HMS Ark Royal
Established Member
Sit back, gentle readers, with a glass of sherry or port (or a cola or lemonade for backontrack and fishquinn) as you read about the fantastic Weekend Rover
Day 1 - Captain Ahab Gets His Great White Whale
The day started off with me arriving at Hull ready for the train to Sheffield - however this was CAPEd by a button tearing off my shirt as I got off the bus. An emergency return home was in order and when I returned 2C15 was ready to depart in the charge of 142088 which was taken all the way to Doncaster. Upon arrival, I connected to the free wi-fi network and asked if 142009 was in service and Northern confirmed that it was indeed. Jumping onboard 321901, I set off to Leeds and encountered issues. The free wi-fi service was cutting out after five or so minutes, so a report to Northern was sent and they promised to have a look at it. Upon arrival, I hurried over to the 1020 Leeds to Manchester Victoria onboard a very untidy looking 150137. Arrival was a minute or so down, but I connected to the wi-fi there and requested an update on #OperationPacerCapture as it had become known to me and Northern. They told me to go to the platform now and just as I stepped off the stairs, what rolled to stop in front of me but 142009.
142009 - Manchester Victoria by N7242C, on Flickr
"MISSION COMPLETE - ALL CLASS 142s ARE NOW CLEARED" I tweeted to Northern who had asked me to let them know what was happening.
"Congratulations and well done, Captain Ahab, for getting your Great White Whale!" was their reply
A picture was taken and then a trip out to Salford Crescent where the unit kindly asked me for a selfie with it - so I obliged the good unit
After that, it was a return to Manchester Victoria where a welcome coffee was purchased. Whilst I would have liked to have taken a much longer trip on 142009, it was bitterly cold and I didn't want to get cold and be unable to get out and about the following day. An unid 150 was just setting off and the guard allowed me to board via the private doorway - getting some raised eyebrows from my fellow travellers! Arrival into Leeds was on time and I quickly changed to the York service via East Garforth and waited for the next service home to Hull where a roaring fire awaited.
All in all, although Day 1 was curtailed a lot, it was still a partial success in that i set out to obtain all major objectives!
Day 2 - How I Battled Snow and Lived to Tell The Tale
A 158 was taken from Hull to Doncaster where I switched to 150137 for ride through the snowy lands of South Yorkshire and hence onwards to Sheffield.
150137 by N7242C, on Flickr
Whilst waiting, I spotted that there seemed to be an awful lot of pacers around - something that pleased me! of course, I wonder what happened to the DMSL of 144001
144001 DMSL 55824 by N7242C, on Flickr
Also spotted was the last vestige of British Rail!
British Rail Rides Again! by N7242C, on Flickr
Heading to the far side of the platforms where the stabling yard and depot is, yet more pacers of both types! This was turning into a wet dream for me...
Pacers, Pacers, Pacers by N7242C, on Flickr
However, it came time for me to board 150138 to Manchester Piccadilly which arrived after coming under heavy assault mid journey due to snowballs being thrown at the leading part
150138 by N7242C, on Flickr
As we came into the station, I doffed my hat, as is my custom, to Manchester Mayfield in respect and tribute to it. After catching the free Metrobus, and using the free wifi onboard, I got off and paid a courtesy call to Deansgate
Deansgate by N7242C, on Flickr
- where I found parts of the station still bore insignia and decals from Regional Railways days. As I was walking to tram stop, deciding to have a look at these strange vomit yellow coloured things, my Deansgate picture (the one above) got a like from a local bakery as well as Northern. I purchased a ticket from the machine and boarded Tram 3901 to Piccadilly Gardens
Tram 3091 by N7242C, on Flickr
Following this, I had a nice little walk past the shopping centres back to Manchester Victoria. Now, before we go on on this tale, I have to admit that going past Arndale for the first time in two decades sent shivers down my spine as, many years ago, I was on a tour to see Granada Studios and the coach went right past the devastated shopping centre shops - right through the middle of it. To this day, I can remember the gutted buildings and blood stains - very haunting images indeed
Happily, though, such matters were soon put off by finding a pub in the station and ordered a beer and chips. Whilst the chips were... acceptable (I would say something stronger but I am not allowed to do so here), there was not a good selection of beers on offer with them all seemingly coming from "Micro" Breweries or coming from places not of this world - had to settle for a Heineken. It was so watered down that you could see right through it
Heineken by N7242C, on Flickr
Oh well... Any port in a storm, I suppose!
