Back on the platform

[The_Train]

I'm just working back through the thread collating information for my end of year review (which will hopefully be posted tomorrow) and I've noticed that my Flickr photos are loading again.....not sure what happened there but anyone wanting to see the photos from my Scottish trip can scroll up to see them

 

[The_Train]

2018 My Return to the Platform Reviewed

Part 1 - The Summary

Firstly, Happy New Year to you hardy souls who read this thread. May 2019 bring you all great success and happiness.

2018 saw my return to the hobby for the first time since my teenage years. More travel by train saw me festering on platforms as we hit the summer months and after a few times just sitting watching the trains go by, something stirred within and on the 30th May I started to note some numbers down with no real idea of where this would lead. Where it lead was to this forum where, with the help and support of many members (you know who you are), the hobby gripped me and there was no turning back. With Spotlog on my phone and my first Railway UK Pocket Book since the 90s in my possession I was chalking off winners all over the North, from Crewe to Manchester to Sheffield, Doncaster and Leeds as well as a first ever trip to Glasgow and Birmingham and it's suburbs. And of course not forgetting Stafford where many a happy hour has been spent over the last 6 or 7 months and my only venture into the South with a very productive time spent at Reading.

Getting back into this has come at a good time for me as it's given me a hobby to focus on whilst also giving me the chance to get out and meet the many like minded people that I've had the privilege of chatting with at various locations. And of course not forgetting the many good people on here that have helped me massively with my trip planning - it really is a great little community and maybe 2019 will see crossed paths with one or two of you.

Anyway, here is the summary of my first year (well 7 months) back in the game.

2018 Sight Summary (from 30/05/18)

Winners: 1603 (+87 from coaching stock)
Classes Cleared: 139, 220, 221, 322, 325, 390 (Total of Six)
Sub Classes Cleared: 66/9, 70/0, 170/1, 172/2, 172/3, 321/9, 350/1, 350/2, 350/3 (Total of Nine)

2018 Haulage Summary (from 27/06/18)

Winners: 79
Mileage: 2082mi 70ch
Classes Cleared: None
Sub Classes Cleared: None

Part 2 will follow shortly and will be a review of my loco stock sightings

 

[The_Train]

2018 My Return to the Platform Reviewed

Part 2 - The Locomotives

Shunters

• Class 08 - 17/236 - 7%

Class 08 08724 shunting at Wabtec, Doncaster by The_Train, on Flickr

• Class 09 - 2/22 - 9%

The shunter stock has been slow progress and will probably remain that way as it will take quite a bit to get them all ticked off

Diesel

• Class 20 - 5/51 - 10%

More Chopper action as 20007 awaits departure from Sheffield by The_Train, on Flickr

I wasn't sure that I would see any of these classic locos this year but RHTT season saw me pick 2 up at Sheffield before my trip to Nottingham threw up a further 3 at Wetmore and LORAM RTC to take my total to a fairly respectable 5 for the year. Still plenty of work to do on this class yet though.

• Class 31 - 2/36 - 6%

Another class I expected to finish the year at a big fat zero, but another trip past LORAM allowed me to at least get things up and running with a couple of the Network Rail 31s heading into the book. I imagine trips to heritage railways will be required to boost these numbers.

• Class 37 - 22/100 - 22%

37407 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

It's been a pleasure each time I've been able to tick one of these beasts off but there are still plenty out there for me to find

• Class 40 - 2/7 - 29%

The 40s wouldn't have even got a mention if it wasn't for the bonus sighting of 012 and 145 as I drove past Stafford station as they made their way south from their home at the East Lancs Railway

• Class 43 - 90/194 - 46%

43059 departs Leicester by The_Train, on Flickr

Steady progress has been made with the HST power cars with a start being made on each of the TOCs operating these saviours of British Rail. Just 2 of the XC fleet are required but there is still work to do on the EMT, LNER, GWR and ScotRail stocks and with some already being removed from service it may be an impossible task to get all of these ticked off

• Class 47 - 13/79 - 16%

47813 & 47812 power through Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

The majority of these sightings have been from the WCRC fleet with a few of the ROG duffs putting in appearances whilst moving the TPE Mk5 stocks to Manchester. A class I'd love to see more of as they were a big part of my childhood but I fear it may be another class that is difficult to complete.

• Class 50 - 2/18 - 11%

50050 "Fearless" departs Nottingham by The_Train, on Flickr

Another class I had no expectations for when I started this process but one I'm happy to have chalked a couple off, both sightings being in the East Midlands with 008 falling during my Leicester trip and 050 making a surprise appearance at Nottingham. A trip to the Severn Valley may have to be on the cards this year which should help these numbers

• Class 56 - 11/34 - 32%

56105 runs light at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

A steady start with the 56s with the rake that was moved to Longport back in the summer being my first use of the inside information that is common on this forum. Since then it's been a steady drip rather than a flood with Leicester offering a few in the yard, but still plenty of work to do here particularly with the Colas fleet.

• Class 57 - 13/33 - 39%

57314 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

The dreaded bodysnatchers were another class that came to me in drips. A trip past the depot at Reading boosted my successes as I chalked off all but one of the GWR sleeper stock but the rest have all come locally with workings to and from the DRS depot at Crewe.

• Class 59 - 7/15 - 47%

Class 59 59103 at Reading by The_Train, on Flickr

Another one that just falls short of being 50% complete with all but one of my sightings coming during my outing to Reading. The other was a bit of a surprise sighting during my first visit to Nuneaton as 59003 became my first of the class

• Class 60 - 32/100 - 32%

DB class 60 60091 passing Tamworth station by The_Train, on Flickr

Another loco that was more prominent during my time on platforms as a child but it's a sign of the times that the bulk of my sightings of this class came whilst passing Toton Yard where there are still more for me to see. GBRf and their recent acquisition of some 60s might help with boosting my number of winners this year

• Class 66 - 245/389 - 63%

Cemex liveried GBRf 66780 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

One thing I've always been able to rely on throughout the last 7 months is seeing a winning shed and the numbers have steadily risen to above the 50% mark. I'm edging towards the completion of a few of the sub classes although I have chalked off all of the 66/4 and 66/9 from the Freightliner fleet

• Class 67 - 12/30 - 40%

Royal claret liveried class 67 67006 passing Tamworth by The_Train, on Flickr

Another one of those classes that have found me rather than me looking for it. Quite happy to have knocked off 005 and 006 in the Royal Train livery but more hunting required this year

• Class 68 - 23/34 - 68%

68034 and 68002 pause at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

My favourite of the modern fleet, the cats have been good to me with a number of then being ticked off whilst working the flasks. The ones left to see are those that DRS have leased to ScotRail and TPE to haul passenger services. I don't feel as rushed to complete this class unlike others, so I'm happy to bide my time in finding the remaining 11.

