Shred`s UK trips.

[shredder1]

East Lancs Railway, Sunday 30th October 2022.

A Sunday afternoon`s drive to the East Lancs Railway at Bury. I was down at the gym early followed by a Sunday roast in my local village pub, so I sometimes visit the ELR if I have the afternoon spare, mainly to check out the books and models, you can pick up some really good bargains.

This Sunday we had two special locos working, the Lancashire and Yorkshire class 25, also known as the “Ironclad”, 52044 (L&YR 957, LMS 12044 & BR 52044), in BR black livery and Lancashire and Yorkshire class 27, also known as the “A class”, 52322 (L&YR 1300, LMS 12322 & BR 52322) in BR black livery. So, it was quite a treat.

It never ceases to amazing me that I have these magnificent engines operation just a few miles up the road from my village, machines from a bygone age that are still operating in this day and age thanks to the foresight and efforts of so many people over the years, that have made this dream come true.

I had a ride down to Heywood and back to Bury behind the Ironclad which was operating a service train while the A class was on the Diner service and the Pacer making up the third train. A great afternoon, thanks for the ever reliable and remarkable East Lancs Railway, which just goes from strength to strength.

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Plan Your Day Out - The East Lancashire Railway

www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

 

[shredder1]

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Saturday 5th November 2022.

The pending rail strike saw me driving over the hill to the Worth Valley Railway, the rail strike however, was cancelled at the last minute. I was up at 06.30, it was a damp morning in north Manchester as I drove over the moors towards Haworth. I arrived at the loco sheds for around 08.00, and took the obligatory photographs from the bridge overlooking the yard. The Riddles was in steam, the magnificent 1954 BR built, class 2MT 2-6-0, 78022 in BR green livery.

Returning to the car, I drove down to Ingrow West and waited for the first train down to Keighley, this was the Waggon und Maschinenbau Railbus 79962 in BR green livery with small yellow panel. An amazing machine and one of two that the railway own. I returned to Ingrow West and visited the museum bookshop, always a bargain to be had, and I came away with 6 more books, I need a bigger house. I next caught the returning Riddles to the top of the line at Oxenhope, with a quick visit to the museum while the Riddles turned around.

I returned on the Riddles 78022, through to Keighley again, and this time made use of my lineside pass and walked up the bank to obtain a few photographs of her leaving. Walking back down the bank to Keighley and doing a bit of shopping in the town, as the next train out was the returning Riddles at 14.26. I caught this service back up to Ingrow West and then collected the car and drove back to Haworth, arriving before the Riddles, so as to obtain a few photographs of her arriving. I later did a shed visit and was lucky in catching a few yard movements as they moved the dmu`s around.

I later drove back over the moors, it was quite foggy crossing Oxenhope moor, until I dropped into Hebden Bridge and then drove up Cragg Vale from Mytholmroyd, and over Blackstone Edge to get home. Not a bad day out and it stayed dry most of the time, with the forecasted rain only arriving as I was driving home.

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

kwvr.co.uk

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[shredder1]

Merseyrail Saveaway. Saturday 12th November 2022.

I had arranged to meet up with a couple of spotting mates again, in Liverpool this time, we`d arranged to meet in the Captain Alexander on James Street, Richard`s idea as he`s a bit of a Wetherspoon anorak.

I had my alarm set at 05.00 to give me time to get ready and drive to Crumpsall for the first tram out. A slight timetable change though saw me alighting at Market Street and walking across to Piccadilly Gardens for another tram into Piccadilly railway station. To catch the Northern class 319 07.20 to Liverpool Lime Street, which was 15 down leaving Manchester.

A class 57 was up at Edge Hill as we passed. I arrived into Liverpool for 08.30, but wasn’t meeting the guys until just turned 10.00 as they had to travel further, Youngie coming up from Coventry and Richard coming down from Bangor. After purchasing my Saveaway, £5.65, great value. I was down the tunnels, under the Mersey, and heading for New Brighton. I was lucky in that my last TfW D stock for the Bidston to Wrexham line was parked outside Birkenhead North sheds, so a nice cop.

At New Brighton a multi-purpose track treatment vehicle was parked in the platforms, I returned directly to James Street from New Brighton and was the first in the pub, with Youngie arriving 10 minutes later and Richard shortly after that. We all enjoyed a large full English each.

