Loads of winner shacks and units there! Sounds like a brilliant day!
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Keith Jarrett
Member
Good time was had by all if the trip report is anything to go by - a few shacks there that don't crop up often in trip reports. I'm thinking Chandlers Ford, Shawford, Avoncliffe (love the Heart of Wessex sticker on the sign) and Freshford. I think you made the right move by taking the train rather than cranking up the RRB mileage.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Those shacks will never appear in my trip reports as I did them all so long ago, I wasn't doing regular trip reports at the time! Shawford I believe during a family holiday on the way back from a shack scoring mission at Micheldever.
Now that one really is unheard of in the trip reports sector!
Now that one really is unheard of in the trip reports sector!
Thanks all. Here's another - I'm now all caught up with my trip reports.
17 May 2016: a day in West Yorkshire
There was a forum meet in Leeds this evening, so decided to head up during the day for a bit of a bash in West Yorkshire. To keep costs down I was on Northern's £2 advances. So at Crewe the tickets are collected and it's onto 323227 al the way to Manchester Piccadilly. The walking transfer across town is made to Victoria where I pick up 158759 for the long haul to Leeds via Hebden Bridge and Mirfield - I'm not bothered by the long journey time at all as it allows me to get a rather large chunk of marking out of the way.
At Leeds is straight to the ticket office to pick up a West Yorkshire Train Day Rover. Back on the platforms and I board 220020 for the short run to Wakefield Westgate. I pick up a coffee here before it's onto 322483 to today's first new station, South Elmsall. It's walking time now as I head up to Moorthorpe. There's 40 , so I head into the cafe for another coffee and crack on with a bit more marking. Eventually 144008 shows up to take me to Pontefract Baghill.
It's walking time again now, making my way through Pontefract town centre to Pontefract Tanshelf. It's onto 144007 here for the short run to Pontefract Monkhill, followed by 142007 back to Wakefield Kirkgate.
Here 150135 pulls in to take me back up to Leeds. Unfortunately the off-peak restrictions on the rover severely limit my options for the next move. I decide to get on 155343 + 153316 to Headingley. By the time I'm not able to get a train back, unless I either wait for three and a half hours or I buy a new ticket. Google maps says I'm only 3.5 miles from Leeds city centre, so I opt for the walking option.
It takes me just under an hour before I find the pub where I'm supposed to meet the other forum members. Drinks and a meal are had. On these occasions I would normally retire back to the Yorkshire base, however I have to be in work for an early morning meeting the next day, meaning a run back to Crewe is required. So it's back to Leeds station and on to 185107 to Manchester Piccadilly, and then onto 323234 back to Crewe, although we're 20 minutes late due to a piece of kit in the driver's cab breaking!
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My coverage map is also starting to look much better
17 May 2016: a day in West Yorkshire
There was a forum meet in Leeds this evening, so decided to head up during the day for a bit of a bash in West Yorkshire. To keep costs down I was on Northern's £2 advances. So at Crewe the tickets are collected and it's onto 323227 al the way to Manchester Piccadilly. The walking transfer across town is made to Victoria where I pick up 158759 for the long haul to Leeds via Hebden Bridge and Mirfield - I'm not bothered by the long journey time at all as it allows me to get a rather large chunk of marking out of the way.
At Leeds is straight to the ticket office to pick up a West Yorkshire Train Day Rover. Back on the platforms and I board 220020 for the short run to Wakefield Westgate. I pick up a coffee here before it's onto 322483 to today's first new station, South Elmsall. It's walking time now as I head up to Moorthorpe. There's 40 , so I head into the cafe for another coffee and crack on with a bit more marking. Eventually 144008 shows up to take me to Pontefract Baghill.
It's walking time again now, making my way through Pontefract town centre to Pontefract Tanshelf. It's onto 144007 here for the short run to Pontefract Monkhill, followed by 142007 back to Wakefield Kirkgate.
Here 150135 pulls in to take me back up to Leeds. Unfortunately the off-peak restrictions on the rover severely limit my options for the next move. I decide to get on 155343 + 153316 to Headingley. By the time I'm not able to get a train back, unless I either wait for three and a half hours or I buy a new ticket. Google maps says I'm only 3.5 miles from Leeds city centre, so I opt for the walking option.
It takes me just under an hour before I find the pub where I'm supposed to meet the other forum members. Drinks and a meal are had. On these occasions I would normally retire back to the Yorkshire base, however I have to be in work for an early morning meeting the next day, meaning a run back to Crewe is required. So it's back to Leeds station and on to 185107 to Manchester Piccadilly, and then onto 323234 back to Crewe, although we're 20 minutes late due to a piece of kit in the driver's cab breaking!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
My coverage map is also starting to look much better
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Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a good day in Yorkshire
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Slowly but surely getting there with the coverage map, even though Wales looks more than bleak!
