Kristofferson
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- 23 Nov 2012
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Nicely done with the DLR bash - something different for sure!
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Blindtraveler
Established Member
That it was, really feels good to now have so little of it left undone and to have nearly caught up with all the many new bits. Beckton will Im sure get done eventually.
alexf380
Established Member
A good read there Blindtraveller, certainly enjoyed reading about it. I believe 158s are to be the booked traction over the Borders Railway, but don't quote me on that if it turns out to be anything else!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
This will be fine once the Haymarket units have had the guts wripped out of them and emerge like new. im rather fond of a 158!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
Yes indeed I did. The job falling over in the Midlands was the only really anoying bit of the entire few days and whilst many, normals and enthusiasts alike were anoyed about the disruption at PRE on Thursday, the fact it was member of rail staff will have smoothed many ruffled feathers, mine included.
For those like me who have the utmost respect for rail staff and in particular those doing safety chritical jobs an incident like this comes as a real shock. Youve got to be in a really bad place to do summit like this and I should know from personal experience with someone very close to me. With that in mind I woant be attempting to claim for the hour or so I lost here and I would also like to express my anger and disgust at the many who ranted, winjed and abused rail staff during this disruption. My advice to you all would be to think who your hurting and insulting.
If any of the guys and girls directly affected by this are reading, you have, as a passenger, enthusiast and human being my thoughts and sympathy. Whilst I dont want to rant or go further off topic, my earlier comments about agency workers pretending to be railway employees and failing much of the time does the public perseption of the system as a whole no favours IMO.
For those like me who have the utmost respect for rail staff and in particular those doing safety chritical jobs an incident like this comes as a real shock. Youve got to be in a really bad place to do summit like this and I should know from personal experience with someone very close to me. With that in mind I woant be attempting to claim for the hour or so I lost here and I would also like to express my anger and disgust at the many who ranted, winjed and abused rail staff during this disruption. My advice to you all would be to think who your hurting and insulting.
If any of the guys and girls directly affected by this are reading, you have, as a passenger, enthusiast and human being my thoughts and sympathy. Whilst I dont want to rant or go further off topic, my earlier comments about agency workers pretending to be railway employees and failing much of the time does the public perseption of the system as a whole no favours IMO.
Agreed. I hate it when people are disrespectful to rail staff for something that is out of there control. If I was a member of rail staff, I would immediately escort them from the station.
It definitely is awful when someone is hit on the railway.
It definitely is awful when someone is hit on the railway.
Blindtraveler
Established Member
I, into the back of a police van!
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Thought Id post about the fact that(by pure accident) I managed to do the last little bit of Edinburgh Tram line from St Andrews Square to York Place last night, and whilst I still need the same stretch in the opposit direction, Iv now got the dubious onner of being able to cross it off as all done until heaven forbid someone coughs up the money to build the rest of it. Tram shack scratch at Ingliston P and R too meaning Iv now done 5 of the blessid things, the others being the airport, St Andrews Square, Gyle Centre and as mentioned York Place. Cant say Im in a hurry to do the rest although would like to think the interchanges at Edinburgh Park Station and the as yet unbuilt Edinburgh Gateway on the Fife line might come in handy sometime? This last statement conflicts badly with my next one which is that Im still in no particular hurry to get back on 1 of these things any time soon and TBH other than bashing for the sake of it its taken me nearly 18 months to find any real reason to use them - this being as a quick (well quicker) means of reaching the Status Quo concert at the showground which turned out to be cansled anyway meaning a wasted trip!