• Class 70 - 24/36 - 67%

70002 catching the sun at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

It was slow but steady progress with the 70s as only a few of the Freightliner fleet were out working for a period of time. This number seems to have increased lately but it was my trip to Leeds that helped as I was able to chalk off those that had sat at Midland Road for a lengthy period of time. 70010 completed the Freightliner fleet back in November as it passed through Stafford so it's just the 12 from the Colas collection left to find

Electric

• Class 73 - 2/39 - 5%

Network Rail Class 73 73951 passing Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Similar to the 20s, I expected the 73s to be at 0 come the end of the year but thanks to @Skymonster I was able to get out to the local to see the Network Rail minions pass by to at least get the class up and running. Need to research where to find more of these for 2019

• Class 86 - 14/21 - 67%

86614 and 86607 waiting at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Managed to eat into the remainder of the 86 fleet thanks to those working the Freightliner containers between the South coast and Scotland. They seem to have disappeared a little bit towards the end of 2018 and I'm not sure I will ever get to tick off the 86/2s in Virgin livery at Basford Hall so this one might be another tricky one to turn green.

• Class 87 - 1/3 - 33%

My favourite class of my childhood so it pains me to see just the 3 left to tick off. 87035 at Crewe Heritage Centre was a nice little bonus as I travelled from Crewe to Manchester. Having seen it working a special last year, here's hoping 87002 gets a chance to run on the WCML once again.

• Class 88 - 6/10 - 60%

88008 passing Doncaster by The_Train, on Flickr

It took me a couple of months before I got my first sighting of an 88 but the early starts on some of my days out have allowed me to chalk off a few of these as they worked the early morning Tesco train. Another class that I don't feel any pressure to hunt down as they will be around for a few years yet, they will probably find me without too much effort anyway.

• Class 90 - 21/50 - 42%

90041 and 90044 wait at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

The 90s have annoyed me a little bit as there are regular workings through my local, but they seem to be the same locos every time. That said, a good chunk of the remaining 29 to see are listed as stored so I may never get the chance to get those in the book, but a planned trip to the Anglia region should help boost the number of winners.

• Class 91 - 27/31 - 87%

LNER Class 91 91118 departing Leeds by The_Train, on Flickr

The vast bulk of the blunts I've chalked off were done so during a very successful trip to Doncaster, with numbers boosted slightly during the Leeds trip. Hopefully another venture into LNER land will see these cleared.

• Class 92 - 8/36 - 22%

Caledonian Sleeper liveried 92014 passes Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Lots of special outings have been made to the local to allow me to make the most of the 92s coming in and out of Crewe for maintenance (thanks to @TimboM for regular updates). These being put back onto the Garston cars has helped as well but I may need a plan of action to improve the number of winning 92s this year.

DVTs

• Class 82 (Mk3 & Mk4 DVT) - 33/77 - 43%

DVT 82308 at Crewe by The_Train, on Flickr

Another success story from the Doncaster trip as a multitude of these fell there whilst trips to Birmingham Moor Street have helped to move some of the Chiltern stock. The trip to Anglia will help to boost numbers further as only one of their fleet has fallen so far.

Part 3 will be all about the DMUs that I've seen and will be posted sometime in the next 24 hours or so

 

[DavidGrain]

Congrats Mr Train.

I don't make notes of numbers as I am just an observer. However I would mention that I saw quite a few class 73s in Edinburgh when I was last there in 2017. I shall be in Edinburgh again later this month so I shall report on whether I think it would be worth another trip to Scotland for you, this time to Edinburgh,

 

[The_Train]

Congrats Mr Train.

I don't make notes of numbers as I am just an observer. However I would mention that I saw quite a few class 73s in Edinburgh when I was last there in 2017. I shall be in Edinburgh again later this month so I shall report on whether I think it would be worth another trip to Scotland for you, this time to Edinburgh,

That would be most appreciated as Edinburgh is one of the places I have down to visit this year, possibly as part of a 2 or 3 day stint in Scotland to incorporate a trip on the ScotRail 68s

 

[433N]

A trip past Craigentinny will usually score you a few (between 1 and 3 of the Caledonian Sleeper) 73s. If you are not coming up the ECML then a trip Edinburgh - Brunstane will do it.

 

[Far north 37]

2018 My Return to the Platform Reviewed

Part 2 - The Locomotives

Shunters

• Class 08 - 17/236 - 7%

Class 08 08724 shunting at Wabtec, Doncaster by The_Train, on Flickr

• Class 09 - 2/22 - 9%

The shunter stock has been slow progress and will probably remain that way as it will take quite a bit to get them all ticked off

Diesel

• Class 20 - 5/51 - 10%

More Chopper action as 20007 awaits departure from Sheffield by The_Train, on Flickr

I wasn't sure that I would see any of these classic locos this year but RHTT season saw me pick 2 up at Sheffield before my trip to Nottingham threw up a further 3 at Wetmore and LORAM RTC to take my total to a fairly respectable 5 for the year. Still plenty of work to do on this class yet though.

• Class 31 - 2/36 - 6%

Another class I expected to finish the year at a big fat zero, but another trip past LORAM allowed me to at least get things up and running with a couple of the Network Rail 31s heading into the book. I imagine trips to heritage railways will be required to boost these numbers.

• Class 37 - 22/100 - 22%

37407 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

It's been a pleasure each time I've been able to tick one of these beasts off but there are still plenty out there for me to find

• Class 40 - 2/7 - 29%

The 40s wouldn't have even got a mention if it wasn't for the bonus sighting of 012 and 145 as I drove past Stafford station as they made their way south from their home at the East Lancs Railway

• Class 43 - 90/194 - 46%

43059 departs Leicester by The_Train, on Flickr

Steady progress has been made with the HST power cars with a start being made on each of the TOCs operating these saviours of British Rail. Just 2 of the XC fleet are required but there is still work to do on the EMT, LNER, GWR and ScotRail stocks and with some already being removed from service it may be an impossible task to get all of these ticked off

• Class 47 - 13/79 - 16%

47813 & 47812 power through Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

The majority of these sightings have been from the WCRC fleet with a few of the ROG duffs putting in appearances whilst moving the TPE Mk5 stocks to Manchester. A class I'd love to see more of as they were a big part of my childhood but I fear it may be another class that is difficult to complete.

• Class 50 - 2/18 - 11%

50050 "Fearless" departs Nottingham by The_Train, on Flickr

Another class I had no expectations for when I started this process but one I'm happy to have chalked a couple off, both sightings being in the East Midlands with 008 falling during my Leicester trip and 050 making a surprise appearance at Nottingham. A trip to the Severn Valley may have to be on the cards this year which should help these numbers

• Class 56 - 11/34 - 32%

56105 runs light at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

A steady start with the 56s with the rake that was moved to Longport back in the summer being my first use of the inside information that is common on this forum. Since then it's been a steady drip rather than a flood with Leicester offering a few in the yard, but still plenty of work to do here particularly with the Colas fleet.

