LSGs Getting Out n About

55013 said:

A good start, I'm looking forward to the rest.
That line of 70s is a sight to behold, isn't it?

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Cheers 55013, it's a sight to behold alright. Especially when you need the bulk of them.

A good first day of your trip

I had roughly an hour on Man Picc, I was just about to go an check into my digs, when I saw a EMT 158 come round the corner, I was hoping another 156, would be on the rear, maybe even 156411, if I was incredibly lucky. However it wasn't a 156 but an EMT 153, I'd never seen a 158/153 combo on the Norwich-Liverpool turn, I don't know if that's become a new occurrence. Needless to say, I joined the winner dogbox 153302 and dud 158847 for an Occy Road leap. Bailing at Occy Road, I ran up the stairs and over the bridge, onto winner for everything 319386 back to Man Picc, before setting off to check into my digs for the next 2 nights.
On the way out this morning, I asked for some gen on the 2 bouncing bombs and 323225, my last Northern starship, the 3 are plaguing my life and I was desperate to rope them in pronto.
After checking in, I got into the room and had a shower, changed into a fresh t-shirt and shorts. Feeling refreshed, I thought I'd check to see if the gen had came forth, luckily it had, big thanks again to 37078 for answering my plea. It was good news and bad news, one was local, the other wasn't. Also 323225 was a no go too, it was locked up somewhere in Longsight.
15 mins later, I'm stood on Man Picc awaiting the 1D31, fortunately for me, a few more 319s enter the book of sights. Which certainly pleased me.
After a while the skip on the 1D31 arrived, it was winner 67022, sadly it was only another Occy Road leap, as I had a date with a 142 at Man Vic.
I bailed off 67022 and I went off the platform for a ciggy and got chatting to a young lady, who asked for a light. She obviously recognised my geordie dulcid tones and with equally as broad Geordie tones, we chatted about the weather, turns out she was from Newcastle and had moved down there with her boyfriend and got a job in an office there, she admitted, she missed a night out on the Toon with the girls and would be going up with her bloke soon.
We said our goodbyes, I walked back onto the platform and waited for the next TPE service to Man Vic, didn't take long but when it came, it was bloody 185127 again. Still, it got me to Man Vic and it saved me walking in this heat. As I bailed I'm met with 66776 going through with a bin liner, no sooner had that disappeared when 1 of the 9 NH 150's needed for sight turned up, copping 150204 was a bonus, Manchester trams were going into the book of sights very nicely, former GWR Dogbox, 153305 so kindly, joined the cop list. Another Fred came through this time in the form of 66558. Not long after a pair of bouncing bombs turned up bound for Stalybridge. The front one was dud for sight but another penultimate of the day, 142055 was in the bag, which means, it's now down to 142057 to clear these damn things once and for all. With 142055 in the bag I walked off Man Vic, bought a cold drink and sat on the corner, having a ciggy, necking a bottle of diet coke, watching the trams go by. After a while I got bored and walked back on Man Vic and jumped aboard winner 185136 back to Piccalilly. With nothing floating my boat, I decided food was the order of the day, ordered a Burger King and large coke in the station and walked the 10 or 15mins back to my digs, where I had another shower and settled into a bit number crunching. The trams made up a large majority of 43 cops for the day. 9 class 70's is the biggest number of locos copped in one day, for bloody donkeys years. 4x 319s, 1x 150, 1x 153, 1x156, 1x 222 and a tamper., all for sight, not forgetting plenty winners for the haulage logs. Pretty successful day all round, I'd say. I crashed out in minutes, after all it had been one helluva long day

Excellent read you got 5 out of my last 7 freightliner 70s in one go there i think a trip might be in order to midland road not seeing any at all on freights in london these days.

Where abouts did you stay in Manchester? (and would you recommend it?)

A good day in Manchester

Just caught up on this. Some cracking days out by the sounds of it.

47403 said:

i usually went direct via Stockport, in the good old days, I'd jump on an 86 or 87 or even better a 37/4, on the Cardiff turns. I also vagiely remember getting on the old 304 EMUs from time to time too. Them were the days folks.​

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Brings back so many happy memories, even of the bone rattling experience of a 304

A jolly good read, as expected.
Good luck with getting those final units - I know from personal experience that the last one can be a right pain (my worst was class 313, penultimate one seen 13th June 2005, the last 26th September 2014!)

The_Train - I loved the 304s, it's a huge shame that there isn't at least one still in existence.
I'm glad I managed to get a couple of photos before they disappeared forever.

Not brilliant, but it stirs the memory banks:
EMU 304015_1989.01.04_Stockport_& 304005 by Phil Wood, on Flickr

55013 said:

The_Train - I loved the 304s, it's a huge shame that there isn't at least one still in existence.
I'm glad I managed to get a couple of photos before they disappeared forever.

Not brilliant, but it stirs the memory banks:
EMU 304015_1989.01.04_Stockport_& 304005 by Phil Wood, on Flickr

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Nice photo 55013. I was going to ask if any of the 304s had survived anywhere but sad to hear they were culled. The trip home on one was always the perfect end to a good day out

Oh yeah Mr 13, the last ones always a pain. I have no doubt you'll recall my incessant chasing of 185143, 156457, last jock rail 156 and my last 67, i rabbited long n hard about them 3.
Thanks for the kind words to Mr 13.
Mr Train, glad you enjoyed the reads, I don't get on the rails as much as I'd like to, so when I do, I try to go all out. Yeah the 304s were the first EMU's I ever had for haulage. Thanks for the kind words though.
Far North 37, a whizz from Leeds to Wakey Kirkgate and back will rope em in. Again many thanks for the kind words.

The next trip report from #LSGsBeastsontheEast is due up soon. It may take a while to complete due to a fair few photos being thrown in for good measure. Why am I pre warning you, you. May ask. Well basically I. posted part of the intro by mistake and can't find a delete post tool. My apologies to all for being a numpty.