On a happier note, off out bus bashing tomorrow with 1 or 2 other forum members - that'll be another couple of desired/required Scottish Bus routes out the way then, plus a chance all being well to have a go on the new Hybrids Stagecoach Strathtay have put into service, having been impressed with similar new vehicles recently introduced to Lothian Buses service 34. Undecided as yet as to how to reposition myself to Arbroath for the first move of the trip as Im torn between a VTEC HST or a run with Citylink to Dundee for iether a double whammy on the Hybrid or the X7's new Plaxton Interdecks. Iether way, Iv done rather well at dodging Scotrail 170s lately (not had one since End March) so am going to try keep it that way!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Thought Id post about the fact that(by pure accident) I managed to do the last little bit of Edinburgh Tram line from St Andrews Square to York Place last night, and whilst I still need the same stretch in the opposit direction, Iv now got the dubious onner of being able to cross it off as all done until heaven forbid someone coughs up the money to build the rest of it. Tram shack scratch at Ingliston P and R too meaning Iv now done 5 of the blessid things, the others being the airport, St Andrews Square, Gyle Centre and as mentioned York Place. Cant say Im in a hurry to do the rest although would like to think the interchanges at Edinburgh Park Station and the as yet unbuilt Edinburgh Gateway on the Fife line might come in handy sometime? This last statement conflicts badly with my next one which is that Im still in no particular hurry to get back on 1 of these things any time soon and TBH other than bashing for the sake of it its taken me nearly 18 months to find any real reason to use them - this being as a quick (well quicker) means of reaching the Status Quo concert at the showground which turned out to be cansled anyway meaning a wasted trip!
On a happier note, off out bus bashing tomorrow with 1 or 2 other forum members - that'll be another couple of desired/required Scottish Bus routes out the way then, plus a chance all being well to have a go on the new Hybrids Stagecoach Strathtay have put into service, having been impressed with similar new vehicles recently introduced to Lothian Buses service 34. Undecided as yet as to how to reposition myself to Arbroath for the first move of the trip as Im torn between a VTEC HST or a run with Citylink to Dundee for iether a double whammy on the Hybrid or the X7's new Plaxton Interdecks. Iether way, Iv done rather well at dodging Scotrail 170s lately (not had one since End March) so am going to try keep it that way!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Decision made, Im going HST Bashing tomorrow also!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Thought Id post about the fact that(by pure accident) I managed to do the last little bit of Edinburgh Tram line from St Andrews Square to York Place last night, and whilst I still need the same stretch in the opposit direction, Iv now got the dubious onner of being able to cross it off as all done until heaven forbid someone coughs up the money to build the rest of it. Tram shack scratch at Ingliston P and R too meaning Iv now done 5 of the blessid things, the others being the airport, St Andrews Square, Gyle Centre and as mentioned York Place. Cant say Im in a hurry to do the rest although would like to think the interchanges at Edinburgh Park Station and the as yet unbuilt Edinburgh Gateway on the Fife line might come in handy sometime? This last statement conflicts badly with my next one which is that Im still in no particular hurry to get back on 1 of these things any time soon and TBH other than bashing for the sake of it its taken me nearly 18 months to find any real reason to use them - this being as a quick (well quicker) means of reaching the Status Quo concert at the showground which turned out to be cansled anyway meaning a wasted trip!
On a happier note, off out bus bashing tomorrow with 1 or 2 other forum members - that'll be another couple of desired/required Scottish Bus routes out the way then, plus a chance all being well to have a go on the new Hybrids Stagecoach Strathtay have put into service, having been impressed with similar new vehicles recently introduced to Lothian Buses service 34. Undecided as yet as to how to reposition myself to Arbroath for the first move of the trip as Im torn between a VTEC HST or a run with Citylink to Dundee for iether a double whammy on the Hybrid or the X7's new Plaxton Interdecks. Iether way, Iv done rather well at dodging Scotrail 170s lately (not had one since End March) so am going to try keep it that way!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Thought Id post about the fact that(by pure accident) I managed to do the last little bit of Edinburgh Tram line from St Andrews Square to York Place last night, and whilst I still need the same stretch in the opposit direction, Iv now got the dubious onner of being able to cross it off as all done until heaven forbid someone coughs up the money to build the rest of it. Tram shack scratch at Ingliston P and R too meaning Iv now done 5 of the blessid things, the others being the airport, St Andrews Square, Gyle Centre and as mentioned York Place. Cant say Im in a hurry to do the rest although would like to think the interchanges at Edinburgh Park Station and the as yet unbuilt Edinburgh Gateway on the Fife line might come in handy sometime? This last statement conflicts badly with my next one which is that Im still in no particular hurry to get back on 1 of these things any time soon and TBH other than bashing for the sake of it its taken me nearly 18 months to find any real reason to use them - this being as a quick (well quicker) means of reaching the Status Quo concert at the showground which turned out to be cansled anyway meaning a wasted trip!
