• Our booking engine at tickets.railforums.co.uk (powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

Back on the platform

Status
Not open for further replies.

47403

Established Member
Joined
21 May 2012
Messages
2,060
Location
Geordie Republic of Gateshead
Sounded like a great trip there Mr Train. I too, am very jealous of 37716, as has been said getting classic traction is brilliant enough but getting a no heat 37, on a regular passenger train, to Yarmouth, is like going back in the midst of time, when no heat 37s were the norm on a Summer Saturday.

Plenty winners for the book of sights and you certainly filled your boots, bet the Anglia coaching stock looks a lot better for it too. Isn't it great when you get to places that's been untapped and the winners just keep coming.

Nice shot of 37419 too. It does look nice in that livery. Im glad the gen I shared with you, was helpful, it came from a tweet from Richard Clinnick, so I'm glad it was still there and you got to see it too.

Great read Mr Train, thanks for sharing.
 
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

Techniquest

Veteran Member
Joined
19 Jun 2005
Messages
21,674
Location
Nowhere Heath
If you can get down there before they are taken off the route, then do it. Both locos are awesome to travel behind.

I didn't even realise it was non-ETS. Nice to add something a little more unique to the memory bank then

Not all that likely I'll make it over to Norwich before the 37s go, which I'd imagine will be very soon, as there's a lot of other stuff on my list at the moment. 37 thrash is lower on my list than the main goal of the moment, an overall health improvement scheme. That is still ongoing, with the final stage due to finish in September, and I also have a holiday to Budapest and another to Tokyo to finish paying off yet, so as much as I'd like to venture east for a 37 it's just not practical.

I am however off for a mini Leeds trip in just over 3 weeks time though, and a full day in London is likely to be done in July too if all goes to plan. I'm not planning too far ahead at the moment, due partly to financial concerns but also to time commitments as well as non-railway stuff. I've got a surprisingly busy month at the moment, with a couple of social events to attend, so I'm soon to get my NormLand fix too. Won't lie, I can't wait for that!

As always, an excellent read from you there, I'm glad you had an awesome time! 321s, yeah you'll get much much more of them from a trip to Stratford. Finsbury Park will be a good haven for you too when you eventually get to London, and just you wait for the fun at Clapham Junction! :D
 

AJM580

Member
Joined
31 Jan 2016
Messages
615
Location
Norwich
Very nice photos of my local haunts. The 745 you saw may was probably 745002 not 745007 as only 745002,745003 and 745104 have been delivered so far. From recent sightings 745002 has been outside the shed, so thats your best bet. The 158 you had is actually numbered 158889 as it was one of the units renumbered when they moved to SouthWest Trains. 158889 is the only one in the EMT fleet at the moment. The 37s may be around for a while yet as rumour has it that they will be here until August, so time yet for aome thrash. I had 37405 & 37716 a week or so ago and they were going well then, so its good to see that they're still running well.
 

The_Train

Established Member
Joined
2 Jun 2018
Messages
4,313
Sounded like a great trip there Mr Train. I too, am very jealous of 37716, as has been said getting classic traction is brilliant enough but getting a no heat 37, on a regular passenger train, to Yarmouth, is like going back in the midst of time, when no heat 37s were the norm on a Summer Saturday.

Plenty winners for the book of sights and you certainly filled your boots, bet the Anglia coaching stock looks a lot better for it too. Isn't it great when you get to places that's been untapped and the winners just keep coming.

Nice shot of 37419 too. It does look nice in that livery. Im glad the gen I shared with you, was helpful, it came from a tweet from Richard Clinnick, so I'm glad it was still there and you got to see it too.

Great read Mr Train, thanks for sharing.

I'm sure any Yarmouth turn brings back memories for you mate. The GA coaching stock definitely looks better after this trip, as does the loco count but I'd like to return before the 90s go to clear them (I know most of them are going to FLR but I'd prefer to grab them while on passenger workings).

419 was a definite bonus. Lovely looking machine
 

The_Train

Established Member
Joined
2 Jun 2018
Messages
4,313
Not all that likely I'll make it over to Norwich before the 37s go, which I'd imagine will be very soon, as there's a lot of other stuff on my list at the moment. 37 thrash is lower on my list than the main goal of the moment, an overall health improvement scheme. That is still ongoing, with the final stage due to finish in September, and I also have a holiday to Budapest and another to Tokyo to finish paying off yet, so as much as I'd like to venture east for a 37 it's just not practical.

I am however off for a mini Leeds trip in just over 3 weeks time though, and a full day in London is likely to be done in July too if all goes to plan. I'm not planning too far ahead at the moment, due partly to financial concerns but also to time commitments as well as non-railway stuff. I've got a surprisingly busy month at the moment, with a couple of social events to attend, so I'm soon to get my NormLand fix too. Won't lie, I can't wait for that!

