Skymonster's RailTrek

[Skymonster]

Firstly thanks for logging everything as it's given me a clear idea of what I can expect when I finally make it to the North West.

I think you could have a good day in Manchester Mr. Train. OK you probably don't need the Northern 323s and you'll have gotten a few of the diesel units on your previous days out, but I was only in the area for around six hours and noted 200 units and locos. Realistically duplicates start at each station after a couple of hours, but there's very little crossover between the two (most of what does use both are TPE 185s). If you can get into Manchester early at a reasonable price, adding in Leeds too might be worthwhile, but bear in mind activity at both Manchester stations is down a bit during the late morning and early afternoon and is only at its best at rush hours (before 09:00 and after about 15:30/16:00).

I think I need to give myself time to sample the Tap at Sheffield as well. I don't really do real ale but I do like a proper cider which I assume they have on tap as well?

It's mainly craft beers (dark brown stuff served at room temperature which isn't really my thing usually either, but I find some of the IPAs are rather pleasant). The selection varies but there is usually a craft cider or two on draft too. The bonus is that you can eyeball some of the units passing through from the tables - though with the Pacers it's easiest to note the car numbers and then translate to the unit identities using a website like abrail.

Moving on to your day, I'd say your volume of winners (the real winners I'm talking about) was pretty good considering how far you've eaten into your requirements already.

Yes I was happy with the day out with the exception of failing to make much impact on the Northern 156s. Another plan is being considered!

 

[The_Train]

I think you could have a good day in Manchester Mr. Train. OK you probably don't need the Northern 323s and you'll have gotten a few of the diesel units on your previous days out, but I was only in the area for around six hours and noted 200 units and locos. Realistically duplicates start at each station after a couple of hours, but there's very little crossover between the two (most of what does use both are TPE 185s). If you can get into Manchester early at a reasonable price, adding in Leeds too might be worthwhile, but bear in mind activity at both Manchester stations is down a bit during the late morning and early afternoon and is only at its best at rush hours (before 09:00 and after about 15:30/16:00).

I've revised my plan for Manchester to make use of the Cheshire Day Ranger so I'm thinking of a couple of hours at one of the Manchester stations in the morning rush hour and the other in the evening rush hour with visits to the Liverpool area and maybe Chester/Crewe in between (subject to timetables suiting). The only sticking point to this plan is that the Ranger doesn't kick in until after morning rush hour so I'd have to get a separate ticket to Manchester instead of Crewe/Stoke which are my closest starting stations for the ranger

 

[Kite159]

A very productive day in Manchester.

The NRUG (Northern Random Unit Generator) out in good force, as you never quite know what might just tip up

Probably some of them 156s were hiding on the Cumbrian coast

 

[Skymonster]

Season 2, Episode 13: Among whippets and flat caps (air date September 28, 2018)

A need to spend time in Leeds led to a pleasant afternoon out in the sunshine, with a few numbers entering the book to boot. It started out as usual at Long Eaton, picking up an offpeak return to Sheffield and a separate similar ticket from Sheffield to Leeds, saving a few pounds into the bargain. While National Rail Enquiries currently will not offer a fare for Long Eaton-Sheffield via Derby due to the blockade - instead suggesting travel via Nottingham - I decided Derby was still a reasonable route to take (Cross Country still operate Derby-Sheffield via Toton and the Erewash Valley). Within a few moments of reaching the platform, Meridian 021 on a St Pancras to Derby working got the journey off to a reasonable start.

Long Eaton
EMT 222021(LGE-DBY)

As the train slowed for Derby, a lookout on the left hand side revealed the stock stabled on the RTC / LORAM site. Sadly all of the locos were dud - no surprise really - but it was nice to catch the loooong LORAM rail grinder for the first time, especially as I'd already seen the DR7924x and DR7925x seven-unit sets on several occasions in the past.

