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Adrock's trip reports
- Thread starter adrock1976
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
Some excellent reading there good sir, wow that was one amazing clearout you had! 
hock:
I need to find that Tesco in Didcot as well, having been past it dozens of times! One day 139001 will produce for you, it has to!
hock:I need to find that Tesco in Didcot as well, having been past it dozens of times! One day 139001 will produce for you, it has to!
adrock1976
Established Member
I had purchased the scratchcard Daytripper in March 2015 (the final date being 31 December 2016), with the intention of using it at some point in the future to concentrate on Glasgow & South Western Railway metals and in particular, the KA postcode area as neither the Roundabout Glasgow or Central Scotland Rover covers Ayrshire. I would also use this to hit the afternoon peak extras on the East Kilbride route, where there are double and triple Class 156 workings. I formed some draft plans in early summer of 2015, of which due to a combination of the famous unofficial Tweedbank special promotion (the erroneous £1 single fares) at the January 2016 fares round, and with me having already done a day trip as far as Sanquhar in March, plus a few Glasgow Central Pollokshaws West runs, this now left my plans that I drafted in 2015 looking nothing at all like the original. Furthermore, as I have cleared all of the Class 380 fleet in January 2016, and only requiring 6 of the Scotrail Class 156s (including 156478 and 509), I knew that the probability of landing them today would be similar to Aston Villa winning the European Cup in the next couple of years i.e. closer to zero than one.
It was out of the door and a walk to the bus stop to hop on the 57 to Bath Street in the centre of Glasgow. I walked along Bath Street from the junction of West Nile Street to the junction of Wellington Street to hop on the McGills 17 service to Partick (this was formerly a route operated by Arriva Scotland West/Clydeside/Scottish Motor Traction). After completing an errand here, it was to Glasgow Central on the First Glasgow 2 (formerly route 62) and to check the screens inside the station before starting the main bash.
It was onboard the 10:30 Ayr service, formed by 380001 which runs non-stop to Kilwinning. As I did not have this in my original plans, I was able to fit this in, so as I could do the non-stop run in both directions for the novelty factor. It did seem strange passing through Paisley Gilmour Street non-stop, and of note there were only a small handful of passengers onboard this service. I alighted at Troon for a short fester on the same platform before boarding the 11:16 Kilmarnock Stranraer service, formed by 156505 for the run to Girvan. Of note, 66026 was spotted between Troon and Prestwick International Airport, while there appeared to be some disused maroon EWS coal wagons both sides of the tracks at Newton-on-Ayr.
As I had a gap of 40 minutes or so before the bus was due, I had a walk into the centre of Girvan for a look around. It was onboard the 12:39 Stagecoach 359 minibus that runs to Newton Stewart via the A714, passing through Pinwherry. It seemed that I was the youngest person on board this bus, going by the other 4 passengers who were on with me. I alighted at Barrhill, then walked uphill along Station Road to arrive at the Stranraer platform of Barrhill station. It was over the barrow crossing to the Glasgow platform to await the 13:38 Kilmarnock service, formed by as expected the return of 156505 for the northbound run to Maybole.
After picking up some lunch from the Co-op, it was back to the station to board the 14:37 Girvan service, formed by 156513. Of note, I scored the microgrice into the Glasgow platform from the northbound direction. I remained onboard for the 15:00 departure for the northbound run to Ayr, then crossing over to Platform 4 for the 15:56 all stations Glasgow Central service, formed by 380012 for a bus stop bash to Newton-on-Ayr. It is noted that I have now scored all stations between Glasgow Central and Stranraer via both Kilmarnock and Paisley GS routes. It was then onboard the 15:50 GLC non-stop from Kilwinning service, formed by 380101 all the way to GLC and having done the non-stop run in both directions.
Upon checking the screen, it was back on 380101 for the soon to become heavily loaded 16:50 Ardrossan Harbour service. There were several passengers who alighted at Johnstone. After I alighted at Ardrossan Town, it was a walk along South Crescent Road to the Laurieston Hotel, then turning into the adjacent side street to arrive at Ardrossan South Beach station a 10 to 15 minute walk or so. I boarded the 17:50 GLC service at the rearmost set of doors, formed by 380004 to head a couple of stops to Stevenston. As Stevenston station has a road level crossing at the Ardrossan end and with there being no footbridge between platforms, combined with a 3 minute gap for trains to pass each other, it was immediately over to the Ardrossan/Largs platform for the 17:57 Largs service, formed by a very busy 380107. A lot of passengers alighted at the next stop Saltcoats. I alighted this service at West Kilbride, and had a short wander before the next service arrived.
It was onboard the 18:34 Largs service, formed by 380010 for a hop to the next station Fairlie. During the 15 minute fester, I had a look around and spotted a railway sign in the car park with the text Fairlie High which was most likely to be a former junction and/or yard of some sort. This is one for the humourous or funny signs collection. I wonder if there was ever a matching partner called Fairlie Low? Anyway, it was onboard the 18:57 GLC service, which was formed by the return of 380107 for the run all the way back to Glasgow Central. After arriving at GLC, I took a look as to what Class 156s were on the East Kilbride and Kilmarnock departures, but they were dud.
Determined not to end the day leaving empty handed in terms of haulage requirements (this would be the very first time in my recording of rail trips, including my first spell between 1988 and 1994), I decided to take a look at what the 21:05 ICXC Edinburgh Waverley service would be, and was delighted that it would be 221135. As this arrived at around 20:15, I took a look at the next couple of departures for East Kilbride and Kilmarnock to do a run to either Crossmyloof or Pollokshaws West if they were required. As they were both dud, I declined that. Of note, had the Voyager been dud, I would have hopped on the 20:20 Lanark service to Motherwell to meet the London Kings Cross GLC ICEC service and if that was dud, I had a couple of Pendolinos as well to aim for if need be.
Anyway, it was onboard the 21:05 EDB service formed by winning 221135 for a run to Motherwell. It was over to the opposite Caledonian Main Line Glasgow platform (the other 2 for the route to/from Hamilton I believe were possibly the Lanarkshire & Ayrshire Railway) for the slightly delayed 21:27 GLC service, formed by winning 390126 back to GLC. Having noted that the service from KGX was 91121+82215 (both required), and that 90047 was on the 23:40 GLC London Euston sleeper service with 92014 having hauled the set in from Polmadie, I decided to call it a day and head back up the road on First Glasgow 57.
Overall, even though I did not get any winning Class 156s today, I have managed to clear all stations in the KA postcode. The only Glasgow & South Western Railway stations I have left to score happen to be some tricky ones in DG postcode. Those ones I require are Dumfries, Annan, and Gretna Green, plus Lockerbie on the Caledonian Railway. With me having ended the day's proceedings with a run to Motherwell and back, I did not leave empty handed after all.
It was out of the door and a walk to the bus stop to hop on the 57 to Bath Street in the centre of Glasgow. I walked along Bath Street from the junction of West Nile Street to the junction of Wellington Street to hop on the McGills 17 service to Partick (this was formerly a route operated by Arriva Scotland West/Clydeside/Scottish Motor Traction). After completing an errand here, it was to Glasgow Central on the First Glasgow 2 (formerly route 62) and to check the screens inside the station before starting the main bash.
It was onboard the 10:30 Ayr service, formed by 380001 which runs non-stop to Kilwinning. As I did not have this in my original plans, I was able to fit this in, so as I could do the non-stop run in both directions for the novelty factor. It did seem strange passing through Paisley Gilmour Street non-stop, and of note there were only a small handful of passengers onboard this service. I alighted at Troon for a short fester on the same platform before boarding the 11:16 Kilmarnock Stranraer service, formed by 156505 for the run to Girvan. Of note, 66026 was spotted between Troon and Prestwick International Airport, while there appeared to be some disused maroon EWS coal wagons both sides of the tracks at Newton-on-Ayr.
As I had a gap of 40 minutes or so before the bus was due, I had a walk into the centre of Girvan for a look around. It was onboard the 12:39 Stagecoach 359 minibus that runs to Newton Stewart via the A714, passing through Pinwherry. It seemed that I was the youngest person on board this bus, going by the other 4 passengers who were on with me. I alighted at Barrhill, then walked uphill along Station Road to arrive at the Stranraer platform of Barrhill station. It was over the barrow crossing to the Glasgow platform to await the 13:38 Kilmarnock service, formed by as expected the return of 156505 for the northbound run to Maybole.
After picking up some lunch from the Co-op, it was back to the station to board the 14:37 Girvan service, formed by 156513. Of note, I scored the microgrice into the Glasgow platform from the northbound direction. I remained onboard for the 15:00 departure for the northbound run to Ayr, then crossing over to Platform 4 for the 15:56 all stations Glasgow Central service, formed by 380012 for a bus stop bash to Newton-on-Ayr. It is noted that I have now scored all stations between Glasgow Central and Stranraer via both Kilmarnock and Paisley GS routes. It was then onboard the 15:50 GLC non-stop from Kilwinning service, formed by 380101 all the way to GLC and having done the non-stop run in both directions.
Upon checking the screen, it was back on 380101 for the soon to become heavily loaded 16:50 Ardrossan Harbour service. There were several passengers who alighted at Johnstone. After I alighted at Ardrossan Town, it was a walk along South Crescent Road to the Laurieston Hotel, then turning into the adjacent side street to arrive at Ardrossan South Beach station a 10 to 15 minute walk or so. I boarded the 17:50 GLC service at the rearmost set of doors, formed by 380004 to head a couple of stops to Stevenston. As Stevenston station has a road level crossing at the Ardrossan end and with there being no footbridge between platforms, combined with a 3 minute gap for trains to pass each other, it was immediately over to the Ardrossan/Largs platform for the 17:57 Largs service, formed by a very busy 380107. A lot of passengers alighted at the next stop Saltcoats. I alighted this service at West Kilbride, and had a short wander before the next service arrived.
It was onboard the 18:34 Largs service, formed by 380010 for a hop to the next station Fairlie. During the 15 minute fester, I had a look around and spotted a railway sign in the car park with the text Fairlie High which was most likely to be a former junction and/or yard of some sort. This is one for the humourous or funny signs collection. I wonder if there was ever a matching partner called Fairlie Low? Anyway, it was onboard the 18:57 GLC service, which was formed by the return of 380107 for the run all the way back to Glasgow Central. After arriving at GLC, I took a look as to what Class 156s were on the East Kilbride and Kilmarnock departures, but they were dud.
Determined not to end the day leaving empty handed in terms of haulage requirements (this would be the very first time in my recording of rail trips, including my first spell between 1988 and 1994), I decided to take a look at what the 21:05 ICXC Edinburgh Waverley service would be, and was delighted that it would be 221135. As this arrived at around 20:15, I took a look at the next couple of departures for East Kilbride and Kilmarnock to do a run to either Crossmyloof or Pollokshaws West if they were required. As they were both dud, I declined that. Of note, had the Voyager been dud, I would have hopped on the 20:20 Lanark service to Motherwell to meet the London Kings Cross GLC ICEC service and if that was dud, I had a couple of Pendolinos as well to aim for if need be.
Anyway, it was onboard the 21:05 EDB service formed by winning 221135 for a run to Motherwell. It was over to the opposite Caledonian Main Line Glasgow platform (the other 2 for the route to/from Hamilton I believe were possibly the Lanarkshire & Ayrshire Railway) for the slightly delayed 21:27 GLC service, formed by winning 390126 back to GLC. Having noted that the service from KGX was 91121+82215 (both required), and that 90047 was on the 23:40 GLC London Euston sleeper service with 92014 having hauled the set in from Polmadie, I decided to call it a day and head back up the road on First Glasgow 57.
Overall, even though I did not get any winning Class 156s today, I have managed to clear all stations in the KA postcode. The only Glasgow & South Western Railway stations I have left to score happen to be some tricky ones in DG postcode. Those ones I require are Dumfries, Annan, and Gretna Green, plus Lockerbie on the Caledonian Railway. With me having ended the day's proceedings with a run to Motherwell and back, I did not leave empty handed after all.
MidnightFlyer
Veteran Member
- Joined
- 16 May 2010
- Messages
- 12,856
Fairlie High was the former name of the existing station. I have no idea what it was meant to differentiate it from!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Congrats on clearing another part of Scotland 
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Nice bit of work there on clearing out shacks in your local-ish area, fortunate to get lucky at the end with two winners.
You have reminded me that I need to put some serious focus on the East Kilbride line in the evening peak for shacks and 156s, given that I need plenty. Same for the local shacks to Kilmarnock. Almost all 380-served shacks are dud, just two more to go and 7 380s to find. The local lines west of Central towards Helensburgh (indeed, it is almost all just on the Edinburgh to Helensburgh line!) is a different story...
You have reminded me that I need to put some serious focus on the East Kilbride line in the evening peak for shacks and 156s, given that I need plenty. Same for the local shacks to Kilmarnock. Almost all 380-served shacks are dud, just two more to go and 7 380s to find. The local lines west of Central towards Helensburgh (indeed, it is almost all just on the Edinburgh to Helensburgh line!) is a different story...
adrock1976
Established Member
When I failed in my attempt to score Reddish South and Denton stations back in July when the 04:28 Glasgow Central – London Euston service got cancelled, and having spotted 323238 with an “Empty to Depot” destination, you could tell that day was not going to be lucky regarding requirements along London & North Western Railway, Midland Railway, and Great Central Railway metals. By switching to Lancashire & Yorkshire metals, I had better luck that day, all of which was detailed in my July report. As I would be in Manchester in October for a conference and with me staying near Meols station in the Cheshire part of Merseyside, by doing Reddish South and Denton today would mean that I could use a Cheshire Day Ranger and concentrate on CW/WA/CH postcode areas in October. Of note, the only part of the trip I have planned today is obviously Manchester-Bredbury-Reddish North-Reddish South-Denton-Hyde Central-Manchester, with the remainder of the day using the good old fashioned pen, blank sheet of paper, and timetables for when anything required is spotted.
It was an early rise for me and after being out of the door not long after 03:35, it was a walk to Glasgow Central station via Springburn Road and Baird Street to rejoin my normal route at the junction of North Hanover Street and Dobbies Loan. The reason why I walked a longer route is because my normal route via Fountainwell Road and Sighthill Park is presently blocked off due to redevelopment works, with the high rise flats along Pinkston Drive being demolished slowly. I had arrived at the Gordon Street entrance at around 04:10. After having spotted 350405 on the 04:22 GLC – Manchester Airport service sitting in Platform 7, it was over to Platform 1 to board the 04:28 London Euston via Trent Valley Railway service, formed by dud 390127 “Virgin Buccaneer” for the southbound run to Preston. Of note, 37609 and possibly 37409 (unsure of third digit) were spotted at Kingmoor, 156469 spotted at Lancaster in the Carlisle facing bay platforms, and 142048 on the 07:00 Colne service plus 350407 on the 06:58 MIA – Edinburgh Waverley service were spotted at Preston.
After purchasing a large tea from the kiosk at the foot of the ramp to Platforms 3 and 4, it was soon onboard the 07:05 Blackpool North/Talbot Road – MIA service. I was expecting this to be perennial and evergreen dud pair 156471+460 (as I mainly seem to land those on a PRE – MAN leg in either direction), but rather much to my surprise it was winning pair 156427+486 that took me to MAN. After alighting from the train, I took a look to see what Class 323 was on the 08:04 Crewe via Stockport service, but was dud. I then went to the booking office to purchase the GM PTE Rail Ranger and a Reddish South – Denton single (so as my usage of both stations has one method of being recorded in the passenger usage data, and as it is slightly before 09:30 at both stations the train is timetabled to call).
I made my way to Platform 1 for the 08:14 Marple via Bredbury service, formed by dud 142028+ required 142023 for the run to Bredbury. It was over to the Manchester platform and as the 08:37 was a dud pair of 142s I declined that for the next option being the 08:43, which was formed by required 150114 to go 2 stops to Reddish North. I then headed off south along the main Gorton Road (the Gorton Road in the Cheshire part of GM and in the SK postcode area – the main Gorton Road between Fairfield and Gorton stations is the one in Manchester itself and the Lancashire part, and has an M postcode). Eventually, I reached Reddish South station and as I had 15 minutes before the train was due, I nipped into the Morrisons store to purchase a light snack and a meal deal for lunch later on. I went down onto the platform and the former glory of the station is evident to see, as it used to have 2 island platforms in operation as to today's single face island platform with a single track line to match too. Of note, the Friends of Reddish South Station had a stall on the platform.
As Reddish South station has no screens or information contact point as expected for a station that is served once every seven days on Fridays Only, it was heart in mouth time as 09:27 came and went. There were two other passengers with me, with one alighting at Denton with me, with the other passenger going all the way to Stalybridge. We ended in a discussion of rail related things, with the passenger who was going to Denton asking if me and the Stalybridge passenger are going to visit every station in the UK. I mentioned that I would probably not get all of them, but I would concentrate on most of the least served stations and ones in the PTE areas, plus the regional diagrams as shown on the reverse of the Great Britain Passenger Timetable rail map e.g. Liverpool/Manchester/Leeds/Sheffield, London, etc. Also, as my former local line the Stourbridge Railway was a part of the Great Western Railway, I would attempt to visit all stations that were part of the GWR, including the Great Central Railway/GWR Alternative Route. Both of the fellow passengers made reference to the Clitheroe – Hellifield section of line, as they were requiring that track for coverage and I mentioned that I did that 20 years ago on an IC125 from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh Waverley when the line between Lancaster & Carlisle was closed for engineering works. Furthermore, I had mentioned to the fellow Denton passenger that I had visited Teesside Airport earlier this year, and that it is Sundays only, but it has a service in both directions with a 90 minute or thereabouts gap, or a 45 minute walk along the old Yarm Road to Dinsdale station.