Certainly a good day around Yorkshire too!
Certainly a good day around Yorkshire too!
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Ooh nice, not done one of those in nearly 11 years! 57/3s were on NWC drags on a daily basis back then...
Feel free to ask away if you want any general bashing advice in Wales, most especially South Wales.
Feel free to ask away if you want any general bashing advice in Wales, most especially South Wales.
Sounds like a fun day although I didn't know that there was a 144047 
!
!Sounds like a fun day although I didn't know that there was a 144047
Woops! I mean 144007!
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27 May 2016: a few stations near Guildford
I had spend the last couple of days in Guildford for work. All the meetings were over my early afternoon today and it was time to head home. To get there I had an off-peak single ticket which allowed break of journey, and I figured I had enough time to pick up a few stations along the way
At Guildford station I jumped about the first train heading to Waterloo, formed of 456001 + 456011 + 455719. Jumping off at London Road (Guildford), there was a short wait before 455701 + 455910 arrived and took me to the next station along the line: Clandon.
Next up it was 455859 + 455903 to Horsley, followed by 455915 + 455905 to Effingham Junction.
There was a bit of a wait here until the next train, but the weather was nice and warm so I sat on a bench waiting for it to arrive. Eventually 455972 + 455735 showed up. There was no time to pick up any more stations along the way so I stayed on as far as to take me to Vauxhall. There was a quick dash down to the Victoria Line here where it was onto LU11077 + LU11078 up to Euston. 390124 was doing the honours back up to Crewe today - I notice we take the new line around Norton Bridge, so even manage to grab a bit of new track on a mandatory move.
15 June 2016: Northern day ranger
The first move of the day was 323223 to Cheadle Hulme. There was a bit of a wait here so I used the machine to pick up some tickets for other up coming journeys, and then headed into the nearby Waitrose for a cup of coffee. With the caffeine fix under the belt it was back to the station to take 323232 to today's first station: Adlington. It was then 323238 back up to Stockport, before getting on 323234 to Poynton, thus clearing all stations between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester.
Retro signage at Poynton!
There was a bit of time before my next planned move so I decided to head to the Ian Allen bookshop for a quick browse to see if they had a West European Trams book (as recommended by Tech), but found it has now closed... what a shame. Oh well, back at the station it was onto today's first winner, 142041 all the way up to Westhoughton. There's a short wait here before 142030 takes me back to Bolton, where I change onto 150206, eventually getting off at Ramsgreave and Wilpshire.
We pull in a few minutes late, meaning there's a real rush on to cross to the other platform to catch 153328 + 156487. On board I put my request in to the guard to stop the train at Entwistle. I'm not the only one to get off by the look of it, and it seems a nice place, so I spend ten minutes having a look around the local area, before sticking the hand out to board 153307 + 156424 for one stop to Darwen.
There's a bit of a wait here, and it's raining so rather than go exploring I decide to stick my head in a book. Eventually 150206 show up again, taking me back to Bolton. Here it's a nice cross-platform transfer onto 150149 + 150214 to the next stop down the line: Moses Gate. 142032 takes me back up to Bolton.
Double winners 150118 + 150110 show up tp take me to Salford Crescent, where I immediately board 150113 to Manchester Victoria. The usual walk through town, coupled with the obligatory stop into Boots for baby supplies, ensues, before arriving at Piccadilly and getting onto 150150 + 150228 to Stockport. It's then onto 323229 to Wilmslow. There's some more spare time here, so I head to the nearby Tesco to get some water and a quick snack, before it's back to the station and onto 323234 to Styal, which mean I have now cleared all stations between Crewe and Manchester.
More retro signage at Styal!
Time to head back to Crewe now, with 323223 doing the honours. All in all a good day. I was mainly trying grab more stations, but also by complete coincidence made some good progress with my outstanding Northern 150s.
Sounds like a fun time in Northern land and the Guildford area! I had the slow lines around Norton Bridge in the same sort of way. It was completely unexpected when I noticed that my pendo to Crewe was on the slows and took the new track.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
*Mutters something about everyone beating him to the new Down Slow alignment at Norton Bridge*
Nice bit of clearout going on there in SWT land, and quite a decent time had on local territory too. I still need Goostrey, Chelford, Styal, Heald Green and Gatley to clear Crewe to Manchester for shacks. I think it's 4 more I need between Cheadle Hulme and Kidsgrove to clear Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent for shacks. Adlington, Congleton, Bramhall (I think that's the name!) and Poynton I believe are my needs down that line. I could be missing one, not sure without going and checking the Baker. All planned to be done eventually!
