185143
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Did you notice a vomiter at platform 4 at Coventry?
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Another Alex, this time in anywhere he feels!
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Shame about oversleeping but it sounds like you had a fun time!
Alex 2901
Member
Virgin or CrossCountry? Think I saw one wizz past me near Rugby, 221102, but i lost track of it, and i saw a 220 in when I got to Coventry in my way home, which was the 1529 to Bournemouth.
185143
Established Member
- Joined
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- Messages
- 4,521
CrossCountry. I was on that voyager and bailed at Cov lol
220010 if you're intrested.
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220010 if you're intrested.
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
Hardly worth going to London for 2 hours!
Alex 2901
Member
Probably wasn't, but I still managed to get started on the 321s, and Thameslink fleet, so not a complete write off!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Fair enough! London is calling for an epic visit from me, but I want to spend a week down there!
Alex 2901
Member
With my school days coming to an end in approx. 5 days (I feel old...), I've been working on a few trips, one of which is to allow me to start on Anglia, which is hop skip and a jump from Birmingham (by plane!), my first will be an attempt to clear the 90s and potentially a few 170s, so this is the plan
WN 529| 0507 to Wolverhampton
VT 1B02| 0545 to Birmingham New Street
XC 1L28| 0622 to Ely
LE 1K62| 0926 to Norwich
LE 1P31| 1100 to Colchester
LE 1P24| 1222 to Norwich
LE 1K79| 1340 to Thetford
EM 1R94| 1424 to Ely
XC 1N59| 1525 to Birmingham New Street
XC 1M58| 1757 to Wolverhampton
Anything seem wrong with that? And what do the 153s and 156's do, as I might try another bash to get clear some of those?
WN 529| 0507 to Wolverhampton
VT 1B02| 0545 to Birmingham New Street
XC 1L28| 0622 to Ely
LE 1K62| 0926 to Norwich
LE 1P31| 1100 to Colchester
LE 1P24| 1222 to Norwich
LE 1K79| 1340 to Thetford
EM 1R94| 1424 to Ely
XC 1N59| 1525 to Birmingham New Street
XC 1M58| 1757 to Wolverhampton
Anything seem wrong with that? And what do the 153s and 156's do, as I might try another bash to get clear some of those?
Looks good to me, just make sure you stay awake with that 0507 bus, it will probably be quite tempted to nod off in the morning 
153s and 156s that way do Norwich to Sheringham, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and also the Felixstowe branch. They also appear on Ipswich to Cambridge and Lowestoft.
Mind you, you might prefer a 37 down to Yarmouth...
153s and 156s that way do Norwich to Sheringham, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and also the Felixstowe branch. They also appear on Ipswich to Cambridge and Lowestoft.
Mind you, you might prefer a 37 down to Yarmouth...
Last edited:
Techniquest
Veteran Member
That looks like a beast of a start on Anglia!
I left secondary school in 2001, which feels like an eternity ago. 55013, that was a fair while back then, although memory fails me as to when exactly the miners went on strike
I left secondary school in 2001, which feels like an eternity ago. 55013, that was a fair while back then, although memory fails me as to when exactly the miners went on strike
Techniquest
Veteran Member
That was 5 months before I was born then
Alex 2901
Member
Having now finished exams, year 11 and my prom, in that particular order, I'd assumed that this holiday would be a piece of cake, yeah, no...
Realising I was a bit, umm, skint, I decided I'd make a good use of my bus pass and hunt down the the remaining 45 of NXs Plaxton Presidents at AG, WB & YW, which meant only one thing...visiting that weird place we call South Birmingham...
I woke up at 0730, ready for the 0830 28 to Wolverhampton, which was 844 (a mega dud, although all of the E200s are at WN now!), getting me into the Bus Station at 0916, where I preceded to get a ticket and board 350232 on the 0931 LM service to Birmingham New Street, arriving at 0950. I went upwards to street level, and went for a 22/23/24/29 to Five Ways, with score 4883 arriving on the 22, and taking me to Five Ways, where a President, 4067 (a score) was waiting to depart on a 1 to Gospel Oak Via Acocks Green, which I boarded, and caught to Moseley Village, to miss 2 35s and 2 50s, only for 6128, a score to turn up on the 50, taking me to Maypole. At Maypole, I waited for a winner to turn up on the 49, which was 4106, a score, getting me to Cotteridge, only to find the 49E ahead was a dud, 4335, leaving me to wait 15 minutes for the next 49E, which was winner 4109, arriving at Longbridge, where I had another 15 minute wait for 4093 on a 49 to Northfield. Complicated doesn't even begin to describe the 49!
