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Juliano's World Frenzy/Tech's Trip Reports

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Blindtraveler

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Finally caught up with both your UK and European Adventures now, the UK once naturally being of most interest to me but the European stuff also providing a good read.

On the subject of managing to be an enthusiast and still have a social life I was reading the final installment of Tech brings it all back in some trepidation in case my somewhat drunken antics in the hotel in Ilford were written for all to read (and snigger at)
My own trip title for that particular day would have to be all the vodka, all of it
The fact I was Hangover 3 the following day is thanks to tech making me a much needed coffee the following morning without even being asked

Thank you very much for sharing these reports
 

Techniquest

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To be honest, by the time I finished off that part of the trip report I was too tired to even think about that, plus what you were up to was a case of your own trip report lol!
 

shredder1

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Morning all,

As you'll discover below, I'm bringing my trip reports back to the forum! A lot of that is caused by a severe lack of responses ever since I started posting them elsewhere. So let's get caught up, starting with 16th October 2017:

16/10/2017 - Intercity Express Tech

Well this was an unexpected trip! I had planned my return to the UK rails to be 5 days later, but a last minute decision, having declined the option the night before, saw me make a fast march to the station after work! Making it with 10 minutes to spare, having foregone a coffee or food break on the way foolishly, I got a coffee from Pumpkin [without Bite card discount as it was at home! - Ed] after a TVM farce. I still had enough time, just, to ID the HST on the 1514 to London before joining 175105 to Newport.

Thanks to the free WiFi, I discovered there had been a farce with some fault on the other sets in the morning, so for a while I was worried I'd wasted my money! Fortunately it was discovered the other diagram was still running with a pair, so I still bailed at Newport as I had also discovered my machine, 43002, was on the 1345 from London vice 800s. Having not had it since New Year's Day 2017, it could not be turned down! After a 13 minute fester, I joined 43126+43002 for a leap to Cardiff Central. It had been many, many years since I had done such a leap on the 11m60c journey, one I made many dozens of times in the mid 2000s when South Wales was my stomping grounds. Nostalgia overload! I had also celebrated my return to the UK rails with a bottle of Black Sheep's Reaper at Newport, thanks to one of my fellow colleagues giving me a bottle earlier. That on its own is a long story!

It was of course time for a photo stop at Cardiff Central, and I would have been very happy to take my machine to Swansea. Sadly more important matters were at hand, one of which being the need of painkillers due to a random headache coming on after Newport. With those and a couple of other bits sourced, I then went to the M&S Food outlet at Cardiff Central for 3 bottles of different winning stouts for the journey home. £8.37 later I had them and one was cracked open on the platforms to continue the celebration! The 800s on the 1524 Swansea to Paddington were running rather late, and after more photos I joined double winners for everything 800009+800008 for my first ever sample of the new era. We eventually leave 8 minutes late, and understandably there was a lot of interest in this working!

So, the 800s, what are they like? I was only on board 800008 for the short leap to Newport, no doubt the first of many in the coming years, so I didn't have time for a full examination. My main query was the comfort of these trains, and while they are understandably hard at the moment I like the comfort available. The legroom, even at non-priority airline seats was fantastic, similar to a 175 in that respect. Plug sockets are between the seat bases ala 395s on these, and I'm sure each airline seat had their own socket. Having no charger with me, I didn't try them out however.

On diesel power the 800s are surprisingly quiet, and unlike Voyagers and Meridians there were no vibrations. Acceleration was smooth and unless you were looking out of the window you wouldn't have noticed if you're departing! We got up to speed fast once clear of the station throat and speed restrictions. I may be subject to opinion change once I've had a longer run on an 800, but right now I already love these trains and am looking forward to my next one! Yes I will miss the HSTs when they retire from the GWML, that will truely be a sad end to an era, but I'm satisfied the new order will be just fine. I'm told the seating and/or its layout will change in 2018, but I have no details. As they are, the trains are excellent in my opinion, and I urge everyone to give them a go! Quite, I would be very happy for Virgin Trains West Coast to order some to replace their 221s, same for Cross Country to replace their 220s and 221s!