We returned to James Street station and took a train on the underground to Moorfields with a change to the Northern lines and caught another train out to Kirkdale, to check out the new Merseyrail class 777`s on shed, Two cops for me, 5 sets outside the shed in the yard.

We caught the next train back to Sandhills with a change for Southport and I was pleasantly surprised to find two more class 777`s parked up at Southport station, and one was another cop for me. Richard was off Wetherspoon ticking, while me and Youngie hung around the station and then met Richard later in the Willow Grove, another Spoons.

We returned from Southport to Formby for another Spoons, the Lifeboat, before walking back to the station and catching a train back to Sandhills for a few more photographs, before returning to Lime Street. I caught the 17.20, a Northern Sprinter to Manchester Oxford Road with a change for Piccadilly and then the tram back to Crumpsall for my car. Another great day out and nice to catch up with a few mates again.

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[shredder1]

West Midland Day Rover. Saturday 19th November 2022.

Another early start with the alarm set for 03.30 and the drive down to Manchester for the 05.11 Bournemouth Cross Country Voyager to Birmingham New Street. I was hoping to get my first ride on one of the new West Midland class 196`s. I had a nice surprise at Piccadilly in that a Transpennine Nova 3 pulled into the platforms with a DRS liveried Cat on the front, 68034. which I suspect is now part of the Transpennine fleet.

As always, I slept for most of the journey on the way down to Birmingham, and spent an hour or so on New Street after I arrived. The first train I caught was a class 172 bound for Hereford, alighting at Worcester Foregate Street, with a change of train for a GWR Class 166 to Worcester Shrub Hill, as Id heard a few of the new class 196`s had been parked up there. On arrival into Shrub Hill however, the stabling point was empty and just one class 196 was parked behind the station.

After visiting the café at Shrub Hill, I caught a service back into New Street on the direct link of the triangle. Once back into New Street I walked across the city to Moor Street station and caught a class 172 down to Kidderminster for a visit to the Severn Valley Railway Museum and book shop, but I didn’t find anything of interest so I walked back over to the West Midland railway station and caught the next class 172 through to Tyseley, still many of the class 196`s parked in the yard, but not as many as there was on my last visit a few weeks ago. Unusually, on passing the yard at Stourbridge Junction, I was surprised to find it empty, its always had a few cats parked up on my previous visits.

I normally take a few photographs from the road bridge opposite the station at Tyseley, its an excellent location and I was in time to capture a Chilterns Cat returning to London Marylebone from Moor Street, I also captured a fox running across the lines.

Returning to Birmingham Moor Street, I walked back across the city to New Street and finally saw my first class 196 entering the platforms from Shrewsbury, so I caught it. The journey takes around an hour, it was a nice smooth ride, but the tannoid was giving out incorrect information asking passengers to alight at the front of the train, and the guard had to keep correcting it, and also one of the toilets was also out of order, so much for new trains.

I was travelling on class 196 101, which carries the name “Charles Darwen”, but not a proper nameplate, just a vinyl overlay. After a 45-minute wait at Shrewsbury, I returned on the same train as far at Wolverhampton. My train back to Manchester was within 30 minutes, a Cross Country Voyager back into Piccadilly, to collect the car and drive home and I was back in the house for 20.00. I copped a few GWR IET`s at Worcester, my next to the last West Midland class 170 and two class 196`s, so not a bad trip.

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[shredder1]

Cheshire and Merseyside. and the Wirral Transport Museum, Saturday 26th November 2022.

The alarm was set for 05.00, and I was driving to Crumpsall Metrolink station for the first tram into Manchester. The line however was closed through Piccadilly Tram station, so I had to walk to Manchester Piccadilly from Market Street, where I alighted. It was however a strike day on the railways, but thankfully TfW was still operating as were Merseyrail.

I boarded a TfW Hippo, class 175 operating on a Carmarthen service, as far as Crewe. At Crewe I was lucky with my timings as a charter, the Edinburgh Statesman was arriving into Crewe, top and tailed with class 47 47593, “Galloway Princess” leading and two tone green liveried D1935 to the rear.

I next caught a class 153, (double dog boxes) to Chester, with a change for a Merseyrail electric into Liverpool Moorfields. I then changed for the Northern Line and went out to Kirkdale to see if anything new was on shed, but still only around 6 of the new 777`s on shed and none moving.

I returned to Liverpool Central and took the Wirral line train to Birkenhead Hamilton Square to walk out to the Wirral Transport Museum as it was operating from 13.00 until 16.00. After a look around the museum and a coffee in the restaurant, I had a ride on one of the Japanese trams back to Woodside.

