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Noddy's Trip Reports
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Kite159
Veteran Member
11x /3s and 4x /4s needed of the 321s
Is that all of them or does that include the Great Northern ones too. That's what I need to concentrate on at some point. Agree about the peaks. They literally do one turn in the morning and one in the evening! An easy life!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Is that all of them or does that include the Great Northern ones too. That's what I need to concentrate on at some point. Agree about the peaks. They literally do one turn in the morning and one in the evening! An easy life!
That be all of them
GN ones are done, so was the LM 7
An attempt to try and catch up!
7th August 2016
Being a Sunday (and a day off!) today would finally see me clear Devon for all shacks. Being able to kill two birds with one stone I would also be able to visit the newly opened Wetherspoons in Okehampton. I set off for Plymouth station with my wife and we got our Devon Day Rangers. We boarded 221137 for the trip through South Devon to Exeter for the next Okehampton bound train. Today this was 153333 and 153361. The train was well loaded which was good too see and there was a gentleman doing a survey as he passed through the train asking where people had come from. I think he was surprised at the number of people who were not from Exeter.
We arrived at my final shack, Sampford Courtney!
20160807-Sampford Courtenay-153361 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
From here we set off on a walk that would see us head towards the moors before coming back down to Okehampton. A pleasant day with more sunshine than the photo above would suggest. We stopped en route for our lunch and a pint from the pub.
Eventually we got to Okehampton where Spoons was visited and the trek back up to the station was made. The same 153s took us back to Exeter but we went to Central this time. We then headed down to the Quay for a wonder round there.
Our eventual train home from Exeter was 220015.
7th August 2016
Being a Sunday (and a day off!) today would finally see me clear Devon for all shacks. Being able to kill two birds with one stone I would also be able to visit the newly opened Wetherspoons in Okehampton. I set off for Plymouth station with my wife and we got our Devon Day Rangers. We boarded 221137 for the trip through South Devon to Exeter for the next Okehampton bound train. Today this was 153333 and 153361. The train was well loaded which was good too see and there was a gentleman doing a survey as he passed through the train asking where people had come from. I think he was surprised at the number of people who were not from Exeter.
We arrived at my final shack, Sampford Courtney!
20160807-Sampford Courtenay-153361 by Steven Booth, on FlickrFrom here we set off on a walk that would see us head towards the moors before coming back down to Okehampton. A pleasant day with more sunshine than the photo above would suggest. We stopped en route for our lunch and a pint from the pub.
Eventually we got to Okehampton where Spoons was visited and the trek back up to the station was made. The same 153s took us back to Exeter but we went to Central this time. We then headed down to the Quay for a wonder round there.
Our eventual train home from Exeter was 220015.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Congratulations on clearing Devon for shacks!
Thanks.
11th August 2016 - East Midlands Day Ranger
It was time for another trip out with Dave and this time we did something different to our normal trip too London. As neither of us needed to be at work early on the following day it meant we could catch the sleeper home too which gives us longer and more scope.
This scope took us to the East Midlands on a (horrendously expensive day ranger!). We left Plymouth behind 57605. We left late (but I cant remember why) but this didnt affect a right time arrival into Paddington. A few moves to get us to St Pancras saw three dud S Class units taken but we didnt have much time to see what else was about.
Once we got to the EMT platforms we saw what would be taking us North, 222006. My most travelled on Meridian. I still need a fair few so that was annoying. After spotting a couple more of the new 374 units we were soon off, A few new 700 units were spotted at Cricklewood but apart from that nothing else.
We got to Leicester and went in search for breakfast. We had about an hour before the ranger would kick in. Back at the station I got my ranger, the cost of which was softened by the use of some vouchers courtesy of the fiasco I had with Southern when attempting to by a ticket earlier in the year.
Next up was 222018 through to Nottingham. At this stage I annoyingly found out that none of my three required EMT HSTs were out today. Well, one was, but it was with Virgin East Coast. For a few minutes I was rather miffed about this but I couldnt do anything about it and had to get on with the day. First up was winning 158857 which we took all the way to Grantham.
20160811-Grantham-158857 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
156411 was then had back to Bingham which was a winning shack. A few minutes later I got very lucky as double winner 156473 with 153313 arrived and it was back to Grantham.
20160811-Grantham-153313 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
It wasnt long before another winner arrived. Behind 158846 was 153384. This was going well for me and we stayed on this until Nottingham. We had a little while if I remember correctly before a winner put in an appearance for either of us. Eventually we boarded 156497 which Dave needed to Carlton.
After what felt like an eternity we finally managed to cross the road to get to the platform going the other way. A pair of Dog Boxes arrives in the form of 153374 and 153308! Brilliant!
After the short trip back to Nottingham another little wait saw 156406 in the station so this was had back out to Bingham for the second visit today.
The next train back was a very wining train for both of us in someway or another. For me 153379 and 153310 were winning with 156498 and one of the 153s for my mate!
20160811-Bingham-153379 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
Once more we found ourselves back at Nottingham. Another wait was had before another (and my final as it turned out) 156 was sat there. 156410 back out to Carlton on this with 153383 back. I had managed to clear all but one of my EMT 153s and 156s at this stage.
It was at this stage me and my mate split as I was going to be heading ahead to go after a new Spoons. I had a bit of time before the train I needed and couldnt believe it when 156408 rolled in and would form a service towards Mansfield. I got on as this was my final EMT 156. The time soon came for us to go but we didnt. This wasnt good as I would soon lose al the time I had to make my connection back to Nottingham. Eventually after a lot of faffing about by train crew and what seemed like half the station staff, the train was declared a failure and cancelled. I was not happy for the second time today! Apparently they couldnt release the brakes.
I wasted no time in pegging it over the platform for 43076 and 43060 to East Midlands Parkway. This connected me into the London bound via Melton Mowbray train, today operated by 222101. I had little time (but made it) to the spoons and back. It was then onto Oakham on 170523 where another spoons visit was made. I had more time here so got something to eat too. My final move before starting to head home was to Stamford on 170106. Again I popped to the Spoons to clear them for this area.
170112 took me back to Leicester where a few minutes later my mate arrived. We discussed the farce involving 156408 which affected him in as much there was a missing service from the timetable, but whatever the problem was with it, they had fixed it as he said it was working later. Couldnt believe it! Along with what rocked up to take us back to London! 222006!
Once back in London we made our way over towards Paddington. We had plenty of time and various short hops saw us take the following
21506+21505 Kings Cross St Pancras - Euston Square
21475+21476 Euston Square - Great Portland Street
21531+21532 Great Portland Street - Baker Street
21517+21518 Baker Street - Edgware Road
21537+21583 Edgware Road - Paddington
Well that was a productive move across London in anyones book! We popped to the Bishop and Bear for a pint before heading down to the sleeper. As expected 57605 was at the helm.
And that was my East Midlands day! Disappointing that none of my HSTs were out but nearly clearing all the 153s and 156s was good. A few new shacks too. Was a hefty day milage wise too with 902 miles. All that and with my vouchers I only paid £64.30!
11th August 2016 - East Midlands Day Ranger
It was time for another trip out with Dave and this time we did something different to our normal trip too London. As neither of us needed to be at work early on the following day it meant we could catch the sleeper home too which gives us longer and more scope.
This scope took us to the East Midlands on a (horrendously expensive day ranger!). We left Plymouth behind 57605. We left late (but I cant remember why) but this didnt affect a right time arrival into Paddington. A few moves to get us to St Pancras saw three dud S Class units taken but we didnt have much time to see what else was about.
Once we got to the EMT platforms we saw what would be taking us North, 222006. My most travelled on Meridian. I still need a fair few so that was annoying. After spotting a couple more of the new 374 units we were soon off, A few new 700 units were spotted at Cricklewood but apart from that nothing else.
