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Noddy's Trip Reports
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What are your last Merseyrail units?
But the train I caught to Roby wasn't going to Manchester, it was going to Wigan. Yes I could have got from Wigan to Manchester i admit but it wasn't like it was 2300 at night and could have been really awkward :cry:
As I said to Tech, could have been worse if it was later. At least there was a pub nearby!
25th February
The last day in the North West, well half a day really. We got our stuff together and headed out to Piccadilly for the 0701 to Glossop. 323232 was a winning start and Glossop was a new shack. If you hadnt already realised we were here for Breakfast in the spoons!
It was then back to the station for 323237 back to Piccadilly. Now we had about 4 hours to bag as many winners as we could! First up a trip out to Staybridge on 185143 before returning on 185145. When we arrived 390001 was sat in the station so we boarded that for the short trip to Stockport. Passing Longsight copped me 08721. From Stockport 158812 and 158856 took us back to Piccadilly where it wasnt long before I scored another 156 for this trip! 156461 coupled with 156487 for the leap to Oxford Road. It was then straight back to Piccadilly on 175115 as I knew 185119 was waiting to leave which we took to Stockport.
Time was running out now and a units I needed were kicking about. I worked out a plan to get as many as I could (one had to be left alone). So 323225 was had to Levenshulme. This allowed us to pick up 323228 back to Stockport. It was then a linear bash back to Piccadilly. First up 323227 o Levenshulme. This was followed by 150207 (which I had seen a couple of days later as we crossed the Pennines from Carnforth to Leeds) back to Piccadilly.
Not a bad morning in the short few hours we had. Eight winners but now was time to head home. We headed over to where our train back was and it was winning 390132! Ill take that! I finally got the route that avoids Stafford too. Pretty sure I have had it before but each time I went between MAN and EUS since I was back in the game we kept passing through it! Its definitely done now!
We arrived into Euston on time and it was then time for the move to Paddington. We jumped onto 21077+21078 to Great Portland Street and then 21412+21411 to Paddington. Our HST home was powered by 43149 and 43190. I was so tired I slept half the time home. Once at Plymouth I said my goodbyes to Dad and he continued to Truro.
Thankfully my wife picked me up from the station. I really couldnt be bothered with 1.7mile walk home. We had takeaway and soon enough it was 2330! Time to head out again!
Head out again? Yes, a mate of mine was off for the next couple of days and we were heading to London! My wife kindly dropped me back to the station and I met my mate who had just arrived from Exeter. Soon enough 57604 arrived (bizarrely my first 57 haulage of 2016!) and we left about a minute down.
So the numbers! Thanks using the Night Riviera my mileage for the day was 711miles. I scored nine winners, one new shack and one new spoons!
The FONW was over but I wasnt finished yet .
Lots of winners there and I see you got the best 323 to Glossop (323232323232)! I'm looking forward to reading about your London spin but can I just say that you're crazy to head out to Plymouth just to head back to London again a few hours later!
There is a reason for that! The trip was originally supposed to finish in Plymouth and the tickets were paid for. Then when my mate asked if I wanted to do something (when I go anywhere with him t's only £6 return) I could hardly say no! Also meant I could get rid of all my clothes and get clean ones!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
£6?! Bargain much?
508139 is one of my Merseyrail units, 507017 (still need it for sight!) and another 507 too.
Quite a busy day there, but crikey didn't it go well! Not sure I'd have wanted to go almost straight back out again, not sure the wife will have been happy about that!
508139 is one of my Merseyrail units, 507017 (still need it for sight!) and another 507 too.
Quite a busy day there, but crikey didn't it go well! Not sure I'd have wanted to go almost straight back out again, not sure the wife will have been happy about that!
Very much so
Well 507017 was out and I got it. Just realised I didn't put it into the report (it wasn't required). I had it from Old Roan to Kirkdale (it was the unit behind!). 508139 I last had some time last year.
She was ok about it. She was off to Newcastle for a hen do.
Me too and I've only just got back!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Ah fair games if the wife was off to a hen do, I was thinking she'd be unamused at not seeing you for days then disappearing so fast on another adventure!