Having flaked out early the night before, I was wide awake at 06.00, I wonder why? I done the ablutions, had a shower and got dressed, by 06.20 I was walking through reception, to go out for a ciggy, I politely say morning to the guy on reception and ask, what time es breakfast? I'm told 06.30.
After a ciggy, I go back to the room, pack as light as possible into my small bag, check I've got everything, double check, how to get to Bury and by 06.50 I'm downstairs, throwing two bits of bread into the toaster, whilst wolfing down a croissant, toast done, I grab the apple juice and some cereal. The guy must've thought I'd never eaten for weeks. The coffee came from one of them machines, the cappuccino, was non descript to put it mildly, I tipped it out and got a black coffee and used the milk for the cereal. It was much better. I wolfed down a few more croissants and a Danish pastry, before going through the black coffee route again. The guy on breakfast told me, you can get white coffee from the machine you know. Have you tasted it, I asked? he looked over his shoulder and said., yes, I make my own, well can you make me a decent one too, if you'd be so kind, he laughed and said, sorry Sir, I can't. Oh It's ok, don't worry, I'll drink the cheap stuff then. After I finished my coffee, I cleared my plates put them on the tray and onto the trolley, before hot footing it out of there. Waving cheerio to breakfast guy.

Needless to say, when I got to Piccalilly I found a Costa and got a decent coffee and felt better for it. I went down to the tram platform, parted with £6.60 for a return to Bury and within minutes in came tram 3011 for the journey through the streets and onto Bury, adding the passing trams to my logs as they went by. At Queens Road, I thought next time I'm back down here, I might just have look see at the Tram Depot.

As it said on the tin, half an hour later I'm off said tram and walking down to the East Lancs Railway. Ever since I booked up, I've been unashamedly excited about coming here. I got there just after 9, however when I received my ticket, I'd noticed my 2 day Rover was for the Sunday, I'd rang them and I'm told, they'd change it for me when I got there. I was 4th in the line and whilst they were changing my ticket, the queue got about 20 deep and I could feel the eyes of those behind, burning a hole in my back. 5mins later I was handed my new 2 day rover back and given a timetable for the whole gala. Charlie of the Chocolate Factory, readily sprang to mind. I waltzed towards the platform, at the top of the stairs, I could hear the familiar strum of a small sulzer engine. I started a little quicker down those stairs, to be met by a lovingly restored and immaculate grey 33103 Swordfish. Last time I saw this loco, was just after I'd returned back full on, into the hobby. I'd decided I wanted to go to Crewe, don't we all, for all rail enthusiasts, I'm sure the place is magnetic. I went via Derby, across to Crewe and back up the West Coast. At Derby the first loco I'd seen, when I got off the train, was non other than 33103, I think it was in the FM or fragonset livery back then, the black one with the red line through it. Also present that day was the Inter City liveried 31554. 45122, which I wasn't so keen on seeing again but hey ho, each to their own, that's just my opinion, however my eyes lit up when I saw 47145 and large logo 47847. Anyway I digress.

I saw 33103 get attached to the rear, and I climbed aboard, getting a window, nearer the 33. Soon after we were on the move, as winner D9531 for a maiden voyage on a Teddy, the teddy seemed to be struggling to pull the train up the ski jump but we made it up with a gentle push from the 33 and onwards to Heywood. I enjoyed the run, ashamed of myself. I'd mistakenly forgot to get a pic of said teddy too, a real shame because I never got a chance to get a pic of or see it out again. I did however get a pic of the 33. Using my new tablet, 33103 christened the camera too. The tablet is just over 2 weeks old and whilst not exactly being a tech man, I passed it onto someone who knew what to do and show me, what I had to do without any fuss or complication, my 11yr old Daughter, cost me a bloody Chinese though.
However due to not being used to said thing and the sun playing havoc, as I went to take pic, all I could see was my ugly mug reflecting back at me, so I just clicked in its general direction and hoped for the best. When I returned back on board to my horror, my attempted pic of 33103 had my bloody fingers on it. I'll openly admit to never ever been a threat to David Bailey, needless to say, I deleted it and vowed to at least get a one without my fingers on, when I got a chance later, for now I was gonna enjoy some Compton music.

That journey from Heywood back to Bury was awesome, I'm fast becoming a big fan of these locos, partly due to 33108s performance, at last years SVR Gala, it really turned my head to them. Winner 33103's performance only enhanced my view of these even further.

Bailing at Bury it was straight over to the other platform, where I became reacquainted with 37109, I had it moons back on a Yarmouth turn, however I can't remember if it was a Yarmouth-Newcastle or a Yarmouth-Leeds turn but I have an old Platform 5, that escaped somehow, my ex's evil brasier and has 37109 underlined for haulage.

I got as close to the front as I could and enjoyed 37109, growling it's way up the ski jump, before the driver kindly opened her up at various intervals up towards Heywood and very enjoyable it was too.
On the rear there was more EE fun to be had, 40012, she would become only the 3rd 40 I've had for haulage, the last being 40122/D200 over the S&C, when it seemed bolted to the stock. That has to be at least 30 years ago. So it's without doubt, that 40012 was a winner and everything I remembered a 40 was.

I dare say if I'd been a few years older like many bashers who were fortunate to be out at that time, when 40s were having their day, I'd have probably been a 40 nut too. Truth is though, 40s were sadly on a rapid decline by the time my friends and I were entrusted to go out alone to chase stuff, the 47s and 37s were more accessible to us then, 31s too, that's probably why I love those locos so much.

The noise 40012 made was truly a joyous experience, it harked me back to the days, when I had 40122 on consecutive days up and down the S&C whilst on a weeks North Eastern Rover

40012 certainly looked and sounded stunning and the trip back to Bury was also tinged with more excitement because of what was out next but don't be fooled into thinking, I couldn't wait to leave 40012 in a hurry cos I certainly wasn't. Sadly I'll have to post more of that tomorrow, as I've just noticed the time but I leave you with this beauty before I say goodnight.

to be continued.....................

A good first day at the Gala so far Mr M

All too soon 40012 pulled into Bury Bolton Street and with a short while to wait I went and got a cold drink and awaited the arrival of D5185, positioning myself at the bottom of the platform. In she putted and boy does it look the nuts. Having not had a 25 for haulage for equally as long, if not longer as I'd had a 40, temptation was to go to the front and get a window and listen to D5185 give it some beans. However with 47765 going to be attached to the rear, I wanted to be at the droplight window or as damn bloody close as I could get to the loco.

