Iskra
Established Member
Ok, so I used to 'spot' as a teenager. For the first time in 10 years though today I used the railway purely for recreation. I didn't bother taking numbers down, I just rode trains- I don't know if this has a particular name. Anyway, here goes...
This trip took in some very scenic lines, and a couple of areas where I have previously lived so that's why I chose these journeys.
Ticket types:
Cumbria Day Ranger £40.50 bought at Leeds
North East Round Robin £46.00 bought at Leeds
Traction travelled on:
43 (125/HST), 153, 156, 158, 185(2), 221, 333.
Operators Travelled
NT, TPE, VT, EC
Where I went/Traction:
I arrived at Leeds earlier than expected so instead of the 0851 Leeds-Carlisle, my day went as follows;
0826 NR Leeds-Skipton. Class 333. 1st mistake of the day. I accidentally boarded this service and then remembered that my ticket wasn't allowed to be used before 0845- the ticket office lady didn't tell me that (then again, it does explain why the barriers didn't want to let me through). ...So, I walked to the very front of the 4-car train in order to try and be as far away from the guard as possible. This worked, the guard got to me just as he needed to open the doors at Shipley. I think he was surprised that I had a ticket at all (this was clearly the fare-dodgers' end of the train), nevermind a 'North East Round Robin', he seemed shocked and without mentioning any restrictions checked my ticket and asked me if I was going anywhere nice. Pleasant guy.
0924 NR Skipton-Carlisle Class 158+153- sat in the 158. After a short wait at Skipton I boarded the train I originally intended to catch. I upset some lady who had taken over a table and 4-seats on her own by sitting with her. I immediately regretted this as she was forever arguing with the voice control on her phone and broadcasting her life to the rest of the train. It was a nice atmospheric trip over the S&C, it was raining throughout but not enough to spoil visibility, just enough to make it seem wild and barren-especially Blea Moor. The train had numerous S&C volunteers on it, which was nice to see and the volunteer-run trolley service passed through twice- i bought something to support the cause. At Ribblehead we passed a Colas 66 while a log train was being loaded. RTT then filled in a blank for me telling me that the blur I'd seen going in the other direction was the Clitheroe cement train. Overall a pleasant journey, passing through my former local station at Garsdale. We were slightly late into Carlisle but it was not a problem. A DRS class 37 was seen in a siding with 3 yellow NR carriages here.
1150 NR Carlisle-Barrow in Furness. Single class 153. Approaching the unit I noticed the woman who I'd been sat with on the previous journey stood on the wrong side of the unit waiting for the doors to open. I did the decent thing and told her the doors were open on the other side, but then chose the opposite end of the unit to her for a more peaceful journey. The rain eased-off on this journey and I was even treated to some sunshine-a good job as I'd copped a leaky 153 around the windows. Shortly after leaving Carlisle we passed a DB Class 66 on what I presumed to be a RHTT. Then a pacer heading in the opposite direction (a bullet dodged). Soon there followed another RHTT this time with a DRS 66 at the rear- couldn't catch the first loco. Around Whitehaven visibility was good enough for me to be able to see both the Isle of Man and Scotland- I'd never noticed that the Isle of Man was visible before. A couple of 156's passed in the opposite direction before Sellafield. At Sellafield there were a pair of DRS 37's stabled-one was filthy so I guess it had come off a sandite working. A pleasant journey, but I was glad to get out at the other end, the seat not the best I've ever been in on a 2hr 30min long journey. At Barrow there were 2x153's stabled at platform 1. I had 20mins to kill at Barrow, I chose to go in search of food. I found a tesco express and looking at the area didn't see any signs of anything more promising, so settled for that.