Eventually I will get those Merseyrail units, no doubt, but there's just so much to do this year. I know how you feel about wanting to go back up north already, it happens on trips like your one. So much fun and it's hard to give it up to go home! I had my first proper taste of Northern this year on Monday, and it was hard to get myself on the train home. Looking forward to going back up, which will happen sooner rather than later, now I have £40.10 in total in RTVs!
Eventually I will get those Merseyrail units, no doubt, but there's just so much to do this year. I know how you feel about wanting to go back up north already, it happens on trips like your one. So much fun and it's hard to give it up to go home! I had my first proper taste of Northern this year on Monday, and it was hard to get myself on the train home. Looking forward to going back up, which will happen sooner rather than later, now I have £40.10 in total in RTVs!
Keith Jarrett
Member
That was a top quality wander around the North West. Nice bit of variety in there too and I do like the idea of Spoons bashing in order to source brekkie.
Good that you have an understanding OH. Perhaps she could have a word or two with Mrs KJ! Overnight absences need careful planning so that she's not home alone for any decent length of time. But it's only Scottish trips where an overnight absence is required. Therefore, most of my antics are fitted around her extremely irregular working pattern and at present there's limited options for getting out at weekends.
Good that you have an understanding OH. Perhaps she could have a word or two with Mrs KJ! Overnight absences need careful planning so that she's not home alone for any decent length of time. But it's only Scottish trips where an overnight absence is required. Therefore, most of my antics are fitted around her extremely irregular working pattern and at present there's limited options for getting out at weekends.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
See, that's one thing that would annoy me, having to organise travels around an irregular schedule of someone else. Credit where it's due for managing to do just that Keith!
Yes. My wife has been very understanding. Sometimes I push very close to the limit I admit, but my multi day trips tend to be when she is at work so it doesn't bother her so much. That's why weekends are normally harder for me to do anything as she is off. She has already agreed that I can use one of my weekends in sept though if I am able to get tickets for the GBRF 15 railtour.
Keith Jarrett
Member
Even though I don't work shifts when your other half has worked shifts ever since you have known them (and that's a loooooooooooooooooooong time), you almost feel that you are working shifts yourself.
But it's more about us being able to enjoy time together when we are both off work than anything else. A bad week might see us having say two evenings together and say one weekend day. And that's before either of our social lives come into play. In some ways, I am glad that I do not have to travel as much with work these days despite doing essentially the same job for many years.But I could do with a couple of trips to Edinburgh!!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Fair point on time together 
47403
Established Member
Another good read, thanks for sharing noddy, however all them spoons Im surprised you cold see the numbers, I'd be slightly light headed after the lot. In all seriousness seemed like a very productive trip in the North West. Shame about the 37's mind.
, I'd be slightly light headed after the lot. In all seriousness seemed like a very productive trip in the North West. Shame about the 37's mind.
I worked shifts for twenty years and I do miss being able to have a trip out on a weekday without having to book time off.
On the plus side, I no longer have to carefully plan for any prospective Saturday moves - as long as Mrs 13 gets plenty of notice
.
It's sad to hear of another Cumbrian Coast 37 farce.
I was really hoping they would be a huge success and lead to further loco haulage.
On the plus side, I no longer have to carefully plan for any prospective Saturday moves - as long as Mrs 13 gets plenty of notice
.It's sad to hear of another Cumbrian Coast 37 farce.
I was really hoping they would be a huge success and lead to further loco haulage.
Right! To try and get this finished before I forget anymore!
26th February 2016
As I said elsewhere this part of my week off wasnt originally planned. All tickets had been bought for me to finish in Plymouth on the Thursday by the time this was arranged. The plan was to head over to Anglia where we had both last been at the end of my ALR. The main attraction was the 37s and then obviously unit hunting. If I could, I wanted to do the Felixstowe branch so that passenger route in Anglia was complete too.
We arrived into Pad on time and headed over to the Hammersmith line station. Annoyingly it was an eternity before our train came in and was dud 21426 and 21425 for the trip across London to Liverpool Street. We had plenty of time though. Our train to Norwich wasnt even platformed when we arrived. The only advantage to this was when it finally arrived and we left we really didnt have log to wait at all (about 10 minutes if I recall!).
