Trentside's Travels - 2012

[trentside]

I've got quite a few trips planned for the early part of 2012, so I've decided to write up some of them here - as I've always enjoyed reading other peoples trip reports, and hope people will enjoy reading these.

East Midlands Rover

I'd not planned to do an East Midlands Rover, but a spur of the moment decision mean't that I'd try to get some early mileage in 2012, while doing some reading for an upcoming essay (I find it easier to concentrate when not at home!).

Day 1 - 10/01/12

I started my first day on the 0803 bus into Lincoln. This was much earlier than I'd have liked, but the next one isn't till 0848 which would have been too late for the 0910 to Peterborough. I bought my ticket and had a quick chat with the barrier attendant, who asked where I was heading. Luckily I wasn't heading to Sheffield, where services had been disrupted by signalling problems with a rail replacement bus due.

My first train was the 0910 EMT service to Peterborough, formed of refurbished 153326. I was on this train as far as Sleaford, and used the 30 minute journey to start reading a journal article. This train was much quieter than it has been when I've used it in the past, but more people joined at Metheringham and Ruskington heading into Sleaford where I had a connection of 23 minutes onto the 1004 to Skegness. Despite living in the area all my life, I'd never used the line to Skegness as I've always used the direct bus service from Lincoln instead. My train for the first journey over the Poacher Line was ex-Northern Rail 156497. The train was fairly quiet, stopping only at Heckington, Boston, Wainfleet and Skegness and after Boston there were only me and 3 others on the train. Boston has recently had new CIS equipment installed but this was helpfully displaying 'No Communication' messages.

The Skegness line was relatively interesting, with areas of jointed track and other interesting sections where a road, railway and drainage dyke all share a small space between the areas extensive cabbage fields and greenhouses. 156497 arrived at Skegness a few minutes ahead of schedule, and I had a quick chat with the guard. She said she wasn't that keen on the ex-Northern 156s as they were colder and smellier than the refurbished EMT ones - as far as she was concerned their refurbishment couldn't come quick enough. A view I also heard expressed by other staff!

I had an hour to wait in Skegness, which is bleak and horrible at the best of times but in the middle of winter is just depressing. The station is undergoing refurbishment, but is still scruffy and covered in Pigeon muck - though the impressive signalling at the end of the platforms looks well cared for. After a quick look around the town, I headed back and saw 158864 arrive from Nottingham. I felt sorry for the platform attendant who was watering the train - as he turned off the hose, he noticed a bucket catching a leak from the pipe was full and tried to pick it up to empty it. Sadly the bucket broke and emptied itself over his feet. Poor guy, it was absolutely freezing there so he wouldn't have dried quickly!

My next service was the 12:15 to Nottingham, formed of 158864. I was planning on getting off at Grantham to get a northbound EC service to Newark, but I could connect to the same train at Nottingham on the 12:15 so decided to do this instead. The journey was largely uneventful, and finished off the Skegness line with the section from Sleaford to Allington Junction. Arrival into Nottingham was 5 minutes early, to connect with 158857 on the 14:29 'fast' service to Lincoln, calling only at Lowdham, Newark Castle and Lincoln. Another routine journey - arriving 8 minutes before booked time at 15:14. Not a long day, but I had some work to do that evening so was on the 15:30 bus back home, ready for a couple of longer days later in the week.

Parts 2 and 3 will follow soon.

 

[Lrd]

Good report, I enjoy those spur of the moment 'short' trips around the Country. Nothing special happens, just nice to get away for a bit.

 

[Welshman]

Thank-you.
A good report, informative, and, most importantly - well written.
I look forward to parts 2 & 3.

 

[trentside]

Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed the report.

Day 2 - 12/01/12

The second day of my East Midlands Rover started on the 0848 bus, allowing me to connect onto the 0932 EMT service to Leicester via Nottingham. 156470 was the unit already waiting on Platform 3, my second ex-Northern 156 of the trip. I was travelling on this service as far as East Midlands Parkway, where I alighted at 10:46. There was a slight incident at Beeston, where two young men were wanting to connect onto the XC service to Birmingham, but didn't get to the door in time - luckily, the guard must have noticed them as the doors were re-released and they were able to alight with their heavy suitcases.

From East Midlands Parkway, I have a brief journey on the 10:53 service as far as Derby, formed of 222012, arriving in Derby at 11:09 - where it has a few minutes wait before continuing to Sheffield. At EMD I'd noticed the following Nottingham service was heavily delayed and the next Sheffield cancelled, at Derby it was clear that the MML was disrupted further south. I checked with platform staff and found out that the situation was caused by a fatality. I decided at this point to change my plans slightly - avoiding the south of the MML, and returning via Nuneaton instead of Bedford later in the day.