On a happier note, off out bus bashing tomorrow with 1 or 2 other forum members - that'll be another couple of desired/required Scottish Bus routes out the way then, plus a chance all being well to have a go on the new Hybrids Stagecoach Strathtay have put into service, having been impressed with similar new vehicles recently introduced to Lothian Buses service 34. Undecided as yet as to how to reposition myself to Arbroath for the first move of the trip as Im torn between a VTEC HST or a run with Citylink to Dundee for iether a double whammy on the Hybrid or the X7's new Plaxton Interdecks. Iether way, Iv done rather well at dodging Scotrail 170s lately (not had one since End March) so am going to try keep it that way!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Decision made, Im going HST Bashing tomorrow also!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Good lad, enjoy the HST, and the day in general!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
10th August - Scottish Bus, HST and unexpected Class 68 Bash
Traffic was not on my side as my bus crawled through the extra festival conjestion with an extra hefty load of festival punters. I guess I should really know better by now and allow extra time during silly season but having slept in it couldnt be helped. On my way down Waverley bridge to the station a Volvo Olimpian I assume on Bus Tour duties gave an extra loud Turbo Scream, nice! Arrived despite delays in time for the 10:28 VTEC HST to Aberdeen, the 07:10x Leeds which arrives and leaves 2 down quite well filled. Having not had time for breakfast I head for the buffet (sorry, Food Bar) as soon as it reopens after the Staff Changeover for A sandwitch, biscuit and cold drink. Senior crewmember on here today is Peter Simpson, better known as Roboguard - nice to see and hear him again.
7 down at Arbroath having enjoyed a bit of headsout on the run from Dundee. Here I meet up with starmill, Yorky and Mojo for the days main event, a trip on some seenic Scottish Bus Routes and after a short Walk to Arbroath Bus Station we join the first one in the shape of 1 of Stagecoach Strathtays new Volvo B5 Hybrids with New Style Inviro 400 Boddywork on route 73a. This service, branded Tayway still carrys conducters, Im quite amazed about this. An enjoyable hours ride delivers us in a shower of rain to Dundee City Centre at Seegate for a 2 minute walk to the bus station. Slight change of plan here when one of Stagecoach's new Plaxton Interdecks working the recently extended X7 Aberdeen to Perth arrives and we join for the ride, taking advantage of plug sockets on the hours trip to Perth Canal street. 5 minute walk to the bus station for, well, its best described as a serious withering. The Stagecoach Service 15, Perth to Stirling via Creef which only runs at v limmited intervals is not worked as promised by a decker, but by a MAN Inviro E300. Yorky doesnt want to do it on a single and just when we want one, theres an absense of decker worked runs. So as not to run the wrisk of spending ages in Perth we eventually take a leather coach seated Inviro 300 on the 56 to Halbeath Park and Ride. Here Yorky and Mojo leave us to walk to Dunfermline Queen Margaret whilst me and starmill take the 19 bus there instead. The observant amongst you may well have guessed whats happening here, but for those who havnt, at 17:48, 4 down we joing the loco hauled Fife Circle service, now in the hands of a Class 68, first time for me, Mojo and Yorky. The noize, power and clag off these things is just unbelievable! If you havnt tried 1 yet d6 it, its seriously amazing, a great addition to the sceen. Vestibule veged as far as Kirkaldy but even in the front saloon the noize is incredible. The connecting fast service from Inverness they exort you to change to at Inverkeithing was late so pax were told to remain onboard. Even still we roared through the loop at Dalmeny but didnt stop. The others bailed at South Gyle for a tram bash and I carried on to Waverley and from there to home. Ta for reading, will post a bit more info when Im not falling asleap lol! Ta to Mojo and Yorky for orgonising.
