LSGs Getting Out n About

Great write up. Great photos.
Some interesting loco action for the likes of me there.
Like the new avatar picture thingy of 47004.
It always seemed to display the same headcodes of 0X70 on one end, and 1E07 on the other. Did anyone else notice that, and what train was 1E07 anyway? Was it a Kings Cross to Newcastle night train or something similar?

Cowley said:

Great write up. Great photos.
Some interesting loco action for the likes of me there.
Like the new avatar picture thingy of 47004.
It always seemed to display the same headcodes of 0X70 on one end, and 1E07 on the other. Did anyone else notice that, and what train was 1E07 anyway? Was it a Kings Cross to Newcastle night train or something similar?

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Thanks for the kind words Nick. I love that avatar too. As regards the headcode, I'm not actually sure what working it is. 08.30 Edinburgh Kings Cross these days

47403 said:

Thanks for the kind words Nick. I love that avatar too. As regards the headcode, I'm not actually sure what working it is. 08.30 Edinburgh Kings Cross these days

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Ah that’s interesting Mickey.
I always enjoy your reports mate. Sometimes don’t get the time to comment properly, and I don’t generally comment on people’s reports unless I’ve got something worth saying.
Still try and keep up with it all though and I’ll probably do one of my own when I get time.
Keep em coming.

Nice to see you are getting some good days around the local. Keep meaning to get to a trip NCL myself but don't seem to be managing it at the mo.

I hope your ageing better than 47004 ... it could do with some plastic surgery

433N said:

Nice to see you are getting some good days around the local. Keep meaning to get to a trip NCL myself but don't seem to be managing it at the mo.

I hope your ageing better than 47004 ... it could do with some plastic surgery

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Wow. Whereabouts was that taken? Looks like a bit of a no hoper now.

Cowley said:

Wow. Whereabouts was that taken? Looks like a bit of a no hoper now.

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Taken at Bolton Abbey, last August.

Wahey, LSG has made it back out!

158s at Newcastle look well weird, but a welcome change without a doubt. I really need to get back to the Toon, it has been too long! Still got a week's holiday time to book yet, I might have to try and use it for a combination of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle, possibly even a spin to London as well. No idea when I'll squeeze it all in but I'm already working on a plan.

Great to see you active on here again, and here's hoping your next adventure is not far away!

Sounded like a good trip

It's going to feel strange being in the North East next year and not having any Pacers on Saltburn - Darlington services

Great to see you getting back out and about mate. Enjoyed those reads, some real variation in what you saw and rode on.

Might be worth having a 185 focused day though, as aren't TPE taking some out of service when their new fleet arrives into public service?

Like I said in the trip report I only saw 5 or 6, 2 of those were in Darlo.
Was a good day out Kite, I even added a few to the book sights too. A couple of Azumas and a few coaches from the Belle.

The_Train said:

Great to see you getting back out and about mate. Enjoyed those reads, some real variation in what you saw and rode on.

Might be worth having a 185 focused day though, as aren't TPE taking some out of service when their new fleet arrives into public service?

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Cheers Mr Train, was good to get out, even if it was only locally.
I dare say if I'd ventured onto Teeside, I probably could've got a few 185s, especially if any winner 156 or 158s were on the Darlington - Saltburn turns, unfortunately the 2 turns I saw there were 142s and i certainly wasnt willing to ride one of my own accord, if I landed on one then fair enough. On the day only 156472, 156496 and 156511 escaped me on the day. 156472 was ridiculously wedge, so said sod that and had 156511 not came in from Carlisle and went straight to Heaton, I'd have went to Wylam or somewhere to get that underlined for haulage too. I also got incredibly lucky the 185 at Darlo got cancelled, cos had it been a winner I probably would've taken it back to Toon and missed out on 91120 too.

433N said:

Nice to see you are getting some good days around the local. Keep meaning to get to a trip NCL myself but don't seem to be managing it at the mo.

I hope your ageing better than 47004 ... it could do with some plastic surgery

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Thanks for the kind words. If you manage to get down here, give me a shout, if I can get I'd be willing to have a chat on the station with you. Theres a few natives on the forum, who could generally answer some questions you need answering too.

Oh my word, 47004 needs some TLC.

