Noddy's Trip Reports

[DarloRich]

Great read so far! Shame you didn't have a chance to bail out at Lochwinnoch i know a good pub there. A bit of a walk but worth it

I see the sleepers are getting some hammer from you. I didn't do the sleepers on my recent ALR ( which i MUST write up) as i was short of cash. You are brave doing it in the seats! I always go for the berth

 

[FQ]

Another cracking day and congrats on getting 170112! Shame 86101 wasn't on the other end of the sleeper mind

 

[backontrack]

Anyway, looks like a great day was spent out on the trains. Where next?
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EDIT: Cumbrian Coast and Stranraer? Tell me more!

 

[noddy1878]

Thanks for all the comments guys!

The ticket worked the HS1 barriers at St Pancras?

Blimey!

No it didn’t. It didn’t work in any barrier anywhere. I had to keep showing it to the gate line staff.

14th October - Day 5

So for the 5th day I had originally planned the Cumbrian Coast with the 37s and a trip to Stranraer to get the line cleared! As discussed earlier in the thread I was looking at changing it a bit. I had done the route with the 37s only a couple of weeks before and there was plenty of things I needed without tying myself to the coast all day. I was torn.

In the end I decided that if the sleeper got Carlisle on time (scheduled arrival is the same time as departure of the first 37 diagram) I would go for that to Sellfield and the other one back. This would drop me out the top by 0830 and I could go off and do other stuff. I also knew at this point there was only one 37 running that I needed. This was the 37 that started at Barrow. Oh the other thing that would see me attempt this plan was ifI was awake!

As it turned out, I woke up a few miles out from Carlisle. We were early too so that would be it. A quick wash and change of t-shirt before getting off the train and I was ready! It was freezing on the station and for the first time a jumper and coat! My hat even came out! I went over to where the 0515 was to depart but there was no sign of it. It got to 0515 and the screen changed to 0516. Then changed to 0517. Eventually it just changed to delayed!

This was not the start i needed. I waited around for another 35 minutes before deciding that I would knock the idea on the head. A winning Scotrail unit had rolled in and was due to head to Glasgow Central, obviously via Kilmarnock. I needed the route and it was in the days original plan so I went for the that. A few minutes before we were due to leave the 37 finally turned up! I stayed where I was. It finally left Carlisle 45 down and the knock on effect was it was caped at Barrow later on. It was a very good job I didn’t go to do my original plan which was to do the 1004 off Preston then!

So 156509 and 156432 headed north to Kilmarnock. I needed the route between Dumfries and Kilmarnock. At Kilmarnock I went for breakfast at Spoons. It was then back to the station and onto 156504 onwards to Barrhead. A few minutes later and on 156506 and 156439 I headed into Glasgow. As we arrived I saw 380011 waiting to leave so I jumped on it to Paisley Gilmour Street. The next train that came in was 380101! Required! So back to Central I went. As we approached I spotted 380107. I was now down to two 380s required to clear them so I worked out where it would be. It was heading to Ayr. So I stayed on 380101 which was also due to go to Ayr. I bailed at Kilwinning.

20151014-Kilwinning-380101 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

As expected, 380107 arrived and it was back to Glasgow Central. Only 380003 required now. The only thing around that I needed was 156501. So I got this to Crossmyloof (how did they come up with this name?). There was a bit of a wait so I walked over to Pollockshields West. 314203 back to Central and I spotted my penultimate 314!

20151014-Glasgow Central-314212 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

314212 then to Paisley Gilmour Street (for the last time!!!) and back on 380017. Now only 314201 to find. A reasonably successful morning. Now I decided that I would do something that I meant to do on Monday. I wanted to finish off the Lanark and Larkhill branches. I grabbed a baguette on the way over to the train. I missed the direct train so had to get 220002 to Motherwell (which overtakes the train i missed) for 380021 to Lanark.

20151014-Lanark-320319 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

Whilst I was here I popped into the town to visit the spoons and was back for the next train out, 320319 and 320305. I took this to Wishaw and again popped into the town to visit the spoons. Next up was 380009 which I took to Motherwell. The quick platform crossover and onto 318268 as far as Blantyre. This left me with the shortest wait for 320301 and 320311 to Larkhall.

