Noddy's Trip Reports

[noddy1878]

You've got the first stages of the shack scoring bug, soon enough you'll be as bad as Lord Kite of Grateley and myself

Hope you have a good day at it tomorrow, I'll be working but then to be fair, I'm off to Dublin on Friday!

Have a good time in Dublin. It’s an amazing City. I was there back in Feb (again!!) and love going back there.

Shack attacking is more fun than festering looking out for required units

Sounds like a couple busy days, good news on the 150/9s

I don’t like festering too much and don’t do it for very long! So I do kind of understand what you mean, but ultimately for me shack scratching is second to unit scratching. Either way as you will see from below I loved my shack attack day!


15th September - Valley Lines Explorer

Today I decided that I would use my FOSS to get to Cardiff and then get a Valley Lines Explorer ticket. The objective, two required Spoons (Cardiff Bay and Maesteg) and then as many stations as possible. This would be the first time I’d ever gone out going after stations rather than any required units. There was a tiny chance a ATW 153 or 158 i needed may drop and if it did that would be a nice bonus. I walked to the station and had time to grab a tea before getting on the train. I bought my valley ticket at Plymouth so I didn’t have to faff about in Cardiff. For the second time this year I caught the 0925 off PLY to BPW. It’s time XC refurbished these Voyagers. The train was pretty full all the way to EXD but emptied there so it became slightly more comfortable. The only annoying now was an older women a few seats away on a mobile phone texting someone for an eternity. Why was this annoying? She had key press sounds activated!!!!! To drown out that I found my ear buds and put some music on.

Arriving into Bristol Parkway on time, the Cardiff train was already there. Even though I know it wasn’t leaving for five or so minutes I still get nervous when I see my train waiting! There were quite a few 66s at Filton (but could only ID 3 of them) and a 70 was lurking there as well. 66711 was at East Usk Junction and three more 66s at Alexandra Dock Junction. Once I was at Cardiff it was straight over to the local line platforms and onto 150253 for the shortish journey to Eastbrook.

20150915-Eastbrook-150253 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

I noticed a lot of the ATW stuff was now in the newer darker livery which I much prefer. From Eastbrook I hopped one stop back to Cogan on 150267.

20150915-Cogan-150235 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

20150915-Cadoxton-66108 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

150235 took me to Cadoxton and then it was 150253 (having returned from its earlier venture to Barry Island) to Dinas Powys. 150231 then took me to Barry Docks.

20150915-Barry Docks-150231 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

I was enjoying this. My wait at each station so far had been no more than a few minutes. It was then a little different. Pacers! 142083 and 143609 (for one of the longest Valley Line stints I would do for the day) to Llandaf. I dropped back one stop to Cathays on 143607 & 614 before I got 150231 once more to Radyr.

I wanted to complete the loop now, so I jumped onto 142073 to Waun-gron Park for the +1 back to Danescourt. I only just made this as it was dash down the slope to the road, under the railway and back up! 142006 was rolling in and I could see its wheels as I came from below platform level. This was also the first time my ticket threw the guard today (but not the last!) as it was issued at Plymouth!

20150915-Danescourt-142006 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

My longest wait of the day (20 minutes) then took place whilst I waited for 142006 to return and take me to Fairwater. It was only a few minutes here before I went back to Radyr on 153362.

20150915-Radyr-150253 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

20150915-Radyr-153362 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

It was getting near the end of my time for station scratching as I wanted to do the Cardiff Bay Spoons and then head to Maesteg for the one there. I had time for a trip to Trefforest on 150250 (not new but I thought before I got there it was!) before 143609 and 142083 (second time today) took me back to Taffs Well. A ten minute wait for 143625 and 142010 dropped me into Cardiff Queen Street. This was the first time I had been here since it had been rebuilt. Much better I say. Plenty of room and a decent size station now! It was down the the bay on 153303.

20150915-Cardiff Queen Street-153303 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

I had just over half an hour to do what I needed to do. I found the spoons easily enough and got half a Hop Twister and half a JDW Black Knight. Both very rateable. I started to head back and noticed another Cask Marque pub (Terra Nova) and couldn’t resist popping in! Glad I did! Had a quick half of Brains Craft Brewery Hallertau Blanc. One of the nicest lagers I’ve ever had! It was then back to the station and up to Queen Street.

My plans were a bit wrong at this stage and luckily the train I was to catch down the hill (142002 & 142076) dropped on a cross platform change which meant I made the +0! This still left my tight for Cardiff Central, a +1. But the trains were behaving and I made that too! 175108 to Maesteg! Well Maesteg Ewenny Road to be precise. Yes the spoons was further away but it was a new scratch which gave me the idea for what happened later. After the spoons and dinner I looked up how far Garth was. 1.6 miles or 31 minute walk according to Maps. I had 35 minutes so all was good. So good infact I made it it in 27 odd minutes and another new shack!

It was now time for the trek home! 150262 to Cardiff Central was had first, before 158959 to Bristol Temple Meads. I had longer to wait at Bristol than planned as my train was running 8 minutes late. I also noticed that it started at York and not Edinburgh as it should have. Something to do with signalling problems apparently.

