Requeststops 22 day UK Bash - GHU

[sprinterguy]

Yeah but Stowford gets boring after a while...

Not to me it doesn't. I've proven as much through extensive personal research.

 

[richw]

Cider is all I drink but none of those mass produced stuff. Always too chemically or gassy. I had a Symons on Saturday night as all the pub had, it was so gassy I only had 1 drink as it left me bloated.
Living in Cornwall most of the pubs have a local cider on special, even Wetherspoons.

If I have to have a mass produced I will get stowford.

 

[sprinterguy]

Cider is all I drink but none of those mass produced stuff. Always too chemically or gassy. I had a Symons on Saturday night as all the pub had, it was so gassy I only had 1 drink as it left me bloated.
Living in Cornwall most of the pubs have a local cider on special, even Wetherspoons.

In terms of real cider, nothing can hold a candle to Dunbar's Thistly Cross in my opinion. Their Whisky Cask variety is sublime. With regard to Somerset cider then I enjoy a pint (several, generally ) of Janet's Jungle Juice and Herefordshire's staple "Old Rosie" is available just about anywhere I go if I fancy something a bit potent.

I've got no problem with what I would consider the "premium mainstream" carbonated ciders, though: I can happily knock back pints of Thatcher's Gold, Stowford Press et al all night. I still swear by Wychwood's Green Goblin in bottles, however it's never quite been the same since it gained the Thatcher's brand on the bottle, and I think that it's been reduced in ABV in recent years. It's quite frequently Weston's "Wyld Wood" for me when drinking cider at home now, or, for that matter, while travelling!

 

[richw]

In terms of real cider, nothing can hold a candle to Dunbar's Thistly Cross in my opinion. Their Whisky Cask variety is sublime. With regard to Somerset cider then I enjoy a pint (several, generally ) of Janet's Jungle Juice and Herefordshire's staple "Old Rosie" is available just about anywhere I go if I fancy something a bit potent.

I've got no problem with what I would consider the "premium mainstream" carbonated ciders, though: I can happily knock back pints of Thatcher's Gold, Stowford Press et al all night. I still swear by Wychwood's Green Goblin in bottles, however it's never quite been the same since it gained the Thatcher's brand on the bottle, and I think that it's been reduced in ABV in recent years. It's quite frequently Weston's "Wyld Wood" for me when drinking cider at home now, or, for that matter, while travelling!

I'm quite a lover of Rattler- but only the version on draught around Cornwall- "UP Country" I've noticed the Rattler available tastes different and has lower ABV. Its brewed around 10 miles from home.

 

[sprinterguy]

I'm quite a lover of Rattler- but only the version on draught around Cornwall- "UP Country" I've noticed the Rattler available tastes different and has lower ABV. Its brewed around 10 miles from home.

Yes, I'm really quite keen on the Rattler as well. Glad that it's not just me that's noticed that it seems different outside of Cornwall.

 

[richw]

Yes, I'm really quite keen on the Rattler as well. Glad that it's not just me that's noticed that it seems different outside of Cornwall.

The Rattler round here is varying from 6-8% in the bars. Up country I have only found 4% to date.

 

[Requeststop]

Thanks for the replies about cider.

I travelled from Heathrow to Baku a few years back on a late morning flight on BA. I thought that I'd have a full English breakfast, as it would be a few months before I could enjoy one again and asked for a pint of cider to wash it down. I was brought two bottles that proclaimed themselves to be Swedish Strawberry flavoured cider! I told them to take it away and to get me a pint of cider! They brought me back a pint of draught cider with a glass full of ice!
"If God wanted ice in cider he'd let apple trees grow at the bloody North Pole so we could do without the need for frozen water to be added to the drink", I roared at the poor Lithuanian or whatever Eastern European nation they were from. "Bring me a pint of unadulaterated ENGLISH cider!"




I got a pint of Magners. It remained untouched. I ate my breakfast and left no tip!



Day 8. (Bloody Monday)

To Platform 11 at Piccadilly for the 07:30 to Shrewsbury. For once my ticket inspected properly. As I arrived on the Platform the ATW service arrives in from Crewe, took a few snaps for the album and settle down for the departure. The train really fills at Stockport and a gentleman sits next to me and gets out his Archbold. At Crewe a woman overflowing with clothes sat opposite me and placed her computer and other baggage on the seat next to her even though the train was full and people walking up and down the carriage looking for a seat.