Traffic was not on my side as my bus crawled through the extra festival conjestion with an extra hefty load of festival punters. I guess I should really know better by now and allow extra time during silly season but having slept in it couldnt be helped. On my way down Waverley bridge to the station a Volvo Olimpian I assume on Bus Tour duties gave an extra loud Turbo Scream, nice! Arrived despite delays in time for the 10:28 VTEC HST to Aberdeen, the 07:10x Leeds which arrives and leaves 2 down quite well filled. Having not had time for breakfast I head for the buffet (sorry, Food Bar) as soon as it reopens after the Staff Changeover for A sandwitch, biscuit and cold drink. Senior crewmember on here today is Peter Simpson, better known as Roboguard - nice to see and hear him again.
7 down at Arbroath having enjoyed a bit of headsout on the run from Dundee. Here I meet up with starmill, Yorky and Mojo for the days main event, a trip on some seenic Scottish Bus Routes and after a short Walk to Arbroath Bus Station we join the first one in the shape of 1 of Stagecoach Strathtays new Volvo B5 Hybrids with New Style Inviro 400 Boddywork on route 73a. This service, branded Tayway still carrys conducters, Im quite amazed about this. An enjoyable hours ride delivers us in a shower of rain to Dundee City Centre at Seegate for a 2 minute walk to the bus station. Slight change of plan here when one of Stagecoach's new Plaxton Interdecks working the recently extended X7 Aberdeen to Perth arrives and we join for the ride, taking advantage of plug sockets on the hours trip to Perth Canal street. 5 minute walk to the bus station for, well, its best described as a serious withering. The Stagecoach Service 15, Perth to Stirling via Creef which only runs at v limmited intervals is not worked as promised by a decker, but by a MAN Inviro E300. Yorky doesnt want to do it on a single and just when we want one, theres an absense of decker worked runs. So as not to run the wrisk of spending ages in Perth we eventually take a leather coach seated Inviro 300 on the 56 to Halbeath Park and Ride. Here Yorky and Mojo leave us to walk to Dunfermline Queen Margaret whilst me and starmill take the 19 bus there instead. The observant amongst you may well have guessed whats happening here, but for those who havnt, at 17:48, 4 down we joing the loco hauled Fife Circle service, now in the hands of a Class 68, first time for me, Mojo and Yorky. The noize, power and clag off these things is just unbelievable! If you havnt tried 1 yet d6 it, its seriously amazing, a great addition to the sceen. Vestibule veged as far as Kirkaldy but even in the front saloon the noize is incredible. The connecting fast service from Inverness they exort you to change to at Inverkeithing was late so pax were told to remain onboard. Even still we roared through the loop at Dalmeny but didnt stop. The others bailed at South Gyle for a tram bash and I carried on to Waverley and from there to home. Ta for reading, will post a bit more info when Im not falling asleap lol! Ta to Mojo and Yorky for orgonising.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Sounds like quite a beast of a day, despite the Enviro withering you all! At least you got to enjoy some epic 68 action, welcome to the fan club!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
Epic is an understatement. In the last week iv fallen madly in love with both Class 378s and now 68s. I honestly never thought they'd be so thumpy, loud and claggy, given there ment to be the latest tool in terms of low immissions etc?
As an aside though now the LHCS are staying for a while, how about a bit of a tidy up inside?
As an aside though now the LHCS are staying for a while, how about a bit of a tidy up inside?
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Depends how long they expect to keep the loco haulage going I suppose, but if it's the same MK2s as it was last year then yes they could certainly do with a tidy-up!
You're lucky you've got openable droplights on your coaches, you can hear the thrash off the 68s properly. Not something we can sample in the Midlands on Chiltern Silver sets!
You're lucky you've got openable droplights on your coaches, you can hear the thrash off the 68s properly. Not something we can sample in the Midlands on Chiltern Silver sets!