Two good reads, as per expectations there!
Nice bit of clearout going on there in SWT land, and quite a decent time had on local territory too. I still need Goostrey, Chelford, Styal, Heald Green and Gatley to clear Crewe to Manchester for shacks. I think it's 4 more I need between Cheadle Hulme and Kidsgrove to clear Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent for shacks. Adlington, Congleton, Bramhall (I think that's the name!) and Poynton I believe are my needs down that line. I could be missing one, not sure without going and checking the Baker. All planned to be done eventually!
Two good reads, as per expectations there!
Keith Jarrett
Member
An excellent read. Northern-land seems to have been very productive as did the shorter leap around SWT land.
And for Tech's benefit, I also still need the new down slow at Norton Bridge so he may well beat me to it!
And for Tech's benefit, I also still need the new down slow at Norton Bridge so he may well beat me to it!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a couple good days, I'm guessing making use of that £10 northern day deal for those stations
Hadn't even realized we were supposed to go that way... And they should stop calling it the down 'slow' - Stafford to Crewe in 16.5 mins!!!
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Yes indeed... Got enough vouchers for7 more.... Where shall I go next?
Techniquest
Veteran Member
I friggin' ought to, it's track far more local to me than it is to most of the trip reporting community!
But there are things near me I haven't even done yet, namely three stations in Devon. Saving them for a rainy day!
Time for some more reports
20 June 2016: Northern Day Ranger
I often use the £10 rangers for the regular trip between Crewe and Hellifield as it's much cheaper than forking out for the usual anytime ticket (although admittedly slower). It also provides an opportunity to do a bit of exploring along the way. Today I set my sights on some of the stations between Lancaster and Barrow in Furness.
Starting at Hellifield it was 150204 along the much under-rated little north western line to Carnforth. Here I managed to make the quick dash through the subway and onto the next platform to pick up 156472 + 156459, getting off at today's first new station, Cark. There was a short wait here before 156438 arrived to take me back down the line to Grange-over-Sands.
There was a bit of a fester here so I popped into the little shop in the ticket office building for some provisions for the day, before heading to the other platform as 37425 rumbled in. I boarded the train, and tucked into a quick snack before getting off at Ulveston. Next it was 156472 + 156459 again, this time to take me all the way down to Lancaster. Here I found 150201 waiting for the daily service to Heysham Port - not having done that bit of track before it was rude not to take up the opportunity now. Arrival at Heysham Port meant there was just one station left between here and Leeds to get (it's Clapham!)
Somewhat surprisingly the train filled up at Heysham, and was standing room only as we left - it seems this service is well used despite the lack of trains! I bailed at Morecambe. There was a little time to kill here so I went in search of the obligatory caffeine fix, before heading back to the station and boarding 156463 back to Lancaster. Here it was onto 156444 to Arnside.
There was a little time to explore this lovely area on Morecambe Bay, before it was time to make a proper attempt to head back to Crewe. So it was onto 185133 heading south. we picked up 185103 at Preston and I decided to bail at Chorley.
I head into the town centre for yet another caffeine fix, before it's back to the station and on to 150224 + 150132 all the way to Stockport. A change here puts me onto 323227 and, eventually, to Crewe.
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29 June 2016: a day in Yorkshire
Time for another Northern only day ranger now. Once again I was starting in Yorkshire, but to make the most of the ranger and because of the lack of decent service from Hellifield towards Leeds after 8:45am I got a lift to Steeton and Silsden. Here it was straight onto 333015 all the way to Leeds. Just enough time to grab a caffeine fix here before getting onto 142066 + 142093 for the run up to Knaresborough. It's a lovely town and a spend a little while exploring and also picking up some provisions for today's travels, before heading back to the station to board 142016 to Hornbeam Park.
It's over to the other platform and a short wait before 150206 + 150270 show up to take me the short distance to Harrogate. Another coffee is purchased here before getting onto 153304 + 155345 all the way back to Leeds. The plan had been to get the last couple of stations along the line to Doncaster, but the wires around Wakefield had been brought down meaning all services that way were cancelled. I'll have to come back another day for those. After a quick look at the departures board I hopped onto 144020 to Woodlesford.
It was then 144014 back to Leeds. Services to Doncaster were still cancelled, but fortunately the service to Sheffield (via Wakefield Westgate) was unaffected so I hopped onto 142090 and we set off. As we approaches Wakefield we could see the engineers trying to put the wires back up - looked like a big job! I eventually got off at Bolton-upon-Dearne. It was then over to the other platform to pick up 142089 for a couple of stops to Moorthorpe. There was just enough time to pick up a flapjack from the little cafe here before hopping onto 158795 for the ride up to Ulleskelf.