• Class 57 - 13/33 - 39%

57314 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

The dreaded bodysnatchers were another class that came to me in drips. A trip past the depot at Reading boosted my successes as I chalked off all but one of the GWR sleeper stock but the rest have all come locally with workings to and from the DRS depot at Crewe.

• Class 59 - 7/15 - 47%

Class 59 59103 at Reading by The_Train, on Flickr

Another one that just falls short of being 50% complete with all but one of my sightings coming during my outing to Reading. The other was a bit of a surprise sighting during my first visit to Nuneaton as 59003 became my first of the class

• Class 60 - 32/100 - 32%

DB class 60 60091 passing Tamworth station by The_Train, on Flickr

Another loco that was more prominent during my time on platforms as a child but it's a sign of the times that the bulk of my sightings of this class came whilst passing Toton Yard where there are still more for me to see. GBRf and their recent acquisition of some 60s might help with boosting my number of winners this year

• Class 66 - 245/389 - 63%

Cemex liveried GBRf 66780 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

One thing I've always been able to rely on throughout the last 7 months is seeing a winning shed and the numbers have steadily risen to above the 50% mark. I'm edging towards the completion of a few of the sub classes although I have chalked off all of the 66/4 and 66/9 from the Freightliner fleet

• Class 67 - 12/30 - 40%

Royal claret liveried class 67 67006 passing Tamworth by The_Train, on Flickr

Another one of those classes that have found me rather than me looking for it. Quite happy to have knocked off 005 and 006 in the Royal Train livery but more hunting required this year

• Class 68 - 23/34 - 68%

68034 and 68002 pause at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

My favourite of the modern fleet, the cats have been good to me with a number of then being ticked off whilst working the flasks. The ones left to see are those that DRS have leased to ScotRail and TPE to haul passenger services. I don't feel as rushed to complete this class unlike others, so I'm happy to bide my time in finding the remaining 11.

• Class 70 - 24/36 - 67%

70002 catching the sun at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

It was slow but steady progress with the 70s as only a few of the Freightliner fleet were out working for a period of time. This number seems to have increased lately but it was my trip to Leeds that helped as I was able to chalk off those that had sat at Midland Road for a lengthy period of time. 70010 completed the Freightliner fleet back in November as it passed through Stafford so it's just the 12 from the Colas collection left to find

Electric

• Class 73 - 2/39 - 5%

Network Rail Class 73 73951 passing Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Similar to the 20s, I expected the 73s to be at 0 come the end of the year but thanks to @Skymonster I was able to get out to the local to see the Network Rail minions pass by to at least get the class up and running. Need to research where to find more of these for 2019

• Class 86 - 14/21 - 67%

86614 and 86607 waiting at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Managed to eat into the remainder of the 86 fleet thanks to those working the Freightliner containers between the South coast and Scotland. They seem to have disappeared a little bit towards the end of 2018 and I'm not sure I will ever get to tick off the 86/2s in Virgin livery at Basford Hall so this one might be another tricky one to turn green.

• Class 87 - 1/3 - 33%

My favourite class of my childhood so it pains me to see just the 3 left to tick off. 87035 at Crewe Heritage Centre was a nice little bonus as I travelled from Crewe to Manchester. Having seen it working a special last year, here's hoping 87002 gets a chance to run on the WCML once again.

• Class 88 - 6/10 - 60%

88008 passing Doncaster by The_Train, on Flickr

It took me a couple of months before I got my first sighting of an 88 but the early starts on some of my days out have allowed me to chalk off a few of these as they worked the early morning Tesco train. Another class that I don't feel any pressure to hunt down as they will be around for a few years yet, they will probably find me without too much effort anyway.

• Class 90 - 21/50 - 42%

90041 and 90044 wait at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

The 90s have annoyed me a little bit as there are regular workings through my local, but they seem to be the same locos every time. That said, a good chunk of the remaining 29 to see are listed as stored so I may never get the chance to get those in the book, but a planned trip to the Anglia region should help boost the number of winners.

• Class 91 - 27/31 - 87%

LNER Class 91 91118 departing Leeds by The_Train, on Flickr

The vast bulk of the blunts I've chalked off were done so during a very successful trip to Doncaster, with numbers boosted slightly during the Leeds trip. Hopefully another venture into LNER land will see these cleared.

• Class 92 - 8/36 - 22%

Caledonian Sleeper liveried 92014 passes Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Lots of special outings have been made to the local to allow me to make the most of the 92s coming in and out of Crewe for maintenance (thanks to @TimboM for regular updates). These being put back onto the Garston cars has helped as well but I may need a plan of action to improve the number of winning 92s this year.

DVTs

• Class 82 (Mk3 & Mk4 DVT) - 33/77 - 43%

DVT 82308 at Crewe by The_Train, on Flickr

Another success story from the Doncaster trip as a multitude of these fell there whilst trips to Birmingham Moor Street have helped to move some of the Chiltern stock. The trip to Anglia will help to boost numbers further as only one of their fleet has fallen so far.

Part 3 will be all about the DMUs that I've seen and will be posted sometime in the next 24 hours or so

A trip to crewe iemd should get you a lot of the remaining class 90 and 92 requirements.

 

[Kite159]

A trip to Tonbridge might score you some 73s, I believe there is a footbridge which crosses the GBRf yard.

 

[palmersears]

A trip to Tonbridge might score you some 73s, I believe there is a footbridge which crosses the GBRf yard.

There is indeed. Probably a 10 minute walk away from the station. You might need binoculars to grab numbers, mind.

To give you an idea as to the scattered nature of them, these were their locations early this monring:

73101  GBSD  ELGHARLTN   ELGHARLTN                      B            1H A
73107  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    F                 N           30D A
73109  GBED  PURLEY DS   PURLEY DS    D                 N           15D A
73119  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    D                 X           20D A
73128  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    D                 N           27D A
73134  GBBR  BURTON WS   BURTON WS    F                 B           -1H A
73136  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    F                 N           26D A
73139  GBSD  ELGHARLTN   ELGHARLTN                      B           -5H A
73141  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    D                 N           18D A
73201  GBED  PURLEY DS   PURLEY DS    D                 N           28D A
73212  GBED  STLNGBR     STLNGBR      F                 F           21D A
73213  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    D                 N           19D A
73961  GBNR  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    L                 N           25D A
73962  GBNR  TONBGEWYD   TONBGEWYD    L                 N           27D A
73963  GBNR  TONBRIDGE   TONBGEWYD                      N           26D A
73964  GBNR  STLNGBR     STLNGBR      F                 N           15D A
73965  GBNR  TONBRIDGE   TONBGEWYD                      N           26D A
73966  GBCS  CRAIGNTNY   CRAIGNTNY    F                 N           30D A
73967  GBCS  CRAIGNTNY   CRAIGNTNY    F                 N            4D A
73968  GBCS  EDINBURGH   041A25M403   Z *  ABERDEEN     N           22D A
73969  GBCS  EDINBURGH   CRAIGNTNY                      X           28D A
73970  GBCS  EDINBURGH   041Y11M403   X *  FTWILIAM     N           28D A
73971  GBCS  ELEIGHRNC   ELEIGHRNC    F                 X           28D A

 

[The_Train]

A trip to crewe iemd should get you a lot of the remaining class 90 and 92 requirements.