At Northfield, my plan was to go for lunch, but winner 4565 and winner 4097 both turned up on the 18, so I boarded 4097 back to Cotteridge, where I actually got lunch. 4023 turned up on an 11A so I caught that to Acocks Green Bus Garage, where I waited for 4531 on the 31 to Acocks Green Village. At the village, winner 2217 turned up on a Birmingham bound 37, arriving in time for the next X51 to Walsall, where I cleared my final score of the day, 4218 on the 41 back home.
Duds: 1
Scores: 12
Realising I was a bit, umm, skint, I decided I'd make a good use of my bus pass and hunt down the the remaining 45 of NXs Plaxton Presidents at AG, WB & YW, which meant only one thing...visiting that weird place we call South Birmingham...
I woke up at 0730, ready for the 0830 28 to Wolverhampton, which was 844 (a mega dud, although all of the E200s are at WN now!), getting me into the Bus Station at 0916, where I preceded to get a ticket and board 350232 on the 0931 LM service to Birmingham New Street, arriving at 0950. I went upwards to street level, and went for a 22/23/24/29 to Five Ways, with score 4883 arriving on the 22, and taking me to Five Ways, where a President, 4067 (a score) was waiting to depart on a 1 to Gospel Oak Via Acocks Green, which I boarded, and caught to Moseley Village, to miss 2 35s and 2 50s, only for 6128, a score to turn up on the 50, taking me to Maypole. At Maypole, I waited for a winner to turn up on the 49, which was 4106, a score, getting me to Cotteridge, only to find the 49E ahead was a dud, 4335, leaving me to wait 15 minutes for the next 49E, which was winner 4109, arriving at Longbridge, where I had another 15 minute wait for 4093 on a 49 to Northfield. Complicated doesn't even begin to describe the 49!
At Northfield, my plan was to go for lunch, but winner 4565 and winner 4097 both turned up on the 18, so I boarded 4097 back to Cotteridge, where I actually got lunch. 4023 turned up on an 11A so I caught that to Acocks Green Bus Garage, where I waited for 4531 on the 31 to Acocks Green Village. At the village, winner 2217 turned up on a Birmingham bound 37, arriving in time for the next X51 to Walsall, where I cleared my final score of the day, 4218 on the 41 back home.
Duds: 1
Scores: 12
Shame you're having money trouble but hopefully it'll get better soon. Sounds like you managed to pull a cheap day out of it though, even if it was on buses.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Buses do come in handy for a cheap bash! Certainly considering you didn't need many up there, getting 12 scores in one day is good going!
Alex 2901
Member
I'd decided to go to Derby for a bit of Trent Barton bashing, but the one thing I wasn't expecting was my journey there & back...
I boarded 4541 on the 529 to Walsall, Crown Wharf, arriving at 0818, where I walked to Walsall Train Station, and purchased a ticket to Derby. My train pulled in at 0830, which was a dud in the form of 170502,* getting me to New Street by 0856, in time for the 0903 CrossCountry service to Edinburgh via Derby, which was delayed, and formed of 221121, another dud, not my luck so far...
At Derby Station, I went and caught Kinchbus 911 on the Skylink, another dud, but still a mile apart from the knackered Tridents in Wolverhampton! At Derby Bus Station, I boarded a Red Arrow (didn't take the fleet no.) to Nottingham Victoria, arriving at 1026. At Victoria, I boarded Trent 615 on the 141 to Hucknall, and good god, the 141 takes an age end to end, 118 minutes each way, from Nottingham to Sutton-in-Ashfield! Arriving at Hucknall 37 minutes later, I boarded "the Threes" branded 813 on the 3B to Victoria Bus Station, arriving at around 1145. I decided to make use of the fact my MANGO card can be used o the tram, so I walked to Royal Square, and boarded Tram 223 on a Clifton South bound service, with me disembarking at Nottingham Station, to do some train spotting, with me getting photos of winners 43044+43059, and 158791.
I decided to take a chance, and went for the Skylink Express, which was coach 72, a dud, which I caught to East Midlands Airport, arriving at 1305, where I had considered either a) walking to East Midlands Parkway, or b) getting the Rail link minibus, only to find that, at £6 from the Airport to East Mids Parkway, was a little expensive, and walking the 4.5 miles would take me all day, I gave up on that and decided to jump on the next Nottingham bound Skylink, which was 666, on the 1321 to Nottingham, Friar Lane, arriving at 1422. At this point, I went for lunch, and to catch the Red Arrow back to Derby, which was coach 82. Arriving back in Derby at 1524, I went and did some spotting, before catching Arriva 4223 on the 1 to the Rail Station. At the station, I went for the 1610 CrossCountry service to Birmingham New Street, which was winner 170397. At was at this point for the journey became complicated...
