11 minutes longer than timetabled 319365 turned up. This was a Victoria bound train and Dad stayed on it. I bailed at Eccles for the spoons and then the trams (stop is opposite the pub). I rang my wife at this stage but it was tricky holding the phone and trying to note what was going on and go back on myself for stops so I gave up! lol! By the time I had finished on the phone to her I couldn’t be bothered and just headed back to Victoria and the Travelodge. At least the Eccles branch was cleared! It was a little weird going through Salford though as the last time I was there was when my wife (well before we were married) was doing her Masters and we went to Chiquitos! Now the tram stops outside it!

The last few moves I did then were these

3055, 3040 Eccles - Langowrthy
3097, 3099 Langworthy - Weaste
3096, 3095 Weaste - Cornbrook
3049, 3013 Cornbrook - Deansgate
3032, 3012 Deansgate - Shudewell
3101 Shudewell - Victoria

The days stats then! 174 miles travelled, 25 winning trains/trams, 28 winning shacks/stops and 6 Spoons (Cleared merseyside until Formby opens!). I also cleared the 507s but obviously didn’t know until I got home! Another good day but only one left! Couldn’t believe it!

 

[Techniquest]

Crikey you sure had a clearout there! I note you didn't get my last Merseyrail units, which don't appear in anyone's trip reports it seems. They are hard to get, that's for sure! Well done on clearing the Merseyrail fleet!

It also appears you forget the one golden rule that applies during significant disruption, that is if you're where your train home calls, don't leave there and just take it, get out of oblivion. I've been in those shoes before where you tell yourself "Ah yeah I can have a filler move to Y" then do it and find the train goes RA through.

Trying to bash and be on the phone to the wife at the same time can't be easy!

Quite a spectacular result all in and the usual excellent read! I look forward to the final part of the FoNW adventures when it's ready.

As for your Spoons count, not bad at all, a lot better than mine! 43 units in the Northern fleet, still less than me. I need 25 142s, 18 150s, several 153s, 3 155s, too many to count 156s, 4 158s, 2,322s, 4 333s and 1 321. So I'll be there for a long time getting through that lot!