xotGD
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The notion of Middlesbrough being a seaside town has made my head spin!
Anyway, some quality traction on the West Somerset.
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Rambling Roebuck... (Trip Reports)
- Thread starter D841 Roebuck
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Anyway, some quality traction on the West Somerset.
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D841 Roebuck
Established Member
To be fair to King's Cross, I arrived just after 10am. ALR tickets are not valid on LNE services arriving at KGX before 10am, so this is the one place which had some excuse for the ticket check. The only station other than Rochdale which did accept my ticket was Manchester Victoria - maybe because both are operated by Northern??
D841 Roebuck
Established Member
I rather like Middlesbrough. Although "seaside" is maybe gilding the lily, it does have some fine pubs and some nice people to go in them.
Not over-keen on Parmos, though...
xotGD
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Parmos are the best thing to come from Teesside!
I rather like Middlesbrough. Although "seaside" is maybe gilding the lily, it does have some fine pubs and some nice people to go in them.
Not over-keen on Parmos, though...
Techniquest
Veteran Member
For those of us not well versed in such things, myself included of course, what is a parmo?
xotGD
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Not suitable for a vegan!
Basically, a big slab of pork or chicken, covered in breadcrumbs and Béchamel sauce, served with chips and salad in a pizza box. A Teesside delicacy.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Iskra
Established Member
Excellent and entertaining reports thus far. Is the WSR any good? I've played it on Train Sim and it seems a little dull in all honesty, although I appreciate that isn't the most accurate barometer. It's a long way to go though if I don't like it... ...Hopefully I should be having a trip behind 55009 too at the end of the month- cracking loco 
Agreed!
D841 Roebuck
Established Member
09/07/2023 - ALR Day 3 - to Middlesbrough and Beyond
This was a more straightforward day, with very little "mucking about" involved.
Dud 800006 led winner 800031 on a fast and competent trip from Swindon to Paddington. I then went downstairs and picked up winner 345053 on the Liz Line to Farringdon, changed platforms and struck lucky again with winner 700132 for the short hop to St Pancras.
I walked over to Kings Cross with a few minutes to spare to join my next winner (as I'd not used Hull Trains for 20 years, this was guaranteed) and 802302 took me smoothly and competently to Doncaster - Hull Trains do seem friendly and well-organised).
I had 25 minutes here to source a sandwich, but only Chicken Tikka Mayonnaise (just about tolerable) were available. Another winner in 801208 then took me briskly to York, where after a wait the inevitably-dud pair of
185109+185121 took me, as I had time to spare, beyond Middlesbrough to Saltburn.
I had a walk here, then scored a bit of track by taking the cliff lift down to the beach (East Cabin, as usual), walked along to have a look at the (sadly not open) miniature railway, then wandered back to the cliff lift via the gift shops. And while I was waiting for the lift I heard a familiar voice, saw a familiar profile and randomly met a friend from Stoke who I hadn't seen since early 2020!
After a good natter I then went back to the station, joined dud 156449 and returned to Middlesbrough. Here I checked into my hotel, then went out to join other friends for the evening.
ALR Day 4 - Returning from Middlesbrough by the really daft route…
This day was really a positioning move. After a morning's quizzing (came 18th out of 35, as midtable as they come) I got myself to Middlesbrough station in time to join dud 185125 for a dullish run to York. My good fortune with Azumas continued here, with winner 801202 taking me swiftly down to Peterborough, where I had a choice of routes.
The slightly less direct one won, with winning Flirt 755418 (I like these, comfy and a bit quirky) taking me through to Bury St Edmunds for a shack score, winner 755412 following up to take me to Stowmarket (another new shack) and finally winner 745006 taking me through to Norwich, my base for the next two nights.
This was a more straightforward day, with very little "mucking about" involved.
Dud 800006 led winner 800031 on a fast and competent trip from Swindon to Paddington. I then went downstairs and picked up winner 345053 on the Liz Line to Farringdon, changed platforms and struck lucky again with winner 700132 for the short hop to St Pancras.
I walked over to Kings Cross with a few minutes to spare to join my next winner (as I'd not used Hull Trains for 20 years, this was guaranteed) and 802302 took me smoothly and competently to Doncaster - Hull Trains do seem friendly and well-organised).
I had 25 minutes here to source a sandwich, but only Chicken Tikka Mayonnaise (just about tolerable) were available. Another winner in 801208 then took me briskly to York, where after a wait the inevitably-dud pair of
185109+185121 took me, as I had time to spare, beyond Middlesbrough to Saltburn.
I had a walk here, then scored a bit of track by taking the cliff lift down to the beach (East Cabin, as usual), walked along to have a look at the (sadly not open) miniature railway, then wandered back to the cliff lift via the gift shops. And while I was waiting for the lift I heard a familiar voice, saw a familiar profile and randomly met a friend from Stoke who I hadn't seen since early 2020!
After a good natter I then went back to the station, joined dud 156449 and returned to Middlesbrough. Here I checked into my hotel, then went out to join other friends for the evening.