A relatively uneventful trip to Suffolk behind 90003 but we used the time to work out our moves. With some get on hand it was trying to tie in what we both needed. We thought we had managed it and was a case of hoping everything stuck to plan. Once at Ipswich we saw plenty kicking about as youd expect. Nothing new for sight (but I wasnt expecting much to be honest). Arrival into Norwich on time and the loco hauled set was ready and waiting. I had bought my Anglia Plus on the train to Norwich (my mate had to help the guard get the ticket as he had no idea where to look!) so that saved time.
20160226-Norwich-37422 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
(The only advantage to me taking so long with the report is my photos are up now so I can add them to this report!)
We boarded the train to Great Yarmouth and 37419 led us to the coast. The only problem with this area is it is dead flat and the train literally rolls from A to B! So no noise really! A couple of photos taken at Great Yarmouth and it was then back to Norwich with 37422 now in charge.
20160226-Great Yarmouth-37419 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160226-Great Yarmouth-37422 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
After a short wait at Norwich the good news was the arrival of the next train we had planned to catch! Better for me was it was as expected and 156422 was taken to Brundell.
20160226-Norwich-156422 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
At Brundell another short wait provided a double winner for me.
20160226-Brundell-153306,153309 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
153306 leading 153309 were both winners and my last Greater Anglia Class 153s were cleared. Happy with that! A dud for me next but required by my mate, 156417 was had to Lowestoft. By now we were starving (we hadnt eaten at all!) so it was over to the handily placed spoons opposite the station. We had 37 minutes before the next train, one I could not miss!
A breakfast was ordered (we were still within the 12pm cut off) with a pint of Broadside (great beer). Wed nearly finished our pint before it arrived though and we ended up having 12 minutes to eat it! Now normally my mate eats whatever we have before me (and I dont think I am slow!) but as I said I was not missing that train! I polished it off within 7 minutes (about 20 seconds before Dave) and off to the station we went. We were on the train two minutes before it left and I am pleased to say it was 156409! My final Greater Anglia 156 and my final Greater Anglia diesel unit!
With all this done I was now able to complete the one last thing I needed in Greater Anglia, the Felixstowe Branch. Yes I need two more 90s which obviously work this area and a few East Midland 158s but they are easier to get elsewhere! Once we arrived at Ipswich my headed in different directions. Me after route and Dave after more units he needed.
20160226-Felixstowe-153314 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
153314 was my unit down the branch where the driver of the train had a go at me! I was patiently waiting for the platform to clear of passengers before taking the photo when the driver appeared. He said to me I think weve all had enough of people like you taking pictures of trains! (For a reminder, this was a couple of days after the Flying Scotsman had made its run to York and there was all the idiots line side en route). I was a little shocked to be honest! I pointed out that I was not trespassing and I totally disagreed with what some people had been doing. I said as far as I was concerned the BTP should be throwing the book at those people. Still didnt stop him mumble something to himself before begrudgingly saying get on and Ill take you back! Charming!
Once back to Ipswich I saw my mate once more. He had another two units to get and he had a move planned for it. I went for a move that got a little more 90 milage. So 90012 to Diss before 90011 back to London Liverpool Street. My mate got on at Ipswich having got what he needed.
So what next? Needing only three 442s my mate wanted to go and get them. I needed loads so it was fine by me. Two of his last three were out so off we went. 21102/21101 to Moorgate before 51719/51623 to Bank. We should have just gone to London Bridge as 51621/51622 was dud behind!
I got my required tickets and off we went. 377444, 377115 and 377451 took us to East Croydon. 442401 and 442411 were then had to Three Bridges. We dropped back to Gatwick on 319384 and 319458. It was then all the way back to (and what would be a major feature of the night) to Victoria with 442420 and 442407. I was slightly annoyed that I had only picked up two 442s at this point as I needed loads. Nevermind!
377464 and 377419 to East Croydon was next followed by 377121 to Gatwick. Then a pattern emerged and it was 442s for the rest of the day! Whilst on them 25 minute kips were had (by both of us I think!) so to be honest it didnt feel boring! Here were my next few moves then .
