-
Our booking engine at tickets.railforums.co.uk (powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!
Railroving 1970s 1990s
- Thread starter Merthyr Imp
- Start date
- Status
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R
RailUK Forums
Jack2015
Member
Jack2015
Member
Very interesting Merthyr Imp. I would have loved to have gone on the original Hastings units in their natural environment, I've still not been on that route.
I liked the photo of the Mid Hants too as a few years later I started volunteering there, in fact I slept in a tent by the trees just above the loco in your photo.
It must have only just reopened through to Alton when you went on it, I think they had problems with the track on the new extension and had to relay some of it, do you remember that?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Lovely. Especially 135 at York
I liked the photo of the Mid Hants too as a few years later I started volunteering there, in fact I slept in a tent by the trees just above the loco in your photo.
It must have only just reopened through to Alton when you went on it, I think they had problems with the track on the new extension and had to relay some of it, do you remember that?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Lovely. Especially 135 at York
Merthyr Imp
Member
You could be right about the Mid Hants having only recently re-opened to Alton - could be why I'd decided to make the effort of visiting it.
Here's a couple more photos from that day - 31874 again, and 76012.
Add - actually, I now see it's 76017.
Here's a couple more photos from that day - 31874 again, and 76012.
Add - actually, I now see it's 76017.
Attachments
Last edited:
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Since when did York have 16 platforms?!
Jack2015
Member
That is a very good point .. thought the most they ever had was 13.
Never even noticed that until you pointed it out
Can any other poster explain the platform 16 at York !?!I think maybe that's 196 Errol Lonsdale next to the Standard, 76017 seems to be named which I don't remember. There were lots of trees around Alresford back then by the looks of things. The extension to Alton nearly finished the railway financially, they were in a bad way by the early 90s.
Merthyr Imp
Member
47403
Established Member
Great thread this. I was lucky enough to do the all line rail rover in 83 , 84 and 86 and the East Midlands rail rover in 87 and 88. I will try and pen some moves the during this year.
The one day that will always be stand out for me was July 21st 1984 during the rover week. Living in the South the rover was mainly utilised in the North and Scotland.
It started late on July 20th when we travelled to Preston from Glasgow Central behind 87012 to pick up the Blackpool-Liverpool which was a class 40 working. We knew 40082 had worked this early that week so we were hopeful. Alas, 40082 didn't work the service and 47366 took us to Lime Street. We had a couple of options from here possibly going to Crewe then pick up a sleeper to Scotland but our heads were turned when 47329 was allocated to a Lime Street to York service. We took 47329 across the Pennines to York which got us to our destination around midnight. Without the use of mobile phones the internet we relied heavily on our Loco Hauled travel book and locals to provide us with gen.
We were thinking of an overnighter on York but our plans got swayed when a Newcastle - Paignton relief provided 47156 so we took this to Doncaster which I was very pleased with as it was one of my last 47/1 I needed for haulage at that time.
Arrival at Doncaster gave us further options to travel back up to Scotland but we decided to pitch camp (those great platform brutes) and try and get some sleep for what would be a busy summer Saturday and the last day of our rover. Our customary 50 mins kip under our belt we were then kept awake most of the night by 56095 who decided to sit in the bay with its engine turning over most of the night.
The daylight revealed itself so it was off to the local bakers for breakfast and filled our ruck sacks of all sorts of goodies and borrowed the odd pint of milk off the terraced houses doorsteps. Local news had provided us with the likely hood that 40118 was to work a service out of Doncaster but nobody could pin this down to what it would actually work so we decided to go to Sheffield behind 31432. On the journey we planned our day with a trip to North Wales and back to Birmingham New Street. We arrived at Sheffield and had some time kill so we took 45130 to Rotherham which then provided 47308 back to Sheffield.
The locals were getting quite animated at the news of a class 40 fest brewing on the North West- North East routes with a number of Whistlers booked on various services. We decided to ditch our North Wales/Birmingham moves and took 31426 to Leeds instead. On departure 40118 passed us by heading for Doncaster so that gen we had earlier that day delivered.
On arrival at Leeds the platforms were pretty packed with spotters , bashers and photographers, we knew something really good was going to happen today. News went round that 40168 was on the Carlisle to Leeds service and as heading our way, the only way we was going to get this if we could meet it somewhere so we all piled on a Leeds-Carlisle service behind 31191 with a plus 2 minute in our favour to pick 40168 at Saltaire. Lucky for us both our service and 40168 were running late so we got to Saltaire with 5 mins to spare and took 40168 back to Leeds.
On arrival at Leeds everybody run between platforms and jumped on a westbound 47409 , at this point none of us knew why but we followed the crowds and got on. we were told 40013 was heading to Yorkshire on a Liverpool - Newcastle service so we took 47409 to Dewsbury and picked up 40013 back to Leeds. So now without very little sleep the day was baking hot and we started to flag a bit. 45140 arrived at Leeds with a sizable bashing group visible and most departed the train at Leeds. Further news had revealed 40155 was on a Blackpool - Newcastle service arriving shortly so we took this beast to York. We also found out that 40118 did work out of Doncaster that day to Scotland.
Bit of rest between action at York we looked at our next moves. The day just kept on giving when 40135 arrived. Unfortunately for us the service terminated at York but after consulting our loco hauled travel book we could work out the diagram for 40135 next working. 45139 arrives at York with a Bangor - Scarborough service with 45139 being taken off and 40135 taking the train forward. We took 40135 to Malton which provided us with 47330 back to York. we finished our day with 45144 back to Leeds and a HST back to London.
The whole day was just incredible without any real pre-planning. Not sure there was any more intensive 40's services on that route after that which gave an all day whistler experience but we were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time which provided great memories.
What an awesome day, that was, as for 40013 on the Liverpool turn, I was on the return leg, sure it was the 14.20, Newcastle-Liverpool, my mates and I took it to York, flagging an NB 47/3 on a DMU replacement on the Tyne Valley. I remember it was totally heaving with bashers that day, every window for the full length of the train had a bashers head out of it, think I've mentioned it in one of my nostalgic posts somewhere on here. The normals didn't have a clue and were struggling to get a seat. I was kneeling on a table, with my head out the window, I think the guard just gave up trying to tell folks about heads out the windows. Shame I didn't see or hear of 40155 that day, I'd have loved to have roped that one in too. I don't know where or what I was up to, however I do know the Bangor could throw up absolutely anything. 40122(D200) I had 3 trips with that all over the S&C.
Thanks for taking me down memory lane.
Last edited:
Merthyr Imp
Member
East Midlands Rover Ticket 1986
Saturday 12th July 1986
As with three years before, this was a trip to photograph some of the summer Saturday services at Sleaford.
I started from Nottingham with a service from Sheffield to St Pancras (HST, 43072 at rear) at 0701, calling at Beeston only, to Leicester, arrived 2 minutes early at 0726.
This may have been after the days of Class 20s on the Jolly Fisherman as the Skegness service I got was formed of a Derby 2-car dmu plus three other 2-car dmus departing at 0811, calling at Loughborough, Beeston and Nottingham only, then via the Allington Junction line to Sleaford, arrived 2 minutes early at 0946. Whether I then scampered over the footbridge in time to get the first photo seen here Im not sure, or perhaps this was a similar formation seen later on.
Assuming they were running approximately to time the photo of 31450 shows a Leeds Great Yarmouth service and 47408 is on a Skegness York train.
I departed Sleaford on a Derby 2-car dmu 9 minutes late at 1158, which arrived Skegness 12 minutes late at 1302.
I didnt stay long, but got the same unit which left 4 minutes late at 1349 to Grantham, arriving there at 1523.
Then I dont know what service it was, but I returned to Nottingham behind 37067 in what I have a note as an ex-first class Mk2a/b compartment. This left Grantham 17 minutes late at 1628.
Sunday 13th July 1986
This was my annual visit to the Great Central at Loughborough. As usual, being a Sunday morning there were no convenient trains to get me direct to Loughborough from Nottingham so I got a Matlock service (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu) at 0907 to Derby, arriving 15 minutes late at 0951. This just meant I had less time to wait there for a St Pancras service (HST, 43115 at rear) at 1023 to Loughborough, arriving 6 minutes late at 1047.
Walking to Loughborough Central I travelled on the 1145 to Rothley, and was back in Loughborough at 1409.
Back to the Midland station, and it was a Derby to St Pancras HST (43095 at front) at 1442 to Leicester, arriving 5 minutes early at 1453.
Then a service from St Pancras (HST, 43056 at rear) which left 21 minutes late at 1534 but arrived Nottingham on time at 1556. Easy Sunday schedules in evidence.
Monday 14th July 1986
I had an early start from Nottingham with again the service from Sheffield to St Pancras (HST, 43153 at rear) at 0701 to Kettering, arriving at 0751. This was in order to get the front seat on a dmu over part of the Midland main line, as there was a Kettering to Bletchley service which left at 0756. It was a BRCW unit (Class 104) of which there cant have been many left by that time. Calling at Wellingborough, I went as far as Bedford, arriving at 0824. I bought a return ticket to London in order to visit the bookshops there, and had a first ride on a Class 317 emu (in fact an 8-car set), departing at 0900 and arriving at St Pancras 2 minutes early at 0953.
I returned at 1550 to Bedford (317335), arriving 3 minutes late at 1648, then got a service from St Pancras to Nottingham (47453, Mk2c) at 1721, arriving 8 minutes early at 1848. I think it must have been quite a while since Id last travelled behind a Class 47 on the Midland main line.
Tuesday 15th July 1986
For some reason and this was evidently pre-planned I repeated the previous days start but an hour later leaving Nottingham on a St Pancras service (45132, Mk2c) at 0800 to Kettering, arrived 0908.
Then it was another Class 104 dmu (or maybe the same one!), which left 13 minutes late at 0937 and this time I went through to Bletchley, arriving 25 minutes late at 1102.
Luckily, the service from Euston I was scheduled to catch at 1056 was 15 minutes late, leaving at 1111 (a double Class 310 emu). It terminated at Milton Keynes 11 minutes late at 1116.