Derby - RTC
DRS 37612 57310
LORAM 08536 08588 DR79231-DR79232-DR79233-DR79234-DR79235-DR79236-DR79237
NRL 08417 31105 31233 73138 97301

As expected Derby revealed little of interest, but having not travelled through the station since the remodelling started the new track / ballast and changes to the layout were notable. Ten minutes provided enough time for a quick look around before boarding a Voyager for the extended journey north via a route that is rarely used by passenger trains.

Derby
AXC 43301 43303 170104 170398 221137(DBY-SHF)
EMT 43423 'Valenta 40 Years' 158812 222103

Toton
COL 70802
DBC 66012 66039 66144 66145
GBR 66753

There were of course plenty more 60s and 66s on Toton T.M.D. and in New Bank Sidings, but as is the way when travelling at speed most went unidentified or were obscured by others nearer the through lines. It was nonetheless fascinating to see the depot at rail-level for a change, from where it has a markedly different feel to viewing it on the bank.

Chesterfield
DBC 66139 10:17 Scunthorpe-Eastleigh
DR75401

Sheffield
AXC 220006 220029 221137
EMT 153319 156403 158858 158866
NOR 144001 144005 144019 158859(SHF-LDS) 158910
SYS 116

Although I'm not overly enthusiastic about 158s, I particularly wanted to travel from Sheffield to Leeds on Northern as the rival Cross Country service goes via Wakefield Westgate and straight into Leeds. However, the slower Northern service passes through Barnsley and Wakefield Kirkgate before being threaded between the Leeds Freightliner terminal and the Freightliner depot at Midland Road. And so it was aboard the 12:45 Express for an hour's run to the north.

Meadowhall
NOR 144013 158794

Barnsley
NOR 150104

At last, a proper winner - one of a few Northern 150s still needed for sight was about to make a southbound stop at Barnsley as the Sprinter accelerated away in the opposite direction.

Darton
144010

Grand Central 180108 trundled past just west of Wakefield Kirkgate, and while it was the first time I'd seen it in those colours it had previously entered the book when it worked with First Great Western so was a dud.

Wakefield Kirkgate
GCR 180108

The Super Sprinter ambled on, defying Northern's describing the service as an 'Express', dropping time here and there and finally passing Leeds Midland Road just south of the city several minutes down. The line of stored 70s is nearest to the main line.

Leeds Midland Road
FLR 66415(DRS colours) 66551 66557 66585 70001 70004 70009 70010 70011 70013 70016 70017 70018 70019
Hey @The_Train - they're still there!

Two of the FLR 66s had just arrived on the southbound main working light engine on the 12:58 York-Leeds Balm Road but sadly eluded identification as my attention was fixed on the row on 70s outside the depot. Fortunately a request on the TOPS requests thread revealed them to be duds 66551 and 66585.

Leeds

Welcome to Leeds - a LNER DVT 82218 and a Northern 333 got the ball rolling

Alighting on Platform 5 I was flung into the middle of the melee straight away, with 321903 being an immediate and notable winner in the adjacent bay.

Baywatch - immediate winner 321903 stayed put for most of the afternoon

I hoped it was a sign of things to come, and having had a quick scout around to catch whatever was in the eastern bay (a 150 coupled to two 153s as it happened) I soon settled at the end of Platform 5 to monitor the proceedings. Of course, it isn't possible to stand in just one place at Leeds and note everything as the eastern end of the station and some of the electric bays can't be covered adequately without frequent hikes back and forth.

The Northern Random Unit Generator (RUG) in fine form - 150 and two 153s

The Northern RUG was in fine form, with various combos seeing the light of day including a 150 coupled to two 153s (two similar sets), a 158 and 153, multiple 150s, 142s and 144s together - the list goes on.

Annoyingly some of the movements obscured others, especially the long LNER rakes on the London services. Nevertheless the numbers continued to flow, and a healthy return on the time invested was delivered before heading into the city to meet a colleague.

An LNER HST peeks out into the sunshine - annoyingly some of these long rakes can obscure other movements at times

Back on the platform - where have I heard that expression before - the Nothern 333s, which don't tend to congregate anywhere else, put in frequent appearances but alas only one of the two I needed for sight - 333003 - passed though. Where is 333002?

Winner!