Arrival in Shrewsbury on time and enough time for a Starbucks (yuk) coffee and heated sausage roll. The platform alterations are announce and people are now wandering all over the place. Running from Platform 3 to 4A and 4B then (it happens again tomorrow) incorrect information is announced and a major balls up happens. I am directed with 2 others onto the wrong train by the staff and we board the train to Holyhead rather than to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli. I have that sinking feeling sa the train heads out in the wrong direction and I ask someone where the train is headed for? Suddenly, major revisions are needed to my days plans. Do I go through to Holyhead and do North Wales. A quick check of Blaenau Ffestiniog on Realtimetrains confirms that there is still a bus link. Out the question. Hmmm how about getting to Preston for Lancaster and Heysham? No too late. Well there are a few lines I have to cover in the West Midlands. I have been planning a run up to Brum from London when I get down there. Well it’s been a long time since I did Shrewsbury – Chester so enjoy it. Wrexham to Chester re-doubling seems to be quite well advanced. So I get off at Chester and take the VT service to Crewe. Oh the advantages of a rover ticket.

At Crewe a quick hop over the bridge to Platform 5 and a connection to New Street on the 11:01 heading to London from Preston. My next object is the Redditch branch. One of those limbs that I want to clear. Also I took the chance to have a glance around the new New Street. Hmmmm upstairs is much better than I remember but difficult to find yourself around, downstairs just as bad as ever. The roof above the platforms needs to be cleaned up, painted white and lighting put in to brighten up the place.

12:22 to Redditch and a return to Birmingham, and another line cleared up. Then onto Coventry and try to connect on the line to Nuneaton. Then to Leicester and then Derby and the Matlock branch. Hey, the realtimetrains say I can do it so lets give it a go. Another two of those lines I had hoped to clear from London, but done earlier than planned. So having cleared Redditch, and a decent return to New Street on the 13:12 for the 14:04 XC to Coventry. At Barnt Green heavy screaming wheels. The 14:04 arrives on time and is of 4 coaches including one first class. Lucky me. This is a service from Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth. At New Street just across the platform is a local service to Walsall also of four coaches. Silly isn’t it. Just as many seats to Walsall as to Bournemouth. The ride to Coventry on the XC was much quieter than the Glasgow – Edinburgh the other night with the bonus of a free bottle of much needed water.

Coventry to Nuneaton on a single coach of London Midland which was on departure not quite so full. At Coventry Arena station station I saw something curious. Lots of cars in the car park, but a notice station side of the car park claiming that the station closes one hour after major events. “Its better to use your car” it states. Errrrrrrr why have the station in the first place? Then Bermuda Park, Nothing like Bermuda or how I imagine it should be, and just factories and a shopping outlet. No passengers got on or off the train.

Nuneaton: Home of the crumpet. Windy and cold for the first time today. 15:23 XC service to Leicester. The first time I have covered this line since 1975 when I went from Birmingham to Cambridge. Train very warm. Leicester station I found to be very open and windy, but because I had been able to use the trains power sockets fo keep my phone charges I took the chance to do a little filming rather than photographing. Next was the 16:03 departure to Derby on an EMT St Pancras to Sheffield service. To be honest I found the staff to be quite rude. Things are going well for the Matlock connection. I asked to check with a member of EMT on board staff to which the answer was ask at Derby. Now I was wondering about the return to Manchester. Would there be a bus to Buxton? Buxton is another of my “red” or uncovered lines. Hmmm it seems there is a bus and it seems just fit in with the train times if I’m lucky. If not then I’ll grab a meal in a pub in Buxton during the hours wait. Nothing like forward planning.

The Matlock train trundles into Derby from Newark. Train very full most of the journey. Departure at 16:52 (where does the time go on these journeys) ia prompt. At Matlock the bus station is just beyond the railway station and the scheduled bus (TP) turns up on time. Speedy journey which as it turns out is just as well, and he jets us to Buxton station with just about a minute to spare, to get the train. As I reach the doors they close in my face. The lovely lady conductor (she was lovely even if she looked as if she could kick-start Airbus A-380’s, had rippling deltoids and fists like hams) re-opens the doors for me and I sink gratefully into the NT’s bus on rails for the service back to Manchester at 18:29 and arrival back at Piccadilly at 19:26 instead of 20:28. So no meal for me in Buxton, another line turned blue.
Overall, in spite of the bloody awful and prophetic horoscope, a day I consider rescued. OK I’m going to have to try Mid Wales and the Cambrian coast tomorrow and get up too early again and cover some lines again, but, I have cleared up some of my map which is a success, and travelled on some lines I have not been on for quite some time. ATW and EMT have got to clear up their acts. Its 23:14 the next day as I post this. Tomorrow (Wednesday) an easier day and I’ll be in the mood to post todays (Tuesday’s post) then.
Cheers from Manchester! And thanks for the replies.