Anyway, it was ascertained that the train was running 15 minutes behind schedule, and at around 09:40, it was onboard dud pair 142005+142038 for a short hop to the next stop Denton. The fellow passenger who alighted with me was going to hang about for a freight train passing through, but I decided to make my way to Hyde Central station. After checking the bus timetable at the bus stop, I realised that it would be unlikely that the 09:54 Stagecoach 201 would get me to Hyde Central for the 10:06 MAN service, so being as it was a pleasant morning, I decided to walk along Manchester Road North and Hyde Road (the main roads that run parallel to the M67). By the time I got to Hyde Central station, there were three 201 buses that passed me. It was a hike up to the Manchester platform and 8 to 10 minutes later, it was onboard the 10:35 MAN service, formed by recently dud 142023+ dud 142028 for the run back to MAN, having completed my main target for today at the second attempt.
It was time to pull out the blank sheet of paper and the list of requirements to see what was around. The 11:04 Crewe via Stockport, the 11:18 Glossop and Hadfield, the 11:46 Stoke-on-Trent local all stations service, and the 11:38 Alderley Edge via Stockport services were all dud Class 323s, with the 11:49 Buxton being a dud Class 150, so eventually, I settled upon the 11:24 York – Manchester Airport service, formed by required 185133 for the non-stop run to MIA, spotting 667x4 hauling containers in the Trafford Park direction near Slade Lane Junction. After alighting at MIA, I checked the screen for the next departures, with the 12:00 Edinburgh Waverley service up next. This was formed by dud perennial and evergreen stalkers 350401+406 (these 2 seem to follow me everywhere), therefore declined that for a look at the 12:03 Southport via Bolton service in Platform 4. The rear unit was dud 156426 with the front unit being required 142062, so I boarded the Pacer for the non-stop run back to MAN.
After checking the 12:38 Alderley Edge via Stockport, the 12:46 Glossop/Hadfield, and the 12:46 Stoke-on-Trent services, these were all dud 323s, as was the New Mills Central and Rose Hill Marple services being dud as well, so it was onboard the 12:49 Buxton service formed by required 150228+ dud 150110 for a run to Stockport. It was then over to Platforms 3 and 4, where the next couple of MAN bound services were dud, but settled upon the 13:17 service from London Euston that was formed by required 390045 “Virgin Valiant/101 Squadron” for the run back to MAN. I then hopped on the 13:35 EUS service that was in the adjacent platform for another run to SPT on required 390129 “City of Stoke-on-Trent”, then back to MAN on the 13:50, formed by required 220031. On the approach to MAN near Ardwick Junction, I saw a Class 323 heading southbound on the 13:04 Crewe via SPT service. I could not believe what my eyes saw, as I saw the last 2 digits were a 3 and an 8. “No, it could not be” I thought to myself. I then had the lyrics of the final track on Black Sabbath's “War Pigs/Paranoid” album Fairies Wear Boots in my mind (with the section being “Yeah, fairies wear boots and you gotta believe me/Yeah I saw it, I saw it, I tell you no lies/Yeah fairies wear boots and you gotta believe me/I saw it, I saw it with my own two eyes,/All right now” - with me attempting to fit in alternative words in relation to 323238).
Anyway, after alighting from the train, it suddenly dawned upon me that I did not have the timetable for the Manchester – Crewe local services, but was aware that 323238 would be back at MAN in around 2 ½ hours time. I glanced across to the adjacent platform to see what was on the 14:07 Paignton service. I had a sense that this is my lucky day today, as this was formed by required 220013, which I hopped onboard and knowing that this overtakes the 14:04 CRE service on the way to Stockport. After alighting on Platform 2, it was across to the opposite face Platform 1 for the 14:17 CRE service, and as expected, it was indeed 323238 that I boarded for a run to Wilmslow. I have now not only just cleared the Manchester based Class 323s, I have now cleared the whole class at long last with this final 323 being my fifth attempt in doing so. A huge amount of relief and jubilation in doing so. After alighting at Wilmslow, it was immediately over to the Stockport platform for the slightly delayed 14:27 EUS – MAN service, formed by required 390122 “Virgin Hope/Penny the Pendolino” for the run back to MAN, passing 40035+57513 on a SPRS charter tour near Heaton Norris Junction.
When I alighted the train at MAN, I glanced across tot he adjacent platform to see what was on the 14:55 EUS departure, but it was dud. I then went over to see what was on the 15:05 Rose Hill Marple via Hyde Central service, which was formed by much to my surprise required 156440 (I was expecting either a Class 142 or a 150, as that appears to be the normal diet along both Romiley routes). In the vicinity of Fairfield station, I had spotted 66091 hauling DB open wagons in the direction of Manchester. I alighted at Romiley so as I could see if anything required was on either route. The 15:35 New Mills Central and the 15:39 MAN via Bredbury were both dud, so I nipped out to a newsagent store to purchase something cold and wet then back to the station. The 15:58 Rose Hill Marple and 16:06 Sheffield services (alongside the 15:58 to MAN being 156440) were dud. On examining the timetable, I realised that as I am only 2 stops from Strines, I could easily score that station easily as the next service to New Mills Central calls there, with the MAN departure arriving back in 15 minutes. As Strines has a broadly 2 hourly service, it is not totally clockface, meaning that the time of day to score it determines whether it is best to do it from the New Mills Central side or the Marple side. I decided to get that done out of the way, regardless if the train is required or not.
It was onboard the slightly delayed 16:22 NMC service, formed by dud 142004 for the 2 stop hop to Strines. I had spotted 66623 hauling Freightliner coal wagons in the Manchester direction passing through Marple. It was over to the Manchester platform to await the same Pacer due at 16:40 for 2 stops to Romiley. It is noted that I have now scored all stations between Manchester Piccadilly and Chinley via all three routes of Stockport, Bredbury, and Hyde Central. I remained on the same platform at Romiley to see what was on the 16:55 MAN via Bredbury limited stop service, calling at Reddish North and MAN only. This was formed by required 142052+ dud 142035 for the run all the way back to MAN. It was at this point that I decided to switch my attention in the Bolton direction, so headed over to Platforms 13 and 14. There were some minor delays of some services running 5 to 8 minutes behind schedule, and my luck was in as the delayed 17:15 MIA – Glasgow Central service was required 350405, of which I took a bus stop bash along to Oxford Road. It was then onboard the 7 minutes delayed 17:26 Southport via Bolton service, formed by heavily loaded dud 150117+ required 142051 for another bus stop bash to Deansgate, then on the 7 minutes delayed 17:33 Hazel Grove – Blackpool North service that would be truncated at Preston, formed by required pair 150140+150119 for another bus stop bash to Salford Crescent. After a short fester, it was onboard the 5 minutes delayed 17:46 Wigan Wallgate via Bolton service, formed by required 150146 for a run to Bolton after deciding against alighting at Kearsley as the southbound train had already passed between Clifton and Kearsley.
At Bolton, it was a hike from Platform 4 to Platforms 1-3 via the footbridge for the next Manchester bound services. The 8 minutes delayed BPN – MIA service was a dud pair of 156s, so declined that for the 5 minutes delayed 18:19 Southport – MIA service, which was formed by required 150138 for the run to MAN, being caught up in a delay around the Salford Crescent – Piccadilly corridor. As it was now not possible for me to do a run to Stockport to meet the third standard pattern Buxton service that I spotted as a required Class 150 earlier on, I decided to take the 19:04 Crewe via Stockport service to Levenshulme after consulting the timetable. This was formed by dud 323226, and it was over to the opposite platform to meet the slightly delayed 19:20 Buxton – MAN service, formed by as expected required 150273+ dud 150136, bringing the day's proceedings to a close.
After nipping into Sainsburys to pick up some provisions, it was to Platform 13 for the 19:46 Blackpool North service, formed by as expected the dud pair of 156s I saw at Bolton 156448+460 for the run to Preston, then having spotted 153304 stabled in Platform 5, it was onboard the 20:41 Glasgow Central service, formed by a busy dud 390126 “Virgin Enterprise” (that I had on the 21:25 Motherwell – GLC 2 days ago) all the way back to GLC. Of note and rather surprisingly, this arrived at GLC 2 minutes ahead of schedule, with the following service via Birmingham (formed by dud 390125 “Virgin Stagecoach”) arriving a couple of minutes later and being 5 minutes ahead at 23:12 (this is the one that is normally delayed and breaks my connection with the last departures from Glasgow Queen Street)
Overall, I did manage to achieve what I had set out to do by scoring both Reddish South and Denton, and also finally landing 323238 to clear the class. As lady luck was working in my favour today, I managed to get some required Voyagers and Pendolinos today, as on previous occasions in Manchester, they have been dud. I have also managed to get 4 Class 142 Pacers, reducing the Northern Rail fleet requirements to 26 (17 of those being based at Heaton Depot, Newcastle – perhaps I should try Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle, or Darlington in the near future for those, assuming they stick to the proper side of the Pennines in relation to their home depot). Rather surprisingly, I only require 14 Class 150s and 8 Class 156s after today. However, I still need 5 Class 155s, 11 Class 153s, 11 Class 144s, several 158s, and several of the electric fleet except Class 323s. In other words, still a way to go yet before the whole lot is cleared.
It was an early rise for me and after being out of the door not long after 03:35, it was a walk to Glasgow Central station via Springburn Road and Baird Street to rejoin my normal route at the junction of North Hanover Street and Dobbies Loan. The reason why I walked a longer route is because my normal route via Fountainwell Road and Sighthill Park is presently blocked off due to redevelopment works, with the high rise flats along Pinkston Drive being demolished slowly. I had arrived at the Gordon Street entrance at around 04:10. After having spotted 350405 on the 04:22 GLC – Manchester Airport service sitting in Platform 7, it was over to Platform 1 to board the 04:28 London Euston via Trent Valley Railway service, formed by dud 390127 “Virgin Buccaneer” for the southbound run to Preston. Of note, 37609 and possibly 37409 (unsure of third digit) were spotted at Kingmoor, 156469 spotted at Lancaster in the Carlisle facing bay platforms, and 142048 on the 07:00 Colne service plus 350407 on the 06:58 MIA – Edinburgh Waverley service were spotted at Preston.
After purchasing a large tea from the kiosk at the foot of the ramp to Platforms 3 and 4, it was soon onboard the 07:05 Blackpool North/Talbot Road – MIA service. I was expecting this to be perennial and evergreen dud pair 156471+460 (as I mainly seem to land those on a PRE – MAN leg in either direction), but rather much to my surprise it was winning pair 156427+486 that took me to MAN. After alighting from the train, I took a look to see what Class 323 was on the 08:04 Crewe via Stockport service, but was dud. I then went to the booking office to purchase the GM PTE Rail Ranger and a Reddish South – Denton single (so as my usage of both stations has one method of being recorded in the passenger usage data, and as it is slightly before 09:30 at both stations the train is timetabled to call).
I made my way to Platform 1 for the 08:14 Marple via Bredbury service, formed by dud 142028+ required 142023 for the run to Bredbury. It was over to the Manchester platform and as the 08:37 was a dud pair of 142s I declined that for the next option being the 08:43, which was formed by required 150114 to go 2 stops to Reddish North. I then headed off south along the main Gorton Road (the Gorton Road in the Cheshire part of GM and in the SK postcode area – the main Gorton Road between Fairfield and Gorton stations is the one in Manchester itself and the Lancashire part, and has an M postcode). Eventually, I reached Reddish South station and as I had 15 minutes before the train was due, I nipped into the Morrisons store to purchase a light snack and a meal deal for lunch later on. I went down onto the platform and the former glory of the station is evident to see, as it used to have 2 island platforms in operation as to today's single face island platform with a single track line to match too. Of note, the Friends of Reddish South Station had a stall on the platform.
As Reddish South station has no screens or information contact point as expected for a station that is served once every seven days on Fridays Only, it was heart in mouth time as 09:27 came and went. There were two other passengers with me, with one alighting at Denton with me, with the other passenger going all the way to Stalybridge. We ended in a discussion of rail related things, with the passenger who was going to Denton asking if me and the Stalybridge passenger are going to visit every station in the UK. I mentioned that I would probably not get all of them, but I would concentrate on most of the least served stations and ones in the PTE areas, plus the regional diagrams as shown on the reverse of the Great Britain Passenger Timetable rail map e.g. Liverpool/Manchester/Leeds/Sheffield, London, etc. Also, as my former local line the Stourbridge Railway was a part of the Great Western Railway, I would attempt to visit all stations that were part of the GWR, including the Great Central Railway/GWR Alternative Route. Both of the fellow passengers made reference to the Clitheroe – Hellifield section of line, as they were requiring that track for coverage and I mentioned that I did that 20 years ago on an IC125 from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh Waverley when the line between Lancaster & Carlisle was closed for engineering works. Furthermore, I had mentioned to the fellow Denton passenger that I had visited Teesside Airport earlier this year, and that it is Sundays only, but it has a service in both directions with a 90 minute or thereabouts gap, or a 45 minute walk along the old Yarm Road to Dinsdale station.
Anyway, it was ascertained that the train was running 15 minutes behind schedule, and at around 09:40, it was onboard dud pair 142005+142038 for a short hop to the next stop Denton. The fellow passenger who alighted with me was going to hang about for a freight train passing through, but I decided to make my way to Hyde Central station. After checking the bus timetable at the bus stop, I realised that it would be unlikely that the 09:54 Stagecoach 201 would get me to Hyde Central for the 10:06 MAN service, so being as it was a pleasant morning, I decided to walk along Manchester Road North and Hyde Road (the main roads that run parallel to the M67). By the time I got to Hyde Central station, there were three 201 buses that passed me. It was a hike up to the Manchester platform and 8 to 10 minutes later, it was onboard the 10:35 MAN service, formed by recently dud 142023+ dud 142028 for the run back to MAN, having completed my main target for today at the second attempt.
It was time to pull out the blank sheet of paper and the list of requirements to see what was around. The 11:04 Crewe via Stockport, the 11:18 Glossop and Hadfield, the 11:46 Stoke-on-Trent local all stations service, and the 11:38 Alderley Edge via Stockport services were all dud Class 323s, with the 11:49 Buxton being a dud Class 150, so eventually, I settled upon the 11:24 York – Manchester Airport service, formed by required 185133 for the non-stop run to MIA, spotting 667x4 hauling containers in the Trafford Park direction near Slade Lane Junction. After alighting at MIA, I checked the screen for the next departures, with the 12:00 Edinburgh Waverley service up next. This was formed by dud perennial and evergreen stalkers 350401+406 (these 2 seem to follow me everywhere), therefore declined that for a look at the 12:03 Southport via Bolton service in Platform 4. The rear unit was dud 156426 with the front unit being required 142062, so I boarded the Pacer for the non-stop run back to MAN.
After checking the 12:38 Alderley Edge via Stockport, the 12:46 Glossop/Hadfield, and the 12:46 Stoke-on-Trent services, these were all dud 323s, as was the New Mills Central and Rose Hill Marple services being dud as well, so it was onboard the 12:49 Buxton service formed by required 150228+ dud 150110 for a run to Stockport. It was then over to Platforms 3 and 4, where the next couple of MAN bound services were dud, but settled upon the 13:17 service from London Euston that was formed by required 390045 “Virgin Valiant/101 Squadron” for the run back to MAN. I then hopped on the 13:35 EUS service that was in the adjacent platform for another run to SPT on required 390129 “City of Stoke-on-Trent”, then back to MAN on the 13:50, formed by required 220031. On the approach to MAN near Ardwick Junction, I saw a Class 323 heading southbound on the 13:04 Crewe via SPT service. I could not believe what my eyes saw, as I saw the last 2 digits were a 3 and an 8. “No, it could not be” I thought to myself. I then had the lyrics of the final track on Black Sabbath's “War Pigs/Paranoid” album Fairies Wear Boots in my mind (with the section being “Yeah, fairies wear boots and you gotta believe me/Yeah I saw it, I saw it, I tell you no lies/Yeah fairies wear boots and you gotta believe me/I saw it, I saw it with my own two eyes,/All right now” - with me attempting to fit in alternative words in relation to 323238).
Anyway, after alighting from the train, it suddenly dawned upon me that I did not have the timetable for the Manchester – Crewe local services, but was aware that 323238 would be back at MAN in around 2 ½ hours time. I glanced across to the adjacent platform to see what was on the 14:07 Paignton service. I had a sense that this is my lucky day today, as this was formed by required 220013, which I hopped onboard and knowing that this overtakes the 14:04 CRE service on the way to Stockport. After alighting on Platform 2, it was across to the opposite face Platform 1 for the 14:17 CRE service, and as expected, it was indeed 323238 that I boarded for a run to Wilmslow. I have now not only just cleared the Manchester based Class 323s, I have now cleared the whole class at long last with this final 323 being my fifth attempt in doing so. A huge amount of relief and jubilation in doing so. After alighting at Wilmslow, it was immediately over to the Stockport platform for the slightly delayed 14:27 EUS – MAN service, formed by required 390122 “Virgin Hope/Penny the Pendolino” for the run back to MAN, passing 40035+57513 on a SPRS charter tour near Heaton Norris Junction.
When I alighted the train at MAN, I glanced across tot he adjacent platform to see what was on the 14:55 EUS departure, but it was dud. I then went over to see what was on the 15:05 Rose Hill Marple via Hyde Central service, which was formed by much to my surprise required 156440 (I was expecting either a Class 142 or a 150, as that appears to be the normal diet along both Romiley routes). In the vicinity of Fairfield station, I had spotted 66091 hauling DB open wagons in the direction of Manchester. I alighted at Romiley so as I could see if anything required was on either route. The 15:35 New Mills Central and the 15:39 MAN via Bredbury were both dud, so I nipped out to a newsagent store to purchase something cold and wet then back to the station. The 15:58 Rose Hill Marple and 16:06 Sheffield services (alongside the 15:58 to MAN being 156440) were dud. On examining the timetable, I realised that as I am only 2 stops from Strines, I could easily score that station easily as the next service to New Mills Central calls there, with the MAN departure arriving back in 15 minutes. As Strines has a broadly 2 hourly service, it is not totally clockface, meaning that the time of day to score it determines whether it is best to do it from the New Mills Central side or the Marple side. I decided to get that done out of the way, regardless if the train is required or not.