442402, 442405 Gatwick to Victoria
442424 Victoria to Gatwick
442410, 442403 Gatwick to Victoria
442424 Victoria to Gatwick
442402, 442405 Gatwick to Victoria
That was it for the day technically as it continued into the next. I had spotted 700110 whilst we did those moves at Gatwick. If you are wondering why I had 424, 402 and 405 again, the first move was to prevent boredom and the last was a positioning move! But for the day I had racked up 613 miles and 13 winners. I was pleased with that haul and I had made a little dent in my 442s which I do not think I will clear before they go! Should have made more effort a long time ago!
26th February 2016
As I said elsewhere this part of my week off wasnt originally planned. All tickets had been bought for me to finish in Plymouth on the Thursday by the time this was arranged. The plan was to head over to Anglia where we had both last been at the end of my ALR. The main attraction was the 37s and then obviously unit hunting. If I could, I wanted to do the Felixstowe branch so that passenger route in Anglia was complete too.
We arrived into Pad on time and headed over to the Hammersmith line station. Annoyingly it was an eternity before our train came in and was dud 21426 and 21425 for the trip across London to Liverpool Street. We had plenty of time though. Our train to Norwich wasnt even platformed when we arrived. The only advantage to this was when it finally arrived and we left we really didnt have log to wait at all (about 10 minutes if I recall!).
A relatively uneventful trip to Suffolk behind 90003 but we used the time to work out our moves. With some get on hand it was trying to tie in what we both needed. We thought we had managed it and was a case of hoping everything stuck to plan. Once at Ipswich we saw plenty kicking about as youd expect. Nothing new for sight (but I wasnt expecting much to be honest). Arrival into Norwich on time and the loco hauled set was ready and waiting. I had bought my Anglia Plus on the train to Norwich (my mate had to help the guard get the ticket as he had no idea where to look!) so that saved time.
20160226-Norwich-37422 by Steven Booth, on Flickr(The only advantage to me taking so long with the report is my photos are up now so I can add them to this report!)
We boarded the train to Great Yarmouth and 37419 led us to the coast. The only problem with this area is it is dead flat and the train literally rolls from A to B! So no noise really! A couple of photos taken at Great Yarmouth and it was then back to Norwich with 37422 now in charge.
20160226-Great Yarmouth-37419 by Steven Booth, on Flickr
20160226-Great Yarmouth-37422 by Steven Booth, on FlickrAfter a short wait at Norwich the good news was the arrival of the next train we had planned to catch! Better for me was it was as expected and 156422 was taken to Brundell.
20160226-Norwich-156422 by Steven Booth, on FlickrAt Brundell another short wait provided a double winner for me.
20160226-Brundell-153306,153309 by Steven Booth, on Flickr153306 leading 153309 were both winners and my last Greater Anglia Class 153s were cleared. Happy with that! A dud for me next but required by my mate, 156417 was had to Lowestoft. By now we were starving (we hadnt eaten at all!) so it was over to the handily placed spoons opposite the station. We had 37 minutes before the next train, one I could not miss!
A breakfast was ordered (we were still within the 12pm cut off) with a pint of Broadside (great beer). Wed nearly finished our pint before it arrived though and we ended up having 12 minutes to eat it! Now normally my mate eats whatever we have before me (and I dont think I am slow!) but as I said I was not missing that train! I polished it off within 7 minutes (about 20 seconds before Dave) and off to the station we went. We were on the train two minutes before it left and I am pleased to say it was 156409! My final Greater Anglia 156 and my final Greater Anglia diesel unit!
With all this done I was now able to complete the one last thing I needed in Greater Anglia, the Felixstowe Branch. Yes I need two more 90s which obviously work this area and a few East Midland 158s but they are easier to get elsewhere! Once we arrived at Ipswich my headed in different directions. Me after route and Dave after more units he needed.