 

[FQ]

Another excellent read! Pretty rubbish of the Shrewsbury staff to put you all on the wrong train though, although it seems you got a lot out of it.

 

[Techniquest]

In all fairness to the flight attendants, Magners is not Magners in Ireland, it's Bulmers. I also can't imagine there's many people who leave England on a plane that want English cider (I'd be perfectly happy supping a Swedish cider personally, same for one with a modest bit of ice) so it's probably not carried anyway. Might be different on a flight to Ibiza or similar mind!

You certainly didn't have the best of Mondays at all there! The 0730 Manchestet Piccadilly to Carmarthen you will have used is just one of many heavily used ATW services on the Manchester to West Wales ride. You'd be surprised how many people use the train from all over South Wales (and yes that does include the Cardiff Valleys) straight through to Manchester.

Ouch to the Starbucks coffee, I'd have gone without personally. I'm confused though as to where exactly you were headed at Shrewsbury, which can be a confusing place and platform 3 hasn't helped as much as it could. Having to leave the station and go through the barriers is not helpful, a footbridge from 4 to 3 would be better. Mind you there's something that could have been done in Nottingham too...I see you were aiming for North Wales, and there was confusion over which way your train was going. Did your train head to Aber (first stop Welshpool) or Chester and beyond?

Sorry to ask but I got right proper lost there! EMT staff, agreed on your opinion of them in the vast majority of cases. I did have a nice guard on one of my Leicester stopper journeys recently, but he was certainly an exception!

I've never done the bus link between Matlock and Buxton, it sounds worth doing mind.

I hope the rest of your travels have been going better, I'm certainly looking forward to the read.

 

[sprinterguy]

I'd be perfectly happy supping a Swedish cider personally, same for one with a modest bit of ice

Some of those Swedish fruit ciders are little better than alcopops with "grown up" branding; they're far too sweet for my tastes. The missus really likes them though (as well as having a love of the real stuff), and the Rekorderlig seems like a better quality product than the Kopparberg, in my opinion.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I'm confused though as to where exactly you were headed at Shrewsbury, which can be a confusing place and platform 3 hasn't helped as much as it could. Having to leave the station and go through the barriers is not helpful, a footbridge from 4 to 3 would be better. Mind you there's something that could have been done in Nottingham too...I see you were aiming for North Wales, and there was confusion over which way your train was going. Did your train head to Aber (first stop Welshpool) or Chester and beyond?

By the looks of things, requeststop was looking to travel down the Cambrian, but the train they boarded was heading for Chester instead.

 

[richw]

Some of those Swedish fruit ciders are little better than alcopops with "grown up" branding; they're far too sweet for my tastes. The missus really likes them though (as well as having a love of the real stuff), and the Rekorderlig seems like a better quality product than the Kopparberg, in my opinion.

To me they are like drinking squash - I can knock them back like they are squash- not a good thing. I had one the other day Rekordelig tasted like cough syrup.

 

[Requeststop]

Sprinterguy you are indeed correct, as you'll see from my report below. The cider was not served or requested on board an aircraft, but in the airport lounge before departure. You'd have thought that English Cider would be made available at an English airport.

So............

Day 9 (will ATW get it right?)


Well now there is a challenge! The day starts the same as yesterday without the guy getting out his Archbold or the overdressed lady occupying two seats on the overcrowded ATW 07:30 from Piccadilly to Shrewsbury. I ignored the Starbucks today, and sat patiently waiting for the station staff to make a huge mess of things again today. This time no platform mix-up. The only slight confusion was which is the front of the train and which is the rear after a train has run into a station in one direction but leaves in the opposite!
So securely sat in the correct section of the train to Pwllheli , I settled down with my TRACKatlas to follow the route. Ticket inspection was rapidly done upon departure and much to my surprise and delight an electrical connection was at the table so that forgetful me can keep his mobile phone charged all the way there and back!