At Burton on Trent, 170397 was due to leave at 1622, but at 1628, we were still sat there, doors shut. It became clear something was amiss at this point, further reinforced by the next announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, due to a signalling problem, this service will today terminate at Burton on Trent, all change please, all change" leaving around 100 people sat at Burton, while 170397 disappeared down the line. A steam train also passed Burton during this time, 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland". An extra call had been added into service 1V62, a CrossCountry service bound for Penzance, meaning that it now stopped at Burton on Trent, for this trip.
It became clear that it wasn't a signalling fault, as I overheard a conductor mention something about broken ground frames, but either way, we were diverted via Alrewas & Lichfield, a strange sight to see a Voyager thunder through Sutton Coldfield! Or it would have been, had we not been stuck behind a stopper, 2R71 bound for Redditch or Longbridge, never mind, not like I had places to be...
The usual journey time between Burton and Birmingham is around 30 mins, this time, it took us 65 minutes, putting us on Platform 11A, at 1755, with my train being due out of New Street for Walsall at 1757...
One very quick sprint later, I boarded my train on Platform 1, formed of 323240, arriving at Walsall at 1824, no way I was going to make it to the bus station in 1 minute, so I did actually miss my last bus home, bugger it! Fortunately, the 529 (although not a real local for me, is basically one anyway!) doesn't finish until 2350 anyway! So 4597 home it was, arriving in time for me to photo 1772 on the 41, the first (and probably last!) Crimson B7 on the 41 at 1905.
A decent day, could've done better for scores though, oh well...
I boarded 4541 on the 529 to Walsall, Crown Wharf, arriving at 0818, where I walked to Walsall Train Station, and purchased a ticket to Derby. My train pulled in at 0830, which was a dud in the form of 170502,* getting me to New Street by 0856, in time for the 0903 CrossCountry service to Edinburgh via Derby, which was delayed, and formed of 221121, another dud, not my luck so far...
At Derby Station, I went and caught Kinchbus 911 on the Skylink, another dud, but still a mile apart from the knackered Tridents in Wolverhampton! At Derby Bus Station, I boarded a Red Arrow (didn't take the fleet no.) to Nottingham Victoria, arriving at 1026. At Victoria, I boarded Trent 615 on the 141 to Hucknall, and good god, the 141 takes an age end to end, 118 minutes each way, from Nottingham to Sutton-in-Ashfield! Arriving at Hucknall 37 minutes later, I boarded "the Threes" branded 813 on the 3B to Victoria Bus Station, arriving at around 1145. I decided to make use of the fact my MANGO card can be used o the tram, so I walked to Royal Square, and boarded Tram 223 on a Clifton South bound service, with me disembarking at Nottingham Station, to do some train spotting, with me getting photos of winners 43044+43059, and 158791.
I decided to take a chance, and went for the Skylink Express, which was coach 72, a dud, which I caught to East Midlands Airport, arriving at 1305, where I had considered either a) walking to East Midlands Parkway, or b) getting the Rail link minibus, only to find that, at £6 from the Airport to East Mids Parkway, was a little expensive, and walking the 4.5 miles would take me all day, I gave up on that and decided to jump on the next Nottingham bound Skylink, which was 666, on the 1321 to Nottingham, Friar Lane, arriving at 1422. At this point, I went for lunch, and to catch the Red Arrow back to Derby, which was coach 82. Arriving back in Derby at 1524, I went and did some spotting, before catching Arriva 4223 on the 1 to the Rail Station. At the station, I went for the 1610 CrossCountry service to Birmingham New Street, which was winner 170397. At was at this point for the journey became complicated...
At Burton on Trent, 170397 was due to leave at 1622, but at 1628, we were still sat there, doors shut. It became clear something was amiss at this point, further reinforced by the next announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, due to a signalling problem, this service will today terminate at Burton on Trent, all change please, all change" leaving around 100 people sat at Burton, while 170397 disappeared down the line. A steam train also passed Burton during this time, 46233 "Duchess of Sutherland". An extra call had been added into service 1V62, a CrossCountry service bound for Penzance, meaning that it now stopped at Burton on Trent, for this trip.
It became clear that it wasn't a signalling fault, as I overheard a conductor mention something about broken ground frames, but either way, we were diverted via Alrewas & Lichfield, a strange sight to see a Voyager thunder through Sutton Coldfield! Or it would have been, had we not been stuck behind a stopper, 2R71 bound for Redditch or Longbridge, never mind, not like I had places to be...
The usual journey time between Burton and Birmingham is around 30 mins, this time, it took us 65 minutes, putting us on Platform 11A, at 1755, with my train being due out of New Street for Walsall at 1757...
One very quick sprint later, I boarded my train on Platform 1, formed of 323240, arriving at Walsall at 1824, no way I was going to make it to the bus station in 1 minute, so I did actually miss my last bus home, bugger it! Fortunately, the 529 (although not a real local for me, is basically one anyway!) doesn't finish until 2350 anyway! So 4597 home it was, arriving in time for me to photo 1772 on the 41, the first (and probably last!) Crimson B7 on the 41 at 1905.