As always, an excellent read from you there, I'm glad you had an awesome time! 321s, yeah you'll get much much more of them from a trip to Stratford. Finsbury Park will be a good haven for you too when you eventually get to London, and just you wait for the fun at Clapham Junction! :D

Good to see that you've got lots on at the minute mate and even better that you're managing to include railway based activities in that. I really need to do something about my health to be honest. I've cut alcohol out of my life but now find myself being far too inactive in terms of decent exercise whilst spending more time eating junk. It's proving to be a poor combination.

Hopefully your current approach to life is reaping it's rewards
 

The_Train

Established Member
Joined
2 Jun 2018
Messages
4,313
Very nice photos of my local haunts. The 745 you saw may was probably 745002 not 745007 as only 745002,745003 and 745104 have been delivered so far. From recent sightings 745002 has been outside the shed, so thats your best bet. The 158 you had is actually numbered 158889 as it was one of the units renumbered when they moved to SouthWest Trains. 158889 is the only one in the EMT fleet at the moment. The 37s may be around for a while yet as rumour has it that they will be here until August, so time yet for aome thrash. I had 37405 & 37716 a week or so ago and they were going well then, so its good to see that they're still running well.

Thanks for the info re 745007. I think it was the first one I saw and took me a while to see that the numbers were on the front of the units so it was a bit of a rushed glance and I've obviously wrote it down wrong. I've knocked it off my list for the day as I would rather get it when I'm sure (particularly considering I'll have a while to find them).

I noticed the number of 808 was now 889 when I logged it into Spotlog. I must have got the coach numbers for me to have come up with 808 as these still reflect that.

As for the 37s, would be nice to get down there again before they disappear. Do the locos get swapped or is it generally the same 2 all of the time?
 

xotGD

Established Member
Joined
4 Feb 2017
Messages
6,063
Thanks for the info re 745007. I think it was the first one I saw and took me a while to see that the numbers were on the front of the units so it was a bit of a rushed glance and I've obviously wrote it down wrong. I've knocked it off my list for the day as I would rather get it when I'm sure (particularly considering I'll have a while to find them).

I noticed the number of 808 was now 889 when I logged it into Spotlog. I must have got the coach numbers for me to have come up with 808 as these still reflect that.

As for the 37s, would be nice to get down there again before they disappear. Do the locos get swapped or is it generally the same 2 all of the time?
Please don't even think about the locos being swapped! At least not until next week!
 

AJM580

Member
Joined
31 Jan 2016
Messages
615
Location
Norwich
Thanks for the info re 745007. I think it was the first one I saw and took me a while to see that the numbers were on the front of the units so it was a bit of a rushed glance and I've obviously wrote it down wrong. I've knocked it off my list for the day as I would rather get it when I'm sure (particularly considering I'll have a while to find them).

I noticed the number of 808 was now 889 when I logged it into Spotlog. I must have got the coach numbers for me to have come up with 808 as these still reflect that.

As for the 37s, would be nice to get down there again before they disappear. Do the locos get swapped or is it generally the same 2 all of the time?

They do swap them over depending on exam due dates etc. I would keep an eye on this forum and post a request for information if and when you want to come back. I'll keep my eyes peeled and post if they change
 

The_Train

Established Member
Joined
2 Jun 2018
Messages
4,313
All Change Crewe Open Day - Saturday 8th June 2019

I had literally spent months trying to decide whether to go to this event or not. I'd given up on it once the first batch of 5000 tickets sold out but then another 200 came up for sale and it brought the event back to mind. However, I still failed to make a decision (I am a bloke after all) and missed out on these as well but at the back end of last week I noticed someone had posted in the open day thread on here that they had a spare ticket. I usually avoid buying tickets in this manner but I never envisaged a ticket tout selling counterfeits for a railway open day so took my chance and messaged the guy. With an agreement in place, I ventured to the local for the short hop to Crewe and whilst waiting for the Pendolino was greeted by the sight of 66623 in its new FLR livery.