Returning from Hamilton Square, to Chester, Crewe and back to Manchester Piccadilly. I copped another 3 of the new TfW class 197`s, and saw a twin set of 3-car units on driver training in and out of Chester. For saying the railways were on strike, I didn’t have to wait anywhere really for trains. So, despite the strike, I still managed to have a good day out.

Wirral Tramway & Wirral Transport Museum

TEMPORARILY CLOSED The Wirral Transport Museum and Heritage Tramway is TEMPORARILY CLOSED until further notice “ Come and enjoy the sights and sounds of yesteryear at the Wirral Transport Museum, where the volunteers of the Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society restore and preserve transport...

www.visitwirral.com

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[shredder1]

East Lancs Railway, Santa Specials. Sunday 27th November 2022.

I seem to have a pattern on a Sunday these days. I’m up early and out to the gym, and later, I have a booked table for Sunday lunch in a local pub and then a spare afternoon. I usually head up to the East lancs Railway to see if any new books or model locomotives have come in to any of the outlets.

This was a Santa weekend and the East lancs really do have this down to a fine art. Its many years since I volunteered on the East lancs and I started on the Santa Specials as a carriage steward, maybe I should return some day and help out again.

BR Teddy Bear, Class 14 D9531 “Ernest” was in the bay platform at Bury Bolton Street, the Pacer unit 144 009 was bringing customers in from Heywood on a shuttle service, and two Santa Trains were operating, Former GWR Collett design 0-6-2T 5643 was hauling one service with BR class 50015 “Valiant”, on the rear. The other Santa Train was headed by Ex L&Y 0-6-0 51456 with Scotrail class 47765 on its rear.

It was nice to catch up with a few old friends and I managed to spend about £250 on a model and some railway books from both the shop and Standard 4 Group coach respectively, so treated myself for Christmas.

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[Techniquest]

That's some serious money spent on models and books fair play to that!

It's been quite an action packed few months for you, I don't often reply which is usually just down to rushing through a read of the forum. I'm guessing there'll be a bit of a wind-down during the winter months? I'm cutting down my outdoors time due to the weather, getting too chilly to go on long rides now. I'm currently deciding which physical fitness place appeals the most, there's one I love the look of but it's a bit out of my price range. How much is that? Well the price is not listed on their website, and if you have to ask how much something is, it's normally too expensive Puregym is the most cost-effective, by the looks of it, but I'd rather somewhere with a bit of class to it if I can. A tall order in this part of the world

 

[shredder1]

Yes its not been bad, Im normally out at least on saturday every weekend, probably wont go back to Europe until the spring now. I have a large collection of both 00 and N gauge locos, but didnt have a blue 00 Bachmann Deltic, so lashed out on a good second-hand one, only £110 from the Standard 4 Group coach. I also collect the Middleton Press Books and someone had donated a large collection, in good condition too, so that cost me £140 at 10 for £3.00 so another bargain I couldnt let go. I now have quite a large collection of the Middleton press books, here,

Sussex Railways in the 1980s, (1989,), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.

Scottish Main Lines



Scottish Main Lines, Routes, Berwick to Drem including the Eyemouth and North Berwick branches, (2014), Roger Darsley and Dennis Lovett, Middleton Press.



Scottish Main Lines, Hawick to Galashiels. The Waverley Route including the Selkirk Branch. (2012), Roger Darsley and Dennis Lovett, Series Editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Welsh Valleys



Welsh Valleys, Maesteg and Tondu Lines, the Mid Glamorgan Routes, (2011), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Welsh Valleys, Cardiff to Pontypridd plus other lines to the Taff Vale, (2011), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Welsh Valleys, Mountain Ash to Neath including the Merthyr Branch, (2006), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Welsh Valleys, Abertillery and Ebbw Vale Lines, (2006), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith in association with Dave Edge, Middleton Press.



Welsh Valleys, Cardiff to Dowlais (Cae Harris), including the Coryton and Aber branches, (2009), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.