A decent day, could've done better for scores though, oh well...
A good read there! What's the asterisk next to 170502 for though?
The journey home sounds like a right pain but it sounds like a good day was had, buses and voyagers excepted
The journey home sounds like a right pain but it sounds like a good day was had, buses and voyagers excepted
Alex 2901
Member
Typo, I think! My phone was playing up and putting random characters in!
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
You never seem to come home short of winners, even on the short trips!
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Alex 2901
Member
Having managed to scrape a bit of cash together, I decided I'd go an bash Manchester again
Setting off for my second 41 at 0636, which was 4303 (ST02 MZN), I arrived at New Invention Square at 0646, with time to spare for the 0657 89 to Wolverhampton, which was 4347 (BX02 AUY), arriving at 0717. At Wolverhampton, I went and purchased a split fare to Manchester, split at Stafford, an arm and a leg cheaper than an anytime return straight to Manchester! The 0750 pulled in, operated by 221120, getting my to Manchester at 0900.
I went and got the Metroshuttle 2 to Victoria, which took until 0939! At Victoria, I purchased a Lancashire Day Ranger and a Greater Manchester TBM, after which, I preceeded to board 142040+156423, which was en route for Southport, with me bailing at Salford Crescent, where I boarded 142037 back to Victoria. At Victoria, I spotted 158793 on a Leeds bound service, which I caught as far as Rochdale, bailing there in favour of 158759, just behind.
I disembarked 158759 at Todmorden, where I had a 9 minute wait for the next service back to Victoria, which was dud 155342 (How?! I've only had 1 155!).
Arriving back at Victoria, I decided to test the tram network, boarding 3087 to Shudehill, then 3030+3018 to Piccadilly Gardens. At Piccadilly Gardens, I went to try out the new "Vantage" guided busway, so I went for the V1, which was 39255, a B5LH Gemini 3, also good as I needed to charge my phone!
I disembarked at Salford Central Station, where I boarded winners 142033+142028 to Salford Crescent, then additional winners 156488+150103 to Bolton. At Bolton, I boarded winners 150115+150148 to Manchester Piccadilly, where I needed to charge my phone again (note. Invest in a portable charger!), so TPE came to the rescue in the form of 185145 to Manchester Airport, and 350406 (first TPE 350!)* back to Piccadilly.
At Piccadilly, I went for the 1434 to Rose Hill Marple, which was 142041, with me bailing at Guide Bridge, with 323228 providing the traction back to Piccadilly.
Back at Piccadilly, I decided to go for broke, and break my record of 27 vehicles on one day, and the next one in that chain would be 142093 on a Chester bound service, with me ready to bail at Stockport. At Stockport, I boarded 323226 on a non stop service to Manchester Piccadilly, where I quickly raced for a Metroshuttle to Piccadilly Gardens, which was 49112 on the MS 1. At Piccadilly Gardens, I boarded trams 3017+3028 to Piccadilly, and raced back to Piccadilly, to board the 1627 CrossCountry service back to Wolverhampton, formed of 221130.
Back at Wolverhampton, I went to the Bus Station, to catch the 1800 25, which was 2112, a mega dud, partly because it didn't do more than 25mph on a dual carriageway, getting me home around 1840.
Decently productive day, I think, 26 winners...
Setting off for my second 41 at 0636, which was 4303 (ST02 MZN), I arrived at New Invention Square at 0646, with time to spare for the 0657 89 to Wolverhampton, which was 4347 (BX02 AUY), arriving at 0717. At Wolverhampton, I went and purchased a split fare to Manchester, split at Stafford, an arm and a leg cheaper than an anytime return straight to Manchester! The 0750 pulled in, operated by 221120, getting my to Manchester at 0900.
I went and got the Metroshuttle 2 to Victoria, which took until 0939! At Victoria, I purchased a Lancashire Day Ranger and a Greater Manchester TBM, after which, I preceeded to board 142040+156423, which was en route for Southport, with me bailing at Salford Crescent, where I boarded 142037 back to Victoria. At Victoria, I spotted 158793 on a Leeds bound service, which I caught as far as Rochdale, bailing there in favour of 158759, just behind.
I disembarked 158759 at Todmorden, where I had a 9 minute wait for the next service back to Victoria, which was dud 155342 (How?! I've only had 1 155!).
Arriving back at Victoria, I decided to test the tram network, boarding 3087 to Shudehill, then 3030+3018 to Piccadilly Gardens. At Piccadilly Gardens, I went to try out the new "Vantage" guided busway, so I went for the V1, which was 39255, a B5LH Gemini 3, also good as I needed to charge my phone!