From there I got a Euston to Crewe service (86247, Mk2f), which luckily again was late - by 10 minutes leaving at 1119. Calling at Northampton, Rugby and Nuneaton it arrived at Tamworth a minute early at 1222.
It was up the steps at Tamworth for a Birmingham to Lincoln train formed of two Class 150/1 units which left 6 minutes late at 1233 to Derby, arriving on time at 1255.
So the first instance of Sprinter travel in these accounts! I remember the novelty of them at first was the rapid acceleration compared to the old-style dmus and that they didnt seem to change gear!
From Derby I got a Plymouth to York service (HST, 43015 at front) 4 minutes late at 1304 to Sheffield, arrived 2 minutes late at 1341.
Then a service 4 minutes late at 1431 to Cleethorpes via Retford and Gainsborough Central which was a good old Derby 2-car dmu. Arrived at the seaside still 4 minutes late at 1637.
From Cleethorpes it was a Newark North Gate service (another Derby 2-car dmu) at 1657 to Lincoln, arrived 2 minutes early at 1801.
Then the 1913 to Nottingham (150137), arriving 2 minutes late at 2013.
No more Swindon Cross-country units! Times were changing.
Wednesday 16th July 1986
I started with a Nottingham to Glasgow/Edinburgh train which left 2 minutes late at 0717 (47535, Mk2d), calling at Langley Mill, Alfreton, Chesterfield and Dronfield to Sheffield, arrived 0829.
Then an HST (43017 at front) at 0842 to Doncaster, arrived 0907.
From there it was a Sleaford train at 1039 (Derby 2-car dmu) to Lincoln, arriving 4 minutes late at 1134.
Then a service from Newark North Gate (Derby 2-car dmu Sprinters not completely in control yet!) which left 16 minutes late at 1249 to Cleethorpes, arrived 17 minutes late at 1358.
From Cleethorpes it was another Derby 2-car dmu on a Sheffield service which left 3 minutes late at 1433 and got me to Doncaster 6 minutes late at 1609.
I left Doncaster earlier than scheduled for some reason, on a Kings Cross-bound HST (43123 at front and 43125 at rear) which left 3 minutes late at 1624 and got me to Newark still 3 minutes late at 1649.
I walked to Newark Central for a service 6 minutes late at 1718 (150142) to Nottingham, arrived still 6 minutes late at 1749.
Thursday 17th July 1986
I started with a service from Derby (150137) at 0717 to Lincoln, arrived 2 minutes early at 0814.
Then a Cambridge service (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu) at 0849 to Peterborough, arrived 8 minutes late at 1017.
This was for my first visit to the Nene Valley Railway where I was hauled by 73050 to Wansford and back, returning to Peterborough at 1410.
Walking back to the main line station, I got what must have been the same working as the previous Saturday. This time leaving Peterborough 18 minutes late at 1557 to Nottingham hauled by 31458 in a Mk2a/b compartment 1st). Didnt record arrival time at Nottingham.
Friday 18th July 1986
This was just a routine visit to the bookshops in Birmingham, starting with a service from Nottingham at 0804 (150142) to Derby, arrived 0834. I must then have paid my way to Birmingham and back, leaving Derby on an HST (43174 at front) at 0900 to Birmingham, arrived 3 minutes early at 0939.
I returned on an HST (43127 at front) which left 12 minutes late at 1327 and arrived Derby still 12 minutes late at 1404.
Then at an unrecorded time, 150113 to Nottingham.
No All-Line Railrover for 1986. Checking back I think this was in fact the year of the double glazing expense rather than a few years previously.
Photos are: Metro-Cammell dmu at Sleaford, dmu at Sleaford, 47408 at Sleaford, 31450 at Sleaford, 73050 approaching Wansford.
Saturday 12th July 1986
As with three years before, this was a trip to photograph some of the summer Saturday services at Sleaford.
I started from Nottingham with a service from Sheffield to St Pancras (HST, 43072 at rear) at 0701, calling at Beeston only, to Leicester, arrived 2 minutes early at 0726.
This may have been after the days of Class 20s on the Jolly Fisherman as the Skegness service I got was formed of a Derby 2-car dmu plus three other 2-car dmus departing at 0811, calling at Loughborough, Beeston and Nottingham only, then via the Allington Junction line to Sleaford, arrived 2 minutes early at 0946. Whether I then scampered over the footbridge in time to get the first photo seen here Im not sure, or perhaps this was a similar formation seen later on.
Assuming they were running approximately to time the photo of 31450 shows a Leeds Great Yarmouth service and 47408 is on a Skegness York train.
I departed Sleaford on a Derby 2-car dmu 9 minutes late at 1158, which arrived Skegness 12 minutes late at 1302.
I didnt stay long, but got the same unit which left 4 minutes late at 1349 to Grantham, arriving there at 1523.
Then I dont know what service it was, but I returned to Nottingham behind 37067 in what I have a note as an ex-first class Mk2a/b compartment. This left Grantham 17 minutes late at 1628.
Sunday 13th July 1986
This was my annual visit to the Great Central at Loughborough. As usual, being a Sunday morning there were no convenient trains to get me direct to Loughborough from Nottingham so I got a Matlock service (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu) at 0907 to Derby, arriving 15 minutes late at 0951. This just meant I had less time to wait there for a St Pancras service (HST, 43115 at rear) at 1023 to Loughborough, arriving 6 minutes late at 1047.
Walking to Loughborough Central I travelled on the 1145 to Rothley, and was back in Loughborough at 1409.
Back to the Midland station, and it was a Derby to St Pancras HST (43095 at front) at 1442 to Leicester, arriving 5 minutes early at 1453.
Then a service from St Pancras (HST, 43056 at rear) which left 21 minutes late at 1534 but arrived Nottingham on time at 1556. Easy Sunday schedules in evidence.
Monday 14th July 1986
I had an early start from Nottingham with again the service from Sheffield to St Pancras (HST, 43153 at rear) at 0701 to Kettering, arriving at 0751. This was in order to get the front seat on a dmu over part of the Midland main line, as there was a Kettering to Bletchley service which left at 0756. It was a BRCW unit (Class 104) of which there cant have been many left by that time. Calling at Wellingborough, I went as far as Bedford, arriving at 0824. I bought a return ticket to London in order to visit the bookshops there, and had a first ride on a Class 317 emu (in fact an 8-car set), departing at 0900 and arriving at St Pancras 2 minutes early at 0953.
I returned at 1550 to Bedford (317335), arriving 3 minutes late at 1648, then got a service from St Pancras to Nottingham (47453, Mk2c) at 1721, arriving 8 minutes early at 1848. I think it must have been quite a while since Id last travelled behind a Class 47 on the Midland main line.
Tuesday 15th July 1986
For some reason and this was evidently pre-planned I repeated the previous days start but an hour later leaving Nottingham on a St Pancras service (45132, Mk2c) at 0800 to Kettering, arrived 0908.
Then it was another Class 104 dmu (or maybe the same one!), which left 13 minutes late at 0937 and this time I went through to Bletchley, arriving 25 minutes late at 1102.
Luckily, the service from Euston I was scheduled to catch at 1056 was 15 minutes late, leaving at 1111 (a double Class 310 emu). It terminated at Milton Keynes 11 minutes late at 1116.
From there I got a Euston to Crewe service (86247, Mk2f), which luckily again was late - by 10 minutes leaving at 1119. Calling at Northampton, Rugby and Nuneaton it arrived at Tamworth a minute early at 1222.
It was up the steps at Tamworth for a Birmingham to Lincoln train formed of two Class 150/1 units which left 6 minutes late at 1233 to Derby, arriving on time at 1255.
So the first instance of Sprinter travel in these accounts! I remember the novelty of them at first was the rapid acceleration compared to the old-style dmus and that they didnt seem to change gear!
From Derby I got a Plymouth to York service (HST, 43015 at front) 4 minutes late at 1304 to Sheffield, arrived 2 minutes late at 1341.
Then a service 4 minutes late at 1431 to Cleethorpes via Retford and Gainsborough Central which was a good old Derby 2-car dmu. Arrived at the seaside still 4 minutes late at 1637.
From Cleethorpes it was a Newark North Gate service (another Derby 2-car dmu) at 1657 to Lincoln, arrived 2 minutes early at 1801.
Then the 1913 to Nottingham (150137), arriving 2 minutes late at 2013.
No more Swindon Cross-country units! Times were changing.
Wednesday 16th July 1986
I started with a Nottingham to Glasgow/Edinburgh train which left 2 minutes late at 0717 (47535, Mk2d), calling at Langley Mill, Alfreton, Chesterfield and Dronfield to Sheffield, arrived 0829.
Then an HST (43017 at front) at 0842 to Doncaster, arrived 0907.
From there it was a Sleaford train at 1039 (Derby 2-car dmu) to Lincoln, arriving 4 minutes late at 1134.
Then a service from Newark North Gate (Derby 2-car dmu Sprinters not completely in control yet!) which left 16 minutes late at 1249 to Cleethorpes, arrived 17 minutes late at 1358.
From Cleethorpes it was another Derby 2-car dmu on a Sheffield service which left 3 minutes late at 1433 and got me to Doncaster 6 minutes late at 1609.
I left Doncaster earlier than scheduled for some reason, on a Kings Cross-bound HST (43123 at front and 43125 at rear) which left 3 minutes late at 1624 and got me to Newark still 3 minutes late at 1649.
I walked to Newark Central for a service 6 minutes late at 1718 (150142) to Nottingham, arrived still 6 minutes late at 1749.
Thursday 17th July 1986
I started with a service from Derby (150137) at 0717 to Lincoln, arrived 2 minutes early at 0814.
Then a Cambridge service (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu) at 0849 to Peterborough, arrived 8 minutes late at 1017.
This was for my first visit to the Nene Valley Railway where I was hauled by 73050 to Wansford and back, returning to Peterborough at 1410.