Northern Lines



Northern Lines, Preston to Blackpool including Fleetwood. (2018), John Matthews and Peter Fitton, series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press,



Eastern Main Lines



Eastern Main Lines, Ely to Kings Lynn, including the Stoke Ferry branch, (2002), Richard Adderson and Graham Kenworthy series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Newark to Doncaster featuring Retford, (2015), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Potters Bar to Cambridge, (2006), Vic Mitchell and Allan Mott, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Peterborough to Newark featuring Grantham, (2015), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Stratford to Cheshunt including the Southbury loop, (2014), Vic Mitchell and Dave Brennand, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Ipswich to Saxmundham including the Branch Line to Framlingham, (2000), Richard Adderson and Graham Kenworthy series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Nottingham to Boston featuring Sleaford (2015), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Kings Cross to Potters Bar, (2009), Charlie and Jim Connor, series editor Vic Michell, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Darlington to Newcastle via Durham, (2007), Roger R Darsley, series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Cambridge to Ely including St Ives to Ely, (2005), Richard Adderson and Graham Kenworthy, series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Spalding to Grimsby, (2014), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Newcastle to Hexham including the Allendale branch, (2005), Roger R Darsley, series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Saxmundham to Yarmouth, (2001), Richard Adderson and Graham Kenworthy, series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Liverpool Street to Ilford, (1999), J.E.Connor, series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Eastern Main Lines, Barking to Southend (2002), Dr Edwin Course, series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press



Eastern Main Lines, Fenchurch Street to Barking, (1999), J.E.Connor in association with Charles Phillips, series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press



Southern Main Lines



Southern Main Lines, Tonbridge to Hastings, (1993), Vic Mitchell and Smith, Keith, Middleton Press.



Southern Main Lines, Victoria to Bromley South, (1992), Vic Michell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.

Southern Main Lines, Crawley to Littlehampton, (1986), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Southern Main Lines, Swanley to Ashford, (1995), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Southern Main Lines, Three Bridges to Brighton, (1986), Vic Mitchell and Ken Smith, Middleton Press.



Southern Main Lines, Haywood Health to Seaford, (1986), Vic Michell and Keith Smith in association with Dick Riley, Middleton Press.

Southern Main Lines, Sittingbourne to Ramsgate, (2007), Vic Michell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.

Southern Main Lines, Woking to Portsmouth, (1996), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.

Southern Main Lines, Waterloo to Woking, (1986), Vic Mitchell and Ken Smith, Middleton Press.



Southern Main Lines, East Croydon to Three Bridges, (1988), Vic Mitchell, Ken Smith, Middleton Press.



Southern Main Lines, London Brisge to East Croydon, (1988), Vic Mitchell, Ken Smith, Middleton Press.





South Coast Railways



South Coast Railways, Ryde to Ventnor, (1985) Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



South Coast Railways, Bournemouth to Weymouth, (1988), Vic Michell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.

South Coast Railways, Dover to Ramsgate including the Margate Sands branch, (1990) Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes



Country Railway Routes, Hexham to Hawick, the Border Counties Railway, (2011), Roger R Darsley and Dennis A Lovett, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Hertford Loop From the suburbs to the country, (2010), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Bala to Llandudno Junction featuring Blaenau Ffestiniog, (2015), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Reading to Guildford, (1988), Vic Mitchell, Ken Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Fareham to Salisbury via Eastleigh, (1989), Vic Mitchell, Ken Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Bournemouth to Evercreech Junction, (1987), Vic Mitchell, Ken Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Tivetshall to Beccles, the Waveney Valley line, (2010), Richard Adderson and Graham Kenworthy, series editor Vic Michell, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Melton Constable to Yarmouth Beach, (2007), Richard Adderson and Graham Kenworthy, Middleton Press



Country Railway Routes, Guildford to Redhill, (1989), Vic Mitchell, Ken Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Woking to Alton including the Bisley, Necropolis and Boredon branches. (1988), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes,Cheltenham to Andover including the Tidworth Branch. (2000), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Oxford to Bletchley including Verney Junction and Banbury. (2005), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Oswestry to Whitchurch including the Wrexham Branch. (2010), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Bletchley to Cambridge. (2007), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Llandeilo to Swansea including the Llanelli and Carmarthen Branches, (2009), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Bangor to Portmadoc including three Llanberis lines. (2010), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Peterborough to King`s Lynn. Part of the M& GN, (2010), Michael Back series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Brecon to Newport, (2003), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith in association with Dave Edge, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Abergavenny to Merthyr including the Ebbw Vale Branch, (2002), David Edge series editor Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Country Railway Routes, Brecon to Neath including Ystradgynlais, (2004), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith in association with Dave Edge, Middleton Press.