It wasn't long until I joined 175105 to Hereford, and by now I was on my third beer of the day. Just before Hereford I finished my 4th one, and by 6pm I was really hungry and regretting not getting food in Cardiff! A supply raid in Morrisons got me some reduced chicken and turkey slices, as well as two Halloween beers for another day, before I rushed to the bus station to head home. Good thing I rushed as my bus turned up at the same time it was meant to leave the railway station! I had been on very limited battery power since Newport, having had my phone off most of the way to Hereford I also used flight mode to help keep me going with tunes on the bus home. I eventually got there, having a lengthy couple of diversions due to roadworks then an emergency road closure by the police. My phone made it home, somehow, and it was on charge immediately while I banged two pies and chips in the oven!

As some of my group have already been told, my UK railway enthusiasm is back, and Lord Quest of Cidershire is back with a vengence! Now bring on London, Scotland and my Euro cranking! Just 3 more shifts to conquer first...

An enjoyable read Tech, you seem to have similar dining habits to me mate, many thanks for sharing.
 

Iskra

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Excellent report (and trip) Tech. The German trains look very tempting. I'm glad you liked Switzerland, I've played that route on Train Simulator, it's recognisable from your photo's and I'm glad you had fun on it. It's a shame you weren't fond of Italy. I agree that Trenord trains tend to be scruffy. Where next?
 

Techniquest

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Thanks for the thumbs up on the last report all, very positive to read!

Next up is a combination of trains and beer, as well as good company, in Cardiff. Timing it to involve a 67 to Newport for a pair of 800s forward, then a lunch break before the beers begin!

Nothing else lined up for the foreseeable, although I do hope to get something done before 2018. A visit to Birmingham for the Christmas Market is on the cards, and I have two social events ahead. One next Thursday and the other on 10th December.

The next instalment of Tech's World Frenzy is in Alicante, 8th-11th January 2018. First visit to Spain! Denmark is on the cards for 2018, as is Finland and a trans-atlantic trip in Q4 2018 is very possible. I intend to announce details for that lot in the next couple of months, and yes there will be some trips in the UK somehow!

Before you ask, I'm not planning to do a trip report for tomorrow. It's all about enjoying good company with a fellow beer enthusiast, some trains and good beer. I will do a report for my next trip, which will hopefully be before the end of November. After which I'll be fully into the Silly Season at work, singing Christmas songs all day and having way too much to do to go bashing. There will be time made for beer, of course, but bashing just doesn't happen in December! Not that I'm complaining as I have a social life these days, which is just wonderful.

No that doesn't mean an adventure into NormLand and abandoning the railway, I happily have a mix of both that and trains these days! As far as I know that's all the updates for now :)
 

Cowley

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What a trip Tech. After showing the photos to Mrs C we sat and discussed how we could do some of those lines through the mountains.
Excellent read sir and I think I’ve caught up with everything now.
 

noddy1878

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As already said you had a good trip there. That route through the mountains looks stunning. I think that viaduct was built a lot later than Glennfinnan though and technology had moved in a lot since then! Still stunning though!

Definitely we need to meet in 2018! Not sure how or when but sure we’ll sort something when our rotas align, a rare occurrence I know! I’ll keep track of your beer endeavours as you do mine! Hope you manage to visit some of the recommended venues!
 

47403

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Welcome back tech!!

As I fully expected a great read squire, plenty winners in London and of course you got to ride LSGs ScotRail serial avoided 156457. I'm not bitter, least it's still mobile, albeit hiding away from me.

I didn't think it'd take long before you got to sample the 707s, I still think they're very similar to the 700s but with SWTs nicer interior.

Some trip on the Bernina Express, through some quite staggering scenery. I'd have expected Julie Andrews singing, High on a Hill to be piped through the PA as you were tackling them gradients. Sounded like a memorable experience infeed.
The book of ticks doesn't sound right somehow, maybe it should be a play on words with time for tiffing, to,, time for ticking, you know my books tech, I wouldn't condone ticking, ticking numbers is just wrong, as is different colour pens and free handing lines under numbers, ;)(waves finger shouting No), if you do this, it's your property I know, as tech found out, when we out chasing his metros and shacks, I went white as a sheet.

Anyway I digress. Great read and some good pics too squire. Good to have you back
 

shredder1

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Thanks for the thumbs up on the last report all, very positive to read!

Next up is a combination of trains and beer, as well as good company, in Cardiff. Timing it to involve a 67 to Newport for a pair of 800s forward, then a lunch break before the beers begin!

Nothing else lined up for the foreseeable, although I do hope to get something done before 2018. A visit to Birmingham for the Christmas Market is on the cards, and I have two social events ahead. One next Thursday and the other on 10th December.