Walking back to the main line station, I got what must have been the same working as the previous Saturday. This time leaving Peterborough 18 minutes late at 1557 to Nottingham hauled by 31458 in a Mk2a/b compartment 1st). Didnt record arrival time at Nottingham.
Friday 18th July 1986
This was just a routine visit to the bookshops in Birmingham, starting with a service from Nottingham at 0804 (150142) to Derby, arrived 0834. I must then have paid my way to Birmingham and back, leaving Derby on an HST (43174 at front) at 0900 to Birmingham, arrived 3 minutes early at 0939.
I returned on an HST (43127 at front) which left 12 minutes late at 1327 and arrived Derby still 12 minutes late at 1404.
Then at an unrecorded time, 150113 to Nottingham.
No All-Line Railrover for 1986. Checking back I think this was in fact the year of the double glazing expense rather than a few years previously.
Photos are: Metro-Cammell dmu at Sleaford, dmu at Sleaford, 47408 at Sleaford, 31450 at Sleaford, 73050 approaching Wansford.
Attachments
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Ah now we're getting closer to my era, I was only 2 when this trip took place! As always an excellent read
Ah now we're getting closer to my era, I was only 2 when this trip took place! As always an excellent read
That's no excuse for not taking proper notes
Techniquest
Veteran Member
That's no excuse for not taking proper notes
Only person in my family to take a proper interest in the railway meant I didn't discover the joy of it properly until I was nearly 19!
Merthyr Imp
Member
Midland Railtourer Ticket 1987
Alternating with the East Midlands ticket it was the Midlands turn this year.
Saturday 11th July 1987
This was a very early start in order to fit in my annual visit to the bookshops in London.
I left Nottingham on the 0627 to Birmingham (150146), arriving 2 minutes early at 0755. From there it was a service from Shrewsbury to Euston (86431, Mk2d) at 0818 to Rugby, arrived 0851. I bought a ticket from there to Euston and back and travelled there on a service from Carlisle (87007, Mk2d) which left 2 minutes late at 0926 called at Watford Junction, and arrived at Euston 5 minutes early at 1029.
I returned from Euston on a Crewe train (87002, Mk2f) at 1735 which called at Rugby of course, as well as Nuneaton and got me to Tamworth 3 minutes late at 1903.
Then a service from Birmingham (150149) 10 minutes late at 1936 to Nottingham, arrived 15 minutes late at 2040.
Sunday 12th July 1987
My annual trip to the Great Central at Loughborough.
It was straightforward getting there for once, with a St Pancras train (HST, 43103 at front & 43122 at rear) at 1227 to Loughborough, arrived 8 minutes late at 1250.
The usual trip to Rothley and back, and I returned to Nottingham on a service from St Pancras (HST, 43182 at front & 43094 at rear) at 1703, arrived Nottingham 3 minutes late at 1724
Monday 13th July 1987
And this day was just a visit to the bookshops in Birmingham.
I left Nottingham on a service from Lincoln which was at least of interest in being the prototype no.154001 (previously 150002) which was quite common in the area at that time. This left at 0934 to Birmingham, arriving at 1056.
I returned at 1406 on a Lincoln service (150110), arrived Nottingham 9 minutes late at 1533.
My records for the rest of the week dont seem to have survived apart from one more day:
Thursday 16th July 1987
This day was a trip to the Severn Valley Railway.
I left Nottingham on the service from Lincoln at 0934 again which this time was operated by 151002, one of the two Metro-Cammell-built Sprinter prototypes, and like 154001 well-known in the area. This got me to Birmingham 4 minutes early at 1052.
Then a service to Worcester Foregate St (150128) at 1102 to Kidderminster, arrived 1130.
I was back at Kidderminster in time for the 1633 to Birmingham (Class 118 dmu), arriving there at 1711. Then it was the 1728 to Nottingham which was worked by 150266 only as far as Derby where passengers were evidently required to change for some reason to 150124 before arriving in Nottingham 5 minutes late at 1914.
Alternating with the East Midlands ticket it was the Midlands turn this year.
Saturday 11th July 1987
This was a very early start in order to fit in my annual visit to the bookshops in London.
I left Nottingham on the 0627 to Birmingham (150146), arriving 2 minutes early at 0755. From there it was a service from Shrewsbury to Euston (86431, Mk2d) at 0818 to Rugby, arrived 0851. I bought a ticket from there to Euston and back and travelled there on a service from Carlisle (87007, Mk2d) which left 2 minutes late at 0926 called at Watford Junction, and arrived at Euston 5 minutes early at 1029.
I returned from Euston on a Crewe train (87002, Mk2f) at 1735 which called at Rugby of course, as well as Nuneaton and got me to Tamworth 3 minutes late at 1903.
Then a service from Birmingham (150149) 10 minutes late at 1936 to Nottingham, arrived 15 minutes late at 2040.
Sunday 12th July 1987
My annual trip to the Great Central at Loughborough.
It was straightforward getting there for once, with a St Pancras train (HST, 43103 at front & 43122 at rear) at 1227 to Loughborough, arrived 8 minutes late at 1250.
The usual trip to Rothley and back, and I returned to Nottingham on a service from St Pancras (HST, 43182 at front & 43094 at rear) at 1703, arrived Nottingham 3 minutes late at 1724
Monday 13th July 1987
And this day was just a visit to the bookshops in Birmingham.
I left Nottingham on a service from Lincoln which was at least of interest in being the prototype no.154001 (previously 150002) which was quite common in the area at that time. This left at 0934 to Birmingham, arriving at 1056.
I returned at 1406 on a Lincoln service (150110), arrived Nottingham 9 minutes late at 1533.
My records for the rest of the week dont seem to have survived apart from one more day:
Thursday 16th July 1987
This day was a trip to the Severn Valley Railway.
I left Nottingham on the service from Lincoln at 0934 again which this time was operated by 151002, one of the two Metro-Cammell-built Sprinter prototypes, and like 154001 well-known in the area. This got me to Birmingham 4 minutes early at 1052.
Then a service to Worcester Foregate St (150128) at 1102 to Kidderminster, arrived 1130.
I was back at Kidderminster in time for the 1633 to Birmingham (Class 118 dmu), arriving there at 1711. Then it was the 1728 to Nottingham which was worked by 150266 only as far as Derby where passengers were evidently required to change for some reason to 150124 before arriving in Nottingham 5 minutes late at 1914.
Merthyr Imp
Member
All-Line Railrover 1987
Saturday 5th September 1987
I started the week from Nottingham with a service from Newark (150128+150107) which left 10 minutes late at 0736 to Birmingham, arriving there 13 minutes late at 0904.
From Birmingham it was a Leeds to Poole service (47441, Mk2c) at 0911 to Coventry, arrived 0935 Then it was back up to Stafford at 1012 behind 87012, Mk2f coach, arriving 8 minutes late at 1130. From there I got a Class 304 emu at 1156 to Stone, arrived 1211. After visiting friends there they gave me a lift to Stafford where I saw Stafford Rangers lose 4-1 to Lincoln City in the GM Vauxhall Conference.
I left Stafford on a Walsall service (Class 304 emu) at 1715 to Birmingham, arrived 3 minutes early at 1756.
Then it was a Lincoln service at 1807 (150114 to Derby, then a change to an unrecorded Class 150 there) to Nottingham, arrived 1924.
Mileage for the day: only 216
Sunday 6th September 1987
I began to develop a routine now for the Sundays on these all-line railrover trips due to the lack of morning trains to anywhere else it meant starting with a trip to London.
So I had an early start with the 0725 to St Pancras (HST, 43100 at front), arriving 10 minutes early at 1017.
Down the Victoria Line to Victoria for an 8-car emu at 1104 via Dorking and Horsham to Littlehampton, arrived 1253.
After fish & chips on the seafront I got a Class 423 emu at 1440 to Barnham, arrived 1449.
Then another Class 423 emu at 1508 to Worthing, arrived 2 minutes late at 1531, followed by a Class 421 emu from Littlehampton which left 11 minutes late at 1553 to Victoria, arrived 17 minutes late at 1717.
Plenty of time to get back to St Pancras for the 1805 to Nottingham (HST, 43057 at rear), arriving 9 minutes late at 1957.
Mileage for the day: 401.
Monday 7th September 1987
The usual early start for the Monday, with the 0651 to Grantham (150104), arriving 4 minutes late at 0732.
Then it was a Kings Cross to Aberdeen service (HST, 43056 at front, 43105 at rear) at 0740 all the way to Dundee. I remember on the stretch between Edinburgh and the Forth Bridge (my first trip over it) it came to a stand for some time, but dont know the reason. The consequence was arrival into Dundee 51 minutes late at 1359.
The late arrival meant I missed my scheduled departure to Perth, instead I got a service from Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street which I should have changed to at Perth. This left Dundee 3 minutes late at 1427 (47711, Mk2f) and I was back on schedule at Stirling, arriving at 1521. From there it was a service from Dunblane (Metro-Cammell 3-car dmu) at 1535 to Edinburgh, arrived 1630.
I elected to have only minutes in Edinburgh rather than over an hour and got a service to Kings Cross (HST, 43195 at rear) which left 4 minutes late at 1639 as far as Doncaster, arrived 1941.
Then a service at 1955 to Grantham (HST, 43157 at front, 43079 at rear), arriving 2 minutes late at 2039.
Back to Nottingham at 2050 on 150107, arrived 6 minutes late at 2132.
Mileage for the day must have been one of my highest ever 771
Tuesday 8th September 1987
After a late finish an early start - a Leeds train (150107) at 0910 to Sheffield, arrived 1014.
Then the 1035 to Huddersfield which I have recorded as a Class 100 dmu, of which I think there was still at least one running in the area at that time. Via Barnsley and Penistone, this got me to Huddersfield 4 minutes early at 1141.
From there it was the 1220 to Wakefield Westgate via Mirfield and Wakefield Kirkgate (a Class 141 Pacer), arriving at 1247.
Then a service from Kings Cross (HST, 43086 at front) 4 minutes late at 1258 to Leeds, arrived 3 minutes early at 1309 (a bit of recovery time in evidence).