I disembarked at Salford Central Station, where I boarded winners 142033+142028 to Salford Crescent, then additional winners 156488+150103 to Bolton. At Bolton, I boarded winners 150115+150148 to Manchester Piccadilly, where I needed to charge my phone again (note. Invest in a portable charger!), so TPE came to the rescue in the form of 185145 to Manchester Airport, and 350406 (first TPE 350!)* back to Piccadilly.
At Piccadilly, I went for the 1434 to Rose Hill Marple, which was 142041, with me bailing at Guide Bridge, with 323228 providing the traction back to Piccadilly.
Back at Piccadilly, I decided to go for broke, and break my record of 27 vehicles on one day, and the next one in that chain would be 142093 on a Chester bound service, with me ready to bail at Stockport. At Stockport, I boarded 323226 on a non stop service to Manchester Piccadilly, where I quickly raced for a Metroshuttle to Piccadilly Gardens, which was 49112 on the MS 1. At Piccadilly Gardens, I boarded trams 3017+3028 to Piccadilly, and raced back to Piccadilly, to board the 1627 CrossCountry service back to Wolverhampton, formed of 221130.
Back at Wolverhampton, I went to the Bus Station, to catch the 1800 25, which was 2112, a mega dud, partly because it didn't do more than 25mph on a dual carriageway, getting me home around 1840.
Decently productive day, I think, 26 winners...
Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a long day as well 
Alex 2901
Member
I woke up, ready for the out, at 0615, followed by a flask of coffee, and a brief jog towards Willenhall Town Centre, for the 529 at 0651, which was winning Platinum, 6771 "Olivia Faith", getting me to Wolverhampton Bus Station by 0708, and just enough time to spare for the 0715 CrossCountry service to Manchester Piccadilly, which was 221131. As this was one that went via Crewe, I figured I'd take a look what I could see, as we passed, which was 90033 & 90035, as well as a 66 & an 86, plus 350243 & 350265.
At Manchester, I figured I'd do a brief run around the city centre to Victoria, on the Metroshuttle, which was 49923. At Victoria, I went to purchase went to purchase a TBM Daysaver, and went for the 135, to clear a Bendibus, which was 12010, with 12008 providing the return journey. I then went up to Piccadilly Gardens, and boarded 19452 on the X50 to Trafford Centre, which was fairly quiet.
At Trafford Centre, I caught 37150 on the X5 to Dane Road, and walked to the tram stop.
Dud tram 3018 turned up, taking me to Stretford. At Stretford, I boarded the next tram, 3041 to Cornbrook, with winner 3077 on the next tram, taking me to St Peters Square, and finally, 3047 taking me to Market Street. After a brief walk, I boarded 19450 on the 203 to Piccadilly Station, or as close as I could get.
One brief walk later, and moment of "Oh s**t..." it was time for train bashing, and to my happiness, the Manchester Airport shuttle was a winning 319! 319376 cleared, and a short journey to the Airport, where winner 185106, was waiting on a South TPE service to Cleethorpes, which led to my phone being charged by a grand total of 4% upon return to Piccadilly...
By this time, I was wary about making a massive haul, as I'd already planned to meet someone in Stoke on Trent, so as my phone was starting to die (that 24 day battery life Nokia 216 can't come soon enough!) I waited for the 12:35 Virgin service to London Euston, which would get me there by 13:13, which was a surprising winner, 390148!
Arriving in Stoke, my luck started to change, as my friend (a fellow bus/train spotter) wanted to try to clear First Potteries remaining B7TL/ALX400s, and while u admire the optimism, it is a Saturday, and they are mainly for Uni services...but I digress, as crowded dud 41499 arrived on the 21A to Hanley Bus Station, where I got off to find a surprise waiting for me, in the form of ALX400, 32079 on the 32A to Uttoxeter (at which point, I ate my earlier words, and had to suffer almost constant gloating back to Wolverhampton, great...), but it was cleared as far as Werrington Road, with a short walk back to Newhouse Road, with Scraggs 6985 VT, an Optare Solo, taking us back to Hanley on the 5, at which point, 3 more ALXs went past us...
Back on track, it was now lunch time (technically closer to tea time but oh well!) and there's a nice chip shop in Burslem, so on the 3 it was, with B7L 66303 providing the journey. I got chips, and went back to the stop, only to find 32078 pulling away on the 3 to Talke...
A significant number of expletives were then muttered! New plan, as it was getting on for time, and Hanley to Wolverhampton by bus, isn't a particularly short journey! So back to Hanley, with 66302 providing the traction...
At Hanley, I spotted an anachronism, 65041 (YN06 WMP), the last Barbie 2 liveried OmniCity at Potteries, conveniently on a 101 back towards Stafford, which is a fantastic run! 60mph down the A34 through countryside! At Stafford, an odd but familiar sight rolled in, in the form of NXWM 852, working a 54, so I caught it back to Wolverhampton, and it's still an E200, so dull as hell!