There was a half hour fester here so I went off exploring as I like to do. The village itself is quite nice, and I spot a post office which has the potential to sell snacks, but find it is closed on Wednesday afternoons. Back at the station and it's 158795 again, this time as far as Sherburn-in-Elmet. Walking time now, and fortunately the weather holds out just enough for me to make it to South Milford without getting completely soaked.
I make it in time for 144023 to show up, taking me to Cross Gates.
The usual platform switch is performed putting me onto 158753 to York. There's a forum meal on this evening so I meet up with some other members on board 158793 and we set off for Selby (going by Sherburn-in-Elmet, meaning I can add the short curve there onto the coverage map).
A good time is had (and the food was excellent) and it's time to head back home. we pretty much have 158907 to ourselves on the ride back to York. A quick check of the departure boards here reveals it's the same train back to Leeds too. At Leeds it's onto 322481 for the run back to Skipton.
20 June 2016: Northern Day Ranger
I often use the £10 rangers for the regular trip between Crewe and Hellifield as it's much cheaper than forking out for the usual anytime ticket (although admittedly slower). It also provides an opportunity to do a bit of exploring along the way. Today I set my sights on some of the stations between Lancaster and Barrow in Furness.
Starting at Hellifield it was 150204 along the much under-rated little north western line to Carnforth. Here I managed to make the quick dash through the subway and onto the next platform to pick up 156472 + 156459, getting off at today's first new station, Cark. There was a short wait here before 156438 arrived to take me back down the line to Grange-over-Sands.
There was a bit of a fester here so I popped into the little shop in the ticket office building for some provisions for the day, before heading to the other platform as 37425 rumbled in. I boarded the train, and tucked into a quick snack before getting off at Ulveston. Next it was 156472 + 156459 again, this time to take me all the way down to Lancaster. Here I found 150201 waiting for the daily service to Heysham Port - not having done that bit of track before it was rude not to take up the opportunity now. Arrival at Heysham Port meant there was just one station left between here and Leeds to get (it's Clapham!)
Somewhat surprisingly the train filled up at Heysham, and was standing room only as we left - it seems this service is well used despite the lack of trains! I bailed at Morecambe. There was a little time to kill here so I went in search of the obligatory caffeine fix, before heading back to the station and boarding 156463 back to Lancaster. Here it was onto 156444 to Arnside.
There was a little time to explore this lovely area on Morecambe Bay, before it was time to make a proper attempt to head back to Crewe. So it was onto 185133 heading south. we picked up 185103 at Preston and I decided to bail at Chorley.
I head into the town centre for yet another caffeine fix, before it's back to the station and on to 150224 + 150132 all the way to Stockport. A change here puts me onto 323227 and, eventually, to Crewe.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
29 June 2016: a day in Yorkshire
Time for another Northern only day ranger now. Once again I was starting in Yorkshire, but to make the most of the ranger and because of the lack of decent service from Hellifield towards Leeds after 8:45am I got a lift to Steeton and Silsden. Here it was straight onto 333015 all the way to Leeds. Just enough time to grab a caffeine fix here before getting onto 142066 + 142093 for the run up to Knaresborough. It's a lovely town and a spend a little while exploring and also picking up some provisions for today's travels, before heading back to the station to board 142016 to Hornbeam Park.
It's over to the other platform and a short wait before 150206 + 150270 show up to take me the short distance to Harrogate. Another coffee is purchased here before getting onto 153304 + 155345 all the way back to Leeds. The plan had been to get the last couple of stations along the line to Doncaster, but the wires around Wakefield had been brought down meaning all services that way were cancelled. I'll have to come back another day for those. After a quick look at the departures board I hopped onto 144020 to Woodlesford.
It was then 144014 back to Leeds. Services to Doncaster were still cancelled, but fortunately the service to Sheffield (via Wakefield Westgate) was unaffected so I hopped onto 142090 and we set off. As we approaches Wakefield we could see the engineers trying to put the wires back up - looked like a big job! I eventually got off at Bolton-upon-Dearne. It was then over to the other platform to pick up 142089 for a couple of stops to Moorthorpe. There was just enough time to pick up a flapjack from the little cafe here before hopping onto 158795 for the ride up to Ulleskelf.
There was a half hour fester here so I went off exploring as I like to do. The village itself is quite nice, and I spot a post office which has the potential to sell snacks, but find it is closed on Wednesday afternoons. Back at the station and it's 158795 again, this time as far as Sherburn-in-Elmet. Walking time now, and fortunately the weather holds out just enough for me to make it to South Milford without getting completely soaked.
I make it in time for 144023 to show up, taking me to Cross Gates.