The weather was naff and whilst sheltering from the rain I noticed a guy in the waiting room with pen and pad and to put my mind at ease (no offence Phil) I asked to see the ticket just so I knew what I was going to purchase was actually a genuine ticket. Can't be too sure these days can you haha. What I never thought was that by asking this simple (if not slightly strange) question to a guy at Stafford, I would find a friend for the day which is one of the beauties of this hobby. We boarded 390131 for the journey to Crewe whilst we chatted about what it's like to spot in each of our local areas. A keen eye was kept on arrival into Crewe and despite the 3 FLR sheds at Basford Hall I was more interested in the Arriva Traincare facility where I was able to grab my first TOE 397s in the shape of 003 and 004 along with the resident gronk 08868. Upon arrival at Crewe we decided a coffee was in order whilst I waited for my ticket to arrive - ironically the ticket seller had text me to advise he was just changing trains at Stafford (oops!). He wasn't far behind though and it was quickly apparent things were very genuine so armed with a ticket and veins full of coffee we roamed across to the old mail platform and past the abandoned lines towards my first ever visit to a railway depot.

I won't detail my winners from the depot as I would normally, I will just post a full list of what I saw below as I'm sure everyone now knows what was there:

08: 08737, 08762
20: 20189, 20205
37: 37190, 37601, 37608
43: 43048, 43423
47: 47593, 47614, 47712, 47811, 47816, 47830, 47841
50: 50049, 50050
55: 55016, 55019, 55022
56: 56049
57: 57301, 57307
66: 66503
67: 67006
68: 68027
70
: 70008, 70808
73: 73001, 73951, 73952
86: 86622
88
: 88005
90
: 90045
91: 91119
92
: 92038
121: 121034
142
: 142001
319
: 319433
Steam - LMS
: 45231, 46100
Steam - SR: 34046
Steam - BR
: 70000

The notable successes for me were 91119 which set the klaxons off as the 91s are completed. Who would have thought I would tick these off so close to home. The 121 bubble car was a nice addition, certainly brought back many memories of travelling on this sort of unit. Bonus sightings of 47811 and 47816 still in their Great Western livery (with a Freightliner sticker added) but looking pretty forlorn and rusting away in the depot and my first viewing of the GBRf livery on a 50 was nice as well. Overall it was a good event and one I'm glad I went to in the end, who doesn't get excited about a visit to the cab of a 90 and 91 :E

A few pics of the day are below but there are more on my Flickr here:

50049 by The_Train
Intercity liveried 91119 by The_Train
Inside the cab of 91119 by The_Train
55019 at Crewe Open Day by The_Train
47811 and 47816 by The_Train
73001 at Crewe Open Day by The_Train
47712 at Crewe Open Day by The_Train
Locos Galore! by The_Train

My luck wasn't just in with sightings at the actual event either. As we were roaming around we ventured for a view down to the avoiding lines and right on cue, DB 66221 went trundling by. Whilst we were at the North end of the yard admiring the thrash competition that 68027, 57307 and 50049 were enjoying I also caught sight of 175003 followed by 153367 to add to my tally for the day. The time at the open day literally flew by and it definitely added to the day in having someone to experience it with - not sure the guy uses this forum but just in case thanks again for the company. We ventured back to the station at about 1550 and after grabbing a panini (am I right in there being no food stalls at the open day or were we looking in the wrong places?) we were back on a busy platform to see 150252 go by. 175008 would be my final winner of the day shortly before 390154 arrived to take us back to Stafford. I left my friend for the day to a PNB before his drive back to Retford and made my way home to bring another great outing to a close.

Summary is below:

For Sight

Winners: 31
Coaching Stock Winners: 9
Classes completed: 1 - Class 91
Sub classes completed: N/A
TOCs completed: N/A
TOC sub classes completed: LNER Class 91

For Haulage

Winners: 2
Total Mileage: 48 miles 44 chains
Classes completed: N/A
Sub classes completed: N/A
 

The_Train

Established Member
Joined
2 Jun 2018
Messages
4,313
Please don't even think about the locos being swapped! At least not until next week!

Haha oh yeah forgot about that. I was more thinking about for July/August time if they do hang on until then. I'm sure all will be well for 37716 next week
 

xotGD

Established Member
Joined
4 Feb 2017
Messages
6,063
Haha oh yeah forgot about that. I was more thinking about for July/August time if they do hang on until then. I'm sure all will be well for 37716 next week
It was still out yesterday so my hopes are building!

If you check the 'workings' page on class37.co.uk you can see what is, er, working.

Oh, and getting your last 91 for sight at Crewe must be some sort of unique achievement!
 

47403

Established Member
Joined
21 May 2012
Messages
2,060
Location
Geordie Republic of Gateshead
Please don't even think about the locos being swapped! At least not until next week!
As soon as I saw Mr Trains query on loco swaps, I did a sharp intake of breath and thought xot's not gonna like that.:lol:

Otherwis Mr Train, congrats on clearing the blunts, Seemed like a good day out except for the weather, more underlines for the book of sights too.
 