Going back outside, I awaited a train to Hebden Bridge where I could get the connecting coach to Leeds. As I did so, 142009 was pulling out and, I swear this is perfectly true, it stopped and flickered the taillights at me before setting off again.
142048 was my weapon of choice to Hebden Bridge and a very snowy place it was too by the time we got there.
142048 by N7242C, on Flickr
Hebden Bridge Box by N7242C, on Flickr
I boarded BX12 CCE from Hunters of Leeds to Bradford Interchange where I got off as I needed the toilet and the one on the coach was InOp. After my PNB, I awaited a coach to complete the trip to Leeds and was given JRZ 7586 from Arrow Coach Travel of Brighouse which had the onboard radio set to Radio 2 with Paul O'Grady's show on - a very pleasant way to travel actually.
After arrival at Leeds, I decided to return to Bradford but to Forster Square to try out the 333s. The ride quality on 333015 was great although there was an issue with the toilet tissue (see what i did there?) which disintegrated upon the slightest touch. I reported the matter to Northern who have promised to look into it! After returning, I made a quick dash to McDonalds where I got two burgers and two portions of fries to fortify me on the trip to York via Poppleton with 155341 in charge.
155341 by N7242C, on Flickr
Upon arrival at York, I went into The Tap to try them out and had a pint of Yorkshire Blackout which tasted very much like chocolate. Whilst waiting, i used some of the last of my tablet's battery power and noticed there was a wi-fi setting showing Northern's free wi-fi service was in range... After finishing my pint, I went back onto the platforms and found epacer 144012 sitting in the siding next to Platform 2 shut down for the night. This surprised me somewhat as I had been told that, for testing purposes, the unit was confined to Scunthorpe - Sheffield - Lincoln trips so it had clearly managed to work its way up to York. I also discovered that the free wi-fi signal I was getting was coming from the unit - why it was not turned off overnight i do not know.
Sadly, as they say, all good things must come to an end and i boarded a 158 back to Hull and arrived just in time to get the last bus home.
Well, what do you think...?
Day 1 - Captain Ahab Gets His Great White Whale
The day started off with me arriving at Hull ready for the train to Sheffield - however this was CAPEd by a button tearing off my shirt as I got off the bus. An emergency return home was in order and when I returned 2C15 was ready to depart in the charge of 142088 which was taken all the way to Doncaster. Upon arrival, I connected to the free wi-fi network and asked if 142009 was in service and Northern confirmed that it was indeed. Jumping onboard 321901, I set off to Leeds and encountered issues. The free wi-fi service was cutting out after five or so minutes, so a report to Northern was sent and they promised to have a look at it. Upon arrival, I hurried over to the 1020 Leeds to Manchester Victoria onboard a very untidy looking 150137. Arrival was a minute or so down, but I connected to the wi-fi there and requested an update on #OperationPacerCapture as it had become known to me and Northern. They told me to go to the platform now and just as I stepped off the stairs, what rolled to stop in front of me but 142009.
142009 - Manchester Victoria by N7242C, on Flickr"MISSION COMPLETE - ALL CLASS 142s ARE NOW CLEARED" I tweeted to Northern who had asked me to let them know what was happening.
"Congratulations and well done, Captain Ahab, for getting your Great White Whale!" was their reply
A picture was taken and then a trip out to Salford Crescent where the unit kindly asked me for a selfie with it - so I obliged the good unit
After that, it was a return to Manchester Victoria where a welcome coffee was purchased. Whilst I would have liked to have taken a much longer trip on 142009, it was bitterly cold and I didn't want to get cold and be unable to get out and about the following day. An unid 150 was just setting off and the guard allowed me to board via the private doorway - getting some raised eyebrows from my fellow travellers! Arrival into Leeds was on time and I quickly changed to the York service via East Garforth and waited for the next service home to Hull where a roaring fire awaited.
All in all, although Day 1 was curtailed a lot, it was still a partial success in that i set out to obtain all major objectives!
Day 2 - How I Battled Snow and Lived to Tell The Tale
A 158 was taken from Hull to Doncaster where I switched to 150137 for ride through the snowy lands of South Yorkshire and hence onwards to Sheffield.