Branch Lines



Branch Lines Around Swansea Including the Swansea and Mumbles Tramway, (2013) Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. Middleton Press.



Branch Line to Tenterden, (1985),Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. Middleton Press.



Branch Lines to Newport (1985) Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Branch Lines Around Sheerness, (2009), Vic Michell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.

Branch Lines Around, Portmadoc, 1923-1946, the Welsh Highlands and Festiniog Railways, (2006), Vic Mitchell, Keith Smith in association with Adrian Gray and Michael Seymour, Middleton Press.



Branch Lines to Newport (1985) Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.

.

Branch Lines Around Swansea Including the Swansea and Mumbles Tramway, (2013) Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. Middleton Press.



Branch Lines Around Huntingdon, Kettering to Cambridge, (1999) Vic Mitchell, Keith Smith, Christopher Awdry and Alan Mott. Middleton Press.



Branch Line to Tenterden, (1985),Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. Middleton Press.



Branch Line to Lynton, (1992),Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. Middleton Press.



Branch Line From Leek to the Manifold Valley, (2017), Vic Mitchell, MP Middleton press.



Branch Lines to Midhurst, (1983), Vic Mitchell, Ken Smith, Middleton Press.



Branch Lines Around Series, March, from St Ives, Ramsey, Peterborough, Murrow and Wisbech, (1993), Vic Mitchell, Ken Smith, Christopher Awdry & Allan Mott. Middleton Press.



Branch Lines Around Oswestry, Gobowen, Tanat Valley, Llanfyllin and Welshpool, (2009) Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. Middleton Press.



Branch Line to Selsey, (1983), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. Middleton Press.



Branch Line to Shrewsbury, The Shropshire and Montgomery Railway, (1991), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. Middleton Press.



Branch Line to Swanage, (1986), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. Middleton Press.



Branch Line to Padstow, (1995), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Branch lines to Horsham, (1982), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Branch lines to Alton, (1984), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Branch lines to Harwich and Hadleigh, (2011), Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Branch lines to Pembroke and Cardigan, (2012), Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Branch lines to Newquay, (2001), Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Midland Main Lines



Midland Main Lines, St Pancras to St Albans, (2002), Geoff Goslin and J.E. Connor, Middleton Press.



Midland Main Lines, Marylebone to Rickmansworth including the Waterford Branch, (2005), Vic Michelle and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Midland Main Lines, Bletchley to Rugby including Newport Pagnell and Northampton, (2007), Vic Michelle and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Midland Main Lines, Birmingham to Wolverhampton via Tipton including the Harborne Branch, (2008), Vic Michelle and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Midland Main Lines, Euston to Harrow & Wealdstone, (2002), Vic Michelle and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Midland Main Lines, St Albans to Bedford including the Hemel Hempstead Branch, (2003), Geoff Goslin series editor Vic Michelle, Middleton Press.



Midland Main Lines, Bedford to Wellingborough including Hitchin, Northampton and Higham Ferrers, (2004), Geoff Goslin series editor Vic Michelle, Middleton Press.



Midland Main Lines, Bromsgrove to Birmingham including the Camp Hill Route, (2006), Vic Michelle and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Midland Main Lines, Bromsgrove to Gloucester including Ashchurch to Great Malvern, (2006), Vic Michelle and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Midland Main Lines, Chester to Rhyl including the Holywell Town and Dyserth Branches, (2011), Vic Michelle and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



London Suburban Railways



London Suburban Railways, North London Line, Broad Street to Willesden Jn via Hampstead Heath, (1997), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



London Suburban Railways, Lewisham to Dartford,(1991) Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



London Suburban Railways. Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace, (1998), J.E. Connor, Middleton Press.



London Suburban Railways. East London Line (2017), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



London Suburban Railways. Lines around Wimbledon (1996), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



London Suburban Railways, Charing Cross to Dartford,(1990) Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



London Suburban Railways, Kingston and Hounslow Loops, including the Shepperton Branch, (1990), Vic Michell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.

London Suburban Railways, Baker Street to Uxbridge & Stanmore, (2006), Vic Michell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.

London Suburban Railways, Liverpool Street to Chingford, (2003), J.E.Connor series editor Vic Michell, Middleton Press.

London Suburban Railways, Holborn Viaduct to Lewisham including the Greenwich Park branch, (1990), Vic Michell and Keith Smith in association with Leslie and Philip Davies, Middleton Press.