Techniquest

Veteran Member
Joined
19 Jun 2005
Messages
21,674
Location
Nowhere Heath
Good to see that you've got lots on at the minute mate and even better that you're managing to include railway based activities in that. I really need to do something about my health to be honest. I've cut alcohol out of my life but now find myself being far too inactive in terms of decent exercise whilst spending more time eating junk. It's proving to be a poor combination.

Hopefully your current approach to life is reaping it's rewards

Easier said than done to change things, but like I say to everyone else who tells me they want to get healthier/whatever:

1) Get a bloody good source (or multiple thereof) of motivation. I can't honestly describe how important this and how much it will drive you to keep going with your chosen mission!

2) Find an amazing source of inspiration. Doesn't matter what it is, if it inspires you to get the changes made then so be it. With inspiration you will not succeed.

3) Get your close friends on your side. You'll need support to make a successful change. No way can a significant change be completed without moral support.

4) Find willpower and determination. You've got to find the inner strength to suceed, it isn't always easy to find but you can do it if you really want to do it. Be prepared to have days where you fall off the bandwagon, it happens and is a natural part of a lifestyle change. Just don't give up!

5) Finally, make sure it's a change that directly benefits you primarily. If you start to change something for someone else's benefit, you won't succeed. Trust me, it won't work.

All of the above are tactics I use. I also use restrictive timescales to force the drive towards target, and I'm more than happy to tell myself off for failing to do something. Which I know sounds silly, but it helps drive things forward.

Before you ask, yes I am indeed doing this new lot of improvements for my own gain. Inspired by others, motivated by the newly-formed 2019 life plan. Without all of the above, and no doubt other tactics I've neglected to mention, I'd have not got this far. I'm so close to achieving success with the final stages of the improvement scheme, and quite frankly if I can do it then so can anyone else if they wanted to. Once my scheme ends, it's then straight into the next stage of the plan and I'm still not sure how to launch that yet. I've some ideas forming, but that will get dealt with later in the year. The important thing is that I have a clear vision of what I'm after, and you will find getting such a vision will help you too.

Probably should have done that as a PM but hey-ho. Time to read the next report you have for us all to enjoy!
 

Techniquest

Veteran Member
Joined
19 Jun 2005
Messages
21,674
Location
Nowhere Heath
OK I just read your open day trip report, a bit different to the one in 2005 clearly but it sounds like you had a good time!

Well done on finally clearing the 91s, just in time before they get withdrawn! The 2005 event had a limited range of food and drink, so I'd imagine you must have looked in the wrong places. Such a big event must have had something!
 

The_Train

Established Member
Joined
2 Jun 2018
Messages
4,313
As soon as I saw Mr Trains query on loco swaps, I did a sharp intake of breath and thought xot's not gonna like that.:lol:

Otherwis Mr Train, congrats on clearing the blunts, Seemed like a good day out except for the weather, more underlines for the book of sights too.

I don't think GA would dare to take 716 off before @xotGD visits :E

Always nice to get a class completed, especially one that's on its way out. Thanks for the gen beforehand regarding it's movements to Crewe as well, it was this that played a part in me going.
 

The_Train

Established Member
Joined
2 Jun 2018
Messages
4,313
You couldn't smell or see the 1000s of hot dogs being consumed near Britannia?

I kept saying that I could smell what I thought were burgers but were obviously hot dogs. We thought it was strange that there would be no food stalls there but we just couldn't find them. I did enjoy a coffee from the drinks stall though
 

The_Train

Established Member
Joined
2 Jun 2018
Messages
4,313
Easier said than done to change things, but like I say to everyone else who tells me they want to get healthier/whatever:

1) Get a bloody good source (or multiple thereof) of motivation. I can't honestly describe how important this and how much it will drive you to keep going with your chosen mission!

2) Find an amazing source of inspiration. Doesn't matter what it is, if it inspires you to get the changes made then so be it. With inspiration you will not succeed.

3) Get your close friends on your side. You'll need support to make a successful change. No way can a significant change be completed without moral support.

4) Find willpower and determination. You've got to find the inner strength to suceed, it isn't always easy to find but you can do it if you really want to do it. Be prepared to have days where you fall off the bandwagon, it happens and is a natural part of a lifestyle change. Just don't give up!

5) Finally, make sure it's a change that directly benefits you primarily. If you start to change something for someone else's benefit, you won't succeed. Trust me, it won't work.

All of the above are tactics I use. I also use restrictive timescales to force the drive towards target, and I'm more than happy to tell myself off for failing to do something. Which I know sounds silly, but it helps drive things forward.