Propping up the good numbers were the influx of Scotrail 170s and Great Western 153s - some of the southerners I'd seen before, but the units from north of the border were all solid winners.

153370 - an imposter from the southwest, and part another lash-up created by the Northern Random Unit Generator


Scotrail in Leeds? No, just a transferee which will soon be re-liveried

I was pleased to finally catch up with the Pacer Evolution - I'd seen 144012 before it was reworked but getting a photo of it in its new guise had eluded me. For those who aren't aware, it is a unit that was upgraded by its owner Porterbrook with improved features including better seats, mobility aids, information screens and a toilet. The project seems to have been a one-off, as the first Northern 142s and 144s are scheduled to go off lease before the end of the year.

Pacer Evolution - 144012 - scary stuff!

In fact Leeds is something of an epicentre for 144s and 158s, although all had been had for sight before my visit so none were winners. Other units that become almost mundane are the TPE 185s, passing though every few minutes working between the east coast and Manchester and Liverpool.

Gleaming Super Sprinter in Northern's new colours


Bee in the City - 185116 forms a departure to Manchester

AXC 220010 221126 221128(LDS-DBY) 221144
DBC 90029(DVT-82229)
EMT 43061 430?? (LNER coach stock)
LNE 43277 43315 91101(DVT 822??) 91102(DVT-82218) 91116(DVT-822??) 91121(DVT-822??) 91122(DVT-82228)
NOR 142003 142012 142018 142025 142091 142093
NOR 144003 144004 144006 144007 144010 144012 144013 144016 144018 144020 144021
NOR 150104 150108 150118 150134 150146 150148 150150 150211 150228 150270 150277
NOR 153304 153316 153324 153331 153332 153363 153370 153380
NOR 155345 155346
NOR 156429 156455
NOR 158752 158753 158754 158756 158757 158759 158792 158793 158795 158797 158817 158843 158855 158901 158903 158908 158909
NOR 170459(SCR colours) 170460(SCR colours) 170473 170478(SCR colours)
NOR 321901 321902 321903
NOR 322481 322482 322483 322484 322485
NOR 333003 333004 333007 333008 333009 333010 333011 333013 333014 333015 333016
TPE 185104 185106 185107 185108 185110 185111 185112 185113 185115 185116 185119 185120 185122 185124 185125 185127 185134 185135 185139 185140 185146 185148 185149

I noted everything I could, mainly to give @The_Train and other readers an impression of whether Leeds is worthwhile spending time at. A total of 115 were put in the book over around three hours, with a few more missed due to obstructions or my inability to get from one end of the station to the other quickly enough to note turn rounds. Among them were 16 winners, so not too bad really. It was an enjoyable if tiring afternoon, as there's quite some distance to walk to cover all of the station on a continuous basis. Particularly pleasing were the last two TPE 185s needed for sight, and being able to reduce the number of Northern 153s outstanding (now down to four). Making a start on the 170s heading to Northern from north of the border was also a bonus, especially as three of the four were still in Scotrail colours - the other one looked very shiny in its new livery. However, the locally based and illusive 155s remain challenging (only two noted during this visit, with one a winner and three of the fleet of eight still needed for sight). The Northern 156s continue to be few and far between, with my needs coming down only from 22 to 20. I was also disappointed to miss out on the one remaining 333 missing for sight too... Ah well there's always next time I suppose.

The return
The journey back south unexpectedly coincided with Leeds United fans travelling to Sheffield for a Friday evening away match so slightly late running Cross Country 221128 en route from Edinburgh to Southampton Central became absolutely rammed and noisy - note to self: check football fixtures before agreeing to travel, even on a Friday... I was lucky to get a seat in the lottery coach, and thankfully no one reserved the same place during the trip to Derby which became somewhat more comfortable once the football supporters alighted. Eight minutes late leaving Leeds had become on time at Derby. A final bonus was an expected 30 minute fester in the dark at Derby becoming a one minute leap between Platform 4 and Platform 3 onto an unidentified AXC 170, thanks to a late-running Cardiff-Nottingham service. The LORAM rail grinder could still be made out on the RTC in the dark, and 08899 was the only thing worthy of note at Etches Park.

