Tom's Ridonculous Rambles & Roverings

[_toommm_]

I've decided to collate all of my journeys into one thread so here goes. Whilst the titles of the threads are indicative of the main ticket I'm using, I do use other tickets to help me along the way, not forgetting my trusty Travelmaster

Day One - Cumbria Day Ranger:

Leaving the house at 4:50am was no challenge for me, but what would be would be my 19-hour day followed by the usual 8am start on Sunday morning. Nonetheless, I started the long walk down to Sheffield train station in excitement. My first two journeys of the day were meaningless to today, just a route i like - the 5:29am Sheffield to Thorne North (courtesy of 158794) and the 6:51am back to Doncaster (courtesy of 158908)

More Northern, with 321903 taking me on the local stopper to Leeds - while I do love VTEC their fares are ridiculously expensive (even with my railcard), so a £6.60 fare was in order from South Elmsall (the border for my Travelmaster) up to Skipton (the start of my Cumbria Day Ranger).

Now this is where my trip really starts - 158845 powering me along my first trip on the Settle to Carlisle Line, starting from Leeds.



The sun is just coming up as I leave Leeds so I should have some beautiful views once we get onto the actual Settle to Carlisle line, and if my badly damaged phone works hopefully I can get some shots.

A familiar sound in the distance dispelled my fears of it being a 156, and I was in luck! 37402 is my traction to take me on a lovely trip forward to Lancaster, and it meant my coveted Saturday off wasn't wasted! (And at the grand old age of 18, I may be the youngest person in the front carriage)



I've never done this line before, so to have nice weather, plus the full line, plus the correct traction has made my day. It's just a shame the clearance on the line is narrow so we can't drop the window and stick our heads out.



A dark day still makes for a pretty scene tthough at Flimby. There's just enough space between the bars to sneakily stick my lens out and snap away and watch the spotters run to the end of the platform to snap the Driving Trailer. Who even does that


Risky shot but well worth it in my humble opinion.


Barrow-In-Furness hosting this shot.

Time for a quick refreshment stop, and with the Class 37 giving a nice audio track, in comes the 11-car 390 to take me back to Carlisle (the quick way) and then 156506 for a quick stint out to the northernmost point on this ticket Dumfries. I've got to say this particular Sprinter is definitely showing its age inside and, I never thought I'd say this, but I'd prefer to be on a Northern 156.



A slightly better example on the return journey - 156476, still in First moquette inside. It's like being on unrefurbished 185.



DISASTER! There's been a one under at Carstairs leaving my 7:34pm to Piccadilly 100 down, and even if I get the later train (which is somehow 6 up) I'll miss my connection in Manchester. It's like Christmas Eve all over again, but this time I've been 'promised' a taxi.

So yeah, should get to Sheffield about 120 down. At least the travelling home portion has paid for itself I guess....

Regardless, I've done 606mi 6ch today, which is a good start to the year

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Ok well how can I not like your report after you’ve said you love VTEC! Glad to see you’ve got taste!

Jealous of the 37s and the Pendolino. I would take a 390 to hell and back if need be.

Great report, love the variety. I also find the SR 156s dated, tried my first one last week and the PIS and seat moquette make me feel like I’m travelling back in the late 90s!

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Oh, forgot to add - my 156 had hideous green and orange seats so felt even more dated then those with TPEX colour seating!

 

[_toommm_]

It just screamed 'dated' as I sat down - the battered radiator grills at my feet, the shoddy bright yellow bike racks at the front, and the speakers for the PIS were clearly being pushed too much as they were so so tinny!

 

[Kite159]

They are due to get refurbished hence why probably scotrail don't want to spend too much in the current interior.

Sounded like a good day trip to the Cumbria Coast line (plus the S&C), apart from the issues getting home

 

[_toommm_]

Saturday 10th February - North Wales Rover (All Zones) pt. One

I'll cut out all the bits between Sheffield and Chester as it was rather uninspiring!