Now 47765 as was D5185(25035 in my era) were both winners, however 47765, was yet another victim of my remembering nemesis, it's 3rd remembering of it's life, I'd had it in its 2nd guise as large logo liveried 47631, on a Liverpool turn, from York whilst on another North East Rover. If I remember correctly I copped it then too, so I wasn't letting that go, so i took it to the boundary edge of Stalybridge. Now here it is, last time I saw it was on a Low Fell-Bristol Parcels, in RES livery. Now it's sporting a Scotrail livery complete with Scotty dog. I jumped aboard and got the middle door window of the coach nearest it. We edged out slowly, the driver of D5185 collected the token and opened the power up to tackle the gradient, it was plain for all aboard the 25 was having issues hauling the load, so much so, the rat came to a halt. The drivers eventually got the rat going, in cloud of clag and a gentle nudge from 47765 got us up the gradient and away, even in the last coach, you could hear the rat thrashing away like mad.
At Heywood I bailed off and took a quick couple of pics of 47765 before climbing back aboard and reclaiming my spot.
I was going all the way to Rawtenstall with this one.
The last 47 I had for haulage was 47739 on the GB 15 Tour to Inverness, unfortunately I was in the back coach and the only bit of 47 thrash I got that day was leaving Perth, however that got cut short due to an emergency stop. However today i was treated to full bore 47 thrash, from 47765 it was fantastic, the driver really opened her up, through.the tunnel just after Summerseat Station and a few times afterwards between Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall. Just pure bliss, head out the window, stinking of diesel fuel on a gloriously warm day.

I climbed back aboard and got a compartment to myself, when a guy and his family walked past and went into the next door compartment. After a while, he popped his head round the door and asked, excuse do we have to pay extra in first class? I said no, ofcourse not but if you want to pay a bit more, I'll collect it in a bit for my beer fund. He just laughed and said ok. As soon as 47765 started up my head was out the compartment window. At Ramsbottom, after an elongated wait. 47765 was declared a failure with a brake pipe issue, basically no brakes. For one fleeting moment, I thought the worst, 45108 was in the sidings, having came up with the Ramsbottom shuttle, surely please not a Peak to rescue us, inside my head, I could hear Cal, laughing his head off. Some guy came down and had a right go at the young lads working the train, what's happening, why don't you get the peak out its stood up there? , I've paid £112 blah blah, it's bloody not on this, the lads tried to apologise as best they could but he was just being an miserable so n so. I told the lads, it's not your fault lads, not your fault the locos failed.

News came that a 25 was being sent from Bury but then all 3 lads working the train just scarpered, with reason too, in the Tesco car park opposite the station, it was all going off. A car had caught fire and the one next to it went up too. The lads got everyone off the nearby platform and transferred them onto the one we were stood at.

Loud bangs n pops could be quite easily be heard, then the jokes on the train started, Tesco's new barbeque range is quite spectacular, anyone brought some sausages and my favourite, that's the most clag I've seen on the ELR all day and it's in fcking Tesco Car Park.

Soon after the fire brigade arrived and so did D6729, Mr Misery was still strolling up and down the platform looking for answers and was told until the fires sorted nothings moving on the line, people's safety comes first. It didn't take long for the fire brigade to get things under control and not long after we were off too.

I wanted D6729 for haulage, it was a winner after all but I didn't quite envisage it being this way. In fairness the rat was in fine form and fairly thrashed us back to Bury, just the circumstances that disappointed me.

At Bury, both locos came off, I hoped that wasn't the end of 47765, at least there's still D1501 or as I prefer 47402, to go for. 47765s replacement was D5185, I was at the droplight and by God, what a thrashy little minx that loco is. The run to Heywood was just thrash personified. I loved every minute of it.
Next up was the other Compton and winner 33109 with 33103 bringing up the rear, another run up to Heywood, this time I just took a seat, my feet were starting to ache a bit, I took a seat and opened one of my bottles of Wainwright's and enjoyed the 33s thrashing away through the open window with a beer in hand. Certainly a nice way to chill a bit. At Heywood I got off and took a pic of 33109, had a ciggy and climbed back on board, to let 33103 do its thing.

When I got back to Bury, I took a bit of a time out, I sat on what looked like an old parcel barrow, it wasn't but it had the look of one. I sat there and rummaged through my bait box, it was like being transported back to Central in the mid 80's with my mates, waiting on the end of Platform 9, watching to see if anything was coming over the King Eddie Bridge. As I sat munching my sarnies etc, 45108 came in and spoilt the moment, bit like they used to at Central all them years ago.
Yes I took a pic of it, more in testimony to those who lovingly restore these locos, almost all, are no doubt volunteers and whilst the wagon is far from my cup of tea, I doff my cap to all those men and women, who do this, so we can have a few days riding behind locos from our past. That said, I wish they were still running, I'd sooner take one over the pennines than a 185.
Afterwards I thought I wonder what's next, 45108 was detached and a short while later 50015, came down from beside the signal box, I wanted to keep the 50 for tomorrow in much the same way I wanted to keep the other Teddy D9537 for tomorrow too. So I let the 50 go to Ramsbottom without me, sacrilege I know but at least it'll add a bit more interest for me tomorrow. I went for a coffee n a ciggy and had a bit yack with a guy who was gonna be there for the 3 days, staying in the caravan site you pass further up the line.

to be continued.......

Kite159 said:

A good first day at the Gala so far Mr M

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Cheers kite. Mr M?

Really enjoying reading this and feeling a bit envious too.
I had that 25 on the GCR a few years ago and it was excellent.
I actually need 47402 still too. It’s one of a handful of remaining 47 that I do need, I remember missing it at Exeter once. It looks great as your new profile picture.
I remember 765 as 47631 because they were still converting them in 1980s and painting them all in large logo.
Excellent stuff.
I’m really behind on reading reports due to having no spare time at the moment but I’ve enjoyed catching up this evening.