ALR Day 4 - Returning from Middlesbrough by the really daft route…
This day was really a positioning move. After a morning's quizzing (came 18th out of 35, as midtable as they come) I got myself to Middlesbrough station in time to join dud 185125 for a dullish run to York. My good fortune with Azumas continued here, with winner 801202 taking me swiftly down to Peterborough, where I had a choice of routes.
The slightly less direct one won, with winning Flirt 755418 (I like these, comfy and a bit quirky) taking me through to Bury St Edmunds for a shack score, winner 755412 following up to take me to Stowmarket (another new shack) and finally winner 745006 taking me through to Norwich, my base for the next two nights.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Some good fortune with the red pen there Nice bit of variety, and I've been inspired to make sure I have a proper explore some day of Saltburn. When I went, it was off one 142 and basically straight back on!
Nice bit of variety, and I've been inspired to make sure I have a proper explore some day of Saltburn. When I went, it was off one 142 and basically straight back on!
D841 Roebuck
Established Member
11/06/2023. ALR Day 5. Heathland Haulage and Broadland Bimbling…
The Travelodge in Norwich is a nice one, with plenty of pizza/kebab/other junk takeaways in the vicinity. However, this does mean that you get woken early by straggling revellers making their way home in the morning, as happened to me. I didn't mind too much - I'd got an early night, and wanted to be up early anyway (although perhaps not at 05:30!) This did enable me, though, to sneak in a couple of bonus shack scratches. I therefore found a coffee and sausage butty place, hit the station and boarded winning Flirt 755336 for a run up to the coast, reversing at Cromer and finally arriving by train at West Runton to score the shack. I'd actually walked down to this station 20 years ago, when camping nearby, but not used it for it's official purpose (Knighton on the Central Wales line is another one I've visited by road/foot).
Anyway West Runton is a pleasant spot, but 755336 soon returned and took me back to Cromer, a less pleasant spot due to the dereliction of the nightclub occupying the former station building. After a wait, I was rescued from here, but by annoyingly dud 755338, and finally achieved the end of the line at Sheringham.
Now it was gala time. I started off with the noisy guesting bear D9537 to Weybourne, then winning local GER 0-6-0 65462 back to Sheringham. Next was a round trip to Holt and back with guest 47712 and the push-pull Mark 3 rake, then the winning 66424 piloting 37032 up to Holt, followed by 31207 piloting the second winning kettle 76084 back to Sheringham.
I was now hungry, so had a walk round Sherigham (full of old cars from the 1960d and 70s, the local car club also having a meet that day and providing entertainment for other "Bangers and Cash" fans as well as myself) before ending up back at the cafe opposite the station for sausage rolls, cake and Lilley's Rhubarb Cider.
Then it was back to the rails, and a trip up to Weybourne on beautifully restored Class 101 DMU M51228+M51188 (a winner), sprightly mogul 76084 back to Sheringham, then double winners 08772+08767 up to Weybourne then the bear again, D9537 back to Sheringham to finish off the gala for me (unrestored 03 D2051, class 11 12131 and big shiny 9F 92203 were also noted, but not working at the gala).
Back to the big railway, and winning Flirt 755405 was waiting to take me to a new shack at Salhouse, for fellow winner 755408 to another at Hoveton & Wroxham (previously visited on the narrow gauge Bure Valley railway) and then winner 755337 back to Norwich.
No rest yet, though, as a couple more new shacks were hunted down, with dud 755338 taking me to Reedham, winner 755409 bringing me back to Cantley then 755338 again to return me to Norwich, a vegetarian pizza and the end of a very good day.
The Travelodge in Norwich is a nice one, with plenty of pizza/kebab/other junk takeaways in the vicinity. However, this does mean that you get woken early by straggling revellers making their way home in the morning, as happened to me. I didn't mind too much - I'd got an early night, and wanted to be up early anyway (although perhaps not at 05:30!) This did enable me, though, to sneak in a couple of bonus shack scratches. I therefore found a coffee and sausage butty place, hit the station and boarded winning Flirt 755336 for a run up to the coast, reversing at Cromer and finally arriving by train at West Runton to score the shack. I'd actually walked down to this station 20 years ago, when camping nearby, but not used it for it's official purpose (Knighton on the Central Wales line is another one I've visited by road/foot).
Anyway West Runton is a pleasant spot, but 755336 soon returned and took me back to Cromer, a less pleasant spot due to the dereliction of the nightclub occupying the former station building. After a wait, I was rescued from here, but by annoyingly dud 755338, and finally achieved the end of the line at Sheringham.
Now it was gala time. I started off with the noisy guesting bear D9537 to Weybourne, then winning local GER 0-6-0 65462 back to Sheringham. Next was a round trip to Holt and back with guest 47712 and the push-pull Mark 3 rake, then the winning 66424 piloting 37032 up to Holt, followed by 31207 piloting the second winning kettle 76084 back to Sheringham.
I was now hungry, so had a walk round Sherigham (full of old cars from the 1960d and 70s, the local car club also having a meet that day and providing entertainment for other "Bangers and Cash" fans as well as myself) before ending up back at the cafe opposite the station for sausage rolls, cake and Lilley's Rhubarb Cider.
