Shame you didn't get the 10:55 but it sounds like a great time out! I've yet to try out the Croydon trams so I hope they're as good as most people think they are! If your wife liked them then I'm pretty sure that I will!
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
A nice bit of variety indeed there! The Croydon trams network does indeed beat the hell out of Edinburgh's lot, no argument from me at all. I hope you found the easyHotel to be more bearable this time too.
Shame you didn't end up on the 68-worked train down to London, but at least the 168s were acceptable. Glad to hear the Mrs enjoyed them too, I'd love 168s on my lot to Birmingham too, so hands off, we'll send you the LM 170s instead lol.
Shame it was a less than pleasant arrival back at Waverley, I'd imagine you were glad to get in and back to your own bed still!
Shame you didn't end up on the 68-worked train down to London, but at least the 168s were acceptable. Glad to hear the Mrs enjoyed them too, I'd love 168s on my lot to Birmingham too, so hands off, we'll send you the LM 170s instead lol.
Shame it was a less than pleasant arrival back at Waverley, I'd imagine you were glad to get in and back to your own bed still!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
The big bonus with the hotel this time was that the aircon worked propperly. Its an age old issue for cabs to disapear in the burgh wen most needed too so not unexpected, just anoying.
Quin, try Tramlink, its good.
Quin, try Tramlink, its good.
47403
Established Member
Sorry its taken a dogs age to catch up with your posts Laird BT, some cracking reads there. Great shame you missed out on the Cats to Marley. However sounds like you've had some cracking days out there.
Blindtraveler
Established Member
Im afraid I cant agree with Edinburgh but croydon is excillent.
Its just occured to me that in the course of my mainly half asleap wanderings in the stafford area I passed over I assume the fast lines of Norton Bridge flyover. Is it all finished yet or am I gunna have to force myself to have a Crewe based WMDR to tidy up the details? Lol
Its just occured to me that in the course of my mainly half asleap wanderings in the stafford area I passed over I assume the fast lines of Norton Bridge flyover. Is it all finished yet or am I gunna have to force myself to have a Crewe based WMDR to tidy up the details? Lol
Techniquest
Veteran Member
There's a new bit linking to the Up Slow from just north of the flyover (from the Stoke end), still not open and ready. The Down Slow is strictly speaking new track too, as it basically follows the new line to the flyover then branches off just before the bridge. If that makes sense!
I need the above bits too, one day I'm going after them. Not until the new bit to the Up Slow is finally ready mind!
I need the above bits too, one day I'm going after them. Not until the new bit to the Up Slow is finally ready mind!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
Well b a good boy and do an advance to crewe and we'll go after them togeather on a couple of CDR's to somewhere.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Already on the case, we'll find a suitable time to do it soon!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
More fun and games coming up later this week on what may end up being my bash of the year given how generally quiet it has been so far
I dont know if anyone has ever written about a Megabusplus journey from Yorkshire to St Pancakes via East Mids Parkway but Im about to.
Also coming soon the thrills and spills of a good crankfest in London which Im looking forward to very much!
I dont know if anyone has ever written about a Megabusplus journey from Yorkshire to St Pancakes via East Mids Parkway but Im about to.
Also coming soon the thrills and spills of a good crankfest in London which Im looking forward to very much!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Indeed, it's going to be rather hellfire! Shame we'll have to use Southern at various points in the week, or at least we'll be trying to if the train's actually running. Comes to something when a Thameslink Stagger is preferrable to pelting it up the Brighton Main Line into Victoria! 
I could rant about Southern for hours, but let's not eh?
I could rant about Southern for hours, but let's not eh?
Blindtraveler
Established Member
I genuinely pitty anyone who has no choice but to use them but with just a little thinking outside the box they can br avoided completely
1. Overground from West Croydon
2. Tram to wimbledon
3. Tram to Elmers end
4. Tram to beckenham JN
5. Bus to many places
6. Minicab
1. Overground from West Croydon
2. Tram to wimbledon
3. Tram to Elmers end
4. Tram to beckenham JN
5. Bus to many places
6. Minicab
Techniquest
Veteran Member
True, not realistic options for me on Wednesday night but I'll be actively avoiding Southern on other days until they get their act together. Probably a long time off that!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
Agreed and sadly yes via VIC is the only thing to do Wednesday
I seam to recall you achieving a 4 minute time from NR to LU at Euston before?