At long last, I get the chance to get out somewhere outside the boundaries of a Tyne Tees day Ranger. In fairness this had been planned for a while, however it's still only a day out, not a multi day outing but as the Bishop said to the actress, ones better than none at all.

For once I had some company too. I cant remember how the conversation came about but I'd mentioned this trip to Mr Train, who said, he fancied a go at that. So from there, we formulated a plan and agreed to meet up on the day.

So on the morning, I'm up at 03.30, I wouldn't say I'm exactly spritely but for it being silly o'clock, I'm certainly a bit more alert, probably down to the excitement of a day on the rails.

Abloutions done, bag packed, coffee consumed, I'm out the house for the first bus into Town and at half 5 in the morning I'm stuffing a Gregg's combo of Sausage n Bacon sarnie and coffee into my face. I walk onto Central station and theres not a great deal to see, a trio of Northern units on platform 3 consisting of 156484,142017 and 158843 are all coupled together, the screens had the train on platform 3 as the 05.42 to Carlisle. I thought triple units to Carlisle, its rare enough to see double 142s or 156s on any turn up here, nevermind a triple. However the excitement was cut short when 158843 and 142017 left together, 4 mins prior to the Carlisle departure, to where, I wasnt sure and 158843s departure board was giving away no clues either.

158843 heads the "Ramblers Excursion"

67013 is the Toons thunderbird today and 180108 rolled by on the slow line with the ECS from Heaton to Sunderland. Shortly after at 05.55, in rolled my steed for the move to Manchester Victoria and much to my delight, a winning steed too in the form of 185148. Despite needing a fair ole chunk of 185s for haulage, I never seem to fall on winning ones, so a good start to the day indeed.

I got aboard and found my seat and settled in. I found some solace in some tunes en route, Joy Divisions, Unknown Pleasures album caressed my ear canals for a good while.

66014 on the Tees to Mossend Modal was just outside Tyne Yard. One of the blue 67s was parked in the middle of Tyne Yard and in the holding pen at the bottom of the yard is 3 possibly 4 Azumas, couldnt really tell due to the old hump shunt blocking the view.

I managed to snaffle 2 Tampers DR73111 and DR77903 for sight at Ferryhill, sadly both Robles at Darlo are dud.
At Darlo I was joined by a guy for the trip to Manchester. What a nice bloke he was too and we had a good laugh, talking football, life as well as asking what today's plans for each other were.
At York, I was hoping there'd be a TPE Cat to add to the bag, on display in one of the bays or in the parcel siding, unfortunately sadly this wasnt the case. 09017 and a tea making device going by the name of Galatea, were outside the NRM. Two EMT liveried gronks were visible at Neville Hill but as I was talking to the guy next to me, we merely flashed by them. Leaving Leeds, I was bowled by a 158 whist getting a tad excited at the chance of getting my first 195 for sight, amid swearing under my breath, I tried to convince myself theres enough time to get them. I was still slightly peeved though.

Not a great else to get excited about as we made our way over the Pennines, the guy next to me asked, told me he was going on a Course and was meeting other colleagues at Piccadilly. I asked, if he knew the way from Victoria because this train doesnt go to Piccadilly. His eyes went as wide as saucers. I advised him to get off at Vic and suggested to get the tram to Victoria, if he didnt know the way. Bang on time, we arrived into Man Vic, I told the guy to ask the gateline staff where he'd get a tram to Piccadilly and we said our goodbyes and wished each other a good day, as I went looking for Mr Train, which didn't take long. Took longer to find my tickets, I thought I'd actually lost them but found them. Sfter 66714 passed through with a Biomass train, we made our way to a cash point for Mr Train. Trying to pay for our tram tickets sounds easier than it actually was. Bloody machines weren't accepting our tenners but after faffing on for a while we got our tickets to Bury for the first day of the ELR's Diesel Gala.

The trams were kindly adding themselves to the book of sights. Both Mr Train and myself were like kids on Xmas Eve for this Gala, the organisers have had a few headaches on the run up to this event. First 47715 was pulled, as its ETH was required at Worksop, to keep the recently stored LNER coaches, from being ruined by damp. Two of the requested 20s, 087 and 110, despite valiant attempts to get them so, would not be ready to participate in the Gala but were promised locos to replace them by Harry Needle. Then 56006 failed on a test run on the line, much to the owners and enthusiasts alike disappointment, ruling the Romanian Grid out of the Gala too. Which was a shame because I was wanting a ride behind that one too.