With the branches done i now looked at that next stage of the day, my required Cumbrian 37! So back into Glasgow (same units). I had enough time to go one stop further and bail at Anderston where I met 318268 once more and took this back to Central.

Up onto the high level platforms and over to Platform 1 for 390103 to Carlisle. I took the opportunity to give my external battery a boost (it was working great by the way!). There was a 30 odd minute fester here so I got a cup of tea and waited for the train to the coast. For the first time a pacer for me on the Cumbrian Coast, well sort of. I didn’t get that far. 142070 took me to Aspatria. After a short(ish) wait 37409 finally turned up and it was back to Carlisle! It sounded great and the driver new what he was doing!

20151014-Carlisle-37409 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

It was now back to Glasgow Central. 390127 did the honours and I went and got some dinner. Back at the station the sleeper was in and ready to be boarded.

20151014-Glasgow Central-87002 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

20151014-Glasgow Central-90042 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

90042 was again in charge. I ended up doing 1101 miles behind her this week! I found a seat and it wasn’t long until i was asleep as we headed south. Despite the iffy start to the day I was pleased with how things worked out. Ten winning trains, 922 miles travelled, 8 new stations and nearly clearing my 314s and 380s. I didn’t manage the Stranraer branch but I did clear other bits that were needed. So that was Day 5 done!

 

[Kite159]

Sounds like a very good day

 

[backontrack]

Sounds like you had a great day, just shame you didn't get down past Aspatria, or to Stranraer. Another great read though, nevertheless.

 

[Techniquest]

Another excellent day! Good call on the 156s over the delayed 37 there, it worked out well! So close to clearing two more classes too, it is a wonderful feeling when you clear the 314s!

Your Spoons count just on your ALR is getting good, I should imagine you've got a lot less to get than me!

 

[Kristofferson]

Another great day with great photos! How's the sleeper working out for actual sleep?

 

[47403]

Again another great read, gutted the 37's didnt workout for you, least you got 37409 (OH MY) Lord Hinton's a beast.

 

[FQ]

Hinton is a beast to some, a stalker to others. That 37 chases me everywhere I go (when I would see a 37 of course.)

 

[noddy1878]

Another great day with great photos! How's the sleeper working out for actual sleep?

Surprisingly well. I was worried after the Night Riviera but I was able to get more sleep on the the Caledonian.


Will be a couple of days till the next update. Work and other commitments unfortunately.
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Try and get this finished up now!

15th October - Day 6

I woke up on the approach to Euston! 30 early! Fantastic! I needed this. I wanted a shower but also needed to get over to Marylebone. So I was pretty much the first person off the train and near the front.

20151015-Euston-90042 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

Quick photo and onto the First Class lounge. The problem was, it was shut! Doesn’t open until 0645 so had to wait. That was 15 minutes i gained lost. Not quite sure why it opens so late (but Virgins twitter team thinks it opens at 0700!). Virgin have trains leaving London long before 0645! A queue quickly formed behind me but I was first in and into a shower. With only four shower cubicles there was a queue by the time I came out. Glad I was in first!

So onto Marylebone. I walked as I am not paying £2.30 for the mile or so trek from Euston. A mile was nothing compared to the other day! Once at Marylebone I jumped on 165003 and 165010 and was off to High Wycombe. I had comfortable 30 minute wait for the Southbound Banbury set. I don’t like High Wycombe station. What a horrible mess with the platforms not even opposite each other. Anyway the time arrived for the train and 68009 controlled by 82302 was boarded in the last carriage! I took this all the way to Marylebone. I jumped off the train and saw a mate waiting. He was joining me for the last couple of days of my ALR.

20151015-Marylebone-68009 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

Next up was to head to Aylesbury. So we got on 168108 and went north to Princess Risborough. Disappointingly the bubble car wasn’t out and 165015 was had to Aylesbury. At least it was a winner. Long overdue for something to eat now so we went into the town for a Spoons breakfast. The plan whilst here was for me to go to Aylesbury Vale Parkway to get the route done before heading back to London via Amersham for the same reason.

We got back to the station and winning 165026 was in the platform, but it was going the wrong way. We got it anyway to Stoke Mandeville before I got 165006 back. At this point my mate headed back to London to go after units he needed. I waited around for the next train to Aylesbury Vale Parkway. I took the opportunity to go and get a photo of the depot.