We got to Leicester and went in search for breakfast. We had about an hour before the ranger would kick in. Back at the station I got my ranger, the cost of which was softened by the use of some vouchers courtesy of the fiasco I had with Southern when attempting to by a ticket earlier in the year.
Next up was 222018 through to Nottingham. At this stage I annoyingly found out that none of my three required EMT HSTs were out today. Well, one was, but it was with Virgin East Coast. For a few minutes I was rather miffed about this but I couldnt do anything about it and had to get on with the day. First up was winning 158857 which we took all the way to Grantham.
20160811-Grantham-158857 by Steven Booth, on Flickr156411 was then had back to Bingham which was a winning shack. A few minutes later I got very lucky as double winner 156473 with 153313 arrived and it was back to Grantham.
20160811-Grantham-153313 by Steven Booth, on FlickrIt wasnt long before another winner arrived. Behind 158846 was 153384. This was going well for me and we stayed on this until Nottingham. We had a little while if I remember correctly before a winner put in an appearance for either of us. Eventually we boarded 156497 which Dave needed to Carlton.
After what felt like an eternity we finally managed to cross the road to get to the platform going the other way. A pair of Dog Boxes arrives in the form of 153374 and 153308! Brilliant!
After the short trip back to Nottingham another little wait saw 156406 in the station so this was had back out to Bingham for the second visit today.
The next train back was a very wining train for both of us in someway or another. For me 153379 and 153310 were winning with 156498 and one of the 153s for my mate!
20160811-Bingham-153379 by Steven Booth, on FlickrOnce more we found ourselves back at Nottingham. Another wait was had before another (and my final as it turned out) 156 was sat there. 156410 back out to Carlton on this with 153383 back. I had managed to clear all but one of my EMT 153s and 156s at this stage.
It was at this stage me and my mate split as I was going to be heading ahead to go after a new Spoons. I had a bit of time before the train I needed and couldnt believe it when 156408 rolled in and would form a service towards Mansfield. I got on as this was my final EMT 156. The time soon came for us to go but we didnt. This wasnt good as I would soon lose al the time I had to make my connection back to Nottingham. Eventually after a lot of faffing about by train crew and what seemed like half the station staff, the train was declared a failure and cancelled. I was not happy for the second time today! Apparently they couldnt release the brakes.
I wasted no time in pegging it over the platform for 43076 and 43060 to East Midlands Parkway. This connected me into the London bound via Melton Mowbray train, today operated by 222101. I had little time (but made it) to the spoons and back. It was then onto Oakham on 170523 where another spoons visit was made. I had more time here so got something to eat too. My final move before starting to head home was to Stamford on 170106. Again I popped to the Spoons to clear them for this area.
170112 took me back to Leicester where a few minutes later my mate arrived. We discussed the farce involving 156408 which affected him in as much there was a missing service from the timetable, but whatever the problem was with it, they had fixed it as he said it was working later. Couldnt believe it! Along with what rocked up to take us back to London! 222006!
Once back in London we made our way over towards Paddington. We had plenty of time and various short hops saw us take the following
21506+21505 Kings Cross St Pancras - Euston Square
21475+21476 Euston Square - Great Portland Street
21531+21532 Great Portland Street - Baker Street
21517+21518 Baker Street - Edgware Road
21537+21583 Edgware Road - Paddington
Well that was a productive move across London in anyones book! We popped to the Bishop and Bear for a pint before heading down to the sleeper. As expected 57605 was at the helm.
And that was my East Midlands day! Disappointing that none of my HSTs were out but nearly clearing all the 153s and 156s was good. A few new shacks too. Was a hefty day milage wise too with 902 miles. All that and with my vouchers I only paid £64.30!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
A bargain day out, considering the ching on that day ranger! I don't personally see why they need to charge so much for it, maybe I'm missing something obvious!
Harsh on the 156 failure, I cannot imagine how annoying that would have been! Actually no I think I can, but my language used would be most distressing to the younger readers of the forum!
Still a productive day, and as you say that move across London certainly was good! I need all those S7 half sets so I'd have been bouncing. I must remember to re-visit the pub at Paddington next time I'm there, but the problem for me is trying to fit as much as possible when I'm in London, so the beer always gets forgotten!
Harsh on the 156 failure, I cannot imagine how annoying that would have been! Actually no I think I can, but my language used would be most distressing to the younger readers of the forum!
Still a productive day, and as you say that move across London certainly was good! I need all those S7 half sets so I'd have been bouncing. I must remember to re-visit the pub at Paddington next time I'm there, but the problem for me is trying to fit as much as possible when I'm in London, so the beer always gets forgotten!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a good day (222006 stalking aside)
Not valid. Probably could have got away with it but didn't even attempt it. Not even sure where it was on the East Coast network to be fair.
16th August 2016 - Flying to the Isle of Wight
My SWT Summer adventure continued with the summer £16 return offer. Today I had decided I would head to the Isle of Wight. I drove to Axminster where after tea was purchased I met 159002 and 159014 which took me onto Salisbury. From here 158890 took me onto Southampton Central where 450124 took me to Fratton.
I had bailed here in the hope that I could get a train behind that might have been a winner. No luck and it looked like the timetable had fallen apart behind me and I ended up having to get 158960 for the final few miles to Portsmouth Harbour! It was a few hours now before I would be on train again!
I had plenty of time to get to Southsea’s Hover port and the weather was gorgeous. I was very glad I had worn shorts today but I was not happy when I arrived at the port to find everybody from Portsmouth wanted to go to the Isle of Wight today! I had pre booked and it was not clear that I could skip the queue to get my ticket. I had started to queue but a guy came out and asked if anyone had pre booked and we were fast tracked through! Thank goodness for that as the day would have been different, thats for sure.
Once we had made the short trip across the Solant I jumped onto a bus (included in the hovercraft ticket) to Newport. It was here I got lunch and a visit to the new Spoons. IOW cleared once more! It was now back to Ryde and to attack the shacks on the line.
483008 and 483007 were the two units in operation today so one winner. I’m not going to list my moves here but I made the moves to and from different stations on the island and eventually cleared the shacks I needed.
20160816-Lake-483008 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160816-Sandown-483008, 483007 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160816-Smallbrook Junction-483007 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160816-Ryde Pier Head-483007 by Steven Booth, on FlickrIt was soon time to leave the island after more short little visit but mission accomplished. Once back at Portsmouth station I spotted a moved to get Botley in the book.
450108 and 450124 were had to Botley 444003 dropped me back to Fareham where I had the pleasant surprise of 450037 to Southampton. For some reason we were getting later and later as we headed to Southampton. We seemed too loose time at every station. We got to St Denys at the same time as my next train that I would have been getting from Southampton to Salisbury. The problem was the 158 was let out before us as it was on time and we weren’t. Although the Salisbury service has a little wait in Southampton it wasn’t long enough for me.
Now I would miss the next train back to Axminster unless I caught the GWR service behind. I decided I would risk it (wasn’t my fault trains were running late and I missed my connection). The Air Con was broken and the guard was more concerned about giving people water than ticket checking so I got to Salisbury on 158958 in time for 159104 and 159019. I took this to Tisbury where I got off for some Fish and Chips before 159019 was had back to Axminster.
A different day but I enjoyed it. Only 261 miles today but I cleared the shacks on the bumpy Island Line as well as two mainland stations. Two winning units was a bonus.
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Kite159
Veteran Member
Congrats on clearing the island line for shacks
There is a fish & chip shop around Tisbury?
There is a fish & chip shop around Tisbury?
Keith Jarrett
Member
A couple of good days out there - agree the East Midlands day ranger is serious ching but if you want EMT stuff, you're caught between a riock and a hard place.
You remind me that I need to go back to the IOW sometime - last time I rode on 1938 stock, it was merrily chiuging up and down the Northern Line
You remind me that I need to go back to the IOW sometime - last time I rode on 1938 stock, it was merrily chiuging up and down the Northern Line
Kite159
Veteran Member
I need to get over to the Island to try and get 008 (and 009).