The usual platform switch is performed putting me onto 158753 to York. There's a forum meal on this evening so I meet up with some other members on board 158793 and we set off for Selby (going by Sherburn-in-Elmet, meaning I can add the short curve there onto the coverage map).
A good time is had (and the food was excellent) and it's time to head back home. we pretty much have 158907 to ourselves on the ride back to York. A quick check of the departure boards here reveals it's the same train back to Leeds too. At Leeds it's onto 322481 for the run back to Skipton.
Sounds like great value for £10 on each! I'm sure putting wires back up will be a hard job!
Kite159
Veteran Member
A couple good days putting those £10 rovers to good use, especially in areas which don't really have any sort of day ranger (Harrogate line etc).
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Another two most enjoyable reads good sir, which sure helped fill a 4.5 hour coach journey!
150201 sounds like the one me, you and Blindtraveller had last July on a North West rover. Hard to believe it's almost a year ago exactly! I need Clapham too, I seem to recall it's one that takes some planning or some lengthy waits.
Shame the wires came down and bowled you out on the Yorkshire trip, at least you still got some scores out of the afternoon.
I assume the 185s you had to Chorley are Northern ones now, or are they TPX? I'm a long way behind knowing what's happening up there!
150201 sounds like the one me, you and Blindtraveller had last July on a North West rover. Hard to believe it's almost a year ago exactly! I need Clapham too, I seem to recall it's one that takes some planning or some lengthy waits.
Shame the wires came down and bowled you out on the Yorkshire trip, at least you still got some scores out of the afternoon.
I assume the 185s you had to Chorley are Northern ones now, or are they TPX? I'm a long way behind knowing what's happening up there!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Having the Blackpool/Barrow/Windermere lines being Northern helps with the rover with the old coverage gap between Preston & Lancaster gone.
I suppose in theory (once the S&C reopens) you could do a round trip from Manchester to Carlisle via the coast, down the S&C to Leeds and back across to Manchester via Rochdale or even Sheffield
I suppose in theory (once the S&C reopens) you could do a round trip from Manchester to Carlisle via the coast, down the S&C to Leeds and back across to Manchester via Rochdale or even Sheffield
alexf380
Established Member
Need to get my hands on a few of these rovers before they dry up. Two brilliant reads there, really did enjoy them.
Right, I have five trips to report on and I've only just gotten time to write them up
20 July 2016: day trip to Glasgow
A Virgin Trains seat sale meant there were some decently priced fares on offer to Scotland that were too good to turn down. So, the objective today was to grab some of the PSUL stuff that was available thanks to the Queen Street diversions and to generally improve my route coverage in this area.
Making use of Virgin's new 'BEAM' app to watch episodes of House of Cards on my iPad. We're delayed along the way thanks to lightening striking the signals near Beattock Summit and have to traverse the section under manual signal control. Anyway, we arrive 40 minutes late which means I have to change some of my plans somewhat. Still I get a free cup of coffee and delay repay out of it.
Anyway, as we arrive into Glasgow Central I purchase an SPT Roundabout ticket and then make the walk to Queen Street station. There's just enough time to make a quick leap to Charing Cross, with 320319 taking me there, and 334005 + 334040 taking me back. It's then onto 170430 + 170418 to Croy via Sighthill West Junction and Cowlairs West Junction (which I actually already had so nothing new there).
The platform switch ritual is performed at Croy, putting me onto 170395 + 170456 , this time via Cowlairs North Junction and Cowlairs South Junction which was new. Back at Queen Street it's then onto 334003 + 334037 to Partick, followed by 320318 to Hyndland.
Next up it was 320314 + 320313 to Milngavie. With nothing much to do here it was straight back onto 320314 + 320313 to Glasgow Central. I make my way up to the high level station, deciding to go for 314212 to Paisley Canal.
Walking time now as I head towards Paisley Gilmour Street, picking up the usual caffeine fix along the way. Here it's onto 380006 back to Glasgow Central. A quick dash across the concourse puts me onto 314215 to Patterton.
From here it's 314205 back as far as Crosshill. The island platform here makes easy work of the transfer onto 314204 to Newton. There's a short wait here before 318270 shows up to take me one stop down the line to Cumberslang.
Another short wait, and then it's onto 318265 + 320312 back to Glasgow Central. There's till plenty of time before my booked train home, so I decide to grab one last station, boarding triple-whammy 156431 + 156507 + 156501 to Clarkston. A hop over the bridge puts me onto solitary 156474 for the journey back to Central.