The next instalment of Tech's World Frenzy is in Alicante, 8th-11th January 2018. First visit to Spain! Denmark is on the cards for 2018, as is Finland and a trans-atlantic trip in Q4 2018 is very possible. I intend to announce details for that lot in the next couple of months, and yes there will be some trips in the UK somehow!

Before you ask, I'm not planning to do a trip report for tomorrow. It's all about enjoying good company with a fellow beer enthusiast, some trains and good beer. I will do a report for my next trip, which will hopefully be before the end of November. After which I'll be fully into the Silly Season at work, singing Christmas songs all day and having way too much to do to go bashing. There will be time made for beer, of course, but bashing just doesn't happen in December! Not that I'm complaining as I have a social life these days, which is just wonderful.

No that doesn't mean an adventure into NormLand and abandoning the railway, I happily have a mix of both that and trains these days! As far as I know that's all the updates for now :)


Sound like some good trip planning mate, I was in Copenhagen in February, chasing the big diesels and the Nohabs, a great country but not cheap, enjoy
 
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Techniquest

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Shred, I must remember to seek your advice about that in the new year, can't book it for a while anyway but I have heard it's one of the most expensive places in the world. Surely can't be worse than Norway!

Noddy, we will organise it eventually, I know only too well how hard it is to get things organised. Keeping track of your beers is effectively me going "Need, Need, Need, Need..." but then I've had a lot you haven't had too! Certainly is interesting to see what's available! Yes, the recommendations were taken on but we ran out of time to do Cambrian Tap. 90 minutes we spent in Tiny Rebel!

LSG is right all, his reaction to me underlining without a ruler or anything else was purely incredulous. Must admit doing it all with a ruler and all that would drive me mad, although you'll be pleased to know I used the edge of a reservation label to do a straight line yesterday!

Cowley, glad you enjoyed it and that I've inspired someone to get out there and see it for themselves!
 

shredder1

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Shred, I must remember to seek your advice about that in the new year, can't book it for a while anyway but I have heard it's one of the most expensive places in the world. Surely can't be worse than Norway!

Noddy, we will organise it eventually, I know only too well how hard it is to get things organised. Keeping track of your beers is effectively me going "Need, Need, Need, Need..." but then I've had a lot you haven't had too! Certainly is interesting to see what's available! Yes, the recommendations were taken on but we ran out of time to do Cambrian Tap. 90 minutes we spent in Tiny Rebel!

LSG is right all, his reaction to me underlining without a ruler or anything else was purely incredulous. Must admit doing it all with a ruler and all that would drive me mad, although you'll be pleased to know I used the edge of a reservation label to do a straight line yesterday!

Cowley, glad you enjoyed it and that I've inspired someone to get out there and see it for themselves!


Yes I think all the Scandinavian countries and Switzerland tend to be quite expensive Tech, they charged us £9 a pint in Copenhagen and that was at happy hour :(
 

Techniquest

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Yes I think all the Scandinavian countries and Switzerland tend to be quite expensive Tech, they charged us £9 a pint in Copenhagen and that was at happy hour :(

When I went to Stockholm in 2014, just coming up to 3 years ago actually to the day, the only pint I had was a light beer for approximately £4.25 with my meal in an Amazon-themed restaurant near the hotel on the outskirts of town. That was bad enough, compared to the 8 can pack of Carlsberg 2.8% (this was before I discovered Untappd and craft beer) in the supermarket downstairs for about £6.60! Norway in March 2017, even in the supermarket I went to in Andalsnes, was expensive at around £4.20 on average for anything halfway acceptable in a 330ml bottle or can! I've already warned one of my friends to expect a lot of ching when she goes to a festival in August 2018 somewhere near Flun, Sweden.

Something tells me my visit to Copenhagen will be rather dry! :lol:
 

fowler9

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I paid about £6 quid in Helsinki for a pint. The most I have paid in Europe for a pint is £8 in Dubrovnik the September just gone. I paid less in the Vatican. Ha ha.
 

Cowley

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I used to line things when I took numbers but once I got into haulage I gave up with number collecting. I just used to buy a Platform 5 book each year and underline the locos I’d had for all time (regrettably I didn’t note units) and I’d highlight the ones I’d had that year in yellow.
Unfortunately I’ve only got a few left one of which thankfully has my 1988 scores in it which was a helluva year.
 