East Midlands Day Ranger is expensive for a day ranger, even the 3-day version (covering a wider area) is expensive compared to other flexi-rovers, only gets down to semi-decent value for money when you purchase a 7-day rover
East Midlands Day Ranger is expensive for a day ranger, even the 3-day version (covering a wider area) is expensive compared to other flexi-rovers, only gets down to semi-decent value for money when you purchase a 7-day rover
24th August 2016
The next instalment of my SWT Adventure wasn’t a long one. The missus had already arranged something for the evening so I needed to be back by 1800ish. I managed to get hold of a reasonably priced advance to Exeter which 221133 took me too. It was then onto 159021 and 159107 all the way to Clapham Junction.
It was then onto 5856 and 5853 to Thames Ditton for the first new shack of the day. I then walked from here to Hampton court. I knew I was never gonna make the next train but it was close. It was another nice day (well it was boiling so maybe not nice) and I had a little wonder round up to the bridge over the Thames before I made my way to the Hampton Court station.
20160824-Hampton Court-5717 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
5717 and 5865 were up next and i stayed on them until Berrylands. I now had a mother short wait for a train to start my trek back home. I had another little wonder out of the station and up the hill. I found a couple of shops and pub but it was mainly housing.
5913 and 5734 duly arrived to take me to Surbiton. I must add how bored I am by 455s due to the number I have been on during the summer, especially as I don’t need any! From Surbiton 450015 arrived and I took this onto Woking. From here 159008, 159103 and 159104 were had to Salisbury before 159008 continued to Exeter. Finally Dog Box 153373 thrashed its way back to Plymouth.
A short day but the Hampton Court line cleared and three new shacks. The 450 was a bonus.
The next instalment of my SWT Adventure wasn’t a long one. The missus had already arranged something for the evening so I needed to be back by 1800ish. I managed to get hold of a reasonably priced advance to Exeter which 221133 took me too. It was then onto 159021 and 159107 all the way to Clapham Junction.
It was then onto 5856 and 5853 to Thames Ditton for the first new shack of the day. I then walked from here to Hampton court. I knew I was never gonna make the next train but it was close. It was another nice day (well it was boiling so maybe not nice) and I had a little wonder round up to the bridge over the Thames before I made my way to the Hampton Court station.
20160824-Hampton Court-5717 by Steven Booth, on Flickr5717 and 5865 were up next and i stayed on them until Berrylands. I now had a mother short wait for a train to start my trek back home. I had another little wonder out of the station and up the hill. I found a couple of shops and pub but it was mainly housing.
5913 and 5734 duly arrived to take me to Surbiton. I must add how bored I am by 455s due to the number I have been on during the summer, especially as I don’t need any! From Surbiton 450015 arrived and I took this onto Woking. From here 159008, 159103 and 159104 were had to Salisbury before 159008 continued to Exeter. Finally Dog Box 153373 thrashed its way back to Plymouth.
A short day but the Hampton Court line cleared and three new shacks. The 450 was a bonus.
Kite159
Veteran Member
A short and productive day clearing a trio of half hourly shacks in SWT land
A nice little move there.
Sometimes short trips can be very fulfilling and take the edge off the addiction
I think you're definitely right there.
1st September 2016
The beginning of what would be a bumper September! My last SWT Day Return ticket today would see me clear more SWT shacks and finally clear the Shepparton line too. I must admit I will be glad to see the back of SWT for while!
43024 and 43196 took me to Exeter before 159001 to Salisbury where it joined to the rear of 159008. The pair then continued to London where I bailed at Clapham Junction. I am just going to list my moves from as from memory nothing exciting happened except I bailed at Hounslow by mistake forgetting I had already done the station a few years ago! There were also a few moves by foot between a few shacks just to prevent a fester (aways do this where possible!).
5724, 5721 Clapham Junction - North Sheen
458532 North Sheen - Mortlake
5863, 5866 Mortlake - St Margarets
458508, 458502 St Margarets - Syon Lane
458522, 458528 Syon Lane - Hounslow
458532 Hounslow - Kew Bridge
458533 Kew Bridge - Brentford
458517 Brentford - Barnes Bridge
458536 Barnes Bridge - Isleworth
458516 Isleworth - Barnes
5863, 5866 Barnes - Hampton Wick
5848, 5741 Hampton Wick - Fulwell
5864, 5873 Hampton - Kempton Park
5728, 5716 Sunbury - Shepperton
5716, 5728 Shepperton - Hampton
5717, 5727 Hampton - Upper Halliford
5727, 5717 Upper Halliard - Teddington
5712, 5902 Teddington - Strawberry Hill
5863, 5866 Strawberry Hill - Clapham Junction
And with that I have nearly cleared all the SWT suburban shacks. Thank goodness because I have just about had enough of them! The last few can wait for a while. The worst ones are definitely done, I think!
I had ten minutes at Clapham before my train back to Exeter. 159104, 159008 (again) and 159018 were rammed and I was stood until Woking. Luckily I got a seat after and it was plain sailing to Salisbury. 159104 then continued onto Exeter before 221122 took me back to Plymouth.
A good day shack scoring wise. 16 new ones and I picked up three more units along the way. My first day on the rails in September bagged me 512 miles travel too. It was my next trip out that I was really looking forward too though. It would be the start of something I had been looking forward too for months!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
5th/6th September 2016
I finished work on Monday the 5th and things hadn’t gone well. I was absolutely furious with it and it meant the start of my holiday had me mulling things over in my mind! Not good.
So the start of my holiday would see me have a week on my own before my missus started hers (the way it works out though due to days off etc I only actually took one day more than her!). I wasn’t strictly on my own though as I spent most of the first week with a mate of mine.
Technically the holiday would start at 2354 from Plymouth station. I (somehow) managed to get everything I needed into one bag for the week ahead. No jumpers (which I didn’t need thank goodness) so a lot of space saved there and I was off to the station. I met Dave at the station and soon enough 57605 arrived to start my holiday. I think this is the only 57 Great Western have got! I always end up with this one! After this particular journey I was just short of 4000 miles behind her!
We got to Paddington (on time) but we still had a while before the main event of the next two days which was to be a Kent Rover could start. It was decided we’d head to the Cross and look for 321s which are on borrowed time with GTR before looking for breakfast and then continuing into Kent.
A good start with 8 S7 half sets bagged before we even got to Kings Cross.
21538, 21537 Paddington - Edgware Road
21436, 21435 Edgware Road - Baker Street
21549, 21550 Baker Street - Great Portland Street
21492, 21491 Great Portland Street - Euston Square
21526, 21525 Euston Square - Kings Cross St Pancras
Once back above ground winning 365510 was first up for the short trip to Finsbury Park. Luckily the barriers weren’t shut here as it is a pain the rear normally just to change platform. The next move was obviously back to the Cross, this time on 365507 and 365508. The pattern of the moves was obvisouly going to repeat for a while so here were our moves.
321409 Kings Cross - Finsbury Park
321408, 321420 Finsbury Park - Kings Cross
365501, 365506 Kings Cross - Finsbury Park
321419, 321406, 321410 Finsbury Park - Kings Cross
That was a productive couple of hours. I had reduced my 321 requirements for GTR down to two. That means now need only 5 for clear the class in total. I had seen one other out but it went ECS after I had seen it.
We now started to make our move towards Kent. We went down to the Thameslink core where 377515 and 377212 was had for a micro leap to Farringdon. Behind that was 700107 which both of us needed for our first taste of a 700 unit to Blackfriars, a big mileage move!!!!