On the way whilst trying to add as many trams to the sights list, we were trying to formulate a plan of maximising our wants. Mr Train done an exceptional job too. I was having a brain fart of a day and was constantly losing stuff in my bag all day. Even when I went to pick up my tickets, I couldnt even remember the correct post code of the house I've lived on for 4 months. After 2 attempts, I eventually got it right and off we trooped onto the platforms of the excellent Bury Bolton St. First thing to greet us was 33035, bringing in an ECS.

We walked the length.of the train to be greeted by the little beast that is D6729. The paintwork starting to look a bit forlorn these days, however never judge a book by its cover because mechanically it sounds brilliant.

First move off the bat was none other than D1501, I'd had the pleasure of it at last years Gala but today, this ex pat Geordie, 47402 was looking no less stunning than when I'd seen it last, Mr Train and I clambered on board and found a suitable window to stick our heads out of and enjoy some suitable Sulzer thrash up to Rawtenstall. D1501 didn't disappoint either. Especially on approach and through the tunnel at Sommerseat. Very enjoyable indeed. At Ramsbottom, myself and Mr Train, moved ourselves to the end coach, so we could secure droplight windows for the spin back down the line to Ramsbottom.

You 'mis-placing' your ticket at Victoria was all the funnier for you having checked every potential place it could be 3 or 4 times, except for the one place it was.

I have to admit to being slightly disappointed when you did find it. It would have been every entertaining to hear a very stressed Geordie trying to explain a tricky situation to the Manc gateline staff

Great to read a report on this, Mr 403.

I was contemplating dropping in to the ELR myself yesterday as I could have taken a short diversion to attend. But marriage is about give and take and, being the touchy feely kind of guy I am, I judged that suggesting a visit to the ELR might not have been well-received given we had been on alot of trains recently (see upcoming Trip Report for more details).

I would have been well-bummed about 56006 though

47403 said:

If you manage to get down here, give me a shout, if I can get I'd be willing to have a chat on the station with you.

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Certainly will do, sir.

ON EDIT : Is Unknown Pleasures really the soundtrack to a good day out ? Where will it end ...

After climbing off to get a pic of D1501 I returned to the front, to retrieve my intended droplight window only to find a guy had snuck on and claimed it for himself, the git. I consoled myself with kneeling on the table and sticking my head out the front coach window instead, for the rather more sedate but no less enjoyable trip down to Ramsbottom.

At Ramsbottom, we were bailing to get the Ramsbottom shuttle back down to Bury, this was in the hands of the teddy D9531. As we left the 47, I planted a kiss on it. It's something that used to baffle my mates in years gone by and I think Mr Train looked equally so too.

I have found a bit of a soft spot for the teddy's, last years visit had saw me treated to a good spin behind both its sister D9537 and itself, so it was safe to say i was looking forward to another spin behind one sgsin.
After roughly 15mins wait we boarded said Teddy and I think Mr Train was suitably as impressed too.

Despite being held for a while, we were slightly perturbed on why we were being held, as a few were at the bottom end of the platform were having curious glances at the loco. Our fears of a failure were alleviated by being told, they were waiting of D1501 clearing the line before we could set off. We certainly didnt want to miss out on the next turn but after a 5min wait, that felt like much longer, we got the off and the teddy was doing its thing.

Arriving into Bolton Street it was off said Teddy and straight onto the awaiting the first pair of 20s up to Rawtenstall, for some long awaited chopper thrash. No time for photos, just find a window, stick your head out and enjoy. 20096 and winner 20132 didnt disappoint either. In fact they were flipping fantastic, what a storm up to Rawtenstall that was, both Mr Train and I were unanimous on that. A short while after Ramsbottom, I told Mr Train, I'd go and secure us some seats in the rear coach, so we could be at the front to hear the tail gunners performance down to Bolton Street, well for it was for me.

This may shock many but I was continuing on for a move and loco I desperately wanted to ride behind. Unfortunately this meant me side stepping 47765. Yeah folks, you read right. In my defence, I'd had the 47 more than a few times over the course of a couple of days at last years gala.