After talking Railways for a bit, I made back onto the platform and made my way over to platform 4, to meet up with an old friend, I don't how long it's been since I saw this ole friend of mine but I was pretty sure, I'd be happy to meet up again. I'd barely been on the platform 5 mins, when I had a long overdue reunion with this old acquaintance.

D1501, in my time 47402 Gateshead, looked amazing, looking decidedly greener, since I last saw her running but stunning nonetheless. GD locos, were notorious for looking almost grey with a dash of BR Blue. They were always manky, not here and today, D1501 was immaculate and was purring like a kitten. Safe to say, I was delighted to see her again.

I made over the platform and stood by the stairs on platform 2 and awaited the next service up to Heywood, for what would be a railway first for me. A pair of 25s for haulage, however I had no intention of going to the front, even though the draw to do so was massive, I declined as D1501 would be attached to the back and come hell or high water, I was getting that droplight window.
I duly got it too and even from the very back window, D6729 and D5185 were making one helluva racket up front, I can only assume it must've been rather thrashtastic at that front droplight. All too soon we were arrived at Heywood. For some reason we had a bit of a longer stay at Heywood, I got out and had a ciggy and a drink but didn't stray too far from the Droplight.

The guard said OK folks everyone on, I was already half on half off anyway. I slammed the door and waited eagerly for the off. The whistle went and off we went, slowly at first, then as we hit the gradient, the driver notched up the power to make the climb and then halfway up, the power handle got a few more notches, the Brush Sulzer engine roared into life and roared for a good 30 seconds, throwing big plumes of clag into the warm summer air, the driver put D1501 through her paces, opening her up at regular intervals, making me almost giddy at the Droplight. Back at Bury, D1501 came off and the 25s remained on platform 2. I went for a cold drink and another mooch round the stalls, I still didn't find anything worthy of buying but there was some nice framed pictures but none of a certain 47, unless I may have been swayed.

D1501 came up platform 4 and stopped, the driver got out so I went over and had a word, we spent about 5mins talking about the loco, I told him, it looks fantastic and sounds likes she's in good nick, he readily agreed by saying, yeah she's a bit of a beast. I said my goodbyes but not before planting a kiss on the loco. He just laughed, I said, it's just an old tradition of mine. I can still see my old mates, Cal, John and Glen looking at me shaking their heads, like they used to.

Talking of 47s. I was about to walk back over the bridge when this came out to play again.

It's brake pipe issues had obviously been sorted and I was happy, as I feared we might not see it out again Well it would've been rude not to have another spin. I climbed on board as they coupled 47765 up to the back. Obviously it meant another sojourn back to Heywood with the rats but I just took a seat in the middle coach and let D5185 and D6729 do their thing. I got my other bottle of Wainwright's out the bag and sat back and relaxed. At Heywood, I moved forward and surprisingly got this window as we waited for departure.

All the more better because 47765 was going from Heywood to Ramsbottom non stop. 47765 didn't disappoint either, though it felt weird not stopping in Bury. The run through the tunnel after Summerseat Station, being on a gradient, the driver has to notch up the power to obviously get up it, most today have just opened the loco as they go through, amplifying the thrash, as it reverberates off the walls, the driver with 47765, was no different, it sounded truly fantastic.

All too soon we were at Ramsbottom and 10 or so minutes we were off again, I was in the second coach, with my head out the window, the 25s were certainly going for it, the 25s I had for haulage, over the Tyne Valley, dragging a dead 101, never thrashed quite like either 25 had today. They were great fun.

Arriving back at Bury meant the end of a very enjoyable day indeed. I'd enjoyed both 47s, no I'm sorry, I loved them, I think that went without saying but the 25s and 33s were the undoubted stars of the day for me. The good news is, I'll be back tomorrow.

Cowley said:

Really enjoying reading this and feeling a bit envious too.
I had that 25 on the GCR a few years ago and it was excellent.
I actually need 47402 still too. It’s one of a handful of remaining 47 that I do need, I remember missing it at Exeter once. It looks great as your new profile picture.
I remember 765 as 47631 because they were still converting them in 1980s and painting them all in large logo.
Excellent stuff.
I’m really behind on reading reports due to having no spare time at the moment but I’ve enjoyed catching up this evening.

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Cheers Cowley. I know the feeling of being miles behind on Trip reports.

Yes mate. I’ve still got 55013s and a couple of others to read, but this has been great.
47402 looks perfect, like it’s just rolled off the production line...
Speaking of 25s though I bought this book the other day by David Cable (all photos by him):


It’s got some great pictures in it, but this one really caught my eye:

It shows an almost new 143008 parked up at Kingmoor with an unidentified class 25 in the background...
Amazing to think of these two types sharing a siding all those years ago.

Some excellent reports there mr 47 nice to bump into a old favourite loco after all those years i bet.
i remember when inverness shed and station had class 47s a plenty large logo blue scotrail intercity executive liveries all on show changed days now.

God I hate them things. The blue livery on them is even worse. Best thing about them was the fault on them, that got em pulled and we got loco hauled local trains. NB 31s, 37s 47s even the odd wagon, which ruined a few promising trips but at least it wasn't one of those plastic pigs.

Cowley said:

Yes mate. I’ve still got 55013s and a couple of others to read, but this has been great.
47402 looks perfect, like it’s just rolled off the production line...
Speaking of 25s though I bought this book the other day by David Cable (all photos by him):
View attachment 49525

It’s got some great pictures in it, but this one really caught my eye:
View attachment 49526
It shows an almost new 143008 parked up at Kingmoor with an unidentified class 25 in the background...
Amazing to think of these two types sharing a siding all those years ago.

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Is that an old class 104 dmu in the background

Far north 37 said:

Some excellent reports there mr 47 nice to bump into a old favourite loco after all those years i bet.
i remember when inverness shed and station had class 47s a plenty large logo blue scotrail intercity executive liveries all on show changed days now.