Before you ask, yes I am indeed doing this new lot of improvements for my own gain. Inspired by others, motivated by the newly-formed 2019 life plan. Without all of the above, and no doubt other tactics I've neglected to mention, I'd have not got this far. I'm so close to achieving success with the final stages of the improvement scheme, and quite frankly if I can do it then so can anyone else if they wanted to. Once my scheme ends, it's then straight into the next stage of the plan and I'm still not sure how to launch that yet. I've some ideas forming, but that will get dealt with later in the year. The important thing is that I have a clear vision of what I'm after, and you will find getting such a vision will help you too.

Probably should have done that as a PM but hey-ho. Time to read the next report you have for us all to enjoy!

Some really good points there mate and I can see how making use of some or all of those would lead to a positive outcome. I'll certainly revisit that post as I try and put a plan of action together.

It's great that you're doing so well and you definitely seem like you're in a good place right now which is always good for anyone.
 

Techniquest

Veteran Member
Joined
19 Jun 2005
Messages
21,674
Location
Nowhere Heath
Oh god aye definitely. I'm now on Day 6 of my scheme's penultimate stage, and progress has been so good even with my self-imposed tight time limit for success, I'm roughly a week ahead of plan! :shock: Indeed, I may be sounding the Air Horns of Victory (like Class Clearance Cannons but my version of them hahaha) on Monday which would mean I'm done in just 11 days, 13 days ahead of schedule. Got some tough tests ahead to prove the concept yet, but I'm convinced it'll happen.

I'll be more than happy to try and share some Juliano wisdom with it all when you're ready for it, although be warned you'll need a bucket load of willpower and be able to use self-discipline with it all! Whenever you're wanting some advice, do drop me a PM and I'll do what I can to help. If I can change this heavily then I reckon so can anyone if they really want it!
 

47403

Established Member
Joined
21 May 2012
Messages
2,060
Location
Geordie Republic of Gateshead
I don't think GA would dare to take 716 off before @xotGD visits :E

Always nice to get a class completed, especially one that's on its way out. Thanks for the gen beforehand regarding it's movements to Crewe as well, it was this that played a part in me going.

No probs. I must admit, I thought it would be dragged to Derby and across to Crewe, or van Tsmworth, I certainly didn't expect it to come up here and via the Tyne Valley.
 

AJM580

Member
Joined
31 Jan 2016
Messages
615
Location
Norwich
I don't think GA would dare to take 716 off before @xotGD visits :E

Always nice to get a class completed, especially one that's on its way out. Thanks for the gen beforehand regarding it's movements to Crewe as well, it was this that played a part in me going.

Oh yes they would!! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news for @xotGD but local gen has it that 37716 was replaced by 37407 today. I should be able to confirm it for myself tomorrow as not at work today.
 

xotGD

Established Member
Joined
4 Feb 2017
Messages
6,063
Argh!

Perhaps 716 will be the guest loco at the North Norfolk. I can but hope!
 

47403

Established Member
Joined
21 May 2012
Messages
2,060
Location
Geordie Republic of Gateshead
Mr xot I feel.your pain. You could be right with North Norfolk though( crosses fingers for you) it's not out of the question for it to make the short trip up there.
 

xotGD

Established Member
Joined
4 Feb 2017
Messages
6,063
Mr xot I feel.your pain. You could be right with North Norfolk though( crosses fingers for you) it's not out of the question for it to make the short trip up there.
We have to remember that it is a sport. 37032 was always my primary target for the weekend so 716 would really have been a bonus.

Apparently DRS are supplying a couple of Bodysnatchers for the event.
 

xotGD

Established Member
Joined
4 Feb 2017
Messages
6,063
So 716 was sat in a siding at Norwich laughing at me.

405 and 407 provided suitable entertainment however.
 

pieguyrob

Member
Joined
27 Oct 2018
Messages
571
Must admit I couldn't find any food stores at the open day, which I thought was strange. We went to a local chippy for something to eat. Well done on the 91's, in comparison if you would have told me 20 years ago l would complete a 319 sub-class at Blackpool North I would have laughed, but, its strange how this hobby works. We would have passed each other at Stafford.
 

55013

Established Member
Joined
4 Sep 2005
Messages
1,577
Location
Yorkshire
Some great reads there.
I particularly enjoyed reading your Anglia move.
I did something similar a few weeks earlier than that but haven't got round to writing it up yet.
Congratulations on clearing the 91s.
 

47403

Established Member
Joined
21 May 2012
Messages
2,060
Location
Geordie Republic of Gateshead
There is a regular opportunity to have a pair of 37s through the Pennines on the Scarborough Spa Express. And the windows open!

That's a very good point but at the minute, it's a question of money and getting the time off work, unfortunately at the minute, I have neither in any abundance.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top