Until then we had winner 56103 to enjoy, Mr Train to Ramsbottom and me back to Bolton Street.

On the way down, we were working out which turn Mr Train and I were to meet back on. In the background to our nattering we had 56103's screamage coursing through the open window, till Mr Train bade his farewell for a bit, as he departed for 47765.

Onwards I sat and relaxed letting 56103 take the strain. Noticing the shutters were up on the small Castlecroft depot, where Hymek D7076 and what looked like a heavily stripped Western, were residing inside. I later found out the western was D1041 Western Prince, which was certainly a new sighting for me. I also wished D7076 was out to play, it's on my railway bucket list.

Talking of bucket lists, at Bolton Street was my next move. To say I was excited about riding behind it, was a tad understanding it. So on arriving into Bolton Street it was up and over the bridge onto the platform for thre short wait for the highly anticipated next one up to Rawtenstall.

In rolled good ole Beefy, a nickname given to D832 Onslaught, now not only was a warship on my rsilway bucket list but D832 was a cop for the book of sights, so an all round winner. I got onboard and found myself a window about 2/3rds of the way down but put my head out the window to hear and sample what D832 had to offer. With Onslsught's departure, the driver certainly left me in no doubt as to why I had chosen not to sample 47765. The noise drew a bit of a cheer as he pulled the power handle back as we left, the Warship seemed to erupt, wow, what a noise, I loved every minute of it, I now had a bit of a dilemma, I was loving the noise D832 was making but I could get off at Ramsbottom and meet up with 47765 or do I go onto Rawtenstall. I chose to bail but after getting halfway over the footbridge 47765 pulled away, leaving many of us to do an about turn and return to ole Beefy, not that I was complaining because it was awesome and if truth be told, a large part of me felt guilty for bailing in the first place. At Rawtenstall I got the obligatory pic of ole Beefy and reflect on another hydraulic being added to the haulage list, now only a Hymek is needed to scratch off that particular list now and for the record ole Beefy is an absolute beast!!

It was back on and await for ole Beefy to take me Ramsbottom again, where I'd meet up with the next turn and ofcourse be reunited with Mr Train. Only this time I sat and enjoyed the warships less than subtle Siddley Maybach noise waft through the window, with no doubt, a silly little grin on my face.
.................................................to be continued

The_Train said:

You 'mis-placing' your ticket at Victoria was all the funnier for you having checked every potential place it could be 3 or 4 times, except for the one place it was.

I have to admit to being slightly disappointed when you did find it. It would have been every entertaining to hear a very stressed Geordie trying to explain a tricky situation to the Manc gateline staff

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Cheers Yam Yam. Much appreciated. I was slightly bricking it mind, it's a long walk home to the North East.

433N said:

Great to read a report on this, Mr 403.

I was contemplating dropping in to the ELR myself yesterday as I could have taken a short diversion to attend. But marriage is about give and take and, being the touchy feely kind of guy I am, I judged that suggesting a visit to the ELR might not have been well-received given we had been on alot of trains recently (see upcoming Trip Report for more details).

I would have been well-bummed about 56006 though



Certainly will do, sir.

ON EDIT : Is Unknown Pleasures really the soundtrack to a good day out ? Where will it end ...

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Thanks for the kind words 433,. I've been listening to a lot of Joy Division lately, in fact I was gonna have play on words and call this #LSGsTramsMission but thought that might just sound like a tram bash in Manchester. However I'll leave that for Mr 13, I know hes a big Joy Division fan and is known to go hunting out his required trams from time to time.
Regarding 56006, you cant fault the guys for trying, apparently they done everything in their power to get it running properly for the Gala, I have no doubt they'd have been equally gutted too. Fortunately the DCR 56s have stepped in to breach the gap. I was disappointed 56006 never made the Gala but was more gutted for all who worked on it to get it running for the Gala, must've been equally frustrating for them too.

Yeah 433, you have to keep her indoors sweet, you know what they're like, it'll only be used against you as evidence in the next disagreement if you don't.

47403 said:

I've been listening to a lot of Joy Division lately, in fact I was gonna have play on words and call this #LSGsTramsMission but thought that might just sound like a tram bash in Manchester. However I'll leave that for Mr 13, I know hes a big Joy Division fan and is known to go hunting out his required trams from time to time.