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Thank you kind Sir. Yeah Inverness was a canny depot. Went on a coach trip, one of my last 37s, the original 308, was up there 37261 Caithness, also some renumbered 47s and gronks. The lads in the depot had a passion for the 26s and 37s. Last time I was up there was on that GB Tour, I mentioned within this trip report. The place had changed a fair bit from what I could remember.
Catching up with 47402 was an absolute pleasure. I'd be lying if I said I could remember where I last saw it before the ELR Gala. I had it so many times out of Newcastle though, on the Newcastle-Edinburgh stopper on the infamous(Well in Newcastle it was) 1S15, numerous trans pennine turns, the Newcastle-Poole turn. DMU replacement over to Carlisle, via Leamside and over the S&C, never had it on the Sou Western though. That was the GD Generators, they rocked up everywhere. I remember 47405 Northumbria turning up at Temple Meads when we were on a coach trip, the locals just disappeared and they all waved at us from the coaches, as it left.

I'm on a bit of a downer when I get up, last night I lost my dictaphone, somewhere between Man Vic and Man Picc, I jumped off a 185136 and went to get it out my pocket and realised it wasn't there. I tried looking for it when said 185 came back into Man Picc after a servicing but lo and behold no sign, guard had not seen it either. Fortunately as we whizzed back from Bury id put them onto my phone till i got off at Man Vic and transferred them onto my dictaphone. However the trams I'd got whilst at Man Vic, were lost. Fortunately i clicked another couple of 319s in Picc, but my mood had gone, so I sulked off back to my digs much earlier than anticipated.

After breakfast, in which I had a mega trough this morning and a decent couple of cups of coffee, I bought a small jar of nescafe at a shop on the way back to the tram stop. Breakfast guy kindly boiled a kettle for me and I made my own coffee, it was heaven.

I checked out and by 9am I was off towards Piccadilly. My last day and I found a short cut, by 10 past I was at the tram stop waiting for the tram to Bury.

On the tram I got talking to 3 guys from Worcester, who were on their way to the Gala. The were shouting out the trams, so I just transferred them to my phone. I handed them my timetable for the gala, so they could work out where to be for where. I think they were going for photos rather than riding the locos. He asked if I wanted it back, I just nah, keep it, I'll get another when I get there. After visiting the ELR they were planning to get stuck into the trams, going down to Queens Road and Trafford Depots.
Just outside Bury tram station, through the trees, we saw a 56, stabled on the ELR Depot, I presumed it would be 56006 and 08499 was alongside it.

I quickly made off the tram, I dunno where the 3 guys went, I just assumed they were taking photos of the trams but I was away. Getting to Bury Bolton Street just as this came in.

Certainly made my mind up, so off I went with 40012, first stop Ramsbottom. The train was packed to the gunnell's, I managed to get a window about 4 coaches down from the loco. I could still hear that the 40 was in fine form, the run to Ramsbottom was very enjoyable indeed.
At Ramsbottom if was off over to the platform onto D5185 enjoying some more rat thrash, all the way to Heywood and back. Keeping a beady eye on the times because I wanted to be in place for D9537 and 50015, plus another couple of moves later on.
My tooing and froing continued, straight off D5185 and onto winner D9537 that was on the Ramsbottom shuttle. However we couldn't leave until 40012 had cleared the line. Standing at the compartment window, the unmistakable whistling tones were heard and in she came. Not long after we got the off and D9537 was in the book too.

The Teddy's sound weirdly wonderful, I'd had D9531 the day before but in truth I was right at the back next to 33103, so I never really got the chance to hear the noise, with D9537 I was at the 3rd window of the front coach and could now fully respect what they are about. Those of us on board were treated to a fairly thrashy run up to Ramsbottom, what a treat that was. At Ramsbottom I got another pic of the Teddy before meandering over the other platform, for a bit more of LSG froth.
In rolled 47765 for the run back to Bury, head of the window soaking in some Sulzer music but not before I got a coffee from the buffet, I was sick of drinking the water I'd bought at the shop this morning. It hit the spot and drinking coffee whilst eating a chunky kit kat, with your head out the window with a glorious Sulzer soundtrack, was certainly a new one on me. As we approached Bury, one of the shutters on a small shed was open and for the first time, I saw the Hymek, I wished it was out to play for sure, great shame it wasn't.

At Bury, as we pulled, so did 40012 but it was double headed with 37109, this was one of the moves I didn't want to miss, so off again, over the platform and onto said train. It'll come as no surprise, that it was chocker block. As I got on, I heard one guy say, its been quite a let down so far, no great thrash at all. I thought to myself, bloody hell, Id have thought with this pair you'd have heard them growl from miles away. However unfortunately not.
As we left Bury, it sounded like 40012 was doing all the grunt, the 37 was joining in at times but nowt to startling, like it was just idling along for the ride, some even suggesting, there maybe a problem with 37109. This continued up to Summerseat Station, where 40012 was seemingly taking all the strain. I'm thinking by that guy was right. As we left Summerseat we gently rolled forward to the tunnel, to tackle the gradient through it, all of a sudden 40012 AND 37109 burst into life and by no means am I exaggerating here, them two EE Engines roared like NOTHING I've ever heard in my life, there was an audible gasp, then cries of Hellfire, it was a sheer wall of unadulterated mega growlage, an absolute joy to behold, shortly afterwards, I tweeted this
"#LSGsBeastsontheEast oh my fckin god. 40012 and 37109 through the tunnel just after Summerseat Station. Both locos just opened up together. What a noise. I swear I felt a twinge in my groin. EE Engines in perfect harmony"
At Ramsbottom, I was gonna bail but I couldn't, so I took them to Rawtenstall and back to Bury, where 50015 joined the EE party too.
By now a certain football match was on, England v Sweden for those not in the footy loop, so I had my radio on,. Shortly after arriving in Heywood, Harry Maguire thrilled a few bashers, myself included by putting England 1 up.
It was now time to almost compete the running locos on the Gala, by roping in winner 50015, I wasn't exactly chasing 45108, in truth I had no intention of going for it.