150137 by N7242C, on FlickrWhilst waiting, I spotted that there seemed to be an awful lot of pacers around - something that pleased me! of course, I wonder what happened to the DMSL of 144001
144001 DMSL 55824 by N7242C, on FlickrAlso spotted was the last vestige of British Rail!
British Rail Rides Again! by N7242C, on FlickrHeading to the far side of the platforms where the stabling yard and depot is, yet more pacers of both types! This was turning into a wet dream for me...
Pacers, Pacers, Pacers by N7242C, on FlickrHowever, it came time for me to board 150138 to Manchester Piccadilly which arrived after coming under heavy assault mid journey due to snowballs being thrown at the leading part
150138 by N7242C, on FlickrAs we came into the station, I doffed my hat, as is my custom, to Manchester Mayfield in respect and tribute to it. After catching the free Metrobus, and using the free wifi onboard, I got off and paid a courtesy call to Deansgate
Deansgate by N7242C, on Flickr - where I found parts of the station still bore insignia and decals from Regional Railways days. As I was walking to tram stop, deciding to have a look at these strange vomit yellow coloured things, my Deansgate picture (the one above) got a like from a local bakery as well as Northern. I purchased a ticket from the machine and boarded Tram 3901 to Piccadilly Gardens
Tram 3091 by N7242C, on FlickrFollowing this, I had a nice little walk past the shopping centres back to Manchester Victoria. Now, before we go on on this tale, I have to admit that going past Arndale for the first time in two decades sent shivers down my spine as, many years ago, I was on a tour to see Granada Studios and the coach went right past the devastated shopping centre shops - right through the middle of it. To this day, I can remember the gutted buildings and blood stains - very haunting images indeed
Happily, though, such matters were soon put off by finding a pub in the station and ordered a beer and chips. Whilst the chips were... acceptable (I would say something stronger but I am not allowed to do so here), there was not a good selection of beers on offer with them all seemingly coming from "Micro" Breweries or coming from places not of this world - had to settle for a Heineken. It was so watered down that you could see right through it
Heineken by N7242C, on FlickrOh well... Any port in a storm, I suppose!
Going back outside, I awaited a train to Hebden Bridge where I could get the connecting coach to Leeds. As I did so, 142009 was pulling out and, I swear this is perfectly true, it stopped and flickered the taillights at me before setting off again.
142048 was my weapon of choice to Hebden Bridge and a very snowy place it was too by the time we got there.
142048 by N7242C, on Flickr
Hebden Bridge Box by N7242C, on FlickrI boarded BX12 CCE from Hunters of Leeds to Bradford Interchange where I got off as I needed the toilet and the one on the coach was InOp. After my PNB, I awaited a coach to complete the trip to Leeds and was given JRZ 7586 from Arrow Coach Travel of Brighouse which had the onboard radio set to Radio 2 with Paul O'Grady's show on - a very pleasant way to travel actually.
After arrival at Leeds, I decided to return to Bradford but to Forster Square to try out the 333s. The ride quality on 333015 was great although there was an issue with the toilet tissue (see what i did there?) which disintegrated upon the slightest touch. I reported the matter to Northern who have promised to look into it! After returning, I made a quick dash to McDonalds where I got two burgers and two portions of fries to fortify me on the trip to York via Poppleton with 155341 in charge.
155341 by N7242C, on FlickrUpon arrival at York, I went into The Tap to try them out and had a pint of Yorkshire Blackout which tasted very much like chocolate. Whilst waiting, i used some of the last of my tablet's battery power and noticed there was a wi-fi setting showing Northern's free wi-fi service was in range... After finishing my pint, I went back onto the platforms and found epacer 144012 sitting in the siding next to Platform 2 shut down for the night. This surprised me somewhat as I had been told that, for testing purposes, the unit was confined to Scunthorpe - Sheffield - Lincoln trips so it had clearly managed to work its way up to York. I also discovered that the free wi-fi signal I was getting was coming from the unit - why it was not turned off overnight i do not know.
Sadly, as they say, all good things must come to an end and i boarded a 158 back to Hull and arrived just in time to get the last bus home.
Well, what do you think...?
Last edited:
hock::P