And so another outing came to an end, and the quick transfer at Derby meant I was still able to drop into the local for a pint before finally getting back home.

Edits-correction of a few typos

 

[Iskra]

A good report thanks for sharing. Yes, there is nothing express about any of the services via Barnsley. Lots of interesting unit combinations around in Northern land at the moment, this is probably the most interesting it has been round here since privatisation. Hope my fellow Leeds fans behaved on the train for you- Sky moved it to Friday night and we were given 5000 tickets, so many decided to take the day off and have a few beers, a recipe for chaos really. Luckily it was one of the few fixtures that I didn't have to get the train for

 

[Kite159]

A productive day in Leeds

 

[The_Train]

Another good report @Skymonster. Definitely think Leeds will be worth a visit so think I will plan it for the immediate future to get back up to Yorkshire for some RHTT action.

Is it just me who thinks the 333s look pretty good? Not sure what it is about them but they are a good looking unit if your ask me.

Your note of the Midland Road 70s has answered one of my questions in the TOPS thread as I thought I'd seen 70013 at Tamworth on Wednesday night hauling containers but I guess this is looking unlikely based on your sighting at Leeds?

 

[Skymonster]

A good report thanks for sharing. Yes, there is nothing express about any of the services via Barnsley. Lots of interesting unit combinations around in Northern land at the moment, this is probably the most interesting it has been round here since privatisation. Hope my fellow Leeds fans behaved on the train for you- Sky moved it to Friday night and we were given 5000 tickets, so many decided to take the day off and have a few beers, a recipe for chaos really. Luckily it was one of the few fixtures that I didn't have to get the train for

Thank you for the comments. The Leeds United fans were boisterous and drinking, but well behaved. I was rather shocked to find the platform about four deep when I went for the train back to Derby. I knew Cross Country suffered from overcrowding, but what I saw was above and beyond that. It never crossed my mind there'd be a fixture on a Friday night - and of all the luck I was going the same way at the same time. I'm not sure I'd want to be traveling to Leeds after the match though as I bet that train would be even rowdier.

 

[Skymonster]

Another good report @Skymonster. Definitely think Leeds will be worth a visit so think I will plan it for the immediate future to get back up to Yorkshire for some RHTT action.

Is it just me who thinks the 333s look pretty good? Not sure what it is about them but they are a good looking unit if your ask me.

Your note of the Midland Road 70s has answered one of my questions in the TOPS thread as I thought I'd seen 70013 at Tamworth on Wednesday night hauling containers but I guess this is looking unlikely based on your sighting at Leeds?

Yes Mr. Train, Leeds comes highly recommended (along with Manchester) if you want to make a good dent in your Northern units. The three 20s allocated to the Yorkshire RHTT moved to York last week so I expect they will start working next week - they are likely to run until the beginning of Devember so the next two months would be the time to strike.

The 333s do indeed look mighty fine - very similar to the Heathrow Express units, but more colourful. They are all based out of Neville Hill and only do shortish trips to other cities in the area, so Leeds is a must if you want to catch them.

70013 has been part of the line at Midland Road since before the start of the year - one of those out of service longest - so you definitely didn't see it working through Tamworth. 70012 is of course totally out of reach too. There were reportedly two more hiding at Midland Road on Friday (002 and 015) alhough those may be only short-term inmates. But that means those out and about at present must drawn from 003, 005, 006, 007, 008, 014 and 020. The line at Midland Road is easy to see from a Northern service working from Wakefield Kirkgate into / out of Leeds (the Cross Country Voyagers go a different way).

 

[Skymonster]

A productive day in Leeds

Indeed, but the cost-reward ratio heads ever downward unless / until I make a headlong attack on Merseyrail and/or Scotrail.

The salvation will be more IETs (I'm doing OK with GWR but there's LNER, HT and TPE to come), Northern 195s and 331s, and all the new vehicles coming to Anglia. Even the West Midlands - and Wales - will become more viable again once the stock starts to turn over. In the mean time, I'll look forward to the rumoured Class 93s, some coming to a Derby firm if I'm not mistaken!