I pick up some provisions for the journey home from a nearby convenience store, and then its onto 390155 to Carlisle, where I have to change trains. It takes ages to find a departure board (most of them have been covered up behind wood panelling for work taking place), only to find every train heading south is delayed by over an hour. I spend a bit of time wondering the station to see if I can find a member of staff to help me find a quicker way home, but to no avail. So I head to the nearby Wetherspoons for a pint, before returning to the station to pick up a very late running 221118. The late arrival into Crewe means I just miss the last bus home and have to call in a favour from a neighbour. On well, at least I'll get more delay repay to use on another trip.
Anyway, apart from delays on the outward and return journey I had a good day - got in some new route coverage and managed to pick up plenty of new stations along the way
26 July 2016: crehld's Welsh adventure day 1
Every time I post a coverage map, Techniquest takes much pleasure in pointing out the gaping hole in Wales, so I thought it was high time I got that sorted So, over the next few days I'll be on an Explore Wales Flexi Pass adventure, starting today!
The usual bus ride is taken to Crewe, getting off a stop early to pick up provisions for the day from the Tesco express. At the station a load of RTVs are cashed in which makes the £99 rover easier on the bank balance (although I think £99 for four days in Wales is still pretty good value).
It's then on 153312 for a trip down the Heart of Wales line (on what possibly must be the longest journey I've ever taken on a 153!). Top marks to the guard, who is kind enough to let me on one minute before my rover is officially valid. Anyway, we set off. To my surprise there is a trolley service on this single car unit, although the host sees the realises the futility of pushing a trolley up and down a single 153 so operates an at seat service instead. Most welcome as it allows the obligatory caffeine hit to be had.
I quite enjoy the trip down the HoL - bad weather meant I probably wasn't able to make the most of the scenery. The train was busier than I expected it to be too! Anyway as we approach the South Wales coast I put my request into the guard to get off a Bynea, making myself look like an utter fool by pronouncing it "By-neee". I'm told the train can't stop there as no such place exists, but the train will stop at Bin-e-ya for me instead. The plan was to walk to Llanelli which was doable within an hour, but as I stepped off the train the heavens opened. I catch sight of a bus shelter nearby and the next bus to arrive is heading into town. I part with £3.40, (utter rip off for a 2 mile journey, for what turns out to be a longer journey than had I walked, thus reinforcing my total hatred of buses. Anyway, I make it to Llanelli station, avoiding the temptation for yet another caffeine hit as First Bus had stolen all of my spare change from me.
I now had to get to Cardiff, so it was onto 150213 + 153323, going via the Swansea District Line to Bridgend. From here it was onto 150281 to Barry.
A short hop to Barry Island now,m on 150245. I have a look around - the fun fair and amusements remind me of other seaside resorts that are still trying to appeal to a market that ceased to exist in the 1970s - the once grand station has seen better days too! Oh well, it's onto 142081 to Cadoxton.
The usual platform switch ritual is performed, putting me onto 150251 to Barry Docks. It's then 142074 all the way to Cardiff Central.
I check into the nearby Travelodge were I'll be based for the next couple of days, before heading out to meet some other forum members for a drink and food. Once everyone has headed back there's still just enough time to get in a couple more stations, so back at Cardiff Central it's onto 143616 to Grangetown, followed by 143602 to Llanishen. Taking me back to Cardiff it's 142074 + 142073.
20 July 2016: day trip to Glasgow
A Virgin Trains seat sale meant there were some decently priced fares on offer to Scotland that were too good to turn down. So, the objective today was to grab some of the PSUL stuff that was available thanks to the Queen Street diversions and to generally improve my route coverage in this area.
Making use of Virgin's new 'BEAM' app to watch episodes of House of Cards on my iPad. We're delayed along the way thanks to lightening striking the signals near Beattock Summit and have to traverse the section under manual signal control. Anyway, we arrive 40 minutes late which means I have to change some of my plans somewhat. Still I get a free cup of coffee and delay repay out of it.
Anyway, as we arrive into Glasgow Central I purchase an SPT Roundabout ticket and then make the walk to Queen Street station. There's just enough time to make a quick leap to Charing Cross, with 320319 taking me there, and 334005 + 334040 taking me back. It's then onto 170430 + 170418 to Croy via Sighthill West Junction and Cowlairs West Junction (which I actually already had so nothing new there).
The platform switch ritual is performed at Croy, putting me onto 170395 + 170456 , this time via Cowlairs North Junction and Cowlairs South Junction which was new. Back at Queen Street it's then onto 334003 + 334037 to Partick, followed by 320318 to Hyndland.
Next up it was 320314 + 320313 to Milngavie. With nothing much to do here it was straight back onto 320314 + 320313 to Glasgow Central. I make my way up to the high level station, deciding to go for 314212 to Paisley Canal.
Walking time now as I head towards Paisley Gilmour Street, picking up the usual caffeine fix along the way. Here it's onto 380006 back to Glasgow Central. A quick dash across the concourse puts me onto 314215 to Patterton.