With 40012 and 37109 on the back 50015, had to open that throttle a fair bit to make the gradients, it was a fairly stonking run back to Bury, made all the better when Deli Ali put England 2 up, could it actually be coming home? Do we dare to dream.
Happy as I was, I now only had time for another move. Having bailed 50015, next up was a run to Heywood with 33103 and 33109, a pair of Cromptons was another first for me, however it came at a price. 45108 was bolted on at the rear, I could imagine Cal pissing himself laughing now, Glen and John would be totally gobsmacked if they'd seen me leave on it. I let the Cromptons thrash their way all the way up to Heywood. I sat in the rear coach, with my headphones in, listening to the best of the Cult, as extremely dud 45108 took me back to Bury, thus meaning I'd Inadvertently cleared he whole roster. Until I'd heard 40106 was coming out to play later. I'd have loved to stay for that, unfortunately, I had a train to catch at Man Picc. I waltzed off 45108 never giving it a 2nd look and promptly marched to the tram station, straight onto an awaiting tram to Piccalilly.
I only had a few quid on me, so quickly made for a cash machine. Promptly getting a meal deal shortly afterwards. I made for platform 14, to wait for my train out to York. Just before I climbed aboard winner 185109, i had just enough time to cop 175005 and clear that sub class, I climbed aboard an absolutely rammed 185109 and found my seat, we got stuck outside Man Vic for a good 10mins, waiting for a platform, by this time we're about 12 down, I had roughly a +25 at York for the 20.54 back to Newcastle, by the time we reached Huddersfield we were at least 15 down. Outside Leeds we were halted again, waiting for a platform, we were 22 down, when the guard announced we're now waiting for dispatcher. That's my connection we'll n truly up in smoke. We were now 32 down, leaving Leeds, a look at realtime showed by the time I got to Garforth, the 20.54 would be leaving York. I tweeted LNER and explained the situation, I'm told just get the next train but have a word with the staff on the station at York. Here I was sitting, having enjoyed 2 days of classic traction, worrying about catching a zing home. 30yrs ago, I'd have waited till midnight at York to catch a loco hauled turn, so I wouldn't have to catch a bloody zing home. Funny how things change.
At Holgate sidings were 57314 and 57316 were on what looked like a Northern Belle, there was also 2 47s parked behind them too, not that I had a chance of IDing them.
With my zing completely gone, I arrived into York to be met by revellers, who were slightly merry, the majority p*ssed as farts but most were quite happy. Seemed a lot had been watching the England match, as its coming home, was ringing out all over the station.

I tried and failed miserably to find any station staff, so I went and spoke to a couple of policeman, I asked if they knew where any LNER Staff were? They just laughed, after 9pm on a Saturday, they're gone and leave it to us, I'm told. I explained the situation and they said, just get the next LNER train and have a word with the guard, so that's what I did.

I waited for the 21.35 and quite ironically, the last time England reached a World Cup Semi Final, a certain Bobby Robson was in charge, cue dud 91109 Sir Booby Robson, being my steed for the journey back to Newcastle. I looked for the guard but I couldn't find him either, so I took a pew in the coach nearest the buffet car. As we passed the NRM, I'm greeted by the sight of 37669 and cop, yes cop 33207, if they'd still all been around I`d have cleared the slim jims,only took me about 34 yrs, to clear em, my first sight of a 33, was way back in March 1984, when 33113 came North to Newcastle with the Gatwick Express Exhibition train and on the 7th July 2018 I've just officially cleared the slim jims. I'm persistent if nowt else

The rest of the journey was largely uneventful, bar some drunken bloke, sitting taking selfies off himself with his sunglasses on and ringing his missus, who he had on speaker phone, she was picking him up at Darlo and kept reminding him to stay awake. Daft tit nearly got off at Northallerton too. I partially wished he had but thought of the inconvenience to his missus.
Back home later than expected, Newcastle was jumping too, I'm told it's coming home you know, by 2 totally bladdered revellers, I just said, yeah OK. I was relieved when the bus came and 15mins later I was in the house.

What a great few days I got 74cops in total, a huge majority of them were the Manchester trams. I added 4 more 319s, a 175, a 33 and 25 more trams, meaning they look a damn sight healthier than before. Irritating that damn 142 wasn't scratched off and 323225 for that matter. However I thoroughly enjoyed the Gala and well done to all at the East Lancs Railway for a cracking event.

Those late night trains north of York on a Saturday are a bit hairy, I can remember last December heading to Newcastle on the final northbound service. No doubt there would have been a lot of freeloaders travelling without tickets.

Sounded like a nice little Gala with some old locos covered, more bits for your book of sights.

Kite159 said:

Those late night trains north of York on a Saturday are a bit hairy, I can remember last December heading to Newcastle on the final northbound service. No doubt there would have been a lot of freeloaders travelling without tickets.

Sounded like a nice little Gala with some old locos covered, more bits for your book of sights.

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Kite they had event cover security staff making sure they had tickets and crush barriers for them to queue at. A weird sight.
Loved the Gala. I won't think twice about visiting again. The book of sights profited very nicely 156403 was probably the biggest shock. I didn't expect that one at all. Obviously the Manchester tram side of things, we're the biggest winners but that was an aim before I left.

Looked like a great weekend that.
Nice to have two days to cover it all too.
(It didn’t come home).

47403 said:

Kite they had event cover security staff making sure they had tickets and crush barriers for them to queue at. A weird sight.
Loved the Gala. I won't think twice about visiting again. The book of sights profited very nicely 156403 was probably the biggest shock. I didn't expect that one at all. Obviously the Manchester tram side of things, we're the biggest winners but that was an aim before I left.

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Better than what it was in December where they had some barriers and security staff but nobody checking to see if they held tickets.

Cowley said:

Looked like a great weekend that.
Nice to have two days to cover it all too.
(It didn’t come home).

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It certainly didn't come home. Was an excellent few days away. Now time to brace myself for the 6 weeks hols.