It was onboard the slightly delayed 16:22 NMC service, formed by dud 142004 for the 2 stop hop to Strines. I had spotted 66623 hauling Freightliner coal wagons in the Manchester direction passing through Marple. It was over to the Manchester platform to await the same Pacer due at 16:40 for 2 stops to Romiley. It is noted that I have now scored all stations between Manchester Piccadilly and Chinley via all three routes of Stockport, Bredbury, and Hyde Central. I remained on the same platform at Romiley to see what was on the 16:55 MAN via Bredbury limited stop service, calling at Reddish North and MAN only. This was formed by required 142052+ dud 142035 for the run all the way back to MAN. It was at this point that I decided to switch my attention in the Bolton direction, so headed over to Platforms 13 and 14. There were some minor delays of some services running 5 to 8 minutes behind schedule, and my luck was in as the delayed 17:15 MIA – Glasgow Central service was required 350405, of which I took a bus stop bash along to Oxford Road. It was then onboard the 7 minutes delayed 17:26 Southport via Bolton service, formed by heavily loaded dud 150117+ required 142051 for another bus stop bash to Deansgate, then on the 7 minutes delayed 17:33 Hazel Grove – Blackpool North service that would be truncated at Preston, formed by required pair 150140+150119 for another bus stop bash to Salford Crescent. After a short fester, it was onboard the 5 minutes delayed 17:46 Wigan Wallgate via Bolton service, formed by required 150146 for a run to Bolton after deciding against alighting at Kearsley as the southbound train had already passed between Clifton and Kearsley.
At Bolton, it was a hike from Platform 4 to Platforms 1-3 via the footbridge for the next Manchester bound services. The 8 minutes delayed BPN – MIA service was a dud pair of 156s, so declined that for the 5 minutes delayed 18:19 Southport – MIA service, which was formed by required 150138 for the run to MAN, being caught up in a delay around the Salford Crescent – Piccadilly corridor. As it was now not possible for me to do a run to Stockport to meet the third standard pattern Buxton service that I spotted as a required Class 150 earlier on, I decided to take the 19:04 Crewe via Stockport service to Levenshulme after consulting the timetable. This was formed by dud 323226, and it was over to the opposite platform to meet the slightly delayed 19:20 Buxton – MAN service, formed by as expected required 150273+ dud 150136, bringing the day's proceedings to a close.
After nipping into Sainsburys to pick up some provisions, it was to Platform 13 for the 19:46 Blackpool North service, formed by as expected the dud pair of 156s I saw at Bolton 156448+460 for the run to Preston, then having spotted 153304 stabled in Platform 5, it was onboard the 20:41 Glasgow Central service, formed by a busy dud 390126 “Virgin Enterprise” (that I had on the 21:25 Motherwell – GLC 2 days ago) all the way back to GLC. Of note and rather surprisingly, this arrived at GLC 2 minutes ahead of schedule, with the following service via Birmingham (formed by dud 390125 “Virgin Stagecoach”) arriving a couple of minutes later and being 5 minutes ahead at 23:12 (this is the one that is normally delayed and breaks my connection with the last departures from Glasgow Queen Street)
Overall, I did manage to achieve what I had set out to do by scoring both Reddish South and Denton, and also finally landing 323238 to clear the class. As lady luck was working in my favour today, I managed to get some required Voyagers and Pendolinos today, as on previous occasions in Manchester, they have been dud. I have also managed to get 4 Class 142 Pacers, reducing the Northern Rail fleet requirements to 26 (17 of those being based at Heaton Depot, Newcastle – perhaps I should try Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle, or Darlington in the near future for those, assuming they stick to the proper side of the Pennines in relation to their home depot). Rather surprisingly, I only require 14 Class 150s and 8 Class 156s after today. However, I still need 5 Class 155s, 11 Class 153s, 11 Class 144s, several 158s, and several of the electric fleet except Class 323s. In other words, still a way to go yet before the whole lot is cleared.
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Kite159
Veteran Member
Congrats on a successful day, I can see a forecoming trip to Newcastle area coming up to try and get those Heaton 142s into the book
adrock1976
Established Member
The only stations I require in the Strathclyde PTE area are Hartwood, Shotts, Ardlui, Arrochar & Tarbet, Garelochhead, and Helensburgh Upper.
Thanks for clarifying - I was initially thinking along those lines (pardon the pun).
It looks most likely, as I still need the Newcastle - Thornaby via Hartlepool and Middlesbrough - Whitby sections of track in the North East. Not forgetting the section between Weeton and Pannal on the Leeds - York via Harrogate line.
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
Wow you had an amazingly good day in Manchester! Congratulations on joining the club of bashers who've cleared the Starships! Reddish South and Denton are on my list to do in 2017, as I have no opportunity to do so this year. Unless I visit both by bus, hmm...Ardwick needs doing too, I need to make some plans here...
As always an excellent read, although how you kept going on such a long day I have no idea!
As always an excellent read, although how you kept going on such a long day I have no idea!
alexf380
Established Member
I really do enjoy your style of writing, brining in hints of the old whilse chasing the new. Congrats, too, on clearing your 323s!
adrock1976
Established Member
Intro
As I still had some uncovered track in the East Midlands region and combined with this weekend being when my birthday falls, I decided to fit in some other bits and pieces of uncovered track of Great Eastern Railway metals while basing myself in London. Furthermore, on Saturday 8 October (my birthday), I also decided what better way to spend it other than trying to reduce the GWR IC125 powercar requirements, as they have been around as long as I have. The Sunday would see me attempting to fit in the Lakenheath station visit and my second attempt at Berney Arms. When checking the timetable, I was a bit nervous as engineering works would have the line between Stratford and Witham closed, and also the line between Cambridge and Ely closed for engineering works, with rail replacement buses running. For the regular readers of my trip reports, you will remember that I did not have much luck back in May with the rail replacement bus between Ingatestone and Colchester being diverted due to a road traffic fatality, nor with the Berney Arms visit due to a points failure at Reedham. I decided to bite the bullet and go ahead with the plans. In addition, I would also attempt to do the PSUL Sundays Only Ely North Ely West Junctions via the west curve. The Monday would see me attempting to see if I could get 139001 on the Stourbridge Junction Stourbridge Town shuttle (if the mechanical problems have been fixed).
Day 1 Lincolnshire Day Ranger 05 October
The day began with an early rise, and rather than walking down to Glasgow Central station, I had booked a taxi due to me carrying a rucksack. Arrival at Central station was around 04:10. The regular readers will have most likely have identified that I would be travelling on the 04:28 London Euston via Trent Valley Railway service as that is my normal early train. However, this is where I would spring a surprise on you all as I had booked onto the 04:22 Manchester Airport service. This was due to there (very strangely) being no Advance Singles on the 04:28 departure at all when I searched ten days or so previously. I even tried from Carlisle, Penrith, Oxenholme, Lancaster, Preston, Wigan NW, and Warrington Bank Quay (all of the calling points) to London and Preston from points north of Preston. This had the same result zero, zilch, nada, diddley squat (a famous phrase that Mick McCarthy used when he formerly managed Wolves). My original intention had been to take the 04:28 to Preston, then the 07:17 to Crewe, then the 08:07 to Derby, and the 09:40 to Nottingham. On further examination, I realised that the 04:22 to Manchester, then the 08:43 to Nottingham would have me arrive at Nottingham not long after, and also with the added bonus of scoring some new track between Trowell Junction and Mansfield Junction between Alfreton and Nottingham.
It was over to Platform 4 to board the 04:22 MIA service, formed by dud 350409. Out of curiosity, I was able to see that dud 390135 was on the 04:28 EUS service, with hardly any passengers on it (I'm still puzzled as to how there were no Advance Single fares, and was not aware of Carlisle United FC having any Wednesday lunchtime kick off at Wembley perhaps it is one of those great unsolved mysteries). During the course of the journey, the 04:28 GLC EUS overtook at Carstairs with there being a 20 minute pause at Lockerbie for the driver and guard to have their break before continuing south. At Kingmoor, 68007 Valiant in Scotrail livery was spotted, with some 37s that I could not identify as it was still dark. 66044 was running light engine through Platform 1 at Carlisle during the 10 minute layover, while 156463 was on the Newcastle Central departure. 185110 was on the Oxenholme Windermere shuttle, while at Preston 156426+491 were on the MIA Blackpool North/Talbot Road service.
After alighting at Manchester Oxford Road, I briefly nipped out of the station for a cup of tea before boarding the 5 minutes delayed 08:39 Norwich service, formed by 158866+858 for the run to Nottingham. At Earles Sidings not far from Chinley, 66602 was spotted hauling tankers in the London direction while 66604 had its headlamps facing London too, while at the Dore portal of Totley Tunnel 66618 was running light engine in the Manchester direction. At Sheffield, 222015 was on a London St Pancras service, with 158810+865 on the Liverpool service, and at Chesterfield, 158908 was on a Nottingham Leeds service. It is noted that during this leg of the journey, I scored my first new track today between Trowell Junction and Mansfield Junction on the approach into Nottingham Midland, arriving more or less on schedule.
It was time for another tea, so after making the hike along to the Pumpkin outlet, it was onboard the 10:45 Skegness via Grantham service formed by 156411 for a run to Heckington. It is noted that the Nottingham Skegness route is new track for me, and I can remember back in the late 1980s/early 1990s that Skegness (as did Cleethorpes and Lincoln Central) had direct trains to both Birmingham and Coventry, with the first generation DMUs operating those services. During the course of the journey, the train had picked up a delay of around 7 minutes by the time it arrived at Sleaford. I glanced across to the opposite island platform to check the screen for the Nottingham service, and that was delayed by 5 minutes. This meant that I could still pull off the 4 minutes now reduced to 2 minutes connection at Heckington, with the single track section between Sleaford and Heckington working in my favour. After alighting from the rear doors (I had already positioned myself in the front now rear coach after reversal at Grantham), it was over the barrow crossing to the opposite platform for the 5 minutes delayed 12:04 NOT service, formed by 156403 to take me to the next stop Sleaford.
I then went for a brief wander into town before boarding the 12:42 Doncaster service via the direct route along the Great Northern/Great Eastern Railway joint line, formed by 153357 for some dogbox thrash and scoring some more new tricky track (owing to the timetable being random with no pattern in particular, with zero Sunday services between Peterborough and Doncaster via Lincoln Central) between Lincoln Central and Doncaster. Soon after departure from Sleaford, the engine had cut out while traversing the curve before coming to a halt, then restarted again. The same thing happened on the approach to Saxilby, this time with both the driver and the guard having a look at the wiring loom in the panel above the first row of seats next to the door. It seemed that part of the wiring was affecting a relay and was soon sorted before the train was in motion again.
On the approach to Doncaster, 66707 was spotted at Decoy Yard facing Aberdeen, while at Doncaster station after alighting, 67015, 221137, 158784, 43058+081 to london, 91111+82210 passing through northbound, 91118+82205 on aLeeds service, and possibly 144011 on a Sheffield service were all spotted before hopping back on 153357 on the 14:27 Lincoln Central service. On passing Decoy Yard, 66177, 66107, and 66009 were spotted. After alighting at Lincoln Central, the dogbox that I was on would be forming the slightly delayed 15:12 Sleaford service (the timetable has the 14:27 DON LCN service arriving at 15:15, and I had made a note of an unlikely connection), and decided to take a break. Before I went for a wander, 66711 was hauling coal wagons in a westbound/ northbound direction. After picking up some late lunch, it was back to the station to board a heavily loaded 16:00 Peterborough service, formed by dud 153355 for the southbound run to Sleaford. Shortly after departure, 66011 was spotted hauling VTG tanks northbound, and 66764 was spotted hauling containers northbound as well. At Ruskington, 1533x7+308 (perhaps 307?) were spotted on the 16:22 LCN service during the southbound run.
It was a 20 minute fester here before boarding the 16:55 Skegness service, formed by as expected dud 156411 from earlier (I had worked out that there are 5 diagrams for the NOT SKG service, and my original intention was to get all 5, but would not be possible if I wanted to do the direct route from Lincoln Central to Doncaster, plus scoring the visit of Havenhouse as well). I had brought to the guard's attention that I would be alighting at Havenhouse and if there is a particular set of doors I need to be at (which would be the front door) after pulling out the Wainfleet Havenhouse single in addition to the Day Ranger (so as my usage of Havenhouse station is logged somewhere in the station usage statistics, as it receives 2 trains in each direction on Mondays to Saturdays). Not surprisingly, I was the only passenger who alighted at Havenhouse with nobody boarding to go one stop to Skegness. After alighting from the train, it is clear as to how Havenhouse receives a limited service as the area is a small number of cottages and farmhouses in the countryside. I then walked along the lane northbound to the bus stop (which I could make out the timetable board attached to the shelter had a timetable displaying bus services from 1999, with the actual bus stop pole displaying the present day timetable which accordingly has a better level of service) on the main A52 road to await the 18:10 (College days only) Stagecoach Interconnect 7 to Skegness (of note, there is a departure circa 18:40 if it is college holidays if anybody is seeking to score the visit of Havenhouse).
After arriving at the bus station at Skegness (which is next door to the railway station), I went for a wander to the seafront and back to the station to board the 19:14 Nottingham service formed by 156414 to Grantham. Before I went for a wander, 91116+82201 was on the slightly delayed 20:40 Leeds service, and I then checked the screen to see that the 21:10 Norwich service was delayed by 20 minutes. When I came back from my wander, the screen had the 21:10 as being 30 minutes delayed. During the fester here, 66086 was hauling open wagons northbound, 66569 was hauling containers southbound, and 180111 was on the 21:32 Hull Paragon service. Eventually, the Norwich train arrived 30 minutes behind schedule, formed by 158856 for the southbound run to Peterborough. During the brief fester at PBO, 365505 had arrived into Platform 2 from London Kings Cross with a terminating service. It was then onboard the 22:15 KGX service, formed by dud DVT 82222+ required loco 91124 for the southbound run all the way to KGX and to check into my accommodation along Caledonian Road.
Overall, I have covered quite a fair amount of new track today, plus I have done some awkward bits and pieces. It is of note that the only sections of track I require in the East Midlands region is Nottingham Worksop (I already covered the northern section plus the left side of the Worksop triangle back in May on a railtour), and the PSUL bits at Retford and the top side of the Allington triangle north of Grantham.
Stay tuned for Days 2 6
As I still had some uncovered track in the East Midlands region and combined with this weekend being when my birthday falls, I decided to fit in some other bits and pieces of uncovered track of Great Eastern Railway metals while basing myself in London. Furthermore, on Saturday 8 October (my birthday), I also decided what better way to spend it other than trying to reduce the GWR IC125 powercar requirements, as they have been around as long as I have. The Sunday would see me attempting to fit in the Lakenheath station visit and my second attempt at Berney Arms. When checking the timetable, I was a bit nervous as engineering works would have the line between Stratford and Witham closed, and also the line between Cambridge and Ely closed for engineering works, with rail replacement buses running. For the regular readers of my trip reports, you will remember that I did not have much luck back in May with the rail replacement bus between Ingatestone and Colchester being diverted due to a road traffic fatality, nor with the Berney Arms visit due to a points failure at Reedham. I decided to bite the bullet and go ahead with the plans. In addition, I would also attempt to do the PSUL Sundays Only Ely North Ely West Junctions via the west curve. The Monday would see me attempting to see if I could get 139001 on the Stourbridge Junction Stourbridge Town shuttle (if the mechanical problems have been fixed).
Day 1 Lincolnshire Day Ranger 05 October
The day began with an early rise, and rather than walking down to Glasgow Central station, I had booked a taxi due to me carrying a rucksack. Arrival at Central station was around 04:10. The regular readers will have most likely have identified that I would be travelling on the 04:28 London Euston via Trent Valley Railway service as that is my normal early train. However, this is where I would spring a surprise on you all as I had booked onto the 04:22 Manchester Airport service. This was due to there (very strangely) being no Advance Singles on the 04:28 departure at all when I searched ten days or so previously. I even tried from Carlisle, Penrith, Oxenholme, Lancaster, Preston, Wigan NW, and Warrington Bank Quay (all of the calling points) to London and Preston from points north of Preston. This had the same result zero, zilch, nada, diddley squat (a famous phrase that Mick McCarthy used when he formerly managed Wolves). My original intention had been to take the 04:28 to Preston, then the 07:17 to Crewe, then the 08:07 to Derby, and the 09:40 to Nottingham. On further examination, I realised that the 04:22 to Manchester, then the 08:43 to Nottingham would have me arrive at Nottingham not long after, and also with the added bonus of scoring some new track between Trowell Junction and Mansfield Junction between Alfreton and Nottingham.
It was over to Platform 4 to board the 04:22 MIA service, formed by dud 350409. Out of curiosity, I was able to see that dud 390135 was on the 04:28 EUS service, with hardly any passengers on it (I'm still puzzled as to how there were no Advance Single fares, and was not aware of Carlisle United FC having any Wednesday lunchtime kick off at Wembley perhaps it is one of those great unsolved mysteries). During the course of the journey, the 04:28 GLC EUS overtook at Carstairs with there being a 20 minute pause at Lockerbie for the driver and guard to have their break before continuing south. At Kingmoor, 68007 Valiant in Scotrail livery was spotted, with some 37s that I could not identify as it was still dark. 66044 was running light engine through Platform 1 at Carlisle during the 10 minute layover, while 156463 was on the Newcastle Central departure. 185110 was on the Oxenholme Windermere shuttle, while at Preston 156426+491 were on the MIA Blackpool North/Talbot Road service.
