Turbo's Green Lining

[Turbo004]

I'm very lucky.

I'm a good sleeper and used to working shifts. I quite like catching very early and late trains as they are so quiet. From previous experience I'll probably be able to sleep on the replacement bus to Manchester and / or the train to Leeds.

I also work on the railways so the tickets will be very cheap.

 

[Turbo004]

New Lines Travelled on: One
New trains 19 (16 on outward, zero on return)
Trip Report On 1st July attempt at Doncaster Flyover East Junction - Loversall Carr Junction

I decided to get in my July trip early in the month, very early. After getting to bed early the alarm was set the 02.30. After getting to Chester station early there was no sign of a replacement bus and no fewer than 12 people. From pre covid experience this train normally only has two or three passengers. Transport for Wales obviously thought the same as speaking to a member of station staff they had just provided a taxi all week rather than a bus. Only one taxi turned up with the driver saying he was only going to Manchester Piccadilly.

In this situation as a member of rail staff I always put myself as last to be dealt with. I do this as I am travelling either free or very cheaply it makes sense to me that full fare paying travellers get dealt with first. As it turned out though there were 5 people for Manchester Piccadilly and 7 for Manchester Airport. The taxi driver was insistent that he was booked to Manchester Piccadilly and would only go there. Another two taxi's were then booked for the Manchester Airport. When it was clear that no-one else wanted the taxi for Piccadilly I promptly got in it. Departure from Chester was 9 minutes late. Despite being in a crowded taxi I soon got to sleep. Arrival into Manchester Piccadilly was still 9 minutes late.

My next train the 04.49 to Leeds was cancelled. However I still wanted to buy my ticket before 04.49 so that I could claim delay repay. With the taxi being late and a big queue at the booking office I was relieved when I bought it in time.

Waiting for the 05.35 train to Leeds I managed to see a new 197, a new 331 and a 66 on a Freightliner. A further sleep on the 05.35 soon got me to Leeds.

A tight 7 minute connection at Leeds was made. Sadly it was an Azuma rather than a Class 91. In my original plan I would have travelled on a Class 91 on this part of the journey.

90 minutes at Doncaster saw 9 new trains. However the only loco seen moving was a 91119 in InterCity livery on a Southbound passenger train. I didn't see a single freight train passing through the station which contrasted with previous visits.

Anyway the time approached for the 08.49 to London from Platform 8. At the last moment though the platform changed to 1. I knew this wasn't a good sign as to go on Flyover East - Loversall Carr I imagine trains have to depart from the booked Platform 8. I still caught the train in hope.

As we left Doncaster I saw 37175 and 37421 which were top n tailing a test train. Both were new which was a bonus. Needless to say though we went straight down the mainline and not via Flyover East Junction. After missing out last month on a new line attempt I was determined to make something of the day.

Quickly looking up train times I worked out I could get to London to travel on at least part of the Elizabeth Line and still get back to pick up my daughter from school. Next I had to see the guard to sort out my change of plan. I had a ticket as far as Grantham. After walking the entire length of the train I finally located the guard who arranged my onward travel to London.

Arrival into London was on time and I quickly got my Elizabeth line tickets and ticket back to Crewe. Catching the 10.45 from St Pancross to Farringdon I was able to make a connection to Abbey Wood. For those who haven't done it yet I can highly recommend a trip on the new line. I made good time and from Abbey Wood I was able to go right through to Paddington. Returning to Tottenham Court Road I took the Northern line to Euston. By comparison the Northern line felt tiny in every way to the Elizabeth Line.

A fast trip ensured on the 12.40 non stop to Crewe Avanti service. The 14.24 service to Chester was formed of two Class 153s and was packed out. So much so that it was 7 minutes late into Chester. This meant running to my daughters school to pick her up! Overall what was looking like a disappointing day ended up very good.

 

[Techniquest]

I am glad to hear that, despite the issues in getting to Doncaster and the track not happening, that you got some good stuff out of the day. I loved my travels in May on the new line, sounds like you liked it too. I'm planning a return visit in the near-ish future to properly explore Paddington and Canary Wharf stations. I also hope to spend some time on the DLR and find set number 66, the only one left to get (39 having been out of use for a long time) so it'll be a tough find.

What's next on your agenda?

 

[Turbo004]

I'm looking to go back and look at the Elizabeth Line in more detail when the lines connecting Paddington to the Reading line start and also when the line from Liverpool Street to Shenfield reopen.
My next trip planned is to do the Birmingham tram extension to Edgebasten. I'm going with family on Friday July 22nd to Birmingham for a family trip so hoping it will be open by then. The way things are looking I don't think it will be so will have to go in August as well.

 

[Techniquest]

It isn't sounding too hopeful, I haven't heard of any opening date for it but I am hopeful it will be when I'm in Birmingham for the Games. I'm going to one of the cricket events (it was only £15, will be my first ever cricket match) during the Games, and I see it's really not that long a walk from New Street to the ground. I'll have free transport included in my ticket, but I might utilise some athletic ability and do the walk instead.

Good call on going back to CrossRail, I hope to be doing so again soon too. I do like the idea of doing the cross-London journey without needing to change, although I haven't actually done that yet. I don't mind the idea of the change currently, but then I like the idea of stretching the legs during the journey so it wouldn't bother me

Hopefully your journey to Birmingham will be good fun!

 

[Turbo004]

My August trip is actually planned for Friday 22nd July due to family commitments. This trip ties in very well with family commitments. My family are planning to go to the kitty cafe in Grand Central shopping centre above Birmingham New Street station. While they are there I'm hopefully going to go on the Edgbaston extension of the West Midlands Metro.
Planned trains to get to Birmingham are Chester dep 0853
Crewe arr 09.19
Crewe dep 09.33
Stafford arr 09.51
Stafford dep 10.03
Birmingham New Street arr 10.34
The return trains are dependent on the day out in Birmingham. The Kitty Cafe trip has been planned for ages. I was so pleased that the extension to Edgbaston opened in time for me to go on while we were visiting Birmingham.