First impressions? Once the problems are ironed out (the unit we were on had trouble with doors opening and then the whole unit shut down for a couple of minutes) I think they will be good. We didn’t sit down so I can’t comment on the seats, but the unit is airy and I love the width of them. They will do a good job at shifting large numbers of people which is what they are for. I’m sure very few people will be on them for the entire route they run on. I’m not sure why people get so hung up on wifi and power points. Wifi is normally rubbish anyway and short bursts of charging phones is bad for the battery anyway so people are better off with a portable battery pack. Anyway I digress.
319006 and 319009 were next and they took us to Bromley South. We left the station here for breakfast. Once that was had it was back to the station and onto 375625 for the start of the Rover (my travel card got me to Swanley where the train stops and the Rover kicks in).
The initial part of the day was about us clearing some spoons. First up was Maidstone where 375625 dropped us at the Maidstone East. We then headed to Maidstone West via the spoons for winning 375301 to Tonbridge. It wasn’t long until winning pair 375607 and 375809 turned up and we took the short journey down to Tunbridge Wells.
An incredibly quick visit to the Spoons here before 465928 and 465921 took us back to Tonbridge. Another quick Spoons visit and that was supposed to be it for a while. We wanted to get rid of our bags. This meant heading to Sittingbourne where we would be staying.
375305 was had to Strood. I don’t even remember the journey as I fell asleep! This was where our attempt to get to Sittingbourne didn’t happen straight away. We kept seeing units that each of us needed and we ended up going back and forth for a while! The biggest scoop for me was 395029 as it meant I now only needed two 395s. I bagged a couple of new shacks in the process including the new Rochester station.
395001 Strood - Rochester
466006, 465197, 465184 Rochester - Chatham
395029 Chatham - Rochester
465924, 466032 Rochester - Chatham
465907, 466037 Chatham - Rochester
375804, 375920 Rochester - Chatham
465001, 465175 Chatham - Gillingham
465919 Gillingham - Rainham
375606, 375820 Rainham - Sittingbourne
We finally made it to Sittingbourne and checked into the Spoons hotel as thats where we would be staying. Once lighter we headed out once more. The aim was to find dinner and see what units we could get. Dinner took a long time to come! As did where we would finally get it! We kept seeing units we needed.
375811, 375711 Sittingbourne - Faversham
395004 Faversham - Whitstable
395026 Whitstable - Sittingbourne My penultimate 395!
375306, 375903 Sittingbourne - Faversham
375920, 375606 Faversham - Sittingbourne
375307, 375309 Sittingbourne - Faversham
We eventually settled on Faversham for dinner! We had twice attempted to go to Sheerness on Sea for dinner there (although Faversham was a much nicer spoons) but winners kept appearing! Once dinner was had it was back to the station.
395007 took us back to Sittingbourne. Now I would attempt the spoons in Sheerness. My mate went after another unit he saw that he needed. 466022 took me along the branch. I managed to get to the spoons and back before the unit left so used the time gained to get one of the shacks on the line. I bailed at Queenborough and 466004 took me back to Sheerness. It was then back to Sittingbourne and after a few minutes my mate turned up. One shack left on the sheerness branch (but its the easiest as its a good cross over point).
Time to call it a day. Back to the hotel for a pint and then to turn in for the night. 35 winning units over the course of the day and 6 new shacks. My mileage so far for the trip was 449 miles.
7th September 2016
Despite all good intentions to get up early and see what could be done early doors (although it would have meant buying additional tickets so was probably a good thing) neither me or my mate woke up early enough.
I must have been exhausted. My nights sleep was fantastic! It had been a hard four days at work before the start of this trip and then onto the sleeper (and the seated portion doesn’t give much sleep to be honest!) so really needed it. In the end a more leisurely getting ready before heading down for a large breakfast was had.
We then headed over to the station for the first valid train of the day. We split for a little while. Despite on initial thoughts of our requirements lists being similar it looked like of the differences it was me getting all the luck! Oh well
Onto a great start with 375609, 375715 and 375611 to Faversham. It wasn’t long before 375620 whisked me back to Sittingbourne where my mate was waiting. He wanted to head back towards Rochester as there is more running in that corridor and obviously offered more chances of a winner.
Dud 465918 took us onto Gillingham (I didn’t know the 465s ran this far into and from Kent) where a triple dud train with 465239, 465196 and 466024 took us to Chatham. I wasn’t having much luck with the networkers but he was.
Behind was 375821 which was a good one to Rochester and then dud back to Chatham. Finally a set of Networkers I needed made up of 465922 and 465023 were spotted and it was back for the mighty mileage move to Rochester.
Winner for sight also, 375615 was up next and this was all the way back to Gillingham as if we’d planned it correctly the next two moves would both produce a winner for each of us with less of a wait. It did. 466010 and 465911 to Rochester and then 465168 with 465049 to Strood.
It was now time to head towards Tonbridge. We had just missed a train as we were 4 minutes late. So we went back to Rochester on 466028, 465157 and 465031 and went the other way. We boarded 375625 towards Swanley. We bailed at Longfield to see what was behind. It was 465168 and 466030 so that was good. At Swanley I had time to get my required ticket for later in the day.
465924 and 466032 were next and as far as Otford. Very much dud 319443 and 319426 took us to Sevenoaks. A few minutes later 375618 led 375507 to Tonbridge. 66707 was floating about and passed through the station whilst we waited for our next train.
20160907-Tonbridge-66707 by Steven Booth, on Flickr375829 and 375602 were up next back to Sevenoaks. Here we were greeted by another GBRF 66.
20160907-Sevenoaks-66765 by Steven Booth, on FlickrIt was also at this stage my mate was getting a bit miffed by his luck. We ended up more or less saying our goodbyes for the day as he was heading to Scotland later and we went for what we needed.
I jumped onto 375909 and 375926 to Tonbridge. Behind that was 375915 and 375825 which I took to new shack High Brooms (its easier to do new shacks on my own as my mate isn’t that interested in that). 466033, 465903 and 465923 were soon arriving and back to Tonbridge before 375613 and 375824 forwards to Sevenoaks.
These moves were working for me but was time to head further into Kent now. As I was checking my moves forward I saw my mate one last time (very briefly as he jumped on the train I got off of!)! That was it, he was off to London before heading North and I would see him again on Friday.
Right, I wanted to head over to the far side of Kent now. One last Spoons to get to clear Kent and get a few shacks in. 465927, 465930 and 466021 took me to Tonbridge and behind that were dud 375602 and 375829. I had to catch them to get to Deal. At Ashford they split. 375829 continued southwards along the newly opened seawall before the slow negotiating meander round Dover towards Deal. I saw a few locos at Dollands Moor but the only one I got the number of was no good for me. A few new track machines were spotted at Ashford.
Eventually after what felt like a lot longer than 56 minutes I got to Deal. Enough time to get dinner I went in search of the spoons. To be fair I didn’t have to look very hard. I found it and ordered my food. Now for some shacks.
375817 took me to Martin Mill before 375613 to Sandwich. It was then 375305 to Walmer before finally getting 395019 and 395008 to Ramsgate. Thats what looks like on the map the four most easterly shacks in Kent cleared. At Ramsgate I was starting to decide my next moves. Time was getting on and my time in Kent was nearly up. I needed to be in London for the night and started to look at my moves back.
First up was 395013 and 395025! Yes! My final 395 to clear the class. Very pleased with that. It was a short leap to Broadstairs on this for the final new shack of the day. Then it was 375802, 375818 and 375810 that would take me most of the way into London. I’d been looking at lots of different ways to East Croydon but after a long text message conversation with Tech I finally decided on this. I bailed at Bromley South for 465181 and 465165 behind to Beckenham Junction. It was then 2562 to East Croydon.
From here I popped into Sainsbury’s for some supplies and then onto the infamous EasyHotel that a few of us have now used. I just hoped for no fire alarm issues!