I didnt stay long in Leeds, but got a service from Bangor (150206) 2 minutes late at 1331 to Hull, calling at Selby and Brough, arriving 3 minutes early at 1426.
From Hull it was a Sheffield service (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu) at 1513 to Goole, arrived 3 minutes late at 1543. Then a service at 1623 to Leeds (144003), via Knottingley, Castleford and Woodlesford, arriving 3 minutes late at 1728.
Then a Kings Cross service (HST, 43087 at front, 43111 at rear) at 1756 to Grantham, arrived 9 minutes late at 1916.
Back to Nottingham on a service from Skegness (150124) at 1929, arriving at 2007.
Mileage for the day: 317.
Wednesday 9th September 1987
An early start with the 0651 to Grantham again (and 150104 again), arrived 0729.
Then a service from Bradford (HST, 43117 at front) 9 minutes late at 0749 non-stop to Kings Cross, arrived 8 minutes late at 0902. That still left time to walk to Euston for a Milton Keynes train (310085) at 0922 to Watford Junction, arriving 4 minutes late at 0947.
This was in order to get a Manchester Piccadilly to Dover service. Hauled by 86409, Mk2d coach, it left 4 minutes late at 1001. Leaving the main line at Willesden, the 86 was replaced by an unidentified Class 47, then it was via North Pole Junction, calling at Kensington Olympia, then via (I think) Factory Junction, Nunhead and Catford to the next stop at Bromley South. I stayed on it as far as Sevenoaks, arriving 3 minutes late at 1116.
Then it was one of my South London suburban expeditions, getting some more bits of black on the map.
I left Sevenoaks on a Holborn Viaduct service (Class 415 emu) at 1121 back to Bromley South but via Bat & Ball and Swanley, arriving at 1150.
From Bromley South I got an Orpington to Victoria train (Class 415) 2 minutes late at 1157 to Herne Hill, arrived 3 minutes late at 1214.
Then it was a Holborn Viaduct to Sanderstead train (Class 455 emu) at 1231 to Streatham Common, arrived 1243. A quick change there to a Victoria to West Sutton train (Class 455) at 1246 to West Croydon, arrived 1257.
From West Croydon it was a Class 416 emu departing at 1321 where the trams now run, to Wimbledon, arriving at 1337.
Then a service from Waterloo (Class 455) at 1354, terminating at Guildford at 1436. From there I was on the same unit now forming a Waterloo service at 1455 as far as Effingham Junction, arrived 1511. Then a smart connection to a Waterloo train (Class 455) at 1516 via Bookham, Epsom and Raynes Park to Clapham Junction, arrived 1557. I had a bit of time there before getting what was the then shuttle service to Kensington Olympia this was 33105 with a Class 438 set. This left at 1715 and arrived Kensington Olympia at 1723.
I returned on the same set at 1727 to Clapham Junction arriving at 1735 for a quick change to the 1739 to Victoria (a triple Class 421 set) arrived 1743.
Up the Victoria Line to Kings Cross for an HST (43108 at rear) at 1830 to Peterborough, arrived 1918.
Then a service 6 minutes late at 1937 (probably Norwich to Birmingham) hauled by 31417, and I was in a Mk2b former 1st compartment, which produced a good run to Leicester, arriving 3 minutes early at 2043.
Then back to Nottingham at 2103 (HST, 43115 at front, 43116 at rear), arriving 3 minutes early at 2130.
Whew! Quite hectic, trying to read up in The Field Guide to the Railways of the Southern Region at all the locations visited before heading off in the next train. Something of a tribute to the punctuality standards that I was able to make all the planned connections.
Mileage for the day: 407
Thursday 10th September 1987
A late-ish start from Nottingham with a service from Grantham (150112) at 0847 to Crewe, arrived 2 minutes early at 1030.
Then a Birmingham to Llandudno train (a double Class 118 dmu set) at 1048 to Chester, arrived 1112.
From Chester it was a triple Class 150/2 set (I was on 150250) on a Bangor to Hull service. I remember thinking these were all very well, but for a Trans-Pennine service it was not quite as good as travelling in Mk 2 coaches. This left 2 minutes late at 1125, and via Runcorn East and Earlestown got me to Manchester Victoria at 1223.
Then it was one of the remaining Class 104 (BRCW) dmus on a Southport service at 1307 via Hindley and Ince to Wigan Wallgate, arrived 4 minutes early at 1348. Changed there to a Derby 2-car dmu on a service from Manchester Victoria which left at 1401 via Rainford to Kirkby, arrived 1424.
Then it was the 1432 to Liverpool Central (508121), arrived 1447 followed by the 1502 to Ormskirk (507026), arrived 1529 to connect with the 1534 to Preston (142047), arrived there 1602.
Some more black on the map!
From Preston I got a Stranraer to Euston service (86225, Mk2f) which left 7 minutes late at 1622 to Crewe, arriving there 3 minutes late at 1712.
Then a service at 1738 to Derby (150136), arrived 4 minutes early at 1847. Then back home on a Birmingham to Lincoln service (150113) which left Derby 4 minutes late at 1905 to Nottingham, arrived 1926.
Mileage for the day: 311
Friday 11th September 1987
Not an early start, and I was surprised when I read this in my notes just now I started with a Sheffield to Ipswich service which was worked by (crikey!) 150138. Left Nottingham at 0903 and called at Grantham, Peterborough and March only to Ely, arriving there 4 minutes late at 1052.
Luckily I was able to make the connection to a service from Doncaster (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu) at 1055 to Cambridge, arrived 1116.
Then it was back the way I came, with a service from Liverpool Street (47634, Mk2d) at 1144 to Kings Lynn, arrived 1239.
Didnt stay long there, but went back to Cambridge on the return working at 1301, arrived 2 minutes late at 1358.
Didnt hang about in Cambridge either, leaving on the 1410 to Royston (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu), arrived there 1435. This was in the days when electrification only extended as far as Royston, so changed there to a Kings Cross service (317368) at 1440 to Stevenage, arriving at 1503.
From Stevenage I got a Letchworth to Moorgate service (313025) at 1556 to Hertford North, arriving 8 minutes late at 1615. Walked to Hertford East for a Liverpool Street service (305410) at 1709 as far as Tottenham Hale, arriving there at 1737, so I could change to the Victoria Line to Kings Cross. Surfacing in St Pancras I returned to Nottingham on the 1815 HST to Nottingham (43059 at rear), arriving 2 minutes late at 2006.
Mileage for the day: 359
Photo is 31179 at Ely
Saturday 5th September 1987
I started the week from Nottingham with a service from Newark (150128+150107) which left 10 minutes late at 0736 to Birmingham, arriving there 13 minutes late at 0904.
From Birmingham it was a Leeds to Poole service (47441, Mk2c) at 0911 to Coventry, arrived 0935 Then it was back up to Stafford at 1012 behind 87012, Mk2f coach, arriving 8 minutes late at 1130. From there I got a Class 304 emu at 1156 to Stone, arrived 1211. After visiting friends there they gave me a lift to Stafford where I saw Stafford Rangers lose 4-1 to Lincoln City in the GM Vauxhall Conference.
I left Stafford on a Walsall service (Class 304 emu) at 1715 to Birmingham, arrived 3 minutes early at 1756.
Then it was a Lincoln service at 1807 (150114 to Derby, then a change to an unrecorded Class 150 there) to Nottingham, arrived 1924.
Mileage for the day: only 216
Sunday 6th September 1987
I began to develop a routine now for the Sundays on these all-line railrover trips due to the lack of morning trains to anywhere else it meant starting with a trip to London.
So I had an early start with the 0725 to St Pancras (HST, 43100 at front), arriving 10 minutes early at 1017.
Down the Victoria Line to Victoria for an 8-car emu at 1104 via Dorking and Horsham to Littlehampton, arrived 1253.
After fish & chips on the seafront I got a Class 423 emu at 1440 to Barnham, arrived 1449.
Then another Class 423 emu at 1508 to Worthing, arrived 2 minutes late at 1531, followed by a Class 421 emu from Littlehampton which left 11 minutes late at 1553 to Victoria, arrived 17 minutes late at 1717.
Plenty of time to get back to St Pancras for the 1805 to Nottingham (HST, 43057 at rear), arriving 9 minutes late at 1957.
Mileage for the day: 401.
Monday 7th September 1987
The usual early start for the Monday, with the 0651 to Grantham (150104), arriving 4 minutes late at 0732.
Then it was a Kings Cross to Aberdeen service (HST, 43056 at front, 43105 at rear) at 0740 all the way to Dundee. I remember on the stretch between Edinburgh and the Forth Bridge (my first trip over it) it came to a stand for some time, but dont know the reason. The consequence was arrival into Dundee 51 minutes late at 1359.
The late arrival meant I missed my scheduled departure to Perth, instead I got a service from Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street which I should have changed to at Perth. This left Dundee 3 minutes late at 1427 (47711, Mk2f) and I was back on schedule at Stirling, arriving at 1521. From there it was a service from Dunblane (Metro-Cammell 3-car dmu) at 1535 to Edinburgh, arrived 1630.
I elected to have only minutes in Edinburgh rather than over an hour and got a service to Kings Cross (HST, 43195 at rear) which left 4 minutes late at 1639 as far as Doncaster, arrived 1941.
Then a service at 1955 to Grantham (HST, 43157 at front, 43079 at rear), arriving 2 minutes late at 2039.
Back to Nottingham at 2050 on 150107, arrived 6 minutes late at 2132.
Mileage for the day must have been one of my highest ever 771
Tuesday 8th September 1987
After a late finish an early start - a Leeds train (150107) at 0910 to Sheffield, arrived 1014.
Then the 1035 to Huddersfield which I have recorded as a Class 100 dmu, of which I think there was still at least one running in the area at that time. Via Barnsley and Penistone, this got me to Huddersfield 4 minutes early at 1141.
From there it was the 1220 to Wakefield Westgate via Mirfield and Wakefield Kirkgate (a Class 141 Pacer), arriving at 1247.