Onto actually using the ticket, and my first journey: 1D11 formed of 158829/158837 - The 9:24am Chester to Holyhead.



Part of the appeal of this rover for me was the coastal lines and the views, so it's something I really looked forward to, and I wasn't disappointed! Please ignore the quality of some of the shots as it was on a moving train...





I originally planned to traverse the whole line, however it was only a short turnaround so I decided to leave at my first ever request stop... Y Dyffryn.




It has an incredibly quaint station building - it's just a shame the hump ruins it and the building is currently in a state of disuse.

My next movement was the reverse of what I'd just done with the same units - 1G40 back to Llandudno Junction. From there, I took 150251 on 2D15 up to Llandudno and 2D67 back down to my second request stop, and perhaps the prettiest bit of the trip this far - Deganwy!





And wow, what a gorgeous view!

From there I took 150251 again for what would be 2nd most looked forward to part of the trip - 2D16 down to Blaneau Ffestiniog. And it was well, well worth it. I was absolutely in awe for the 80 minutes on this journey, and I even managed to get a worthy seat on a 150/2 with good views and a nice amount of legroom. Thank you Arriva Trains Wales! (The pictures don't do it complete justice, but even on a rainy day it was gorgeous).





Blaneau itself is such an amazing town. Whereas the area around Valley had people without a Welsh accent and no one spoke Welsh to each other, Blaneau had people speak Welsh as if it was their only language! This probably makes me sound quite uneducated and isolated to the outside world, but there was something so satisfying about it! In my opinion Welsh is a gorgeous language and it was so nice go hear people use it, with this being especially prevalent in the Coop. But I did also did feel a bit conspicuous talking in English in my fairly RP accent

 

[Kite159]

A good little trip to North Wales

 

[_toommm_]

Saturday 10th February - North Wales Rover pt. 2:

I had 40 minutes in Blaneau (I'll stop harping on about the place soon I promise), and the views of the former slate mines with the low mist shrouding them making for a spooky atmosphere.





Onto the bus this time (also included with the cost of my ticket), courtesy of Arriva (again, ironically) on the 1B. I originally planned to go the full way to Porthamadog however it was running a tad late so I cut my journey short at Minffordd, and just like Valley, I'm glad I did!







Onto Arriva again, but this time onto the trains, with 158824 powering 2G65 out to Dovey Junction. This station and the Cambrian Coast Line is one of my most anticipated lines, and even with light fading fast, it didn't disappoint, especially the section that is literally on the edge of a cliffface!



Light went completely as I arrived into Dovey Junction which is definitely a shame - I was really hyped for it but I didn't get to experience the views. Regardless, I only had 7 minutes to wait and luckily it isn't a request stop so I didn't have to blind the driver with my phone trying to stop the train!

158832 was my next traction, propelling 1G65 to Shrewsbury.



Onto a little short spur now, with the only 175 of the day - 175009 taking me the short hop to Chester via Wrexham General. Sadly nothing to report as it was pitch black, other than some 'enthusiastic party goers (it is Saturday night after all).





150 time again, with extremely battered 285 taking me to Crewe. A half an hour wait at Chester meant I had a boss kebab to keep me company on a journey I've done a couple of times. Virgin then gave me 390119 to Piccadilly.

And disaster strikes again at Manchester - the 22:24 EMT to Nottingham (via my destination: Sheffield) is half an hour late, leaving me stranded in Sheffield with the last bus fare gone. Since commuting between Manchester and Sheffield on the fairly regular occasion, I've had 0% success rate with trains in that city, and with three different TOCs (Northern, TP and EMT). Must be unlucky.

I end my trip with 158799 chugging me home, and a long walk home up the boozy street on a Saturday Night/Sunday morning.

Woooooohhh!!

 

[Kite159]

Bad news on having to walk home* rather than using the bus, but you certainly got your worth from that ticket.