I spoke my missus for a while (hadn’t been able to speak to her the day before as she was with one of her best friends on a girly night in!) before settling down for some kip. That was Part 1 of 3 (I’ve decided that it is a 3 part holiday) of my holiday adventure over. Yes I still had a day left on my Rover but to be fair I still felt I got good value for money. 23 winners on the day (including the clearance of the 395s) and 7 new shacks. 268 miles traveled on this day too. The only thing I would have liked more of is new shacks but I can’t do it all! The shacks will be there longer than the trains in theory! Tomorrow would be the start of what the main event though. I couldn’t wait!
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Keith Jarrett
Member
Noddy, just catching up on your last few epic trips. You certainly have done well roping in the winning units, shax and spoonz - your highlight has to be your last 395 surely (and you're miles ahead of me in that department). Pity though that GWR control seem to think that 57605 is the only haulage that you're going to get!
Enjoyable report from my area, many stations of which I've never been to!
You've got Maidenhead instead of Maidstone in your report.
465's of all types get down to Dover Priory most days (although I think the forthcoming transfer of 377's may mean the end of that).
395's are the only class I've cleared, bit easier for me though
You've got Maidenhead instead of Maidstone in your report.
465's of all types get down to Dover Priory most days (although I think the forthcoming transfer of 377's may mean the end of that).
395's are the only class I've cleared, bit easier for me though
Kite159
Veteran Member
Congrats on a couple successful days in Kent
Thanks for the comments guys!
I've corrected that! Stupid auto spelling correction thingy!
8th September 2016: GBRF 15 Day 1
The day was finally here! Today would see me embark on the GBRF15 Railtour! As soon as it was announced and i saw that part of it would fall on my weekend off I quickly put in for leave to allow me to do the first two days as well (that escalated which saw me start my holiday two days earlier as you have read). One of my regrets is when I was younger I lost interest in the railways (as I am sure many of us do) before coming back and realising everything I had missed! One of those was all the rail tours one of my mate tells me about. Long tours over multiple days and plenty of different locos! This would be the nearest I could get to it and it was all for charity!
After a reasonable nights sleep (and no fire alarms) I was up early. To be honest, for the price I couldn’t complain about the Easy Hotel in East Croydon. Basic but was place to get my head down and thats all i needed. The tour wasn’t starting until 0943 so why was I up so early? I wanted to go to clear some underground shacks and now seemed as good a time as any.
First up was 455830 over to Clapham Junction from East Croydon. A 4 coach train clearly wasn’t enough, even before 0600! It was rammed and was very glad to get off! It was now over to the far platforms for a London Overground service to Kensington Olympia. From here I got the District Line with 21558 and 21557 to Earls Court. By doing this move I could claim Olympia as a shack when using my rules. In Olympia’s case I needed to do it with the District Line (with LO I had done it plenty of times).
A similar thing for the next stop. I got 164 and 165 to Turnham Green. I had done it previously on a District Line service but needed it with a Piccadilly one too. Turnham Green isn’t served by the Piccadilly during the day so it had to be an early service I did it with. With that done I set about clearing the Piccadilly line with the following moves.
227, 863 Turnham Green - Sudbury Town
174, 175 Sudbury Town - Park Royal
148, 161 Park Royal - Gloucester Road
179, 126 Gloucester Road - Hyde Park Corner
With the Piccadilly line shacks now clear I decided that I should quit while ahead. I had loads of time before the tour left (about 2 hours) but I decided to get to Victoria, get breakfast and not get involved in any potential chaos that may happen! I did not want to miss the tour! So it was 125, 128 back to South Kensington for the Circle Line to Victoria on 21530, 21529.
I then went off to get breakfast (a large one!) in the Spoons outside Victoria. There (as you expect were) quite a lot of people who were clearly on the tour already in here. I got my breakfast but didn’t rush, i had loads of time. I got bored though and headed back to the station. After a while the coaching stock for the tour arrived with a pair of original Class 73s at the helm.
20160908-London Victoria-73213 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160908-London Victoria-73128 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
At the other end was a pair 20s in Railfreight Grey!
20160908-London Victoria-20118 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160908-London Victoria-20132 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
I went off to find my seat and got what I needed out of my bag. I was in Coach J Seat 24F which would be my seat for the next four days! I was at the rear of the train for the first part of the journey with only one coach further back than me. We were soon off and it was the start of an epic adventure. Today wouldn’t see me bag much new track but I needed one of the 20s. So with 20118 leading 20132 we slowly left Victoria. I had been reacquainted with 20118 for the first time since its days on the South Devon Railway. We went via Factory Junction through Tulse Hill to get to Wimbledon. We were already a few minutes down (this would as it would turn out be a common theme on the tour but that didn’t matter!). From here we were on the mainline for a short time before veering to the left and down towards Epsom. It was all new track for loco haulage I may add at this stage and onwards we went towards the South Coast. The weather was glorious as we headed south.
It was still early in the day but I decided a beer was needed! Off I went to the GBRF shop and got a bottle of the GBXV, the special and limited brew for the tour. Not a bad brew either. At this stage I discovered the guy next to me was into his beers too so we had quite a lot of train and beer talk! I will add here that the two guys opposite were German (I think) so there was hardly any conversation with them as they kept themselves to themselves.
After 2 and half hours we eventually arrived at Fratton, 6 minutes early. Shame we couldn’t go a little bit further to Portsmouth Harbour, but this was our reversal point. 73213 and 73128 were now in charge and off we went once more. This time we skirted along the south coast towards Southampton, again all new track for loco haulage. Once we got to St Denys it wasn’t until Totton the track became required for loco haulage once more. It was then onwards though the New Forrest to Bournemouth and Poole. Once we reached Wareham the track became dud once more for loco haulage and onto the Swanage railway. We had made good time up to this point but boy did the 73s struggle as we climbed away from Corfe Castle towards Harmans Cross! At one point I serisouly thought we were going to stop as we dropped to 2mph! Eventually we made the summit and gently headed down to the seaside town of Swanage! The 73s were no doubt a little warm when we arrived!
I went and got a few photos before going off to get a drink and some food.
20160908-Swanage-73213 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160908-Swanage-20118 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
I know Swanage well as I lived in Bournemouth for a about 7 years. I popped to a pub which was a recent addition to the Cask Marque Ale Trail before heading to the Chippy for some fish and chips, and very good they were too. It was then back to the station for the next leg of the journey.
With the 20s back in charge it was back to London, this time Kings Cross. We headed back through the New Forrest towards Eastleigh before heading left to Romsey before going on towards Salisbury and then Westbury. It was now onto the Desert for the trip towards Reading. Some people bailed here for another tour behind that was offering part fares to London. A quick check but I didn’t need the 66 so I stayed where I was.
There had been an incident somewhere (I forget where) between Reading and Paddington so things weren’t running smoothly and we staggered, crossing from Slow to Fast and back again towards the capital. At Acton Mainline we left the Great Western Mainline and onto Willesden High level. We continued across North London and just before Gospel Oak we turned up towards Crouch Hill (this bit was my first bit of new bit of track for the day!). It was then onto the curve (also new) that would take us up to the East Coast Mainline where we would continue up to Hornsey Signal K440. This is where we would reverse and cross over the East Coast Mainline (I needed this bit too) and down into Kings Cross.
The speed in which this happened meant the 20s were definitely helping the 73s. There was no way we would have climbed the flyover at that pace otherwise! We arrived into Kings Cross, 20 down, and that was the end of day 1. What an excellent day too! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
20160908-London Kings Cross-20132 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160908-London Kings Cross-73213, 73128 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
I now made my way to my hotel. One little thing to do first though. I needed Kentish Town to clear the Northern line shacks. So 51634 and 51633 took me to Camden Town where I changed to 51666 and 51667 to Kentish Town. Now the Northern line is cleared. Then for the hotel. 51630 and 51720 were had to Old Street. I went upstairs and started making my way to the hotel (another Easy Hotel). Using the walk to talk to the missus (good job as I had no signal at the hotel). The reason I had no signal was I had opted for a room with no window to save money (after I was only going to be in the room for about 6 hours).