I have had slam door stock 4 times with a 68 on the Chilterns. Leamington to Snow Hell, Snow Hell to Banbury, Bicester to Banbury and another Bicester to Banbury. The first 2 were during the Watford block, the last 2 on the Banbury set.
Blindtraveler
Established Member
I think Techniquest when you were up last Oct the set had not long changed to DRS MK2s following reliabilitty issues. There is now a 2nd wrake, also a DRS Concern but no real ryme or reason as to which diagram iether set works although having now used both 1 set is in better nic than the other.
I find it hard to believe that even with all the silver sets modded you cant hear anything, given how much there is to hear? Any word on the Banbry wrake going to Donny yet?
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As promised a few possibly relivant bits of info not included in yesturdays report. The orrigional idea for the meet/bash, proposed orrigionally by Mojo was this thread http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=113216 The origional planned itinerary was Arbroath>Dundee>Perth>Stirling and are all covered on the Stagecoach Tayside Group Megarider which takes a bit of finding online but does exist. There was some question about validitty on the 56 we actually used.
For those fancying a trip behind the DRS 68s on the Fife Circle and who are able to joining at a station other than Waverley or Haymarket, an Edinburgh>Glenrothes CDR is valid for the complete journey as long as started short at a station outwith the city centre. Those who held this ticket yesturday all commenced at Dunfermline Queen Margaret and whilst in theory you could start at South Gyle, using an Edinburgh PlusBus or tram to the nearby Gyle Centre, be aware South Gyle has peek time RPI's on duty so you may or may not experience issues with your ticket.
Hope this is of use to someone.
I find it hard to believe that even with all the silver sets modded you cant hear anything, given how much there is to hear? Any word on the Banbry wrake going to Donny yet?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
As promised a few possibly relivant bits of info not included in yesturdays report. The orrigional idea for the meet/bash, proposed orrigionally by Mojo was this thread http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=113216 The origional planned itinerary was Arbroath>Dundee>Perth>Stirling and are all covered on the Stagecoach Tayside Group Megarider which takes a bit of finding online but does exist. There was some question about validitty on the 56 we actually used.
For those fancying a trip behind the DRS 68s on the Fife Circle and who are able to joining at a station other than Waverley or Haymarket, an Edinburgh>Glenrothes CDR is valid for the complete journey as long as started short at a station outwith the city centre. Those who held this ticket yesturday all commenced at Dunfermline Queen Margaret and whilst in theory you could start at South Gyle, using an Edinburgh PlusBus or tram to the nearby Gyle Centre, be aware South Gyle has peek time RPI's on duty so you may or may not experience issues with your ticket.
Hope this is of use to someone.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Oh you can hear something in the Chiltern sets, just not enough outside the vestibule!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Fallen madly in love with the 378s?
Madness! :P
You will be saying you love the 376s next
Blindtraveler
Established Member
I will once they get nicer seats. Im very fond of all Electrostars TBH, They seam so much better qualitty than there deezol Cuzzons. The 378s have a job to do and are ideal for that job and the seating is better than 376s in terms of qualitty.
Believe me, I know!When I have short journeys on them, I will just stand in the vestibule for some Cat thrash!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
I wonder if the 88s will be similarly interesting once finally delivered? A shame theres not a great deal of passenger work for them to do unless GA decide to upgrade or the seamingly inept Serco switch there contract for sleaper haulage to DRS. Incidentally could the 68s and 88s respectively provide ETS for the newstock?
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All quiet on the bashing front now till early Sept. I had originally booked booked a nights hotel for Sun 31 Aug for a trip with the Wife but as I was toiling with the tickets to and from anyway and with strikes on the tube which are by the looks of it going to get worse with work to rules etc we've decided to not go. Frustrating as a nights hotel waisted and another chance of a trip to my favourite city in the world denied but maybe safest. I may yet decide to go do something yet but very uncertain at the mo.