It was a lovely sunny start to the morning in West Shropshire. Found a Metro newspaper and dared myself to read the horoscope which mentions nothing untoward. Some lovely mountainous scenery along the way and on arrival in Machynlleth it’s a lot cloudier. I take the chance of a few photos whilst the train splits and re-board the train for the long ride to Pwhelli. Immediately I am wondering given my name how many request stops we will stop at. There were a fair few new passengers who got into the 2 coaches to head northwards along the coast. The conductor counted 16 of us.

Firstly to the strangeness that is Dovey Junction with just a handful of houses. Then across the river and we stopped at Penhelig. Penhelig: So good it doesn’t have an English name. One lady got off there. Great views across the Dovey estuary and the regular stop at Aberdovey. I noticed that a couple got on the train and one person de-trained, there was a couple also in the station shelter. I think they were hoping to have a snog after we left. Next was the regular stop at Tywyn and there was an equal number of passengers exchanged. 3 in each direction. Caught sight of the Talylly railway and memories of a holiday long ago when I was 20 and thought I’d met the love of my life. No it wasn’t a narrow gauge railway train. Cynics. There was an 8 minute wait at Tywyn for the passing up train that got the run through the station having picked up its self-loading cargo. I was photographing next to the driver and conductor of the train and I was impressed that they knew the names of some of the passengers on the departing train. North of Tywyn the seas were a bit rough, force 5 I’d say, and plenty of sheep grazing on the salt marsh. Must try to eat some lamb soon, it’s something I don’t see too often in Thailand. North of Tonfanau the visibility is so good that you can see all the way up to Harlech.
Request stops at Llyngwril; 1 off, 2 on. The approach to Fairbourne has an impressive view of the Estuary and town of Barmouth. This was helped by a speed reduction along the sea ledge. The conductor tells me that the weather is so much better than yesterday. Hmmmmm! At Fairbourne 5 got on and no one got off. Caught sight of the Fairbourne railway with a couple of people standing on the platform. Personally I’m surprised it’s still there. Caught sight of 3 sheep against a gate looking as if they are trying to climb over it to escape a la Sean the Sheep. At Morfa Maddach, 1 person left the train and 2 got on. We stopped before crossing the Barmouth Swing Bridge. Great view up river and the Cader Idris range. The stop was due to the driver proceeding under caution because of a points failure and as a consequence we will arrive at the opposite platform. This led to seven people on the correct platform all looking very puzzled when we arrived. Our departure was 5 late so they could get across the line to board the train. North of Llanaber I begin to make out the Llyn peninsular, and a request stop at Talybont led to a passenger boarding the train.
3 new passengers at Dyffryn Ardudwy and 2 more at Pensarn and 1 leaves us. I hope you are taking notes of the numbers of passengers we will have as there will be a quiz when we arrive in Pwhelli! Notice a nice little harbour at Pensarn Beaches and dunes to Harlech, and a dog decides to play chase the train. Trains crossed at Harlech but no time to take snaps. A lot of students boarded at Harlech. We had the run through there but are still 5 mins late. Next was a request stop at Llandecwyn for a passenger to get on, and a handful or so get off at Penrhynduedraeth.

We are now heading west and the weather behind us is looking nasty and stormy. The estuary looking back to Harlech is a pleasing view. We stopped at Minfford but I saw no passengers. At Porthmadog there was quite an exchange of passengers, followed by a nice run to Cricceth where a couple got off the train. We were now 2 minutes late which remained the same at arrival at Pwhelli.

I had time for a quick look around the town to buy a bite to eat and a drink and to take a few photos.