In the 80s, the summer timetable was eagerly anticipated by trainspotters and bashing fraternity alike. BR may have had their faults but when they implemented new timetables, I can never remember it causing a severe meltdown, where trains were cancelled or revert to bustitutions. In fact back then, failures were dealt with, a loco came to the rescue and took the train to one of the main stations, maybe the loco got replaced there but it went onwards to where it was meant to be going. Not just terminating it and everyone off and wait for the following train, causing even further delays and uncomfort for passengers, as they crowd onto an already busy train.
As the summer timetable approached, we’d, my friends and I, would pester the ticket office for the timetable supplements, in hope we’d get a sneak peak of what holiday trains had been added or removed to the roster of loco hauled turns.
At one point there was 3 turns to Scarborough, one from Glasgow Q.S, the other 2 went from Newcastle, 1 down the ECML, the other via the Durham Coast. There was also turns to and from Yarmouth, Newquay, Paignton, Eastbourne. The latter three we nicknamed, the Ole farts Expresses, as they were Saga trains.
Obviously these services added to what was our daily occurrence, the loco hauled Trans Pennine turns to Liverpool Lime St, the turn to and from Poole and the infamous, in Newcastle at least, the 1S15, evening Newcastle to Edinburgh stopper.
Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, the newly delivered and quite frankly horrendous 143s, developed a fault, that saw Heaton pull the lot with immediate effect. I was on Newcastle Central, the actual day, they were pulled, one of the regulars had been told by a member of the station staff and couldn’t wait to tell anyone, I was the first he told, I asked, when’s that happening, I’m shocked when he said, Tomorrow apparently there’ll be 2 locos turns with 3 coaches, these will supplement, the remaining 101s. So the 101s got a temporary stay of execution.
Now Heaton’s 101s, reliability was akin, to an asthmatic ant carrying heavy shopping. So it was obvious, they'd need a few more to help out, it proclaimed that the loco hauled turns would be a temporary measure, till Heaton tried to beg, borrow or steal units from other depots. However what Heaton probably didn’t bank on, was the chronic DMU shortage Nationwide. I think I only ever saw 1 loaned in DMU, sporting a Welsh dragon sticker on its nose. Needless to say, it became a bit of the furniture, as those red penners got it underlined. I'm still not sure what type of unit it was.

I dunno what worked the first DMU Replacements but I had a mega mix of locos on it, 37017(of which there’s another story to share of) being one of many of locos we had on these turns. Below Andy Armitage has captured 37017 brilliantly on the Middlesbrough to Newcastle up the Durham Coast.

I was sure Gateshead and Thornaby just threw out anything spare for the turns, whether it was boiling or freezing, it was very rarely one with ETH, not that us cranks were complaining, keep throwing the big ones out, we said.
You could walk onto Central Station and be greeted by a scene like the one below and the destination board saying Carlisle or Middlesbrough, 37272 was a bit of a rare Cardiff beast that rocked up on such a turn, only it was a dud, as I’d had 37272 on the Glasgow QS-Scarborough turn, which is what Vince Minto’s excellent pic is of. Note the 101 in the background too.

I remember walking onto Central one day, I wasn’t alone, there was a good crowd of us that day, as we walked onto platform 8, our gaze was taken by an incoming train, it was none other than 37515 on a Middlesbrough turn. We just all scarpered and jumped aboard, we’d pay the grip on board and we took it to Sunderland.
The Glasgow QS-Scarborough turn, had been throwing up some good locos, so during the following week, we’d made a conscious decision, that we’d get a weekend Northumbrian Ranger, with the intention of intercepting the Queen St-Scarborough at Berwick.
The following morning, I left the house at a bleary eyed 4.15 to do the milk round. Sunday was my gaffers day off, so George always wanted finished early on a Saturday, he’d be, come on lads get your arse in gear, I’ve got a bed to gan back to. By 6.15, I was home, I’d got my wages off the papers the night before, organised cover for them today too and George handed me my little brown envelope, as I climbed off the back of the milk van.
After dashing in and getting washed, I grabbed my bait and pop, met the rest and we jumped in a taxi to Central. We got our Northumbrian Rangers plus singles to Berwick, using a fistful of rail riders vouchers, to bring the cost down. The Ranger didn’t kick in till 8 maybe half 8, hence us getting on the tram around half 7.
We all hated them, however, like today, if it was a case of using a 142, to go and get something a bit out the ordinary, then I’d get on one. This day, was a case of, needs must. It gave us a chance to see what 03 was Berwick’s station pilot and me a chance to maybe rope in, some HST coaching stock(which I’d just started doing after I saw a guy taking the numbers of the coaches at Carlisle) whilst waiting for said turn.

Now if you’ve read my nostalgic posts from a while back, you may have read this before, whilst waiting for the turn, we noticed train delayed, then the announcements, this train is now running 10minutes late and kept increasing, we just thought its a holiday train, we’ve encountered many delays waiting for various summer Saturday turns. Up until very recently, I’ve been trying a multitude of searches not only to find the date of this but also sought confirmation of the locos, as my records were lost in an exs fit of female rage. On 8th June 1985, 4 young Geordie trainspotters or apprentice bashers(insects we mainly got called) collective jaws hit the floor in unison, as 26014 and 37017 pulled into the platform. We couldn't believe what we'd landed on.
This pic from Andrew Wylde captures the moment at Berwick, he kindly let me use his pic of 26014 and 37017 leaving Berwick, he apologised for the unfortunate processing fault on the picture, I was just delighted someone had proof and a date, it’s still not a bad pic.

Needless to say we barged on, I’d only seen a couple of 26s at Carlisle, we hadn’t embraced Waverley by this point in our lives. We were absolutely giddy, apparently 37017 had failed just outside Edinburgh and 26014 had been scrambled from Millerhill.
These took us back to Newcastle, where they were removed and replaced with a 47, I’m trying to find out which one it was. However we’re told the Scarborough was over an hour down, if we were sharpish, we’d make that at Durham. The chase was on. Only for the chase to seemingly hit the dust when our poor 47 failed at Ouston Jct, about 5mins later 31190 came into view, I thought it would go up beyond us and attach to the front, however it got fastened to the back and 31190 pushed us on, were gonna make this I said. I spoke too soon, instead of going straight onto Durham Station and running 31190 round to the front, we got pushed into the loop, just outside the Station. Another loco came to rescue us, removed the other loco and 47314 was attached, 3190 detached, 37100, arrived into Durham, before we got out the loop, 37100 left and we got unmerciless stick from those going North with 37100. What happened next, still baffles me, with a Northumbria Ranger we could’ve took 47314 to Darlo or York but we bailed at Durham. I can only think we got off to take a trans Pennine turn back to Newcastle, we were gutted to miss 37100 but when the story broke of 26014 and 37017, we got the you jammy insects. 26014 was stood as proof on Gateshead too. As Gary Smith’s photo kindly confirms.