Then it was back to the rails, and a trip up to Weybourne on beautifully restored Class 101 DMU M51228+M51188 (a winner), sprightly mogul 76084 back to Sheringham, then double winners 08772+08767 up to Weybourne then the bear again, D9537 back to Sheringham to finish off the gala for me (unrestored 03 D2051, class 11 12131 and big shiny 9F 92203 were also noted, but not working at the gala).
Back to the big railway, and winning Flirt 755405 was waiting to take me to a new shack at Salhouse, for fellow winner 755408 to another at Hoveton & Wroxham (previously visited on the narrow gauge Bure Valley railway) and then winner 755337 back to Norwich.
No rest yet, though, as a couple more new shacks were hunted down, with dud 755338 taking me to Reedham, winner 755409 bringing me back to Cantley then 755338 again to return me to Norwich, a vegetarian pizza and the end of a very good day.
xotGD
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20 years? Nothing!
I used the toilet at Lowestoft Station in 1979, and arrived there by train in 2019!
Sounds like a decent gala. You could fudge the pair of 08s as a Class 13.
railfan99
Established Member
How was patronage at the gala?
I did this railway from Oz last year, connecting to and from Norwich with modern railcars well used by passengers, and enjoyed the GER elderly steam loco plus the excellent DMU. I thought before going 'this preserved railway is short with boring scenery' but it was an excellent operation, with friendly volunteers. Never prejudge!
D841 Roebuck
Established Member
The NNR was reasonably busy, but not packed out.
As you say, it's friendly, entertaining and well worth visiting.
D841 Roebuck
Established Member
Both a misuse and misunderstanding of the Fibonacci sequence
D841 Roebuck
Established Member
12/06/2023. ALR Day 6 - Home, routed convoloutedly
Up at a somewhat later hour than the previous day, I checked out of the Travelodge, then checked in at Costa at Norwich station and checked out and consumed some coffee and a sausage bap (labelled as a "sausage roll", but as a bun had replaced the tubular pastry my description is more accurate). I then joined the inevitable dud 755338 for a run down to Lowestoft. I was originally going to walk between the Oulton Broad stations but as my bag was heavy and the trolleybus museum at Carlton Colville on my "to do" list, this was left for another time.
I did have time for a short walk at the Easternmost point in England, then joined winner 755333 for a run to Darsham (station for the middle of nowhere), crossing over for winner 755414 back as far as Brampton (nowhere near Brampton) then crossing back again for winner 755417 through to Ipswich, where former Manchester Piccadilly regular from the 1970s/80s 08891 lurked shamefacedly in a vilely lurid orange livery.
I had 50 minutes here so grabbed a rather nice cheese toastie and chips at the pub across the road, then joined dud 755416 for the first stretch in approximately the right direction, as far as Cambridge. Here, some sort of signalling farce thwarted my intentions of grabbing a couple of shacks on the Hitchin line, so I settled for a run on dud 170101 through to Peterborough.
I'd had some luck with required Azumas on this trip, and this continued with 801220 appearing on the Leeds train. We set off northwards through gathering clouds, which became a brief downpour and then stopped, with the LNE on train staff rather smugly announcing that this was the fault of a Grand Central Adelante breaking in front, although as we were only stationary for 20 minutes, presumably sticking plaster was effective. This did dissuade me from any more mucking about, so I carried on to Leeds.
A brief break here for a smoke (and telling a persistent scrounging beggar to Foxtrot Oscar), a trip to the loo and dud 802217 appeared for a fast and comfy run to Manchester. It was still warm and dry outside at Stalybridge, but by the time we reached Victoria the rain was coming down heavily. I nipped out again here (my ticket actually working the machine!) to the canopy in front of the station, and was greeted by the delightful sight of lots of very wet Manchester City fans coming back from their treble winning celebration where it had literally rained on their parade!
Inevitably, some of the football fans were heading for Rochdale on the same train as me, also inevitably I knew a couple of them, and as it was the stopping train (dud 156460) I joined them to provide a dry contrast to their dampness (it had now stopped raining) as we adjourned to the pub at Castleton, with me eventually taking a kebab home via taxi…
13/07/2023 - ALR Day 7. Aberystwyth postponed - Discretion is the better part of Travel.
I wasn't back too late the previous night and woke up in time to make my planned trip to Aberystwyth to complete my Rover. However, it was persisting it down in Rochdale, the forecast suggested it would be doing likewise in Wales and I didn't fancy getting wet (I wanted to do both the Vale of Rheidol line and the cliff lift). So I didn't bother. I kept the Rover in reserve intending to pop out if anything interesting but less distant was running, but RTT didn't show anything particularly appealing, so I decided to call it quits a day early, after six excellent days.
Up at a somewhat later hour than the previous day, I checked out of the Travelodge, then checked in at Costa at Norwich station and checked out and consumed some coffee and a sausage bap (labelled as a "sausage roll", but as a bun had replaced the tubular pastry my description is more accurate). I then joined the inevitable dud 755338 for a run down to Lowestoft. I was originally going to walk between the Oulton Broad stations but as my bag was heavy and the trolleybus museum at Carlton Colville on my "to do" list, this was left for another time.