So that was the end of day 1! Fantastic! 3 new locos, a bit of new route with plenty of it new for loco haulage. Outside of the tour I had also cleared Piccadilly and Northern for shacks whilst picking up a few new units. Including the odd few bits I did in London I travelled 411 miles, 375 miles for just the tour. What would tomorrow bring?
Enjoyable report from my area, many stations of which I've never been to!
You've got Maidenhead instead of Maidstone in your report.
465's of all types get down to Dover Priory most days (although I think the forthcoming transfer of 377's may mean the end of that).
395's are the only class I've cleared, bit easier for me though
I've corrected that! Stupid auto spelling correction thingy!
8th September 2016: GBRF 15 Day 1
The day was finally here! Today would see me embark on the GBRF15 Railtour! As soon as it was announced and i saw that part of it would fall on my weekend off I quickly put in for leave to allow me to do the first two days as well (that escalated which saw me start my holiday two days earlier as you have read). One of my regrets is when I was younger I lost interest in the railways (as I am sure many of us do) before coming back and realising everything I had missed! One of those was all the rail tours one of my mate tells me about. Long tours over multiple days and plenty of different locos! This would be the nearest I could get to it and it was all for charity!
After a reasonable nights sleep (and no fire alarms) I was up early. To be honest, for the price I couldn’t complain about the Easy Hotel in East Croydon. Basic but was place to get my head down and thats all i needed. The tour wasn’t starting until 0943 so why was I up so early? I wanted to go to clear some underground shacks and now seemed as good a time as any.
First up was 455830 over to Clapham Junction from East Croydon. A 4 coach train clearly wasn’t enough, even before 0600! It was rammed and was very glad to get off! It was now over to the far platforms for a London Overground service to Kensington Olympia. From here I got the District Line with 21558 and 21557 to Earls Court. By doing this move I could claim Olympia as a shack when using my rules. In Olympia’s case I needed to do it with the District Line (with LO I had done it plenty of times).
A similar thing for the next stop. I got 164 and 165 to Turnham Green. I had done it previously on a District Line service but needed it with a Piccadilly one too. Turnham Green isn’t served by the Piccadilly during the day so it had to be an early service I did it with. With that done I set about clearing the Piccadilly line with the following moves.
227, 863 Turnham Green - Sudbury Town
174, 175 Sudbury Town - Park Royal
148, 161 Park Royal - Gloucester Road
179, 126 Gloucester Road - Hyde Park Corner
With the Piccadilly line shacks now clear I decided that I should quit while ahead. I had loads of time before the tour left (about 2 hours) but I decided to get to Victoria, get breakfast and not get involved in any potential chaos that may happen! I did not want to miss the tour! So it was 125, 128 back to South Kensington for the Circle Line to Victoria on 21530, 21529.
I then went off to get breakfast (a large one!) in the Spoons outside Victoria. There (as you expect were) quite a lot of people who were clearly on the tour already in here. I got my breakfast but didn’t rush, i had loads of time. I got bored though and headed back to the station. After a while the coaching stock for the tour arrived with a pair of original Class 73s at the helm.
20160908-London Victoria-73213 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160908-London Victoria-73128 by Steven Booth, on FlickrAt the other end was a pair 20s in Railfreight Grey!
20160908-London Victoria-20118 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160908-London Victoria-20132 by Steven Booth, on FlickrI went off to find my seat and got what I needed out of my bag. I was in Coach J Seat 24F which would be my seat for the next four days! I was at the rear of the train for the first part of the journey with only one coach further back than me. We were soon off and it was the start of an epic adventure. Today wouldn’t see me bag much new track but I needed one of the 20s. So with 20118 leading 20132 we slowly left Victoria. I had been reacquainted with 20118 for the first time since its days on the South Devon Railway. We went via Factory Junction through Tulse Hill to get to Wimbledon. We were already a few minutes down (this would as it would turn out be a common theme on the tour but that didn’t matter!). From here we were on the mainline for a short time before veering to the left and down towards Epsom. It was all new track for loco haulage I may add at this stage and onwards we went towards the South Coast. The weather was glorious as we headed south.
It was still early in the day but I decided a beer was needed! Off I went to the GBRF shop and got a bottle of the GBXV, the special and limited brew for the tour. Not a bad brew either. At this stage I discovered the guy next to me was into his beers too so we had quite a lot of train and beer talk! I will add here that the two guys opposite were German (I think) so there was hardly any conversation with them as they kept themselves to themselves.
After 2 and half hours we eventually arrived at Fratton, 6 minutes early. Shame we couldn’t go a little bit further to Portsmouth Harbour, but this was our reversal point. 73213 and 73128 were now in charge and off we went once more. This time we skirted along the south coast towards Southampton, again all new track for loco haulage. Once we got to St Denys it wasn’t until Totton the track became required for loco haulage once more. It was then onwards though the New Forrest to Bournemouth and Poole. Once we reached Wareham the track became dud once more for loco haulage and onto the Swanage railway. We had made good time up to this point but boy did the 73s struggle as we climbed away from Corfe Castle towards Harmans Cross! At one point I serisouly thought we were going to stop as we dropped to 2mph! Eventually we made the summit and gently headed down to the seaside town of Swanage! The 73s were no doubt a little warm when we arrived!
I went and got a few photos before going off to get a drink and some food.
20160908-Swanage-73213 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160908-Swanage-20118 by Steven Booth, on FlickrI know Swanage well as I lived in Bournemouth for a about 7 years. I popped to a pub which was a recent addition to the Cask Marque Ale Trail before heading to the Chippy for some fish and chips, and very good they were too. It was then back to the station for the next leg of the journey.
With the 20s back in charge it was back to London, this time Kings Cross. We headed back through the New Forrest towards Eastleigh before heading left to Romsey before going on towards Salisbury and then Westbury. It was now onto the Desert for the trip towards Reading. Some people bailed here for another tour behind that was offering part fares to London. A quick check but I didn’t need the 66 so I stayed where I was.
There had been an incident somewhere (I forget where) between Reading and Paddington so things weren’t running smoothly and we staggered, crossing from Slow to Fast and back again towards the capital. At Acton Mainline we left the Great Western Mainline and onto Willesden High level. We continued across North London and just before Gospel Oak we turned up towards Crouch Hill (this bit was my first bit of new bit of track for the day!). It was then onto the curve (also new) that would take us up to the East Coast Mainline where we would continue up to Hornsey Signal K440. This is where we would reverse and cross over the East Coast Mainline (I needed this bit too) and down into Kings Cross.
The speed in which this happened meant the 20s were definitely helping the 73s. There was no way we would have climbed the flyover at that pace otherwise! We arrived into Kings Cross, 20 down, and that was the end of day 1. What an excellent day too! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
20160908-London Kings Cross-20132 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160908-London Kings Cross-73213, 73128 by Steven Booth, on FlickrI now made my way to my hotel. One little thing to do first though. I needed Kentish Town to clear the Northern line shacks. So 51634 and 51633 took me to Camden Town where I changed to 51666 and 51667 to Kentish Town. Now the Northern line is cleared. Then for the hotel. 51630 and 51720 were had to Old Street. I went upstairs and started making my way to the hotel (another Easy Hotel). Using the walk to talk to the missus (good job as I had no signal at the hotel). The reason I had no signal was I had opted for a room with no window to save money (after I was only going to be in the room for about 6 hours).
So that was the end of day 1! Fantastic! 3 new locos, a bit of new route with plenty of it new for loco haulage. Outside of the tour I had also cleared Piccadilly and Northern for shacks whilst picking up a few new units. Including the odd few bits I did in London I travelled 411 miles, 375 miles for just the tour. What would tomorrow bring?