221133 eventually arrived and it was Plymouth bound for me. Another enjoyable day. No winning units (expected that) but 13 new shacks and another two spoons scored. On Saturday I will be off to the big smoke once more for the Epping and Ongar Railway. It will then be another day off my FOSS before the small matter of a trip to the North West with a couple of mates.

 

[Techniquest]

A very productive time there! Good work on the Spoons scores too.

Certainly your books have been filled well, and plenty more filling of them coming I see.

 

[FQ]

That was a nice read with lots of winner shacks in a day! I probably won't be doing the shacks in the valleys for a while for 2 reasons.

1. I need leads of units down there so they come first
2. You can't really do them without getting loads of 142/143s or very long waits.

 

[noddy1878]

A very productive time there! Good work on the Spoons scores too.

Certainly your books have been filled well, and plenty more filling of them coming I see.

Yes. Just a few things planned

That was a nice read with lots of winner shacks in a day! I probably won't be doing the shacks in the valleys for a while for 2 reasons.

1. I need leads of units down there so they come first
2. You can't really do them without getting loads of 142/143s or very long waits.

Units first for me too and as you could see I did the short wait stations!

 

[Kite159]

Makes me wanna go up to the Valleys sooner rather than later, as I need most of the shacks around that area (ATW are right at the bottom of my Shacks covered list, although they will never be close to the top owing to the existence of many remote shacks on lines which see a limited service (Heart of Wales etc).

Any of my required units popping up will be great as I'm under 5 required per class for ATW (apart from the 175/1s)

 

[Kristofferson]

Love the new update-as-you-go trip report style Sir John Oldcastle and a Flaming Dragon? A Spoons fan after my own heart!

 

[noddy1878]

Love the new update-as-you-go trip report style Sir John Oldcastle and a Flaming Dragon? A Spoons fan after my own heart!

Thanks. There are times its easier to do but when I come to do my ALR it all depends on my battery circumstances. Thinking about it my FONW will be an after event report as I will be with friends and will obviously be socialising!

I love a good Spoons! Been to 672 so far!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Makes me wanna go up to the Valleys sooner rather than later, as I need most of the shacks around that area (ATW are right at the bottom of my Shacks covered list, although they will never be close to the top owing to the existence of many remote shacks on lines which see a limited service (Heart of Wales etc).

Any of my required units popping up will be great as I'm under 5 required per class for ATW (apart from the 175/1s)

I think it would be safe to say I will not complete stations in certain areas of Wales! I've done two on the Heart of Wales line and that'll more than likely be it!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
19th September - Epping & Ongar
It was an early start for this one! Up at 0430 for the trek to the station at 0500, in time for the 0540 to London Paddington. I arrived at the station, got my required tickets and then headed to the platform. In the platform next to us was the down sleeper. Led by 57603 I grabbed a photo of it as it was the first time I had seen it in the new gWr livery.

20150919-Plymouth-57603 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

20150919-gWr Logo by Steven Booth, on Flickr

I then went to get the number of the front power car and was surprised to see 57605 on the rear (also in gWr livery).

20150919-Plymouth-57605 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

It was then onto the train (43020 and 176) and off to London. At Exeter my mate joined. The journey was un eventful and not a lot could be seen out of the window! It was foggy pretty much until we got to Newbury! We saw a lot at Westbury but was foggy we couldn’t id anything!

Once at Paddington we went for the Circle line to Notting Hill Gate on 21402 + 401. The 22 mile trek to Epping then took place (53 minutes apparently but to be fair it felt quicker) on 91245, 91128, 92418 and 91247. We arrived and it was straight onto the heritage bus to the railway! Upon arrival 205205 was waiting in the platform at North Weald. Today it was coaching stock for the big draw of the day, 08836! It was looking good in its new gWr livery. The train was rammed and we trundled off down the line to Ongar. At Ongar it ran round and back we went.

20150919-Ongar-08836(4) by Steven Booth, on Flickr

From here it was back round and down to Ongar once more, this time courtesy of 47635.

20150919-North Weald-47635 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

From here visiting Teddy Bear D9539 was put on the front and dragged the train back through North Weald to Epping Forest.

20150919-Ongar-D9539 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

47635 was still on the back, so it was this back to North Weald. My mate left at this stage, having done what he needed and we arranged to meet back at Paddington later. I still needed the 37 so stayed. The plan was to take this to Epping Forest and back. Eventually I saw it coming. No photo thanks to some muppet just standing in my way at the last moment. At this stage I got very confused. I went to go round and cross the platform to get it to the Forest. As I did this i looked through the train still in the platform I was on and there was nothing there! Had it sailed through? I know some services didn’t stop but this one should have! I didn’t create a fuss or bother trying to establish what happened, I’d just get it later!

So I got back on behind 47635 again and down to Ongar. The 33 was put on the front this time. Not new, but it would mean I get all the locos running today. I took this to North Weald. The 08 was due out again but I needed to stay put for the return of the 37. I had a bit of time so I popped to the pub down the road for a nice pint of Broadside.