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Be that as it may, a day bashing with a 3:30 am start is no place for Joy Division ; it's just full of wrong.

The music you were actually looking for was some live Underworld particular a Moaner - Rez/Cowgirl combination as exemplified from the 50 minute mark here ; .

433N said:

Be that as it may, a day bashing with a 3:30 am start is no place for Joy Division ; it's just full of wrong.

The music you were actually looking for was some live Underworld particular a Moaner - Rez/Cowgirl combination as exemplified from the 50 minute mark here ;

.

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I cant do that music whatsoever, the closest I'd come to listen to that music is PWEI, maybe I should've listened to them instead.

So where was I, oh aye I remember now. I'm sitting enjoying D832, back down towards Ramsbottom to meet up the with the next turn and go back up to Rawtenstall and meet Mr Train. I was starting to get a bit hungry now too. That sausage n bacon sarnie I'd had a 05.25 seemed a distant memory and my stomach was making similar noises as ole Beefy up front. All too soon we pulled into Ramsbottom and it was off over the bridge to await the next turn.

Not long after in came 20096 and 20132 again only this time, it had the tango twins, 20311 and 20314 as the rear gunners. I found Mr Train and asked how 47765 was and if the 20s had been as good as before. Again the 20s gave a spirited and enjoyable ride up to Rawtenstall. At Rawtenstall, I bailed off and got pics of the 20s before hitting the bait hut. 2 steak pies for a fiver seemed quite pricey but they were marvelous. Even better on arrival back Mr Train had secured the droplight window, I was too busy ramming pies in my face to worry about windows but 20311 and 20314 were winners none the less. Very enjoyable winners too.

I stood talking to Mr Train whilst he had his head out the window listening to 20s thrashing away. They'd already given a spirited display, when sheep on the line, stopped the train dead in its tracks. After the sheep had been herded off the line, the driver pulled back the power handle to get us up the gradient, the 20s erupted very nicely indeed, then their was that long whistle, which gets them their other nickname of bombs. At Ramsbottom Mr Train kindly stepped aside and let me take over the droplight window for a bit, which was very nice of him and very much appreciated too.
Unfortunately on arrival at Bolton St, we were now coming to the last 2 moves of the day. However there was no time to hang around, it was straight of 20311 and 20314 and onto 50015 doing the last Ramsbottom shuttle.

I know 50015 was on Mr Trains wish list but I was only too happy to get behind 50015 again myself. The driver certainly played to his audience here too and I defy anyone to tell me he wasnt either. The driver was certainly putting Valiant through it paces, quite simply it was a stunning ride behind the 50. An indication that the driver was playing to his audience came after leaving Sommerseat. He'd already pulled back the power handle to devastating effect to get up to the tunnel, then let the 50 idle for a bit but as soon as we got into the tunnel, he pulled back the power handle to about notch 10 and let rip, the thrash and noise was truly outstanding, now we'd enjoyed some cracking thrash today but that was(no.pun intended) top notch stuff. A relative thrash fest to Ramsbottom. A one both Mr Train and I thoroughly enjoyed. Sadly now we were waiting for the last move of the day, the last move of todays Gala too. How would we cope. Well as days end, finishing with 37109 up to Rawtenstall and back down to Bolton St was hardly gonna be an anti climax was it.

Every time I see 37109, it always evokes memories of Summer Saturdays in the 80s, it just seems to be the archetypal 37, that everyone was after on a Yarmouth, Scarborough or Blackpool turn. Now I'll be totally honest here, I prefer 37s with the central headbox, especially domino ones but a split box 37 just looked rarer on a passenger turn, if that makes any sense whatsoever. Anyway I digress, back to job in hand. Having been treated to a lot with 50015, 37109 had a lot to live up to. Did it disappoint, not a bloody chance. 37109 was sheer bloody hell fire. We must've only been pout of Ramsbottom for 30secs at most, when the driver opened her up, gaining total approval in the form of a toot from the driver parked up in the sidings with 50015.

Sounds like you lads had a cracking time at the ELR. An excellent variety of traction.

BTW, the 195 you missed at Leeds will have been a 331!