* Problem with those EMT services, they use a very unreliable line, would be better if they were sent via Chat Moss leaving just stoppers on the Warrington Central line

 

[_toommm_]

Bad news on having to walk home* rather than using the bus, but you certainly got your worth from that ticket.

* Problem with those EMT services, they use a very unreliable line, would be better if they were sent via Chat Moss leaving just stoppers on the Warrington Central line

Was down to troublesome passengers this time (and a stupidly short turnaround time at Lime Street).

IMO the rolling stock is unsuitable for such a long journey of this nature - I often see EMT skipping the spur to Sheffield due to 40+ minute late running. Splitting the journey would make a massive difference.

 

[Kite159]

158s are reasonable for the limited stop nature of the Liverpool - Norwich services, however the end doors mean dwell times are longer than say a 185. But would you prefer having a high density 3+2 airline style 150 working those services?

(Also doesn't help that EMT wrecked the interior of the 158s with their refurb with those high backed seats)

 

[_toommm_]

158s are reasonable for the limited stop nature of the Liverpool - Norwich services, however the end doors mean dwell times are longer than say a 185. But would you prefer having a high density 3+2 airline style 150 working those services?

(Also doesn't help that EMT wrecked the interior of the 158s with their refurb with those high backed seats)

Definitely not 150s! What I meant is that a lot of people use it for semi long distance travel e.g. Sheffield to Liverpool, Sheffield to Nottingham etc. and people may choose it over another service due to its limited stop nature. While I love the 158s, I feel like they're not enough for a service of that nature. Leeds to Nottingham is fine with a 158 but the service is just too long and too complicated when EMT have a shortage of carriages and regularly have to short form the service.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I see the changes to the nameboards at Valley roll on...the situation is not what I thought it was originally, though:

In Welsh it is referred to as either Y Dyffryn (meaning The Valley) or [Y] Fali (pronounced as Valley). Recent research, prompted by local opposition to the name of Y Fali, suggested that Valley may be a corruption of the Irish Bally (settlement), or Baile as it is spelled in Irish. There does not appear to be a traditional Welsh language placename for the village, and thus there has been a reversion to Valley of late. There is no actual valley as the area is very flat, although a dip in the land was created when the Stanley Embankment to Holy Island was constructed, and this may be the origin of the name.

from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley,_Anglesey

 

[Cowley]

Your report gave me a chuckle Toommm.
Appreciated the Tractor bashing too.

 

[185143]

I don't suppose you saw those over enthusiastic party-goers wake someone up at Chester?

And, no joke, they got on my train to Liverpool then onto my CLC stopper... AND GOT OFF AT EDGE HIL!

 

[_toommm_]

I don't suppose you saw those over enthusiastic party-goers wake someone up at Chester?

And, no joke, they got on my train to Liverpool then onto my CLC stopper... AND GOT OFF AT EDGE HIL!

It was probably me that they woke up

 

[185143]

It was probably me that they woke up

Nope. It was me! I'd set an alarm, as I was almost certain I'd fall asleep and didn't fancy an overnight in Holyhead. However I slept through it (I'm good at that!) But they kindly woke me up which I was VERY greatful of!

 

[_toommm_]

North East 4 in 8 Day Rover - Day One:

So a month ago I did a 4 in 8 Day North East Rover, so here is my report!

Day One - by far the longest!

We start off in Sheffield, with the 0529 Sheffield to Beverley courtesy of 144008 (this was during the Hull resignalling so no 158s I'm afraid due to short-workings to/from Goole ). From there, I HST it with 43238 and 43309 down to Retford. Now for the whole point of the journey, the 0702 Retford to Leeds (courtesy of 158842), as far as Woodhouse from me - it covers the slow curve from Retford p2 down to the line to Sheffield, so it was interesting for me!



From Woodhouse, I catch the service to Gainsborough Lea Road , covering a small new bit of track from Retford p3, after which, I have a stroll to the derelict Gainsborough Central for a permutation out to Cleethorpes with a 144v eugh, number 013 to be specific! Lovely little route, slight delay after Central, but it was definitely pretty and got to see some vintage stock out before Grimsby!