It was then back to the station and the wait for 37029. It was already there so I jumped into the first coach and off we went. I managed to nab a picture of 03119 as we left which was better than the one I had got from the station. There were two 03s (03170 as well) both required for sight, as was 45132 and 31438 at the railway (not running) so a good day for sights!

20150919-North Weald-03119 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

We got back to North Weald on time, so it was to the bus!!! But it wasn’t! The bus went 5 minutes before! Aaarghghh! So off I went to the bus stop at the bottom of the road. Nothing! I was in trouble now! I had very little money and 3.1 miles from Epping station! I had given my self just over an hour and half to be back at Paddington and that was now looking very ropey! I had no choice I started to head back to Epping by foot! A combination of fast walking and running (and sweating!) followed! I stopped at some bus stops on the way as there must a bus due? There was, but no sign of it. In fact I didn’t see a bus on the whole of my trek back! Well I did but they both went the other way!

I finally got the station after 36 minutes. I looked up and saw that the next train was due in 8 minutes! Not that that mattered! I was not going to get to Paddington by 1706! It was now 1710! I went to get the numbers of the Central stock in the platform and the doors started to beep so I jumped on and off we went! Not 8 minutes then! I changed carriages at various points to get the numbers of the train (92191, 93162, 93404, 92095)

I text my mate to let him know what had happened but I had heard nothing by the time I got to Stratford. I knew he was underground and now I was! I told him not to worry as I knew he had work the next day (as did the other person travelling with us). I would just have to buy a single home (I was traveling on his friends and family ticket).

I changed at Liverpool Street for 21362 + 361 to Edgware Road. It was then winning 21452 + 451 to Paddington. I finally got a message at this stage from my mate! They had kindly waited for me! It was very much appreciated but unexpected! I knew they had to be gone but they waited! It was then off to the pub for a couple of pints before the next train home. The next train, although an hour later stopped less so the final home time wasn’t an hour later than the previous train (if that made sense!). Signalling problems between Westbury and Castle Cary did cause a 25 minute delay however (but was affecting everything).

Despite my late adventures it was a good day! Four winning locos, six underground units and 529 miles travelled. Having not been to the Epping and Ongar Railway before I also scored two new stations.

 

[Kite159]

Sounds like a busy & productive day

 

[Techniquest]

One heck of a beast day out there, even if there were issues with things like buses!

Sounds like the EOR is well worth visiting!

 

[noddy1878]

Sounds like a busy & productive day

It was indeed. A few more like that hopefully next week.

One heck of a beast day out there, even if there were issues with things like buses!

Sounds like the EOR is well worth visiting!

I need to go again as there is plenty I still need that didn't run. Nice little railway.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
23rd September 2015

This is a very quick run down of my trip on Wednesday (very short of time). I had planned to meet my mate at Gloucester to pop to the spoons (we both needed). 220010 to Cheltenham and then 170101 to Gloucester. Didn't realise there was a Rugby match on but there were no issues with the train full but I got on ok.

After this my mate went back home but I headed to Stonehouse for a new shack on 150120.

20150923-Stonehouse-150120 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

It was SWT hire in (again from the other day) back to Gloucester for 150104 & 150238 to Cam & Dursley. This left 20 odd minutes late which ordinarily would have made me miss my connection but that was late too. So I kept an eye on that and made it ok.

20150923-Cam & Dursley-150238, 150104 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

This was taken to Ashchurch. I had the same problem and thankfully the down service was late too!

20150923-Ashchurch-150926 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

It was then 170637 & 170110 to Cheltenham before 220023 & 220027 to Gloucester where it split and 027 was had to Plymouth. No winners today but three new stations and one new spoons.

Tomorrow I am off to Blackpool where a FONW will be started. Going with three friends so should be a good laugh. Hopefully a few winners will be had but I know there will be plenty of spoons!

 

[Techniquest]

Have a brilliant time in the North West! I'm well jealous, I must say.

Shame about the lack of winners the other day but at least you've got some awkward shacks done.

Tons of Spoons in the Blackpool area alone to do, so have fun!

 

[noddy1878]

27th September - Freedom of the North West Trip
The day had finally come to get back to the North West! A friend of mine was getting married and his ‘Stag do’ was to be in the North West. Not the normal type of stag do but it was what he wanted to do and and as far as I am concerned thats fair enough. We were gonna have a good laugh, visit new spoons and hopefully score some new trains!

It was an early start for me. The first train off Plymouth isn’t until 0845 and thats too late. I needed to be at Exeter by 0801. So my wife kindly agreed to take me and picking up Pete on the way. We met Dave and Les at Exeter. It was then onto 158956/150104 waiting in platform 6. We sat in the 158 as it has tables making things more comfortable. 66598 was spotted at Fairwater yard and 66558 at Parsons Street. Once at Bristol we got off only to discover the set will split and the 158 will move forward to Cardiff. So it was back on. We only took it to Newport. There was engineering works which meant we couldn’t take a more direct route. After a little wait 158818/150258 arrived and off we went. This was my first ride along the Marches for five years and the weather was stunning.