20151015-Aylesbury-960014 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

20151015-Aylesbury Vale Parkway-165020 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

Once back at the station I jumped on 165020 and went two miles north to AVP. As we passed the depot I spotted 168325 around the back of the depot. Once at AVP I had an annoying 30 minute wait before we could go back! I stayed on all the way to London. What a dull line! Wanted to get away from it!

I had a look for a train that was heading up the quicker side of the Chiltern route. I found one, went to the platform double checked the screen and jumped on. It was a winner in 165039 too. The only problem was it left early! I was a bit confused at this. It turns out the train I boarded was heading up the line I just wanted to get away from! Doh! They had already taken this service off the screen and I thought it was the one after! Not wanting to go all the way I got off at Harrow! Bad mistake maybe. I could have gone further and come back with less of a wait! Nevertheless a wait at Harrow was in store.

Eventually (thank goodness) winning 165030 arrived and back to Marylebone once more! This time I made absolutely sure I got this right! 165002 to Seers Green and 165018 back to Gerard's Cross. At this point I met my mate again and 165006 made another appearance for the day take us back to Marylebone. Two of my next trains were waiting in the platforms.

20151015-Marylebone-68011 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

20151015-Marylebone-68014 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

First up was 68014 which we took to Leamington Spa.

20151015-Leamington Spa-68014 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

68011 was behind and this was taken to Solihull. A late 168109 arrived so I jumped on this to Warwick Parkway for 168215 behind back to Leamington. 68015 was then had up to Solihull before dropping back to Dorridge on 172341 and 172221. Finally 68013 for the fifth 68 of the day to Moor Street!

We then headed over to New Street and onto Baguette World! Two 99p baguettes were bought and then into M&S for some beers back to London. Once onto 390130, I devoured my two baguettes and my beers didn’t last long either! Once we got into London (which seemed to be no time at all!) we popped out to the Euston Tap for a pint. It was then back into the station for our train.

90047 (not required as I’d had it when it was on Pretendolino duties a few years ago) was leading us to Carstairs. As we were off to Edinburgh there was obviously a change of loco there.

I know I sound like a stuck record but another great day. 846 miles with 11 winners and seven new shacks. I also cleared all the Chiltern route (at the time as the new bit is now open!).

16th October - Day 7

As we approached Carstairs I woke up and could see the shape of a 92 waiting nearby! A winner! I wouldn’t know what it was until we got to Edinburgh but it would be my first one! I needed to make sure I was ready to get off the train asap so with about 15 minutes to go I went and freshened up. We approached Haymarket on time and flew through the station, which we needed as I had a +3 at Waverley which was too tight for a station this size. However the driver slowed down and took an eternity to stop and we ended up being 2 late! That was that move gone!

92010 had bought us in but there was no photo as it was off the end of the platform. Having missed my connection I went and found the the next train to Tweedbank. My mate went off to meet the 68s (he needed one of them and now only needs one!). 158868 soon left and by the time we got to New Criaghall (and what an eternity it took to get there! They really should have upgraded the junction and the track in the area!) we were two late. We were then turfed off due to an engine problem! Great! It left the station and I got on the next train which was 158724 and 158727 back towards Waverley. I got off at Brunstane for the shack.

158733 and 782 were in charge of the next south bound service. The weather was dull and damp. I have to be honest the top end of the line wasn’t anything special but by the time we neared the end it was more like what I had heard!

20151016-Tweedbank-158733 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

I got out at Tweedbank for a photo and got back on for the short ride to Galashiels. I had 30 minutes to go and get breakfast which was plenty of time. What struck me was how busy the line was! Even a good few weeks after its opened. 158715 and 158735 took me back to Edinburgh. I headed to Haymarket as I knew a required 158 (that I had seen earlier) was on its way back. But when I arrived I saw an East Coast HST being led by 43309! I needed it so boarded it to Edinburgh. 43317 was on the rear.

20151016-Edinburgh Waverlay-43317 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

The 158 I had seen did indeed turn up so I waited a short while for it to start it’s next diagram. so 158867 was had to Haymarket. I now decided that I would attempt something I tried earlier in the week, the Livingstone Spoons!

I was about to get the next train to Livingstone North but a pair of 334s arrived and I needed one of them! 334020 and 334034 So I headed back to Edinburgh. Nothing else I needed showed up so I finally made my way to Livingstone on 334023. I had more time than the other day. So I looked up the buses. In the end my app gave the option of walking taking only ten minutes longer (by the time I waited for the bus!) so I just walked!