We returned into gloomy weather. To shorten the narrative, we stopped at Cricceth, Porthmadog, Minfford, Penrhyndeudrath, Talsarnau, Harlech where a huge number of school children and students boarded the train, Llanbedr, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Talybont, Llanbedr, BArmouth where there was a large exchange of passengers again, Morfa Mawddach, Fairbourne, (so bad there is no welsh name for it), Llwyngwril, Tywyn, passing point again, Aberdovey, Penhelig, and Dovey Junction. Arrival on schedule at Machynlleth. I had a wander down town for half an hour with not much to see on a late Tuesday afternoon in winter. Back to the station for the ride to Aberystwyth at 1649 and two minutes before the train arrived we had the first rain of the day. It had stopped by Dovey Junction and the onward ride to Aberystwyth was rapid and smooth, though no phone signal though. The return to Shrewsbury in the dark passed by reasonably, and the arrival at Shrewsbury was spoiled by the announcement that the return to Manchester Piccadilly would be terminated at Crewe. I went to the information office and was given a revised timetable for my journey back to Piccadilly which had the following train time as my time of departure. Another woman was given the same information, as we compared what we were given by the same man. On board the train to Crewe, the announcements do not mention this fact and we are held up outside Crewe waiting for a platform. Eventually we enter Platform 7 where finally all the passengers were told what we learned at Shrewsbury that the train will terminate there at Crewe. No apology, no details given as to how to claim for late arrival at Piccadilly or connections for other services. **** poor show again by ATW. When we are all on the platform we are told once that the next service to Manchester Piccadilly would be at 21:53, the nearly all stops NR to Piccadilly. It comes in to the Platform with 3 minutes to spare.
I have to say that the conductor on board did sterling work for the South Wales passengers wanting to travel onwards to Sheffield, Leeds and York announcing a few times how to connect at Piccadilly. Still nothing about the inconvenience caused by ATW! Arrival at Piccadilly at 21:42 on Platform 4 with staff ready to direct passengers to their connecting trains which had been held up for them. So All of Mid Wales now cleared. A fairly decent day after the debacle of the previous day but still poor marks to ATW for their handling of their passengers at Shrewsbury and afterwards. Tomorrow – ah only England!

 

[Techniquest]

ATW are not great with dealing with delays etc, never have been and never will be. All being well we'll see them gone in 2018 when the franchise is over, can't wait! I am jealous though as I need platform 7 at Crewe!

Yes you are right, an English airport should have English cider available. Believe it or not, a lot of people (myself included) like Magners so it's probably viewed as favourable. A case of use it or lose it could have applied with English cider too.

 

[Requeststop]

ATW are not great with dealing with delays etc, never have been and never will be. All being well we'll see them gone in 2018 when the franchise is over, can't wait! I am jealous though as I need platform 7 at Crewe!

Yes you are right, an English airport should have English cider available. Believe it or not, a lot of people (myself included) like Magners so it's probably viewed as favourable. A case of use it or lose it could have applied with English cider too.

Thanks for the reply once again Techniquest. Here below is todays report! Hope you enjoy!

Day 10 Northern Delights?


Today I put myself in the hands of TPE and Northern. The object is to clear a few Northwestern lines for the first time. I am very grateful that I’m not in the hands of ATW again, and for the extra 90 minutes in bed. I can call into Ian Allen shop by the station at Piccadilly to see if they have an updated TRACKatlas. There are none on the shelves and the two staff in the shop seem more interested in chating to each other, so I leave. I’ll try in London when I pass by Waterloo. So I pop upstairs to the M&S to get a snack and a drink for the journey and greeted by a far more genial girl happy to take my cash.

So to Platform 14 for the 09:43 to Windermere. TPE being the TOC running the service and not a word of Welsh in sight or spoken. Sunny and cloudy weather for the run up to Preston where the train splits. I get a thorough inspection of my ticket for once and I settle down for a decent ride to the lakes. After Windermere, Heysham Harbour is my next target. As we approached Horwich Parkway I spot the Winter Hill transmitter on the hills to the right, but it doesn’t have the same wow factor that Redruth has. Then again, to be honest, Carn Brae does signify to me that I am almost home when returning to West Cornwall. Approaching Oxenholme there is a good view of the Lakeland hills with a little snow on top. We are 2 mins late there. Everyone getting on the train there looking too fit and healthy for their own good. Perhaps they should be taxed more. Arrival at Windermere was 5 minutes late, though enough time for a wander around the station for a few snaps and a return to Oxenholm on the 11:48 departing right on time.
Sunny weather and wonderful scenery, though missing moors and tors, the odd sandy Cornish beach a few cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. On board the train the conductor makes a great impression by giving a child a ticket as she gets off the train with her guardians, after they leave the train. The child looks really happy and gives him a wave when the train departs staverley. I think this helps youngsters have a positive interest in railways. From a simple action such as that, a lifelong interest can grow.
The TPE southbound to Lancaster is slightly delayed but hopefully will not put a dent in my plans to cover Heysham. The first class carriage is noticeably warmer. The trolley dolly of the male variety comes down and offers a tiffin cookie and a coffee. The same trolley dolly of the male variety also very helpful when arriving at Lancaster and points out the way to Platform 5 where patiently waiting at platform 5 is the Leeds – Heysham Harbour train which departs 2 minutes late. The train rolls across the river and soon enough we have passed Morecambe South Junction and have passed through Bare Lane and have arrived into Morecombe for the reversal to Heysham. Time for a few snaps at Morecambe and we leave only to be delayed at Morecambe Junction Ground Frame waiting for permission to go forward. I had noticed on arrival at Morecambe that the tracks to Heysham were very rusty, which is due I suppose to the only one service per day. It was very sunny for the ride to Heysham Harbour and the ride was a bit of a rattle and roll but not unpleasant.