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
That took me a while to catch up on, but as always some excellent reading was had!
Your red pen certainly has been busy lately that's for sure. I am still green with envy with that tour, that would have been such an epic one to do!
Slow to fast? Umm no, as a Western Region man you should know it's Relief to Main
Glad I could be of some help in advising on a Southern Avoidance Move to get to easyHotel. Glad too it wasn't too bad for you in the hotel!
You have reminded me that I really need to get going on GN and get those last 3 GN 321s that I need. Not to mention the 317s, I might have to get a TPP Mode session going on!
Your red pen certainly has been busy lately that's for sure. I am still green with envy with that tour, that would have been such an epic one to do!
Slow to fast? Umm no, as a Western Region man you should know it's Relief to Main
Glad I could be of some help in advising on a Southern Avoidance Move to get to easyHotel. Glad too it wasn't too bad for you in the hotel!
You have reminded me that I really need to get going on GN and get those last 3 GN 321s that I need. Not to mention the 317s, I might have to get a TPP Mode session going on!
Slow to fast? Umm no, as a Western Region man you should know it's Relief to Main
You have reminded me that I really need to get going on GN and get those last 3 GN 321s that I need. Not to mention the 317s, I might have to get a TPP Mode session going on!
Very true!
I'm hoping to get the 321s and 317s before they move but time is running out
Kite159
Veteran Member
Well done on getting down to only needing a couple GN 321s as some only come out to do a couple trips a day.
9th September 2016: GBRF 15 Day 2
Day 2 would see me meet up with my mate once more, as he was doing day 2 (and 4) of the tour. I didnt start so early today as I had decided that I would only see what was kicking about as I made my way to Blackfriars where we would meet for breakfast. Once I was showered and ready for the day I set off to Moorgate where 21027 and 21028 took me on the short trip to Farringdon. From here I waited until something came (either tube or mainline) that I needed. I had about 45 minutes until I needed to be out of the Oyster system.
My wait lasted 1 minute before a required 387121 which was paired with 387108 rolled in and I took it to Blackfriars. Another nine minutes and my second 700 was in the book. This time 700108 and no issues with this one as it arrived and left with no issue whatsoever. I cant remember why but I bailed at City Thameslink and then got 377207 and 377209 which was behind to Farringdon. I have no idea why did this and not just stay on the 700 until Farringdon! Never mind!
387118 and 387105 were along a short while later for another bus stop move. It was nearly time to meet Dave so I got 319452 and 319437 which were behind to Blackfriars. We had breakfast and talked about what had happened since the Wednesday when we parted. Once breakfast was done we set off to the Cross. Dud 319438 and 319450 took us to St Pancras for the then short walk (via a shop to get some beers for later as I had exhausted the on board ones the day before) to the station next door.
As we were walking over to the platform that we needed, 66707 was bringing in the coaching stock.
20160909-London Kings Cross-66707 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
At the other end was 73961 leading 73964 much to the complete annoyance of my mate! He didnt need 961 and the last we had both heard it was at Loughborough! I needed both so I was ok!
20160909-London Kings Cross-73961 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-London Kings Cross-73964 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
We set off bang on time. Our first destination was Whitemoor Yard. At Bounds Green we came off the East Coast Mainline to head behind the depot and on up through Hertford. We eventually joined the East Coast Mainline once more before taking the new (well not new anymore) flyover after Hitchin. It was then on through Cambridge and Ely to March where we started onto the first bit of new track for me for the day.
We slowly entered the yard and soon came to a standstill, once we had gone as far as we would be going. As we came in 09002 and 09009 were coupled together on an adjacent line. This was when things didnt quite go to plan and the only disappointment of the whole tour. There was no driver in 09002 and we were told they were in multi!!!!! There was a complete sense of disbelief (well there was in the part of the train I was in) as they cant be hooked up in multi. It soon became clear someone at the yard didnt get it and the train crew onboard werent able to portray the message that both Gronks needed to be working!
So as it was 09009 led 09002, and the rest of the train (including 66735 that had now been put in front of 66707 too) back to the front of the yard. The Gronks were then taken off. From my point of view a lot of faffing for no reason as I didnt need 09009! I needed 09002! To say there was a few annoyed people would be an understatement. For some people 09002 was the only potential winner on the whole tour! Oops!
It was time to move on! 66735 and 66707 now led us out of the yard and round towards Peterborough (so both curves to Whitemoor complete). We paused briefly at Peterborough station on the way to GBRF Virtual Quarry.
20160909-Peterborough-66735, 66707 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
We were 36 minutes down by the time we got to the Virtual Quarry (again new track for me as we entered into the yard and past Roberts Road). 66735 was removed from the train and the 73s we now back in charge as we once again headed east bound. As we approached Ely we took the curve to avoid Ely (using Ely West Junction and Ely North Junction) and point us towards Norwich without the need to reverse (another bit of new track).
It was then a straightforward run into Norwich. We arrived 47 minutes down. We had a little stop here as they wanted to water the train so we were able to get photos.
20160909-Norwich-73961 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Norwich-73964 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Norwich-66707 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
At this stage the dilemma I had went into overdrive and it involved the 68s! Because we were so late we were now behind the next service they were working to Great Yarmouth. A lot of people left the tour and got them. I decided against it. Id spent enough money for one and by all accounts it was absolutely rammed! The final thing was, that nagging feeling if it had all gone wrong and missed the next part of the tour! True, I wouldnt have been alone in that problem but I just didnt want to be in that situation. The way things are working out, I dont think it will be that hard for me to get them at some stage though so not the end of the world.
So with the 68s let out in front of us, 66707 soon set off to Great Yarmouth. We finally arrived 1 hour 34 minutes down.
20160909-Great Yarmouth-66707 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Great Yarmouth-68024 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Great Yarmouth-66707, 68024 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
Not an everyday scene at Great Yarmouth!
We were due just under an hour and half at Great Yarmouth where we (and I am sure a lot of people) were planning to get a half decent dinner. Initially they said we would be off at the correct time but then we were given an extra 20 minutes. An hour and 10 was better than 50 minutes I guess? The problem with Great Yarmouth station is, its not near the town centre! It is a good ten minute walk. It was another visit to a chippy then! Problem then was finding one, and finding one where a lot of people werent already ahead of us! As it was we had a good 15 minute wait.
We made it back to the station where I went and grabbed a couple more photos and then it was back to our seats and to eat!
20160909-Great Yarmouth-66707(2) by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Great Yarmouth-73964, 73961 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
At 1838 we were off once more. With the 73s back in charge we set off down the other line into/away from Great Yarmouth through Berney Arms. We avoided a reversal at Norwich by skirting pass Crown Point (new track) and it was then a good run towards Ipswich and through to Harwich International. We arrived 11 down.
20160909-Harwich International-66707 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Harwich Intetnational-73964 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
It would have been for operational reasons we came here and were given ages! Timetabled to be here for an hour and 20 and
nothing to do, I had wondered what would happen. We were all turfed off the train as the 73s dragged it into the yard. I used the time to speak to the missus (and judging by the number of people on the phone it looked like I wasnt alone in this idea!).
To be fair there was a fair number of comings and goings, even at this time of night as many service trains came and went. A few went to the yard from here as they ended their days work and the time disappeared quickly. The coaching stock was pushed back into the station by the loco in charge of the tour next, 86401.
20160909-Harwich International-86401 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
We ended up leaving 10 late, but off we went back towards Manningtree. We continued along Great Eastern Mainline (in fact we had a storming run and was great to really get some speed up for a while) where the next stop was Stratford. It was here day 2 finished. A fair few got off here and once again I said goodbye to my mate. Once any new passengers had boarded we were off again, for Day N.