As we approached Crewe we obviously all became more attentive to what was going on. 66602, 68010, 68012, 37059 were all spotted. There was more there but was hidden. 92018 and 023 were stabled outside the station. It was then another change of train at Crewe for a Virgin train to Preston. 221106 did the honours. Virgin clearly treat their Voyagers better than XC. No nasty toilet smells and just so much more comfortable. I would have rather had a Pendo though as there would have been a chance I needed that! Never mind.

66117 and 66093 were at Warrington as we sped north. Preston came round in no time. Nearly there! One more train and we’d be in Blackpool. 150210/142043 were the units we took and it was off to find the hotel. After a twenty odd minute walk we found it and checked in. It was then off onto the trams to do the spoons in the area. This is when (and the only time) i got slightly annoyed on the trip! The nature of the trip and everyone having different needs meant we pretty much got on the first things that we saw come. I have only done three Blackpool Trams before today and I think it would be fair to say I was expecting a few more in the book! No! 004 was the first up which was dud. We did this to the end of the line at Fleetwood Ferry (of which I have now completed).

20150927-Fleetwood Ferry-006 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

It was then a short wait for it to form the next service back towards Blackpool. We bailed at Victoria Street and took the short walk to the Thomas Drummond (I’ll highlight new spoons for me in blue). A quick drink here and back onto the tram at the London Road stop. We missed a tram by seconds. Doh! We had about ten minutes and winning 005 rolled in and it was off to Cleavleys. The Jolly Tar was visited and again we missed a tram by seconds. Not much luck in that department either. When the next tram turned up I was not impressed, 008. Dud. This was had to South Pier to do Blackpool’s newest Spoons, The Velvet Coaster. We were going to eat here but decided to have a drink and then head to Blackpool South. We would eat at the Railway Hotel in Lytham. None of us needed the Trawl Boat Inn at St Anns so flagged that one.

After the disappointment of the trams I was pleased to see a pair of winners roll in to Blackpool South. 142023/150276 were had to Lytham. After dinner we headed back to the station for 150142/150272 to Preston. This meant the wait for the train to Poulton-le-Fylde was a lot less than if we bailed at Kirkham. 150134 did the honours and off we went to the Poulton Elk. We had a couple here before 150206 then took us back to Blackpool where we headed back to the hotel. It had been a long day and tomorrow was going to be an earlier start than the rest of the week. I also wanted to watch the F1 which I had successfully avoided hearing anything about all day despite the threat by my mates to tell me! I had managed to download the BBC version to my phone at the various Spoons we had been in. It had gone 0100 by the time I finished watching it but the result was good (It’s got to be Hamilton’s championship now?). I missed the Sky coverage. I was almost embarrassed by the BBCs poor coverage.

But was time to get some kip as it was an early start. The days stats were 354 miles travelled, 2 new trains, 1 new tram, 1 new station and 3 new tram stops. Oh and three new spoons.

28th September
Today the FONW would start properly. The main aim was the Cumbrian Coast. I don’t think I need to explain why! We had arranged with hotel owner to have breakfast earlier than normal so we could get out and be at Lancaster in time for a 37 to Preston. The food was good and after that we set off to Blackpool North. Now the Rover wasn’t valid until 0845 and we wanted to be on the 0811! We were going to get a ticket to get us to Preston and then the rover would be valid. Then I realised our return ticket from Blackpool back home would be totally valid as you can break your journey as much as you want in the next 30 days! Sorted! Saved a few pennies!

20150928-Poulton-le-Fylde-158908 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

We got on the 0811 which was 158908 to Poulton for 156438/156466 behind it to Preston. It was then up to Lancaster on 390044. It wasn’t long before DBSO 9707 was in sight with 37402 pushing it. On we got for the 20 odd miles trip south to Preston.

20150928-Preston-37402 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

We then did this back up the West Coast. As we passed Carnforth we spotted a load of locos there. It looked like they have had a tidy up to me. It was mostly coaches on the south side (are they likely to turn a wheel ever again?) and the locos were on the north side. In fact too many to get all of them. Just need to know why West Coast use such a hideous colour on their trains. One of the worst liveries I think.

We got into Barrow in Furness on time and wondered over to the correct platform to see 37401 waiting!

20150928-Barrow in Furness-37401 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

20150928-Barrow in Fruness-37402 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

Was very pleased with that as it is in one of my favourite liveries. We found table and it was off round the coast to Whitehaven. The weather was stunning again so this made it the first time in three I have done the Cumbrian coast in sunshine instead of grey miserable drizzle!

20150928-Whitehaven-37401 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

We waited until 401 left and then went to find some lunch. We found a Greggs grabbed some food and ate it on the way to the Bransty Arch. A quick drink and back to the station. It was then 153330/363 to Workington for a couple (we had ages here) at the Henry Bessemer. It was time to head south back to Whitehaven with 9705 leading 37401.

20150928-Whitehaven-37401(3) by Steven Booth, on Flickr

We were running late into Whitehaven and this had a knock on effect that we had to wait a bit longer for 37402 which was coming up the other way.