Techniquest

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Afternoon all,

This is going to be a bit of a dull update, as I couldn't be bothered to type up a trip report on this occasion. Even so, here's the impromptu trip Blindtraveller and I didn't think we'd manage to fit in this year:

24/11/2017 - Anti-Frothmas 2017

Now this title is a bit of a misnomer, as 2017 is a year I've committed to spend enjoying Christmas. More than a few reasons for that, but let's not go there, this is a family friendly and publically readable forum and I could soon find myself in a hole a JCB would struggle to get me out of! Quite, I'm clearly enjoying Christmas so far this year, as not only have I happily got my Christmas shopping started but I'm playing Christmas music as I type this!

The night before I had gone to Winsford after a most horrendous shift, the goal being to visit my little sister as I had not yet done so since she moved. 175002 took me to Crewe and 350120 forward to Winsford for a taxi onwards, and two Christmas beers got devoured on 175002. Otherwise there's the approximate sum of nothing to talk about. Back to the day in question, I saw my sister off to work and I joined Arriva North West's route 37 from Winsford town centre to Winsford station, £2.40 for a single was a darn sight better than a taxi fare! My most regular bus on my commutes was more enjoyable and comfortable though. A few minutes late, it was onto 350239 to Crewe and I scored 37108 for sight on the Heritage Centre, much to my surprise. Into Pumpkin to meet Blindtraveller, and after a catchup on recent events over a coffee, we got tickets for the main event of the day.

Double duds 153321 and 153308 took us on the mileage move east to winner shack Uttoxeter as we figured bailing there first for a supply raid would be better. Confirmation on Google Maps showed our guess was correct, and running a few minutes late we got off and made our way to Tesco. I love those New York sausages the hot food counter do, two of them formed my breakfast and lunch very happily, devoured once back at the station a few minutes later. 158889 was up next and we took it happily to winner shack Tutbury & Hatton for my first 158 in ages. It was a +49 here so we ended up having little to do and spent the time chatting and discussing about various things that I've been making decisions on for quite some time. 158889 came and rescued us from the cold for the run back to Crewe, arriving a few minutes early and I scored a 68 and a 345 for sight on the way in which was a pleasant surprise.

I flagged 158823 on my next and nicely express run south, and to compensate Blindtraveller got me a bottle of winning cider in Crewe Hero to make up for it, to my surprise this was a required venue! Not that the cider was much cop sadly. I saw Blindtraveller off on a pair of 221s, and I waited for my next and slow train home. 175103 produced for an 83 mile top-up and I managed by chance to get an airline seat without too much trouble, also scoring a couple of 68s for sight. I must admit though, I was so very bored by Nantwich, thank Goodness ATW installed WiFi on these as the tunes were on almost all the way home, and keeping up to date with the group chat was most helpful. It was decided by Ludlow, if not a little before, that my days on British trains appeared to be more or less up. Of course I planned to use them on the way to/from airports still, when practical, but the days of doing things other than London trips seem to be gone. Especially in areas where very little is needed.

I don't know that for sure yet of course, I'm still figuring out quite a lot but there are far more important things to spend my money on at the moment and in the coming months. I did manage a very short catchup with a friend away from the railway which was nice before I had to run for my bus home. Who knows, after Christmas things may change again, but for now my head only wants Euro cranking and major trips like London clearouts. The return to having two days off together, potentially, might well change things too. Hence why I'm not revealing many details, not until each and every bit of news is a signed and done deal!
 

Kite159

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Mmm Tesco New York Sausages, get my approval as well. As well as the Turkey & Trimmings Sandwich.

The only thing I can remember about Tutbury is there being a Co-Op outside the station, it being a level crossing. Can't remember much about Uttoxeter other than it having a large bridge to cope with the crowds for the race course
 

ash39

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That's a huge coincidence - I did Tutbury and Hatton on the same day and also on 158889 on the return!
 

Techniquest

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Clearly it was indeed a boring trip report, as per my own expectation, to receive just two comments!

I hinted earlier this morning in my reply on ash39's trip report thread that I needed to post on here once again, so here we go with what I expect to be the penultimate update of 2017:

Earlier this week it was suggested there was unclear gen as to what was going on with my interest in the scene. Well, to put it in black and white, and think what you will of it:

As of 3rd December 2017, 07:36, I commit in writing that I am currently finding zero interest in the UK railway scene. This is subject to change with a potential visit to London in January 2018, but for the duration little leaps up and down the place are not appealing. There are more important things to do! Euro cranking still appeals, as does exploring the world in general, and that will be happening more in 2018. Further details WILL be revealed soon!