Sounds like a right proper good thrash fest there! 50015, yes I remember that 'un from when I did the ELR gala a few years ago. Can't remember when it was now, it was for sure when Metrolink still had their old trams in use. Possibly early 2013? Either way, that 50 was a right beast back then and I'm glad to hear it still is.

Agreed on your thoughts with the headcode box on 37s. I do prefer a split-box 37 personally, for some reason it just looks better, as if it means business more than any other 37 does. Weird I know! 37109 was a monster when I had it too, it sure sounds like you had a lot of drivers who knew how to entertain their crowds!

Certainly the 20s I'd have loved to try, I've not had a 20 for so long that occasion fails to come to mind too. 311 and 312 reminds me of their DRS days, and that just brings back plenty of nostalgia!

Was at the ELR on Thursday too. 20096/132 certainly didn't disappoint, neither did 56103.

As you can expect, the run up to Rawtenstall was a bit of a thrash fest, much to Mr Trains and my delight, in fact it was a shame when we got there. Still we had one last run and then it would be homeward bound.

A quick nip to the bait hut for a cold drink, where were told the pies are now a quid and despite having 2 earlier I was still hungry. Sadly no steak ones left, so I went for a cheese n onion pie. Which wasnt too bad but not a patch on the steak ones. Ofcourse Mr Train, upset the apple cart by taking the last meat n potatoe one. There were some pretty glum faces in the queue behind him, when that news broke

After I troughed my 3rd pie and a quick ciggy it was back on board the last train of the days gala and 37109 didn't disappoint either, eith some fine EE Growlage back to Bolton St. Back at Bury everyone clambered off for their final pictures of the day and were met with 37109 in one platform, 20314 and 311 in another and 56103 in the bay. Cant say I've seen that very often, even in the day when loco hauled stuff was king.

That photo kinda summed up what the whole day had been. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and after asking Mr Train, if he'd had a good day? he'd readily agreed, he had too. Sadly we had to make tracks and start thinking of journeys home. I got one last shot of 37109

and we made back for the tram to Piccadilly.

As we made the short walk back to the tram stop, I said to Mr Train, bad thing about Diesel Galas, is once they're finished, if your not going back the next day, you want another straight away, he readily agreed and said, he was already thinking of another.

Winner trams 3006 and 3059 took us back to Piccadilly, where we tried to rope in a few more for the book of sights. At Man Picc, it was a quick Reccy of the platforms, for me mainly to see if 323225, any 195s or required 150s were lurking round. Sadly the answer was no. However as were making our way off towards the barriers, a bloody 195 was now on platform 14 Ah well it can stay there, I certainly couldnt be arsed to run back and try and get it. At the barriers I said my goodbyes to Mr Train, thanking the guy for his great company over the day.

I made my way down to the trams and after 8mins, was onboard winner 3021 for the short hop to Man Vic, where i got a a cup.of coffee and after a quick scour of the trams made my way onto the platform to await the 20.02 back to Newcastle. In that time waiting 150209, added itself to the book of sights. I'm guessing by the carriage numbers this is a mix of 150209 and 150212. I certainly had to check it up in the NREA before I decided which one I'd copped. Either way it was greatfully recieved.

All that left was journey home, would I get another winner home or would it revert to type and TPE throw another dud my way. Well if you thought, ah it'll revert to type, you guessed right. Dud 185127 was my steed home. Thrre wasnt a great deal to see on the way back, I missed ID'ing an Azuma at Leeds, I'd nodded off around Huddersfield and was awoken by the tones of, we'll shortly be arriving into Leeds, just as an Azuma went by. At Nebille Hill, I'm greeted by 66774 and another UID 195/331 over the back of the depot. At York, 66080 was on a steel train but very little else. After York, I flaked out anyway and woke up in between Darlo and Durham. I gathered my belongings up and 20mins or so later, we were pulling into Platfotm 2 at the local and went straight off to the bus stop. I was home shortly before 11, absolutely knackered but had an excellent day. I'd scored 20 new trams, 08499, 150209, D1041 and D832, plus 2 Tampers, all for sight. 5 winning locos for haulage, 3 20s in 20132, 20311 and 20314, 56103, with an all round winner in ole Beefy D832, talking of Beefy, another Hydraulic off the bucket list, I'm certainly becoming a big fan of these hydraulics. I loved that run behind it too. 185148 and 5 new trams for haulage all added to the mix too. So not a bad day all round really on the numbers side of things.
Ofcourse we'd had some memorable locos for haulage, I think D1501 set the tone for the day, it was a storming run up to Rawtenstall behind my fellow Geordie ex pat, after that, the Gala just kept delivering all day.
Lastly I'd like to say a big thanks to Mr Train, for his company and working out the days moves. It was a pleasure mate. Thanks again.

xotGD said:

Sounds like you lads had a cracking time at the ELR. An excellent variety of traction.