At Heysham Harbour I counted 7 disembarking from the train and 8 get on. I do find it fascinating how these small lines with single services keep going. The station itself looks like a prison camp with lots of security fencing and barbed wire all around. A fair few cars and trucks were queued up to board the ferry to wherever! The return to Lancaster on 1317 departed on time. Back by Lancaster there was a delay at Morecambe South Junction again for a southbound train to pass and arrival at Lancaster was 6 minutes late. The next service to Preston for my next line coverage was now at 14:24. The challenge now was to clear the Todmorden Curve and to cover Bolton to Blackburn. So first, let’s get myself to Blackburn. RTT (realtimetrains) not the best formatted site on my phone to sort out trains. I’m talking about adding a simple statement of direction of travel, ie via Rochdale or via Bolton, especially on circular journeys or journeys that take a circuitous route. Again, I decide that I’ll sort this one out at Blackburn. Nearly another balls up at Preston. Train announced to Huddersfield, but as I was mentioning just before, not mentioned on screen that it was via the all around route via Manchester and not via Halifax. Poor.

So the 15:00 to Blackburn on NR. Bit of a boneshaker in places along the line but the sunny scenery made up for the standard of the ride. On time at Blackburn and now up to local knowledge. Local knowledge tells me of a wait of 50 minutes for the 16:20 to Wigan Wallgate, yeah just for a small curve, so I pop over the road to the local shopping centre, and catch sight of a statue of Queen Victoria and yes she has a phallic extension just like her more famous statue in Liverpool. (google it to see what I mean if you don’t know) so I take the obligatory photos of her and of the Cathedral and do a bit of shopping in the Mall. Back to the station and the train at 16:20 which os a minute late. I do a RTT check for the connection to Blackburn via Bolton. I make it 3 more rides today and I’d cleared 4 lines today. The Todmorden curve was covered at 16:55. Into Victoria Platform 6 one minute late for the 16:34 back to Blackburn. The train packed to Bromley Cross where most of the passengers in my coach got off.

At Blackburn on time, happy that my plans for the day once again gone well. A complete Blackburn circle ride as well! So now back to Manchester and after another RTT check to see if a decent change to Piccadilly was available at Salford Crescent. A change available and taken, not really worth it as we had to wait for a signal and a passing freight. Back to Piccadilly and upstairs for an Italian meal which was really good and back to the hotel to clean up and write up the last two days reports and answer questions. Tomorrow to……………………. Ah! Patience is a virtue. Goodnight readers.

 

[Techniquest]

Another excellent day and full of variety route wise. No dealing with ATW must have been most welcome after two days with them!

Heysham's certainly a weird one, but when it comes to the TT races on the Isle of Man the train gets quite busy. Not full and standing busy mind, but a very healthy load taken beyond Morecambe.

Looking forward to the next part when it's ready!

 

[Requeststop]

Day 11 Sheepless in Sunderland (Almost)

Manchester Piccadilly at rush hour and all is a panic. Platform 2 has an empty NR stock from Rose Hill. The departure board say there is a train due to Rose Hill from that platform but as departure time comes and goes nothing happens. No train crew, no announcement and 15 or so passengers wanting to get on the train. Then in comes the NR service from Rose Hill, stuffed to the gunnels with passengers and stops just short of the other train. It takes 2-3 minutes to disgorge all the incoming passengers and then a handful of the passengers wanting to go to Rose Hill get on the front train and then have to be told to get off so the two trains can be coupled together. All this takes eight minutes and in the meantime 150 or so passengers waiting for the 0826 TPE to York are watching this pantomime. Then out goes the 4 units with the two rear carriages empty.
So then the 0826 arrives late and the 150+ passengers fight to get a seat. First class is mostly full, but some booked seats unclaimed. Most of the passengers work at the tables. Cake and other refreshments are offered by Stalybridge and I settle down to read my horoscope and power my phone.
Arrival at Huddersfield we are now only 4 late and plenty of passengers waiting for the train with many standing at the two ends of the first class coach. Next stop Leeds which is now 6 late at Platform 15B and many of the commuters disembark there. Next stop is York and we depart having gained a minute. York is where I change for my first GC train up to Sunderland.This is so I can clear that annoying bit of line between Eaglescliffe and Sunderland. First Class in the GC train is full but there are a couple of unclaimed seats facing forward with a window view. Nice to do a speedy run up the ECML, but it is a bit shaky and the coffee in the cup (nice touch) does slosh about a bit.