After alighting at Manchester Oxford Road, I briefly nipped out of the station for a cup of tea before boarding the 5 minutes delayed 08:39 Norwich service, formed by 158866+858 for the run to Nottingham. At Earles Sidings not far from Chinley, 66602 was spotted hauling tankers in the London direction while 66604 had its headlamps facing London too, while at the Dore portal of Totley Tunnel 66618 was running light engine in the Manchester direction. At Sheffield, 222015 was on a London St Pancras service, with 158810+865 on the Liverpool service, and at Chesterfield, 158908 was on a Nottingham Leeds service. It is noted that during this leg of the journey, I scored my first new track today between Trowell Junction and Mansfield Junction on the approach into Nottingham Midland, arriving more or less on schedule.
It was time for another tea, so after making the hike along to the Pumpkin outlet, it was onboard the 10:45 Skegness via Grantham service formed by 156411 for a run to Heckington. It is noted that the Nottingham Skegness route is new track for me, and I can remember back in the late 1980s/early 1990s that Skegness (as did Cleethorpes and Lincoln Central) had direct trains to both Birmingham and Coventry, with the first generation DMUs operating those services. During the course of the journey, the train had picked up a delay of around 7 minutes by the time it arrived at Sleaford. I glanced across to the opposite island platform to check the screen for the Nottingham service, and that was delayed by 5 minutes. This meant that I could still pull off the 4 minutes now reduced to 2 minutes connection at Heckington, with the single track section between Sleaford and Heckington working in my favour. After alighting from the rear doors (I had already positioned myself in the front now rear coach after reversal at Grantham), it was over the barrow crossing to the opposite platform for the 5 minutes delayed 12:04 NOT service, formed by 156403 to take me to the next stop Sleaford.
I then went for a brief wander into town before boarding the 12:42 Doncaster service via the direct route along the Great Northern/Great Eastern Railway joint line, formed by 153357 for some dogbox thrash and scoring some more new tricky track (owing to the timetable being random with no pattern in particular, with zero Sunday services between Peterborough and Doncaster via Lincoln Central) between Lincoln Central and Doncaster. Soon after departure from Sleaford, the engine had cut out while traversing the curve before coming to a halt, then restarted again. The same thing happened on the approach to Saxilby, this time with both the driver and the guard having a look at the wiring loom in the panel above the first row of seats next to the door. It seemed that part of the wiring was affecting a relay and was soon sorted before the train was in motion again.
On the approach to Doncaster, 66707 was spotted at Decoy Yard facing Aberdeen, while at Doncaster station after alighting, 67015, 221137, 158784, 43058+081 to london, 91111+82210 passing through northbound, 91118+82205 on aLeeds service, and possibly 144011 on a Sheffield service were all spotted before hopping back on 153357 on the 14:27 Lincoln Central service. On passing Decoy Yard, 66177, 66107, and 66009 were spotted. After alighting at Lincoln Central, the dogbox that I was on would be forming the slightly delayed 15:12 Sleaford service (the timetable has the 14:27 DON LCN service arriving at 15:15, and I had made a note of an unlikely connection), and decided to take a break. Before I went for a wander, 66711 was hauling coal wagons in a westbound/ northbound direction. After picking up some late lunch, it was back to the station to board a heavily loaded 16:00 Peterborough service, formed by dud 153355 for the southbound run to Sleaford. Shortly after departure, 66011 was spotted hauling VTG tanks northbound, and 66764 was spotted hauling containers northbound as well. At Ruskington, 1533x7+308 (perhaps 307?) were spotted on the 16:22 LCN service during the southbound run.
It was a 20 minute fester here before boarding the 16:55 Skegness service, formed by as expected dud 156411 from earlier (I had worked out that there are 5 diagrams for the NOT SKG service, and my original intention was to get all 5, but would not be possible if I wanted to do the direct route from Lincoln Central to Doncaster, plus scoring the visit of Havenhouse as well). I had brought to the guard's attention that I would be alighting at Havenhouse and if there is a particular set of doors I need to be at (which would be the front door) after pulling out the Wainfleet Havenhouse single in addition to the Day Ranger (so as my usage of Havenhouse station is logged somewhere in the station usage statistics, as it receives 2 trains in each direction on Mondays to Saturdays). Not surprisingly, I was the only passenger who alighted at Havenhouse with nobody boarding to go one stop to Skegness. After alighting from the train, it is clear as to how Havenhouse receives a limited service as the area is a small number of cottages and farmhouses in the countryside. I then walked along the lane northbound to the bus stop (which I could make out the timetable board attached to the shelter had a timetable displaying bus services from 1999, with the actual bus stop pole displaying the present day timetable which accordingly has a better level of service) on the main A52 road to await the 18:10 (College days only) Stagecoach Interconnect 7 to Skegness (of note, there is a departure circa 18:40 if it is college holidays if anybody is seeking to score the visit of Havenhouse).
After arriving at the bus station at Skegness (which is next door to the railway station), I went for a wander to the seafront and back to the station to board the 19:14 Nottingham service formed by 156414 to Grantham. Before I went for a wander, 91116+82201 was on the slightly delayed 20:40 Leeds service, and I then checked the screen to see that the 21:10 Norwich service was delayed by 20 minutes. When I came back from my wander, the screen had the 21:10 as being 30 minutes delayed. During the fester here, 66086 was hauling open wagons northbound, 66569 was hauling containers southbound, and 180111 was on the 21:32 Hull Paragon service. Eventually, the Norwich train arrived 30 minutes behind schedule, formed by 158856 for the southbound run to Peterborough. During the brief fester at PBO, 365505 had arrived into Platform 2 from London Kings Cross with a terminating service. It was then onboard the 22:15 KGX service, formed by dud DVT 82222+ required loco 91124 for the southbound run all the way to KGX and to check into my accommodation along Caledonian Road.
Overall, I have covered quite a fair amount of new track today, plus I have done some awkward bits and pieces. It is of note that the only sections of track I require in the East Midlands region is Nottingham Worksop (I already covered the northern section plus the left side of the Worksop triangle back in May on a railtour), and the PSUL bits at Retford and the top side of the Allington triangle north of Grantham.
Stay tuned for Days 2 6
Kite159
Veteran Member
Well done on getting Havenhouse in your book
Plus a good day it sounds like
Plus a good day it sounds like
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I've just read Day 1, if I've missed further updates bear with me (opened this up before I lost any connectivity for the morning commute) and I'll read and comment soon.
I can only imagine the Advances will have been ripped out in anticipation of heavy loadings from Carlisle, although who knows for sure. It will have made a nice change to thrash along on a 350 instead of a 390 I should imagine anyway!
Quite the productive but long day there, I'd have needed much more caffeine than that to get through it! I've made a note of that move at Havenhouse for future reference, although I don't plan to get it done until Q3 2017 at the earliest.
Quite a bit of GBRf action noted there too, handy to know as I need quite a few GBRf 66s for sight. Hoping still to knock a few of them off my lists next week when I make a brief visit to the area, which has reminded me that I have a lot of Advances to print off, and that I need to find my £8 RTV...
A decent bit of required track scored too there, which also reminds me to get noting all the PSUL moves that I need and to plan some in for 2017!
As always I've enjoyed the read so far and look forward to Days 2 to 6. Finally, a belated Happy Birthday!
I can only imagine the Advances will have been ripped out in anticipation of heavy loadings from Carlisle, although who knows for sure. It will have made a nice change to thrash along on a 350 instead of a 390 I should imagine anyway!
Quite the productive but long day there, I'd have needed much more caffeine than that to get through it! I've made a note of that move at Havenhouse for future reference, although I don't plan to get it done until Q3 2017 at the earliest.
Quite a bit of GBRf action noted there too, handy to know as I need quite a few GBRf 66s for sight. Hoping still to knock a few of them off my lists next week when I make a brief visit to the area, which has reminded me that I have a lot of Advances to print off, and that I need to find my £8 RTV...
A decent bit of required track scored too there, which also reminds me to get noting all the PSUL moves that I need and to plan some in for 2017!
As always I've enjoyed the read so far and look forward to Days 2 to 6. Finally, a belated Happy Birthday!
adrock1976
Established Member
Day 2 – Great Eastern Railway branches and hunting for 313025+056
After a reasonable night's sleep, it was to Kings Cross station and down to the Northern Line platforms for a southbound service to Old Street. I decided to take the first train that arrives, which was odd pair 51703+515 to travel 2 stops. It was then along the dingy passageway to the Northern City Line island platform to see if my 2 final NCL Class 313s would be out this morning (I require 3 of the Brighton based Class 313s to clear the class). I felt that I would have a high chance as the frequency during Monday to Friday peaks is every 5 minutes along the common section between Moorgate and Alexandra Palace. After a series of dud pairs in both directions, it was onboard the 5 minutes delayed 08:03 Moorgate service formed by required 313056+ dud 039 for the short hop to Moorgate. When the dud pair cleared off from the opposite platform, the 08:23 Welwyn Garden City service would be formed by required 313025 + a dud on the rear (I forgot to note which one it was – it seems irrelevant now that I have cleared the Hornsey based fleet). I boarded 025 for the short hop to the next stop Old Street, then to the southbound Northern Line platform to hop along to Moorgate on 51641+640, transferring to the Metropolitan Railway platforms for an eastbound train for a bus stop bash to Liverpool Street on dud 21525+526.
I then briefly nipped out of the station to the Tesco store near the Bishopsgate Street entrance to pick up a meal deal for later on,then to Platform 9 for the 09:00 Norwich IC service, formed by dud DVT 82118+ dud loco 90015 “Colchester Castle”. I had booked a First Class Advance as it was only a couple of pounds extra, which worked out broadly similar to a cup of tea. During the non-stop run to Colchester, 47516 was at Ilford depot facing London, and 317714 was on the Romford – Upminster shuttle (which was required and I may consider an attempt to grab that later on), and 66585 was spotted at Shenfield facing London with some ballast wagons – most likely in relation to the remodelling works in preparation for London Crossrail. After alighting at Colchester, it was a gentle saunter over to the Clacton facing bay platform for the 09:56 Walton-on-the-Naze via Colchester Town service, formed by 321348 for the run all the way to the end of the line and back south to Weeley on the same train. It was over to the opposite platform for the 11:26 WON service, formed by 321309 for a run to Frinton-on-Sea and back on the 12:03 departure to Colchester Town, having landed both diagrams on the Colchester – Walton service.
After I had a brief wander, it was on the 13:00 Colchester shuttle service, formed by 360112 for the short run around the curve to the Intercity station. Of note, the 2 sides of the triangle that lead to and from Colchester Town, and Thorpe-le-Soken to Walton-on-the-Naze are my first bits of new track today. While at Colchester, 321327+317 were in Platform 6 (the bay facing London) and unbeknown to me, I would be meeting those pair of 321s later on. 86608+604 were spotted double heading a trainload of containers in the London direction, before I boarded the 13:12 Liverpool Street service formed by 360113 for a southbound run to Hatfield Peverel (sounds like a name of an architect firm). It was over to the eastbound platform via the 1960s type concrete footbridge and a few moments later, the pair of Class 321s that were in Platform 6 at Colchester passed through in the London direction. It was onboard the 13:40 Ipswich service, formed by 360104 for the run to Marks Tey, then onboard the 14:01 Sudbury (Suffolk) service formed by dud 156409 and back to Marks Tey on the same train, having scored more new track. I had noticed the various exhibits at Chappel & Wakes Colne museum, with one of those being a first generation DMU similar to the Class 115 and 116s that were common in the West Midlands area until the 1990s.
It was then onboard the 14:57 Ipswich service formed by 360119 for the short run to Colchester. Before my next move, 360104 was on the 15:12 LST service, 360112 on the 15:16 Clacton-on-Sea service, 321346+429 now in Platform 6, and 82152+90008 was on the 15:23 Norwich service. It was onboard the 15:30 LST service, formed by 90010+82121 for the non-stop run back to London LS, spotting 66537+510 at the Norwich end of Ilford depot. After alighting at LST, my attention would now switch to the Southend Victoria route, as the frequency is doubled from every 20 minutes to every 10 minutes in the peak direction of flow on Mondays to Fridays, and also with the bonus of some triple Class 321s in the mix too (as I have had 13 out of 94 Class 321s of the Anglia fleet, the probability for me having a load of winners would be closer to 1 than closer to zero).
As I had a 35 minute leeway (I was intending to start off with the 16:54 departure), I decided to take a quick glance to see if there were any required Class 315s on the local all stations Shenfield service. I spotted one on the 16:34, which I could pick up at Stratford as I had also spotted a required pair of Class 321s on the 16:24 Southend Victoria, formed by 321365+364. At Stratford, I remained on the same platform for the 16:43 Shenfield service, formed by dud 315826+ required 853 for a run to Ilford. It was a short fester before hopping on the 16:56 Gidea Park service, formed by required 315843+ dud 836 to Gidea Park, then another short fester before taking the 17:14 Shenfield service formed by dud 315844+ required 837 all the way to Shenfield. It is noted that I only require 2 of the Shenfield Class 315s (846 and 860) to clear that fleet, and 2 of the Chingford based (810 and 816) to clear the class.
With me still being slightly ahead of my original plan for linear hops along to Southend Victoria, I decided to let the 17:29 SOV service go, even though I was a required pair of 321s (353+324. I was feeling confident in meeting them again during the course of the evening, but I later realised those were ECS to depot). I then hopped on the 17:39 (as was the original plan) for a series of linear hops along to SOV, formed by 321317+327 (that I spotted earlier at Colchester and at Hatfield Peverel) +435 along to Billericay. It is noted that according to the RTT website, some of the units uncouple at SOV and return to depot, leaving either the front 4 or front 8 in the platform to work a Liverpool Street service, hence how I would ride the rearmost 4 coaches and would also attempt the unpowered trailer coach in case they get removed in the future similar to the ones that Scotrail now have.
After the train had disgorged a lot of passengers, it was next onboard the 17:58, formed by another trio of 321319+318+425 along to Wickford. As there were minor delays, the 10 minutes delayed 18:10 Southminster service from LST was the next train to arrive, formed by 321360+312. I had already decided that I would be back to cover the line to Southminster in the near future, and I was simply concentrating on the Southend services, as some departures are triple Class 321s. Next up was the 18:13 SOV service, which I declined as although it was another trio, it was dud 350+ required 334+ dud 302. It was then onboard the 18:23 formed by winning trio 321433+356+436 along to Rayleigh, then on the 18:38 formed by another winning trio of 321440+352+336 to Hockley. It was on the 18:55 formed of dud 321358+ required 325+305 along to Rochford, where as I was getting closer to the seaside and with the sun having gone down, I was starting to feel slightly chilly. It was not long before the 19:08 rolled in, again another winning trio of 321428+313+446 along to Southend International Airport, then on the slightly delayed 19:19 formed by required 321323+355+ dud 330 along to Prittlewell. I declined the 19:32 and 19:42 as they were both duds from earlier, but opted for the final option of the 19:52 that was formed by 321426+316 to take me to the final stop of Southend Victoria.
It was over to Platform 4 for the 20:10 LST departure, formed by fresh dud 321428 that I had earlier on as part of a winning trio. There was a speed restriction between Rochford and Hockley due to a track defect, and at Wickford, there was a further delay due to signalling problems. I was aiming for the 20:41 Romford – Upminster shuttle, and there seemed to be a remote chance of making that as the delay was around 20 minutes. I alighted at Romford and had missed the Upminster train by 2 minutes, so decided to hang around for the last departure at 21:41. During the fester here, I had spotted some dud Class 315s in both directions and also 66567 hauling containers northbound. It was over to Platform 1 for the 21:41 Upminster service that was formed by required 317714 for the run to Upminster and back, then along to Platform 2 for the 20 minutes delayed 21:53 SOV – LST service that was formed by dud from earlier 321365 for the run back to Liverpool Street. After alighting at LST, I decided to have a wander along to Moorgate Metropolitan Railway platforms for a westbound service from Platform 3, and hopped on 21083+084 for the run back to Kings Cross and bring the day to a close.
Overall, I am quite happy in that I have cleared my 2 remaining Hornsey based Class 313s, covered some new track along Great Eastern Railway metals, and have reduced my Anglia Class 321s from 81 to 56 today. I will be back to cover the Southminster section in the near future, and will also intend to do the Harwich Town branch tomorrow.
Stay tuned for Days 3 – 6
After a reasonable night's sleep, it was to Kings Cross station and down to the Northern Line platforms for a southbound service to Old Street. I decided to take the first train that arrives, which was odd pair 51703+515 to travel 2 stops. It was then along the dingy passageway to the Northern City Line island platform to see if my 2 final NCL Class 313s would be out this morning (I require 3 of the Brighton based Class 313s to clear the class). I felt that I would have a high chance as the frequency during Monday to Friday peaks is every 5 minutes along the common section between Moorgate and Alexandra Palace. After a series of dud pairs in both directions, it was onboard the 5 minutes delayed 08:03 Moorgate service formed by required 313056+ dud 039 for the short hop to Moorgate. When the dud pair cleared off from the opposite platform, the 08:23 Welwyn Garden City service would be formed by required 313025 + a dud on the rear (I forgot to note which one it was – it seems irrelevant now that I have cleared the Hornsey based fleet). I boarded 025 for the short hop to the next stop Old Street, then to the southbound Northern Line platform to hop along to Moorgate on 51641+640, transferring to the Metropolitan Railway platforms for an eastbound train for a bus stop bash to Liverpool Street on dud 21525+526.