20160226-Felixstowe-153314 by Steven Booth, on Flickr153314 was my unit down the branch where the driver of the train had a go at me! I was patiently waiting for the platform to clear of passengers before taking the photo when the driver appeared. He said to me I think weve all had enough of people like you taking pictures of trains! (For a reminder, this was a couple of days after the Flying Scotsman had made its run to York and there was all the idiots line side en route). I was a little shocked to be honest! I pointed out that I was not trespassing and I totally disagreed with what some people had been doing. I said as far as I was concerned the BTP should be throwing the book at those people. Still didnt stop him mumble something to himself before begrudgingly saying get on and Ill take you back! Charming!
Once back to Ipswich I saw my mate once more. He had another two units to get and he had a move planned for it. I went for a move that got a little more 90 milage. So 90012 to Diss before 90011 back to London Liverpool Street. My mate got on at Ipswich having got what he needed.
So what next? Needing only three 442s my mate wanted to go and get them. I needed loads so it was fine by me. Two of his last three were out so off we went. 21102/21101 to Moorgate before 51719/51623 to Bank. We should have just gone to London Bridge as 51621/51622 was dud behind!
I got my required tickets and off we went. 377444, 377115 and 377451 took us to East Croydon. 442401 and 442411 were then had to Three Bridges. We dropped back to Gatwick on 319384 and 319458. It was then all the way back to (and what would be a major feature of the night) to Victoria with 442420 and 442407. I was slightly annoyed that I had only picked up two 442s at this point as I needed loads. Nevermind!
377464 and 377419 to East Croydon was next followed by 377121 to Gatwick. Then a pattern emerged and it was 442s for the rest of the day! Whilst on them 25 minute kips were had (by both of us I think!) so to be honest it didnt feel boring! Here were my next few moves then .
442402, 442405 Gatwick to Victoria
442424 Victoria to Gatwick
442410, 442403 Gatwick to Victoria
442424 Victoria to Gatwick
442402, 442405 Gatwick to Victoria
That was it for the day technically as it continued into the next. I had spotted 700110 whilst we did those moves at Gatwick. If you are wondering why I had 424, 402 and 405 again, the first move was to prevent boredom and the last was a positioning move! But for the day I had racked up 613 miles and 13 winners. I was pleased with that haul and I had made a little dent in my 442s which I do not think I will clear before they go! Should have made more effort a long time ago!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Congrats on your final GA 153s & 156s (I see my favourite 156 popped up for you)
Sounded like a very productive day in Anglia
Sounded like a very productive day in Anglia
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Congrats on clearing your GA DMUs! Not at all jealous...
Keith Jarrett
Member
Noddy, you're dong well with your Greater Anglia DMUs. I like the idea of using photos to tell your story.
I'm still missing two winners and another nine are under the required 10 miles - including everyone's favourite unit, 156422. But will hopefully get over there at some point in time during the course of the year.
I'm still missing two winners and another nine are under the required 10 miles - including everyone's favourite unit, 156422. But will hopefully get over there at some point in time during the course of the year.
Congrats on your final GA 153s & 156s (I see my favourite 156 popped up for you)
Sounded like a very productive day in Anglia
It was productive becasue apart from shacks I have no need to head that way for anything now.
Thats ok then
Thanks. I know not all mine are massive mileage moves but I'll worry about that (maybe!) once I have cleared it all (if that ever happens!)!
You'd better get over there then! At least everything you get on would be a winner!
Going to try and get the last day done tomorrow!
I disagree. On a Saturday the 0651 Leamington to Marylebone, give a generous 50 mins to get to Liverpool Street and then 0900 to Ipswich. You'd be there at 1006 and gives you a good chunk of the day.
On with my report.
27th February
Continuing straight off from last night then, and the reason I headed back to Victoria, winning pair 442416 and 442423 took us back to Gatwick. Both absolutely knackered it was time to call it a night! So into the airport we went to join then many other people in trying to get some sleep. The only difference being they were there for early flights, we would hit the rails again in the morning. Luckily we found a pair of comfortable seats. Put it this way, they were designed to be slightly reclined which helped a bit. To be honest I did fall asleep (but I was so tired) and get a good 5 hours I reckon. It did make me wonder what Tech would think of this as based on his dislike for Travelodge beds which are clearly more comfortable than this!