From Cleethorpes, we TransPennine out towards beautiful Donny with 185116! Joining me are two polite women taking up their seat plus 1/2 of mine too. Love being so skinny





Seven minutes early in Doncaster somehow (Thank you!) leaving me half an hour ahead of schedule technically, so I can catch the earlier 11:42 Virgin EC to Leeds, with 91107 pulling us from the front, and 82200 weighing us down at the rear. Pretty bog standard journey, 7 down arriving into Leeds but nothing massive eh?

Here come the delays (Wahey!) - after a small bite to eat, a delayed 221141 drags to Leeds, then the Highland Chieftian chugging me along to Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Absolutely love HST's, the Mallard??? seats aren't a scratch on the EM ones, but it's still a HST either way! Managed to get a few lovely shots over the Royal Border Bridge, but sadly most of them are too big for the forum to handle - might upload some to Flickr later.

Virgin East Coast, with 43277 and 43317 arriving into Newcastle 》 'Highland Chieftian' 1S16 London Kings Cross to Inverness by Tom Cox, on Flickr

Virgin EC providing a lovely HST over the Royal Border Bridge 》 'Highland Chieftian' 1S16 London Kings Cross to Inverness by Tom Cox, on Flickr

Berwick is a station that I absolutely love and always will do, but I only had 20 minutes to spend here and it was rather chilly Anyway, 82219 drives us with 91107 pushing us down towards York. I was planning to go home from here, but after looking at RealTimeTrains, I see CrossCountry are due to run a HST north! After checking Twitter to decline my fears I'd be stuck on a Voyager, 43307 pulls us and 43321 pushes us to Newcastle, and with my M&S beer in hand, 220027 trundles down to Sheffield with a load of drunkards, and my day finishes here.

I totalled 746 miles and 42 chains, physically being on a train for 12 hours and 23 minutes, and was delayed in total 1 hour and 11 minutes.

 

[_toommm_]

North East 4 in 8 Day Rover - Day Two:

So after day one, I was exhausted and completely missed my agenda for the Sunday - I was planning on doing a long 158 from Sheffield direct to Carlisle. Alas!

185102 takes me along a far-too regular journey to Doncaster.

Bit of everything at Doncaster Works! A Direct Rail Services 66 loco, a Virgin Trains East Coast 91 loco, and an Arrive Rail North 321 EMU by Tom Cox, on Flickr

From there, Virgin EC again take me as far as Newcastle, alas, it's only 91101 ands 82211 and not a HST. After a 7 minute run from the station to Greggs and back, Northern's 142078 leads me with its counterpart 142087 trailing to Carlisle. Definitely a picturesque journey after the halfway point, and for once, I was glad I was in a pacer! The low-back bus-style seats leave the views unimpeded, so it was definitely a fun bounce towards Carlisle!

Nothing to photograph at Carlisle at all, due to the blockage between here and Glasgow. Alas, ex. ScotRail 158871 takes me back south to Leeds. My first journey on the S&C left me a little teary (in a good way) and my third time didn't disappoint; they do say third time's a charm!

Arriva Rail North (ex. ScotRail) 158871 by Tom Cox, on Flickr

A very not valid three-minute cross-platform at Leeds onto another Voyager (argh!!!), at least it was a short journey: 220017 took me across to York. More new track, and the second parlimentiary of the weekend - ex. GWR/FGW 150101 powers me to Leeds. Definitely a '1' up on the unrefurbished Northern units, but not as nice as the refurbished Northern ones, but with a carriage to myself, who cares!

Arriva Rail North (ex. First Great Western) 150101 by Tom Cox, on Flickr

Definitely a slower day for me today, totalling just 377 miles and 69 chains, physically being on a train for 7 hours and 36 minutes, and was delayed in total by a poultry 7 minutes (cheers Virgin )

 

[_toommm_]

North East 4 in 8 Day Rover - Day Four:

A slight pause in progress because of a day in college, but here comes day three!