I then briefly nipped out of the station to the Tesco store near the Bishopsgate Street entrance to pick up a meal deal for later on,then to Platform 9 for the 09:00 Norwich IC service, formed by dud DVT 82118+ dud loco 90015 “Colchester Castle”. I had booked a First Class Advance as it was only a couple of pounds extra, which worked out broadly similar to a cup of tea. During the non-stop run to Colchester, 47516 was at Ilford depot facing London, and 317714 was on the Romford – Upminster shuttle (which was required and I may consider an attempt to grab that later on), and 66585 was spotted at Shenfield facing London with some ballast wagons – most likely in relation to the remodelling works in preparation for London Crossrail. After alighting at Colchester, it was a gentle saunter over to the Clacton facing bay platform for the 09:56 Walton-on-the-Naze via Colchester Town service, formed by 321348 for the run all the way to the end of the line and back south to Weeley on the same train. It was over to the opposite platform for the 11:26 WON service, formed by 321309 for a run to Frinton-on-Sea and back on the 12:03 departure to Colchester Town, having landed both diagrams on the Colchester – Walton service.
After I had a brief wander, it was on the 13:00 Colchester shuttle service, formed by 360112 for the short run around the curve to the Intercity station. Of note, the 2 sides of the triangle that lead to and from Colchester Town, and Thorpe-le-Soken to Walton-on-the-Naze are my first bits of new track today. While at Colchester, 321327+317 were in Platform 6 (the bay facing London) and unbeknown to me, I would be meeting those pair of 321s later on. 86608+604 were spotted double heading a trainload of containers in the London direction, before I boarded the 13:12 Liverpool Street service formed by 360113 for a southbound run to Hatfield Peverel (sounds like a name of an architect firm). It was over to the eastbound platform via the 1960s type concrete footbridge and a few moments later, the pair of Class 321s that were in Platform 6 at Colchester passed through in the London direction. It was onboard the 13:40 Ipswich service, formed by 360104 for the run to Marks Tey, then onboard the 14:01 Sudbury (Suffolk) service formed by dud 156409 and back to Marks Tey on the same train, having scored more new track. I had noticed the various exhibits at Chappel & Wakes Colne museum, with one of those being a first generation DMU similar to the Class 115 and 116s that were common in the West Midlands area until the 1990s.
It was then onboard the 14:57 Ipswich service formed by 360119 for the short run to Colchester. Before my next move, 360104 was on the 15:12 LST service, 360112 on the 15:16 Clacton-on-Sea service, 321346+429 now in Platform 6, and 82152+90008 was on the 15:23 Norwich service. It was onboard the 15:30 LST service, formed by 90010+82121 for the non-stop run back to London LS, spotting 66537+510 at the Norwich end of Ilford depot. After alighting at LST, my attention would now switch to the Southend Victoria route, as the frequency is doubled from every 20 minutes to every 10 minutes in the peak direction of flow on Mondays to Fridays, and also with the bonus of some triple Class 321s in the mix too (as I have had 13 out of 94 Class 321s of the Anglia fleet, the probability for me having a load of winners would be closer to 1 than closer to zero).
As I had a 35 minute leeway (I was intending to start off with the 16:54 departure), I decided to take a quick glance to see if there were any required Class 315s on the local all stations Shenfield service. I spotted one on the 16:34, which I could pick up at Stratford as I had also spotted a required pair of Class 321s on the 16:24 Southend Victoria, formed by 321365+364. At Stratford, I remained on the same platform for the 16:43 Shenfield service, formed by dud 315826+ required 853 for a run to Ilford. It was a short fester before hopping on the 16:56 Gidea Park service, formed by required 315843+ dud 836 to Gidea Park, then another short fester before taking the 17:14 Shenfield service formed by dud 315844+ required 837 all the way to Shenfield. It is noted that I only require 2 of the Shenfield Class 315s (846 and 860) to clear that fleet, and 2 of the Chingford based (810 and 816) to clear the class.
With me still being slightly ahead of my original plan for linear hops along to Southend Victoria, I decided to let the 17:29 SOV service go, even though I was a required pair of 321s (353+324. I was feeling confident in meeting them again during the course of the evening, but I later realised those were ECS to depot). I then hopped on the 17:39 (as was the original plan) for a series of linear hops along to SOV, formed by 321317+327 (that I spotted earlier at Colchester and at Hatfield Peverel) +435 along to Billericay. It is noted that according to the RTT website, some of the units uncouple at SOV and return to depot, leaving either the front 4 or front 8 in the platform to work a Liverpool Street service, hence how I would ride the rearmost 4 coaches and would also attempt the unpowered trailer coach in case they get removed in the future similar to the ones that Scotrail now have.
After the train had disgorged a lot of passengers, it was next onboard the 17:58, formed by another trio of 321319+318+425 along to Wickford. As there were minor delays, the 10 minutes delayed 18:10 Southminster service from LST was the next train to arrive, formed by 321360+312. I had already decided that I would be back to cover the line to Southminster in the near future, and I was simply concentrating on the Southend services, as some departures are triple Class 321s. Next up was the 18:13 SOV service, which I declined as although it was another trio, it was dud 350+ required 334+ dud 302. It was then onboard the 18:23 formed by winning trio 321433+356+436 along to Rayleigh, then on the 18:38 formed by another winning trio of 321440+352+336 to Hockley. It was on the 18:55 formed of dud 321358+ required 325+305 along to Rochford, where as I was getting closer to the seaside and with the sun having gone down, I was starting to feel slightly chilly. It was not long before the 19:08 rolled in, again another winning trio of 321428+313+446 along to Southend International Airport, then on the slightly delayed 19:19 formed by required 321323+355+ dud 330 along to Prittlewell. I declined the 19:32 and 19:42 as they were both duds from earlier, but opted for the final option of the 19:52 that was formed by 321426+316 to take me to the final stop of Southend Victoria.
It was over to Platform 4 for the 20:10 LST departure, formed by fresh dud 321428 that I had earlier on as part of a winning trio. There was a speed restriction between Rochford and Hockley due to a track defect, and at Wickford, there was a further delay due to signalling problems. I was aiming for the 20:41 Romford – Upminster shuttle, and there seemed to be a remote chance of making that as the delay was around 20 minutes. I alighted at Romford and had missed the Upminster train by 2 minutes, so decided to hang around for the last departure at 21:41. During the fester here, I had spotted some dud Class 315s in both directions and also 66567 hauling containers northbound. It was over to Platform 1 for the 21:41 Upminster service that was formed by required 317714 for the run to Upminster and back, then along to Platform 2 for the 20 minutes delayed 21:53 SOV – LST service that was formed by dud from earlier 321365 for the run back to Liverpool Street. After alighting at LST, I decided to have a wander along to Moorgate Metropolitan Railway platforms for a westbound service from Platform 3, and hopped on 21083+084 for the run back to Kings Cross and bring the day to a close.
Overall, I am quite happy in that I have cleared my 2 remaining Hornsey based Class 313s, covered some new track along Great Eastern Railway metals, and have reduced my Anglia Class 321s from 81 to 56 today. I will be back to cover the Southminster section in the near future, and will also intend to do the Harwich Town branch tomorrow.
Stay tuned for Days 3 – 6
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
One helluva good clearout there, both of shacks and of required haulages!
adrock1976
Established Member
Day 3 Greater Anglia Day Ranger 07 October
The aim of today's plan was to attempt to reduce the Anglia diesel fleet requirements and also the loco hauled IC sets. In addition, I am intending to cover the Ely Bury St Edmunds section of track, as that is the only missing section of track I require within the day ranger area. Before getting stuck right in, I would have a glance at Liverpool Street for any required Class 315s and 317s that are required, plus I would also be fitting in the Manningtree Harwich Town and the PSUL Manningtree North East Junctions for the regional diesel service that connects with the Harwich Parkeston Quay Hook van Holland ferry service (a former direct train from Birmingham that is now truncated to start from Cambridge). Furthermore, the rest of the day would involve using the good old fashioned pen, paper, and timetables within the area of the day ranger.
After setting off from my accommodation, it was to the Metropolitan Railway platforms at Kings Cross to board dud 21090+089 to Liverpool Street. It was upstairs to the main station to see what was around, and I hopped on board the 08:00 Cheshunt via Seven Sisters service that was formed by required 317655 for a run to Hackney Downs. It was back to Liverpool Street on the 08:18 that was formed by dud 315815+ required 816. As it was not possible to do a rapidfire run to Stratford and back to see if I could get my final Ilford based Class 315s, I decided to have a gentle saunter along to Platform 9 where the 09:00 Norwich IC service was ready for boarding. This was formed by required 82105+90007 Sir John Betjemen for the eastbound run to Manningtree. It was then over to the London side for the 10:00 Harwich Town service that was formed by 321308 for the run to HWC and back to Manningtree again. At Parkeston Quay, 66765 was ready to haul trailers of concrete sleepers in the London direction.
On arrival back at Manningtree, it was over to the Norwich platform for the 10:55 Norwich IC service, formed by 82112+90001 Crown Point for a run to Diss. At Ipswich, 900016 was spotted with its headlamps facing London, while on the recently constructed curve that connects the GER mainline to the East Suffolk Railway, 66727 was hauling containers in the Norwich or Ely direction. After alighting at Diss, I hung about to see what was on the 11:47 LST IC service, which was 90007+82105, then I went for a brief wander. When I arrived back at the station, the screen had the 12:08 NRW service as being 10 minutes delayed and during this time, the train that I had arrived on was on the 12:17 LST departure. Eventually, it was onboard the delayed NRW service that was formed by 82114+90003 for the run to NRW and taking a position in the front coach so as I could quickly make a dash for the 12:36 Great Yarmouth service, which I had as one of my targets today.
On the approach into the platform, I could see the Class 37 loco hauled set on the 12:36 GYM service. I made a beeline for this train, which had dud 37405 top and required 37422 at the tail end for a run to Brundall, having departed NRW 5 minutes behind and arriving at Brundall 9 minutes behind schedule. I then walked up the hill onto the main street and walked along to Brundall Gardens arriving in plenty of time to see what would be on the 13:36 ex NRW GYM service, and seeing required 153335 passing through on a Lowestoft NRW service. The 13:43 GYM service was required 156417 and with no sign of the loco hauled set having returned (the Great Yarmouth trains pass here at more or less the same time), I hopped on the GYM service for a bus stop bash along to Brundall, passing the loco hauled set just before arrival. This meant it was not possible for me to land 153335 at this moment in time, as although it is an all stations except Buckenham to Lowestoft, the Norwich bound all stations service from Lowestoft passes the LWT bound train between Brundall and Cantley.
It was around a 30 minute fester at Brundall for the 14:22 NRW service, which was formed by required 170201 for the run back to Norwich. As I would be making my way in the Ely direction, I had 2 options in that as the Liverpool Lime Street service is most likely to be a required Class 158, the 14:40 Cambridge service runs slightly ahead so if that is required, I could take a run to Thetford and change. My luck was in as the 14:40 CBG service was required 170206 that I took to Thetford. During the 20 minute fester here, I took a brief wander to the bus stop along Station Road to have a feel of what the bus services are like. However, there were no timetables or any information at the bus stop so it was back to the station. Before the 15:24 Liverpool Lime Street service was due, I mentioned to the 2 schoolboys that it was not a good idea to have their legs dangling off the edge of the platform as they would get crushed and would be unable to walk unaided again. They did immediately get back up again. It was then onboard 158806 for a run to Ely, where at Queen Adelaide 66112 was spotted hauling Tarmac wagons northbound.
During the 45 minute break here, it was time for me to answer the call of nature, hence I did not see what was on the Birmingham Stansted Airport service. Before I nipped out of the station, I spotted 365507 on the 16:06 London Kings Cross via Great Northern Railway, then it was to the nearby Tesco to pick up a meal deal. When I got back to the station, 158847 was on the 16:26 NRW service, while 365539 was on the 16:25 KGX to Downham Market service. It was onboard the 16:32 Ipswich service that was formed by 170271 for the run all the way to the train's destination, and covering my second piece of new track between Ely and Bury St Edmunds today. On the approach to Ipswich, 66542 was spotted and 66566 was getting ready to haul containers in the London direction. After alighting at IPS, 360111+110 was on the 17:33 Colchester service, 82121+90010 was on the Norwich IC service, 90015+82118 was on the 17:43 LST IC service, 360118+104 was in Platform 4 that would be on the 18:22 LST departure, and required dogbox 153314 was sitting in Platform 1a for a future departure at some point this evening.
When I noticed that the 18:13 Lowestoft service was a required Class 156, I consulted the timetable and found that this is one of the odd LWT departures that calls at Westerfield. I decided to hop onboard the 17:58 Felixstowe service that was formed by as expected busy and dud 153306 for a short hop around the corner to Westerfield. It was immediately over the level crossing to the Lowestoft platform (the Felixstowe service crosses into the Ipswich platform on the approach to Westerfield station), where soon after 66503 was hauling containers in the Ipswich direction. It was then onboard the slightly delayed 18:19 LWT service that was formed by 156402 for a run to Wickham Market (I was considering going to the next stop Saxmundham, but decided against it due to the delay and as the trains pass each other within a couple of minutes there where the formation returns to double track). According to the signage, this station had the name of Campsea Ashe for Wickham Market at one time, and that the former station building is presently being renovated. It is also noted that as I was preparing to alight from the train, the on board display screen had CLS442 Wickham Market scrolling along.
As there was not a great deal around the vicinity of the station, it was onboard the 8 minutes delayed 19:07 Ipswich service, formed by dud 156422 for a westbound run to Woodbridge. It was over the footbridge to the opposite platform for the 5 minutes delayed 19:32 LWT service, which the screen and the timetable had First Class advertised, but it was dud 156409+ required dogbox 153314 for another eastbound run to Wickham Market once more having decided against staying on to Saxmundham due to the delay. It was back to Ipswich on the couple of minutes delayed 20:07 formed by 170270. I would like to note that I did the Ipswich Lowestoft route back in 2010 when I stewarded at a festival at Southwold (Halesworth being the closest station).
During the 20 minute or so fester at Ipswich, 90014+82103 was on the 20:43 LST IC service, 82118+90015 on the 20:41 NRW, 153322 in Platform 4 on possibly the 21:17 Cambridge service, 90044 hauling empty flatbed trailers through Platform 3 in the Norwich or Felixstowe direction, 66558, 538, 517, 591, and 557 were at the Freightliner yard next door, with 66572 drawing into Platform 2 to perform a shunt move into the yard. It was then onboard the slightly delayed 21:01 Harwich Parkeston Quay/International service formed by dud 170203 for the run there and back, covering the PSUL curve between Manningtree North East Junctions with Manningtree station platforms being visible while going round the curve. At Parkeston Quay, the vessel for the overnight sailing to Hook van Holland was Stena Hollandica, with 360115 on the Manningtree shuttle service and 321443+364 on the limited stop Dutchflyer to London Liverpool Street. After arriving at Platform 2 at Ipswich (an unintentional microgrice I was not expecting, as this is the London platform for IC services), it was over to Platform 4 for the 22:23 LST regional service, formed by required 321349+ dud 356 for the run all the way back to London Liverpool Street and then down to the Metropolitan Railway platforms to board 21392+391 to Kings Cross to bring the day to a close.
Overall, I covered the Harwich line including the PSUL curve, and also the Ely Bury St Edmunds section as new track today. The only remaining sections of Great Eastern Railway track that I require is Ely Kings Lynn, both arms that diverge to Stansted Airport, and Wickham Southminster. I have reduced the Anglia diesel fleet requirements slightly, and I have got one of each less of Class 315 and 317. Out of the Anglia diesel fleet, I only require 8 overall (including the one that received a damaged cab during Storm Frank 170204 I think), and 7 Intercity sets (plus the spare odd DVT). I still require several Class 321s, 317s, 379s, and 360s to totally clear the Anglia fleet outright, so I still have a fair amount of work to do.
Stay tuned for Days 4 6
The aim of today's plan was to attempt to reduce the Anglia diesel fleet requirements and also the loco hauled IC sets. In addition, I am intending to cover the Ely Bury St Edmunds section of track, as that is the only missing section of track I require within the day ranger area. Before getting stuck right in, I would have a glance at Liverpool Street for any required Class 315s and 317s that are required, plus I would also be fitting in the Manningtree Harwich Town and the PSUL Manningtree North East Junctions for the regional diesel service that connects with the Harwich Parkeston Quay Hook van Holland ferry service (a former direct train from Birmingham that is now truncated to start from Cambridge). Furthermore, the rest of the day would involve using the good old fashioned pen, paper, and timetables within the area of the day ranger.
After setting off from my accommodation, it was to the Metropolitan Railway platforms at Kings Cross to board dud 21090+089 to Liverpool Street. It was upstairs to the main station to see what was around, and I hopped on board the 08:00 Cheshunt via Seven Sisters service that was formed by required 317655 for a run to Hackney Downs. It was back to Liverpool Street on the 08:18 that was formed by dud 315815+ required 816. As it was not possible to do a rapidfire run to Stratford and back to see if I could get my final Ilford based Class 315s, I decided to have a gentle saunter along to Platform 9 where the 09:00 Norwich IC service was ready for boarding. This was formed by required 82105+90007 Sir John Betjemen for the eastbound run to Manningtree. It was then over to the London side for the 10:00 Harwich Town service that was formed by 321308 for the run to HWC and back to Manningtree again. At Parkeston Quay, 66765 was ready to haul trailers of concrete sleepers in the London direction.