My next train was the 11:40 EMT service to Crewe, worked by 153374. A last minute platform change caused the train to leave 5 minutes late, but most of this time was made up with the train arriving in Stoke-on-Trent only a minute late at 12:34. The train was very busy, with lots of students heading into Stoke.

Although I've travelled through before, I'd never used Stoke-on-Trent station and I was pleasantly surprised. Another first was the next train I'd be used, the 12:50 Virgin service as far as Milton Keynes Central - with 390032 working. The first thing that surprised me about the Pendo was how compact the interior felt, and the absolutely appalling seat alignment (luckily I found an unreserved seat with a window). The tilting was also a novelty to someone used to the ECML - though it wore off fairly quickly!

Overall, my first Pendolino journey was interesting - but I'm not sure I'd fancy a longer distance journey as I started to feel a bit claustrophobic after about half an hour. This probably wasn't helped by the luggage rack behind me. Next stop Milton Keynes, where 390032 arrived a few minutes down at 13:50. I should have been continuing from here to Bletchley, Bedford then onto Leicester, but the earlier fatality mean't I'd now be heading back to Nuneaton.

The next leg was lead by 350242 - bound for Crewe, with an unidentified 350 on the rear bound for Birmingham New Street. The journey was fairly routine, though the announcements beyond Crewe were insisting that the next stop was Watford Junction for a little while . Connection at Nuneaton was quite short, so I quickly made my way over to the Leicester platforms where 170105 was already approaching with the 15:22.

My connection at Leicester was 40 minutes. I had a choice of boarding the 16:25 service to Lincoln at Leicester, but this train would be busier than the 16:30 to Nottingham, which as well as providing the first HST mileage of the year, would provide connection to the same service at Nottingham. 43064 was leading the 16:30, with 43054 on the rear. This train was also busy, and it took sometime to alight at Nottingham but it was a comfortable connection to 156411 on the 17:17 to Lincoln, which arrived 6 minutes early into LCN at 18:20 - giving me a longer wait for the 19:00 bus home.

Total mileage for the day was 315m 20ch. I would likely have been safe sticking to my original plan via the Marston Vale Line, as the MML disruption was cleared in the early afternoon, but the alternative plan saw me (briefly) end up on a HST, which is always good as far as I'm concerned!

Part 3 will follow soon.

 

[trentside]

Day 3 - 13/12/2012

The final day of my East Midlands Rover started on the 08:03 bus again. After getting to the station, I went to the warm cafe, but annoyingly managed to miss a DB liveried Class 60 hauling a train of tanks through the station. My first train was the 09:15 from Lincoln to Doncaster, with 153313 in charge. Another uneventful journey, until we reached Doncaster where a points problem meant the 153 had to be put on Platform 4, instead of its usual bay platform. This caused problems as the following East Coast service couldn't access the station. The staff were quick to try and get the 153 moved to Platform 1, but this required a Northern driver to conduct the working - and one took sometime to be found! Eventually the problems were sorted and the 91 was able to get into the platform.

Just after this was sorted, an agitated girl approached me pointing at the East Coast train and asking if it was going to Grimsby. When I said no she started storming around demanding to know which train went to Grimsby - I told her she needed to get the next TPE train and told her the time it would leave. She then just walked off and asked someone else the same question.

My next train was my first Pacer of the year, with 142071 on the 10:26 to Sheffield. This bounced along nicely until Swinton, where we were held while an ex-Merseyrail 142 and an XC Voyager passed, both heading towards Sheffield. We were held at Swinton for around 5 minutes, and arrived in Sheffield about 3 minutes down. No worries for me though, as I had a 30 minute connection onto the 11:38 EMT service to Nottingham (or so I thought).

In the end, the 11:38 didn't show - the delay just creeping later and later with no explanation. This made my 7 minute connection at Nottingham unworkable so I decided to get the 11:47 EMT service down to East Midlands Parkway - formed of 222023. The train manager was keen to warn everyone that an RPI team were onboard and as soon as we left Sheffield they passed through checking tickets. Another uneventful journey, but when I was waiting to get off 222023 at EMD, the TM approached me and asked if I'd boarded at Long Eaton. I said I'd been on since Sheffield, and she asked if I'd seen a passenger board at Long Eaton. She had not been able to find them, and had been thrown by having the RPIs onboard so she didn't know who had boarded where.