20150928-Whitehaven-37402 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

This was had all the way back to Carlisle. 402 did well and a lot of the time lost was made up. Now it was time head south for dinner at Penrith. 350407/350406 were paired up to take us there. Happy with that as I needed one of them. The Dog Beck was found and a Mexican Monday was eaten. Not much time here as we wanted to head back to Carlisle. 390047 took us there. We had about twenty minutes so we popped out the station and went to the two spoons round the corner (William Rufus and Woodrow Wilson).

Back to the station we had 350402 back south to Preston. Done well with the 350/4s today! You can probably guess what we did at Preston! Yep! We headed into town. The Twelve Tellers was visited first before we took the few minutes walk to the Grey Friar. Back at the station 150269/150211 was had back to Preston. We went down to the Promenade to have a look at the illuminations but half of them didn’t appear to be working! So it was back to the hotel via somewhere for food!

Very enjoyable day on the coast! 357 miles travelled, five winning trains (the 37s were big ones!), one new station and two new Spoons.

Thats the first two days. I’ll get the rest written up as soon as I have a bit more time!

 

[Techniquest]

Bad luck on the Blackpool trams, a full day on them will sort that out I reckon. I've got to go back one day to find 005, which is more than a bit frustrating!

Two rather busy days there, but very enjoyable too. I want to go back up there for more 37 action, it's been just over two months since I last had one!

Good idea for a stag do, doing a rover, nice and different to the usual going on the razz with the goal of getting wasted!

 

[noddy1878]

Bad luck on the Blackpool trams, a full day on them will sort that out I reckon. I've got to go back one day to find 005, which is more than a bit frustrating!

Two rather busy days there, but very enjoyable too. I want to go back up there for more 37 action, it's been just over two months since I last had one!

Good idea for a stag do, doing a rover, nice and different to the usual going on the razz with the goal of getting wasted!

It was nice not feeling the pressure to just get wasted! No sign of any hangovers over the course of the few days (and we did have beers to drink on the trains too!) as it was all at a pace. I’ll be back on the Cumbrian coast in less than two weeks when hopefully they will have changed the locos again. Anyway on with the report….

29th September
The initial plan for today was to head to Merseyside. Plenty of spoons there and units still needed. We set off from Blackpool North on 142052/150141. The 142 was a winner for me. Once at Preston we should have headed to Southport but that all changed when we saw the 37 waiting to leave for Barrow had been changed!

20150929-Preston-37423 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

Change of plan then! 37423 to Lancaster. A delayed 390115 bought us back down south which made the ex Devon 142029 unit to Ormskirk. The Merseyrail unit waiting was 508140. I didn’t need it which was good as we dashed to the Spoons, The Court Leet.

20150929-Ormskirk-142029 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

20150929-Ormskirk-508140 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

It was then back to the station for the short trip down to Maghull on 507001. It was the then ‘not quite so short’ walk to the Frank Hornby. Nice touches inside with Hornby models on display. Back to the station once more and down to Orrell Park on 508140 (It had returned already!). Another Spoons in the form of The Raven. Now to Sandhills on 507032 before 507019 up to Waterloo.
This would be the last spoons for a while, The Queens Picture House. We had a bit of time now before the need to head to Liverpool Lime Street. Dave had worked out when a required 350/4 he needed was going to be anywhere near. So planned our moves to be at Wigan by a certain time. This would cut our time on the Merseyrail network but still get us all the spoons we were going for.

After Waterloo spoons it was 507016 to Bootle New Strand. Then 507033 to Seaforth (not a new shack as I initially thought!). 507004 was then had to Sandhills where we had more choice. Winning 508112 rolled in and it was up to Rice Lane. On the depot I saw 508111, a required unit. Doh!

20150929-Rice Lane-508112 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

507009 was then taken back to Sandhills. At this point I hadn’t realised 508111 was due to leave the depot and after flagging a few trains it rolled in and we took it to Walton. Time was now getting on so after bailing at Sandhills off 508140 (again!) we waited for the pair behind to Moorfields (508122/507019). Then it was down to the Wirral lines and 508141 round to Lime Street.

At this stage me and Pete were on our own. We would meet Dave and Les at St Helens a bit later. We had very little time to do the North Western but we did and made the train with a minute to spare. 150137/142035 took us to Huyton. From here we had 20 odd minutes to find and do the spoons (The Barkers Brewery). We had trouble finding it though. It wasn’t where the map said it was and we hadn’t gone far enough. I asked someone and she pointed out where it was. We literally hadn’t gone far enough by about 20 metres but it was round the corner and hidden. Never mind. We found it and had a swift half. Back to the station and it was my first taste of a ‘Northern Electric’.

20150929-Huyton-319374 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

319374 took us to Prescot for the Watch Maker. It was then 156429 to St Helens. We had an hour here. The others were already at the Glass House and had ordered food. We found it but walked onto the Running Horses first. We still had 45 odd minutes so it was to the other spoons for food. We were bowled now! 45 minutes for food! Eh? Wasn’t that busy! We flagged that and got a drink. We joined the others and we found out they were told 15 minutes but were still waiting. was nearer 30 mins by the time they got it. It came and a cock up in what they got meant free drinks all round!