It was a long way so I wasn’t walking back. No way! I visited the two spoons (one is due to be sold off hence my urgency to get it done!) and jumped in a taxi back to the station. It was back to Haymarket on 334003 in time for what should be a winning 170 (I had seen it earlier). Again I was right. 170425 was had for the short hop to Waverley. Now I wanted to head to Glasgow. My mate had already headed that way. 170420 took me to Glasgow Queen Street. I dropped down to the low level platforms and 334003 (again!) was had to Partick.

After letting a lot through I eventually jumped on 318254 to Hyndland. I found my mate here and he let me know what was floating about. Was worth me staying for a bit. Hyndland is good as it’s an island platform which means I can go in which ever direction i needed too! Eventually 318262 arrived and it was a leap back to Partick. Partick is the opposite of Hyndland and is a pain to cross platform change! I decided to go to the to the other side. The screens started going wrong so no one had any idea of what was due or to where! Didn’t bother me much but annoying nevertheless. After letting a fair amount go (and luckily nothing I needed was on the otherside) I got on 320309 and 320306 to Hyndland. The train behind was 320316 and 318255 heading in the direction of Anniesland. I bailed here and crossed to the other platform. 318259 and 318268 arrived and at this point I decided that I would head over to the high level platforms of Central. Would 380003 or 314201 be about?

It was slow going at Central. Obviously there was a lot here but nothing I needed. Eventually a required 156 was spotted.156506 and 156507 were had to Crossmyloof. 156512 back to Central for another fester. I bumped into my mate once more and we stuck together for the rest of the day. Eventually 156437 and 156476 (we each needed one!) was had to Crossmyloof! We walked over to Maxwell Park (thinking it would be quicker but we just missed a train) so we had to wait anyway! We needed to be back at Central if something we had seen was correct! 314205 took us back and we headed over to the lower numbered platforms. As predicted 318257 turned up and we got on. We took this to Cambuslang before 380021 bought us back.

Now was time to start heading North. We walked up to Queen Street via a Chippy. It was onto 158712 which we took to Stirling. Behind it was 170410 which we stayed on to Dundee. We had an hour so we went into the town for a drink. After a couple of pints back to the station and we waited for what would be the final Caledonian Sleeper of the trip! 67010 was to take us to Edinburgh. For the first time in a couple of nights I got a beer from the bar and set about working out my mileages from the last few days. With that done and not being at all tired I put music on and read.

17th October - Day 8

We got into Edinburgh on time and I got out to see what was leading for London.

20151017-Edinburgh Waverley-90045 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

Very pleased to see it was a wining 90045. With the photo taken I got back on the train and got some kip! So the day gave me 14 winners over 352 miles. I also bagged four stations. It was the last day of my ALR and I loved every minute of it! One thing for sure I will miss this ticket!

So my ALR has run out but I was obviously not home! I had decided during the planning process I would be doing an extra day. I had decided that I would do an Anglia Plus. We headed over to Liverpool Street via the Victoria and Central line. 11045/046 were had to Oxford Circus before 91085, 92198, 93240 and 92161 to Liverpool Street. It was now I felt naked! My ALR was gone and I couldn’t just jump on whatever I wanted! I had to wait until my train which was 0900! I used the time to get something to eat.

Eventually 90008 propelled 82102 towards Ipswich. We bailed here and went to see what was in the yard. Up next was 170271. We took this to Stowmarket and waited for the the unit back to Ipswich. 170203! One down, one to go! (Well of the Greater Anglia 170s!). Once back at Ipswich we moved on to Norwich to see which units were kicking about there.

153314 and 153335 were in the platform. I’ll take that! We took these to Brundall.

20151017-Brundall-153335 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

We didn’t have to wait long for a train back to Norwich. It was 156402 that arrived. Once back at Norwich we went outside to see what was in the yard. In the yard was 47818, 47828 and 47815. Tucked round the back was 37419 and 57310.