1440 TPE Barrow-Lancaster Single class 185. I use TPE regularly, so didn't really have high expectations of this journey. However, I got lucky and ended up with a prized table seat and an even more valuable plug socket for my phone. The conductor even asked a nearby family to put a device on silent and advised headphones in the future- I thought that good of him, even though I'd already deployed my own headphone's by this point. After the scenic S&C and the Cumbrian Coast I was expecting to be underwhelmed on this leg, however the scenery really took my breath away- especially some of the sea-views with the sun starting to set. I'd completely forgotten what a nice line this is was. As we approached Carnforth (another place where I am a former resident) I was naturally ready to nosy at what was in the WCRC sidings. I got a good view of WCRC 57's, 47's, 37's and a 31(33?) there was also a DRS 57 and an Ian Riley 37 in Intercity livery as well as all the usual coaches that never seem to move. As we approached Lancaster I saw a TOE 350 going in the opposite direction- still need to ride one of those! On arrival at Lancaster I caught a 142 & 153 in platform 5. Then a DRS 66 hauled container train passed heading North. Then two express 390 passed through- 1 in each direction. Lancaster would be the last former home-town of the trip.
1608 VT Lancaster-Carlisle. 2x class 221. The platform was packed ahead of this arrival, and I was concerned it would be just 1x22x. A very helpful dispatch lady radioed to find where I should wait for the unreserved carriage(s) and informed me it would be a double set. Thus I managed to find a seat although it wasn't in the direction of travel as I would normally prefer. Another stunning journey from a scenic perspective with some cracking dusk views over the Lakes, I could even see fog/mist rising out of the grass as the night began to cool. The best thing about this journey was it was the most comfortable yet- I've never appreciated a voyager so much in my life after the 185 and 153 for 3hrs previous. We overtook the aforementioned container train just North of tebay and shortly after arriving at Carlisle the 2x 153 combo pulled in off the Cumbrian Coast. The TM didn't quite get to me to check my ticket.
1728 NR Carlisle-Newcastle. Class 156. This unit was already in the station, so I was able to secure a table-seat again. it was by now pitch black so I saw very little in terms of scenery. This does however give my an excuse to revisit this line as this was my first trip over it. On this leg we passed a Northern 156 a Scotrail 156 in Saltire livery which I was a bit surprised to see and a 142 stabled at Hexham. I was also given the opportunity to practice my Italian when two visitors bound for Newcastle kept thinking every station we slowed for on the route was Newcastle. Apparently there were some diversion in place due to overhead wire problems near Berwick, presumably that's why this journey was so popular with through passengers. A pleasant and comfortable journey.
1906 EC Newcastle-York. Class 43/125/HST. A bit of a bonus this one, a fortunate piece of late-running meant I could catch this train. Once I saw it came from Aberdeen on RTT I knew it would be a HST and I even lowered myself to running to make sure I caught it. This was my first meaningful HST journey for years (I spent the last 6 years using the WCML). And what a breath of fresh air it was to be propelled on a train without the hum and draining vibrations of a diesel engine underneath you, I'd forgotten what that was like! It was full, but I found an aisle seat and enjoyed a fast run down to York calling only at Darlington. Durham castle/cathedral looked fantastic illuminated at night. I resisted the temptation to go and lean out of the window. At York, I did stand and watch it depart to hear the engine's roar, but they didn't seem to sound as impressive as I remembered- the only disappointment on this leg. I accidentally showed the TM my invalid Cumbrian Coast rover on this train, and she didn't notice/say anything. I've always wondered if they actually bother to check what the ticket says, cleary not, but then again Newcastle does have ticket barriers and the train was rammed so I can't blame her for rushing.
2017 TPE York-Leeds. Single class 185. Well, after my previous good luck, revenge was swift. This train was packed, I stood in the aisle for most the full journey, although 2 passengers did kindly offer me a seat but there were people who were more worthy of them than me, and I had spent the whole day sat down so I declined. My ticket was checked, and the guard did a double take at my ticket and then grinned at me: the North East Round Robin ticket is worth the price just for the comedy value alone- I'm guessing conductors don't see too many of them, or they're associated with spotters!
