Whistler40145
Established Member
I regret not travelling behind all those no heat 31s & 37s when Virgin CrossCountry 47 fleet collapsed
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rail regrets
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40135
Member
Magnificent.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Yep, I never had the chance to ride behind one. Deep, deep regret.
I think most of us were, the things I could/would have done if I had been on a decent wage back then, I can still remember looking at the bills trying to work out whose turn it was not to be paid that month, going out bashing/spotting was not an option unfortunately. :cry:
All in all I didnt do bad though.
Nothing major but do wish I'd started noting the units I travelled on earlier...a couple of years worth of Voyagers and Pendolinos means I must have cleared a fair few of them (Pendos from living in MK for a year) that I don't have logged now
Rejecting 87101 at least twice, on the assumption that it would roll up again.
The first time was for a following control relief which we knew was a roarer, and was dud for me but it was a roarer. 85014 I think.
The second time was to meet up with some mates at Preston - this, young-un's - is well before the days of mobiles. They were delayed due to 47353 producing on the Oldham loop.
Maybe the regret is that we didn't have mobiles in the better days, and that I only had 35 87's....
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I did EPB to the Sea - more or less everywhere, ending up in Weymouth. Never really been into third rail stuff except the EDs, but that was one top tour.
http://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/90s/910112se.htm
Units were 5623 and 1592 and I've had an EPB well over the ton....
The first time was for a following control relief which we knew was a roarer, and was dud for me but it was a roarer. 85014 I think.
The second time was to meet up with some mates at Preston - this, young-un's - is well before the days of mobiles. They were delayed due to 47353 producing on the Oldham loop.
Maybe the regret is that we didn't have mobiles in the better days, and that I only had 35 87's....
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I did EPB to the Sea - more or less everywhere, ending up in Weymouth. Never really been into third rail stuff except the EDs, but that was one top tour.
http://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/90s/910112se.htm
Units were 5623 and 1592 and I've had an EPB well over the ton....
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RichmondCommu
Established Member
To be honest it was just as impressive hearing a HST set leaving a station. The scream of a Valenta accelerating away from somewhere like Darlington where they could go flat out was fantastic.
Alistair G.
Member
For me, like many I. This post, not taking enough pictures in the past. I guess it's easier these days and with digital media storage meting we don't have to keep paying for film, we should be taking hundreds!, the worst we have to do is press a delet key at home, where as before, u had to take one photo and you never knew how it looked until you got the print back, and by that point it's too late to take another picture because u managed to get a big sausage like them over the corner of the lens!.
Also not travelling on more loco hauled stock is another regret, far too many units these days and it's always just gonna be units now, missed the chance to ride behind 47's, 50's, 37's, 31's.... It's just not the same on a 390 or 350!!!.
Also not travelling on more loco hauled stock is another regret, far too many units these days and it's always just gonna be units now, missed the chance to ride behind 47's, 50's, 37's, 31's.... It's just not the same on a 390 or 350!!!.
Despite being born in 1959, I cannot remember ever seeing a steam train in normal service. We even lived a stone's throw from Coningsby station for a year in 1966-7, but all we ever saw there were 2 car DMUs, and there weren't many of them.
But from April 1969 we lived in Stamford, and train spotting at the nearby ECML level crossings was popular with us kids, being within easy push biking distance. Greatford crossing was the nearest but not so well liked because the signalman would not open the gates after a train unless a car turned up, so no reliable advanced warning of a train and also no footbridge and a restricted view.
Lolham Bridges and Helpston were more popular as they both had the standard iron foot bridge giving a superb view, you could actually feel the foot bridges lift slightly when a Deltic rushed under. Helpston also had the advantage of having the Midland line level crossing adjacent, in those days there were 2 separate signal boxes each controlling there own gated level crossing, handwheel operated from the signal box. There was space for 2 cars in each direction between each crossing, occasionally some idiot queuing for the ECML crossing would queue on the Midland crossing instead of hanging back and would have to be told to back off if the Midland keeper needed to close his gates.
The first warning that a train was coming would be a loud click, which was the gate locks coming off, then the keeper would start furiously spinning the wheel. Must have been some kind of flywheel mechanism as once he got up to speed he seemed to let go, and just give it another turn now and again. The left gates as you approach from the road would close first then the other gates. No bells that I can remember. Once the gates were closed you could tell which direction the train was coming from by checking the signals, which were all semaphore and are of course readable from either direction.
Tallington and Walton had the novelty of having flashing lights and barriers, but there was no bridge at Walton, and this crossing has now gone as the road no longer exists due to the Bretton development. Tallington had a concrete foot bridge and this is the only level crossing in the area that still has one, I think the iron bridges went with electrification.