Now if that is not clear I don't know what is!

I have found that balance between a social life and enjoying the hobby, but quite frankly after 14 years the scene is changing significantly and I have no motivation to go out and about on anything within 100 miles of home. As I say, this is subject to change, indeed it may do in the coming weeks once I progress with the first 3 phases of 2018's plan. Some of you already know what Phases 1-3 are, but for the record, and disagree all you like, I don't care, with it but it is set in stone:

1) Shred the excess mass, which despite a poor start is being continued with, to begin in earnest in January 2018;
2) Move into a place of my own, a room in a shared house to begin with will do;
3) Learn to drive, pass the tests and get driving

There are more phases to set into motion in 2018, for now those are the major ones.

I also hinted in my last trip report of 2017 that I was due to move back to my old sector at work. Well, yes, that was the plan. I was to get my two days off together again, I was to be happier at work, but no. It is unlikely to happen now at all, I still have my split days off which are useless to me apart from resting at home. I think it's clear I rather dislike doing what I do currently, but hey ho, it will do for now, I need money...

Some of you will be asking how I plan to get to/from airports if I'm not interested in UK trains. I'll still use them, but I won't be overly fussed what they are. I'll still log them, I'm not that crazy, but I'll have music on and engaged in organising my social life. If there's updates to the NREA to be made, whether it's an individual coach I need for haulage or whatever else, I will still make the updates. So why bother using the train then, I hear you asking. Believe it or not, Birmingham airport is a pain to get to by any other means, and not cheap in any respect whatsoever!

I know you will all want to know what's brought all this on. I haven't a clear answer, and no it has nothing to do with the 170s I had from Birmingham to Hereford the other month. No this rot has been developing for a long time, and it's finally surfaced. As I say, I'm still interested in trains, just more of what I can get elsewhere! Aviation is also more exciting too, indeed I can't wait to jet off in a month and 5 days time!

Next post from me will be my 2017 End of Year Review, which I reply to responses on. The above is not for debate, and you can all moan as much as you like, until I change my mind on my own, it is the case. End of. 2018 may see a complete reversal of the above, but I wouldn't hold your breath! PM or text me as much as you like about it, you won't get me changing my mind. Bear in mind I'm very stubborn when I want to be, and what I want I eventually get!
 

Kite159

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Fair enough Mr J, no point forcing you to head out on a bash when you have lost the motivation to do so. Especially when work is being so crappy at letting you go back to your old department with two days off together.

Good luck with the goals, especially with the weight loss, which is always hard to do. (Sorry if I'm not being that positive but some painful memories from 10 years ago were unlocked earlier in the week so my mind is all other the place)
 

Techniquest

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Fair enough Mr J, no point forcing you to head out on a bash when you have lost the motivation to do so. Especially when work is being so crappy at letting you go back to your old department with two days off together.

Good luck with the goals, especially with the weight loss, which is always hard to do. (Sorry if I'm not being that positive but some painful memories from 10 years ago were unlocked earlier in the week so my mind is all other the place)

For someone with their head all over the place, that was actually quite positive! Feel free to chat off-forum about it if you want, as you know only too well I've been in the same situation lately. I was fortunate enough to have some very wise friends to get me through it, yourself included, and thanks to their advice I'm now sorted out and putting things into motion!
 

55013

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I've been a crank for nearly forty years; during that time I've had several periods, some lasting into years, when I've had little to no interest in railways.
Currently, my interest is at an all time high but there's no guarantee that'll continue for ever.
If you don't feel it, it's pointless, possibly even destructive, to force it.
My advice, therefore, is go with your gut.
The enjoyment of the UK scene may or may not return at some point.
Whichever way it goes, good luck in your endeavours.
 

Cowley

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I’m still playing catching up with reports. They don’t half build up over a few weeks.
I read your statement of fact and can see exactly where you’re coming from. I’ll always love the railways and travelling by train but I wouldn’t spend my money personally on chasing units these days. I could see me trying to do all the shacks or all the branch lines if I had more time and money maybe.
As far as getting fit goes I actually when for a run yesterday morning and quite enjoyed it. Maybe it’s a mid life crisis I’m having :lol:. I haven’t even got any proper trainers. Going to try again later.
 
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