I seam to recall you achieving a 4 minute time from NR to LU at Euston before?
Techniquest
Veteran Member
It can be done, depending what platform you arrive on and so forth. I'll be heading straight to the Victoria line no matter what, as fast as my feet will carry me! I'd like to beat the 4 minute time if I'm honest, but we'll see.
Blindtraveler
Established Member
01-08 August
A mix of holidaying and bashing this week as the Wife retirned to Orkney I headed south with my first move being the 5am bus to the city centre in the company of my workbound neighbour. My Scottish freeloaders pass gives me free travel as far as Berwick on Tweed and by going stupidly early Id found a 7 Pound 5p XC only advance from there to York, allowing me to ride south on the HST. This was done and duely enjoyed but Id forgotten how dull the ECML is south of Newcastle.
The downside of such an early move was the rather long hangaround at YRK for my next move which today was an excillent value Megabus Plus York to London run for the tiny sum of 13 quid. Between my train arriving and leaving the station to find the coach stop I discovered that not only is coffee from Starbucks yuck but the tea aint any better!
I think all the York locals must go hide in the summer holidays, I dont blame them as we do too so it took a little while to get directions to Leaman Road coach stop. This done I chatted to a local bus driver on an extra little break whilst his vehicle had a door fault fixed and a little later to an emergency standin bridesmaid who had not only stepped in at the last minute but had to do her own dress alterations, owing to being a good 3 sizes smaller than intended wearer.
This passed the time nicely til just after 12 the coach, complete with to my surprise leather seats, plugs and WiFi turned up to take us to East Midlands Parkway, with a stop to pic up more pax at Huddersfield and a bonus 20 min early arrival at Parkway.
The next surprise was that the booked rail commection to London was the Fast X Nottingham HST which wasnt busy and allowed me to enjoy the various speed improvements, new to the MML since my last trip this way some years ago.
2 down at St Pan and got later still due to the delays etc on SE High Speed that night, are well I will get delay repay and full creddit to station and train staff for good information and disruption handling/customer service all evening.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Next 2 days were very norm orrianted although I did get another chance to sample an Arriva Sapphire bus route.
Wednesday saw me position to East Croydon, meeting Techniquest on the way at a very busy Victoria. I understand Southerns whole emergency timetable thing but dont get why a fast Brighton service was only 4 coaches??? To bed at Easy hotel, only to be woken again by the fire alarm a few hours later. This also happened on subsiquant nights.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Sorry its all a little bitty, currently posting from my phone. Next days following soon
A mix of holidaying and bashing this week as the Wife retirned to Orkney I headed south with my first move being the 5am bus to the city centre in the company of my workbound neighbour. My Scottish freeloaders pass gives me free travel as far as Berwick on Tweed and by going stupidly early Id found a 7 Pound 5p XC only advance from there to York, allowing me to ride south on the HST. This was done and duely enjoyed but Id forgotten how dull the ECML is south of Newcastle.
The downside of such an early move was the rather long hangaround at YRK for my next move which today was an excillent value Megabus Plus York to London run for the tiny sum of 13 quid. Between my train arriving and leaving the station to find the coach stop I discovered that not only is coffee from Starbucks yuck but the tea aint any better!
I think all the York locals must go hide in the summer holidays, I dont blame them as we do too so it took a little while to get directions to Leaman Road coach stop. This done I chatted to a local bus driver on an extra little break whilst his vehicle had a door fault fixed and a little later to an emergency standin bridesmaid who had not only stepped in at the last minute but had to do her own dress alterations, owing to being a good 3 sizes smaller than intended wearer.
This passed the time nicely til just after 12 the coach, complete with to my surprise leather seats, plugs and WiFi turned up to take us to East Midlands Parkway, with a stop to pic up more pax at Huddersfield and a bonus 20 min early arrival at Parkway.
The next surprise was that the booked rail commection to London was the Fast X Nottingham HST which wasnt busy and allowed me to enjoy the various speed improvements, new to the MML since my last trip this way some years ago.