I did have time for a short walk at the Easternmost point in England, then joined winner 755333 for a run to Darsham (station for the middle of nowhere), crossing over for winner 755414 back as far as Brampton (nowhere near Brampton) then crossing back again for winner 755417 through to Ipswich, where former Manchester Piccadilly regular from the 1970s/80s 08891 lurked shamefacedly in a vilely lurid orange livery.
I had 50 minutes here so grabbed a rather nice cheese toastie and chips at the pub across the road, then joined dud 755416 for the first stretch in approximately the right direction, as far as Cambridge. Here, some sort of signalling farce thwarted my intentions of grabbing a couple of shacks on the Hitchin line, so I settled for a run on dud 170101 through to Peterborough.
I'd had some luck with required Azumas on this trip, and this continued with 801220 appearing on the Leeds train. We set off northwards through gathering clouds, which became a brief downpour and then stopped, with the LNE on train staff rather smugly announcing that this was the fault of a Grand Central Adelante breaking in front, although as we were only stationary for 20 minutes, presumably sticking plaster was effective. This did dissuade me from any more mucking about, so I carried on to Leeds.
A brief break here for a smoke (and telling a persistent scrounging beggar to Foxtrot Oscar), a trip to the loo and dud 802217 appeared for a fast and comfy run to Manchester. It was still warm and dry outside at Stalybridge, but by the time we reached Victoria the rain was coming down heavily. I nipped out again here (my ticket actually working the machine!) to the canopy in front of the station, and was greeted by the delightful sight of lots of very wet Manchester City fans coming back from their treble winning celebration where it had literally rained on their parade!
Inevitably, some of the football fans were heading for Rochdale on the same train as me, also inevitably I knew a couple of them, and as it was the stopping train (dud 156460) I joined them to provide a dry contrast to their dampness (it had now stopped raining) as we adjourned to the pub at Castleton, with me eventually taking a kebab home via taxi…
13/07/2023 - ALR Day 7. Aberystwyth postponed - Discretion is the better part of Travel.
I wasn't back too late the previous night and woke up in time to make my planned trip to Aberystwyth to complete my Rover. However, it was persisting it down in Rochdale, the forecast suggested it would be doing likewise in Wales and I didn't fancy getting wet (I wanted to do both the Vale of Rheidol line and the cliff lift). So I didn't bother. I kept the Rover in reserve intending to pop out if anything interesting but less distant was running, but RTT didn't show anything particularly appealing, so I decided to call it quits a day early, after six excellent days.
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
Such a shame to call it quits a day early, but a wise decision in rather rancid weather. It's pretty wet here today, which has led me to my calling off any plans to go out with the red pen before work. I had also planned to drop my Blue Beauty off for a tune-up and a new tyre, now I can actually afford it, but not doing that in this weather!
The Cambrian's much better to do in good weather, so a good decision. You have though reminded me that I haven't yet done Bow Street, I may have to correct this soon!
The Cambrian's much better to do in good weather, so a good decision. You have though reminded me that I haven't yet done Bow Street, I may have to correct this soon!
D841 Roebuck
Established Member
I'm conscious I'm behindhanded on actual trip reports, but have finally brought my moves up to date for the year. Mileage to 31/07 for 2023 stands at 12,034.
For August, I have (starting at sparrowfart this Friday) some rather hectic plans - up to the Caledonian Railway Gala, overnight to London for four nights, back home for two nights then down to Oxford for the weekend, which might include visits to Cholsey and/or Didcot on the way home. After that, who knows (might even finally get to Aberystwyth!). So I might make 20,000 miles this year yet.
For August, I have (starting at sparrowfart this Friday) some rather hectic plans - up to the Caledonian Railway Gala, overnight to London for four nights, back home for two nights then down to Oxford for the weekend, which might include visits to Cholsey and/or Didcot on the way home. After that, who knows (might even finally get to Aberystwyth!). So I might make 20,000 miles this year yet.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
That's a fair chunk of mileage! I was beginning to log mine for the year, but the effort required to get it all done is just too much. I've done some big trips, although nowhere near as much as your total!
You've sure got some big plans coming up in August, and you've reminded me I have unfinished business on the Cambrian. Hmm, this may need to be dealt with on Saturday!
You've sure got some big plans coming up in August, and you've reminded me I have unfinished business on the Cambrian. Hmm, this may need to be dealt with on Saturday!
D841 Roebuck
Established Member
Eventually, the most tardy of trip reporters will get their finger out...
To resume in June, I didn't have much recovery time after the ALR. Instead, I had committed myself to:
Six days of capital quizzing and debauchery (including some trains and shacks)
16th June 2023 - The Journey down.