From here it's 314205 back as far as Crosshill. The island platform here makes easy work of the transfer onto 314204 to Newton. There's a short wait here before 318270 shows up to take me one stop down the line to Cumberslang.
Another short wait, and then it's onto 318265 + 320312 back to Glasgow Central. There's till plenty of time before my booked train home, so I decide to grab one last station, boarding triple-whammy 156431 + 156507 + 156501 to Clarkston. A hop over the bridge puts me onto solitary 156474 for the journey back to Central.
I pick up some provisions for the journey home from a nearby convenience store, and then its onto 390155 to Carlisle, where I have to change trains. It takes ages to find a departure board (most of them have been covered up behind wood panelling for work taking place), only to find every train heading south is delayed by over an hour. I spend a bit of time wondering the station to see if I can find a member of staff to help me find a quicker way home, but to no avail. So I head to the nearby Wetherspoons for a pint, before returning to the station to pick up a very late running 221118. The late arrival into Crewe means I just miss the last bus home and have to call in a favour from a neighbour. On well, at least I'll get more delay repay to use on another trip.
Anyway, apart from delays on the outward and return journey I had a good day - got in some new route coverage and managed to pick up plenty of new stations along the way
26 July 2016: crehld's Welsh adventure day 1
Every time I post a coverage map, Techniquest takes much pleasure in pointing out the gaping hole in Wales, so I thought it was high time I got that sorted
So, over the next few days I'll be on an Explore Wales Flexi Pass adventure, starting today!The usual bus ride is taken to Crewe, getting off a stop early to pick up provisions for the day from the Tesco express. At the station a load of RTVs are cashed in which makes the £99 rover easier on the bank balance (although I think £99 for four days in Wales is still pretty good value).
It's then on 153312 for a trip down the Heart of Wales line (on what possibly must be the longest journey I've ever taken on a 153!). Top marks to the guard, who is kind enough to let me on one minute before my rover is officially valid. Anyway, we set off. To my surprise there is a trolley service on this single car unit, although the host sees the realises the futility of pushing a trolley up and down a single 153 so operates an at seat service instead. Most welcome as it allows the obligatory caffeine hit to be had.
I quite enjoy the trip down the HoL - bad weather meant I probably wasn't able to make the most of the scenery. The train was busier than I expected it to be too! Anyway as we approach the South Wales coast I put my request into the guard to get off a Bynea, making myself look like an utter fool by pronouncing it "By-neee". I'm told the train can't stop there as no such place exists, but the train will stop at Bin-e-ya for me instead. The plan was to walk to Llanelli which was doable within an hour, but as I stepped off the train the heavens opened. I catch sight of a bus shelter nearby and the next bus to arrive is heading into town. I part with £3.40, (utter rip off for a 2 mile journey, for what turns out to be a longer journey than had I walked, thus reinforcing my total hatred of buses. Anyway, I make it to Llanelli station, avoiding the temptation for yet another caffeine hit as First Bus had stolen all of my spare change from me.
I now had to get to Cardiff, so it was onto 150213 + 153323, going via the Swansea District Line to Bridgend. From here it was onto 150281 to Barry.
A short hop to Barry Island now,m on 150245. I have a look around - the fun fair and amusements remind me of other seaside resorts that are still trying to appeal to a market that ceased to exist in the 1970s - the once grand station has seen better days too! Oh well, it's onto 142081 to Cadoxton.
The usual platform switch ritual is performed, putting me onto 150251 to Barry Docks. It's then 142074 all the way to Cardiff Central.
I check into the nearby Travelodge were I'll be based for the next couple of days, before heading out to meet some other forum members for a drink and food. Once everyone has headed back there's still just enough time to get in a couple more stations, so back at Cardiff Central it's onto 143616 to Grangetown, followed by 143602 to Llanishen. Taking me back to Cardiff it's 142074 + 142073.
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Kite159
Veteran Member
142704 & 172073?
Sounded like a good little trip to Glasgow (bar the delays) and first day in Wales
Sounded like a good little trip to Glasgow (bar the delays) and first day in Wales
142704 & 172073?
Sounded like a good little trip to Glasgow (bar the delays) and first day in Wales
142074 + 142073 ... Just keeping you on your toes
Kristofferson
Member
- Joined
- 23 Nov 2012
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I've caught up from your Glasgow trip, and must say congratulations on the huge amount of shack scratching you've done, the photos and the entertaining read
Your assessment of Barry Island and other seaside resorts is probably the most accurate I've heard! I couldn't quite put my finger on what was wrong with them, but you nailed it.
Still, at least in this case, Cardiff Bay is a short hop away
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Your assessment of Barry Island and other seaside resorts is probably the most accurate I've heard! I couldn't quite put my finger on what was wrong with them, but you nailed it.