Anyway a free nights sleep was had and at about 6 we went in search for a coffee. Some get was obtained on the whereabouts of some units I needed and some of what he needed which would form the basis of the next few of hours. It was then back down to the station. A pair of winning 377s was a welcome in the form of 377623 and 604 which we had to East Croydon. Dave continued to make his way to Watford (one of his last 319s was on the St Albans Abbey branch) whilst I set off for what I would hope would be my last 455s. 455841 took me to winning shack Whyteleafe South. A short wait and 455820 arrived. One down! 455811 was next up to Purley. Two down! Now I needed to get over to West Croydon. So winning 377450 to East Croydon before a short trip on 2541 to West Croydon. I had a comfortable 12 minutes to wait here before 455844 arrived. Three down! I saw a move that would get me a new shack so stayed on this to West Norwood. I then jumped on 455819 to Gypsy Hill for a 10 minute wait. After ten minutes my train came in and it was what I wanted 455827, my final 455 for haulage! I took this to winning Queens Road Peckham. A productive few hours but the day was still early!
Next I got onto 378153 for laborious trek to Clapham! It was on time but stops everywhere for ages! I spotted 37884 passing through Clapham High Street during one of the many dwells which was the only highlight. Once at Clapham me and Dave met (hed got what he needed) and had come up with a plan for the rest of the day. Both of us needed a lot of the 458/5s and he got all of the diagrams that they would be working including the Rugby specials. The next 4 and half hours (which included a full English) would see us make the following moves.
458518 Clapham Junction - Queens Road Battersea
458535, 458510 Queens Road Battersea - Clapham Junction
458509, 458527 Clapham Junction - Putney
450072, 450095 Putney - Barnes
458515, 458513 Barnes - Clapham Junction
458512, 458536 Clapham Junction - Wandsworth Town
458514, 458533 Wandsworth Town - Putney
458524, 458505 Putney - Wandsworth Town
458502, 458528 Wandsworth Town - Clapham Junction
458529, 458518 Clapham Junction - Wandsworth Town
458520, 458530 Wandsworth Town - Putney
458512, 458536 Putney - London Waterloo
458522, 458523 London Waterloo - Clapham Junction
450006, 450089 Clapham Junction - London Waterloo
458534, 458526 London Waterloo - Clapham Junction
458528, 458502 Clapham Junction - Vauxhall
458517, 458511 Vauxhall - Clapham Junction
458506, 458525 Clapham Junction - Richmond
458509, 458527 Richmond - Clapham Junction
Some of the moves were +0 and trains were rammed (as expected with the Six Nations) but that hauled me 21 winning 458s (and one 450!). It was even better for my mate who needed more of the 450s! The next few moves were more for him also as it netted him another few units. The first move was good for me though. 450087 with 450027 to Putney. 5706 and 5713 back to Clapham before 450022 and 450028 to Waterloo. One last familiar move for the day back to Clapham on 450036 and 450552. Next up was 378223 to Shepherds Bush as we started making our way back to Paddington. We dropped onto the Central Line and 91175, 92016, 92170 and 92083 took us to Notting Hill Gate. Dud 22433 and 22434 was then had to Paddington.
It was then 43026 and 43093 to Tiverton Parkway. Tiverton Parkway? The dreaded bus replacement service! As many of you know I have no interest in buses/coaches whatsoever! Ah well. A good day though and I scored 34 winning units, three new shacks and 304 miles travelled.
For the week (it was a come down as expected when this was finished as I was back to work the next morning!) 103 winners, 51 new shacks and 3582 miles travelled! The best bit was (mainly thanks to my dad!) I spent a total of £104.70 on rail fares! A thoroughly enjoyable week with two EMU classes cleared too. 507s (apart form the scrapped one) and the 455s in their entirety. The GA DMUs also cleared! I had also started making a dent in the 442s, but as I said I think I may have left it too late to get the all!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Wow that was a good haul! Well done on clearing the 455s, I'm something like 57 455s behind! Not sure which seats you used, I need to find them, could be better than a Travelodge!
An excellent pre-work read too!
An excellent pre-work read too!