Is that something that has to be done by riding past or can you get within a distance of the depot to ID locos?

 

[The_Train]

A trip to Tonbridge might score you some 73s, I believe there is a footbridge which crosses the GBRf yard.

There is indeed. Probably a 10 minute walk away from the station. You might need binoculars to grab numbers, mind.

To give you an idea as to the scattered nature of them, these were their locations early this monring:

73101  GBSD  ELGHARLTN   ELGHARLTN                      B            1H A
73107  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    F                 N           30D A
73109  GBED  PURLEY DS   PURLEY DS    D                 N           15D A
73119  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    D                 X           20D A
73128  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    D                 N           27D A
73134  GBBR  BURTON WS   BURTON WS    F                 B           -1H A
73136  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    F                 N           26D A
73139  GBSD  ELGHARLTN   ELGHARLTN                      B           -5H A
73141  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    D                 N           18D A
73201  GBED  PURLEY DS   PURLEY DS    D                 N           28D A
73212  GBED  STLNGBR     STLNGBR      F                 F           21D A
73213  GBED  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    D                 N           19D A
73961  GBNR  TONB11&12   TONB11&12    L                 N           25D A
73962  GBNR  TONBGEWYD   TONBGEWYD    L                 N           27D A
73963  GBNR  TONBRIDGE   TONBGEWYD                      N           26D A
73964  GBNR  STLNGBR     STLNGBR      F                 N           15D A
73965  GBNR  TONBRIDGE   TONBGEWYD                      N           26D A
73966  GBCS  CRAIGNTNY   CRAIGNTNY    F                 N           30D A
73967  GBCS  CRAIGNTNY   CRAIGNTNY    F                 N            4D A
73968  GBCS  EDINBURGH   041A25M403   Z *  ABERDEEN     N           22D A
73969  GBCS  EDINBURGH   CRAIGNTNY                      X           28D A
73970  GBCS  EDINBURGH   041Y11M403   X *  FTWILIAM     N           28D A
73971  GBCS  ELEIGHRNC   ELEIGHRNC    F                 X           28D A

Thanks for the info on the 73s guys. Nice to know they are all in similar places to make things nice and easy

Away from the trains @palmersears, I'm currently reading a book that is set in your neck of the woods. Everytime I pick it up, I think of you and that just is not healthy

 

[The_Train]

2018 My Return to the Platform Reviewed

Part 3 - The DMUs

DMUs

• Class 139 - 2/2 - 100%

Class 139 139001 at Stourbridge Town by The_Train, on Flickr

The Parry People Movers were a couple of units that I just had to get out and see considering their 'quirkiness'. It was certainly a novelty to ride on 001 and then upon arrival back at Stourbridge Junction I was able to complete the set with 002 on show in its shed. Definitely the quickest class completion I'm ever likely to achieve.

• Class 142 - 23/94 - 24%

142089 and 158851 at Sheffield by The_Train, on Flickr

Thankfully the Diesel Multiple Unit category has managed what the loco category couldn't and thrown up many a unit from my childhood days of spotting. The Pacer units are certainly fondly remembered from my past and are units I'd love to complete before they disappear during 2019. However, it's been a slow process thus far with just 23 of the 142s found, mainly from my day at Leeds that started with a fester at Manchester Piccadilly. Judging by the fact that these things operate all over the North of England, it could be hard work but certainly one of my challenges for 2019.

• Class 143 - 0/23 - 0%

All of these are from TfW which is an area I've not yet visited. I assume most of these operate on the Valley lines so hopefully my planned trip to Cardiff will help.

• Class 144 - 17/23 - 74%

GC 180108 in P4 and 144011 in P3 at Doncaster by The_Train, on Flickr

Much better news on the 144 front as I've managed to get to within 6 of completing this class. All of my sightings have come in Yorkshire so hopefully will only take another visit to get the klaxons going.

• Class 150 - 35/136 - 26%

Northern Rail sprinter 150119 departs Leeds station by The_Train, on Flickr

These are another unit that I have fond memories of as most of my days out as a kid would involve a trip on one of these and I always loved the sounds they made. Manchester and Leeds helped me to my final total for the year but there is still plenty of Northern stock to locate and hopefully Bristol/Cardiff will help with the GWR/TfW stocks.

• Class 153 - 29/70 - 41%

WMT 153356 awaits departure from Nuneaton by The_Train, on Flickr

Steady progress with the dogboxes, which is as good as can be expected considering they are dotted all over the place. Stoke offered up quite a few of these early on as they ran the Crewe-Derby shuttle before others were ticked off all around the Midlands and Yorkshire.

• Class 155 - 2/7 - 29%

A small class but I only won with 341 and 344 at Leeds so still 5 to find.

• Class 156 - 43/114 - 38%

EMT 156403 leaves Nottingham by The_Train, on Flickr

Another of the units that took me back to my younger days and another where steady progress has been made. No operators are yet complete so it's going to take some mileage to find all of these

• Class 158 - 67/169 - 40%

Arriva Trains Wales in Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

These were the ultimate in the sprinter family when I was just a wee one and I was pleased to see so many of them still working the rails. I'm fairly happy to have reached 67 of these as it didn't feel like I'd reached anywhere near that amount with them seemingly coming in drips and drabs wherever I've visited.

• Class 159 - 0/30 - 0%

All of these are in the South West Railways area which is an area I'm yet to visit.

• Class 165 - 19/75 - 25%

GWR Class 165 165109 at Reading by The_Train, on Flickr

Trips into the Chiltern and GWR areas have seen me creep the winners to 19 on these Turbos but am I right in thinking that these are due to be disappearing from service soon?

• Class 166 - 0/21 - 0%

Didn't manage to see any of these during my stint in GWR land. Another one due for removal from the Network soon?