BTW, the 195 you missed at Leeds will have been a 331!

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Was a great Gala Mr xot. 195 or 331, Plenty time to go hunting them. It's not the end of the world but if anyone knows which one it was, dont let me stop you revealing which it was

Techniquest said:

Sounds like a right proper good thrash fest there! 50015, yes I remember that 'un from when I did the ELR gala a few years ago. Can't remember when it was now, it was for sure when Metrolink still had their old trams in use. Possibly early 2013? Either way, that 50 was a right beast back then and I'm glad to hear it still is.

Agreed on your thoughts with the headcode box on 37s. I do prefer a split-box 37 personally, for some reason it just looks better, as if it means business more than any other 37 does. Weird I know! 37109 was a monster when I had it too, it sure sounds like you had a lot of drivers who knew how to entertain their crowds!

Certainly the 20s I'd have loved to try, I've not had a 20 for so long that occasion fails to come to mind too. 311 and 312 reminds me of their DRS days, and that just brings back plenty of nostalgia!

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Aye it was great fun. We certainly had some drivers who were entertaining the crowds, which just added to the day with some fine noise coming from the traction involved. You wanna be careful there Tech, you'll become a nostalgic ole fart like me

barrowjack said:

Was at the ELR on Thursday too. 20096/132 certainly didn't disappoint, neither did 56103.

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Shame we didnt know Jack, would've been nice to put a face to the name. Agree with you there squire. Though, I maybe on my own here, I think 56s sound like a much bigger powerful Valenta engined HST. Albeit they're more pleasing aesthetically on the eye. Mr Train said, I was just biased because it wasnt a 47. Which isn't true by the way because every 56 I've ever had for haulage, has always been good fun.

47403 said:

Shame we didnt know Jack, would've been nice to put a face to the name. Agree with you there squire. Though, I maybe on my own here, I think 56s sound like a much bigger powerful Valenta engined HST. Albeit they're more pleasing aesthetically on the eye. Mr Train said, I was just biased because it wasnt a 47. Which isn't true by the way because every 56 I've ever had for haulage, has always been good fun.

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Maybe next year! Sounds like we were on a few of the same trains too. It was a shame 56091 wasn't out on Thursday as well, so both 56's could be sampled for haulage.

Great write up mate, really was a top day and you've captured it perfectly. When I finally get around to a write up, I might just post a link to yours

As for the last pie, I've never felt so awkward purchasing a pastry item before. I genuinely thought I was going to end up with it being rammed down my throat

Talking of awkward, I hope @barrowjack wasn't the guy who kept popping up to pinch your spot at the droplight

The_Train said:

Great write up mate, really was a top day and you've captured it perfectly. When I finally get around to a write up, I might just post a link to yours

As for the last pie, I've never felt so awkward purchasing a pastry item before. I genuinely thought I was going to end up with it being rammed down my throat

Talking of awkward, I hope @barrowjack wasn't the guy who kept popping up to pinch your spot at the droplight

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Cheers for the kind words Mr Train.
It was funny, you didnt see the faces behind you . Aye, I hope jack wasnt that guy. I kept getting on trains and the git was at the front window on everyone. At the end of the day, it wasnt the end of the world, at least we still got the locos for haulage, he says through gritted teeth

barrowjack said:

Maybe next year! Sounds like we were on a few of the same trains too. It was a shame 56091 wasn't out on Thursday as well, so both 56's could be sampled for haulage.

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Sounds like it Jack. I'm sure our paths will cross one day mate. I think next years will be pencilled in for sure.

The_Train said:

Talking of awkward, I hope @barrowjack wasn't the guy who kept popping up to pinch your spot at the droplight

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Definitely wasn't me . The only time I ventured near a drop light was for the picture of the 20's at Heywood in my thread, and that was almost near the back!