2 down at St Pan and got later still due to the delays etc on SE High Speed that night, are well I will get delay repay and full creddit to station and train staff for good information and disruption handling/customer service all evening.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Next 2 days were very norm orrianted although I did get another chance to sample an Arriva Sapphire bus route.
Wednesday saw me position to East Croydon, meeting Techniquest on the way at a very busy Victoria. I understand Southerns whole emergency timetable thing but dont get why a fast Brighton service was only 4 coaches??? To bed at Easy hotel, only to be woken again by the fire alarm a few hours later. This also happened on subsiquant nights.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Sorry its all a little bitty, currently posting from my phone. Next days following soon
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
Look forward to hearing your side of the story from the trip with Tech!
The ECML south of Newcastle is the dullest long distance trip in the land...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The ECML south of Newcastle is the dullest long distance trip in the land...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Kings Cross to Newcastle, particularly once you've got past Zone 6, is very boring indeed, imagine how bored me and Kite were on that 66-hauled tour after we reached Retford last year!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
I should think most norms just see it as a fast way between London and the North but I dont know many enthusiasts who like it
Interesting couple of days so far.
Must admit that the ECML south of Newark is rather boring, but I quite like it from Newark to Edinburgh, with the flat crossing, various freight bits and bods to Doncaster, and of course Doncaster itself complete with the rather industrial landscape to York. Then of course the flat straight through to Northallerton is hell at speed!
Sent from my F3311 using Tapatalk
Must admit that the ECML south of Newark is rather boring, but I quite like it from Newark to Edinburgh, with the flat crossing, various freight bits and bods to Doncaster, and of course Doncaster itself complete with the rather industrial landscape to York. Then of course the flat straight through to Northallerton is hell at speed!
Sent from my F3311 using Tapatalk
Blindtraveler
Established Member
Sorry for the delay in finishing this off. Techniquest has posted such a good report that I think I may just make a few observations.
In terms of achievements this entire bash was highly successful for me, with lots of new bits done and loose ends tied up.
Thursday saw a required bus route into a required bus station, namely Heathrow Central. Next coupple hours saw the heavy rail track to T4 and T5 and all LU track on the Heathrow Loop plus the new flyovers at Airport JN on the GWML all ticked off and shack scores at T4 LU and NR, T5 and Hatten Cross as well as the brucy bonus of Hays and Harlington.
Bakerloo end at PAD was also a score and not long after that I tried a 365 for the first time, love m! Hitchin flyover and a shack score at Letchworth were next followed by a trip over the Hartford loop and into Moorgate (loop and route into the above both required for me) on a 313.
Nostalgia time next with a trip on a D Stock to Ritchmond, required branch here finishing the District for me and all covered on its classic stock too!
Whilst out that way I had need of Ritchmond to Calledonian Road so got that done in all its slowness to and that was that for Thursdays winning bits!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Friday saw me being unimpressed by a 700 and my first trip to both Blackfriers and Farringdon since rebuilds. First trip on the Waterloo and City for years too, great stuff.
Green Park to Cockfosters on the Pic was also finally cleared up, with shack scores at Cockfosters, Oakwood and Arnos Grove and finally on our way back to Croydon the SAM, Southern Avoidance move saw me finally tick off Grove Park to Bromley North, both shack scores too!
Saturdays SAN had the advantage of finishing the the Hayze line with a shack score and I was unsure if I'd ever used the route avoiding Lewisham or not, I hadnt so good going again. Few Northern shack scores and Wimbledon via Tooting on TL rounded off my Capital clearout!
Great fun that lot, unfortunately returning home has left me feeling very low and fed up so hope the nenories last!
In terms of achievements this entire bash was highly successful for me, with lots of new bits done and loose ends tied up.
Thursday saw a required bus route into a required bus station, namely Heathrow Central. Next coupple hours saw the heavy rail track to T4 and T5 and all LU track on the Heathrow Loop plus the new flyovers at Airport JN on the GWML all ticked off and shack scores at T4 LU and NR, T5 and Hatten Cross as well as the brucy bonus of Hays and Harlington.
Bakerloo end at PAD was also a score and not long after that I tried a 365 for the first time, love m! Hitchin flyover and a shack score at Letchworth were next followed by a trip over the Hartford loop and into Moorgate (loop and route into the above both required for me) on a 313.