Then a service from Kings Cross (HST, 43086 at front) 4 minutes late at 1258 to Leeds, arrived 3 minutes early at 1309 (a bit of recovery time in evidence).
I didnt stay long in Leeds, but got a service from Bangor (150206) 2 minutes late at 1331 to Hull, calling at Selby and Brough, arriving 3 minutes early at 1426.
From Hull it was a Sheffield service (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu) at 1513 to Goole, arrived 3 minutes late at 1543. Then a service at 1623 to Leeds (144003), via Knottingley, Castleford and Woodlesford, arriving 3 minutes late at 1728.
Then a Kings Cross service (HST, 43087 at front, 43111 at rear) at 1756 to Grantham, arrived 9 minutes late at 1916.
Back to Nottingham on a service from Skegness (150124) at 1929, arriving at 2007.
Mileage for the day: 317.
Wednesday 9th September 1987
An early start with the 0651 to Grantham again (and 150104 again), arrived 0729.
Then a service from Bradford (HST, 43117 at front) 9 minutes late at 0749 non-stop to Kings Cross, arrived 8 minutes late at 0902. That still left time to walk to Euston for a Milton Keynes train (310085) at 0922 to Watford Junction, arriving 4 minutes late at 0947.
This was in order to get a Manchester Piccadilly to Dover service. Hauled by 86409, Mk2d coach, it left 4 minutes late at 1001. Leaving the main line at Willesden, the 86 was replaced by an unidentified Class 47, then it was via North Pole Junction, calling at Kensington Olympia, then via (I think) Factory Junction, Nunhead and Catford to the next stop at Bromley South. I stayed on it as far as Sevenoaks, arriving 3 minutes late at 1116.
Then it was one of my South London suburban expeditions, getting some more bits of black on the map.
I left Sevenoaks on a Holborn Viaduct service (Class 415 emu) at 1121 back to Bromley South but via Bat & Ball and Swanley, arriving at 1150.
From Bromley South I got an Orpington to Victoria train (Class 415) 2 minutes late at 1157 to Herne Hill, arrived 3 minutes late at 1214.
Then it was a Holborn Viaduct to Sanderstead train (Class 455 emu) at 1231 to Streatham Common, arrived 1243. A quick change there to a Victoria to West Sutton train (Class 455) at 1246 to West Croydon, arrived 1257.
From West Croydon it was a Class 416 emu departing at 1321 where the trams now run, to Wimbledon, arriving at 1337.
Then a service from Waterloo (Class 455) at 1354, terminating at Guildford at 1436. From there I was on the same unit now forming a Waterloo service at 1455 as far as Effingham Junction, arrived 1511. Then a smart connection to a Waterloo train (Class 455) at 1516 via Bookham, Epsom and Raynes Park to Clapham Junction, arrived 1557. I had a bit of time there before getting what was the then shuttle service to Kensington Olympia this was 33105 with a Class 438 set. This left at 1715 and arrived Kensington Olympia at 1723.
I returned on the same set at 1727 to Clapham Junction arriving at 1735 for a quick change to the 1739 to Victoria (a triple Class 421 set) arrived 1743.
Up the Victoria Line to Kings Cross for an HST (43108 at rear) at 1830 to Peterborough, arrived 1918.
Then a service 6 minutes late at 1937 (probably Norwich to Birmingham) hauled by 31417, and I was in a Mk2b former 1st compartment, which produced a good run to Leicester, arriving 3 minutes early at 2043.
Then back to Nottingham at 2103 (HST, 43115 at front, 43116 at rear), arriving 3 minutes early at 2130.
Whew! Quite hectic, trying to read up in The Field Guide to the Railways of the Southern Region at all the locations visited before heading off in the next train. Something of a tribute to the punctuality standards that I was able to make all the planned connections.
Mileage for the day: 407
Thursday 10th September 1987
A late-ish start from Nottingham with a service from Grantham (150112) at 0847 to Crewe, arrived 2 minutes early at 1030.
Then a Birmingham to Llandudno train (a double Class 118 dmu set) at 1048 to Chester, arrived 1112.
From Chester it was a triple Class 150/2 set (I was on 150250) on a Bangor to Hull service. I remember thinking these were all very well, but for a Trans-Pennine service it was not quite as good as travelling in Mk 2 coaches. This left 2 minutes late at 1125, and via Runcorn East and Earlestown got me to Manchester Victoria at 1223.
Then it was one of the remaining Class 104 (BRCW) dmus on a Southport service at 1307 via Hindley and Ince to Wigan Wallgate, arrived 4 minutes early at 1348. Changed there to a Derby 2-car dmu on a service from Manchester Victoria which left at 1401 via Rainford to Kirkby, arrived 1424.
Then it was the 1432 to Liverpool Central (508121), arrived 1447 followed by the 1502 to Ormskirk (507026), arrived 1529 to connect with the 1534 to Preston (142047), arrived there 1602.
Some more black on the map!
From Preston I got a Stranraer to Euston service (86225, Mk2f) which left 7 minutes late at 1622 to Crewe, arriving there 3 minutes late at 1712.
Then a service at 1738 to Derby (150136), arrived 4 minutes early at 1847. Then back home on a Birmingham to Lincoln service (150113) which left Derby 4 minutes late at 1905 to Nottingham, arrived 1926.
Mileage for the day: 311
Friday 11th September 1987
Not an early start, and I was surprised when I read this in my notes just now I started with a Sheffield to Ipswich service which was worked by (crikey!) 150138. Left Nottingham at 0903 and called at Grantham, Peterborough and March only to Ely, arriving there 4 minutes late at 1052.
Luckily I was able to make the connection to a service from Doncaster (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu) at 1055 to Cambridge, arrived 1116.
Then it was back the way I came, with a service from Liverpool Street (47634, Mk2d) at 1144 to Kings Lynn, arrived 1239.
Didnt stay long there, but went back to Cambridge on the return working at 1301, arrived 2 minutes late at 1358.
Didnt hang about in Cambridge either, leaving on the 1410 to Royston (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu), arrived there 1435. This was in the days when electrification only extended as far as Royston, so changed there to a Kings Cross service (317368) at 1440 to Stevenage, arriving at 1503.
From Stevenage I got a Letchworth to Moorgate service (313025) at 1556 to Hertford North, arriving 8 minutes late at 1615. Walked to Hertford East for a Liverpool Street service (305410) at 1709 as far as Tottenham Hale, arriving there at 1737, so I could change to the Victoria Line to Kings Cross. Surfacing in St Pancras I returned to Nottingham on the 1815 HST to Nottingham (43059 at rear), arriving 2 minutes late at 2006.
Mileage for the day: 359
Photo is 31179 at Ely
Attachments
Ely had some fine semaphores. I remember them often appearing in pictures in the magazines back then. My stepbrother and I went to Ely and March around the time of your trip, it was full of dead Peaks, loads of them and all the old 03s from around Norwich.
I always wanted to do a 33 on the Olympia shuttle too but never managed it.
Interesting reading, thanks for sharing, when do your trips go up to in the 90s?
I always wanted to do a 33 on the Olympia shuttle too but never managed it.
Interesting reading, thanks for sharing, when do your trips go up to in the 90s?
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Another fascinating read which I thoroughly enjoyed!
Merthyr Imp
Member
My last railrover trip was September 1994.
urpert
Member
I'd forgotten about the wires stopping at Royston. What in earth was the logic behind that decision, I wonder? (I know that the Liverpool St route used to be the "main line" to Cambridge and Kings Lynn.)
Merthyr Imp
Member
I think at the time they could only afford to electrify as far as Royston. That electrification scheme was just seen as King's Cross suburban services rather than a route through to Cambridge because, as you say, if you were travelling from London to Cambridge you were meant to go from Liverpool Street.
Merthyr Imp
Member
East Midlands Railrover Ticket
Wednesday 6th July 1988
I started from Nottingham with a service from Birmingham at 0815 (150105) which went right through to Cleethorpes, arriving 5 minutes late at 1022.
Didnt stay long there, but got a Derby 2-car dmu at 1057 to Sheffield via Brigg and Gainsborough Central, arrived 2 minutes early at 1307.
Quickly set off back towards Cleethorpes at 1336 on board 150236, this time via Scunthorpe as far as Habrough, arrived 1504. Changed there to a service from Cleethorpes (142095) which left 5 minutes late at 1529 to Barton-on-Humber, arrived 1551. A small bit of black on the map.
I returned on the same unit at 1600 to Habrough, arriving at 1624.
Then a Cleethorpes to Sheffield service (150236 again) 2 minutes late at 1642 to Doncaster, arrived 1741.
From Doncaster it was a Newcastle to Kings Cross service (HST, 43050 at front) which left 19 minutes late at 1821 to Newark North Gate, arrived 17 minutes late at 1843. Walked to Newark Castle for a service at 1914 to Nottingham (Derby 2-car dmu), arrived 1950.
Thursday 7th July 1988
This was one of my trips to the bookshops in London, but at least I made an interesting trip of it.
Started with a Grantham to Birmingham service (150148) at 0627 to Long Eaton, arrived 0641.
Then a service from Derby (150102) at 0655 to Coventry, arrived 0815.
Changed there to a Birmingham to Euston service (310078) at 0827 via Northampton as far as Milton Keynes, arrived 0923. Bought a return ticket to London there and continued on another service from Birmingham (317308) at 0955 to Euston, arrived 1056.
I returned on a service at 1734, terminating at Bletchley (310063), arrived 1834.
Then a service at 1846 to Bedford (Derby 2-car dmu), arrived 1928.
From there it was a service from St Pancras (HST, 43059 at front, 43075 at rear) 5 minutes late at 1956, terminating at Nottingham 6 minutes early at 2107.
Friday 8th July 1988
This was my visit to the bookshops in Birmingham.
Started with the 0859 from Nottingham to Coventry (150102), arrived 1024.
Then bought a ticket to Birmingham and got a service from Euston (310093) at 1050 to Birmingham, arrived 1114.