I made my way to the waiting room on Platform 1 and decided to have some lunch, before catching the next northbound Sheffield service at 12:53. This was another Meridian, in the shape of 222008 - also with an RPI team onboard. It appears that EMT were having a blitz of the northern MML that day - I've never come across their RPIs before, but since this day I've seen them on Matlock and Lincoln to Nottingham trains too. Another on time service, depositing me back at Sheffield at 13:49.

The next train I was due to catch was the 14:11 TPE service to Cleethorpes, which I was planning to take to Grimsby Town. 185101 was doing the honours this time and was fairly busy. The train lost some time due to the number of people boarding at Sheffield, and was then held for a few minutes at Doncaster. By the time the service reached Barnetby, I decided to bail for the 16:04 to Lincoln - rather than risking a short connection at Grimsby Town.

My final train of the day was EMT 153384 on a service to Newark Northgate - still in Central Trains colours. There hadn't been much going on at Barnetby, so was glad to see it arrive. This unit would disgrace itself the next day, failing on a Newark working at Lincoln - causing me to miss a connection, though it turned out my connecting train was also cancelled. As it was, I was back in Lincoln in time for the 16:45 bus back home.

All in all, I'd had another good day and got plenty of reading done for my assignment. Total mileage for the day was 231m 09ch.

Hope you enjoyed these reports.

Next one should be a write up on a trip made on Friday 03/02/12 - taking in the Hope Valley, north TPE route and Hull to Sheffield. Also my first ex-LM 150 with Northern.

 

[Welshman]

Good to read all three parts - thank you for posting them.

 

[trentside]

It's been awhile since I've had time to sit down and write up a report. I've decided to do one (over a month late) for a Southern Daysave I did on the 21/03/12.

Southern Daysave - 21/03/12

It seems such a long time ago, but the 21st March dawned cloudy and cool. I was on the 0638 bus from my village into Lincoln, ready for the 0720 East Coast service down south to the Cross. Through the open barriers at Lincoln, in time to see 156473 depart with the 0705 to Sleaford, while a Meridian heads off to St Pancras via Nottingham and most shacks in between.

The 0720 appears round the curve, with 43314 heading the ECS working and 43299 on the rear, ready to head us down to London. I'm on through the last useable door in coach E, and into seat 25 for the second time in a week. The previous occasion I'd had a seatmate, but this time I was on my own down to Peterborough. The train is dispatched on time, and as usual we arrive at Newark early - adding to the already substantial stand time for a path south. Otherwise the journey is uneventful, though there is no trolley service in standard for the second time in a week. This may actually be a more regular occurrence, but I don't use the service often.

Arrival at the Cross is a punctual 0926 and it's a trek down to the Victoria line for a quick hop to Victoria. I still pine for the 1967 Stock, I just can't warm to the 09TS and their over sensitive doors. By 0950 I'm on the concourse at Victoria and heading for 377467+377205 on the 10:06 to Brighton. It's been awhile since I was on a 377, and this one (467) seemed in a bit of a state, though the cleaning staff were doing their best to clear up the litter and free newspapers strewn everywhere.

Another punctual departure, with 377467 leading towards Brighton. I didn't realise Southern provided catering on some trains on the Brighton line, and I bought a cup of tea - having discovered my coffee mug from home had allowed my drink to go cold quicker than usual. Another punctual train, and the line south of Gatwick Airport finally cleared - though we are delayed getting into Brighton due to an unfortunate incident at the north end of Lovers Walk depot. I believe someone had fallen from the cliffs above - and the air ambulance had just arrived as our train was passing.

Arriving at Brighton revealed this incident was delaying most trains. I decided to throw my plan out of the window and catch the 11:10 to Seaford, formed by 313217, my first 313 for many years. Southern have done a great job refurbishing these trains, but they are definitely showing their age. An amusing incident was a Great Dane that boarded at London Road, far bigger than the person walking him - I've honestly seen smaller horses. An attempt to take a subtle photo drew evils from the person he was walking, so I'll have to leave it to your imagination.

At Seaford, I have a few minutes on the platform in the glorious sunshine (where has it gone?), before rejoining 313217 for the 11:58 as far as Lewes. I get slightly confused here with the bridge layout, but eventually find the platform I need for the 12:20 Victoria service formed of 377434. I find myself sat under the pantograph well, which feels quite odd given that these units are DC only. We join another 377 at Haywards Heath, but I'm unable to identify this as when we arrive at Gatwick, 377404 is just pulling in with the 12:56 service to Horsham - so a quick dash across the platform is in order.