Nostalgia time next with a trip on a D Stock to Ritchmond, required branch here finishing the District for me and all covered on its classic stock too!
Whilst out that way I had need of Ritchmond to Calledonian Road so got that done in all its slowness to and that was that for Thursdays winning bits!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Friday saw me being unimpressed by a 700 and my first trip to both Blackfriers and Farringdon since rebuilds. First trip on the Waterloo and City for years too, great stuff.
Green Park to Cockfosters on the Pic was also finally cleared up, with shack scores at Cockfosters, Oakwood and Arnos Grove and finally on our way back to Croydon the SAM, Southern Avoidance move saw me finally tick off Grove Park to Bromley North, both shack scores too!
Saturdays SAN had the advantage of finishing the the Hayze line with a shack score and I was unsure if I'd ever used the route avoiding Lewisham or not, I hadnt so good going again. Few Northern shack scores and Wimbledon via Tooting on TL rounded off my Capital clearout!
Great fun that lot, unfortunately returning home has left me feeling very low and fed up so hope the nenories last!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I always get the holiday blues after coming back from an epic London bash, so you're not alone. Your summary shows very well how much you scored, I'd begun to lose track of it all to be honest. Good news on the route avoiding Lewisham being scored, hopefully next time the rest of the Thameslink Loop will be cleared for you, although depending when you get to it you could be enduring 700s on it!
I still am of the view that the 700s will be fine once they settle in, and that the seats are better than a lot of seats I've been on over the years. I say this after getting uncomfortable on the Vogel Sitze seats on this MCV!
I still am of the view that the 700s will be fine once they settle in, and that the seats are better than a lot of seats I've been on over the years. I say this after getting uncomfortable on the Vogel Sitze seats on this MCV!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
I was starting to get muddled as well as not achieved that much in such a long time and not used to it! since discovered to my horror that I do need the Uxbridge end of things on the Pic, my notes telling me the last time I tried to do it we were terminated short. Anoying as thought it was done but belive Mr Quest needs shacks down there so hoping he'll hang fire til Im down again!?????
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
You had a good time out there - post holiday blues I can sympathise with!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
47403
Established Member
A good ole read there and a good clearout for you there Laird BT. Im hoping to get down the smoke sometime before the years out, however my 9yr old daughter has served me with her xmas list, which isnt massive, for a change:roll: but a doll thats gonna cost a whopping £300, yes folks you read right, thankfully her mothers prepared to go halfers but no prizes for guessing who has to stump up the wedge first. So that may scupper that plan.
Holiday blues, only surface for me after a particularly crap day at work and then I think, christ this time last week, all i was worried about was, will I make that connection or not. Still I hope your feeling a bit more chipper now. Go have a spin on the cats, bit cat thrash, Im sure that'll help.
Megabus do the trick, they're cheap n cheerful enough but riding from Newcastle-London and back is a right slog. Even more so, when the brake server fails and your stuck in the middle of nowhere waiting for a replacement bus to turn up, like i had on the way down.
You.lot may think the ECML south.of Newcastle is boring, spare a thought for us Geordies, we have to suffer it, everytime we wanna go on a trip.
Holiday blues, only surface for me after a particularly crap day at work and then I think, christ this time last week, all i was worried about was, will I make that connection or not. Still I hope your feeling a bit more chipper now. Go have a spin on the cats, bit cat thrash, Im sure that'll help.
Megabus do the trick, they're cheap n cheerful enough but riding from Newcastle-London and back is a right slog. Even more so, when the brake server fails and your stuck in the middle of nowhere waiting for a replacement bus to turn up, like i had on the way down.
You.lot may think the ECML south.of Newcastle is boring, spare a thought for us Geordies, we have to suffer it, everytime we wanna go on a trip.
cactustwirly
Established Member
Why not go across to Carlisle and get the WCML down? I know that journey is more interesting, especially between Carlisle and Lancaster.
I agree the ECML is quite boring, although I do like the bit between Peterborough and Doncaster. The MML is much better
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That's probably my least favourite section of the ECML! I'm perfectly happy with all the other bits, although Newcastle-Chathill does get boring.
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