Really enjoyed my day, will have to do it again sometime; especially along the ECML to ride on some proper trains before they all get scrapped!
This trip took in some very scenic lines, and a couple of areas where I have previously lived so that's why I chose these journeys.
Ticket types:
Cumbria Day Ranger £40.50 bought at Leeds
North East Round Robin £46.00 bought at Leeds
Traction travelled on:
43 (125/HST), 153, 156, 158, 185(2), 221, 333.
Operators Travelled
NT, TPE, VT, EC
Where I went/Traction:
I arrived at Leeds earlier than expected so instead of the 0851 Leeds-Carlisle, my day went as follows;
0826 NR Leeds-Skipton. Class 333. 1st mistake of the day. I accidentally boarded this service and then remembered that my ticket wasn't allowed to be used before 0845- the ticket office lady didn't tell me that (then again, it does explain why the barriers didn't want to let me through). ...So, I walked to the very front of the 4-car train in order to try and be as far away from the guard as possible. This worked, the guard got to me just as he needed to open the doors at Shipley. I think he was surprised that I had a ticket at all (this was clearly the fare-dodgers' end of the train), nevermind a 'North East Round Robin', he seemed shocked and without mentioning any restrictions checked my ticket and asked me if I was going anywhere nice. Pleasant guy.
0924 NR Skipton-Carlisle Class 158+153- sat in the 158. After a short wait at Skipton I boarded the train I originally intended to catch. I upset some lady who had taken over a table and 4-seats on her own by sitting with her. I immediately regretted this as she was forever arguing with the voice control on her phone and broadcasting her life to the rest of the train. It was a nice atmospheric trip over the S&C, it was raining throughout but not enough to spoil visibility, just enough to make it seem wild and barren-especially Blea Moor. The train had numerous S&C volunteers on it, which was nice to see and the volunteer-run trolley service passed through twice- i bought something to support the cause. At Ribblehead we passed a Colas 66 while a log train was being loaded. RTT then filled in a blank for me telling me that the blur I'd seen going in the other direction was the Clitheroe cement train. Overall a pleasant journey, passing through my former local station at Garsdale. We were slightly late into Carlisle but it was not a problem. A DRS class 37 was seen in a siding with 3 yellow NR carriages here.
1150 NR Carlisle-Barrow in Furness. Single class 153. Approaching the unit I noticed the woman who I'd been sat with on the previous journey stood on the wrong side of the unit waiting for the doors to open. I did the decent thing and told her the doors were open on the other side, but then chose the opposite end of the unit to her for a more peaceful journey. The rain eased-off on this journey and I was even treated to some sunshine-a good job as I'd copped a leaky 153 around the windows. Shortly after leaving Carlisle we passed a DB Class 66 on what I presumed to be a RHTT. Then a pacer heading in the opposite direction (a bullet dodged). Soon there followed another RHTT this time with a DRS 66 at the rear- couldn't catch the first loco. Around Whitehaven visibility was good enough for me to be able to see both the Isle of Man and Scotland- I'd never noticed that the Isle of Man was visible before. A couple of 156's passed in the opposite direction before Sellafield. At Sellafield there were a pair of DRS 37's stabled-one was filthy so I guess it had come off a sandite working. A pleasant journey, but I was glad to get out at the other end, the seat not the best I've ever been in on a 2hr 30min long journey. At Barrow there were 2x153's stabled at platform 1. I had 20mins to kill at Barrow, I chose to go in search of food. I found a tesco express and looking at the area didn't see any signs of anything more promising, so settled for that.