Arriving back in Wolverhampton at 17:28, I went for a drink, and to see whether the next 529 was a winner, which it was, 6769 "Alex" (you can guess why this is now my favourite Platinum!), so it was off to Middle Cross (1 stop outside the Bus station!), then a brief walk under a tram line, and a wait, as 2113 pulled in on my 25 home, a route which really doesn't carry a lot of people, as until Bilston, I was the only person on board! But it got me home at least!
Overall: 23 vehicles
Won: 18 vehicles
Duds: 5 vehicles (221131, 3018, 41499, 852 & 2113)
At Manchester, I figured I'd do a brief run around the city centre to Victoria, on the Metroshuttle, which was 49923. At Victoria, I went to purchase went to purchase a TBM Daysaver, and went for the 135, to clear a Bendibus, which was 12010, with 12008 providing the return journey. I then went up to Piccadilly Gardens, and boarded 19452 on the X50 to Trafford Centre, which was fairly quiet.
At Trafford Centre, I caught 37150 on the X5 to Dane Road, and walked to the tram stop.
Dud tram 3018 turned up, taking me to Stretford. At Stretford, I boarded the next tram, 3041 to Cornbrook, with winner 3077 on the next tram, taking me to St Peters Square, and finally, 3047 taking me to Market Street. After a brief walk, I boarded 19450 on the 203 to Piccadilly Station, or as close as I could get.
One brief walk later, and moment of "Oh s**t..." it was time for train bashing, and to my happiness, the Manchester Airport shuttle was a winning 319! 319376 cleared, and a short journey to the Airport, where winner 185106, was waiting on a South TPE service to Cleethorpes, which led to my phone being charged by a grand total of 4% upon return to Piccadilly...
By this time, I was wary about making a massive haul, as I'd already planned to meet someone in Stoke on Trent, so as my phone was starting to die (that 24 day battery life Nokia 216 can't come soon enough!) I waited for the 12:35 Virgin service to London Euston, which would get me there by 13:13, which was a surprising winner, 390148!
Arriving in Stoke, my luck started to change, as my friend (a fellow bus/train spotter) wanted to try to clear First Potteries remaining B7TL/ALX400s, and while u admire the optimism, it is a Saturday, and they are mainly for Uni services...but I digress, as crowded dud 41499 arrived on the 21A to Hanley Bus Station, where I got off to find a surprise waiting for me, in the form of ALX400, 32079 on the 32A to Uttoxeter (at which point, I ate my earlier words, and had to suffer almost constant gloating back to Wolverhampton, great...), but it was cleared as far as Werrington Road, with a short walk back to Newhouse Road, with Scraggs 6985 VT, an Optare Solo, taking us back to Hanley on the 5, at which point, 3 more ALXs went past us...
Back on track, it was now lunch time (technically closer to tea time but oh well!) and there's a nice chip shop in Burslem, so on the 3 it was, with B7L 66303 providing the journey. I got chips, and went back to the stop, only to find 32078 pulling away on the 3 to Talke...
A significant number of expletives were then muttered! New plan, as it was getting on for time, and Hanley to Wolverhampton by bus, isn't a particularly short journey! So back to Hanley, with 66302 providing the traction...
At Hanley, I spotted an anachronism, 65041 (YN06 WMP), the last Barbie 2 liveried OmniCity at Potteries, conveniently on a 101 back towards Stafford, which is a fantastic run! 60mph down the A34 through countryside! At Stafford, an odd but familiar sight rolled in, in the form of NXWM 852, working a 54, so I caught it back to Wolverhampton, and it's still an E200, so dull as hell!
Arriving back in Wolverhampton at 17:28, I went for a drink, and to see whether the next 529 was a winner, which it was, 6769 "Alex" (you can guess why this is now my favourite Platinum!), so it was off to Middle Cross (1 stop outside the Bus station!), then a brief walk under a tram line, and a wait, as 2113 pulled in on my 25 home, a route which really doesn't carry a lot of people, as until Bilston, I was the only person on board! But it got me home at least!
Overall: 23 vehicles
Won: 18 vehicles
Duds: 5 vehicles (221131, 3018, 41499, 852 & 2113)
Techniquest
Veteran Member
That was a beast of a day, a nice bit of variety!
Too many buses for my liking but it sounds like a good day was had!
Alex 2901
Member
I now only need to go to two Counties now (Tyne and Wear, and Kent)...
It started about two weeks ago, while I was sat on a Mk1 Enviro400, 4732, on the 18, when my dad text me asking if I wanted to go away for the weekend, and I'd so, where to. A bit of deliberation later, and I'd narrowed it down, York or Cardiff. I went with York...