Returned at 1537 to Coventry (317303), arrived 1558.
Then the 1631 to Nottingham (150128), arrived 2 minutes early at 1755.
Saturday 9th July 1988
An early start with a Birmingham train (150105) at 0627 to Derby, arriving at 0655.
Then a Burton to Crewe service (150101) at 0715 to Stoke, arrived 2 minutes early at 0758.
From Stoke it was a Manchester Piccadilly to Stafford service (304039) which left 2 minutes late at 0832 to Stone, where I arrived 0843 for an early visit to my friends there. They gave me a lift to Stoke, where I got a service from Crewe (150001) 2 minutes late at 1308 to Derby, arriving 5 minutes early at 1349.
From Derby it was an HST (43048 at front, 43152 at rear) on a Sheffield to St Pancras service which left 2 minutes late at 1427 to Leicester, arrived 1453.
No more Class 31s on the Birmingham to Norwich services, but 156413 which left 5 minutes late at 1540 and got me to Stamford 17 minutes late at 1630. This was in order to visit Robert Humms bookshop at the station.
I left Stamford on a Colchester to Birmingham service (156418) at 1731 back to Leicester, arriving 2 minutes early at 1814.
Then a service 12 minutes late at 1823 to Nottingham (150149), arriving 7 minutes late at 1850.
Sunday 10th July 1988
This was my annual visit to the Great Central at Loughborough.
Left Nottingham on a St Pancras-bound HST (43110 at front) at 1037 to Loughborough, arriving 6 minutes early at 1050.
After a trip to Rothley and back I left on a service from Coventry (150126) at 1443 to Nottingham, arriving 5 minutes early at 1512.
And unfortunately that is all I have a record of for that week.
Wednesday 6th July 1988
I started from Nottingham with a service from Birmingham at 0815 (150105) which went right through to Cleethorpes, arriving 5 minutes late at 1022.
Didnt stay long there, but got a Derby 2-car dmu at 1057 to Sheffield via Brigg and Gainsborough Central, arrived 2 minutes early at 1307.
Quickly set off back towards Cleethorpes at 1336 on board 150236, this time via Scunthorpe as far as Habrough, arrived 1504. Changed there to a service from Cleethorpes (142095) which left 5 minutes late at 1529 to Barton-on-Humber, arrived 1551. A small bit of black on the map.
I returned on the same unit at 1600 to Habrough, arriving at 1624.
Then a Cleethorpes to Sheffield service (150236 again) 2 minutes late at 1642 to Doncaster, arrived 1741.
From Doncaster it was a Newcastle to Kings Cross service (HST, 43050 at front) which left 19 minutes late at 1821 to Newark North Gate, arrived 17 minutes late at 1843. Walked to Newark Castle for a service at 1914 to Nottingham (Derby 2-car dmu), arrived 1950.
Thursday 7th July 1988
This was one of my trips to the bookshops in London, but at least I made an interesting trip of it.
Started with a Grantham to Birmingham service (150148) at 0627 to Long Eaton, arrived 0641.
Then a service from Derby (150102) at 0655 to Coventry, arrived 0815.
Changed there to a Birmingham to Euston service (310078) at 0827 via Northampton as far as Milton Keynes, arrived 0923. Bought a return ticket to London there and continued on another service from Birmingham (317308) at 0955 to Euston, arrived 1056.
I returned on a service at 1734, terminating at Bletchley (310063), arrived 1834.
Then a service at 1846 to Bedford (Derby 2-car dmu), arrived 1928.
From there it was a service from St Pancras (HST, 43059 at front, 43075 at rear) 5 minutes late at 1956, terminating at Nottingham 6 minutes early at 2107.
Friday 8th July 1988
This was my visit to the bookshops in Birmingham.
Started with the 0859 from Nottingham to Coventry (150102), arrived 1024.
Then bought a ticket to Birmingham and got a service from Euston (310093) at 1050 to Birmingham, arrived 1114.
Returned at 1537 to Coventry (317303), arrived 1558.
Then the 1631 to Nottingham (150128), arrived 2 minutes early at 1755.
Saturday 9th July 1988
An early start with a Birmingham train (150105) at 0627 to Derby, arriving at 0655.
Then a Burton to Crewe service (150101) at 0715 to Stoke, arrived 2 minutes early at 0758.
From Stoke it was a Manchester Piccadilly to Stafford service (304039) which left 2 minutes late at 0832 to Stone, where I arrived 0843 for an early visit to my friends there. They gave me a lift to Stoke, where I got a service from Crewe (150001) 2 minutes late at 1308 to Derby, arriving 5 minutes early at 1349.
From Derby it was an HST (43048 at front, 43152 at rear) on a Sheffield to St Pancras service which left 2 minutes late at 1427 to Leicester, arrived 1453.
No more Class 31s on the Birmingham to Norwich services, but 156413 which left 5 minutes late at 1540 and got me to Stamford 17 minutes late at 1630. This was in order to visit Robert Humms bookshop at the station.
I left Stamford on a Colchester to Birmingham service (156418) at 1731 back to Leicester, arriving 2 minutes early at 1814.
Then a service 12 minutes late at 1823 to Nottingham (150149), arriving 7 minutes late at 1850.
Sunday 10th July 1988
This was my annual visit to the Great Central at Loughborough.
Left Nottingham on a St Pancras-bound HST (43110 at front) at 1037 to Loughborough, arriving 6 minutes early at 1050.
After a trip to Rothley and back I left on a service from Coventry (150126) at 1443 to Nottingham, arriving 5 minutes early at 1512.
And unfortunately that is all I have a record of for that week.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Do you recall which way those Nottingham to Coventry services went? Certainly a funky sounding service. Same for Colchester to Birmingham on a 156! 304s and 310s I was way too late into the spotting game for, and a 317 at Birmingham New Street would be worthy of a railtour these days. Quite the difference from the 350s in use these days!
As always, an excellent read. I do keep wondering if you managed to clear the 150s!
As always, an excellent read. I do keep wondering if you managed to clear the 150s!
Times were changing in 1988 in a lot of areas with all the newer Sprinter types coming into service, although there were a lot of teething problems which were causing some delays in getting them into traffic.
From what I remember (having not been on any for a very long time) the 304s always seemed quite dimly lit inside and quite old fashioned too, but the 310s seemed pretty nice and looked quite good in the more modern (at the time) liveries.
From what I remember (having not been on any for a very long time) the 304s always seemed quite dimly lit inside and quite old fashioned too, but the 310s seemed pretty nice and looked quite good in the more modern (at the time) liveries.
Merthyr Imp
Member
Yes, Nottingham to Coventry was a regular service at that time - some may even have started from Lincoln - and ran via Leicester and Nuneaton where they reversed. I forget how long the service lasted, but it was handy for football trips to Northampton as it saved going into Birmingham and out again.
I can't remember if I've mentioned it on one of these postings before, but I did go on all the 150s - aided by fortnightly trips between Nottingham and Lincoln during the football season.
I irritate my trainspotting son immensely by saying whenever we see a 150 (and they seem to be all over the place these days) 'Oh - I've been on that!'
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Still need 13 of the 150s myself, so I can share your lad's annoyance
Very useful service for you indeed those Coventrys will have been. I believe the crossovers needed at Nuneaton have been removed now.
Very useful service for you indeed those Coventrys will have been. I believe the crossovers needed at Nuneaton have been removed now.
Merthyr Imp
Member
All-Line Railrover 1988
Saturday 3rd September 1988
Being the football season this day was built around a visit to Wrexham to see Lincoln City play (lost 3-0). However, I didnt exactly go straight there
An early-ish start from Nottingham with a service which left 2 minutes late at 0708 to Derby (150135), arrived 0731.
From there it was a Llandudno service via Crewe at 0800 to Chester, arriving 5 minutes early at 0946. This was on 150104 rather different to the Class 25-hauled Llandudno train Id travelled on 14 years earlier.
From Chester I got a Holyhead to Hull service (150218) at 1016 to Helsby, arriving 2 minutes late at 1023.
But it was back to old-style dmus to start with, getting a few bits of black on the map, with a service from Chester (Derby 2-car dmu) at 1101 to Hooton, arriving 2 minutes late at 1121.
Then a Liverpool Central service (508134) at 1125 to Birkenhead Hamilton Square, arrived 1144. Changed there to a Moorfields to West Kirby service (508134) departing at 1156 to Bidston, arrived 1203.
Then the 1225 to Wrexham Central (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu), arriving at 1328 with plenty of time to eat my sandwiches before the big match.
I set off for home on a service from Crewe (150125) at 1714 from Wrexham General to Birmingham, arrived 6 minutes late at 1915.
At Birmingham, Id been due to get a service at 1920 to Derby, with a possible alternative of (if it happened to be late) a Nottingham train at 1910. The late arrival from Wrexham put paid to the latter, but interestingly what I did get and I dont know what service it was - was an HST service straight through to Nottingham. Whether it ran via Derby or Leicester I no longer remember and didnt record only the times, which were a departure from Birmingham 36 minutes late at 1921 and an arrival still 36 minutes late at Nottingham at 2051. Rear power car was 43067.
Sunday 4th September 1988
I cant remember what happened here I had planned on setting off from Nottingham at 0932 via Grantham to Kings Cross, but there must have some kind of late (although not last-minute) disruption to services, as instead I got a bus at 0935 to Long Eaton in time for an HST (43098 at front) at 1012 to St Pancras, arriving 7 minutes early at 1250. This early arrival allowed me, after walking to Kings Cross Thameslink to get the same service from Bedford which I would have got after arrival at Kings Cross.
This was some black on the map, as the Thameslink services had only begun running the previous May.
Helping with my connection was the fact that 319026 left 3 minutes late at 1259. I went through to Brighton, arriving 2 minutes late at 1412.
After fish and chips on the seafront I returned on a Bedford service which left 9 minutes late at 1649 (319017) back to Kings Cross Thameslink, arriving only 1 minute late at 1806. Then on foot back to St Pancras for the 1835 HST (43096 at rear) to Nottingham, arriving at 2033.