I wanted an earlier start, so I payed a poultry 4 pounds and something to travel as far as Wakefield whrere I could use my ticket - 220032 takes me to York where I was 9 minutes late which just destroyed my connection time and leaving me with just a one minute connection over the bridge! Luckily, TransPennine uncouple at York creating a small delay, and after destroying my injured knee running, 185149 takes me forward to Scarborough. Interestingly, the first time I was asked for my railcard! (definitely not a complaint). An hour at Scarborough meant I could go to the beach and lap up the temperatures, then 158817 disembarked a train-and-a-half full, subsequently taking me to Hull. From there, I took 158859 the highly-anticipated service out to York, stopping at shacks Eastrington and Wressle!

DRS 66422 rolling through York 》 Doncaster Down Decoy to Millerhill S.S. by Tom Cox, on Flickr

Back up the ECML, 82227 drives 91112 the 80-or-so miles back to Newcastle, then 142020 (slowly and noisily) taking me further up the ECML to Morpeth!

Dunbar is a station that intrigues me, seemingly slighlty off the mainline - so using the rule of a rover and a ticket being able to combined even if you don't stop at the station, I take CrossCountry's 221132 even further up the ECML in a dip into Scotland to Dunbar! Quaint little station, nice and toasty warm - could be a great place to photograph!

Back on the Highland Chieftian - this time the southbound working from Dunbar all the way to Doncaster - a not to be sniffed at distance of 208 miles and 11 chains (my second longest joureny ever!

Virgin Trains EC over the Royal Border Bridge 》 'Highland Chieftian' 1E25 Inverness to London Kings Cross by Tom Cox, on Flickr

However, slow running at York means I miss my train at Doncaster, so another delay at York delays 220002 taking me back to Sheffield.

A long final day, but cleared a few stations and of course the picturesque northern half of the ECML. Regardless, the day totalled 614 miles and 36 chains (a third of which was done in just one journey!), physically being on a train for 9 hours and 43 minutes, and was delayed in total by 49 minutes.

I definitely definitely definitely recommend this rover, not only for its long stretch over the ECML, but of all of its branches and opportunities, and at only £66.65 with a railcard, wowowowowowowowow.

Just over 2000 miles covered over the four seperate days, a sometimes stressful experience, but it was my first multi-day rover and still amazing!

Now for the North West rover!

 

[_toommm_]

North East Rover - Day Three:

Bit of a disaster towards the end, but meh.

CrossCountry are taking me to Darlington (a station I've stopped at but never set foot on), but it's a Voyager again. At least it's a 5-car, 221139. A sunny bit of track to cover now, with 142071 taking me out to Saltburn. Saltburn was a lovely little town, and one I recommend for a short look around. 142017 then took me back to Darlington, where I caught the Highland Chieftian (again!!) to York, with 43299 pulling and 43316 pushing.

Borrowed East Midlands Trains time, and with a delightful young spotter on board (bless), 43061 and 43075 took me to Retford.

Borrowed HST powercar 43061 powering a rake of Virgin EC Mark 3's out of Retford 》 1E13 York to London Kings Cross by Tom Cox, on Flickr

Down from p1 to p4, 144001 took me, with a reversal at Sheffield, to Meadowhall to complete my day with a shift. Delayed at Sheffield a bit due to the 1441 Sheffield to Bridlington SPAD-ing at the second signal on its journey

A (rather) dirty 66705 passing through Retford 》 1145 Immingham H.I.T. (Gbrf) to Cottam Power Station Gbrf by Tom Cox, on Flickr

Regardless, my shortest day so far, totalling 271 miles and 44 chains, physically being on a train for 5 hours and 22 minutes, and being delayed by 17 minutes.