On arrival back at Manningtree, it was over to the Norwich platform for the 10:55 Norwich IC service, formed by 82112+90001 Crown Point for a run to Diss. At Ipswich, 900016 was spotted with its headlamps facing London, while on the recently constructed curve that connects the GER mainline to the East Suffolk Railway, 66727 was hauling containers in the Norwich or Ely direction. After alighting at Diss, I hung about to see what was on the 11:47 LST IC service, which was 90007+82105, then I went for a brief wander. When I arrived back at the station, the screen had the 12:08 NRW service as being 10 minutes delayed and during this time, the train that I had arrived on was on the 12:17 LST departure. Eventually, it was onboard the delayed NRW service that was formed by 82114+90003 for the run to NRW and taking a position in the front coach so as I could quickly make a dash for the 12:36 Great Yarmouth service, which I had as one of my targets today.
On the approach into the platform, I could see the Class 37 loco hauled set on the 12:36 GYM service. I made a beeline for this train, which had dud 37405 top and required 37422 at the tail end for a run to Brundall, having departed NRW 5 minutes behind and arriving at Brundall 9 minutes behind schedule. I then walked up the hill onto the main street and walked along to Brundall Gardens arriving in plenty of time to see what would be on the 13:36 ex NRW GYM service, and seeing required 153335 passing through on a Lowestoft NRW service. The 13:43 GYM service was required 156417 and with no sign of the loco hauled set having returned (the Great Yarmouth trains pass here at more or less the same time), I hopped on the GYM service for a bus stop bash along to Brundall, passing the loco hauled set just before arrival. This meant it was not possible for me to land 153335 at this moment in time, as although it is an all stations except Buckenham to Lowestoft, the Norwich bound all stations service from Lowestoft passes the LWT bound train between Brundall and Cantley.
It was around a 30 minute fester at Brundall for the 14:22 NRW service, which was formed by required 170201 for the run back to Norwich. As I would be making my way in the Ely direction, I had 2 options in that as the Liverpool Lime Street service is most likely to be a required Class 158, the 14:40 Cambridge service runs slightly ahead so if that is required, I could take a run to Thetford and change. My luck was in as the 14:40 CBG service was required 170206 that I took to Thetford. During the 20 minute fester here, I took a brief wander to the bus stop along Station Road to have a feel of what the bus services are like. However, there were no timetables or any information at the bus stop so it was back to the station. Before the 15:24 Liverpool Lime Street service was due, I mentioned to the 2 schoolboys that it was not a good idea to have their legs dangling off the edge of the platform as they would get crushed and would be unable to walk unaided again. They did immediately get back up again. It was then onboard 158806 for a run to Ely, where at Queen Adelaide 66112 was spotted hauling Tarmac wagons northbound.
During the 45 minute break here, it was time for me to answer the call of nature, hence I did not see what was on the Birmingham Stansted Airport service. Before I nipped out of the station, I spotted 365507 on the 16:06 London Kings Cross via Great Northern Railway, then it was to the nearby Tesco to pick up a meal deal. When I got back to the station, 158847 was on the 16:26 NRW service, while 365539 was on the 16:25 KGX to Downham Market service. It was onboard the 16:32 Ipswich service that was formed by 170271 for the run all the way to the train's destination, and covering my second piece of new track between Ely and Bury St Edmunds today. On the approach to Ipswich, 66542 was spotted and 66566 was getting ready to haul containers in the London direction. After alighting at IPS, 360111+110 was on the 17:33 Colchester service, 82121+90010 was on the Norwich IC service, 90015+82118 was on the 17:43 LST IC service, 360118+104 was in Platform 4 that would be on the 18:22 LST departure, and required dogbox 153314 was sitting in Platform 1a for a future departure at some point this evening.
When I noticed that the 18:13 Lowestoft service was a required Class 156, I consulted the timetable and found that this is one of the odd LWT departures that calls at Westerfield. I decided to hop onboard the 17:58 Felixstowe service that was formed by as expected busy and dud 153306 for a short hop around the corner to Westerfield. It was immediately over the level crossing to the Lowestoft platform (the Felixstowe service crosses into the Ipswich platform on the approach to Westerfield station), where soon after 66503 was hauling containers in the Ipswich direction. It was then onboard the slightly delayed 18:19 LWT service that was formed by 156402 for a run to Wickham Market (I was considering going to the next stop Saxmundham, but decided against it due to the delay and as the trains pass each other within a couple of minutes there where the formation returns to double track). According to the signage, this station had the name of Campsea Ashe for Wickham Market at one time, and that the former station building is presently being renovated. It is also noted that as I was preparing to alight from the train, the on board display screen had CLS442 Wickham Market scrolling along.
As there was not a great deal around the vicinity of the station, it was onboard the 8 minutes delayed 19:07 Ipswich service, formed by dud 156422 for a westbound run to Woodbridge. It was over the footbridge to the opposite platform for the 5 minutes delayed 19:32 LWT service, which the screen and the timetable had First Class advertised, but it was dud 156409+ required dogbox 153314 for another eastbound run to Wickham Market once more having decided against staying on to Saxmundham due to the delay. It was back to Ipswich on the couple of minutes delayed 20:07 formed by 170270. I would like to note that I did the Ipswich Lowestoft route back in 2010 when I stewarded at a festival at Southwold (Halesworth being the closest station).
During the 20 minute or so fester at Ipswich, 90014+82103 was on the 20:43 LST IC service, 82118+90015 on the 20:41 NRW, 153322 in Platform 4 on possibly the 21:17 Cambridge service, 90044 hauling empty flatbed trailers through Platform 3 in the Norwich or Felixstowe direction, 66558, 538, 517, 591, and 557 were at the Freightliner yard next door, with 66572 drawing into Platform 2 to perform a shunt move into the yard. It was then onboard the slightly delayed 21:01 Harwich Parkeston Quay/International service formed by dud 170203 for the run there and back, covering the PSUL curve between Manningtree North East Junctions with Manningtree station platforms being visible while going round the curve. At Parkeston Quay, the vessel for the overnight sailing to Hook van Holland was Stena Hollandica, with 360115 on the Manningtree shuttle service and 321443+364 on the limited stop Dutchflyer to London Liverpool Street. After arriving at Platform 2 at Ipswich (an unintentional microgrice I was not expecting, as this is the London platform for IC services), it was over to Platform 4 for the 22:23 LST regional service, formed by required 321349+ dud 356 for the run all the way back to London Liverpool Street and then down to the Metropolitan Railway platforms to board 21392+391 to Kings Cross to bring the day to a close.
Overall, I covered the Harwich line including the PSUL curve, and also the Ely Bury St Edmunds section as new track today. The only remaining sections of Great Eastern Railway track that I require is Ely Kings Lynn, both arms that diverge to Stansted Airport, and Wickham Southminster. I have reduced the Anglia diesel fleet requirements slightly, and I have got one of each less of Class 315 and 317. Out of the Anglia diesel fleet, I only require 8 overall (including the one that received a damaged cab during Storm Frank 170204 I think), and 7 Intercity sets (plus the spare odd DVT). I still require several Class 321s, 317s, 379s, and 360s to totally clear the Anglia fleet outright, so I still have a fair amount of work to do.
Stay tuned for Days 4 6
Kite159
Veteran Member
A very productive couple of days in GA land scoring units, shacks & new track.
BTW you might want to check the 313 you first scored as it is currently '313256'
I think most bashers have the Anglia units high up with their replacements ordered, the 321s are harder than most as some only work one peak time diagram (i.e. a Southend service and stabling in the sidings at Southend)
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As for the Southminster branch, of the 3 direct services from Liverpool Street, the 1st is a pair of units, the 2nd is a trio (both running back to Shenfield) with the 3rd being a single unit (one of the units which runs the off-peak shuttles)
BTW you might want to check the 313 you first scored as it is currently '313256'
I think most bashers have the Anglia units high up with their replacements ordered, the 321s are harder than most as some only work one peak time diagram (i.e. a Southend service and stabling in the sidings at Southend)
----
As for the Southminster branch, of the 3 direct services from Liverpool Street, the 1st is a pair of units, the 2nd is a trio (both running back to Shenfield) with the 3rd being a single unit (one of the units which runs the off-peak shuttles)
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adrock1976
Established Member
Day 4 – Birthday and clearout of IC125 powercars and Thames Turbos 08 October
Today is the day that I have reached a major milestone, and as the IC125s were introduced into service the same year I was born, what better way than to reduce the powercar requirements. After all, as 27 sets out of 58 of the Great Western Railway fleet will eventually be making their way to Scotland in the near future, this would save me a huge task if I can clear most if not all before then. I believe that the Landore Depot, Swansea based powercars have slightly different engines compared to the rest of the fleet, and as Craigentinny Depot, Edinburgh do not have experience of those types of engines that are fitted in the Landore based powercars, it is unlikely those will be transferring. Old Oak Common, London has 44 powercars, which is equal to 22 sets, so those will most likely be cleared out of the way to Scotland. Laira Depot, Plymouth has 30 powercars, which makes that equal to 15 sets, meaning that 5 sets (10 powercars) will be coming up to Scotland. I am also aware that Laira has 10 powercars (5 sets) that are directly owned outright by First Group, but am unsure which ones they are (possibly 43005+041 at the very least, due to them being painted in traditional GWR dark green). A very simple and straightforward task today will mainly involve doing London Paddington – Reading runs whenever any required powercars appear.
I set off from the accommodation to Kings Cross Metropolitan Railway platforms to head westbound towards Paddington. I decided to do some linear hops along the way, with first up boarding 21047+048 along to Euston Square, dud 21392+391 to Great Portland Street, then letting 2 consecutive Met Line trains go so as to avoid crossing over the bridge at Baker Street. As the screen had the second Hammermith service due in 9 minutes after the next train, I decided to go straight to Edgware Road (MR) on 21315+316, then crossed to the opposite platform face for a District Line Wimbledon service to Paddington (Praed Street) on 21537+538. I then made my way to the main station and spotted a required powercar on the 09:00 Penzance via Bristol TM service. I decided to hop onboard this departure, which was dud 43148+ required 185, which was in the traditional British Rail Intercity livery, carrying the nameplate “Great Western”. On the run to Reading, 66763 was spotted near Royal Oak station, 66185, 207, and 109 were at Acton Wells yard,66108 with ballast wagons at Hayes & Harlington for the engineering works, and 66015 was spotted at Slough.
Next up was the 09:49 PAD service, formed by required pair 43028+192 for the non stop run back to PAD, passing 66040 at Hayes & Harlington on the Bristol side of the yard, and 66041 at West Ealing. As the next couple of IC125 departures were dud, I decided to switch to the Thames Turbos with me being rewarded with required pair 166215+204 on the 10:39 Oxford service. I bailed at Maidenhead to see what was on the Marlow shuttle service, and was rewarded with required 165122 on the 11:38 that I took as far as Bourne End, having already covered the track to Marlow back in 2014. The community noticeboard at Bourne End station has information on the campaign to reinstate the track northwards to High Wycombe. However, it is clear to see that the trackbed northwards has been encroached upon, with the additional problem of the buildings looking like they have been constructed in recent years. Anyway, it was soon back to Maidenhead on the 12:17 and the same train that I had arrived on.
It was a very brief fester for the 12:34 Oxford service, formed by required pair 165136+166212 for a run to Goring & Streatley, then over to the London platform for the 13:12 PAD service, formed by dud 165110+ required 165133 for a short run to Reading. As there were no IC125s heading to PAD that were due for a while, this meant that it was time for tea. It was back to the footbridge, and at the precise time that I was born (13:40), I was standing on the footbridge in between the stairs between Platforms 10/11 and 12/13 island facing away from London looking out to see which one out of the 13:49 or 13:54 PAD services would arrive first. The powercars on the 13:49 were both dud, therefore I declined that for the 13:54 Cornish Riviera service, formed by required 43009+ dud 194 for a run back to PAD on what is arguably the finest and best Intercity train ever built in the UK, even though the powercars no longer have the original Valenta engines. Of note, I managed to have a glance at the Thames Turbo that was on the Slough – Windsor & Eton Central shuttle, which was dud 165121 and meant that I need not bother with that today.
After alighting at PAD, it was onboard the 14:30 Bristol TM service, formed by required 43015+ dud 159 for another run to Reading. As the next PAD departure was due in around 30 minutes time (there are some that are close together today, then a couple of big gaps due to engineering works) I decided to go for a wander to Sainsburys along Friar Street to attempt to get a meal deal, but to no avail. I decided to head back to the station and back to PAD on the 15:21, formed by dud 43158+ required 181, and another run to Reading on the 16:00 Plymouth via Castle Cary formed by required pair 43031+003 “Isambard Kingdom Brunel”, who was the engineer of the GWR. It was at this point that I decided to have some more tea and a light snack from the Ritazza kiosk on Platform 7 before deciding on my next move.
As the 16:49 PAD service was a dud pair of powercars, I declined that and opted for the 17:00 that was formed by 43169+ dud 056. With the IC125 sets that were already at PAD in the various platforms being dud pairs of powercars, I decided to switch to Thames Turbos again, opting for the 18:09 Oxford service formed by required 165112+166201 for a run to Slough after studying the timetable. It was over to Platform 5 for the 19:04 PAD service, formed by required 165110+ dud 165133 for a run to Southall, where I pulled off a minus 2 minute connection onto the 5 minutes delayed 19:22 Oxford service, formed by required pair 165123+113 for a run to Iver. As the trains that call at Iver pass each other within a minute or two of each other and combined with the rather evil looking footbridge, I felt that it would be easier to do a linear hop especially as there was a slight delay. I went for a wander and stumbled upon a convenience store and an Indian takeaway, with some shops and businesses that were closed for the day. It was back to the station and in the distance, the traffic could be heard from the nearby M25.
It was onboard the 5 minutes delayed 20:01 Oxford service that was formed by double duds 165218+165137 for a short hop to Slough, then over to Platform 2 for the slightly delayed 20:38 Oxford service formed by required 165102 for a non stop run to Reading with some Turbo thrash (or should that be boost?). It was then back to PAD on the 21:00 departure, formed by required 43126+ dud 024, and rather surprisingly, this is the first required powercar that is allocated to Landore Depot, Swansea that I have landed today. It was now the time to push myself for at least one more run to Reading and back, and it was onboard the 22:00 Cardiff Central via Stroud and Gloucester service, formed by required 43180+ dud 032. As the 22:34 PAD service and the Thames Turbos from Oxford were all dud, I went for another wander and came back to the station to see what was on the 23:12 and 23:15 PAD departures. The 23:15 arrived first, which was the green GWR IC125 set with dud pair 43005+041, so declined that to see what was on the 15 minutes delayed 23:12. This was dud pair 43163+131, so declined those for a final chance with the 23:48 from Taunton via Bristol TM, which was required 43020+ dud 092 for a final run back to PAD and to the bus stop on Praed Street for the N205 to Kings Cross via Edgware Road station and Marylebone Road and Euston Road, bringing the day's action to an end.
Overall, it did seem an unconventional way to spend a big birthday, but I have always been one of the type that it is just an ordinary day, with no big blaze of publicity or a massive fanfare. Most of my birthdays have fell on schooldays or workdays, with only around 25% falling on a Saturday or Sunday and not always 2 consecutive years in a row. I now require 12 powercars that are allocated to Old Oak Common, 7 that are allocated to Laira, and 13 that are allocated to Landore to clear the GWR fleet. I feel that this has made things a lot easier for the future, and if I am lucky in clearing all of the GW powercars, this means that I will not have to go on a wild goose chase when they end up in Scotland. I will have another attempt in the near future while they still remain on GWR metals.
Stay tuned for Days 5 and 6
PS I will respond to comments soon, as I still have several tasks to do in the next few days that I cannot get out of.
Today is the day that I have reached a major milestone, and as the IC125s were introduced into service the same year I was born, what better way than to reduce the powercar requirements. After all, as 27 sets out of 58 of the Great Western Railway fleet will eventually be making their way to Scotland in the near future, this would save me a huge task if I can clear most if not all before then. I believe that the Landore Depot, Swansea based powercars have slightly different engines compared to the rest of the fleet, and as Craigentinny Depot, Edinburgh do not have experience of those types of engines that are fitted in the Landore based powercars, it is unlikely those will be transferring. Old Oak Common, London has 44 powercars, which is equal to 22 sets, so those will most likely be cleared out of the way to Scotland. Laira Depot, Plymouth has 30 powercars, which makes that equal to 15 sets, meaning that 5 sets (10 powercars) will be coming up to Scotland. I am also aware that Laira has 10 powercars (5 sets) that are directly owned outright by First Group, but am unsure which ones they are (possibly 43005+041 at the very least, due to them being painted in traditional GWR dark green). A very simple and straightforward task today will mainly involve doing London Paddington – Reading runs whenever any required powercars appear.
I set off from the accommodation to Kings Cross Metropolitan Railway platforms to head westbound towards Paddington. I decided to do some linear hops along the way, with first up boarding 21047+048 along to Euston Square, dud 21392+391 to Great Portland Street, then letting 2 consecutive Met Line trains go so as to avoid crossing over the bridge at Baker Street. As the screen had the second Hammermith service due in 9 minutes after the next train, I decided to go straight to Edgware Road (MR) on 21315+316, then crossed to the opposite platform face for a District Line Wimbledon service to Paddington (Praed Street) on 21537+538. I then made my way to the main station and spotted a required powercar on the 09:00 Penzance via Bristol TM service. I decided to hop onboard this departure, which was dud 43148+ required 185, which was in the traditional British Rail Intercity livery, carrying the nameplate “Great Western”. On the run to Reading, 66763 was spotted near Royal Oak station, 66185, 207, and 109 were at Acton Wells yard,66108 with ballast wagons at Hayes & Harlington for the engineering works, and 66015 was spotted at Slough.