20151017-Norwich-57310, 37419 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

Back into the station and we saw 156416! Another! This time we had no choice but to stay on it as there was no nice cross over point! So on to Lowestoft (for the first time in years for me). We had time to pop out for a drink which I was glad about. One of my favourite Adnam’s ales, Ghost Ship was on and managed to get my ‘Show me the Ghost Ship’ badge on untapped (for those who aren’t in the know - it’s a special badge and I needed to check into a Ghost Ship!). It was then back to Norwich on the same 156. We actually bailed at Brundall because there was another unit behind. Good move! 156418!

Time was getting on now so we headed back towards Ipswich. There was enough time to do the Felixstowe branch (which if you remember I didn’t do last week) so that was the plan. The plan didn’t happen though because at Ipswich was 170270! My final Greater Anglia 170! The route can wait! So onto Stowmarket once more and we met 170203 again back to Ipswich.

It was now time to head home. Unbelievably 90008 turned up and that was our ride to London. Typical! Once here we had to drop into the Central line to get back to Paddington sort of! (Hammersmith/Circle was shut). 92335, 92042, 93102 and 92047 took us to Lancaster Gate. We then walked to Paddington (via the Chippy). It was then onto the final train of the week! 43094 leading 43180 and into First Class we went!

What an amazing week!

74 winning trains.
7 new tube trains.
6367 miles travelled.
52 new stations.

Cleared my 360s. Cleared the XC fleet. Only now need one 380 and one 314.

My fears of only sleeping on the sleeper were not founded and if i ever get the opportunity to do this again I would do exactly the same. It makes the cost of the rover worthwhile. I spent £530.95 on travel over the course of the 8 days which meant I spent 8p per mile. I had moments where things didn’t quite go to plan (Glenrothes too Markinch!) but overall things worked brilliantly. I experienced my first 68s (got 7 in the end!) and another new 37. A couple of 90s, Virgin East Coast 43s and EMT 43s!

Brilliant week!

 

[FQ]

That sounds like a really, really fun week. How I want to do an ALR!

 

[noddy1878]

That sounds like a really, really fun week. How I want to do an ALR!

It was. I was buzzing for a few days after. Having been at work for a week now i've calmed down. Would love to do another but not sure the right set of circumstances would happen again. Will have to settle for shorter small rovers.

But at least I can say I have done one! I would really recommend it.

 

[Techniquest]

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the ALR, I love the freedom they bring!

Well jealous of 318254, my last 318 to bash! 170273 is my last of that batch to get so jealous again, same with some of those other GA units!

The Aylesbury line was dull as ditchwater when I did it too so I'm glad it wasn't just me!

Amazing time had over 8 days and what value per mile! Tons of winners too!

 

[Kite159]

Agreed, sounded like an amazing time

 

[Keith Jarrett]

Noddy, an excellent week judging by the fantastic read. Thank goodness that you got a reasonable amount of doss on the sleepers otherwise you would have been totally "cream crackered" by the end of the week. And the fact that you did not encounter any serious disruption was another plus. All those winners as well. You must be well pleased!

 

[47403]

great read from start to finish, thanks for sharing noddy.

 

[55013]

Well, after 47403's nostalgia-fest, your bang up to date trip proves that good times can still be had.
A brilliant write-up - it almost has me wanting to do another all-liner.

 

[Techniquest]

Well, after 47403's nostalgia-fest, your bang up to date trip proves that good times can still be had.
A brilliant write-up - it almost has me wanting to do another all-liner.

Good times can indeed still be had, and I've got a massive craving to do an ALR again too!

 

[47403]

I couldn't agree more, although I suppose, it depends where you are, what your on and what your after.
There's obviously plenty out there, the 73/9's on the sleepers will soon add a little something different into the mix too. I could see a freedom of Scotland come into play, in the new year.
i wish I could find the time and money to do an ALR, god if I went on one, the ALR advice thread would be a million and 1 questions:roll:

 

[Techniquest]

Ooh that's not one I've ever done, a Freedom of Scotland! Hmm...

 

[47403]

Ooh that's not one I've ever done, a Freedom of Scotland! Hmm...

have i set a ball rolling inside your now tech? The 73's have got me seriously thinking of one.

http://www.railrover.org/pages/freedom-of-scotland-travelpass.html

 

[Techniquest]

have i set a ball rolling inside your now tech? The 73's have got me seriously thinking of one.

http://www.railrover.org/pages/freedom-of-scotland-travelpass.html

You have indeed. The 73s are so tempting it's unreal!