Friday rolled round, and I lumbered into school with a duffel bag full of clothes and a laptop, ready to go, to make the 1531 LM Desiro to Birmingham New Street. After the rather pointless 1hr 40 mins in school (yes, that really is how long my Friday is...), I bolted it to the bus stop, in time for an oddity, Crimson 1845 on the 89, not that I'm complaining...
Making it in time for the 1531 (which I forgot to note down...), which took us to Brum, in time for our booked 1603 to York, which was dud 43301 & winner 43384, a novelty for me to actually win anything! 2hrs went by, and a rather boring journey through the darkness, while someone talked on their phone in the quiet coach...
At York, I let my dad take over navigation (mistake 1), and surprise surprise, we got lost...monumentally lost, on the wrong side of the river...
After a bit of intervention from me, with a map, we found the hotel, and that roughly concluded my Friday.
Saturday
9am rolled around, after a terrible nights sleep, and we went for breakfast, traditional English, nice change from my schools rubbish!
Them it was to the National Rail Museum, which was brilliant, as I now have a photo of an 87, and a picture of me in a Shinkansen...
Train spotting followed, which cleared a 150, 2 185s, a 220, and 2 91s, but no HSTs, which was annoying.
Back to the hotel to recharge my camera, and then back out again, where no HSTs played ball, but 3 158s, a 142, another 91 & a 144 were cleared.
Nighttime rolled round, and I found myself on a former London Routemaster, but with a twist, this was a former London Necrobus example, on the ghost tour, which was absolutely brilliant!
KFC followed, and a brief walk back to the hotel.
Sunday (Remembrance Parade Day)
9am start again, this time with a good night's sleep behind it, and another full English breakfast.
As we were booked down south on the 1435 to Reading via Spew Street, we hadn't got a full day, so we went to the Chocolate Museum...mmm Chocolate Death Stars...
To the station, and I resorted to spotting, where I finally photoed a HST (yes, I actually completed an objective!), which was VTEC 43315+43206, running down to Kings Cross, along with clearing another 144, two more 158s, a 142, 2 185s, a 180 & another 2 91s, with dud 220020 showing up down south on 1V84, arriving into New Street at 1629, with me sprinting for the 1635 LM to Liverpool, formed of 350112, getting in at 1650, in time for my 28E at 1725, which was 2707, a beast! A stop off at my nans, and another beast, 2271 turned up on the 3 times a week Arriva 41 back home, getting my back at 1932...
Not much cleared for bashing, but spotting was a whole new matter...
It started about two weeks ago, while I was sat on a Mk1 Enviro400, 4732, on the 18, when my dad text me asking if I wanted to go away for the weekend, and I'd so, where to. A bit of deliberation later, and I'd narrowed it down, York or Cardiff. I went with York...
Friday rolled round, and I lumbered into school with a duffel bag full of clothes and a laptop, ready to go, to make the 1531 LM Desiro to Birmingham New Street. After the rather pointless 1hr 40 mins in school (yes, that really is how long my Friday is...), I bolted it to the bus stop, in time for an oddity, Crimson 1845 on the 89, not that I'm complaining...
Making it in time for the 1531 (which I forgot to note down...), which took us to Brum, in time for our booked 1603 to York, which was dud 43301 & winner 43384, a novelty for me to actually win anything! 2hrs went by, and a rather boring journey through the darkness, while someone talked on their phone in the quiet coach...
At York, I let my dad take over navigation (mistake 1), and surprise surprise, we got lost...monumentally lost, on the wrong side of the river...
After a bit of intervention from me, with a map, we found the hotel, and that roughly concluded my Friday.
Saturday
9am rolled around, after a terrible nights sleep, and we went for breakfast, traditional English, nice change from my schools rubbish!
Them it was to the National Rail Museum, which was brilliant, as I now have a photo of an 87, and a picture of me in a Shinkansen...
Train spotting followed, which cleared a 150, 2 185s, a 220, and 2 91s, but no HSTs, which was annoying.
Back to the hotel to recharge my camera, and then back out again, where no HSTs played ball, but 3 158s, a 142, another 91 & a 144 were cleared.
Nighttime rolled round, and I found myself on a former London Routemaster, but with a twist, this was a former London Necrobus example, on the ghost tour, which was absolutely brilliant!
KFC followed, and a brief walk back to the hotel.
Sunday (Remembrance Parade Day)
9am start again, this time with a good night's sleep behind it, and another full English breakfast.
As we were booked down south on the 1435 to Reading via Spew Street, we hadn't got a full day, so we went to the Chocolate Museum...mmm Chocolate Death Stars...