Locos in those days were Deltics on the Leeds and Newcastle/Edinburgh trains, and mostly 47's on the York and Grimsby stoppers, but with some exceptions, I even saw a Hymek once. Unfitted freights with brakes vans at the end could still be seen, both coal wagons and box vans. In summer, holiday specials going to Skegness or Great Yarmouth could occasionally be seen on the slow lines, although most of the Yarmouth trains went down the Lincoln-March line. These would normally be hauled by a class 31 or 2 x 25's, or sometimes 2 x 20's with the cabs outwards.
Anyone know when the last steam trains used this line? Just wondering how much I missed them by.
Happy days.
But from April 1969 we lived in Stamford, and train spotting at the nearby ECML level crossings was popular with us kids, being within easy push biking distance. Greatford crossing was the nearest but not so well liked because the signalman would not open the gates after a train unless a car turned up, so no reliable advanced warning of a train and also no footbridge and a restricted view.
Lolham Bridges and Helpston were more popular as they both had the standard iron foot bridge giving a superb view, you could actually feel the foot bridges lift slightly when a Deltic rushed under. Helpston also had the advantage of having the Midland line level crossing adjacent, in those days there were 2 separate signal boxes each controlling there own gated level crossing, handwheel operated from the signal box. There was space for 2 cars in each direction between each crossing, occasionally some idiot queuing for the ECML crossing would queue on the Midland crossing instead of hanging back and would have to be told to back off if the Midland keeper needed to close his gates.
The first warning that a train was coming would be a loud click, which was the gate locks coming off, then the keeper would start furiously spinning the wheel. Must have been some kind of flywheel mechanism as once he got up to speed he seemed to let go, and just give it another turn now and again. The left gates as you approach from the road would close first then the other gates. No bells that I can remember. Once the gates were closed you could tell which direction the train was coming from by checking the signals, which were all semaphore and are of course readable from either direction.
Tallington and Walton had the novelty of having flashing lights and barriers, but there was no bridge at Walton, and this crossing has now gone as the road no longer exists due to the Bretton development. Tallington had a concrete foot bridge and this is the only level crossing in the area that still has one, I think the iron bridges went with electrification.
Locos in those days were Deltics on the Leeds and Newcastle/Edinburgh trains, and mostly 47's on the York and Grimsby stoppers, but with some exceptions, I even saw a Hymek once. Unfitted freights with brakes vans at the end could still be seen, both coal wagons and box vans. In summer, holiday specials going to Skegness or Great Yarmouth could occasionally be seen on the slow lines, although most of the Yarmouth trains went down the Lincoln-March line. These would normally be hauled by a class 31 or 2 x 25's, or sometimes 2 x 20's with the cabs outwards.
Anyone know when the last steam trains used this line? Just wondering how much I missed them by.
Happy days.
Spaceflower
Established Member
- Joined
- 13 Jul 2007
- Messages
- 1,506
Not photographing the colliery branches of Durham in the late 80's, early 90's. Not that I ever did any photography back then but images of that scene seem very thin on the ground!
flymo
Established Member
I think lack of photography of all the bashes I did in the 80's is another big regret of mine as well. Would have had some fantastic memories in print instead of just in my head. Ah well, if only.......
Not if you had a Polaroid Sun 600!
My regret is taking too many photos with that camera, as my 1980s polaroids have aged very badly. 
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Well my biggest regret has been getting wayyyy too into the hobby and abandoning my normal side altogether. God only knows how many thousands of pounds and how much time I spent on trains, waiting for trains either to get on them or to just see them, or even how much time I wasted thinking about trips or writing up the trips afterwards...The below figure shows that, just through the stuff I logged, I must have spent a fortune:
140545mi 59ch
Even at just 10p a mile that's a LOT of money spent. When I look at that 26 days after I realised I was no longer happy with how things were, and 2 weeks after getting back from the night that proved that theory, I shake my head and wonder what happened to me. The biggest bit of proof came from seeing off one of my colleagues on the train back to Ledbury on that night out, I observed 172215 was on the back of a 4-car service, but that's all I've ever done with that information. I've genuinely had no desire to go on a bash for 26 or more days now, so The Big Night Out Theory was a success on that and other counts
I'll still have my memories, some of which will remain fond for as long as I remember them, and I'll probably still write down what trains I go on on the inevitable trips to/from the airport or whatever, but since I'm now happy with my life (well, there's still a couple of things to sort out
) I'll no longer need the railway as an escape from reality. Which is fantastic news for me
140545mi 59ch
Even at just 10p a mile that's a LOT of money spent. When I look at that 26 days after I realised I was no longer happy with how things were, and 2 weeks after getting back from the night that proved that theory, I shake my head and wonder what happened to me. The biggest bit of proof came from seeing off one of my colleagues on the train back to Ledbury on that night out, I observed 172215 was on the back of a 4-car service, but that's all I've ever done with that information. I've genuinely had no desire to go on a bash for 26 or more days now, so The Big Night Out Theory was a success on that and other counts
I'll still have my memories, some of which will remain fond for as long as I remember them, and I'll probably still write down what trains I go on on the inevitable trips to/from the airport or whatever, but since I'm now happy with my life (well, there's still a couple of things to sort out
) I'll no longer need the railway as an escape from reality. Which is fantastic news for me Ah yes, I'm fortunate at the moment in that I know a couple of ticketing options that allow me to get out and about on a budget !