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a good little FoNE trip

 

[_toommm_]

Explore Wales Pass (4-in-8 Day) - £65.35 w/ 16-25 Railcard - Day One (Saturday 25th August 2018):

Early start for me, as I start my Arriva-filled conquest. 158825 takes me the 288 miles from Manchester Piccadilly to Milford Haven on the 6:30am train. A late departure from Piccadilly, combined with the guard being assaulted at Hereford (luckily she was ok) meant I had a dash across after 6 hours of sitting down to the Tesco in Milford, where I boarded the 356 bus over to Pembroke Dock (conveniently, also included in the price of my ticket).





From here, we take a highly-anticipated journey on a FGW-branded HST down to Reading - 43156 pushing from the rear, 43023 pulling from the front. While the journey wasn't wholly included in my ticket, the proliferation of cheap advances made it a worthwhile choice, and was a long journey on a fairly-nicely-furbished MK3 coach. Excellent views all-round, and it was strange to see an InterCity train serve tiny halts and request stops, only managing to fit three, sometimes four coaches onto the platform.





A quick food stop means I nearly miss my last trip of the day - a dreaded Voyager back to Manchester Piccadilly. It wouldn't have been too too bad, but students boarded at Manchester. Combine that with the fact that it was a Saturday night, and

A busy first day, travelling a total of 694mi, where I was on a train for 14h46m.

 

[_toommm_]

Explore Wales Pass (4-in-8 Day) - £65.35 w/ 16-25 Railcard - Day Two (Sunday 26th August 2018):

Starting back at Manchester (this time a couple of hours later), we take a busy 175112 on the short hop down to Shrewsbury. A quaint little station, although it was starting to become terribly flooded. Onto the scenic route to Swansea, with 153362 taking me over the Heart of Wales line to Swansea. Sadly, it didn't live up to the reputation it had gained, although that may have been down to the rather poor weather.

Arriving into Swansea, I was yet to plan my next move. However, a troublesome IEP coupler on Platform Three convinced me to take it to Cardiff. After the terrible reputation the train had gained on this forum, I was quite nervous to ride it, but was a little surprised. The only issue with the ironing boards for me was the head rest was extremely uncomfortable; and the trim on the walls was coming apart. Other than that, the train had that lovely new smell, the addition of plugs below each seat was much appreciated, and an overall nice, if a little too bright, atmosphere. 800030 at the front, 800033 at the rear.





From Cardiff, I take GWR's Frankenstein 158s (in the form of 953) to Newport, and another IEP, 800004 back to Cardiff. After which, it's off to my hotel for a bit of shut eye.

Total today (my shortest by far): 254mi22ch
Total so far: 948mi50ch

 

[_toommm_]

Explore Wales Pass (4-in-8 Day) - £65.35 w/ 16-25 Railcard - Day Three (Monday 27th August 2018):

Arriva's lack of staff means a much earlier start for me than planned. At least it was a bank holiday so I could use my ticket at any time

After arriving into Cardiff Queen Street, I take 142085 on the quick jaunt over to Central, where 158823 takes me in the direction of home, but I alight at Shrewsbury. A six-minute delay here means I nearly miss my connection (as you have to go out the station through the terrible ticket barriers to get to my platform), as I find 158818 and 158833 to take me to Machnylleth, where the train divides with only 158833 taking me to Dovey Junction.

Sadly I only had seven minutes at this station (instead of the originally planned hour), as the rear portion of my last train (158818) was coming to take me to Porthmadog. Still, what an amazing station!







Back onto 158818, it takes me along the gorgeous Cambrian Coast line to Porthmadog. Again, no time to take the full line to Pwllheli, but it's further than last time (if only by one stop)!



Onto the buses again, as I take the 1S up to Blaenau Ffestiniog - this is a journey I've done before (albeit a slightly shorter, less hiller version as it was Arriva operating it). From there, I board 150257 up to Llandudno Junction.









From there, 158840 takes me to Holyhead and back, and 150257 again up to Deganwy.