Sept 7th sees the first day of regular service opperation on the Borders railway with the line opening the day before. However as this falls on a Sunday with limmited services and most likely a pinstripe jambaree of managers, dignatorys and other boring toffs this didnt attract me as such things would almost certainly ruin a good trip on the train so the 7th it is. The fun does however start the previous evening when fellow forum member and very very good friend Techniquest arrives to stay over with me prior to an action packed day of Bashing, I cant wate!
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Further to this if anyone wants a nights hotel in London on Aug 31st PM me.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
All quiet on the bashing front now till early Sept. I had originally booked booked a nights hotel for Sun 31 Aug for a trip with the Wife but as I was toiling with the tickets to and from anyway and with strikes on the tube which are by the looks of it going to get worse with work to rules etc we've decided to not go. Frustrating as a nights hotel waisted and another chance of a trip to my favourite city in the world denied but maybe safest. I may yet decide to go do something yet but very uncertain at the mo.
Sept 7th sees the first day of regular service opperation on the Borders railway with the line opening the day before. However as this falls on a Sunday with limmited services and most likely a pinstripe jambaree of managers, dignatorys and other boring toffs this didnt attract me as such things would almost certainly ruin a good trip on the train so the 7th it is. The fun does however start the previous evening when fellow forum member and very very good friend Techniquest arrives to stay over with me prior to an action packed day of Bashing, I cant wate!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Further to this if anyone wants a nights hotel in London on Aug 31st PM me.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
If I didn't already have my hotels booked back in March I'd have snapped it up off you! Bring on September!
Blindtraveler
Established Member
Are shame. The night in question for anyone interested is Sun 30 Aug, double room at Travelodge Walthamsto. Standard new build TL with predictably uncumfy bed but handy for LO/LU, Plus Costa next door and Tesco Express 5 min walk.
Kite159
Veteran Member
You have PM 
Blindtraveler
Established Member
Sold to:
*drum roll*
Kite159
*drum roll*
Kite159
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,132
Bus bashing, different for sure!
I agree that the 378s are the "nicest" Electrostars (aren't they basically Aventras with an Electrostar cab?) - shame about the seats. Experienced them myself once on a short ZFD-STP run.
Have a great time on the Borders railway with Tech
I agree that the 378s are the "nicest" Electrostars (aren't they basically Aventras with an Electrostar cab?) - shame about the seats. Experienced them myself once on a short ZFD-STP run.
Have a great time on the Borders railway with Tech
Blindtraveler
Established Member
Dont Worry, we will. Whilst I cant help feeling that its going to be of more use to the currently poorly connected areas in Midlothian it serves on its way than to the borders itself, its new track and I hope it will be a success. I hope the roomers about the Inverness 158s being transfered to make the new line look good arnt true as this is simply a shafting of those living in the remoter parts of our country who deserve a decent rail experience.
Kite159
Veteran Member
Bus bashing, different for sure!
I agree that the 378s are the "nicest" Electrostars (aren't they basically Aventras with an Electrostar cab?) - shame about the seats. Experienced them myself once on a short ZFD-STP run.
Have a great time on the Borders railway with Tech
Are you confusing the London Overground 378s with the Thameslinks 387s?
Blindtraveler
Established Member
I was thinking the same
After our epic little do on the Fife Circle 68, I also recently did the 1750 from Marylebone to Banbury. OHHHHH My goodness they are loud. I had headache at the end of it they make so much noise when you get to open them up for the 100mph run. One of the best bits was very slowly overtaking a Fast Metropolitan line S Stock, with all the commuters looking up from their papers and taking out earphones to see what all the fuss of an accelerating 68 was about. The look on their faces when you wave at them out of the window... 
Blindtraveler
Established Member
I think you touch 70 or 80 on the stretch round toward Markinch and onto Kirkaldy but due to the pointwork and presence of the 2 formentioned stations its no higher and power often gets shut off early so I must try this one! It does sound good. Whats the best option in terms of tickets, as I assume as its aimed at commuters they dont flog APs for this run?
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