No sheep in the fields’ north of York. Are they not butch enough for the cold? All this talk of tough northern grit and soft southerners and they can’t put out their sheep to graze in February? Arrival and departure at both Thirsk and Northallerton are to time and the ride east is noticeably smoother and slower. Arrival at Eaglescliffe slightly late and travelling on I see a couple of lovely shire horses or Clydesdales outside of Stockton. Next is Hartlepool and sight of my second nuclear power station in two days. Look out for me. I’m the traveller who glows in the dark or in tunnels. According to RRT, we are 6 mins early in Hartlepool but depart as per schedule after a longish wait. Llamas in a field north of Hartlepool but no sheep. Sunderland arrival involves a wait outside the station in a tunnel. From my seat I can see that we are waiting for a couple of Metro services to pass. After that we are allowed into the station, which is totally covered. Next is a ride back to Middlesbrough to cover the Stockton to Thornaby section of that triangle, and then my target is the Bishop Auckland branch. Not a difficult day.

The 11:50 to Nunthorpe is my next train to Middlesbrough. Again no sheep but llamas and a single lonely looking horse and a couple of free range rabbits. A two coach Northern bounce-mobile arrives for the trip, and unlike yesterday’s freezing cold Northern coaches this one is really warm. Soft North Easterners. I notice a lot of trackside rubbish south of Hartlepool. Before long we have arrived at Middlesbrough and I walk under the bridge to the opposite platform and await the service from Saltburn going forward to Darlington departing at 12:55. It’s a tight fit into the economy-minus seats but the train is nowhere near full, in fact there were only six in the front carriage.

Still no sheep but plenty of free range plastic bags flapping about in the wind. At 13:11 we pass a road sign that informs us that we are entering the city of Darlington and pass through the infamous Teesside Airport station, and then in rapid order I spy a field of sheep, and one of cows! Brave souls. Perhaps the local rustlers are a feared of the empty station too? Arrival at Darlington on time with tons of time to kill. So I took a few snaps and walk down the road towards the city centre. By the time I reached the first roundabout, my heart sank. Firstly there was nothing to see, no shops, shopping mall, church, statues of Queen Vic with a phallus, and secondly, it started to drizzle, so I made my way back to the station and took shelter in the Pumpkin waiting room where I bought the latest RAIL magazine and remembered why I’d cancelled my subscription two years ago. I did the crossword in 15 minutes.

So I wait on Platform 4 for the train to Bishop Auckland to arrive mindful of the last time I tried to cover the branch. The train arrives and I bag myself a roomy and warm seat. Departure is prompt as we set off towards Darlington North Junction wheels screaming. At North Road the conductor makes jokey style announcements and does the same all along the line, but otherwise it’s an uneventful journey.

So now the journey back to Manchester via Darlington and York. Away from Bishop Auckland at 15:52 and arrive at Darlington with enough time to connect to the VTEC to York at 16:03 at Platform 1. First class nearly full with the usual types taking up more than one seat with baggage or just awkward about having someone sit next to them by occupying the aisle seat. I have to say that the ride from Doncaster to York even on a VTEC was bouncy. At York a long walk down from the far end of Platform 3 to the far end of Platform 4 to get the 16:41 ex Scarborough back to Piccadilly. This train very full at Leeds (commuter time) and still full at Ardwick where we wait almost an eternity as we wait to enter Platform 14 as 6 trains pass in front of us.

So a good day. No Welsh again. Tomorrow an important day as I intend to do Stockport - Stalybridge and Leeds - Goole via Snaith. Wish me luck. Cheers.

Tonight I was at my favourite Thai restaurant in Manchester and indeed it was up to it's high standard when I last visited in the late summer with my Thai partner. Now I know Thai food is not to everyone's taste, but at least your should Try Thai when in Manchester, it's highly recommended.

 

[Techniquest]

Thai food just doesn't appeal to me sorry!

A very good day there all in all, no issues unlike your Welsh adventures.

Good luck indeed for tomorrow, I look forward to seeing what happens!