Still, at least in this case, Cardiff Bay is a short hop away
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
On a gorgeous day the Heart of Wales is a lovely journey, but when it's bucketing it down (as it sounds like it was for you, as it did the day before for me!) it sure isn't pleasant. Which reminds me to check the weather forecast for tomorrow...
At seat service on a 153 does make a lot of sense, agreed. Ouch to the ching on the bus move!
Otherwise a most productive time in Wales, no doubt the coverage map looks a lot better already! £99 is indeed good value for 4 days of bashing across Wales, £24.25 a day takes some beating for the amount you can do. I must investigate the North Wales options actually, now you've reminded me about that too. Can you tell I'm deep into TPP Mode currently?
Aside from the delays, the Glasgow trip sounds like it was pretty decent, a megaton of stuff done. As per Keith's recent trip report, I really want to go to Glasgow and have an enormous clearout on multiple Daytrippers now! Skyscanner is calling me...
At seat service on a 153 does make a lot of sense, agreed. Ouch to the ching on the bus move!
Otherwise a most productive time in Wales, no doubt the coverage map looks a lot better already! £99 is indeed good value for 4 days of bashing across Wales, £24.25 a day takes some beating for the amount you can do. I must investigate the North Wales options actually, now you've reminded me about that too. Can you tell I'm deep into TPP Mode currently?
Aside from the delays, the Glasgow trip sounds like it was pretty decent, a megaton of stuff done. As per Keith's recent trip report, I really want to go to Glasgow and have an enormous clearout on multiple Daytrippers now! Skyscanner is calling me...
...
Still, at least in this case, Cardiff Bay is a short hop away
Speaking of which...
27 July 2016: crehld's Welsh adventure day 2
Basically there was a flat roof directly outside my window and the local seagulls decided to spend most of the night hosting their version of fight club!
Anyway, as I was up early I decided to start the day exploring before getting on the rails. I made the walk down to the Cardiff Bay area - a nice new development which is also home to the Welsh Assembly building. After a bit of a wonder I find a Greggs and settle down for a coffee and bacon roll for breakfast (for only £2 - bargain). Once that's polished off it's across the road to Cardiff Bay station, and on to 153353 for the shuttle service to Cardiff Queen Street.
From here it's onto 142069 + 143607 for the short ride to Cardiff Central, where I pick up 43149 + 43125 for a run to Port Talbot Parkway. We're late on arrival meaning there's only a minute to spare to make the connection onto 43198 + 43087 back up the light to Bridgend - thank goodness for island platforms!
There's enough time here to grab a caffeine hit before it's onto 150254 + 153327. I find forum member Starmill in the 153 so join him for the journey all the way to Fishguard Harbour. There's more PSUL stuff to be had on this train - not only do we get another run down the Swansea District Line, but we also treated to the short bit of track avoiding the need for reversal at Carmarthen. There's not much time to look around (and I can't even show you a station name board because I couldn't find one!) before it's back onto 150254 + 153327. Clearly the ferry has just got in because the train is packed with people, many with SailRail tickets way beyond Cardiff - it's nice to see boat trains getting well used. Anyway, I bail at Carmarthen. After a quick wander into the twon to pick up supplies and yet more coffee I join 150267 for the run down to Pembroke.
It's walking time now. Pembroke itself seems nice and along the way I get a great view of the castle. I eventually arrive at Pembroke Dock station (where the surrounding area doesn't seem so nice) to find 150267 again waiting to take me back up the line. This time I'm off at Whitland.
There's only a short wait here before it's onto 150240 to Fishguard and Goodwick. There's another short wait before 150240 arrives again to take me back. One of the quirks of this service is that it terminates at a request stop station, Clarbeston Road, where I'm turfed off (you wouldn't know it's a request stop as there aren't any notices anywhere on the station to indicate it is!)
There's only five minutes before another train, this time 175002, shows up for the long ride back to Cardiff. Fortunately I took a book with me to pass the time. But there's one last bit of novelty as I'm treated to one more PSUL move, this time the short chord from the mainline to Ninan Park before pulling into Cardiff Central. I could have kept going for a little longer, but decide to join Starmill and yorkie for a drink in the nearby Wetherspoons instead.
Another good day in Wales. I managed to get some of the Welsh network's more far flung stations, and I almost managed to clock 400 miles in the process!
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Yeah the weather was rubbish which spoilt it a bit. Oh well I still have all the stations along the HoW to get so plenty of opportunity to take in the scenery (especially given the walking boots are going to have to come out for some of them). Hope the weather was better for you!
It does indeed - hopefully I'll publish an updated version this week
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