Wow that was a good haul! Well done on clearing the 455s, I'm something like 57 455s behind! Not sure which seats you used, I need to find them, could be better than a Travelodge!
An excellent pre-work read too!
They were upstairs and had weird foot rests! That's all I can remember! I'm on a roll now and here's the next report!
My next outing was planned a while ago. I had an appetising warm up with my South Devon Railway day and was looking forward to this. It was the West Somerset Railways Spring Steam Gala and luckily I was off work on the Thursday so I could make it. I drove to Bishops Lydeard. I looked at the train but it wasnt that cheap, and because it involved a bus I would have to leave a lot earlier than just driving.
I had planned to get there for the first train but horrendous traffic once i came off the motorway meant I took 30 minutes longer than I had planned! Ouch! No matter I could still get everything I needed.
Renumbered for the gala, 80072 was in the platform when I arrived. With my ticket already purchased on line few a few quid less than on the day prices, I headed to the other side and boarded.
20160310-Bishops Lydeard-80043 (80072) by Steven Booth, on FlickrIt wasnt a red pen for this loco (forget where I had it before and cant be bothered to look!) but I bailed at Wiliton. Already the timetable was falling over due to a late arriving 53808. No idea why but I boarded and on we went. This time and for a new shack I got off at Stogumber. Plenty of time for a PNB and a cup of tea.
Next up was 53809 with 34070 soon arrived and I took them all the way to the end of the line at Minehead. 34070 was had before at the Swanage railway. My next train should have been 80072 again but a fault developed with it. I dont know what and it was not ready for the next train.
20160310-Minehead-80043(80072) by Steven Booth, on FlickrInstead 53809, which had been leading the last one, was run round quickly and I took this for the very short trip to Dunster for another winning shack.
20160310-Dunster-53809 by Steven Booth, on FlickrI had my lunch whilst waiting. It was a nice day (as you can probably tell from the pictures and my coat even came off the sun was so warm. Soon enough my next ride arrived.
20160310-Dunster-44422 by Steven Booth, on Flickr44422 was had back to Minehead where 92214 was being readied for its trip too Bishops Lydeard. A full run behind her was had for the fourth wining loco of the day. I had one more left to get. 53809 once again was had and this time to Washford.
20160310-Washford-53809 by Steven Booth, on FlickrQuite a long wait was had here as the early evening sun started to set. Eventually winning 48624 arrived.
20160310-Washford-48624 by Steven Booth, on FlickrIt was then back to Bishops Lydeard for the last time of the day before the drive back home. Five winning locomotives and 77 miles steam travel today. I really must try and get a few more steam locos this year if I can as I enjoyed my day out. I also got two more shacks on the line leaving me only with Doniford Halt left to get.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Nice going on the gala, doing better than me for WSR shacks, need most of them at the eastern end I believe.
They do do a good steam gala on the WSR, been years since I did a GWR themed one but oh my lordz the racket was just incredible!
They do do a good steam gala on the WSR, been years since I did a GWR themed one but oh my lordz the racket was just incredible!
Keith Jarrett
Member
Well done on getting your last 455s and the fistful of 458s must have more than welcome - bus stop bashes on the Windsor aide of the South Western when the Rugby is on at Twickers is well known for the excellent amount of available traction.
And that day on the Somerset & Dorset, sorry West Somerset Railway looked quite interesting - like you I'd have got five winners but slightly different as I already have red-penned 53809 but 34070 is still required!
And that day on the Somerset & Dorset, sorry West Somerset Railway looked quite interesting - like you I'd have got five winners but slightly different as I already have red-penned 53809 but 34070 is still required!
Sounds like a great time in London! Congrats on clearing the 455s! Jammy so and so with 43093. It's one of my last 5 GWR ones! Too many kettles in the second day for me but it sounds like you had a nice time!
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Although with my rules, I can't get the 06:51. The first available is the 08:24 because I won't take a unit into (or out of) Marylebone.
43093? I wasn't looking for it!
But I have had 671 miles off it! You're rules will totally restrict what you can and can't do at some stage, in fact I would say it already is! Each to their own though!
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