 

[Kite159]

Good luck with the Denton flyer

 

[Ash Bridge]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading all your reports up to now, if you are on the Stalybridge Flyer tomorrow I'll look out for you passing, ours is the last house you will pass on the right hand side about 0.3 miles before Reddish South, happy travelling

 

[theironroad]

Haven't bothered reading most of the thread as the first post came across as a whinging, sexist, racist expat so can only hope it got better....

 

[Requeststop]

Good luck with the Denton flyer

Thanks for your wishes. Hoping above hope that it runs. If not my day may be really roughed up as I have 14 rides to complete on Friday, but then depending on engineering I have to return to Wales on Saturday (arrrrrrrrgh) as I really need to do Blaenau Ffestiniog. My last day in Manchester.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Haven't bothered reading most of the thread as the first post came across as a whinging, sexist, racist expat so can only hope it got better....

Everyone can whinge or complain. You just did so to me. Touche'

Sexist I ain't. How the hell you could say I was sexist from my first post I cannot begin to comprehend. Racist expat? For gods sake man, I have lived and worked in 15 different countries over the last 36 years. I have a relationship with a Thai that has lasted 16 very happy and loving years, and if I was a racist, why would I stay away from home in the UK and live with people from 3 different continents in those 15 countries if I was a racist. I have worked with people from countless other countries on projects. Believe me I have worked with British expats and to hear them talk about different cultures and how they hate the country and people they have to work with. If they had been arrested for some of the views expressed at times, I'd be the one to take the prison key and drop it into a deep river or infested drain, as they are so offensive to me.

How you read posts is up to you, but I'd say this; In 3 respects (whinging, sexist, racist) you got it totally wrong. Expat? yes I am, my profile says I live in Thailand, and I am also a very proud Cornishman.


IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE REBUTTAL THEN DON'T POST A REPLY WITH ACCUSATIONAL REMARKS. I ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO REPLY! GO LOOK AT YOURSELF IN A MIRROR! AND DON'T POST A REPLY TO A THREAD BASED ON A GLANCE AT ONE ENTRY, ESPECIALLY BY MYSELF.

So go away and vote BNP or UKIP, and keep your offensive remarks to yourself. I look forward to an apology.

 

[jamesr]

I'm very much enjoying your postings, following you as you go. I have no idea what inspired the completely unwarranted rude comment above. Having re-read your first post, it makes no sense at all! Ignore and keep going!

 

[Requeststop]

Woke up this morning to do my usual checks before I leave for my days travels to the dreadful news that Llandudno Junction - Blaenau Ffestiniog is to be bus on Saturday. So slaughtering Wales this trip is off. Never mind there are other lines I can clear in Saturday. A bit disappointing but there it goes. Back late tonight so maybe no report until Saturday! Cheers my friends. (Especially my friends)

 

[Techniquest]

I didn't notice anything odd in your first post, if it was there I'm sure we'd have commented at the time, or PM'd you about it or similar.

Harsh you can't get Blaenau Ffestiniog in, it's a nice ride even on a low-seated 153, as I had in 2005 when I did it. Refurbished 150/2s will await you when you next get to do it, a better deal!

 

[Romilly]

Away from Bishop Auckland at 15:52 and arrive at Darlington with enough time to connect to the VTEC to York at 16:03 at Platform 1.

I wish there'd been supersonic trains running the last time I did Bishop Auckland to Darlington! Alternatively, and more boringly, maybe it was the 1525 departure from Bishop Auckland.

 

[Keith Jarrett]

Requeststop, this is a most enjoyable read. You do seem to be getting around quite a bit (and covering much of the track that I still haven't done).

I always like the reports that take a slightly different slant on the railway world - there's some real gems of staff out there and some right idiot as well presumably to balance things out a bit.

Enjoy the rest of your rampage around Great Britain and please tell us how you get on.

 

[FQ]

I really enjoyed the reads and I wish you the best of luck on your next legs! I'm looking forward to the next instalment. And I didn't see anything bad in the first post either so just ignore what theironroad said. It was just a worthless comment.

 

[PeterY]

I've enjoyed reading about your trip so far and I can't see anything wrong. I'm after ideas for my ALR later in the year.

 

[Requeststop]

I wish there'd been supersonic trains running the last time I did Bishop Auckland to Darlington! Alternatively, and more boringly, maybe it was the 1525 departure from Bishop Auckland.

Of course you are correct. It's a typo and I apologise for confusion and my XXL typing fingers.

 

[crispy1978]

Have I missed something, but what happened on Day 10?