The trip started quietly, with 150108+156452 taking me to Manchester Victoria, tram 3142 across to Piccadilly and 175009 down to Crewe. The class 350 random generator threw out a pair of 350/2s for my Euston train, winner 350263 leading dud 350236. Ambling along to Euston Square, winners 21331+21332 took me to Farringdon and dud 700127 to East Croydon, and my temporary home at the Travelodge. I dumped my luggage and set out on some gratuitous shack scratching.
Winner/dud/winner 12 car rake 377465+377104+377157 took me to scoop in Riddlesdown, with winner 377207 leading two dud colleagues back to another winning shack at Sanderstead. A short walk here to (dud) Purley Oaks, then winner 377621 took me to Whyteleafe South for the shack score, then back to Purley. Another winner in 700144 took me to Coulsdon South for the shack, dud 700151 back to East Croydon and required tram 2559 down to George St.
2023/06/17 More Shack Scratchery
The day started with a spoons breakfast, then winning tram 2560 from George Street to new shack Waddon Marsh, dud 2542 following behind to take me to new shack Belgrave Walk then winner 2545 to Mitcham Junction and some "pwoper twainz".
These started unsurprisingly with dud 377609 to Sutton, improved with winner 377414 plus dud 377427 taking me to a shack score at Banstead, then back to another new shack at Belmont, then duds 377433+377440 up to Epsom Downs and back to Sutton. From here, winner 377448 took me back to Croydon, but West this time, and another winner in 377408 forwarded me to the previously unvisited West Norwood. A bit of a wait here due to a late running service, but yet another winner in 377606 took me to South Bermondsey for another new shack, then a double winning pair in 377321+377317 took me in to London Bridge.
I now needed to head westward in search of new shacks, with duds 465165+465011 taking me to Charing Cross, equally dud 21455/21456 to Westminster on the underground from Embankment, winners 21495/21496 Westminster to Sloane Square for a look at the river over ridge, then fellow winners 21325/21326 all the way to Ealing Broadway, where I changed to the Liz Line.
Winner 345040 soon appeared for the short run to West Ealing and a wait for winner 165119 to take me to South Greenford, back to Drayton Green (two more new shacks) then up to Unsouth Greenford and the Central Line. An eight car rake with winner 92102 as cars 3 and 4 took me in to Shepherds Bush, where I crossed the road to the Tfl shack and struck lucky with winner 378213 up to Camden Town for some R&E (a mooch round the market and a beer). A couple of hours later, winner/dud Northern line combo 51600/51601 took me to London Bridge, for winner 700104 back to base at East Croydon.
18/06/2023 Not much trains…
This was basically a 12 hour series of quizzes in a pub in the City. Before the day degenerated, the "getting there" scored me tram 2544 round the loop from George Street (Wetherspoons) to East Croydon, a winning pair in 377429+377129 from Clapham Junction to Victoria after a dud pair from Croydon deposited me there, and a time wasting "get off at the less busy stops and wait for the one behind" session which started promisingly with winners 21333/334 to St James Park, but then deteriorated, with only 21539/540 on the Westminster to Temple leg requiring further expenditure of red ink.
19/06/2023 Tramlink Therapy (not involving Therapia Lane)
Having had a very very late night, I didn't emerge until mid afternoon! A mildly sensible, local day clearing out some required tramshacks was deemed to be required, and it proved to be quite fun. Dud 2548 took me from Wellesley Road to Lebanon Road, then dud 2552 on to Addington Village. Here, a winner appeared in the shape of 2549 to take me to Lloyd Park, dud 2542 to Fieldway, winner 2537 to Gravel Hill (which sounds as though it should be in the West Midlands), 2542 again to Coombe Lane, then 2549 again to King Henry's Drive and back to George St, for a break and a celebratory coke and ciabatta to mark clearing out the shacks on the New Addington branch.
There was still some daylight left, so dud 2552 took me to Centrale, equally dud 2562 to Addiscombe, winner 2530 to Woodside, dud 2534 to Blackhorse Lane, a final winner in 2532 Blackhorse Lane to Ampere Way and finally dud 2546 to Wellesley Road.
All shacks in this mini-extravaganza were new bar Wellesley Rd and George Street. And the trams ran to time and the staff were pleasant and helpful. Can Croydon MBC take over Metrolink from the current incompetents, please?
20/03/2020 - Shacking and Shenanigans
I was out socialising and watching a show this evening, so made a determined effort to get up early for a productive day time bash. I started where I finished the previous day, with tramshackery!
Dud 2537 took me to Sandilands, then 2560 to the first new shack at Avenue Road, thus clearing the Beckenham/Elmer's End bit. 2541 took me to Arena (new), 2544 back to East Croydon to top up my oyster, and walk down to George Street, 2562 to Wandle Park (new), 2564 to Reeves Corner (new) 2548 back to East Croydon again, 2539 East Croydon to Therapia Lane (new), 2549 to Mitcham (new) and then, FINALLY, a winner in 2565 Mitcham to Beddington Lane (new, and my last required tram link shack - until they extend it to Hassocks to link up with the northern extension of Volks Electric Railway!).