• Class 168 - 12/28 - 43%

Chiltern Railways Class 68 68015 sits at Birmingham Moor Street by The_Train, on Flickr

Birmingham Moor Street was my friend for these Turbostars as no fewer than 10 of the 12 logged were spotted there. Still 16 to go so maybe another stint at the lovely Moor Street will do the trick

• Class 170 - 50/119 - 42%

170397 at Burton by The_Train, on Flickr

These things are amongst my least favourite of the multiple units. The effort they have to put in just to get moving is pretty embarrassing, although it is quite funny watching them crawl up the 'hill' to the flyover at Nuneaton. There was some good news with these as back on the 2nd October, a trip to Tamworth yielded 170102 & 170112 which saw me complete the 170/1s. A trip to the Anglia region should help boost the numbers of these logged.

• Class 171 - 0/20 - 0%

Another unit that operates in an area I'm yet to visit.

• Class 172 - 27/39 - 69%

WMT Class 172 172342 at Birmingham Moor Street by The_Train, on Flickr

The 172s have been particularly successful thanks to a couple of trips into the West Midlands Trains livery. On the 11th October Birmingham Moor Street saw 172338 soon followed by 172219 which signified the completion of the 172/2 and 172/3 sub classes along with the completion of the 172s in the WMT fleet. However, WMT are due to receive the 172/0 fleet from London Overground (172002 is already in the Midlands I believe?) so this particular mini-success will be short lived.

• Class 175 - 8/27 - 30%

The Welsh units and considering I've not visited Wales yet, I'm quite happy to already have a few of these knocked off thanks to visits to Manchester and Crewe

• Class 180 - 9/14 - 64%

GC 180108 in P4 and 144011 in P3 at Doncaster by The_Train, on Flickr

The Adelante fleet is a small one and all of my 9 sightings came on the same day in September at Doncaster. These probably win the award for the most awkward to identify

• Class 185 - 41/51 - 80%

TPE 185107 departs Glasgow Central by The_Train, on Flickr

The 185s have been a particular success story with all but 10 of them falling in 2018 thanks to trips either side of the Pennines

• Class 195 - 0/58 - 0%

The new Northern stock. I did see one whilst on the train towards Yorkshire but wasn't able to ID it. There should be plenty of time to chalk these off once they enter full service

DEMUs

• Class 220 - 34/34 - 100%

XC Voyager 220002 at Tamworth by The_Train, on Flickr

The 220 Voyagers were always going to be one of the first classes to be completed considering their frequency through my local and so it proved when 220026 arrived into Stafford on 7th August to complete the set

• Class 221 - 44/44 - 100%

221122 at P5 Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

For the same reasons as above, it came as no surprise when XC 221122 arrived at Stafford on 17th July to the sound of the klaxons as another Voyager set was completed

• Class 222 - 22/27 - 81%

222103 arriving into Leicester by The_Train, on Flickr

A trip to Leicester on a red hot day in August saw a number of these fall and a few others have also gone into the book with my recent trip to Nottingham chalking 222102 off to take me to within 5 of these being completed. Still seems to be plenty of life in these so not concerned about racing to find the remaining 5.

Part 4 will be all about the EMUs

 

[Kite159]

I suspect you will probably have more luck with the GWR 150s down in Devon & Cornwall as the 165 & 166s make inroads to Bristol area services.

I would say maybe further south in Chiltern land will be better for 168s, that way you get the units on the Oxford services

 

[The_Train]

2018 My Return to the Platform Reviewed

Part 4 - The EMUs

As there are lots of EMUs that I've made no inroads into, I will only list those that I've at least made a start on. If a class is not listed, assume it to be at a total of 0

EMUs

• Class 314 - 13/16 - 81%

314201 departs Glasgow Central by The_Train, on Flickr

My trip to Glasgow almost saw me clear these. I intend to re-visit Scotland during 2019 so maybe the 5 that eluded me will be found then

• Class 318 - 15/21 - 71%

ScotRail 318263 departs Hyndland by The_Train, on Flickr

Another one that goes into the 'nearly completed in one day' category as Glasgow and Hyndland almost got this done and dusted.

• Class 319 - 12/83 - 14%

319442 in unfamiliar territory at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

According to Trainlogger 40 of these units are either in store or at Brush for conversion to the 769 so clearing this class is bordering on impossible unless the off-lease stock returns to service. That said there are still 31 in active service for me to chase during 2019

• Class 320 - 16/30 - 53%

ScotRail 320306 departs Hyndland by The_Train, on Flickr

Another of the ScotRail fleet that I was able to drag up above 50% in one visit. Hyndland was certainly the place to go for these units with all but 2 falling there - the other 2 being the units that took me from Glasgow to Hyndland.

• Class 321 - 5/117 - 4%

Another class where a number of units have gone off lease before I could get down to the Anglia region. I logged a couple of these being moved to storage along with the completion of the 321/9 sub fleet that is operated in the Yorkshire region by Northern.

• Class 322 - 5/5 - 100%

Class 322 322483 at Doncaster by The_Train, on Flickr

A completed class with 322482 completing the set when it made an appearance during my stint at Leeds on 1st November.

• Class 323 - 36/43 - 84%

WMT Class 323 323243 departs Birmingham New Street by The_Train, on Flickr

I was quite surprised at how many of these I'd chalked off as I don't feel as though I've seen too many. However, the records show that my trips to the bat cave (Birmingham New Street) have really eaten away at these. Just 4 from the WMT fleet and 3 from Northern left to get this class completed

• Class 325 - 15/15 - 100%

Another completed class and probably one that I actually completed long before (The sets of 3 are a royal pain in the rear to identify) I was able to log 325005 passing through Stafford on 1st October to the sound of the klaxons.

• Class 333 - 12/16 - 75%

Northern Class 333 333006 arrives into Leeds by The_Train, on Flickr

My one and only trip to Leeds took me to within 4 of getting this class completed. Hopefully these great looking units won't be going anywhere any time soon so I can plot an hour or 2 back at Leeds at some point to try and tie this one up

• Class 334 - 23/40 - 58%

ScotRail 334033 arriving into Hyndland by The_Train, on Flickr

Hyndland was my friend for chalking off all 23 of my winners thus far.

• Class 345 - 12/70 - 17%

Crossrail class 345 345049 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

The count is low, but I can't complain at having chalked off 12 of these Crossrail units before I've been anywhere near the capital. The WCML test runs have really helped although I've not seen one for a while now

• Class 350 - 79/87 - 91%

1U35 1322 Northampton to Crewe by The_Train, on Flickr

These started to fall quite quickly with the time spent at Stafford. With 8 services per hour operated by these, it didn't take long for 350101 to complete the 350/1 sub class when it arrived into Stafford on 6th July. The 350/3s took a bit longer as some were having their rebranding done but 350376 completed this mini set on 7th August. The 350/2s took a lot longer thanks to 350246 being out of service for months but 16th November came and 246 appeared at Tamworth to complete this sub fleet and also complete the 350s in the London North Western fleet. Just the TPE 350/4s to find now

• Class 365 - 4/40 - 10%

365535 exits Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Most of these are now off lease or North of the border with my only sightings being units being moved into storage. Don't hold much hope of ever seeing all 40 of these.