1440 TPE Barrow-Lancaster Single class 185. I use TPE regularly, so didn't really have high expectations of this journey. However, I got lucky and ended up with a prized table seat and an even more valuable plug socket for my phone. The conductor even asked a nearby family to put a device on silent and advised headphones in the future- I thought that good of him, even though I'd already deployed my own headphone's by this point. After the scenic S&C and the Cumbrian Coast I was expecting to be underwhelmed on this leg, however the scenery really took my breath away- especially some of the sea-views with the sun starting to set. I'd completely forgotten what a nice line this is was. As we approached Carnforth (another place where I am a former resident) I was naturally ready to nosy at what was in the WCRC sidings. I got a good view of WCRC 57's, 47's, 37's and a 31(33?) there was also a DRS 57 and an Ian Riley 37 in Intercity livery as well as all the usual coaches that never seem to move. As we approached Lancaster I saw a TOE 350 going in the opposite direction- still need to ride one of those! On arrival at Lancaster I caught a 142 & 153 in platform 5. Then a DRS 66 hauled container train passed heading North. Then two express 390 passed through- 1 in each direction. Lancaster would be the last former home-town of the trip.
1608 VT Lancaster-Carlisle. 2x class 221. The platform was packed ahead of this arrival, and I was concerned it would be just 1x22x. A very helpful dispatch lady radioed to find where I should wait for the unreserved carriage(s) and informed me it would be a double set. Thus I managed to find a seat although it wasn't in the direction of travel as I would normally prefer. Another stunning journey from a scenic perspective with some cracking dusk views over the Lakes, I could even see fog/mist rising out of the grass as the night began to cool. The best thing about this journey was it was the most comfortable yet- I've never appreciated a voyager so much in my life after the 185 and 153 for 3hrs previous. We overtook the aforementioned container train just North of tebay and shortly after arriving at Carlisle the 2x 153 combo pulled in off the Cumbrian Coast. The TM didn't quite get to me to check my ticket.
1728 NR Carlisle-Newcastle. Class 156. This unit was already in the station, so I was able to secure a table-seat again. it was by now pitch black so I saw very little in terms of scenery. This does however give my an excuse to revisit this line as this was my first trip over it. On this leg we passed a Northern 156 a Scotrail 156 in Saltire livery which I was a bit surprised to see and a 142 stabled at Hexham. I was also given the opportunity to practice my Italian when two visitors bound for Newcastle kept thinking every station we slowed for on the route was Newcastle. Apparently there were some diversion in place due to overhead wire problems near Berwick, presumably that's why this journey was so popular with through passengers. A pleasant and comfortable journey.
1906 EC Newcastle-York. Class 43/125/HST. A bit of a bonus this one, a fortunate piece of late-running meant I could catch this train. Once I saw it came from Aberdeen on RTT I knew it would be a HST and I even lowered myself to running to make sure I caught it. This was my first meaningful HST journey for years (I spent the last 6 years using the WCML). And what a breath of fresh air it was to be propelled on a train without the hum and draining vibrations of a diesel engine underneath you, I'd forgotten what that was like! It was full, but I found an aisle seat and enjoyed a fast run down to York calling only at Darlington. Durham castle/cathedral looked fantastic illuminated at night. I resisted the temptation to go and lean out of the window. At York, I did stand and watch it depart to hear the engine's roar, but they didn't seem to sound as impressive as I remembered- the only disappointment on this leg. I accidentally showed the TM my invalid Cumbrian Coast rover on this train, and she didn't notice/say anything. I've always wondered if they actually bother to check what the ticket says, cleary not, but then again Newcastle does have ticket barriers and the train was rammed so I can't blame her for rushing.
2017 TPE York-Leeds. Single class 185. Well, after my previous good luck, revenge was swift. This train was packed, I stood in the aisle for most the full journey, although 2 passengers did kindly offer me a seat but there were people who were more worthy of them than me, and I had spent the whole day sat down so I declined. My ticket was checked, and the guard did a double take at my ticket and then grinned at me: the North East Round Robin ticket is worth the price just for the comedy value alone- I'm guessing conductors don't see too many of them, or they're associated with spotters!
Really enjoyed my day, will have to do it again sometime; especially along the ECML to ride on some proper trains before they all get scrapped!
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