Monday 5th September 1988
This was one of my tours around outer London to get some more black bits on the map, this time mostly to the east and north for a change.
An early start, being the beginning of the week, with the 0610 to St Pancras HST, 43066 front, 43085 rear) as far as Luton, arriving 5 minutes late at 0744.
Then I was on the Thameslink again, with a train from Bedford (319002) 2 minutes late at 0750 to Moorgate, arrived 0824. A quick departure from there on a Stevenage service (313017) 4 minutes late at 0834 to Finsbury Park.
Then a Welwyn Garden City to Moorgate train (313039) back to Highbury & Islington, arrived 0901.
Changed there to a Liverpool Street to Watford Junction service (313003) at 0914 to Willesden Junction Low Level, arrived 0938. Up the steps to the High Level platforms for a Richmond to North Woolwich service (Class 416 emu) at 0958 to Gospel Oak, arrived 1011.
From there I got a service 2 minutes late at 1017 to Barking (Class 115 dmu), arrived 1049.
Then a Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness train (308157) at 1055 to Upminster, arrived 1104. Changed there to a service 2 minutes late at 1113 to Romford (315801), arrived 1120.
Then a Southend Victoria to Liverpool Street service (312706) at 1133 to Stratford, arrived 1144. Then in those pre-Docklands Light Railway days it was down to Stratford Low Level for a service from Richmond (Class 416 emu) 2 minutes late at 1156 to North Woolwich, arrived 1208.
I returned from there on another Class 416 at 1256 all the way to Richmond, arriving 1401.
Didnt hang about at Richmond, but got a service from Waterloo (455710) at 1409, terminating at Kingston at 1423. Not long there either, leaving on a service from Shepperton (455726) 2 minutes late at 1433 to Waterloo, arrived 1459.
Over the bridge to Waterloo East for a Charing Cross to Orpington service (Class 415 emu) at 1511 to London Bridge, arrived 1515. Then another Class 415 at 1523 to Cannon Street, arriving at 1526.
Then round on the Circle Line to Liverpool Street for a Kings Lynn service (86260, Mk2a) at 1635 to Broxbourne.
Now, I was originally scheduled to get this train all the way to Ely, but although I cant remember I think there may have been some sort of failure. Anyway, from Broxbourne I got a service to Tottenham Hale (some sort of emu!) at 1805 to Tottenham Hale where I changed to the Victoria Line to get to King's Cross.
From Kings Cross I got a service 2 minutes late at 1902 to Grantham (HST, 43083 at rear), arriving 6 minutes late at 2009.
Then a service also 6 minutes late at 2028 to Nottingham (150149), arriving 3 minutes late at 2102, which was about 45 minutes later than I would have been if Id not gone back into London from Broxbourne.
Whew!
Tuesday 6th September 1988
I started from Nottingham with a Cleethorpes to Birmingham train (150118) at 0723 to Derby, arrived 0751.
Then I got the Llandudno service again (150140) at 0801, thankfully only as far as Crewe, arriving 5 minutes early at 0914. Plenty of time to get a Liverpool to Cardiff service (37427, Mk2a) at 1000 to Shrewsbury, arrived 1034.
Then a service from Birmingham, made up of 150253 (which I was on) plus two other Class 150s (whether 150/1 or 150/2 I didnt record) which left 6 minutes late at 1054 to Aberystwyth, arriving 3 minutes early at 1252. No doubt it had divided at Machynlleth.
With the Vale of Rheidol still in its BR days I was able to use my ticket for a trip to Devils Bridge and back, hauled by Llywelyn. Departed Aberystwyth at 1330 to Devils Bridge, arrived 7 minutes early at 1423. Returned at 1510 to Aberystwyth, arriving 12 minutes early (well it was downhill coming back!) at 1558.
Plenty of time before the 1711 to Birmingham (150150), arrived 7 minutes late at 2040 (must have been my longest ever journey on one of those).
Then a service at 2057 to Leicester (156418), arriving 6 minutes late at 2156.
I must have done well then to get a St Pancras to Derby train (HST, 43073 at rear) at 2158 to Nottingham, arriving 2 minutes early at 2222.
One of my longest days.
Wednesday 7th September 1988
I had an evening appointment with another football match so couldnt go too far afield. Didnt want an early start either, so from Nottingham I got a Lincoln to Birmingham service (dmu - probably a Class 118) at 0815 to Derby.
Then a service from Birmingham (47591, Mk2d) at 0904, terminating at Leeds 3 minutes late at 1037.
Then to get some black on the map I caught the 1111 to Ilkley (144019), arriving at 1138.
Then the 1252 to Bradford Forster Square (144017), arriving at 1320.
From Bradford it was back to Shipley on an Ilkley service (144017 again) at 1335, arriving at 1341.
Then a Leeds to Morecambe service (144020) at 1347 to Keighley, arrived 1400. Back to Leeds on a service from Skipton (144023) at 1423, arriving at 1450.
From Leeds I got what was no doubt a Kings Cross service (HST, 43067 at rear) at 1500 as far as Doncaster. Didnt stay too long there but got a Derby 2-car dmu coupled to a Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu on a Skegness service at 1632 to Lincoln, arriving 17 minutes late at 1742. Time for some sandwiches in the station buffet before going to see Lincoln City beat Crewe Alexandra 2-1 in a League Cup match.
It was probably still a 7.30pm kick-off in those days, but I would still have had to miss the end of the match in order to get the last train of the day back to Nottingham at 2117. This was a Derby service (150138), and arrived Nottingham at 2229 for another late finish.
Thursday 8th September 1988
A late start from Nottingham with an Ipswich to Blackpool service (156404) at 0917 to Sheffield, arrived 1015.
Then a Cardiff to Newcastle train (HST, 43146 at front) 7 minutes late at 1033 calling at Doncaster, York and Northallerton to Darlington, arriving still 7 minutes late at 1156.
To get some more black on the map I then got a service 2 minutes late at 1217 to Saltburn (143025), arriving at 1313.
Had a brief look round there what I remember of note was the then-closed Zetland Hotel next to the station then got a Darlington service (143022) at 1410 to Middlesbrough, arrived 1436.
I left Middlesbrough at 1458 on my only journey to date via Stockton, Seaham and Sunderland to Newcastle (a Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu), arrived there at 1621.
Then it was a Kings Cross train (HST, 43050 at rear) at 1635 to Newark North Gate, arriving at 1826. No need to walk to Central as this was in the days when some Lincoln Nottingham services called at both station. I dont know whether this is still done, but on arrival from Lincoln at North Gate the unit would return towards Lincoln before stopping and after the driver changed ends reverse over the flat crossing and continue on to Newark Central.
I got a Cleethorpes to Birmingham service (150131) from North Gate at 1837 to Nottingham, arrived 2 minutes late at 1907 for a welcome early finish.
Friday 9th September 1988
For this day, I changed from my original schedule as it would have meant a pre-7.00am start, so this was all a bit of a last-minute arrangement.
I again started with the Ipswich to Blackpool service at 0917 (156404 again) going as far as Preston, arrived 6 minutes early at 1205.
Then some bits of black on the map with first a service 5 minutes late at 1225 (142060) to Blackpool South, arrived 8 minutes late at 1304.
A walk to Blackpool North for a service 2 minutes late at 1400 to Preston (150237).
Then a service (no doubt Euston-bound) at 1443 to Crewe (86406, Mk2a).
Left Crewe at 1606 to Birmingham (85006, Mk2d), arriving 4 minutes late at 1710.
Then back to Nottingham at 1736 (150130), arriving 5 minutes early at 1858.
Photos are not great quality but show the Vale of Rheidol in its British Rail corporate livery days.
Saturday 3rd September 1988
Being the football season this day was built around a visit to Wrexham to see Lincoln City play (lost 3-0). However, I didnt exactly go straight there
An early-ish start from Nottingham with a service which left 2 minutes late at 0708 to Derby (150135), arrived 0731.
From there it was a Llandudno service via Crewe at 0800 to Chester, arriving 5 minutes early at 0946. This was on 150104 rather different to the Class 25-hauled Llandudno train Id travelled on 14 years earlier.
From Chester I got a Holyhead to Hull service (150218) at 1016 to Helsby, arriving 2 minutes late at 1023.
But it was back to old-style dmus to start with, getting a few bits of black on the map, with a service from Chester (Derby 2-car dmu) at 1101 to Hooton, arriving 2 minutes late at 1121.
Then a Liverpool Central service (508134) at 1125 to Birkenhead Hamilton Square, arrived 1144. Changed there to a Moorfields to West Kirby service (508134) departing at 1156 to Bidston, arrived 1203.
Then the 1225 to Wrexham Central (Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu), arriving at 1328 with plenty of time to eat my sandwiches before the big match.
I set off for home on a service from Crewe (150125) at 1714 from Wrexham General to Birmingham, arrived 6 minutes late at 1915.
At Birmingham, Id been due to get a service at 1920 to Derby, with a possible alternative of (if it happened to be late) a Nottingham train at 1910. The late arrival from Wrexham put paid to the latter, but interestingly what I did get and I dont know what service it was - was an HST service straight through to Nottingham. Whether it ran via Derby or Leicester I no longer remember and didnt record only the times, which were a departure from Birmingham 36 minutes late at 1921 and an arrival still 36 minutes late at Nottingham at 2051. Rear power car was 43067.
Sunday 4th September 1988
I cant remember what happened here I had planned on setting off from Nottingham at 0932 via Grantham to Kings Cross, but there must have some kind of late (although not last-minute) disruption to services, as instead I got a bus at 0935 to Long Eaton in time for an HST (43098 at front) at 1012 to St Pancras, arriving 7 minutes early at 1250. This early arrival allowed me, after walking to Kings Cross Thameslink to get the same service from Bedford which I would have got after arrival at Kings Cross.
This was some black on the map, as the Thameslink services had only begun running the previous May.
Helping with my connection was the fact that 319026 left 3 minutes late at 1259. I went through to Brighton, arriving 2 minutes late at 1412.