Sorry noddy, I think we'll take this one off-thread now!

 

[noddy1878]

You have indeed. The 73s are so tempting it's unreal!

Sorry noddy, I think we'll take this one off-thread now!

Don't worry! I was hoping the 73/9s were already going to be on there when I did it as I've already has most 67s. I've done a freedom of Scotland but I thought only the Fort William portion was a service train until Edinburgh? Can you use the other portions too? I thought it was for sleeper users only.

 

[Techniquest]

I think you're right there, Inverness and Aberdeen are for sleeper pax only. Certainly they're not advertised at Edinburgh as pax services, and I highly doubt they are anywhere else too.

I wonder if you can board the Down Highland at Carlisle though for either destination, obviously with a seat reservation. I would imagine you can on an additional fare above the pass.

 

[Kite159]

I believe only the Fort William part is a service train after Edinburgh, although you might want to get a seat reservation just in case it is busy.

And it is recommended, West Highland Line from the drop-light is an experience I won't be forgetting in a while

*brings back memories of that week in May last year - happy times*

 

[crehld]

All great reads ... jealous of your All Line Rover experience! I'll have to get one in before my railcard runs out in the summer.

 

[backontrack]

Noddy - a brilliant write up, looks like you had a brilliant time! Congratulations on clearing XC's fleet completely - you'll need to organise a sneaky trip to get that 380 and that 314!

 

[noddy1878]

Wow! Can’t believe its been so long since my last report! Xmas (gets a little bit mental in retail) and other personal issues have given me little time to do any reports. I have been on the forums but mainly reading others reports.

I did manage three more trips between my ALR and the end of 2015 so I am now making an effort to write these up! Only problem is some of the detail may be a bit woolly as I’m now going by my notes of what I rode on to jog my memory!

21st November - West Midlands Day Ranger
My first trip after my ALR (and over a month at that!) was a West Midland Day Ranger with my dad. Basically my parents took me and my wife away for the weekend and we stayed in Worcester. Me and Dad were allowed to do what we wanted on the Sat so we did the following.

An early start and it was freezing. The only cold spell that we had at the back end of 2015. The plan was to head towards Kidderminster to get the first of two 68 diagrams that would be running that day.

We got onto 166215 for the short leap to Shrub Hill from Foregate Street. From here we were able to pick up our rangers (the ticket office was shut at Foregate) and then onto 172335 to Kidderminster. There was a problem with that unit there and it was ages before it finally left (I think it was later taken out of service as I’m sure a few cancellations kicked in later in the day). After a little wait we eventually saw 68012 arrive with the first 68 diagram of the day. Yes! Good start as I needed it.

20151121-Birmingham Moor Street-68012 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

We took this to Moor Street and as we passed Stourbridge we saw 68010. Will this drop onto the second diagram? I was hoping it would as I needed it (my last Chiltern one). Once in Birmingham we headed to the Dragon Inn for a large Spoons Breakfast. That would set us up for the day ahead!

We next headed back to Moor Street for 172219 to Rowley Regis. What would turn up? 68015. Nevermind! Its never that easy! If 68010 had turned up it would have meant I got all Chiltern 68s in just two trips. Just have to hope its out for my next trip!

We bailed at Smethwick Galton Bridge and dropped downstairs for 350231 into New Street. It wasn’t long before I found a winning unit (my dad needed everything by the way!) in 170512 (coupled with 170501). We took this to Wolverhampton. At this stage we decided to take 350233 back to New Street as it gave more options.

After a seeing nothing for a while we eventually decided to head to Wellington for a new shack (and whilst there a required Spoons!). 158837 and 158831 did the honours. Annoyingly one turned up for the return! 158831 (must have stayed at Shrewsbury whilst 837 moved on and joined up with an incoming service) with 158838. They arrived back in time for the move that should produce a winner after. The added bonus was 323201 took us to University and that was a winner too. The move we wanted was University back to New Street for 170507 and 516. Only one LM 170 required now.

Next up was a trip to the airport. Initially I thought we were on winning 390103 but I later realised I hadn’t crossed it off my list. I had in fact had it a month before to Carlisle from Glasgow! Doh!