From Deganwy, it's 175115 straight back to Manchester Piccadilly, thus concluding my third day. A fairly long day, but only 408mi39ch covered - still worth the money!
Total so far: 1357mi9ch

 

[_toommm_]

Explore Wales Pass (4-in-8 Day) - £65.35 w/ 16-25 Railcard - Day Three (Thursday 30th August 2018 - Part One:

Onto the final day, but definitely the best by far (you'll see why at the end).

175006 takes me from Manchester on the oh-so-familiar journey to Cardiff, where a six minute delay means my plan for the day is messed up entirely!

Regardless, I board 150280 to start my Valley Lines trip, firstly, out to Barry Island, and then 143606 and 143623 for the short jaunt up to Barry Docks.









From Barry, we take 150257 up to Bridgend, and 150262 down to Tondu.



After getting the bus back to Bridgend, I take 150262 again back down the line to Pencoed, and the 404 bus to Pontypridd. I then take 143619 on the short hop to Treforrest, and subsequently 150282 down to Cardiff Central. Now, for the whole point of today's trip!

 

[_toommm_]

Explore Wales Pass (4-in-8 Day) - £65.35 w/ 16-25 Railcard - Day Three (Thursday 30th August 2018 - Part Two:

Catering on trains is nowhere near what it used to be. You have Voyagers running round with microwaved meals, and buffet cars are on the serious decline. There are only really two trains where you can get a proper dining experience: The GWR Pullman Dining, and Arriva's Premier Service. The latter was the one I boarded today, with 67029 pulling a rake of 5 MK3 coaches and DVT 82306 to Flint.

For a mere £20, you can have a three-course meal, prepared on the train, and sit in an extremely comfy seat!

Upon boarding, I was immediately greeted by the extremely friendly, and surprisingly genuine host, who asked how far I was travelling, and took my order of a coffee. What I liked was that even though I was far from dressed like the typical passenger in First Class, she didn't ask to see my ticket, instead treating me like every other passenger - something often not found when younger people go into First Class, especially on peak time trains.

My starter was served just as we arrived into Newport - I elected for the crabcake with salad and a sweet chilli sauce - the photos will never do the amazing taste the justice!







After around twenty minutes, main course was served: A herb-encrusted rack of lamb, on a bed of courgettes, peppers, red onions and new potatoes, with a jous (I can't remember what flavour). The lamb was cooked mid-rare (i.e. perfect!) - The red colouring was the sauce; the lamb wasn't still bleeting I assure you!



Shortly after finishing, my profiterole stack was served. I was expecting four or five at most, but was greeted by a generous stack!



With another ale to finish me off (sadly not included in the price, but you still can't complain), it was shortly, and sadly, time to depart the train at Flint. I couldn't thank the chef and the hosts enough, they were absolutely amazing, and a credit to Arriva Trains Wales (something which I need to pass on actually!)

Flint was my choice of departure station as it connected well with Arriva's other loco-hauled set (though sadly it was minus the first class), with 67010 and 82308 pulling and trailing to Crewe, via Chester. Finally, 390157 took me back to the big city, completing the 447mi67ch for the day, leaving a grand total of 1804mi76ch over the four days.

I highly recommend 'Gerald', along with the ticket. It's great value, and you could probably get even more out of it than I did.

Grand total over the four days: 1804miles and 76chains
Grand total this year so far: 19738miles and 13chains

 

[Kite159]

A productive few days in Wales

 

[The_Train]

Enjoyed reading those, sounds like an enjoyable trip to Wales especially with that 3 course meal. I don't go to many 'fancy' restaurants but if I was served that in one I'd be happy

 

[_toommm_]

I'm back!!!!! Thought I'd share some photos from my Flickr of some various steams amongst other stuff I've caught this year to sum up some of my trips I've not reported, then I'll follow with my latest rover I'm doing.

My New Year's Resolution - keep updating this thread:

20190305_111648 by Tom Cox, on Flickr

2019-04-03_10-46-54 by Tom Cox, on Flickr

45596 by Tom Cox, on Flickr

Old vs. New(er) by Tom Cox, on Flickr