I did a step back one service trick at Morden Road in the hope of another winner, but neither 2548 not 2546 qualified. So I reverted to the big railway at Wimbledon and joined dud 700055 for the mega mileage move to score Wimbledon Chase for shackage. Whilst I'd been to both Bec and Broadway before, I'd not been to the untitled version, so dud 700026 took me to Tooting to score the unsubtitled shack. The train behind this one was delayed, so a winner in 700045 took me through to West Sutton (new) then back to the duds with 700040 to South Merton (new, and completing the shacks on the loop) and 700017 back to Wimbledon.
Real Time Trains proved fruitful here, as I was able to intercept winner 455723 (and dud 455719) for a leap to Clapham Jc, the return being dud pair 455859+455871. However, another winner in 458525 (with dud 458501) was coming up behind it on a Kingston loop service, which took me to Hampton Wick to drop back onto the following 707017+707015 and have a trip to Upper Halliford (new), with the same pair returning me to Sunbury (new) and a pleasant walk via the deserted car park to yet another new shack at Kempton Racecourse.
Time was getting on so I had to leave Fulwell for another day and take the returning 707s all the way to Clapham Junction, although I was consoled by winner 377145 (+ dud 377159) taking me back to Croydon for a change of clothes and some grub (also involving dud trams 2543 and 2533). Then it was into London, with winner 377461 coupled behind dud 377162 as far as Clapham Junction and "two out of three ain't bad" combo 377127+377113(dud)+377122 in to Victoria.
After a dull and dud Victoria line run to Green Park (may have been quicker walking) fun was had on the underground, with winning pairs 226/149 to Piccadilly Circus and (some hours later)194+155 to Green Park and (following a slightly desperate "hang on a minute, I'm going the wrong way" cross platform interchange) 224+860 to St Pancras! Another winner in 700130 back to Croydon completed the day's entertainment.
21/06/2023 - Home again…
I was determined to get a last winning tram, so camped with my luggage at Wellesley Road. The fifth East Croydon service duly produced a required 2531 up the hill. Dud 700116 took me competently to St Pancras, whence I walked to Euston.
Acquiring a meal deal at Smith's, a quick perusal of the nearest platform showed a required 350 due to depart for Birmingham. So 350243 and it's dud partner 350252 were scooped in for a run to Milton Keynes, where I dropped back to a much more civilized, albeit dud, pair in
350113+350370 onwards to Crewe. 390136, Tram 3053 and 158757 completed my journey home after a somewhat hectic trip.
To resume in June, I didn't have much recovery time after the ALR. Instead, I had committed myself to:
Six days of capital quizzing and debauchery (including some trains and shacks)
16th June 2023 - The Journey down.
The trip started quietly, with 150108+156452 taking me to Manchester Victoria, tram 3142 across to Piccadilly and 175009 down to Crewe. The class 350 random generator threw out a pair of 350/2s for my Euston train, winner 350263 leading dud 350236. Ambling along to Euston Square, winners 21331+21332 took me to Farringdon and dud 700127 to East Croydon, and my temporary home at the Travelodge. I dumped my luggage and set out on some gratuitous shack scratching.
Winner/dud/winner 12 car rake 377465+377104+377157 took me to scoop in Riddlesdown, with winner 377207 leading two dud colleagues back to another winning shack at Sanderstead. A short walk here to (dud) Purley Oaks, then winner 377621 took me to Whyteleafe South for the shack score, then back to Purley. Another winner in 700144 took me to Coulsdon South for the shack, dud 700151 back to East Croydon and required tram 2559 down to George St.
2023/06/17 More Shack Scratchery
The day started with a spoons breakfast, then winning tram 2560 from George Street to new shack Waddon Marsh, dud 2542 following behind to take me to new shack Belgrave Walk then winner 2545 to Mitcham Junction and some "pwoper twainz".
These started unsurprisingly with dud 377609 to Sutton, improved with winner 377414 plus dud 377427 taking me to a shack score at Banstead, then back to another new shack at Belmont, then duds 377433+377440 up to Epsom Downs and back to Sutton. From here, winner 377448 took me back to Croydon, but West this time, and another winner in 377408 forwarded me to the previously unvisited West Norwood. A bit of a wait here due to a late running service, but yet another winner in 377606 took me to South Bermondsey for another new shack, then a double winning pair in 377321+377317 took me in to London Bridge.
I now needed to head westward in search of new shacks, with duds 465165+465011 taking me to Charing Cross, equally dud 21455/21456 to Westminster on the underground from Embankment, winners 21495/21496 Westminster to Sloane Square for a look at the river over ridge, then fellow winners 21325/21326 all the way to Ealing Broadway, where I changed to the Liz Line.
Winner 345040 soon appeared for the short run to West Ealing and a wait for winner 165119 to take me to South Greenford, back to Drayton Green (two more new shacks) then up to Unsouth Greenford and the Central Line. An eight car rake with winner 92102 as cars 3 and 4 took me in to Shepherds Bush, where I crossed the road to the Tfl shack and struck lucky with winner 378213 up to Camden Town for some R&E (a mooch round the market and a beer). A couple of hours later, winner/dud Northern line combo 51600/51601 took me to London Bridge, for winner 700104 back to base at East Croydon.
