Last week a group of us (Metcam, NickW, Adam, Jordy and myself) did a trip around Scotland, with the main aim to get as much Valenta mileage as possible on the scenic lines to Aberdeen and Inverness, plus a few random lines as 'fill in' moves.
The Chieftain only produced once and it was the one day we didn't want it - a Sunday! With the last "day" train back ridiculously early, Mr '37412' was in Inverness and asked the guard of the sleeper if it would be possible to get the sleeper back to Aviemore. The guard said no as it was "pick up only", so we knew we would be on dodgy ground going to Aviemore so we were unable to continue up the Highlands sadly.
Another lowlight was waiting for the CrossCountry to Dundee but due to, I am told, two fatalities it was 2.5 hours late and cancelled.
But other than that, it was a great trip and we got plenty of Valentas. Fortunately all the HST sets that have Valentas have one at the TGS end (there's also a pair). Also still quite a few non-refurbs out (including one set with just the TGS non-refurbished!) so the less comfortable mallards were mostly avoided and sunglasses were not required
(saying that, the mallard refurb is still a lot better than FGWs).
The constant speed changes and many gradients means that there is plenty of opportunity to hear the thrash. I would encourage anyone who has not yet experienced this to go up there this Summer before it is too late.
We are planning one final trip in August (anyone interested please PM me).
The Chieftain only produced once and it was the one day we didn't want it - a Sunday! With the last "day" train back ridiculously early, Mr '37412' was in Inverness and asked the guard of the sleeper if it would be possible to get the sleeper back to Aviemore. The guard said no as it was "pick up only", so we knew we would be on dodgy ground going to Aviemore so we were unable to continue up the Highlands sadly.
Another lowlight was waiting for the CrossCountry to Dundee but due to, I am told, two fatalities it was 2.5 hours late and cancelled.
But other than that, it was a great trip and we got plenty of Valentas. Fortunately all the HST sets that have Valentas have one at the TGS end (there's also a pair). Also still quite a few non-refurbs out (including one set with just the TGS non-refurbished!) so the less comfortable mallards were mostly avoided and sunglasses were not required
(saying that, the mallard refurb is still a lot better than FGWs).The constant speed changes and many gradients means that there is plenty of opportunity to hear the thrash. I would encourage anyone who has not yet experienced this to go up there this Summer before it is too late.
We are planning one final trip in August (anyone interested please PM me).
!