A quick check in with home, and then onto National Rail enquiries to try and work out a route on from Horsham. I discover that there is a 13:35 to Bognor Regis, which will cover some ground from my original plan so decide to get that. Meanwhile, 3477404 speeds towards Horsham uneventfully, though this unit did have more comfortable seats than the previous trains - is there a reason for the two differing types of seating in the 377s?

At Horsham, there is a very confused gentleman trying to get to a station in South London. The staff do their best to help and get him onto the right platform for a London bound service. After this, it's not long until the Southampton Central and Bognor Regis service arrives. The rear portion to Bognor is formed of 377460 and after the detachment, we depart punctually at 13:35. A very enthusiastic and friendly guard on this service, sharing a friendly remark with most passengers as he checked tickets - he also made helpful announcements with connection information. I decided to tuck into some lunch and enjoyed the scenery along the Arun Valley Line.

We arrived into Bognor Regis at 14:18, and I stayed on the train before it formed the 14:30 back to London. While we were in the station, the guard approached me and asked if there were ticket machines on the concourse and I said I didn't know, as I was on a Daysave and hadn't been outside. He thanked me, and wished me a good day. We departed punctually at 14:30, arriving back into Barnham at 14:34.

Barnham station seemed very pleasant, and the southern facing position made it very pleasant to stand on the platforms. There was a good bit of banter going on between a member of platform staff and some of the train crew here, which kept me amused. 313209 was my next train on the slightly delayed 14:44 to Portsmouth Harbour, which seemed to serve as a schools train for a few stations south. Luckily the children were mostly well behaved, though a couple did keep slamming the windows on the 313, making me jump a couple of times (unusually, I didn't have my music on due to phone battery issues).

As with most of the track today, the West Coastway was a new line for me. Not the most scenic, and the journey seemed quite slow - not helped by the jerky 313. I decided not to have a break at Portsmouth and stuck with 313209 for the return journey, which seemed to make the guard suspicious. She returned to check my ticket twice and didn't really seem to like my answer of Barnham, when she asked where I was going. We arrived back at 16:08, and I had quite a long connection to enjoy the sunshine.

My next train was the 16:45 to Littlehampton, formed by 377130 - my only one of the day with Connex spec interior. A quick journey and a quick change onto 377472 on the 17:15 service from Littlehampton to Victoria. This cleared the remainder of the West Coastway as far as Hove, and as the evening peak built up the train became busy as we headed into the Brighton conurbation. My final Coastway train was 313219 on the 18:01 shuttle service from Hove to Brighton, during which I was able to enjoy a woman criticising various people she worked with loudly over the phone.

My original schedule had actually been incompatible with the restrictions on the Daysave ticket - as I'd have left East Croydon in the time when its use was restricted. As it was, it turned out to be a good thing as my next train was the 18:49 to Victoria, formed by GatEx 442421. It was good to be on a Wessex again, and we were welcomed onboard this Southern (!) service. By this point it was dark, and the train was very busy all the way to Victoria - so I took the opportunity to finish the book I was reading.

Another hop on the Victoria line and back to the Cross, with just over an hour to explore the new concourse and have something to eat. I decided not to have a sit down meal and got myself a sandwich and hot chocolate. After this I had a browse in Watermark (original, not...) at the books and tried out the new toilets (very clean, is it really Kings Cross?). Eventually the 21:35 was ready for boarding formed of 43290+43305 with another ontime departure, but arriving at Newark a few minutes down at 23:01. The days final train was the 23:09, East Midlands service to Lincoln formed of 158770 which arrived in Lincoln early at 23:36. This only added insult to injury when my taxi (booked for 23:40) was 10 minutes late. I eventually arrived home just after midnight.

Total mileage for the day was 545mi 42ch, with 158770 the only dud for haulage.

Hope you've enjoyed this report - makes me want to get back out on the rails again, but sadly I have a dissertation to write!

 

[Johnuk123]

Very informative and very interesting thanks for your efforts.

 

[Simon Poole]

Great reports, i wonder if there going to be one for the 14th March 2012 when you went to Norwich?

 

[trentside]

Great reports, i wonder if there going to be one for the 14th March 2012 when you went to Norwich?

Well... by popular request - it was a good day too, so it's only right to write it up

Trip to Norwich - 14/03/12

Another of my more recent trips was one inspired by the NXEA seat sale at the end of their franchise. The tickets I purchased were for after Greater Anglia had taken over - and would therefore be my first journey with them.

This trip was another starting on the 0638 bus from my village, and would be the first time I'd been on the 0720 East Coast from Lincoln since its inaugural run back in May 2011. This time the ECS was lead by 43309, with 43274 leading down to London. I was in coach E, seat 25 - and had a seatmate all the way from Lincoln, though strangely there appeared to be some errors on the reservations as my label was missing completely and hers was showing the seat as reserved from Newark Northgate down to London.