After all that we got back to the station for the train we needed. Another ‘Northern Electric’ in the form of 319362 took us to Wigan North Western. It was then up to Lancaster on 390119. After a little while the 350/4 dropped as hoped. 350404 took us back to Wigan where me and Pete needed food! Thank goodness it is 2300 they stop doing food! We went to the Moon Under Water for a large mixed grill. It went down a treat. I worked out we (me and Pete as only we needed it) could get to the Brocket Arms and back in time for the train back to Preston.

With that done 390009 was had to Preston. The last train for the day was 158752 to Blackpool North. 251 miles travelled, seven new trains, seven new stations and ten new spoons.

 

[Techniquest]

Quite a productive day had there, I dread to think how many Spoons you've visited now!

Looks like you had at least one maybe two of my last 507s, and good fortune on that 508 coming off depot!

I know plenty of people who like nothing better than to go and get wasted as often as possible, thankfully my better and closer friends aren't like that. We'll enjoy the odd few now and again, but over several hours and have a good social at the same time. Much more civilised, not to mention cheaper and healthier!

 

[noddy1878]

Better get this finished now before Friday night!

30th September
The last day and its gone so quick! today Dave and Les had to leave slightly earlier to get back home but we had each others company until lunchtimeish. We arrived at the station with two choices. 158859 and 150226/112. As 158859 was required by everyone but me we took it to Poulton for the 150s behind to Preston. From here it was 142007 to Accrington. On the way 60047 was at Blackburn and was one of the few 60s I still required for sight.

20150930-Accrington-142037 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

We had time here to pop into the town for a quick one at the Accrington Spoons, the Commercial Hotel. Once back at the station 158908 was taken to Burnley Manchester Road. As me and Peter required both Spoons here we popped into the town for these before 142044 took us to Todmorden for the new curve. It was then onto Victoria on 158754. We decided that we would head round to Piccadilly as it had the potential to be more productive. 150145 took us to Salford Crescent. There was nothing heading to Piccadilly for a while and everything back to Victoria was a dud so plenty of units were flagged. Eventually 156471 arrived on its own (so it was rammed) and we went Eastwards to Oxford Road. 350405 was behind and we took this to Piccadilly. At this stage we said our goodbyes as the group split.

Next up for myself and Peter was 323237 which was a winner to Ashburys. 142030 bought us back and with nothing about in the terminating platforms we went to the through ones. 185130 was had for the leap to Oxford Road. Winning 350408 took us back to Piccadilly. It wasn’t long before double set 158788/18863 took us back the other way to Oxford Road once more.

20150930-Manchester Oxford Road-158788 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

This was a good move as up next was 319371! My penultimate 319!

20150930-Manchester Oxford Road-319371 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

You’ve guessed it, the small leap to Piccadilly was had and we noticed a wining Pendo in the station so we popped over for 390154 to Stockport. Thankfully the gates are here now so there is no hassle in the subway when changing platform. Rather than wait for a winner here we caught the first thing back to Piccadilly which was 220021. As we rolled in the daily 5 unit 142 consist had already arrived and started to split. Leading out was 142046 which we took to Reddish North. 142043 took us back and we headed to Platform 14. 67014 was leading the Manchester - Holyhead train. We took this to Oxford Road. This is where me and Peter split. I was going to do the move he was going to do (he needed 67014) but I decided to hang around in Manchester for another hour and meet him further south. It paid off! After a 20 odd minute wait at Oxford Road 350409 arrived! Yes! My final 350/4 for haulage. Just three 350/2s left now!

This was taken to Piccadilly and I had little time for any other moves to I went to where my train south was ready to board. 390002. Happy with that! I found a table seat and started charging my phone as it getting low. I took this to Crewe where me and Peter met each other. After a half hour wait 350260 came in and we took this to Birmingham. We had about 20 minutes before our train back home so we went to find food. Would Baguette World be open? We went up onto the new concourse, and this will be controversial to some but the new New Street is so much better! We had no issues getting out and found exactly where we wanted to go. They just need to finish the platforms themselves now! We found Baguette World and were pleased to see it is open! £1 for a baguette is brilliant!

Once we had stocked up we went back down and found our platform. 221133 was then had home to Plymouth (well Newton for my mate!). So for the day 402 miles travelled, 9 winning trains, 3 new shacks and 3 new spoons.

What a great few days away! 1365 miles travelled, 23 winning trains, 11 new shacks and 17 spoons, all with great company! This Friday will see the start of my ALR. Well sort of. I will be travelling to Totnes so that it starts from the Saturday as I head to London on the Night Riviera. As I have been planning this it’s very clear that I will not do everything I want to do.

My ALR

The initial aims was to clear route that I needed but I have knocked that on the head (quite a bit will be covered but no where near all. One thing is for certain I will be making the most of my ticket. I am now going for a combination of route and hopefully required traction in certain areas of the country. Will be definitely doing the 68 diagrams on both Chiltern and Scotrail. Due to a cock up in the reading of the Anglia 37 diagrams I sadly won’t get them unless I sacrifice a lot time, and unless the cumbrian 37s change from last week (still same two on it at the moment) I might flag them (again to save time and go after what I need!).