Next up was the 09:49 PAD service, formed by required pair 43028+192 for the non stop run back to PAD, passing 66040 at Hayes & Harlington on the Bristol side of the yard, and 66041 at West Ealing. As the next couple of IC125 departures were dud, I decided to switch to the Thames Turbos with me being rewarded with required pair 166215+204 on the 10:39 Oxford service. I bailed at Maidenhead to see what was on the Marlow shuttle service, and was rewarded with required 165122 on the 11:38 that I took as far as Bourne End, having already covered the track to Marlow back in 2014. The community noticeboard at Bourne End station has information on the campaign to reinstate the track northwards to High Wycombe. However, it is clear to see that the trackbed northwards has been encroached upon, with the additional problem of the buildings looking like they have been constructed in recent years. Anyway, it was soon back to Maidenhead on the 12:17 and the same train that I had arrived on.
It was a very brief fester for the 12:34 Oxford service, formed by required pair 165136+166212 for a run to Goring & Streatley, then over to the London platform for the 13:12 PAD service, formed by dud 165110+ required 165133 for a short run to Reading. As there were no IC125s heading to PAD that were due for a while, this meant that it was time for tea. It was back to the footbridge, and at the precise time that I was born (13:40), I was standing on the footbridge in between the stairs between Platforms 10/11 and 12/13 island facing away from London looking out to see which one out of the 13:49 or 13:54 PAD services would arrive first. The powercars on the 13:49 were both dud, therefore I declined that for the 13:54 Cornish Riviera service, formed by required 43009+ dud 194 for a run back to PAD on what is arguably the finest and best Intercity train ever built in the UK, even though the powercars no longer have the original Valenta engines. Of note, I managed to have a glance at the Thames Turbo that was on the Slough – Windsor & Eton Central shuttle, which was dud 165121 and meant that I need not bother with that today.
After alighting at PAD, it was onboard the 14:30 Bristol TM service, formed by required 43015+ dud 159 for another run to Reading. As the next PAD departure was due in around 30 minutes time (there are some that are close together today, then a couple of big gaps due to engineering works) I decided to go for a wander to Sainsburys along Friar Street to attempt to get a meal deal, but to no avail. I decided to head back to the station and back to PAD on the 15:21, formed by dud 43158+ required 181, and another run to Reading on the 16:00 Plymouth via Castle Cary formed by required pair 43031+003 “Isambard Kingdom Brunel”, who was the engineer of the GWR. It was at this point that I decided to have some more tea and a light snack from the Ritazza kiosk on Platform 7 before deciding on my next move.
As the 16:49 PAD service was a dud pair of powercars, I declined that and opted for the 17:00 that was formed by 43169+ dud 056. With the IC125 sets that were already at PAD in the various platforms being dud pairs of powercars, I decided to switch to Thames Turbos again, opting for the 18:09 Oxford service formed by required 165112+166201 for a run to Slough after studying the timetable. It was over to Platform 5 for the 19:04 PAD service, formed by required 165110+ dud 165133 for a run to Southall, where I pulled off a minus 2 minute connection onto the 5 minutes delayed 19:22 Oxford service, formed by required pair 165123+113 for a run to Iver. As the trains that call at Iver pass each other within a minute or two of each other and combined with the rather evil looking footbridge, I felt that it would be easier to do a linear hop especially as there was a slight delay. I went for a wander and stumbled upon a convenience store and an Indian takeaway, with some shops and businesses that were closed for the day. It was back to the station and in the distance, the traffic could be heard from the nearby M25.
It was onboard the 5 minutes delayed 20:01 Oxford service that was formed by double duds 165218+165137 for a short hop to Slough, then over to Platform 2 for the slightly delayed 20:38 Oxford service formed by required 165102 for a non stop run to Reading with some Turbo thrash (or should that be boost?). It was then back to PAD on the 21:00 departure, formed by required 43126+ dud 024, and rather surprisingly, this is the first required powercar that is allocated to Landore Depot, Swansea that I have landed today. It was now the time to push myself for at least one more run to Reading and back, and it was onboard the 22:00 Cardiff Central via Stroud and Gloucester service, formed by required 43180+ dud 032. As the 22:34 PAD service and the Thames Turbos from Oxford were all dud, I went for another wander and came back to the station to see what was on the 23:12 and 23:15 PAD departures. The 23:15 arrived first, which was the green GWR IC125 set with dud pair 43005+041, so declined that to see what was on the 15 minutes delayed 23:12. This was dud pair 43163+131, so declined those for a final chance with the 23:48 from Taunton via Bristol TM, which was required 43020+ dud 092 for a final run back to PAD and to the bus stop on Praed Street for the N205 to Kings Cross via Edgware Road station and Marylebone Road and Euston Road, bringing the day's action to an end.
Overall, it did seem an unconventional way to spend a big birthday, but I have always been one of the type that it is just an ordinary day, with no big blaze of publicity or a massive fanfare. Most of my birthdays have fell on schooldays or workdays, with only around 25% falling on a Saturday or Sunday and not always 2 consecutive years in a row. I now require 12 powercars that are allocated to Old Oak Common, 7 that are allocated to Laira, and 13 that are allocated to Landore to clear the GWR fleet. I feel that this has made things a lot easier for the future, and if I am lucky in clearing all of the GW powercars, this means that I will not have to go on a wild goose chase when they end up in Scotland. I will have another attempt in the near future while they still remain on GWR metals.
Stay tuned for Days 5 and 6
PS I will respond to comments soon, as I still have several tasks to do in the next few days that I cannot get out of.
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You do know that it's only the front of the two 37s on the Anglia sets providing power don't you? If 422 was on the back then it wouldn't have been powering...
Well done at going for the trams on the 4th of October - something I unfortunately couldn't do. I don't like the fact that you also went for carts though. I also notice that you've got 43126 down as a winner twice, once with 024 and again with 032. Just checking to see if it's an error in your notes or not.
Well done at going for the trams on the 4th of October - something I unfortunately couldn't do. I don't like the fact that you also went for carts though
. I also notice that you've got 43126 down as a winner twice, once with 024 and again with 032. Just checking to see if it's an error in your notes or not.
Kite159
Veteran Member
Happy birthday and a good day on the HSTs
adrock1976
Established Member
Day 5 Lakenheath visit, Berney Arms visit Take 2, and Ely curve 09 October
As there were engineering works that closed the GER mainline between Stratford and Witham, I checked the Cambridge route. This would also be closed between Cambridge and Ely, with the dreaded rail replacement bus running between the 2. I decided to bite the bullet and to indulge in some masochism and get Lakenheath done out of the way. I would also nip across to Berney Arms to have a second attempt at it, as my previous attempt back in May was scuppered due to a points failure at Reedham. Furthermore, I would also attempt to do the Sundays Only PSUL move via the curve between Ely North West Junctions.
It was an early rise for the short walk to Kings Cross Metropolitan Railway platforms to hop on board 21082+081 for the run to Liverpool Street. I then went up to the main station and spotted a required pair of Class 379s on a Stansted Airport departure, meaning that I could do a linear hop along the way. It was onboard the 08:17 STD via Stratford service, formed by 379011+018 for a run to Harlow Town, passing 66155 near the Olympic Park and 373005+6 and 3032 at Temple Mills depot. After alighting at Harlow Town, 4 minutes later it was onboard the 08:59 Cambridge service (that I would have boarded at LST) formed by required 379029 for another linear hop to Audley End. It was a short fester here before boarding the 09:26 Stansted Airport Cambridge shuttle formed by required 317660 for the run to Cambridge. It was time for tea and something light, so got that dome out of the way before the next leg of the journey that would fill me with dread, and for some masochism in the mix too. It was out of the station and round to the car park to await the rail replacement bus to Ely, which was a Whippet of Swaresay double decker (based in the CB24 postcode area). Departure was scheduled at 10:10 and departed the car park around 5 minutes behind, but after a direct run via the A10 arrival at Ely was 10 minutes ahead of schedule (due 11:00).
At the end of indulging in the first part of some masochism, it was into the station with 170102 in Platform 1 on the 11:13 Birmingham NS service. 170109 and 170104 were behind in the same platform all uncoupled. 365531 was in Platform 2 on the 11:12 Kings Lynn service. It was then onboard the 11:10 Norwich service departing from Platform 3 formed by dud 170270 for a run to the request stop of Lakenheath (while bringing it to the attention of the guard soon after departure). Unsurprisingly, I was the only passenger who alighted, with nobody boarding. After I had a look at the map of the local area (but not for too long), it was then over the level crossing to the Cambridge platform (there is no footbridge between platforms) for the 11:49 Ely service and to signal to the driver to stop when the train was in clear sight from the driver's perspective. It was onboard dud 170203 for the run back to Ely, spotting 365514 on the 12:22 Kings Lynn service, and remaining on board the train I arrived on for the 12:10 departure to Norwich.
After alighting at Norwich, I had spotted 158812, 90008+82152 in Platform 2, 156412 in Platform 3, and 68004+024 on the loco hauled set stabled in the sidings next to Platform 6. It was onboard the 13:36 Great Yarmouth via Reedham service, formed by required 156407 for the run to the request stop at Berney Arms. Although there was nobody who alighted with me, there were 2 passengers who boarded to go the short run to Great Yarmouth. I had a brief wander in the direction of the windmill then back to the station to board the same train I arrived on that was the 14:24 Norwich service. At Crown Point depot, 08847 was at the Great Yarmouth side getting ready to haul 90015+82112, while after arriving at Norwich station, 170206 was on the next Lowestoft departure, 158858 on the 14:53 Manchester departure, and 90010+82121 was on the Witham service. In addition, 68002, 68022, 57503, and 153306 were in the sidings next to Platform 1.
As I had some leeway here, I decided to take a look at what would be on the 15:03 Ely service, and if required I would take this for a linear hop to Thetford. My luck was in, as it was required 170208 that I hopped onboard, passing 82105+90018 at Trowse Bridge Junction and after bailing at Thetford, I went for a quick wander into town and back. I then boarded the 16:21 Manchester Piccadilly service that was formed by required 158847 for the run to Peterborough. It is noted that this is the Sundays Only departure that runs the PSUL route between Ely North and West Junctions via the curve, and also does not call at March. I had already noted the 17:18 Stansted Airport departure in case I had a very optimistic connection that I could pull off (the MAN train arrives PBO 17:12 and departs 17:23) if there are no delays (I have sporadically checked this out over the last couple of years, with mixed fortunes. It is a good thing that I am not attempting to pull off a 3 minute connection onto the 17:15 London Kings Cross Glasgow Central service on an Advance Purchase, as that is not a recognised connection).
When I alighted at Peterborough with the train arriving 5 minutes behind schedule, the 17:18 STD service was already sitting at the opposite face of the same island platform, but had already started the dispatch process. Instead, it was my original plan of boarding the 17:45 Colchester via Ipswich service, which was formed by dud 170201 for the run to Ely. I had identified a potential run to Kings Lynn on the 18:22 departure so as to cover that track while it was still daylight, but it had already departed Ely before I arrived there. Anyway, it was time for some tea, so I did that before exiting the station to await the 18:38 Cambridge rail replacement bus, which the marshals were saying that the next one is 19:05 and no 18:38. Eventually, it transpired that it was not marked on their sheet, but it was on the bus drivers' sheet that they had. It was time for me to indulge in the second part of masochism for today, with the bus being a double decker by the same company as this morning. This time, the bus would deviate off the A10 and go along a couple of country lanes via Waterbeach on the way to Cambridge, arriving back at CBG at 19:25.
It was onboard the 19:32 Liverpool Street service formed by required 379010 for a run to Audley End, then back to CBG on the 20:00 formed by required pair 379004+008. As the 20:32 Lst service was dud, I declined that for the 20:51, formed by required 317669 for a run to Sawbridgeworth. It was over the evil concrete footbridge (better than the level crossing as there is only a few minutes between trains passing in opposite directions) to the Cambridge platform for the 21:38 CBG service that was formed by the return of fresh dud 379010 to Stansted Mountfitchet. It was then over to the London platform for the 21:51 LST service that was formed by required pair 379026+025 for a run to Harlow Town, then on the 22:10 LST service formed by required 379003 to Cheshunt. I decided to bail here with the remote possibility of landing my final LO Class 315 (810) and to score off Turkey Street as well. It was to Turkey Street on dud 315801 that was on the 22:31 LST via Seven Sisters service, and back to Cheshunt on the 22:47 that was formed by dud 315803. I then boarded the 22:59 LST via Tottenham Hale that was formed by required 317505 to TOM, then on the 23:17 service from STD that was formed by required 379024+ dud 016 back to LST. It was then to the Metropolitan Railway platforms to hop on 21002+001 back to Kings Cross to bring the day's action to an end.
Overall, I am very happy in that I have managed to so some awkward bits and pieces, while indulging in some masochism in the guise of rail replacement buses. I have reduced the Class 317s slightly, and have reduced my Class 379 requirements from 20 to 10.
Stay tuned for the final installment.
As there were engineering works that closed the GER mainline between Stratford and Witham, I checked the Cambridge route. This would also be closed between Cambridge and Ely, with the dreaded rail replacement bus running between the 2. I decided to bite the bullet and to indulge in some masochism and get Lakenheath done out of the way. I would also nip across to Berney Arms to have a second attempt at it, as my previous attempt back in May was scuppered due to a points failure at Reedham. Furthermore, I would also attempt to do the Sundays Only PSUL move via the curve between Ely North West Junctions.
It was an early rise for the short walk to Kings Cross Metropolitan Railway platforms to hop on board 21082+081 for the run to Liverpool Street. I then went up to the main station and spotted a required pair of Class 379s on a Stansted Airport departure, meaning that I could do a linear hop along the way. It was onboard the 08:17 STD via Stratford service, formed by 379011+018 for a run to Harlow Town, passing 66155 near the Olympic Park and 373005+6 and 3032 at Temple Mills depot. After alighting at Harlow Town, 4 minutes later it was onboard the 08:59 Cambridge service (that I would have boarded at LST) formed by required 379029 for another linear hop to Audley End. It was a short fester here before boarding the 09:26 Stansted Airport Cambridge shuttle formed by required 317660 for the run to Cambridge. It was time for tea and something light, so got that dome out of the way before the next leg of the journey that would fill me with dread, and for some masochism in the mix too. It was out of the station and round to the car park to await the rail replacement bus to Ely, which was a Whippet of Swaresay double decker (based in the CB24 postcode area). Departure was scheduled at 10:10 and departed the car park around 5 minutes behind, but after a direct run via the A10 arrival at Ely was 10 minutes ahead of schedule (due 11:00).
At the end of indulging in the first part of some masochism, it was into the station with 170102 in Platform 1 on the 11:13 Birmingham NS service. 170109 and 170104 were behind in the same platform all uncoupled. 365531 was in Platform 2 on the 11:12 Kings Lynn service. It was then onboard the 11:10 Norwich service departing from Platform 3 formed by dud 170270 for a run to the request stop of Lakenheath (while bringing it to the attention of the guard soon after departure). Unsurprisingly, I was the only passenger who alighted, with nobody boarding. After I had a look at the map of the local area (but not for too long), it was then over the level crossing to the Cambridge platform (there is no footbridge between platforms) for the 11:49 Ely service and to signal to the driver to stop when the train was in clear sight from the driver's perspective. It was onboard dud 170203 for the run back to Ely, spotting 365514 on the 12:22 Kings Lynn service, and remaining on board the train I arrived on for the 12:10 departure to Norwich.
After alighting at Norwich, I had spotted 158812, 90008+82152 in Platform 2, 156412 in Platform 3, and 68004+024 on the loco hauled set stabled in the sidings next to Platform 6. It was onboard the 13:36 Great Yarmouth via Reedham service, formed by required 156407 for the run to the request stop at Berney Arms. Although there was nobody who alighted with me, there were 2 passengers who boarded to go the short run to Great Yarmouth. I had a brief wander in the direction of the windmill then back to the station to board the same train I arrived on that was the 14:24 Norwich service. At Crown Point depot, 08847 was at the Great Yarmouth side getting ready to haul 90015+82112, while after arriving at Norwich station, 170206 was on the next Lowestoft departure, 158858 on the 14:53 Manchester departure, and 90010+82121 was on the Witham service. In addition, 68002, 68022, 57503, and 153306 were in the sidings next to Platform 1.
As I had some leeway here, I decided to take a look at what would be on the 15:03 Ely service, and if required I would take this for a linear hop to Thetford. My luck was in, as it was required 170208 that I hopped onboard, passing 82105+90018 at Trowse Bridge Junction and after bailing at Thetford, I went for a quick wander into town and back. I then boarded the 16:21 Manchester Piccadilly service that was formed by required 158847 for the run to Peterborough. It is noted that this is the Sundays Only departure that runs the PSUL route between Ely North and West Junctions via the curve, and also does not call at March. I had already noted the 17:18 Stansted Airport departure in case I had a very optimistic connection that I could pull off (the MAN train arrives PBO 17:12 and departs 17:23) if there are no delays (I have sporadically checked this out over the last couple of years, with mixed fortunes. It is a good thing that I am not attempting to pull off a 3 minute connection onto the 17:15 London Kings Cross Glasgow Central service on an Advance Purchase, as that is not a recognised connection).
When I alighted at Peterborough with the train arriving 5 minutes behind schedule, the 17:18 STD service was already sitting at the opposite face of the same island platform, but had already started the dispatch process. Instead, it was my original plan of boarding the 17:45 Colchester via Ipswich service, which was formed by dud 170201 for the run to Ely. I had identified a potential run to Kings Lynn on the 18:22 departure so as to cover that track while it was still daylight, but it had already departed Ely before I arrived there. Anyway, it was time for some tea, so I did that before exiting the station to await the 18:38 Cambridge rail replacement bus, which the marshals were saying that the next one is 19:05 and no 18:38. Eventually, it transpired that it was not marked on their sheet, but it was on the bus drivers' sheet that they had. It was time for me to indulge in the second part of masochism for today, with the bus being a double decker by the same company as this morning. This time, the bus would deviate off the A10 and go along a couple of country lanes via Waterbeach on the way to Cambridge, arriving back at CBG at 19:25.