There was no standard catering trolley on the 0720, but I'd brought some breakfast from home, so had a mug of coffee and a chocolate bar on the way down to London. Another punctual arrival, a couple of minutes early at 0924. This was my first time in London during the new year, which is unusually late for me - and indeed I'd had to cancel a previous trip due to a couple of train cancellations.

I had an hour and a half to kill in London, but as I was doing my Daysave the following week, I decided to take a detour via Victoria to pick it up. This involved a journey on the Victoria line, but due to reduced escalator service at King's Cross St Pancras, it was quite a trek to get down there. The journey was fairly quick - though there were a couple of problems with the sensitive doors. After picking up the ticket, I headed back onto the Victoria line, before changing to the Central at Oxford Circus. This got me to Liverpool Street in plenty of time for the 11:00 Greater Anglia service to Norwich.

While waiting for the platform at Liverpool Street, I was approached by a Passenger Focus representative - who after telling me she was 83, gave me a copy of the national passenger survey to fill in. After we'd finished chatting the platform was announced and I found 90006 in charge of the 11:00 service to Norwich, the first time I'd used the GEML beyond Shenfield.

I found a seat at a table in standard - as I was waiting Ian and Simon Poole walked past, on their way to Ipswich to do some filming. I'd met them on the Farewell 150 tour, and so they joined me for the first part of my journey. Made a change to have someone to talk to, and provided some entertainment thanks to Simon's filming exploits going through Stratford

The GA MK3s don't seem to be in the best condition, but the ride wasn't too bad and there was plenty of freight activity to see before we arrived at Ipswich, where the Simon and Ian were leaving. After this, it was only a short run to Diss and then into Norwich. Passing Crown Point depot, I noticed Greater Anglia liveried 153306 departing on a local service. Not really sure the 153 suits a white based livery, but with the short franchise it's definitely the best solution.

I had over an hour to wait at Norwich, so sorted out my Peterborough to Lincoln ticket for later in the day at the ticket office, I was impressed by how few words the woman serving me managed to speak - I think she only said the price in the whole transaction. I then popped into WH Smith and bought a couple of books, before settling down to start reading one of these on a slightly unstable bench on the concourse.

My next train was East Midlands Trains 158812, forming the 13:57 to Liverpool Lime Street. Before departure, the guard announced the full list of stops and an arrival time in Liverpool of 19:35. I'd be with this train as far as Peterborough, and would be on new track for me all of the way. While the East Anglian countryside isn't to everyones liking I found the journey to be quite pleasant - if a little slow at times - the views of Ely Cathedral in particular were great. I'll be pleased to be passing through again this Saturday

Arrival in Peterborough was punctual at 15:27 - it felt slightly weird to be on an EMT service arriving into Peterborough from the south, rather than in from Spalding. Another line crossed off my map, and some pleasant sunshine to wait for my next train, the 16:03 East Coast service which I was taking as far as Newark Northgate. This train was lead by 91116 - pleased to finally get another 91, as my EC mileage this year has been almost exclusively on HSTs. Arrival at Newark Northgate was right on time, and 156413 was already waiting with the 16:45 to Grimsby Town. This arrived in Lincoln a whole 8 minutes ahead of time, at 17:05 - just in time for the 17:15 bus home.

All in all, another good day. I'm not sure what my next report will feature, though this Saturday I'm planning to clear Hitchin to Kings Lynn via Cambridge - sadly likely to involve a lot of 365 mileage, but it's still a day out which I haven't had for awhile

 

[Simon Poole]

Well... by popular request - it was a good day too, so it's only right to write it up

Trip to Norwich - 14/03/12

Another of my more recent trips was one inspired by the NXEA seat sale at the end of their franchise. The tickets I purchased were for after Greater Anglia had taken over - and would therefore be my first journey with them.

This trip was another starting on the 0638 bus from my village, and would be the first time I'd been on the 0720 East Coast from Lincoln since its inaugural run back in May 2011. This time the ECS was lead by 43309, with 43274 leading down to London. I was in coach E, seat 25 - and had a seatmate all the way from Lincoln, though strangely there appeared to be some errors on the reservations as my label was missing completely and hers was showing the seat as reserved from Newark Northgate down to London.

There was no standard catering trolley on the 0720, but I'd brought some breakfast from home, so had a mug of coffee and a chocolate bar on the way down to London. Another punctual arrival, a couple of minutes early at 0924. This was my first time in London during the new year, which is unusually late for me - and indeed I'd had to cancel a previous trip due to a couple of train cancellations.