So my initial plans (subject to change cos I have the freedom!) are:

Saturday - Greater Anglia Branches not on the Anglia Plus.
Sunday - Route across Anglia to Peterborough. Then possibly East Coast bash.
Monday - Day in Glasgow and surrounding area before heading for the 68s on the fife circle.
Tuesday - First thing is the HS1 connections onto and off the classic network before an East Midlands bash
Wednesday - Cumbrian 37s (subject to whats on there) and Stranraer branch.
Thursday - Chiltern bash and 68s
Friday - Scotrail bash including Tweedbank (and probably 68s again)
Saturday - Anglia Plus and home!

Yes the Rover expires on Friday night but I will be heading to Anglia for an anglia plus and looking for units over there (this is where I misread the timetable thinking there was a Saturday 37 set of diagrams) and I’d already bought my advances to Ipswich! One thing is for certain. I am looking forward to this.

 

[Techniquest]

Wow that was a productive final day! Excellent time had on the rover, which I really want to do one of again asap!

Jealous of your ALR, looks like it'll be an amazing time for sure! Shame you won't get all the track in but a good compromise at least. You'll love the ScotRail 68s, so much better than on Chiltern!

 

[Kite159]

Have a good time on your ALR

 

[FQ]

That sounded like a fun trip. I bet the ALR will beat it though! Have a great time.

 

[noddy1878]

Jealous of your ALR, looks like it'll be an amazing time for sure! Shame you won't get all the track in but a good compromise at least. You'll love the ScotRail 68s, so much better than on Chiltern!

Have a good time on your ALR

That sounded like a fun trip. I bet the ALR will beat it though! Have a great time.

Thanks guys! Getting a little excited now!

 

[47403]

Sounds fantastic, enjoy!!!! 37422 and 37423 were on yesterday's Cumbrian Coast loco turns, it you wanna kill the days Cumbria turn, get the 05.15 out of Carlisle to Sellafield, have a +5 to meet the 05.46 out of Barrow coming back, the turns done for the day by 08.30 Im not sure if the ALR is valid, in the way my NW Rover was but if you have a bit spare cash, £14.80 anytime Carlise to Sellafield return. Ofcourse you'll have to be in them neck of the woods to be in place to do it.

 

[noddy1878]

Sounds fantastic, enjoy!!!! 37422 and 37423 were on yesterday's Cumbrian Coast loco turns, it you wanna kill the days Cumbria turn, get the 05.15 out of Carlisle to Sellafield, have a +5 to meet the 05.46 out of Barrow coming back, the turns done for the day by 08.30 Im not sure if the ALR is valid, in the way my NW Rover was but if you have a bit spare cash, £14.80 anytime Carlise to Sellafield return. Ofcourse you'll have to be in them neck of the woods to be in place to do it.

Thanks. I did look at that turn. If the sleeper gets into Carlisle early (due in at 0515) I can do it. If not I can't do that turn. The ALR will be valid. The only restrictions is london end and only on Virgin (West and East) and EMT TOCs if I am correct. I need 422 so with any luck if thats the only one on I could get it Preston to Lancaster on the day that I am planning that move.

 

[47403]

Thanks. I did look at that turn. If the sleeper gets into Carlisle early (due in at 0515) I can do it. If not I can't do that turn. The ALR will be valid. The only restrictions is london end and only on Virgin (West and East) and EMT TOCs if I am correct. I need 422 so with any luck if thats the only one on I could get it Preston to Lancaster on the day that I am planning that move.

The sleeper was in before thursday's morning was supposed to set off but im not suggesting for one moment thats the norm mind Noddy..

 

[Techniquest]

422, wow it's been many years since I had that one Rhymney to Cardiff, must be at least 9 years now, maybe 10!

 

[47403]

422, wow it's been many years since I had that one Rhymney to Cardiff, must be at least 9 years now, maybe 10!

thers a story to 37422 but I'll add it to my trip report, keep you in suspense

 

[noddy1878]

Intriguing!

Well I'm half way through day 2 and am loving it! I'll spare all the gory details for the proper write up but I just love the freedom!

 

[47403]

Intriguing!

Well I'm half way through day 2 and am loving it! I'll spare all the gory details for the proper write up but I just love the freedom!

Good to hear Noddy, enjoy and happy hunting!!!! Looking forward to the write up.

 

[Techniquest]

Likewise, going by the tweets it's been an interesting time so far!

 

[55013]

Just catching up with this.
Hope the all-liner is going well.

Your North West move has provided another enjoyable read, many thanks.

 

[noddy1878]

Just catching up with this.
Hope the all-liner is going well.

Your North West move has provided another enjoyable read, many thanks.

Thanks for that. I got home late last night but here goes - Its pretty much all done from memory (except for my notes which obviously had what I spotted and what train took me where!) so should be done within a few days!