We travelled along the North London Line and came off it at Cannonbury West Junction to join the East Coast Mainline (that bit was new to me) and then it was onwards and upwards towards Peterborough (the quick way unlike earlier in the day). I tried to get my head down but it took a while. I had half the bay to myself which was good but there were some absolute idiots at one end of the carriage and it was hard to ignore it. At one point one of the guys in the bay next to mine made a comment about them and I thought he was going to go and knock one of them out! In a nutshell they were whinging about the traction and the lack of 37s. Its not like the tour was ever advertised with 37s being used and GBRF dont even use them. If they dont like it they didnt have to come.
Anyway, another excellent day (the incident involving 09009/002 aside)! Five new locos and various bits and pieces of track. 438 miles traveled in total and 434 miles on the tour!
Day 2 would see me meet up with my mate once more, as he was doing day 2 (and 4) of the tour. I didnt start so early today as I had decided that I would only see what was kicking about as I made my way to Blackfriars where we would meet for breakfast. Once I was showered and ready for the day I set off to Moorgate where 21027 and 21028 took me on the short trip to Farringdon. From here I waited until something came (either tube or mainline) that I needed. I had about 45 minutes until I needed to be out of the Oyster system.
My wait lasted 1 minute before a required 387121 which was paired with 387108 rolled in and I took it to Blackfriars. Another nine minutes and my second 700 was in the book. This time 700108 and no issues with this one as it arrived and left with no issue whatsoever. I cant remember why but I bailed at City Thameslink and then got 377207 and 377209 which was behind to Farringdon. I have no idea why did this and not just stay on the 700 until Farringdon! Never mind!
387118 and 387105 were along a short while later for another bus stop move. It was nearly time to meet Dave so I got 319452 and 319437 which were behind to Blackfriars. We had breakfast and talked about what had happened since the Wednesday when we parted. Once breakfast was done we set off to the Cross. Dud 319438 and 319450 took us to St Pancras for the then short walk (via a shop to get some beers for later as I had exhausted the on board ones the day before) to the station next door.
As we were walking over to the platform that we needed, 66707 was bringing in the coaching stock.
20160909-London Kings Cross-66707 by Steven Booth, on FlickrAt the other end was 73961 leading 73964 much to the complete annoyance of my mate! He didnt need 961 and the last we had both heard it was at Loughborough! I needed both so I was ok!
20160909-London Kings Cross-73961 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-London Kings Cross-73964 by Steven Booth, on FlickrWe set off bang on time. Our first destination was Whitemoor Yard. At Bounds Green we came off the East Coast Mainline to head behind the depot and on up through Hertford. We eventually joined the East Coast Mainline once more before taking the new (well not new anymore) flyover after Hitchin. It was then on through Cambridge and Ely to March where we started onto the first bit of new track for me for the day.
We slowly entered the yard and soon came to a standstill, once we had gone as far as we would be going. As we came in 09002 and 09009 were coupled together on an adjacent line. This was when things didnt quite go to plan and the only disappointment of the whole tour. There was no driver in 09002 and we were told they were in multi!!!!! There was a complete sense of disbelief (well there was in the part of the train I was in) as they cant be hooked up in multi. It soon became clear someone at the yard didnt get it and the train crew onboard werent able to portray the message that both Gronks needed to be working!
So as it was 09009 led 09002, and the rest of the train (including 66735 that had now been put in front of 66707 too) back to the front of the yard. The Gronks were then taken off. From my point of view a lot of faffing for no reason as I didnt need 09009! I needed 09002! To say there was a few annoyed people would be an understatement. For some people 09002 was the only potential winner on the whole tour! Oops!
It was time to move on! 66735 and 66707 now led us out of the yard and round towards Peterborough (so both curves to Whitemoor complete). We paused briefly at Peterborough station on the way to GBRF Virtual Quarry.
20160909-Peterborough-66735, 66707 by Steven Booth, on FlickrWe were 36 minutes down by the time we got to the Virtual Quarry (again new track for me as we entered into the yard and past Roberts Road). 66735 was removed from the train and the 73s we now back in charge as we once again headed east bound. As we approached Ely we took the curve to avoid Ely (using Ely West Junction and Ely North Junction) and point us towards Norwich without the need to reverse (another bit of new track).
It was then a straightforward run into Norwich. We arrived 47 minutes down. We had a little stop here as they wanted to water the train so we were able to get photos.
20160909-Norwich-73961 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Norwich-73964 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Norwich-66707 by Steven Booth, on FlickrAt this stage the dilemma I had went into overdrive and it involved the 68s! Because we were so late we were now behind the next service they were working to Great Yarmouth. A lot of people left the tour and got them. I decided against it. Id spent enough money for one and by all accounts it was absolutely rammed! The final thing was, that nagging feeling if it had all gone wrong and missed the next part of the tour! True, I wouldnt have been alone in that problem but I just didnt want to be in that situation. The way things are working out, I dont think it will be that hard for me to get them at some stage though so not the end of the world.
So with the 68s let out in front of us, 66707 soon set off to Great Yarmouth. We finally arrived 1 hour 34 minutes down.
20160909-Great Yarmouth-66707 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Great Yarmouth-68024 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Great Yarmouth-66707, 68024 by Steven Booth, on FlickrNot an everyday scene at Great Yarmouth!
We were due just under an hour and half at Great Yarmouth where we (and I am sure a lot of people) were planning to get a half decent dinner. Initially they said we would be off at the correct time but then we were given an extra 20 minutes. An hour and 10 was better than 50 minutes I guess? The problem with Great Yarmouth station is, its not near the town centre! It is a good ten minute walk. It was another visit to a chippy then! Problem then was finding one, and finding one where a lot of people werent already ahead of us! As it was we had a good 15 minute wait.
We made it back to the station where I went and grabbed a couple more photos and then it was back to our seats and to eat!
20160909-Great Yarmouth-66707(2) by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Great Yarmouth-73964, 73961 by Steven Booth, on FlickrAt 1838 we were off once more. With the 73s back in charge we set off down the other line into/away from Great Yarmouth through Berney Arms. We avoided a reversal at Norwich by skirting pass Crown Point (new track) and it was then a good run towards Ipswich and through to Harwich International. We arrived 11 down.
20160909-Harwich International-66707 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160909-Harwich Intetnational-73964 by Steven Booth, on FlickrIt would have been for operational reasons we came here and were given ages! Timetabled to be here for an hour and 20 and
nothing to do, I had wondered what would happen. We were all turfed off the train as the 73s dragged it into the yard. I used the time to speak to the missus (and judging by the number of people on the phone it looked like I wasnt alone in this idea!).
To be fair there was a fair number of comings and goings, even at this time of night as many service trains came and went. A few went to the yard from here as they ended their days work and the time disappeared quickly. The coaching stock was pushed back into the station by the loco in charge of the tour next, 86401.
20160909-Harwich International-86401 by Steven Booth, on FlickrWe ended up leaving 10 late, but off we went back towards Manningtree. We continued along Great Eastern Mainline (in fact we had a storming run and was great to really get some speed up for a while) where the next stop was Stratford. It was here day 2 finished. A fair few got off here and once again I said goodbye to my mate. Once any new passengers had boarded we were off again, for Day N.
We travelled along the North London Line and came off it at Cannonbury West Junction to join the East Coast Mainline (that bit was new to me) and then it was onwards and upwards towards Peterborough (the quick way unlike earlier in the day). I tried to get my head down but it took a while. I had half the bay to myself which was good but there were some absolute idiots at one end of the carriage and it was hard to ignore it. At one point one of the guys in the bay next to mine made a comment about them and I thought he was going to go and knock one of them out! In a nutshell they were whinging about the traction and the lack of 37s. Its not like the tour was ever advertised with 37s being used and GBRF dont even use them. If they dont like it they didnt have to come.
Anyway, another excellent day (the incident involving 09009/002 aside)! Five new locos and various bits and pieces of track. 438 miles traveled in total and 434 miles on the tour!
- Status