 

[Kite159]

Just a word of advice when you make a start with the 333s, is the unit numbers can sometimes be a pain to grab.

Although not as bad as the TPE 185s, I can remember taking up residence on the overbridge at Leeds to ID them without needing to be on the crowded platforms. Those days are gone

 

[Skymonster]

Just a word of advice when you make a start with the 333s, is the unit numbers can sometimes be a pain to grab. Although not as bad as the TPE 185s, I can remember taking up residence on the overbridge at Leeds to ID them without needing to be on the crowded platforms. Those days are gone

Hahaha... Indeed Mr. Kite... A special note for @The_Train who has yet to experience such challenges - yes, the 333s are a pain in the posterior because, although they have a number on the front, it is only on one side and the curved end doesn't make identifying them easy if you are stood on the 'wrong' side or above. TPE 185s are even worse as there's no way they can be identified from the front - fortunately I have them all for sight now so that won't be an issue in future. But I remember the TPE 170/3s that had a large number on the front under the driver's Windows (like the 700s/707s and 222s have now - as did the 185s at one time, for that matter) - it should be a mandatory feature on all stock IMO.

The overbridge at Leeds is next to useless because the Northern Randon Unit Generator sometimes produces three vehicle combos (e.g. 150+153+153), and there's no way to identify the middle unit from up there.

 

[The_Train]

Surely the 333s can't be worse than the 180s? I can't say I had any issues with the 185s during my stint in Yorkshire, it was the 180s that were ridiculous to identify - in most cases being done via the coach numbers

 

[Skymonster]

Surely the 333s can't be worse than the 180s? I can't say I had any issues with the 185s during my stint in Yorkshire, it was the 180s that were ridiculous to identify - in most cases being done via the coach numbers

You're right Mr. Train, the 180s represent the nadir of unit spotting, but the TPE 185s used to be much easier - they used to have a huge number on the front end below the cab. The 333s are easy from a few aspects but challenging from many others.

 

[Kite159]

Surely the 333s can't be worse than the 180s? I can't say I had any issues with the 185s during my stint in Yorkshire, it was the 180s that were ridiculous to identify - in most cases being done via the coach numbers

At least the coach numbers of the 180s match the set numbers

Unlike the 333s (or most of the BR-era EMUs)

 

[Skymonster]

At least the coach numbers of the 180s match the set numbers

Unlike the 333s (or most of the BR-era EMUs)

Coach numbers matching set numbers works great until you get a miss-formed unit. 172333 and 172338 are good examples that have been kicking around for a while now. I noted 172333 at Moor Street from a coach number, only to wonder why the **** the unit had 172338 on the end...

 

[Kite159]

Coach numbers matching set numbers works great until you get a miss-formed unit. 172333 and 172338 are good examples that have been kicking around for a while now. I noted 172333 at Moor Street from a coach number, only to wonder why the **** the unit had 172338 on the end...

Just don't use the coach numbers of the 175s to ID the unit number

 

[Skymonster]

Just don't use the coach numbers of the 175s to ID the unit number

Oh wow, I'd not noticed that before - one in particular raises questions. It seems like it could have been possible to have seen all of the parts of 174004 (in their original sets before they came together to form 175004), and yet to have never seen 174004 and thus not have it 'ticked off'. Equally, it also seems possible to have seen 174004 in the past (in its original formation) but not to have actually seen any part of it as it is now - and still have it ticked off. I'm beginning to wonder if this makes a mockery of taking set numbers...?

 

[87electric]

My way is to take the Unit number and then note the coaches to confirm a correct formation. Units can be misformed for many different reasons.

 

[Kite159]

Oh wow, I'd not noticed that before - one in particular raises questions. It seems like it could have been possible to have seen all of the parts of 174004 (in their original sets before they came together to form 175004), and yet to have never seen 174004 and thus not have it 'ticked off'. Equally, it also seems possible to have seen 174004 in the past (in its original formation) but not to have actually seen any part of it as it is now - and still have it ticked off. I'm beginning to wonder if this makes a mockery of taking set numbers...?