Western Main Lines



Western Main Lines, Ruabon to Barmouth, featuring Llangollen, (2015), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press*



Western Main Lines, Aberystwyth to Carmarthen, Including Aberayron and Newcastle Emlyn Branches, (2011), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Western Main Lines, Cardiff to Swansea including Cowbridge and Porthcawl branches, (2009), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Western Main Lines, Paddington to Princes Rishborough including the Uxbridge High Street, (2006), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Western Main Lines, Gloucester to Cardiff, (2005), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Western Main Lines, Carmarthen to Fishguard including Neyland and Milford Haven, (2010), Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Steaming Through



Steaming Through West Hants, Including Bournemouth area, (1989), Peter Hay, Middleton Press.



Steaming Through the Isle of Wight, (1988), Peter Hay, Middleton Press.



Great Railway Eras



Great Railway Eras, Ashford from Eurostar to Steam, from rural station to International Junction, CPE number 1, (1996) Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Great Railway Eras, Festiniog in the Sixties, CRE Number 3, (1997), Vic Mitchell and Allan Garraway, Middleton Press.

Great Railway Eras, Isle of Wight, 50 years of change, CRE number 5, (1998) Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press



Great Railway Eras, Railways to Victory, British recollections, Normandy to Germany, 1944-46. CRE Number 6, (1998), series editor, Vic Michell, Middleton Press.



Great Railway Eras, Festiniog 50 Years of Enterprise, CRE number 11, (2002) Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press



Great Railway Eras, Brunel. A Railtour of his Achievements, CRE number 13, (2006) Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith, Middleton Press.



Railway Eras, Taunton to Minehead, 50 years of change, CRE number 19, (2013) Vic Mitchell, Middleton Press.



Narrow Gauge Branch Lines



Narrow Gauge Branch Lines. Douglas, Laxey, Ramsey, including the Groudle Glen Railway. (2010), Tom Heavyside, Middleton Press.



Narrow Gauge Branch Lines, Vivarais Narrow Gauge, featuring Mallets in the Massif, (1999), John Organ, series editor Vic Mitchel, Middleton Press.



Narrow Gauge Branch Lines, Swiss Narrow Gauge featuring steam in the Alps, (2003), John Organ, series editor Vic Mitchel, Middleton Press.



Narrow Gauge Branch Lines, Greece Narrow Gauge featuring the Thessaly and the Peloponnese systems. (2006), John Organ, series editor Vic Mitchel, Middleton Press.



Narrow Gauge Branch Lines. Northern France Narrow Gauge, (2002), John Organ, series editor Vic Mitchel, Middleton Press.



Narrow Gauge Branch Lines, Two Foot Gauge Survivors, A tour of historic 60cm passenger railways of the English speaking world. (1998) Vic Mitchel, Middleton Press.



Narrow Gauge Branch Lines, North East Germany Narrow Gauge, Harz Mountains and Baltic Region, (2004), John Organ, series editor Vic Mitchel, Middleton Press.



Narrow Gauge Branch Lines, West German Narrow Gauge, (2007), John Organ, series editor Vic Mitchel, Middleton Press.



Tramway Classics,

Tramway Classics, Southampton Tramways, (1994), Series editor Robert J. Harley Martin Petch, Middleton Press.

Tramway Classics, Bristol`s Tramways, (1995), Series editor Robert J. Harley, Peter Davey, Middleton Press.

Tramway Classics, Camberwell & West Norwood Tramways including Dulwich and Peckham, (1993), Robert J. Harley, Middleton Press.

Tramway Classics, Hampstead and Highgate Tramways, (1995), Series editor Robert J. Harley, Dave Jones, Middleton Press.

Tramway Classics, Embankment and Waterloo Tramways, (1994), Robert J. Harley, Middleton Press.

Tramway Classics, Barnet and Finchley Tramways, (1997), Robert J. Harley, Middleton Press.

Tramway Classics, Victoria and Lambert Tramways, (1995), Robert J. Harley, Middleton Press.

Tramway Classics, Shepherds Bush and Uxbridge Tramways, (1998), Robert J. Harley, Middleton Press.

Tramway Classics, Ilford and Barking Tramways, (1995), Robert J. Harley, Middleton Press.

Tramway Classics, Kingston and Wimbledon Tramways, (1995), Robert J. Harley, Middleton Press.

Tramway Classics, Enfield and Wood Green Tramways, (1997), series editor Robert J. Harley, Dave Jones, Middleton Press.