• Class 380 - 24/38 - 63%

ScotRail class 380s sat at Glasgow Central by The_Train, on Flickr

Glasgow Central was certainly my friend with these. My one trip North of the border left me needing just 14 to get this class chalked off

• Class 385 - 13/70 - 19%

ScotRail Class 385 385117 at Glasgow Queen Street by The_Train, on Flickr

A new member to the ScotRail fleet and all 13 of those I have seen were at Glasgow Queen Street. Plenty of time to get these into the book

• 387 - 36/107 - 34%

'Electrostar' Class 387 387152 at Reading by The_Train, on Flickr

My trip to Reading saw me clear all but 9 of the GWR stock but there is plenty to see in the Great Northern area and the Gatwick Express stock

• Class 390 - 56/56 - 100%

390008 arriving into Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Even though it felt like an age chasing the final Pendolino, it actually only took me just over a month to clear these. 390049 was the last to fall when it passed through Stafford on 4th July.

• Class 800 - 40/80 - 50%

IET Class 800 800010 at Reading by The_Train, on Flickr

The latest additions to the GWR fleet, all but 3 of my successes came during my visit to Reading with the remaining 3 being the LNER test units I saw at Doncaster.

• Class 801 - 1/42 - 2%

Just the one of these spotted at Leeds whilst it was out on test

• Class 802 - 2/60 - 3%

Just the 2 of these fell whilst I was at Reading. The TPE stock is not in service yet but with them being new additions to the Network, I should have many a year to chase these down

EMUs (3rd rail)

• Class 450 - 6/127 - 5%

Nabbed a few of these that were working the London Waterloo diagrams at Reading but a trip into the South Western Railway area has to be on the agenda to bag more of these

• Class 458 - 9/36 - 25%

Same as the 450s, all 9 of my winners were nabbed at Reading

• Class 465 - 1/147 - 1%

Not been into the South Eastern area but I did manage to nab 1 of these whilst it was sat outside Wabtec during my visit to Doncaster

And that's all of the classes reviewed. Next we will move on to the operating companies in part 5.

 

[Far north 37]

Is that something that has to be done by rising past or can you get within a distance of the depot to ID locos?

I think quite a good few locos can be viewed from the depot perimeter i think timbom on here is the man to ask he seems to know the area quite well and what locos are where.

 

[Far north 37]

2018 My Return to the Platform Reviewed

Part 4 - The EMUs

As there are lots of EMUs that I've made no inroads into, I will only list those that I've at least made a start on. If a class is not listed, assume it to be at a total of 0

EMUs

• Class 314 - 11/16 - 69%

314201 departs Glasgow Central by The_Train, on Flickr

My trip to Glasgow almost saw me clear these. I intend to re-visit Scotland during 2019 so maybe the 5 that eluded me will be found then

• Class 318 - 15/21 - 71%

ScotRail 318263 departs Hyndland by The_Train, on Flickr

Another one that goes into the 'nearly completed in one day' category as Glasgow and Hyndland almost got this done and dusted.

• Class 319 - 12/83 - 14%

319442 in unfamiliar territory at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

According to Trainlogger 40 of these units are either in store or at Brush for conversion to the 769 so clearing this class is bordering on impossible unless the off-lease stock returns to service. That said there are still 31 in active service for me to chase during 2019

• Class 320 - 16/30 - 53%

ScotRail 320306 departs Hyndland by The_Train, on Flickr

Another of the ScotRail fleet that I was able to drag up above 50% in one visit. Hyndland was certainly the place to go for these units with all but 2 falling there - the other 2 being the units that took me from Glasgow to Hyndland.

• Class 321 - 5/117 - 4%

Another class where a number of units have gone off lease before I could get down to the Anglia region. I logged a couple of these being moved to storage along with the completion of the 321/9 sub fleet that is operated in the Yorkshire region by Northern.

• Class 322 - 5/5 - 100%

Class 322 322483 at Doncaster by The_Train, on Flickr

A completed class with 322482 completing the set when it made an appearance during my stint at Leeds on 1st November.

• Class 323 - 36/43 - 84%

WMT Class 323 323243 departs Birmingham New Street by The_Train, on Flickr

I was quite surprised at how many of these I'd chalked off as I don't feel as though I've seen too many. However, the records show that my trips to the bat cave (Birmingham New Street) have really eaten away at these. Just 4 from the WMT fleet and 3 from Northern left to get this class completed

• Class 325 - 15/15 - 100%

Another completed class and probably one that I actually completed long before (The sets of 3 are a royal pain in the rear to identify) I was able to log 325005 passing through Stafford on 1st October to the sound of the klaxons.

• Class 333 - 12/16 - 75%

Northern Class 333 333006 arrives into Leeds by The_Train, on Flickr

My one and only trip to Leeds took me to within 4 of getting this class completed. Hopefully these great looking units won't be going anywhere any time soon so I can plot an hour or 2 back at Leeds at some point to try and tie this one up

• Class 334 - 23/40 - 58%

ScotRail 334033 arriving into Hyndland by The_Train, on Flickr

Hyndland was my friend for chalking off all 23 of my winners thus far.

• Class 345 - 12/70 - 17%

Crossrail class 345 345049 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

The count is low, but I can't complain at having chalked off 12 of these Crossrail units before I've been anywhere near the capital. The WCML test runs have really helped although I've not seen one for a while now

• Class 350 - 79/87 - 91%

1U35 1322 Northampton to Crewe by The_Train, on Flickr

These started to fall quite quickly with the time spent at Stafford. With 8 services per hour operated by these, it didn't take long for 350101 to complete the 350/1 sub class when it arrived into Stafford on 6th July. The 350/3s took a bit longer as some were having their rebranding done but 350376 completed this mini set on 7th August. The 350/2s took a lot longer thanks to 350246 being out of service for months but 16th November came and 246 appeared at Tamworth to complete this sub fleet and also complete the 350s in the London North Western fleet. Just the TPE 350/4s to find now

• Class 365 - 4/40 - 10%

365535 exits Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Most of these are now off lease or North of the border with my only sightings being units being moved into storage. Don't hold much hope of ever seeing all 40 of these.

• Class 380 - 24/38 - 63%

ScotRail class 380s sat at Glasgow Central by The_Train, on Flickr

Glasgow Central was certainly my friend with these. My one trip North of the border left me needing just 14 to get this class chalked off

• Class 385 - 13/70 - 19%

ScotRail Class 385 385117 at Glasgow Queen Street by The_Train, on Flickr

A new member to the ScotRail fleet and all 13 of those I have seen were at Glasgow Queen Street. Plenty of time to get these into the book

• 387 - 36/107 - 34%

'Electrostar' Class 387 387152 at Reading by The_Train, on Flickr

My trip to Reading saw me clear all but 9 of the GWR stock but there is plenty to see in the Great Northern area and the Gatwick Express stock

• Class 390 - 56/56 - 100%

390008 arriving into Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Even though it felt like an age chasing the final Pendolino, it actually only took me just over a month to clear these. 390049 was the last to fall when it passed through Stafford on 4th July.