I had an hour and a half to kill in London, but as I was doing my Daysave the following week, I decided to take a detour via Victoria to pick it up. This involved a journey on the Victoria line, but due to reduced escalator service at King's Cross St Pancras, it was quite a trek to get down there. The journey was fairly quick - though there were a couple of problems with the sensitive doors. After picking up the ticket, I headed back onto the Victoria line, before changing to the Central at Oxford Circus. This got me to Liverpool Street in plenty of time for the 11:00 Greater Anglia service to Norwich.

While waiting for the platform at Liverpool Street, I was approached by a Passenger Focus representative - who after telling me she was 83, gave me a copy of the national passenger survey to fill in. After we'd finished chatting the platform was announced and I found 90006 in charge of the 11:00 service to Norwich, the first time I'd used the GEML beyond Shenfield.

I found a seat at a table in standard - as I was waiting Ian and Simon Poole walked past, on their way to Ipswich to do some filming. I'd met them on the Farewell 150 tour, and so they joined me for the first part of my journey. Made a change to have someone to talk to, and provided some entertainment thanks to Simon's filming exploits going through Stratford

The GA MK3s don't seem to be in the best condition, but the ride wasn't too bad and there was plenty of freight activity to see before we arrived at Ipswich, where the Simon and Ian were leaving. After this, it was only a short run to Diss and then into Norwich. Passing Crown Point depot, I noticed Greater Anglia liveried 153306 departing on a local service. Not really sure the 153 suits a white based livery, but with the short franchise it's definitely the best solution.

I had over an hour to wait at Norwich, so sorted out my Peterborough to Lincoln ticket for later in the day at the ticket office, I was impressed by how few words the woman serving me managed to speak - I think she only said the price in the whole transaction. I then popped into WH Smith and bought a couple of books, before settling down to start reading one of these on a slightly unstable bench on the concourse.

My next train was East Midlands Trains 158812, forming the 13:57 to Liverpool Lime Street. Before departure, the guard announced the full list of stops and an arrival time in Liverpool of 19:35. I'd be with this train as far as Peterborough, and would be on new track for me all of the way. While the East Anglian countryside isn't to everyones liking I found the journey to be quite pleasant - if a little slow at times - the views of Ely Cathedral in particular were great. I'll be pleased to be passing through again this Saturday

Arrival in Peterborough was punctual at 15:27 - it felt slightly weird to be on an EMT service arriving into Peterborough from the south, rather than in from Spalding. Another line crossed off my map, and some pleasant sunshine to wait for my next train, the 16:03 East Coast service which I was taking as far as Newark Northgate. This train was lead by 91116 - pleased to finally get another 91, as my EC mileage this year has been almost exclusively on HSTs. Arrival at Newark Northgate was right on time, and 156413 was already waiting with the 16:45 to Grimsby Town. This arrived in Lincoln a whole 8 minutes ahead of time, at 17:05 - just in time for the 17:15 bus home.

All in all, another good day. I'm not sure what my next report will feature, though this Saturday I'm planning to clear Hitchin to Kings Lynn via Cambridge - sadly likely to involve a lot of 365 mileage, but it's still a day out which I haven't had for awhile

I've finally know what hapened beyoond Ispwich sounds like a good round trip of a Journey, i've been to Ely once in March last year thanks to Michael Portillo when he went to Ely, and also the video camcorder didn't pick up my voice while flying through Startford, so i wasted my voice for nothing

 

[trentside]

King's Lynn (or the one with all the 365s) - 12/05/12

I'm currently in the middle of writing my dissertation, and with progress being made I decided I could afford to treat myself to a day out. I'd looked at doing a rover ticket of some sort, but most within easy reach are now mostly covered. A quick search on East Coast revealed I could do Lincoln to King's Lynn via Peterborough, Hitchin and Cambridge for around £29 (3 off-peak returns, with 16-25 Railcard). This would finally clear Letchworth Garden City to King's Lynn - as I'd done the first 2 miles of the line earlier in the year, for a research project as part of my dissertation.

Our first bus on a Saturday doesn't leave until 0803, so I decided to start my day on the 0930 East Coast service as far as Peterborough. This mean't I was starting on the 0838 bus, which ran down into town with no major problems, other than just the general one of the annoying Alexander-Dennis rattle. I'd read reports about a mis-formed HST running around on East Coast, with a substituted First Class coach in place of standard coach G. Posters up at Lincoln suggested this was running the Lincoln service today, and announcements were being made informing passengers that this was the case. Being a sunny Saturday, the station was very busy - a surprising number of people heading to Doncaster on a 153, but an equally large number waiting for the 0930.