After fish and chips on the seafront I returned on a Bedford service which left 9 minutes late at 1649 (319017) back to Kings Cross Thameslink, arriving only 1 minute late at 1806. Then on foot back to St Pancras for the 1835 HST (43096 at rear) to Nottingham, arriving at 2033.
Monday 5th September 1988
This was one of my tours around outer London to get some more black bits on the map, this time mostly to the east and north for a change.
An early start, being the beginning of the week, with the 0610 to St Pancras HST, 43066 front, 43085 rear) as far as Luton, arriving 5 minutes late at 0744.
Then I was on the Thameslink again, with a train from Bedford (319002) 2 minutes late at 0750 to Moorgate, arrived 0824. A quick departure from there on a Stevenage service (313017) 4 minutes late at 0834 to Finsbury Park.
Then a Welwyn Garden City to Moorgate train (313039) back to Highbury & Islington, arrived 0901.
Changed there to a Liverpool Street to Watford Junction service (313003) at 0914 to Willesden Junction Low Level, arrived 0938. Up the steps to the High Level platforms for a Richmond to North Woolwich service (Class 416 emu) at 0958 to Gospel Oak, arrived 1011.
From there I got a service 2 minutes late at 1017 to Barking (Class 115 dmu), arrived 1049.
Then a Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness train (308157) at 1055 to Upminster, arrived 1104. Changed there to a service 2 minutes late at 1113 to Romford (315801), arrived 1120.
Then a Southend Victoria to Liverpool Street service (312706) at 1133 to Stratford, arrived 1144. Then in those pre-Docklands Light Railway days it was down to Stratford Low Level for a service from Richmond (Class 416 emu) 2 minutes late at 1156 to North Woolwich, arrived 1208.
I returned from there on another Class 416 at 1256 all the way to Richmond, arriving 1401.
Didnt hang about at Richmond, but got a service from Waterloo (455710) at 1409, terminating at Kingston at 1423. Not long there either, leaving on a service from Shepperton (455726) 2 minutes late at 1433 to Waterloo, arrived 1459.
Over the bridge to Waterloo East for a Charing Cross to Orpington service (Class 415 emu) at 1511 to London Bridge, arrived 1515. Then another Class 415 at 1523 to Cannon Street, arriving at 1526.
Then round on the Circle Line to Liverpool Street for a Kings Lynn service (86260, Mk2a) at 1635 to Broxbourne.
Now, I was originally scheduled to get this train all the way to Ely, but although I cant remember I think there may have been some sort of failure. Anyway, from Broxbourne I got a service to Tottenham Hale (some sort of emu!) at 1805 to Tottenham Hale where I changed to the Victoria Line to get to King's Cross.
From Kings Cross I got a service 2 minutes late at 1902 to Grantham (HST, 43083 at rear), arriving 6 minutes late at 2009.
Then a service also 6 minutes late at 2028 to Nottingham (150149), arriving 3 minutes late at 2102, which was about 45 minutes later than I would have been if Id not gone back into London from Broxbourne.
Whew!
Tuesday 6th September 1988
I started from Nottingham with a Cleethorpes to Birmingham train (150118) at 0723 to Derby, arrived 0751.
Then I got the Llandudno service again (150140) at 0801, thankfully only as far as Crewe, arriving 5 minutes early at 0914. Plenty of time to get a Liverpool to Cardiff service (37427, Mk2a) at 1000 to Shrewsbury, arrived 1034.
Then a service from Birmingham, made up of 150253 (which I was on) plus two other Class 150s (whether 150/1 or 150/2 I didnt record) which left 6 minutes late at 1054 to Aberystwyth, arriving 3 minutes early at 1252. No doubt it had divided at Machynlleth.
With the Vale of Rheidol still in its BR days I was able to use my ticket for a trip to Devils Bridge and back, hauled by Llywelyn. Departed Aberystwyth at 1330 to Devils Bridge, arrived 7 minutes early at 1423. Returned at 1510 to Aberystwyth, arriving 12 minutes early (well it was downhill coming back!) at 1558.
Plenty of time before the 1711 to Birmingham (150150), arrived 7 minutes late at 2040 (must have been my longest ever journey on one of those).
Then a service at 2057 to Leicester (156418), arriving 6 minutes late at 2156.
I must have done well then to get a St Pancras to Derby train (HST, 43073 at rear) at 2158 to Nottingham, arriving 2 minutes early at 2222.
One of my longest days.
Wednesday 7th September 1988
I had an evening appointment with another football match so couldnt go too far afield. Didnt want an early start either, so from Nottingham I got a Lincoln to Birmingham service (dmu - probably a Class 118) at 0815 to Derby.
Then a service from Birmingham (47591, Mk2d) at 0904, terminating at Leeds 3 minutes late at 1037.
Then to get some black on the map I caught the 1111 to Ilkley (144019), arriving at 1138.
Then the 1252 to Bradford Forster Square (144017), arriving at 1320.
From Bradford it was back to Shipley on an Ilkley service (144017 again) at 1335, arriving at 1341.
Then a Leeds to Morecambe service (144020) at 1347 to Keighley, arrived 1400. Back to Leeds on a service from Skipton (144023) at 1423, arriving at 1450.
From Leeds I got what was no doubt a Kings Cross service (HST, 43067 at rear) at 1500 as far as Doncaster. Didnt stay too long there but got a Derby 2-car dmu coupled to a Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu on a Skegness service at 1632 to Lincoln, arriving 17 minutes late at 1742. Time for some sandwiches in the station buffet before going to see Lincoln City beat Crewe Alexandra 2-1 in a League Cup match.
It was probably still a 7.30pm kick-off in those days, but I would still have had to miss the end of the match in order to get the last train of the day back to Nottingham at 2117. This was a Derby service (150138), and arrived Nottingham at 2229 for another late finish.
Thursday 8th September 1988
A late start from Nottingham with an Ipswich to Blackpool service (156404) at 0917 to Sheffield, arrived 1015.
Then a Cardiff to Newcastle train (HST, 43146 at front) 7 minutes late at 1033 calling at Doncaster, York and Northallerton to Darlington, arriving still 7 minutes late at 1156.
To get some more black on the map I then got a service 2 minutes late at 1217 to Saltburn (143025), arriving at 1313.
Had a brief look round there what I remember of note was the then-closed Zetland Hotel next to the station then got a Darlington service (143022) at 1410 to Middlesbrough, arrived 1436.
I left Middlesbrough at 1458 on my only journey to date via Stockton, Seaham and Sunderland to Newcastle (a Metro-Cammell 2-car dmu), arrived there at 1621.
Then it was a Kings Cross train (HST, 43050 at rear) at 1635 to Newark North Gate, arriving at 1826. No need to walk to Central as this was in the days when some Lincoln Nottingham services called at both station. I dont know whether this is still done, but on arrival from Lincoln at North Gate the unit would return towards Lincoln before stopping and after the driver changed ends reverse over the flat crossing and continue on to Newark Central.
I got a Cleethorpes to Birmingham service (150131) from North Gate at 1837 to Nottingham, arrived 2 minutes late at 1907 for a welcome early finish.
Friday 9th September 1988
For this day, I changed from my original schedule as it would have meant a pre-7.00am start, so this was all a bit of a last-minute arrangement.
I again started with the Ipswich to Blackpool service at 0917 (156404 again) going as far as Preston, arrived 6 minutes early at 1205.
Then some bits of black on the map with first a service 5 minutes late at 1225 (142060) to Blackpool South, arrived 8 minutes late at 1304.
A walk to Blackpool North for a service 2 minutes late at 1400 to Preston (150237).
Then a service (no doubt Euston-bound) at 1443 to Crewe (86406, Mk2a).
Left Crewe at 1606 to Birmingham (85006, Mk2d), arriving 4 minutes late at 1710.
Then back to Nottingham at 1736 (150130), arriving 5 minutes early at 1858.
Photos are not great quality but show the Vale of Rheidol in its British Rail corporate livery days.
Attachments
It's funny to see those little locos in blue, I never realised they were lined out too. I think they bought a diesel loco that year which also had a TOPS number?
Quite a lot of long gone units and services in your report and quite a lot of stuff that's still with us. I must say three and half hours on a 150 was pretty epic.
Quite a lot of long gone units and services in your report and quite a lot of stuff that's still with us. I must say three and half hours on a 150 was pretty epic.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Wow there were some long days in there!
3.5 hours on a 150? I've been there and done similar recently, admittedly not quite the same in one go (approximately 2.5 hours then followed quickly by just under 2.5 hours on the same 150), which can be challenging!
As always a fascinating look back in time. It seems weird to think there was a time when Thameslink didn't exist at all, and I had to examine my brain and the memory banks when I saw a move from Bedford to Moorgate. I of course remembered the little branch off at Farringdon to Moorgate, itself entering the history books quite some years ago now.
I only ever saw one 312 and wish I'd travelled on it now, never had the privilege of 306s, 308s and the like. 144s to Ilkley sounds so strange these days, clearly this was a fair while before the wires went up.
As for the Newark services, I daresay one or two at silly times call at both stations but very much not the norm. I believe Lincoln to Nottingham has improved somewhat so less of a need for it.
3.5 hours on a 150? I've been there and done similar recently, admittedly not quite the same in one go (approximately 2.5 hours then followed quickly by just under 2.5 hours on the same 150), which can be challenging!
As always a fascinating look back in time. It seems weird to think there was a time when Thameslink didn't exist at all, and I had to examine my brain and the memory banks when I saw a move from Bedford to Moorgate. I of course remembered the little branch off at Farringdon to Moorgate, itself entering the history books quite some years ago now.
I only ever saw one 312 and wish I'd travelled on it now, never had the privilege of 306s, 308s and the like. 144s to Ilkley sounds so strange these days, clearly this was a fair while before the wires went up.
As for the Newark services, I daresay one or two at silly times call at both stations but very much not the norm. I believe Lincoln to Nottingham has improved somewhat so less of a need for it.
- Status