It's only some members of the 175 fleet which have been mixed & match due to various thermal events.

But where would you draw the line as there were a couple 159s running around without centre coaches last month.

 

[Skymonster]

But where would you draw the line...

I don't know - my brain hurts thinking about it!

 

[03_179]

Really enjoyed reading this one

 

[noddy1878]

Manchester and Leeds are great places to for spotting and bashing. So much choice. It's when you get to near the end its frustrating with the RUG as there are some places where the stock will stay all day. Barton-on-Humber? Anyway, good write ups and yes the numbers of some units are a complete pain in the rear to get.

 

[Skymonster]

Season 2, Episode 14: Bits and bobs (air date October 16, 2018)

Well it's been a barren couple of weeks with little respite from the mundane - a situation that I hope will be resolved in the very near future. To break the monotony I first resorted to my first-love, aircraft, and the cue came with the news that the first Embraer ERJ-135 for Scottish airline Loganair was due out of the paint shop at East Midlands Airport. I still get a buzz from being the first to get a new livery, and every once in a while the local comes up trumps. Departure time was slated for 14:00 so laying in wait commenced an hour or so earlier. Within minutes of arriving the doors opened and the object of my stalking was visible - game on. In aviation terms it's quite important not to have tugs, steps or generators in the way, so a patient waiting game commenced as the airline's representatives checked over the newly applied colour scheme. Eventually though the doors were closed, the engines were started and I had my chance...

Logainair Embraer ERJ135 G-RJXJ, East Midlands Airport

Now back to railways, and as I said already there have been few chances to escape from the drudgery these last couple of weeks. However, a few short but focused trips out to the local lines have been possible, and with suitable gen have enabled some winners to enter the book.

First up on October 1 was a quick trip into Castle Donington to catch an Old Dalby - Crewe Carriage Sidings working. As expected it was a ROG 37 hauling a new Crossrail unit westward, so dud 37800 and winner 345049 became the first two entries in the book for the month.

The following day a gen posting suggested a TPE-liveried 68 was working the Crewe - Mountsorrell - Crewe ballast train and as that too works through Castle Donington (on the return only) I ventured out again to catch 68024, a useful addition to my still growing collection of Cat-powered sightings.

Two days then passed before I finally found time to make a quick trip into Derby, the news section of WNXX having alerted me to there being a pair of 20s stabled on the RTC sidings. Well I needed only one mainline-registered 20, so while 20007 was a dud, 20205 was most definitely a winner and made the short drive into town worthwhile. The only other thing of note (other than lots of unmarked 345 and 710 carriages in the Bombardier works) was Colas 37025. But making a chopper (aka Whistling Wardrobe) is always worth the effort when it's fairly close to home. The pair are currently out on the Yorkshire RHTT workings, as the three DRS manchines normally assigned to the duties all have wheel flats.

Five days passed - until the 9th - when Cats were again the target. Again gen suggested that there would one about on the Crewe - Mountsorrel - Crewe working, but during the late morning it also transpired that another would be on the Crewe - Bescot - Toton - Crewe. As both were potential winners, the opportunity could not be passed up. First 68033 (ex Mountsorrel) and then 68017 (ex Bescot) entered the book as they passed through Castle Donington, proving that you don't always have to venture too far to get some winners.

The following day it was Crewe - Bescot - Toton - Crewe that provided an escape again, as winner 68003 winged its way through the East Midlands. These few workings have usefully decreased my 68 needs to five, all of which are assigned to the TPE contract - hopefully those will be easy to catch in the Manchester area once the operation gets going. However, the day wasn't over and totally unexpectedly 66540 also passed on a Leeds - Southampton working, taking my Freightliner Sheds needed down to just two. What a nice surprise that was - far better to get an unexpected winner than use gen.