It was onboard the 19:32 Liverpool Street service formed by required 379010 for a run to Audley End, then back to CBG on the 20:00 formed by required pair 379004+008. As the 20:32 Lst service was dud, I declined that for the 20:51, formed by required 317669 for a run to Sawbridgeworth. It was over the evil concrete footbridge (better than the level crossing as there is only a few minutes between trains passing in opposite directions) to the Cambridge platform for the 21:38 CBG service that was formed by the return of fresh dud 379010 to Stansted Mountfitchet. It was then over to the London platform for the 21:51 LST service that was formed by required pair 379026+025 for a run to Harlow Town, then on the 22:10 LST service formed by required 379003 to Cheshunt. I decided to bail here with the remote possibility of landing my final LO Class 315 (810) and to score off Turkey Street as well. It was to Turkey Street on dud 315801 that was on the 22:31 LST via Seven Sisters service, and back to Cheshunt on the 22:47 that was formed by dud 315803. I then boarded the 22:59 LST via Tottenham Hale that was formed by required 317505 to TOM, then on the 23:17 service from STD that was formed by required 379024+ dud 016 back to LST. It was then to the Metropolitan Railway platforms to hop on 21002+001 back to Kings Cross to bring the day's action to an end.
Overall, I am very happy in that I have managed to so some awkward bits and pieces, while indulging in some masochism in the guise of rail replacement buses. I have reduced the Class 317s slightly, and have reduced my Class 379 requirements from 20 to 10.
Stay tuned for the final installment.
d1672
Member
If I can refer back to message 304 with regard to "Fairlie High". There were 2 stations in Fairlie until the late sixties early seventies. The other station was called "Fairlie Peir". You could catch the car ferry to Brodick, "Glen Sannox" and excursion services to Campbeltown from Fairlie Peir. The car ferry was only once a day for a few seasons as the service mainly used Ardrossan.
Thomas
Thomas
adrock1976
Established Member
A very productive couple of days in GA land scoring units, shacks & new track.
BTW you might want to check the 313 you first scored as it is currently '313256'
I think most bashers have the Anglia units high up with their replacements ordered, the 321s are harder than most as some only work one peak time diagram (i.e. a Southend service and stabling in the sidings at Southend)
----
As for the Southminster branch, of the 3 direct services from Liverpool Street, the 1st is a pair of units, the 2nd is a trio (both running back to Shenfield) with the 3rd being a single unit (one of the units which runs the off-peak shuttles)
I've fixed the typo - it was meant to be 056.
Regarding the Anglia fleet, it is trying to predict which will be the first to leave. As I am presently typing this, I only require 8 of the diesel fleet, which I can easily get done out of the way next time.
Many thanks for the tip regarding the Southminster peak time services.
You do know that it's only the front of the two 37s on the Anglia sets providing power don't you? If 422 was on the back then it wouldn't have been powering...
Well done at going for the trams on the 4th of October - something I unfortunately couldn't do. I don't like the fact that you also went for carts though
As I had hit a spell with dud IC125s, I thought I might as well switch to Thames Turbos so as it would be something less to concentrate on when they eventually relocate to Bristol and Exeter when I'm over that way in the future. Think of it as having a game of darts when the 20s are not working out at all, but have better fortune by switching to 19s instead.
The second occurrence of 43126 is meant to be 43180, which I have fixed. I was reading the wrong line when typing the report.
Many thanks for the additional information.
Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a good day in GA land, well done on getting two hard to get request stops into your book
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Some excellent days of bashing there, and an excellent way to mark a 40th birthday! I feel similar with birthdays, most of them I'm not fussed about but the bigger ones (30th, 40th etc) I do take more note of. Got another 8 years to plan my 40th birthday bash, which I intend to make pretty massive!
The bits around Anglia I was especially interested in as I'm going there on Thursday. Sadly I won't be there on the Sunday to make life easier getting the irritatingly limited service shacks in, but as per yourself and everyone else I am getting keen to clear out my GA requirements. Mostly EMUs that I need but they're getting looked at next year.
The bits around Anglia I was especially interested in as I'm going there on Thursday. Sadly I won't be there on the Sunday to make life easier getting the irritatingly limited service shacks in, but as per yourself and everyone else I am getting keen to clear out my GA requirements. Mostly EMUs that I need but they're getting looked at next year.
adrock1976
Established Member
Day 6 Odd bits and pieces, hunting for 139001, and homeward bound
Today was bringing the big birthday bashing trip to an end, and as I would be departing Marylebone at lunchtime, I decided to have a go at hunting down some Class 315s and 317s after checking out of my accommodation. It was to the Metropolitan Railway platforms at Kings Cross to hop on 21110+109 to Liverpool Street, and after checking the 315s on the next couple of Shenfield services which were dud (the rear units anyway), it was to the west side to see what was about. I chose the 08:42 Hertford East via Tottenham Hale that was formed by required pair 317883+884 for a run to Hackney Downs, then over to Platform 4 for the 5 minutes delayed Cheshunt via Seven Sisters service, formed by required 317710+ dud 892 for a run to Edmonton Green. It was a few minutes before the 5 minutes delayed 09:10 Enfield Town service arrived, formed by dud 317891+ required 317719 to go one stop to Bush Hill Park. It is noted that the only station I require between Liverpool Street and Broxbourne is the recently reopened Lea Bridge, which I will do from the Tottenham Hale side at some point in the future.
It was a short fester for the slightly delayed 09:26 LST service and back on board the same pair of 317s for a southbound run to Silver Street. I decided to bail here as I was using my Oyster PAYG, so as not to time out and swipe the remaining balance I have, and as the frequency reverts to the standard pattern every 15 minutes, it would also avoid the Oyster system thinking that the card is a passback if touched on the same reader in quick succession. Anyway, it was then onboard the 09:45 LST departure that was formed by now dud pair from earlier 317892+710 for a run to Hackney Downs. It is noted that there is the purple standalone Oyster reader here which I could tap on if need be so as not to time out. After I got some tea from the cafe on Platform 1 and after a series of duds went by plus a required pair of 317s heading to Enfield Town, I realised it was time to tap in on the reader as it was almost an hour since I tapped at Silver Street.
After I had consulted the timetable, I had settled for the 10:59 ex Cheshunt LST that was formed by required pair 317708+732 for the run all the way back to LST. It was then back to Hackney Downs so as I could meet the required pair of 317s on the 11:33 Chingford service, formed by dud pair 315804+805. It was then to the opposite face of the island platform for the 11:44 ex Enfield Town LST departure formed by as expected required pair 317729+709 back to LST. As time was getting on, I decided to bring this section of hunting for requirements to a close and would make my way towards Marylebone. It was down to the Metropolitan Railway platforms to hop onboard 21014+013 to Baker Street, deciding not to bother with any linear hops owing to the limited time I have. It was then a walk along Melcombe Street to Marylebone station to get some tea and something light before heading for my train.
It was then over to Platform 3 for the 13:10 Birmingham Moor Street service, formed by dud 68008 Avenger + required DVT 82302 for some Class 68 thrash and reverb through tunnels and underneath bridges. Before departure, 172102, 165018, 168109, 168112, and 168321 were spotted, with 165033, 005, and 025 in the siding east of Platform 1. On the approach to Banbury, the train got held for a while due to signalling problems. Eventually, it was on the move again, spotting 168001 at Leamington Spa heading in the London direction, and arriving at Birmingham Moor Street being 15 minutes behind schedule. It was then over to the adjacent platform for the 15:18 Stourbridge Junction service formed by dud pair 172213+214 for the run to the end and being caught up in the school run. After taking a look at the 139 that was on the SBJ Town shuttle, my eyes popped out of their sockets when I noticed that on my third attempt, it was required 139001 to clear the fleet and class. I hopped on board a very heavily loaded 139001 for a run to Town and back to Junction where the return working was very lightly loaded. This saves me having to hunt for it in December when I'm next in that area.
It was over to the adjacent platform for the 16:08 Dorridge service formed by required pair 172334+221 for a run to Smethwick Galton Bridge. I had worked out a very optimistic connection with the 16:23 Birmingham International service, but would have to rely on that being slightly delayed. However, it was just starting to pull away when I was at the top of the stairway to Platform 4, so it was onboard the 16:37 Walsall local all stations service, formed by required 350267 for the run to Birmingham New Street. After alighting at BHM, I checked the 16:50 London Euston IC service but that was a dud 390, so declined that (and also the 17:54 EUS via Northampton departure, which unknown to me was required 350245 I need to start making a sheet of the LM fleet requirements soon) and set my sights on the 17:04 Bournemouth service. Again, this was a dud 221 therefore declined that and then settled on the 17:10 EUS IC service being my last option, which was formed by dud 390124 for the run to Coventry.
It was over to Platform 2 for the 17:42 Nuneaton shuttle service, and if it was a required dogbox (I require 4 of the LM fleet) I would take a run to Arena. However, when I checked the screen, it was displaying that it had been cancelled. I then decided to hop on the 17:42 Edinburgh Waverley service, formed by required 221115+ dud 106 to Birmingham International, then on the 18:05 EUS via Northampton service formed by required 350128 for a run to Tile Hill, scoring another station in CV postcode (before I started recording my rail trips again in 2014 after a 20 year absence, the stations in CV that I had already done were limited to Coventry, Rugby, Leamington Spa, and Stratford-upon-Avon). It was over the rather evil looking footbridge to the Birmingham platform for the 18:18 BHM service, formed by required 350263 for a bus stop linear bash to Berkswell. After 20 minutes or so, it was onboard the 7 minutes delayed 18:40 BHM service to Birmingham International, formed by required 350252. I would like to note that although the stations between International and Coventry have a frequency of 2 trains an hour, it is an uneven split of 20/40 minutes, mainly caused by Virgin West Coast introducing a frequency of every 20 minutes between London Euston and Birmingham at the December 2008 timetable change.
After alighting at International, it was onboard the 7 minutes delayed 18:53 Glasgow Central service to take me home, formed by dud 390006 Tate Liverpool and taking up my position in First Class (the First Advance was slightly less than the Standard Class Advance) for an uneventful run northbound, spotting 390122 on the 19:45 EUS service at Wolverhampton, 350236 in the London facing bay Platform 8 and a Virgin Supervoyager over the far side at Crewe, and 153315+301 on a Whitehaven service in Platform 2 at Carlisle.
Conclusion
The whole trip was a worthwhile and enjoyable exercise overall, as I have covered a lot of required track. I have also made inroads to reduce the Class 321 requirements of the Anglia fleet, as I had started with 81 required and bringing it down to 54 out of 94 required. Furthermore, I was successful in my second attempt at scoring Berney Arms, plus I decided to include Lakenheath and the Sundays Only PSUL track at Ely. I have also reduced the required powercars of the Great Western IC125 fleet, requiring 32 now, and have cleared the Hornsey based Class 313s. I have also reduced the Class 317s and 379s, plus the loco hauled IC sets of the Anglia fleet.I am also relieved to have landed 139001 on my way back home, making that one less task to do in the future.
Today was bringing the big birthday bashing trip to an end, and as I would be departing Marylebone at lunchtime, I decided to have a go at hunting down some Class 315s and 317s after checking out of my accommodation. It was to the Metropolitan Railway platforms at Kings Cross to hop on 21110+109 to Liverpool Street, and after checking the 315s on the next couple of Shenfield services which were dud (the rear units anyway), it was to the west side to see what was about. I chose the 08:42 Hertford East via Tottenham Hale that was formed by required pair 317883+884 for a run to Hackney Downs, then over to Platform 4 for the 5 minutes delayed Cheshunt via Seven Sisters service, formed by required 317710+ dud 892 for a run to Edmonton Green. It was a few minutes before the 5 minutes delayed 09:10 Enfield Town service arrived, formed by dud 317891+ required 317719 to go one stop to Bush Hill Park. It is noted that the only station I require between Liverpool Street and Broxbourne is the recently reopened Lea Bridge, which I will do from the Tottenham Hale side at some point in the future.
It was a short fester for the slightly delayed 09:26 LST service and back on board the same pair of 317s for a southbound run to Silver Street. I decided to bail here as I was using my Oyster PAYG, so as not to time out and swipe the remaining balance I have, and as the frequency reverts to the standard pattern every 15 minutes, it would also avoid the Oyster system thinking that the card is a passback if touched on the same reader in quick succession. Anyway, it was then onboard the 09:45 LST departure that was formed by now dud pair from earlier 317892+710 for a run to Hackney Downs. It is noted that there is the purple standalone Oyster reader here which I could tap on if need be so as not to time out. After I got some tea from the cafe on Platform 1 and after a series of duds went by plus a required pair of 317s heading to Enfield Town, I realised it was time to tap in on the reader as it was almost an hour since I tapped at Silver Street.
After I had consulted the timetable, I had settled for the 10:59 ex Cheshunt LST that was formed by required pair 317708+732 for the run all the way back to LST. It was then back to Hackney Downs so as I could meet the required pair of 317s on the 11:33 Chingford service, formed by dud pair 315804+805. It was then to the opposite face of the island platform for the 11:44 ex Enfield Town LST departure formed by as expected required pair 317729+709 back to LST. As time was getting on, I decided to bring this section of hunting for requirements to a close and would make my way towards Marylebone. It was down to the Metropolitan Railway platforms to hop onboard 21014+013 to Baker Street, deciding not to bother with any linear hops owing to the limited time I have. It was then a walk along Melcombe Street to Marylebone station to get some tea and something light before heading for my train.
It was then over to Platform 3 for the 13:10 Birmingham Moor Street service, formed by dud 68008 Avenger + required DVT 82302 for some Class 68 thrash and reverb through tunnels and underneath bridges. Before departure, 172102, 165018, 168109, 168112, and 168321 were spotted, with 165033, 005, and 025 in the siding east of Platform 1. On the approach to Banbury, the train got held for a while due to signalling problems. Eventually, it was on the move again, spotting 168001 at Leamington Spa heading in the London direction, and arriving at Birmingham Moor Street being 15 minutes behind schedule. It was then over to the adjacent platform for the 15:18 Stourbridge Junction service formed by dud pair 172213+214 for the run to the end and being caught up in the school run. After taking a look at the 139 that was on the SBJ Town shuttle, my eyes popped out of their sockets when I noticed that on my third attempt, it was required 139001 to clear the fleet and class. I hopped on board a very heavily loaded 139001 for a run to Town and back to Junction where the return working was very lightly loaded. This saves me having to hunt for it in December when I'm next in that area.
It was over to the adjacent platform for the 16:08 Dorridge service formed by required pair 172334+221 for a run to Smethwick Galton Bridge. I had worked out a very optimistic connection with the 16:23 Birmingham International service, but would have to rely on that being slightly delayed. However, it was just starting to pull away when I was at the top of the stairway to Platform 4, so it was onboard the 16:37 Walsall local all stations service, formed by required 350267 for the run to Birmingham New Street. After alighting at BHM, I checked the 16:50 London Euston IC service but that was a dud 390, so declined that (and also the 17:54 EUS via Northampton departure, which unknown to me was required 350245 I need to start making a sheet of the LM fleet requirements soon) and set my sights on the 17:04 Bournemouth service. Again, this was a dud 221 therefore declined that and then settled on the 17:10 EUS IC service being my last option, which was formed by dud 390124 for the run to Coventry.
It was over to Platform 2 for the 17:42 Nuneaton shuttle service, and if it was a required dogbox (I require 4 of the LM fleet) I would take a run to Arena. However, when I checked the screen, it was displaying that it had been cancelled. I then decided to hop on the 17:42 Edinburgh Waverley service, formed by required 221115+ dud 106 to Birmingham International, then on the 18:05 EUS via Northampton service formed by required 350128 for a run to Tile Hill, scoring another station in CV postcode (before I started recording my rail trips again in 2014 after a 20 year absence, the stations in CV that I had already done were limited to Coventry, Rugby, Leamington Spa, and Stratford-upon-Avon). It was over the rather evil looking footbridge to the Birmingham platform for the 18:18 BHM service, formed by required 350263 for a bus stop linear bash to Berkswell. After 20 minutes or so, it was onboard the 7 minutes delayed 18:40 BHM service to Birmingham International, formed by required 350252. I would like to note that although the stations between International and Coventry have a frequency of 2 trains an hour, it is an uneven split of 20/40 minutes, mainly caused by Virgin West Coast introducing a frequency of every 20 minutes between London Euston and Birmingham at the December 2008 timetable change.
After alighting at International, it was onboard the 7 minutes delayed 18:53 Glasgow Central service to take me home, formed by dud 390006 Tate Liverpool and taking up my position in First Class (the First Advance was slightly less than the Standard Class Advance) for an uneventful run northbound, spotting 390122 on the 19:45 EUS service at Wolverhampton, 350236 in the London facing bay Platform 8 and a Virgin Supervoyager over the far side at Crewe, and 153315+301 on a Whitehaven service in Platform 2 at Carlisle.
Conclusion
The whole trip was a worthwhile and enjoyable exercise overall, as I have covered a lot of required track. I have also made inroads to reduce the Class 321 requirements of the Anglia fleet, as I had started with 81 required and bringing it down to 54 out of 94 required. Furthermore, I was successful in my second attempt at scoring Berney Arms, plus I decided to include Lakenheath and the Sundays Only PSUL track at Ely. I have also reduced the required powercars of the Great Western IC125 fleet, requiring 32 now, and have cleared the Hornsey based Class 313s. I have also reduced the Class 317s and 379s, plus the loco hauled IC sets of the Anglia fleet.I am also relieved to have landed 139001 on my way back home, making that one less task to do in the future.
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