18/06/2023 Not much trains…
This was basically a 12 hour series of quizzes in a pub in the City. Before the day degenerated, the "getting there" scored me tram 2544 round the loop from George Street (Wetherspoons) to East Croydon, a winning pair in 377429+377129 from Clapham Junction to Victoria after a dud pair from Croydon deposited me there, and a time wasting "get off at the less busy stops and wait for the one behind" session which started promisingly with winners 21333/334 to St James Park, but then deteriorated, with only 21539/540 on the Westminster to Temple leg requiring further expenditure of red ink.
19/06/2023 Tramlink Therapy (not involving Therapia Lane)
Having had a very very late night, I didn't emerge until mid afternoon! A mildly sensible, local day clearing out some required tramshacks was deemed to be required, and it proved to be quite fun. Dud 2548 took me from Wellesley Road to Lebanon Road, then dud 2552 on to Addington Village. Here, a winner appeared in the shape of 2549 to take me to Lloyd Park, dud 2542 to Fieldway, winner 2537 to Gravel Hill (which sounds as though it should be in the West Midlands), 2542 again to Coombe Lane, then 2549 again to King Henry's Drive and back to George St, for a break and a celebratory coke and ciabatta to mark clearing out the shacks on the New Addington branch.
There was still some daylight left, so dud 2552 took me to Centrale, equally dud 2562 to Addiscombe, winner 2530 to Woodside, dud 2534 to Blackhorse Lane, a final winner in 2532 Blackhorse Lane to Ampere Way and finally dud 2546 to Wellesley Road.
All shacks in this mini-extravaganza were new bar Wellesley Rd and George Street. And the trams ran to time and the staff were pleasant and helpful. Can Croydon MBC take over Metrolink from the current incompetents, please?
20/03/2020 - Shacking and Shenanigans
I was out socialising and watching a show this evening, so made a determined effort to get up early for a productive day time bash. I started where I finished the previous day, with tramshackery!
Dud 2537 took me to Sandilands, then 2560 to the first new shack at Avenue Road, thus clearing the Beckenham/Elmer's End bit. 2541 took me to Arena (new), 2544 back to East Croydon to top up my oyster, and walk down to George Street, 2562 to Wandle Park (new), 2564 to Reeves Corner (new) 2548 back to East Croydon again, 2539 East Croydon to Therapia Lane (new), 2549 to Mitcham (new) and then, FINALLY, a winner in 2565 Mitcham to Beddington Lane (new, and my last required tram link shack - until they extend it to Hassocks to link up with the northern extension of Volks Electric Railway!).
I did a step back one service trick at Morden Road in the hope of another winner, but neither 2548 not 2546 qualified. So I reverted to the big railway at Wimbledon and joined dud 700055 for the mega mileage move to score Wimbledon Chase for shackage. Whilst I'd been to both Bec and Broadway before, I'd not been to the untitled version, so dud 700026 took me to Tooting to score the unsubtitled shack. The train behind this one was delayed, so a winner in 700045 took me through to West Sutton (new) then back to the duds with 700040 to South Merton (new, and completing the shacks on the loop) and 700017 back to Wimbledon.
Real Time Trains proved fruitful here, as I was able to intercept winner 455723 (and dud 455719) for a leap to Clapham Jc, the return being dud pair 455859+455871. However, another winner in 458525 (with dud 458501) was coming up behind it on a Kingston loop service, which took me to Hampton Wick to drop back onto the following 707017+707015 and have a trip to Upper Halliford (new), with the same pair returning me to Sunbury (new) and a pleasant walk via the deserted car park to yet another new shack at Kempton Racecourse.
Time was getting on so I had to leave Fulwell for another day and take the returning 707s all the way to Clapham Junction, although I was consoled by winner 377145 (+ dud 377159) taking me back to Croydon for a change of clothes and some grub (also involving dud trams 2543 and 2533). Then it was into London, with winner 377461 coupled behind dud 377162 as far as Clapham Junction and "two out of three ain't bad" combo 377127+377113(dud)+377122 in to Victoria.
After a dull and dud Victoria line run to Green Park (may have been quicker walking) fun was had on the underground, with winning pairs 226/149 to Piccadilly Circus and (some hours later)194+155 to Green Park and (following a slightly desperate "hang on a minute, I'm going the wrong way" cross platform interchange) 224+860 to St Pancras! Another winner in 700130 back to Croydon completed the day's entertainment.
21/06/2023 - Home again…
I was determined to get a last winning tram, so camped with my luggage at Wellesley Road. The fifth East Croydon service duly produced a required 2531 up the hill. Dud 700116 took me competently to St Pancras, whence I walked to Euston.
Acquiring a meal deal at Smith's, a quick perusal of the nearest platform showed a required 350 due to depart for Birmingham. So 350243 and it's dud partner 350252 were scooped in for a run to Milton Keynes, where I dropped back to a much more civilized, albeit dud, pair in
350113+350370 onwards to Crewe. 390136, Tram 3053 and 158757 completed my journey home after a somewhat hectic trip.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Wow that was a lot of action! All the quizzing and the resulting late night must have taken it out of you a lot, considering not rising until afternoon! 