When the HST arrived, I couldn't quite believe it. 43279 would again be on the back of the train (as it was on the 14/03/12) and 43305 was on the front, which was a positive - as I'd last had it on the back of the 2135 from King's Cross on the 21st March. Announcements onboard mentioned the train being in the wrong formation and advised passengers when to find their seat reservations. As usual, there was no standard class trolley service - but the buffet seemed to be doing a healthy trade with a number of families onboard. The train was surprisingly full from Lincoln, and even more boarded at Newark - where rather than waiting for a path, we left 5 down. The additional Saturdays only stop at Grantham was also made late, and arrival into Peterborough was at 10:32, 6 minutes late.

After two duds to start the day, I was hoping for better things with FCC. I've only travelled on two 365s, and a single 321, from their fleet. I was hoping to at least travel on one 317, but my first train was an 8-car 365 formation formed of 365520+365522 working the 1046 to London King's Cross, which I was taking as far as Hitchin. Unfortunately, I couldn't escape the spectre of work and I'd been reading some articles since Lincoln for another module, though got through these surprisingly quickly and was done by the time we arrived on time at Hitchin. I'd made the choice to sit in the very forward carriage, and this seemed to be a good choice as most people were waiting for the length of a 4-car formation.

The wait at Hitchin was around 27 minutes, and a speed restriction over Cambridge Junction was slowing down the East Coast traffic, with a Grand Central 180 and HST set passing through heading from and to Sunderland. Before too long, 365505 arrived with the 11:47 stopping service to Cambridge. This train wasn't especially busy and I was able to get a 'table' so I could stretch out (the only way I can get comfortable on the 365s) - it had been these workings I'd hoped to possibly find a 317 on, but no such luck in this direction. I noted a number of 313s stabled in the carriage sidings at Letchworth Garden City, or as it proudly proclaims 'the Worlds First Garden City' - in the best British spirit of celebrating failure.

Arrival into Cambridge, platform 8, was punctual at 12:27 and I had a quick change over the bridge and onto platform 1 for the 12:35 to Kings Lynn - which arrived a few minutes early, formed of 365502. Noted in the carriage sidings were some FCC 317s and GA 379s. The 12:35 was fairly busy, but the trip north of Cambridge was interesting, despite the flat landscape. Arriving into Ely there were a number of children in school uniform, despite it being a Saturday. I always enjoy the views of Ely cathedral, though they were less good from the side of the train I was sat on. 365502 made good progress along the single line sections, and passed the up train at Downham Market, making an on-time arrival into Kings Lynn at 13:20.

My stop in Kings Lynn was 36 minutes, before rejoining 365502 for the 13:56 back to Cambridge. I decided to have a quick toilet break, but the station toilets stank to high heaven, so I walked to the nearby Morrisons - though their toilets weren't much better, surprisingly. I was back at the station not long before departure, but found a relatively empty carriage and sat under the pantograph well. Sadly, I discovered the heating was on - so opened the windows and ball-vents. It wasn't long before virtually the entire carriage filled with young men on their way to Cambridge for reasons unknown, they were talking about placing bets and drinking lager, so I just decided to read my copy of Private Eye and wish I'd sat in a different carriage.

Arrival into Cambridge was again on-time, and I noted 365504 on Platform 8 with the stopper back to Hitchin. I didn't realise at the time, this was a dud - I'd used it on my Letchworth trip back on the 16th March. A confused gentleman on the platform asked if this was the train to Stanstead, he was struggling a little with his English, but he seemed to understand when I told him it was the next train he wanted. By this point it was clouding over, and the temperature had dropped a little - but I sat on the opposite side of the train and the scenery was relatively pleasant.

Hitchin was reached on time, and I made my final trip through the underpass to platform 2. The next Cambridge service was showing as delayed, and a very faint Atos Anne announced this was due to a 'broken down train'. When the service eventually arrived (20 minutes down), it had to wait for a path over Cambridge junction which took some more time. The following service was also now delayed, apparently arriving a minute after the 15:52 to Peterborough was due, though this was apparently still on time. As is usual with the Atos CIS system, most of what was shown was no better than fiction - the 15:52 turned up around 5 minutes late.