No matter, at the airport was 158841 and 821. That’ll do nicely! Once back at New Street we saw 350107. Nice! That will do to Marston Green. Only two 350s left now (done all the TPE ones)! 350368 and 371 soon arrived and it was back to New Street. Not without issues on board. The tannoy wasn’t working properly we soon arrived at a short station and not everyone could get off as they hadn’t moved down far enough! Eventually that was sorted and we were on the move!

We didn’t have much time left now (strict instruction to be back into Worcester by 1800 if i remember correctly!). A move to Erdington and back was had on 323210 out and 323212 back for a new shack and Spoons.

The last move of the day was 170635 back to Worcester.

Not a bad day in the end. Obviously picking up a 68 was good but 5 other winners (in an area where I now don’t need that much) was good along with three new shacks and three new spoons! Total cost? Nothing, my dad paid for me!

3rd December
December is historically a slow month for me. Work is mental so I seldom get a chance to do a lot. I always try one last major trip. I managed to get some reasonably priced advances to London for very early in the month.

The gWr HST was in charge of the 0553 to London and this was my first opportunity to get a photo of it.

20151203-Plymouth-43188 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

My train was 43161 and 43026 which were in charge of the 0540 off Plymouth. Arrival is just before 0930. Once I arrived I was able to get a picture of the other end of the gWr HST.

20151203-Paddington-43187 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

My plan for the day was to knock some of spoons I needed off the list. I had decided now that I had so few left I just needed to put some effort into finishing them so that future trips I could concentrate on trains! The knowledge that The Cap in Hand in Surbiton being closed also swayed my decision.

So with that it was on to 21465+466 from Paddington to Royal Oak. I needed the route (surprisingly) and therefore all the shacks on this bit. I had planned to bail at each but decided after a couple to just get on with what I needed to do. The stations will be there another time. The Spoons won’t!

I did 21318+21317 to Westbourne Park and then 21423+424 to Hammersmith. It was then over to the other Hammersmith station and 239+390 to Barons Court. I did 21377+378 to West Kensington so I could claim both stations (I’d had Barons court before as a Piccadilly station, I’ll explain that in more detail in a future trip report!!). It was then 7031 and 8012 to Earls Court. Nice bonus there! 21373+21374 for new route was then taken to Wimbledon.

From here 5712 and 5903 arrived and I took this to Chessington South. I needed the branch and it was the closest way to get the Cap in Hand (which in my eyes isn’t actually in Surbiton). I took the same two units back to Chessinton North before the walk to the pub. A quick drink and then I walked onto Tolworth which was a similar distance to Chessington North. 5720 and 5730 for the short trip to Motspur Park for another move southwards on 456002, 456022 and 5741 to Worcester Park.

It was now a bus ride to the spoons near Cheam. With that done it was then the bus once more to Morden. I now wanted to head towards East London.

I needed the last few shacks on the Northern line at the southern end so made sure I got these in. 51569+638 were had Morden to South Wimbledon and 51627+626 South Wimbledon to Colliers Wood. From here it was all the way up to London Bridge on 51520+704 before heading to the Jubilee line. 96021+490 I did to Bermondsey and to clear the shacks on the line 96019+96430 to Canada Water. My last move here was 96095+96446 to Stratford.

321347 and 321332 appeared shortly so I jumped on this to Shenfield. 321311 took me back to Romford where I found the bus I needed to take me to the Colly Row Spoons. As I was waiting for the bus back I saw a bus that would take me straight to another spoons i needed in Hornchurch! Well not straight too it (it went everywhere!) but it was the easiest way! I wasn’t planning on doing it but i thought I might as well just get it out of the way! Once I got it done it was a walk to Emerson Park for 321414 to Romford.

315815 and 315824 then took me to Stratford and finally 321319 and 321441 to Liverpool Street. Over to the tube and it was dud 21059+060 to Kings Cross. 21453+454 was behind and I took this to Edgware Road to be the right end of Paddington. The bonus was 21455+456 took me onwards to Paddington.

It was then 43098 and 43012 for the trip home! I did more spoons than I planned but they are done now so that was good. I did pick up 16 winners and plenty of new shacks so all in all, an enjoyable day!

7/8th December
This was a totally unplanned trip! Quite late on I realised there was a UK Railtours tour on a Tuesday which was my day off. A tour from London Victoria to Fawley was to tempting to ignore so I went for it. Because of the time the tour left I needed to travel up the night before. DRS hire in, 57303, was my traction to London. Unusually it went straight up the B&H with no diversion through Westbury or Frome. I had a little bit of time in London to kill so worked out a plan to try and get breakfast in a spoons near enfield that is due to be sold off.