A good bit of filling the books though, very productive
A good bit of filling the books though, very productive
Kite159
Veteran Member
A busy few days in London that.
D841 Roebuck
Established Member
23/06/2023
Went to the Diesel Gala at the KWVR. Excellent day out at a friendly and properly run railway. The only winner was HST power car 40468, but nevertheless a good day out, with excellent beer on offer as well as excellent locos. Looking back from nearly four months later, I remember the Class 14 and D0226 Vulcan being particularly entertaining...
Here's the relevant extract from the "moves spreadsheet":
Went to the Diesel Gala at the KWVR. Excellent day out at a friendly and properly run railway. The only winner was HST power car 40468, but nevertheless a good day out, with excellent beer on offer as well as excellent locos. Looking back from nearly four months later, I remember the Class 14 and D0226 Vulcan being particularly entertaining...
Here's the relevant extract from the "moves spreadsheet":
| TM3030 | Rochdale TC | Rochdale RS | |||
| 195001 | 195006 | Rochdale | Bradford Interchange | ||
| 333012 | Bradford Forster Sq | Shipley | |||
| 333010 | Shipley | Keighley | |||
| 47712 | Keighley | Ingrow | |||
| D9520 | Ingrow | Keighley | |||
| D0226 | Keighley | Ingrow | |||
| 37403 | 37075 | Ingrow | Keighley | ||
| 37403 | Keighley | Ingrow | |||
| D0226 | "D32" | Ingrow | Keighley | ||
| D0226 | D9520 | Keighley | Oxenhope | ||
| 37403 | Oxenhope | Oakworth | |||
| 43480 | 43468 | Oakworth | Oxenhope | ||
| 47712 | Oxenhope | Oakworth | |||
| 37403 | 37075 | Oakworth | Oxenhope | ||
| 37075 | 37403 | Oxenhope | Haworth Loop | ||
| 37403 | Haworth Loop | Oakworth | |||
| 37401 | Oakworth | Oxenhope | |||
| 47712 | Oxenhope | Keighley | |||
| 310110 | Keighley | Leeds | |||
| 158901 | 158867 | Leeds | Rochdale | ||
| TM3110 | Rochdale RS | Rochdale TC |
Kite159
Veteran Member
I really need to try and visit that KWVR line, considering it's one of the easier heritage lines to visit.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I'd agree with Kite, it's not difficult to get to and it seems like a very popular line. There's territory I've not yet seen by any means, and that can only lead to one rational conclusion for me:
New territory for exploring, more scenery to see and new track! All the walking and running opportunities...!
New territory for exploring, more scenery to see and new track! All the walking and running opportunities...!
xotGD
Established Member
- Joined
- 4 Feb 2017
- Messages
- 7,846
I certainly agree with these comments. But then I would, living 5 miles from Keighley!
Always a good day out on my local heritage railway.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
It's the expense of getting there for me, especially if I go all the way there and back by rail from/to Hereford. I'd absolutely have to do it as part of a multi-day visit to West Yorkshire. That isn't a possible trip at the moment, maybe next year.
D841 Roebuck
Established Member
Serendipity.
I've just totted up my rail mileage for 2023, and it currently stands at 19,952.
I fancy bringing up the 20,000 on a winner.
Rochdale to Headbolt Lane is about 40 miles (via Manchester and Wigan), and I've not as yet been on a 777.
Guess where I'm going next....
I've just totted up my rail mileage for 2023, and it currently stands at 19,952.
I fancy bringing up the 20,000 on a winner.
Rochdale to Headbolt Lane is about 40 miles (via Manchester and Wigan), and I've not as yet been on a 777.
Guess where I'm going next....
D841 Roebuck
Established Member
2023 - A Summary
Total Mileage for year - 20,414 miles, 21 chains(!)
Haulage/Rideage:
NR/Ex BR Diesel Locos: 124 (of 35 different classes)
Ex BR Steam Locos: 15
Industrial Diesel Locos: 2
Industrial Steam Locos: 3
1st gen DMU/Railcars: 15
2nd gen DMU: 281 (of 22 classes)
EMUs: 569 (of 35 classes)
London Underground: 123.75 full sets (blame the Central Line for constant reformations!)
Trams: 139
Narrow Gauge/Miniature/Pier/Funicular and other aberrations: 8
Not a bad year...
Total Mileage for year - 20,414 miles, 21 chains(!)
Haulage/Rideage:
NR/Ex BR Diesel Locos: 124 (of 35 different classes)
Ex BR Steam Locos: 15
Industrial Diesel Locos: 2
Industrial Steam Locos: 3
1st gen DMU/Railcars: 15
2nd gen DMU: 281 (of 22 classes)
EMUs: 569 (of 35 classes)
London Underground: 123.75 full sets (blame the Central Line for constant reformations!)
Trams: 139
Narrow Gauge/Miniature/Pier/Funicular and other aberrations: 8
Not a bad year...
Iskra
Established Member
Good going that!
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