9/10th October - Day 1
The day had come! Months of planning and even longer waiting. My usual move of the Night Riviera off of Plymouth would be the start. I planned to get a Devon Evening Ranger to take me to Totnes (cheapest way) and then the Rover would kick in. The guard came along saw my rover and just left it at that! 57604 (vying with 57605 for Bodysnatcher with most mileage now! Now at 2807 miles, one more trip behind her to Paddington would see it take that mantle). We were routed via Bristol Parkway and arrived into Paddington 15 minutes early. Time then for a quick visit to McDonalds for breakfast. It was then over to the Hammersmith line. Dud 21364 and 365 rolled in and off I went to Liverpool Street.

The first part of my plan was to head to Stansted Airport. I’d had the line earlier in the year but i needed the bit out and then North! 379013 and 019 were boarded and off we went. I hadn’t had a great nights sleep and dozed off. That passed the journey and we were soon there. It was then straight onto the waiting XC 170. Was it my last XC one? No! Was 170638. This was taken to Ely and the other curve out of Stansted was done. At Ely the plan was then to head up to Kings Lynn for the route up that branch. I had a fill in move to Waterbeach on winning 365540 for a winning shack.

20151010-Waterbeach-365540 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

From here and onto Kings Lynn on 365508. But I was now getting a little worried! I was falling asleep big time. I was only on day one! My worry would be clearer later in the report! Now I had 50 minutes before the next train. I thought that the unit that took me in was the one that went out straight away. It wasn’t which was annoying as I needed the pair that left but I wanted to do the Spoons in Kings Lynn as I had little desire to return another day! So I went and attempted to find the two Spoons. Attempt? At this stage I found my ALR wasn’t liked in the barrier (or any other i tried it in and gave up as time went on and just flashed it). I duly went to the guy on the gate for him to tell me it wasn’t valid this far? I’m sorry? Not Valid? I told him it was and he said it was only valid as far as Ely! I was a little bit shocked that he thought that. I explained it was an All Line Rover and I could go wherever I wanted. I did say there were a few restrictions but Kings Lynn certainly wasn’t one of them! Anyway, once through I went and found the Spoons and headed back to the station. 365508 was then taken once again but this time to Ely.

From here I headed to the South of Anglia to cover off some of the branches down there. 170273 was taken to Ipswich for 90012 forward to Chelmsford. Stowmarket was a busy place for 57s as I passed. I managed to spot 6 of them there all on RHTT duties. It was lunchtime now and I was hungry. Been a long time since that McDonalds! So into the town I went. I found one of the spoons and got something to eat. I had enough time to go via the second spoons for a quick drink and back to the station.

321446 and 321442 (only the second of the day so far!) was had to Braintree. The same units were then had back to Withim before the short wait for 360109 and 360116 to Colchester Town.

20151010-Colchester Town-360109 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

They headed back the way they came so I waited for 360105 to arrive which would be heading to Walton-on-the-Naze.

20151010-Walton-on-the-Naze-360105 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

Now I needed to the Clacton-on-Sea branch. Back on to 360105 and I got off at Thorpe-le-Soken to wait for the Clacton train. My plan soon changed though when winning 360101 and 360118 came from Clacton! I jumped on and bailed at Wivenhoe. I obviously missed the Clacton train so had an hour roughly till the next one. I quick look at what I could do. 360105 (which had waited at Thorpe-le-Soken for the Clacton train to overtake it) had caught back up so I jumped on here for Hythe. I waited for it to come back and back to Wivenhoe (the Clacton train didn’t stop everywhere). I had time to pop to the pub outside the station. I’m glad I did as they had St Austell Ruck and Roll on. Missed it last year and is one of the seasonal ales which I like!

Back to the station and 360110 and 360107 rolled in and it was on to Clacton. The last few moves had produced some nice results and I was now down to requiring one 360 to clear the class! We arrived at Clacton and then had to wait for them to split the sets before being allowed to re board. So 360110 took me back and I bailed at Colchester for the train behind to Marks Tey. 153314 was waiting and this would be my ride to and from Sudbury.

20151010-Marks Tey-153314 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

With that done it was now time to head back to Ipswich. I was knackered! As I mentioned earlier this worried me. I was in a hotel tonight but that would be it until I got back home the following Saturday night! I tried not to think about it! Once back at Ipswich the original plan was to get the Felixstowe branch done. However I couldn’t be bothered with the wait for the train (50 odd minutes), was tired and hungry.

So it was off to the Novatel. 10 minute from the station I passed McDonalds! Twice in one day? Sod it I was on holiday (and I doubt my diet was going to get much better over the next week!). I finally made it back to the room, a lot earlier than planned. The day was due to end at about 2300 but it was 2100. I rang my wife and then settled down to watch the F1 Qualifying on Sky Go. I settled down too much though and fell asleep (no surprise i guess!). I woke up near the end but I got the gist of what was going on and Hamilton was second. No probs.

So day one was done. To be honest, looking back at it, it was the most disappointing day which was a good thing as it meant things got better! This was probably down to the fact I only scored 5 winning trains. I did complete a lot of route though which needed to be done and I scored 12 new shacks. Day 2 I will type up tomorrow after work. What a comedown thats gonna be!