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Now I am jelous - I didn't even know that one existed (Would have depended on me spotting it on the Railway Magazine in pre- internet days - and my parents being in a position to advance my pocket money as well !).
Did do a couple of good SEG ones in the glory days though. The Green Goddess around Kent (in EPB 5001, now sadly paperclips
) was my first railtour and particularly enjoyable.Actually, that's regret no 2. Not being rich enough to buy EPB 5001 in the 90's when I had a chance (no - I'm still not rich enough to buy a train, before anyone asks
).Go on then, I will go halves with you!Actually, that's regret no 2. Not being rich enough to buy EPB 5001 in the 90's when I had a chance (no - I'm still not rich enough to buy a train, before anyone asks
flymo
Established Member
That is the same as travelling approximately 5 and a half times round the world or just over half way to the moon....
hock: I reckon I have done a few miles in my days on the railways in the 80s and 90s but don't think I would come close to this.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
That is the same as travelling approximately 5 and a half times round the world or just over half way to the moon....
I reckon I have done a few miles in my days on the railways in the 80s and 90s but don't think I would come close to this.
It is a shocking amount that, agreed. Well for me at least, although others have silly amounts of miles from working on the railway. Still, it's hardly relevant now!
Still popping in to see what's going on at the moment, and check for replies to PMs. Trying to have a best of both worlds, just keeping my toes dipped in the water so to speak. If things develop the way I expect them to, then I'll be definitely boxing up my train stuff and shoving it in the attic!
It is a shocking amount that, agreed. Well for me at least, although others have silly amounts of miles from working on the railway. Still, it's hardly relevant now!
Still popping in to see what's going on at the moment, and check for replies to PMs. Trying to have a best of both worlds, just keeping my toes dipped in the water so to speak. If things develop the way I expect them to, then I'll be definitely boxing up my train stuff and shoving it in the attic!
I challenge you to avoid the temptation to be geeky about a train the next time you end up on one for whatever reason...stuff boxed up in the attic or not
Mikeytraveler
Member
- Joined
- 26 Dec 2013
- Messages
- 17
My regret was not knowning about last day event on Oldham Loop Line in 2009 and i was not old anoth
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I challenge you to avoid the temptation to be geeky about a train the next time you end up on one for whatever reason...stuff boxed up in the attic or not
That could be a bit of a challenge, but it'll depend on how things develop from where they are right now
Getting there slowly and for now I''m going to try and enjoy a best-of-both lifestyle, which in this case is be normal but have the occasional trip away on the trains. That's the plan for now, whether it sticks or not is another matter! DiscoStu
Member
Still popping in to see what's going on at the moment, and check for replies to PMs. Trying to have a best of both worlds, just keeping my toes dipped in the water so to speak. If things develop the way I expect them to, then I'll be definitely boxing up my train stuff and shoving it in the attic!
This is how I am.
I gave up my interest in railways in 1997, but I still dip my toe in as you put it just to see how things are changing and to look at old photos on Flickr to reminisce.
I haven't logged a move since I quit, or taken a single photo of a train.
One of the best decisions I ever made - todays railways suck
Now I am jelous - I didn't even know that one existed (Would have depended on me spotting it on the Railway Magazine in pre- internet days - and my parents being in a position to advance my pocket money as well !).
Did do a couple of good SEG ones in the glory days though. The Green Goddess around Kent (in EPB 5001, now sadly paperclips) was my first railtour and particularly enjoyable.
Actually, that's regret no 2. Not being rich enough to buy EPB 5001 in the 90's when I had a chance (no - I'm still not rich enough to buy a train, before anyone asks).[/QUOTE]
I did quite a few later SEG tours too but that one stands out.