• Class 800 - 40/80 - 50%

IET Class 800 800010 at Reading by The_Train, on Flickr

The latest additions to the GWR fleet, all but 3 of my successes came during my visit to Reading with the remaining 3 being the LNER test units I saw at Doncaster.

• Class 801 - 1/42 - 2%

Just the one of these spotted at Leeds whilst it was out on test

• Class 802 - 2/60 - 3%

Just the 2 of these fell whilst I was at Reading. The TPE stock is not in service yet but with them being new additions to the Network, I should have many a year to chase these down

EMUs (3rd rail)

• Class 450 - 6/127 - 5%

Nabbed a few of these that were working the London Waterloo diagrams at Reading but a trip into the South Western Railway area has to be on the agenda to bag more of these

• Class 458 - 9/36 - 25%

Same as the 450s, all 9 of my winners were nabbed at Reading

• Class 465 - 1/147 - 1%

Not been into the South Eastern area but I did manage to nab 1 of these whilst it was sat outside Wabtec during my visit to Doncaster

And that's all of the classes reviewed. Next we will move on to the operating companies in part 5.

I dont think you have long left to get the remaining 314s there due to be withdrawn from service in the near future not exactly sure when.

 

[03_179]

There is indeed. Probably a 10 minute walk away from the station. You might need binoculars to grab numbers, mind.

I went there today it's about 15 minutes realistically. Mind you I had been to Wetherspoons before

I did need my longer lens on the camera at times but 15 locos in the space of 10 minutes was well worth it and I can see me visiting again the the summer.

 

[47403]

A very good summing up of your year Mr Train. Wouldn't take me long to do A review of 2018 but you've done exceptionally well, you do have the advantage of an excellent local too but you've had some excellent trips out too, so the figures are impressive nonetheless.
Here's to.2019.

 

[The_Train]

I think quite a good few locos can be viewed from the depot perimeter i think timbom on here is the man to ask he seems to know the area quite well and what locos are where.

To be fair I'm plotting a Cheshire Day Ranger as my next outing and I was hoping to get some loco hauled action to Chester which will take me past the depot anyway so I will see what I can see then

 

[The_Train]

A very good summing up of your year Mr Train. Wouldn't take me long to do A review of 2018 but you've done exceptionally well, you do have the advantage of an excellent local too but you've had some excellent trips out too, so the figures are impressive nonetheless.
Here's to.2019.

Thanks Mr Duff 403, it's been a decent start and a very enjoyable one. I worried that regular visits to the local might see me become 'train fatigued' but the desire to get out there still remains. Looking forward to breaking into the southern areas this year (even though my first planned outing is back into Northern land haha)

 

[The_Train]

2018 My Return to the Platform Reviewed

Part 5 - The Operators

Freight Companies

• Colas Rail - 14/44 - 32%

Colas Class 37 37522 at Tamworth by The_Train, on Flickr

It's been very patchy with regards to finding Colas stock but logging odd ones here and there crept me into double figures

• DB Cargo UK (DBC) - 133/325 - 41%

66085 behind 67030 @ Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Lots of DB stock to find and I'm more than happy with the start I've made in getting well over a three figure total. There seems to be a good percentage of the DB stock that is non-operational so not sure I'll ever reach the 325 total but plenty of 66s, 67s and 92s still to hunt down

• Direct Rail Services (DRS) - 61/121 - 50%

68001 & 68016 wait at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Considering I am no more than 25 miles away from a DRS depot its unsurprising that I've managed to reach 50% of their fleet. This would have been more had my house move not fallen on the same day as their open day in 2018. With just 3 of their shed fleet to find and 5 of the 88s hopefully 2019 will at least see a couple of DRS classes fall

• Freightliner - 136/170 - 80%

FLR 66516 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

The FLR stock has certainly been a success story for me with all but 34 of their fleet chalked off. All of their 66/4s have fallen as have all of the class 70s in their fleet, although I've not been able to make any inroads into the green and yellow gronks

• GB Railfreight (GBRf) - 68/140 - 49%

GBRf 66708 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

The main bulk of my finds from the GBRf fleet have come in the form of 66/7s with all of the newly acquired 60s and all of the 73s still out there to chalk off, along with plenty of the 92s.

• Mendip Rail - 4/8 - 50%

This is all about the 59s working stone trains and I was able to get half of them logged down during my stint at Reading

Passenger Companies

• Abellio Greater Anglia - 4/438 - 1%

Anglia liveried 90008 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Having not been anywhere near the Anglia region it is surprising that I've seen as many from their fleet as I have. All 4 sightings have come whilst locos and units have been moved around the country

• c2c - 0/80 - 0%

• Caledonian Sleeper - 4/15 - 27%

92038 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Another fleet that I don't get to see much of (the 2 occasions I've actually seen a working sleeper service, they've been headed by a grubby looking 90) but thankfully I was able to get things up and running thanks to 92s being moved to Crewe for maintenance or running the Garston car train

• Chiltern Railways - 19/78 - 24%

Chiltern Railways Class 68 68015 sits at Birmingham Moor Street by The_Train, on Flickr

My main success with the Chiltern stock came with visits to Birmingham Moor Street but there is still plenty to do on this fleet

• CrossCountry - 93/97 - 96%

43366 at Tamworth High Level by The_Train, on Flickr

With the XC Voyager fleet falling quickly, there was always a chance of this being completed in 2018. However, with a couple of power cars and a couple of 170s left to find, I fell slightly short. One I'd certainly like to complete early in 2019

• Crossrail - 12/70 - 17%

345043 at Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

Without venturing near the capital, I've been able to make a decent start to the Crossrail stock thanks to the WCML testing of the 345 units throughout the summer months

• East Midlands Trains - 84/124 - 68%

156414 departs Leicester by The_Train, on Flickr

My trip to Leicester back in August saw me eat away at the HST and Meridian EMT stocks and my recent trip to Nottingham helped with nabbing more sprinter units, in the process taking me above 50% complete

• Eurostar - 0/72 - 0%

• Gatwick Express (GTR) - 0/33 - 0%

• Grand Central - 6/10 - 60%

The small fleet of GC 180s wasn't small enough to allow me to complete the set with my one visit to Doncaster but I did get to within 4. Hopefully time will allow me a chance to nab the rest

• Great Northern (GTR) - 0/119 - 0%

• Great Western Railway - 133/327 - 41%

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Queen...... by The_Train, on Flickr

Reading was definitely my friend for the GWR stock with all but 2 (these being the 2 HST power cars that made an appearance at Leicester) falling during my day in the land of biscuits