The 15:52 was formed of 365525+365521, so I'd lucked out on the 317s. I did consider waiting for the 16:17 to Peterborough, but decided that any delay would risk missing my connection back to Lincoln. This turned out to be a mistake, as after arrival in Peterborough at 16:42 (4 down) the following service (presumably the 16:17 from Hitchin) arrived on time formed of a 317. Typical... :roll:

My final trains were fairly routine, 91108 on the 17:15 service which I took as far as Newark Northgate, where were were delayed for around 7 minutes. The train would later get caught up in the disruption at Durham, so never recovered this time. My final ride was two old friends, 153326+153383 on the 18:07 to Lincoln - arriving at 18:30, in time for the 19:00 bus back home.

Total mileage for the day was 344mi 20ch. Another 317 hunt will no doubt take place soon, probably during the week. My next trip is planned to cover Oakham to Kettering via Corby.

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Corby - 16/03/12

It's not very often I start trips out in the afternoon, but my mission for the 16th March was to travel the line between Manton Junction and Kettering North Junction - taking in the Welland Viaduct and Corby station. I've promised to do this on three previous East Midlands Rovers, but delays or changes of plans have stopped me.

My journey started on the 1347 bus down into Lincoln, then over to the station to pick up my tickets. An off-peak return to Corby is £25 with a 16-25 Railcard, but thanks to the Sun e-voucher at RedSpottedHanky, I was able to reduce this to £15, which prompted this trip. My first train of the day was 156411 - on the 14:33 service through to Leicester, which I would be travelling on as far as East Midlands Parkway. This journey is very routine for me, so despite too noisy blokes sitting on the table opposite, I settled down to do some reading for University - which made absolutely no sense!

On disadvantage of this trip was some of the long waits involved. I was sat at East Midlands Parkway, after an ontime arrival (on what is now my highest mileage 156), for around an hour. I did some more work while waiting, though it appears Parkway is having some problems with their waiting room seats - as a number were taped off, preventing their use. I also visited the facilities and observed the Megabus arrivals and depatures, the staff being very keen to make sure the Megabus passengers boarded the right train down to St Pancras - an ex-Nottingham HST service.

Sadly, no HSTs for me today. The 1647 to London St Pancras via Corby rolled in early, from Derby - with 222104 in charge. This is the first ex-Hull Trains Meridian I've been on with EMT, but I've no doubt travelled on it before with Hull Trains, just not when I was actively logging which trains I travelled on. Progress from East Midlands Parkway was good, though we were slowed down to a crawl for the tight curve off the MML at Syston Junction. This cleared the north side of the junction, and I was finally on my way to Corby!

The stop at Melton Mowbray was made early, and the train stood for sometime before proceeding onto Oakham. The train manager had checked tickets after leaving EMD, and was making announcements - though in true Meridian style, the PA system wasn't really playing ball. After leaving Oakham, we crossed to the opposite line through Manton Tunnel, before joining the Corby line at Manton Junction. Progress from this point was steady, and I was surprised by the amount of heavy infrastructure on the line - with the impressive Welland Viaduct (lovely views) and several lengthy tunnels.

Arrival into Corby was eight minutes early at 17:41. Several people left the already lightly loaded train here, and I only saw one or two people join. I had over an hour to wait here, I could've continued on the same train, but decided I'd rather enjoy the fresh air at Corby and watch goings on. I waited on the forecourt, observing bus departures and doing my reading. It wasn't long until 222021 pulled in with the 18:18 arrival from St Pancras. This service was fairly well loaded, being a peak time departure from London - and a number of passengers made for their cars, taxis and the buses into Corby.

Shortly before departure at 18:57, I joined 222021 for the short hop to Kettering. The TM had checked tickets before departure from Corby, and arrival into Kettering was ontime at 19:06. I was pleased to have finally cleared the line through Corby, as its been an annoying blot on my route coverage map for sometime. The wait this time was more manageable, waiting for the 19:31 service through to Lincoln. I had a brief chat with the dispatcher on platform 4, as the boards stubbornly refused to show this service until a few minutes before arrival.

This time it was a double Meridian, but I only managed the number of the forward set - 222007, which would carry me back home to Lincoln. Another uneventful journey, though it does amuse me that this train now stops at Lowdham and Collingham - when these are announced at St Pancras, people for stations further south must think, 'where on earth are they?'.

After the train divided at Nottingham, some passengers boarded for intermediate stations, some of whom were confused by instructions only to leave from coaches G, B and the front door of C. The TM soon pointed them in the right direction, and the journey back to Lincoln was over in no time at all. Arrival was 5 minutes early at 21:17, the 222 then forming the 21:42 back to Nottingham. My taxi home arrived quickly (no buses after 19:00!) and £6.50 lighter, I was home and in bed by 21:45. Not a bad afternoon out!

Total mileage for the day: 187mi 76ch