Perhaps another regret is that I didn't make more effort on my EPBs. I'm obviously a bit older than you and in the late '80's I had a job with a compulsory 4th Tuesday off for a Saturday.
Weekends were whatever was out, but I used to go to London on my Tuesdays and get track. I did Addiscombe (too late for the through route) and more or less every other branch on an EPB.
My Tuesdays always seemed to fit in with day that the 17.35 Euston - Carlisle was the running-in turn for a new 90 too!
Did do a couple of good SEG ones in the glory days though. The Green Goddess around Kent (in EPB 5001, now sadly paperclips
) was my first railtour and particularly enjoyable.Actually, that's regret no 2. Not being rich enough to buy EPB 5001 in the 90's when I had a chance (no - I'm still not rich enough to buy a train, before anyone asks
).[/QUOTE]I did quite a few later SEG tours too but that one stands out.
Perhaps another regret is that I didn't make more effort on my EPBs. I'm obviously a bit older than you and in the late '80's I had a job with a compulsory 4th Tuesday off for a Saturday.
Weekends were whatever was out, but I used to go to London on my Tuesdays and get track. I did Addiscombe (too late for the through route) and more or less every other branch on an EPB.
My Tuesdays always seemed to fit in with day that the 17.35 Euston - Carlisle was the running-in turn for a new 90 too!
That could be a bit of a challenge, but it'll depend on how things develop from where they are right now
I kind of never cold turkeyed from the railways, I just find them a lot less interesting now. I hope you can find a way to plod along with your interest without just cutting yourself off or being 100% spending every penny on them. I am quite enjoying talking to people about trains again and I'm glad I've re discovered something I loved.
Old Shire
Member
My biggest regret was not going on one of the Brighton Belles farewell tours. It was organised by Poole Grammar School, in the mid 1970's.Got a ticket and then it was cancelled due to lack of interest.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I've cold turkey'd since 2035 on 2nd December 2013 and doing well so far. I really do wish I'd had this huge development as a person years ago, I'm actually enjoying being normal!
It's not that I don't want to keep in touch with people or the scene in general. Just certain things the hobby can't give you
I'll probably be back more regularly at some point, although right now I can't wait until Monday and it's not to go on a bash as it was last year! --- old post above --- --- new post below ---
This is how I am.
I gave up my interest in railways in 1997, but I still dip my toe in as you put it just to see how things are changing and to look at old photos on Flickr to reminisce.
I haven't logged a move since I quit, or taken a single photo of a train.
One of the best decisions I ever made - todays railways suck
Fair games, I made a decision last week that's turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made, so much happier now than I was before it's unreal. I'll be looking back at my photos on Flickr no doubt at some point and remembering good times, after all 2003 - 2013's rail adventures were some of the highlights of my entire life, but not just yet.
Things have changed a lot on the railways even since I started, dread to think how much it has for you!
I've cold turkey'd since 2035 on 2nd December 2013 and doing well so far. I really do wish I'd had this huge development as a person years ago, I'm actually enjoying being normal!
It's not that I don't want to keep in touch with people or the scene in general. Just certain things the hobby can't give you
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Fair games, I made a decision last week that's turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made, so much happier now than I was before it's unreal. I'll be looking back at my photos on Flickr no doubt at some point and remembering good times, after all 2003 - 2013's rail adventures were some of the highlights of my entire life, but not just yet.
That said I used to do it with 87's and 86's etc. At least they were all painted differently, had different names and you could dangle out of the window like an idiot like I did.
Things have changed a lot on the railways even since I started, dread to think how much it has for you!
Well mate, nothing wrong with having some balance in your life. I find that all the trains being multiple units these days helps me not be bothered about trying to get them all. I quite enjoyed getting different 31's, 37's and 50's etc. when they were all painted differently and seemed to behave differently and some made more clag. I'd be a bit worried if I was chasing 350's. No offence to anyone who is, that is purely just chasing numbers to me.
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
That's all it got down to for me too, totally depended on the sticky plastic numbers, wasn't on stuff for the noise. If it wasn't the right number, I'd plan new moves or whatever. 323s, well that was different, I still like the noise they make. That applies to a few bits and about around the country, like 314s and 319s.
We'll see how tomorrow goes first...
That's all it got down to for me too, totally depended on the sticky plastic numbers, wasn't on stuff for the noise. If it wasn't the right number, I'd plan new moves or whatever. 323s, well that was different, I still like the noise they make. That applies to a few bits and about around the country, like 314s and 319s.
We'll see how tomorrow goes first...
Ah well mate. All the best to you, once it stops being fun I guess it's time to have a think.
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