• Heathrow Express - 0/14 - 0%

• Hull Trains - 3/9 - 33%

Doncaster was again my friend with another small fleet but again I fell just short of completing the 180 fleet as 180110 eluded me. The 5x class 802s due into service later this year make up the remainder of what I'm yet to see from this fleet

• LNER - 77/157 - 49%

HST class 43 43305 arrives at Doncaster by The_Train, on Flickr

Yet again, Doncaster was where the bulk of the 77 LNER winners were found. With the help of Leeds, I've managed to get the 91s down to 4 required and 82s down to 5 but I suspect I may have to move quickly this year to get these completed

• London Northwestern Railway (WMT) - 78/91 - 86%

Class 350 EMU 350126 awaiting departure from Tamworth by The_Train, on Flickr

All of the LNWR 350s are complete so just the 230 and 319s left to find

• London Overground - 0/140 - 0%

• Merseyrail - 0/111 - 0%

• Northern - 175/500 - 35%

Class 150 150127 at Doncaster by The_Train, on Flickr

With such a large fleet it was always going to be a challenge to get the percentage complete to a reasonable level but I can't grumble at the amount of Northern stock that has gone into the book. One of my challenges for 2019 is to get the Pacer fleet chalked off before they disappear

• ScotRail - 136/398 - 34%

ScotRail 158730 departs Glasgow Central by The_Train, on Flickr

My trip into Glasgow at the end of 2018 allowed me to get my SR winners up and running and with 136 chalked off in my one visit it has been a good start. A trip back North of the border to incorporate Edinburgh is on the cards for 2019 which should boost my numbers further

• South Western Railway - 15/418 - 4%

Not ventured anywhere near the heart of the South Western Railway area but my trip to Reading did allow me to get things up and running with the Waterloo turns

• Southeastern Trains - 1/392 - 0%

My sole winner for these came courtesy of 465246 being sat outside Wabtec during my visit to Doncaster

• Southern (GTR) - 0/300 - 0%

• TfL Rail - 0/41 - 0%

• Thameslink (GTR) - 0/115 - 0%

• Trafnidiaeth Cymru / Transport for Wales - 22/128 - 17%

Another area I've not truly ventured into but my trips to Crewe and Manchester at least saw me take my TfW tally up above 20

• TransPennine Express (First) - 43/92 - 47%

Class 185 185104 at Doncaster by The_Train, on Flickr

Trips to either side of the Pennines allowed me to take a real chunk out of the 185s with just 10 of these left to find. The TPE 350s have proven more of a challenge to locate but with new stock due on the scene during 2019, I will have good reason to revisit the TPE area

• Virgin Trains (West Coast) - 76/76 - 100%

390045 @ Stafford by The_Train, on Flickr

The only operator that I managed to complete during 2018, and probably not much of a surprise to my regular readers considering my local is graced by Virgin Pendolino's and Voyagers every few minutes. 390049 was the final of the VTWC fleet to fall on 4th July, just over a month after I started back in the hobby

• West Midlands Railway (WMT) - 73/92 - 79%

Class 139 139001 at Stourbridge Town by The_Train, on Flickr

Another I've got close to completing thanks to a few visits into the UKs 2nd city. All of the WMT 172s had fallen until 172002 arrived from the capital, and with this soon to be followed by the rest of the London Overground 172s there is plenty of reason to get back into the area during 2019. The bulk of what remains is 170s with a few sprinters and 323s to find as well. More time in the lovely bat cave required me thinks

Part 6 will complete my 2018 review where I will take a closer look at the haulage I've had. It's not something that I am prioritising but as I'm logging it, I might as well review it

 

[55013]

Interesting stuff.
I'm inspired to go and see what my figures are like.

 

[The_Train]

2018 My Return to the Platform Reviewed

Part 6 - The Haulage

Not particularly chasing haulage at the moment but as many have advised it is best to log it as I may regret not doing so in the future. So here is a very quick run through of my haulage for 2018:

Locomotives and DVTs

• Class 43 - 4/194 - 2%
• Class 68 - 1/34 - 3%
• Class 82 - 1/77 - 1%

DMUs

• Class 139 - 1/2 - 50%
• Class 158 - 3/169 - 2%
• Class 170 - 5/119 - 4%
• Class 172 - 7/39 - 18%
• Class 185 - 3/51 - 6%
• Class 220 - 11/34 - 32%
• Class 221 - 12/44 - 27%

EMUs

• Class 318 - 2/21 - 10%
• Class 320 - 1/30 - 3%
• Class 323 - 1/43 - 2%
• Class 334 - 6/40 - 15%
• Class 350 - 13/87 - 15%
• Class 390 - 8/56 - 14%

Class of 2018 Top 5 (based on miles accumulated)

1. 221142 - 267mi 71ch
2. 390011 - 192mi 34ch
3. 221129 - 123mi 09ch
4. 390046 - 79mi 05 ch
5. 220002 - 76mi 73ch

And that concludes my 2018 review. It's certainly been a good return to the hobby and a part of that fun has been through being a part of this little community on here. Thanks to everyone who has helped and advised me through 2018 and here's hoping 2019 is equally as successful.

 

[Strat-tastic]

Congratulations on creating the thread with the longest pages

 

[Techniquest]

Congratulations on creating the thread with the longest pages

You mean you haven't read my trip reports thread?

Good luck to the honourable gentleman in 2019 with the hunt, trainspotting is sure easier than planespotting! Mind you, it's also cheaper to get haulage on trains than planes! However, I still enjoy doing what I do, which is usually pretty clear from my reports at techsworldfrenzy.wordpress.com

 

[D841 Roebuck]

A most enjoyable read.

One thing you might enjoy in the future is a diesel gala at one or other of the Heritage Railways - gives you a chance to sample haulage by (and the strange noises made by) a variety of yesteryears locos.

 

[xotGD]

A most enjoyable read.

One thing you might enjoy in the future is a diesel gala at one or other of the Heritage Railways - gives you a chance to sample haulage by (and the strange noises made by) a variety of yesteryears locos.

And the even stranger noises made by some of the cranks!

 

[Strat-tastic]

You mean you haven't read my trip reports thread?

Er, no

I mean, not yet

 

[87electric]

And the even stranger noises made by some of the cranks!

And the sights and smells.................of the locos.

 

[The_Train]

A most enjoyable read.

Thank you

One thing you might enjoy in the future is a diesel gala at one or other of the Heritage Railways - gives you a chance to sample haulage by (and the strange noises made by) a variety of yesteryears locos.

Funny that you should post this today, as I recently posted on another thread that I need to plan some visits to heritage lines during 2019. It is most definitely on my agenda and @55013 has kindly linked me to some websites to assist me with this.

I appreciate your advice @D841 Roebuck