21427+21428 took me over to Liverpool Street where I would take 317668 and 317508 to Hackney Downs. Good start! There was time drop back to Bethnal Green on 317890 before 317732 and 317889 to Stamford Hill for a new shack. At this stage I could see the timetable starting to slip by a few minutes. 315801 and 315806 were then had to Rectory Road before 315808 to Bush Hill Park. The timetable had fallen over now and I could not risk my move for the spoons and be comfortable with getting back to Victoria in time. So I just started to head south now. 317508 and 668 returned to take me back to Seven Sisters for the Victoria Line.

Now there was a change of plan. I would take my time to get to Victoria and see if my final two pairs of 2009 Stock units would turn up. I wanted to get to an island platform station (well corridor connected) so took 12081+082 to Oxford Circus. I didn’t have to wait long! 12085+086 was the first train to turn up! I took this to further south to Green Park. Minutes later 12041+042 rolled in heading North. Brilliant! Thats the 2009 stock cleared. Ok, i know its not hard with the frequency and short line length but it was done with little effort to be honest! Once back at Oxford Circus I headed all the way to Victoria on 12067+068.

I had plenty of time and went to see what the locos on the tour were. 66023 would be leading us south and then 66088 back later in the day.

20151208-London Victoria-66023 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

20151208-London Victoria-66088 by Steven Booth, on Flickr

With my pictures taken I headed outside the station to find breakfast. You guessed it. Spoons round the corner. It was then back to the station and on with the tour. The route south was relatively straight forward, joining the South West Mainline at Wimbledon. It was then down to Eastleigh for a pickup where several locos were spotted in the yard. Of significance were 66758 and 66766 which were required for sight.

Onwards then through Southampton and pass Millbrook. We then turned into the yard at Totton before heading down to Fawley (new track for me). We went up to the boundary gate. Now 66088 was in charge and it was back the way we came as far as Eastleigh. From here turned up towards Romesy and then via Livestock South and North Junctions (required) back towards Basingstoke. For me the new track didn’t stop. After Byfleet we turned up towards Virginia Water for the final bit of new track for me of the day! It was a relatively straightforward run then into Victoria. Well until we were a mile out! We were held for a while as the VSOE was in the platform we were due in and had to wait for it to be dragged out.

An enjoyable tour. Started at a reasonable time and finished at one! This wasn’t the end of the day for me however! I needed to head back north to Enfield once more! So onto the Victoria line and 12001+002 whisked me back to Seven Sisters. From here it was 317508 and 317668 to Edmonton Green. From here I took 315806 and 315801 to Southbury (nearest to the Spoons). I then took the shortish walk to it before heading back to the station and making my way to Liverpool Street. 317655 and 317883 were winning and I took this to Edmonton Green. Time to see if the unit behind was good. Yes! 317887 to Liverpool Street. Finally 21461+462 took me back to Paddington for 43036 and 43197 back to Plymouth! I had a great day. 513 miles, 16 winners and a few new shacks.

That was it for 2015! What a year! I travelled 21793 miles and picked up 560 winning trains. 62 locos, 84 DMUs, 277 EMUs, 137 LUL units and 20 trams! In the year I cleared the 360s and 2009 stock and I got countless new shacks. The highlight was without doubt my ALR. I loved the flexibility of it and was pleasantly surprised that my plan to use the sleepers every night paid off and didn’t knacker me out. I know they never say never but it is very unlikely I will ever get to do one again.

What will 2016 have in store for me? I had/have a few things planned (a couple of which I have done already done and will report on shortly). I need 1692 trains/trams (this figure changes frequently with plenty of new stock coming on line but includes the 168/3s already in place, the 387/2s, all the 458/5s. If I take Eurostar units out of the equation I need 1613!

Hopefully I will not be as long in keeping this thread up to date!

 

[FQ]

3 fab reads! Shame 010 didn't produce on your WMDR but there's always next time. Just a quick thing to point out with the WMDR report.

You say that you had 158837 and 841 from New Street to Wellington and back (duds both times) and then back from the airport you had 841 and 821, with 841 being down as a winner. Just pointing it out to make sure that your notes are ok!