Tramway Classics, South London Tramways, 1933-1952, (2006), Robert J. Harley, Middleton Press

Tramway Classics, North Kent Tramways, including Bexley, Erith, Dartford, Gravesend and Sheerness,(1994), Robert J. Harley, Middleton Press

Tramway Classics, Croydon`s Tramways including Crystal Palace, Mitcham and Sutton, (1994), series editor Robert J. Harley, John B Gent and John H Meredith, Middleton Press.

Trolleybus Classics

Trolleybus Classics, Croydon Trolleybuses Number 2, (2007), Terry Russell, series editor Robert J Harley, Middleton Press. (Soft back).

 

[Techniquest]

That is a monster collection! While I'm not well versed on these books, from what I recall they are indeed good so worth buying. It's also really good that the money on those books and model will be well received by a good cause

I was looking at getting back on the rails properly on Wednesday, I had a quick journey from Ledbury to Hereford yesterday thanks to a rather loud puncture (I had nearly booked the ticket I needed back from Gloucester, good thing the app refused to let me do so!) which was my first train in 3 weeks. With an epic farce with the 196s currently, I'm going to enjoy a proper bit of exploring instead!

I noticed during a bit of a skim read of that list a book on Brecon to Newport. Which reminded me that I recommend a visit to Brecon if you ever get the chance, a nice town with plenty to explore. There's that narrow gauge line not too far away, the Brecon Mountain Railway, I did it many years ago before it got to wherever it is now. Worth a visit, and indeed I have it on my list of places to go back to!

 

[shredder1]

Thank you, thats only the Middleton Press part of my collection, my railway book collection has taken the house over, lol. Yes Ive been to Brecon and visited the Brecon Mountain Railway about 5 times over the years, so much history in that region, I usually catch a bus from Merthyr if Im going up there, but also drove there once while I was working on the ASDA store up there. Ive been copping a few 196`s at Chester, and saw my first one working on driver training last saturday, I do like the look of the 196`s and 197`s.

 

[railfan99]

It never ceases to amazing me that I have these magnificent engines operation just a few miles up the road from my village, machines from a bygone age that are still operating in this day and age thanks to the foresight and efforts of so many people over the years, that have made this dream come true.

I had a ride down to Heywood and back to Bury behind the Ironclad which was operating a service train while the A class was on the Diner service and the Pacer making up the third train. A great afternoon, thanks for the ever reliable and remarkable East Lancs Railway, which just goes from strength to strength.

Visiting from Australia, in late September I made this the focus of my first day's travel on a two month first class Global Eurailpass.

I completely concur. Some on this fora have described the ELR as 'too suburban' (referring to the scenery) but I thought it was very, very pleasant.

Volunteers by and large were good, and the trains and stations excellent. Like you, a most enjoyable (half) day.

 

[shredder1]

Wow Australia, thats some trip, glad you enjoyed visit the ELR.

 

[shredder1]

Derbyshire Wayfarer. Saturday 3rd December 2022.

I`d checked the websites in the week, to avoid any rail strikes. I was going down to the East Midland territories to try to catch up with my last Derby class 156 and in addition photograph the EMR class 180`s.

The alarm was set for 05.00 for the usual drive down to Crumpsall Metrolink stop for the first tram into Manchester at 06.11, and trams were running directly into Manchester Piccadilly undercroft this weekend, so I didn’t have to walk from Market Street. I purchased a return to Sheffield on the 06.42, a Northern class 195 Stopper carried me over, with dawn breaking on the journey through the Hope Valley.

Unfortunately, East Midland Railways were running a limited service between 07.30 and 16.00, needless to say my last class 156 and the class 180`s were probably parked up on Etches Park depot, Derby.

I caught the first EMR Meridian from Sheffield to Derby and on arrival into the latter, I was in time for a Pathfinder Tours Charter languishing in the platforms, with quite a number of Cranks lining the platforms and waiting for a class 40 to be attached to the front. Apparently, the charter had come up from Swindon with top and tailed West Coast class 57`s. I was just in time to see the front one being detached and the class 40, (D345 in originally BR green livery), taking over the train for the rest of its journey.

Realtime Trains wasn’t showing any of the class 180`s or my class 156 running, so I decided to have a ride up to Matlock in an EMR class 170 Turbostar. I thought I’d have a look at Peakrail`s bookshop but it was closed, so I had a walk into Matlock to the guitar shop, “Spinderella”, to check out the guitars and have a chat with the owner.