To the station, and I resorted to spotting, where I finally photoed a HST (yes, I actually completed an objective!), which was VTEC 43315+43206, running down to Kings Cross, along with clearing another 144, two more 158s, a 142, 2 185s, a 180 & another 2 91s, with dud 220020 showing up down south on 1V84, arriving into New Street at 1629, with me sprinting for the 1635 LM to Liverpool, formed of 350112, getting in at 1650, in time for my 28E at 1725, which was 2707, a beast! A stop off at my nans, and another beast, 2271 turned up on the 3 times a week Arriva 41 back home, getting my back at 1932...
Not much cleared for bashing, but spotting was a whole new matter...
Techniquest
Veteran Member
That was quite a productive time all in, although your comment on breakfast confuses me a little. Do you really mean to tell us you have breakfast at school? What a less than pleasant way to start the day!
Alex 2901
Member
A really unplanned day, as I had intended to avoid Messy Hell Centre like the plague (thanks for that, mate...)*, but to no surprise, guess where i ended up...
A plan had been formed the night before to head for Kidderminster, but as I felt utterly crap when I woke up, nope!
Hoovering done, and out of the house at 11:08, for the 11:18 529, which left as I got there, followed by the 11:10?! No matter, it was 6764 taking me to Wolverhampton, in time for the 11:50 stopper to New Street, winner 350248, where I met a mate, who dragged me to Colmore Row for the X10 to Merry Hill; a bit of quick thinking avoided me having to deal with a crappy Platinum, and getting a dud Trident instead (ffs why??!) on the 129 to Blackheath, where we went for food, and went for the 4M/12/129/289 to Messy Centre, with 4351 (a winner, finally, turning up on a 129, into Merry Hell as my mate realised he didn't want to go Christmas shopping...
After a few expletives, we boarded Hansons 1512 on the 287, which kept going ...backwards?! No expert here, but that's not meant to happen! Arriving at Stourbridge, my mate went for the 246, and I went to see which 139 was doing the Stourbridge Shuttle today, with it being winner 139002! Woo hoo; to Junction and back!
Arriving back, I saw a winner, 2102 on the 276, so I caught it to Dudley. 1hr 10 mins later, I arrived at Dudley, only to be greeted by a 58 min wait for the 126...so much for a 10 minute frequency! The 1 it was then...or not, as winner 6783 came in the 126! Taking 52 minutes, a record at rush hour, usually takes longer! Also to note, someone had recognised me from my YouTube channel, an achievement as I've never shown my face on it...
Back at Wolves, I went for a delayed 25, 2063 getting me home at 1825.
Not a massively productive day, but a class of unit cleared is something I guess...
And Techniquest, yeah, my school serve food, bacon bap/sandwich, and it's either that or my dad's cooking! Think I'll take the school food over that lol!
A plan had been formed the night before to head for Kidderminster, but as I felt utterly crap when I woke up, nope!
Hoovering done, and out of the house at 11:08, for the 11:18 529, which left as I got there, followed by the 11:10?! No matter, it was 6764 taking me to Wolverhampton, in time for the 11:50 stopper to New Street, winner 350248, where I met a mate, who dragged me to Colmore Row for the X10 to Merry Hill; a bit of quick thinking avoided me having to deal with a crappy Platinum, and getting a dud Trident instead (ffs why??!) on the 129 to Blackheath, where we went for food, and went for the 4M/12/129/289 to Messy Centre, with 4351 (a winner, finally, turning up on a 129, into Merry Hell as my mate realised he didn't want to go Christmas shopping...
After a few expletives, we boarded Hansons 1512 on the 287, which kept going ...backwards?! No expert here, but that's not meant to happen! Arriving at Stourbridge, my mate went for the 246, and I went to see which 139 was doing the Stourbridge Shuttle today, with it being winner 139002! Woo hoo; to Junction and back!
Arriving back, I saw a winner, 2102 on the 276, so I caught it to Dudley. 1hr 10 mins later, I arrived at Dudley, only to be greeted by a 58 min wait for the 126...so much for a 10 minute frequency! The 1 it was then...or not, as winner 6783 came in the 126! Taking 52 minutes, a record at rush hour, usually takes longer! Also to note, someone had recognised me from my YouTube channel, an achievement as I've never shown my face on it...
Back at Wolves, I went for a delayed 25, 2063 getting me home at 1825.
Not a massively productive day, but a class of unit cleared is something I guess...
And Techniquest, yeah, my school serve food, bacon bap/sandwich, and it's either that or my dad's cooking! Think I'll take the school food over that lol!
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
Seems like a weird idea to go to Merry Hell and not actually go shopping! Your mate has some weird ideas 
Fair enough on the food thing, never used to happen in my day!
Fair enough on the food thing, never used to happen in my day!
Apart from ending up at the Merry Hell centre (at least you didn't have to go shopping), it sounds like a good day. Well done on clearing the 139s too! How did the guy recognise you from your you tube video if you've never shown your face though?...
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