And then there was nothing else rail-related in my life until yesterday (Monday 15th) when another Old Dalby - Crewe popped up on RTT. Soon after 10:00 ROG 37601 winged its way through Castle Donington hauling Crossrail 345051. I wonder where 050 has got to - that one hasn't come back from the test track yet.

As I was out and there was a working from Nene Valley Railway to Bury Bolton Street I decided to carry on to East Mindlands Parkway. I knew what was in the consist and by late morning 50008 passed through, making a heck of a racket as it pulled D8059 (20059), 31162 and 50015 northwards. Plenty of EMT 222s (Nottingham / Sheffield / Derby - St Pancras and VV) and 156s / 158s (Lincoln - Leicester) to observe too, but naturally all duds. It was also nice to see six HST power cars - none being the former Grand Central machines - but as they too are all duds I didn't feel they were worthy of note.

Finally we get to today and an Old Dalby - Derby Litchurch Lane working on RTT attracted attention. I assumed it would be another 345, but after an hour's delay Europhoenix / ROG 37601 and 37611 duly passed through Long Eaton, sandwiching a sadly unmarked London Overground 710. Dammit why is that allowed? However, again proof-positive that standing on a platform can sometimes be lucky, 153382 passed through on Newark - Matlock trip. Now I'm not usually one to make a winner with EMT, but earlier this year four 153s came up from GWR and one of them had eluded me before and after the move. And there it was - EMT completed again. Hurrah!

As an added bonus the two 37s came back through Long Eaton on their way home to Leicester, in a move that was oh-so-nearly bowled. The Cross Country 170 was moving quite quickly!!!

Europhoenix / ROG 37601 and 37611 at Long Eaton with a light loco move from Derby to Leicester, having earlier returned a London Overground 710 back at Bombardier

Having exhausted the opportunities at Long Eaton, I headed home through Derby, pausing just long enough to note 08588 in RMS livery at LORAM, London Overground 710260 being shunted around Bombardier's site at Litchurch Lane, and a coupe of unidentified Colas 37s on the RTC. And that's me up to date again.

October has made fairly grim reading so far - just 11 winners although a few of them quite worthy. Hopefully the rest of the month will be somewhat more profitable.

 

[Kite159]

67033?

Sounds like you are making good progress with the 345s when they are on test, at least you won't need to fester around Crossrail when it eventually opens

 

[Skymonster]

67033?

Ah bother - now corrected to 68033!

Sounds like you are making good progress with the 345s when they are on test, at least you won't need to fester around Crossrail when it eventually opens

Yep, although I am missing many of the early ones (< 345030) I have caught more over the last few months. Almost without fail they are moved from Bombardier at Derby to Old Dalby for testing before being hauled from there to Crewe for mileage accumulation on the WCML. The Old Dalby - Crewe uses the line between Sheet Stores Junction and Stenson Junction, which I can get to in about two minutes. If I see a move on RTT (checking for STPs from Leicester LIP, Derby Litchurch Lane and Old Dalby has become almost a daily ritual), and if I can get out at the right time, I will go for it - but sometimes the real world gets in the way. Once the 710/1 deliveries start to pick up I will need to see if I can catch those too.

 

[The_Train]

Some decent little outings around the local area there. I can definitely vouch for the local sometimes being as good a place as any to pick up some decent bits and bobs.

I'm also making hay with regards to the 345 units whilst they're up this way on test. We seem to be getting a new one every Monday at the moment so I'm trying to get out as much as I can to chalk as many off as possible

 

[Skymonster]

Europhoenix / ROG 37601 and 37611 duly passed through Long Eaton, sandwiching a sadly unmarked London Overground 710.

Hurrah - the 710 being returned to Derby has been identified as 710106 so that's another winner for yesterday, and another London Overground unit crossed off!

 

[Skymonster]

I'm also making hay with regards to the 345 units whilst they're up this way on test.

The 710s are now also starting to come up your way on test from Willesden @The_Train - but you're going to have to be a night owl if you want to catch them!

 

[The_Train]

The 710s are now also starting to come up your way on test from Willesden @The_Train - but you're going to have to be a night owl if you want to catch them!

Where are they working to? Just to Crewe or further a field?