It was then on a Liverpool turn to Darlo, where we bailed for the tight connection for the Yarmouth. 37062, took us back to Newcastle, where we took a zing to York and went to Darlo with the Newquay turn, back to York with a trans Pennine turn, jumping on the Eastbourne turn to Darlo finishing off the day with the pair of 31s, that would invariably running miles late on the Paignton.
Another summer move had us going to Durham, Cal went on the Trans Pennine turn on a 45, he must’ve had the 47 on the Queen St – Scarborough, it was a safer connection using the trans Pennine turn, it was normally a mad dash getting the QS-Scarborough, the one up the Durham Coast was the early one. We’d invariably do that one first and then dash onto either the trans Pennine turn or the Queen St Scarborough. Today Cal and maybe Glen and Mavis, went with him, whilst John said, he’d do the Queen St with me. When John and I got to Durham, the other lads were sitting waiting for us. We’re told its 20 down, then it got later, then we heard 37003 was on, it got later n later, rumour was abound 37003 had failed but had got started again, no Internet or RTT, how that gen had been passed on, I have no idea, despite asking, absolutely no one could say it wasn’t 37003.
As they announced, the next train at platform 2, is the delayed train to Newcastle from Scarborough, the Bell sounded, warning staff of a train approaching the platform, the large throng of Bashers assembled at the North end of Platform 2, all looked southwards, expecting a split box GD Syphon to come round the curve into the platform.
The audible gasps and excited swearing as 20013 and 20047 came round the corner, will never ever leave me, even Cal swore and he never swore, proclaiming, “fck me it’s bloody 20s”.
Back at Newcastle we watched the 20s whistle away, not quite believing we’d just had them for haulage, 20s in our neck of the woods, whilst not wholly uncommon on freight but they were far from a regular occurrence either. They certainly never turned up on passenger trains, like they did at Leicester or Derby on the Skegness turns.
I’d nearly got my head taken off on the way back with them 20s, I was talking to Carl from my window to his, we were just coming up to the King Eddie Bridge, when Cal screamed at me and a driver of oncoming HST gave me a long blast on the horn, I nearly had to go to Woollies for new undies, I managed to get my head in, in time but it was a bit too close for comfort. Pic below is courtesy of Steve Curry.

One of the DMU Replacements I got caught out too. I was meant to be at school but decided to wag off, I was late home because the morning papers were late, I got in the house about 20 to 9, my Dad was at work and my step mother had taken my younger brothers to school and was then going shopping. With an empty house, I decided I ring school, pretending to be my dad saying I wouldn’t be in cos I was unwell. I went and got showered, raided my money jar and decided I’d go and see what was on the DMU replacement, with a coat covering my school uniform.
Off I went to Central Station and after a while in came, Rail freight grey, 31282 going off to the Boro. I only took it to Sunderland though. I decided I’d go over to Monkwearmouth Colliery, via Carricks for pasty n chips, walked over the Wear bridge, to a hole in the wall at Wearmouth Colliery, where you could see the 56s on MGR trains come in and fill the wagons and be off again.
After a while I got bored and went to the shop, got a can of pop and walked back to Sunderland Station to get the 31 back to Newcastle. I duly did too and had the front droplight window and not long after we started moving, I felt a hefty blow on the back of my head and what the hell do you think your doing?, the voice was more than familiar, I turned round and there large as life in front of me was my Dad. He’d went out early to my Great Grandads house to do his shopping and caught me red handed. Only thing going through my mind was, oh ****, how do I get out of this one.
I told him the papers were late, adding 20mins on, saying I didn’t get in till after 9. It didn’t cut with him, I’m told, its no excuse, you still should’ve went to school, what do I say when they ring up and ask where you were?. Without even thinking and probably a bit too blasé, oh they won’t, cos I’ve rang up and told them, I wasn’t going in, as it was you who said, I was bad. You’ve done what!, I’m gonna ring your neck lad. Fortunately for me, the grip came and asked for tickets, unless I think my Dad would’ve thrown me out the window of the train, there and then. I had to sit down, whilst my dad gave me the, you’ve really disappointed me speech.
By the time we got to Newcastle, my dad had calmed down a bit, he took me to a cafe, giving me another very stern lecture on the way. I got told, that’s your one and only chance mind, before adding, I never gave him any trouble, other than when he read my school reports, your grades are fine, the comments from teachers less so. For the record I did do it again, however I never rang the school pretending to be my dad. 3 times to be totally honest but i didn’t get caught, however I was always mindful of him turning up.
Fair do’s to my dad, if he’d been through to Sunderland on the train, he used to write the number on a piece of paper and say that’s one I got today or if he was at work he’d leave it on the table for me, to see, when I got home from school. Thanks to my Dad, I roped in 31319 this way. The pic below is of that very loco heading towards me from Billingham. Again I’d like to thank Alan Moore for letting me use his pic.

That evening I left home and after getting some unit to Sunderland. I had the wonderful experience of an hour fester at Sunderland Station, I should've checked a timetable and cursed myself for not doing so. My fault so I had to wait for it to come back. After filling 5mins, getting the rake of parcel vans, that were kept there. I was bored silly. I even contemplated the walk to Seaburn Station before walking up to Smiths and buying a magazine to read., enjoying the natural light too. A 56, probably bound for South Dock lifted the bordem slightly before 31319 eventually returned and I was off back to Newcastle and then home.
I wish I could regale more tales, there was some corkers on those DMU Replacements, 47207, 47348, 47350, 47363, 31282, 31130, 31405, 47291, 37s aplenty too, normally GD or TE NB variants but until I find a comprehensive list, I cannot confirm which ones without sheer certainty.
I sincerely hope I've jogged a few memories. They were just a few memories I'd lost from my notebooks, I'd love to pour over them now.

Another great read there think 37017 was one of the first of the class that got allocated to inverness there’s a fair chance 26014 might of been an inverness loco at the time as well.