Returning to Matlock railway station I caught the next hourly train, a EMR class 158 this time, back into Derby, and then later another EMR Meridian back up to Sheffield. While in the Steel City, I realised I still needed one of the class 399 Tram Trains, so thought I would buy a tram rover ticket, (£4.60), and search it out.

I caught a tram from above the station and was treated to celebrity liveried “the Milk Float”, alighting at Cathedral. The Tram Trains appear to also run on some of the normal tram routes, as one was seen destined to Middlewood. I waited for a Tram Train to Rotherham in hope of catching up with my last class 399, but trams suddenly only started running as far as Arena because of what was described as a police Incident. So, I caught a tram to Arena and returned to Nunnery Depot and there was my last class 399 sat outside the depot, number 4, so one cop for the day.

I returned on a tram from Nunnery back into Sheffield with a change for Sheffield railway station and I was just in time for a Transpennine class 185 directly back into Manchester Piccadilly, then the Metrolink and car home, not too bad a day.

The Derbyshire Wayfarer rover ticket - Derbyshire County Council

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[NorthWestRover]

The 40 looking mighty fine there.

 

[shredder1]

Yes, she looked magnificent

 

[xotGD]

The 40 looking mighty fine there.

Oh yes. Great to have a 40 on the main line in 2022!

 

[shredder1]

Manchester, Shrewsbury and Crewe. Saturday 10th December 2022.

A family day this Saturday, my son, who now resides in London was staying outside Craven Arms, he`d drove up to do a bit of hill walking over the weekend, Shrewsbury is about as far towards the northern wastelands as he gets these days, since moving to the south and becoming an honorary southerner.

So, my Saturday was basically a train ride down to Shrewsbury for a day with the lad. Despite having visited Shrewsbury numerous times over the years from the late 60`s when it still had a depot, Id never really explored the town proper and was surprised at how large it actually was. It was a great day and nice to catch up with my son.

I caught a train from Manchester Piccadilly, a late running TfW class 158 at 06.40 and which arrived into Shrewsbury for 08.00, where I treated myself to a hot chocolate in the station café, as the train had no heating or lights on and was terminated at Shrewsbury. I waited for my son to arrive at the station, and a good day was had.

On leaving Shrewsbury I was travelling on a TfW class 175 at 16.50, full of noisy football fans, it was advertised as a direct service to Manchester Piccadilly, but terminated at Crewe, so I transferred over to a Northern class 323 electric back into Manchester Piccadilly, and them a Metrolink tram back to the car at Cheetham Hill. A nice, but cold day.

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[shredder1]

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Saturday 17th December 2022.

A bit of a lay in this Saturday, so didn’t get up until turned 07.00. Most of the trains on the main lines were on strike again and it was a cold day with some rain in north Manchester. I decided to have a drive over the hill to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, mainly to check out the museum book shelves. I’m a member of the Worth Valley Railway and also a lineside pass holder, so a visit over the hill, is always welcome.

I’m not a great fan of driving these days, especially on those so called, smart motorways. The Worth Valley however can be accessed for me by minor roads. So, I was off over the moors towards Blackstone Edge, where I hit snow, a bit of slow and careful driving took me down Cragg Vale and through Hebden Bridge to cross Oxenhope Moor which was much clearer.

I made my way to Haworth Sheds, BR Standard class 5MT 75078 was on the Elf Explorer, (a variant on a Santa Specials), with BR class 20 20031, in two-tone grey coal sector livery on the rear. In steam on shed was Black 5 45212 and BR Type 3, class 37 37075.

After my shed visit and a coffee in a local café, I drove down to Ingrow West and parked the car up. First stop was the Museum Bookshop, another £75 spent on railway books. A Metropolitan Cammell Class 101 was working on the relief path, so I decided to have a run up the line on it, so needed to time it returning to Keighley. I walked down the track to Keighley from Ingrow West and was in time to catch up with the BR Standard 5 leaving Keighley.

After a hot chocolate on the station, I waited for the DMU and rode it up to Oxenhope and returned on it to Ingrow West. I then drove up to Oakworth and caught up with the retuning DMU and later the Standard 5 heading back to Oxenhope. The light was fading by this time, and it was also becoming a little too cold to stay trackside, so I headed back into Haworth for a chip-shop tea, before driving back over the moors to north Manchester.

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

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[xotGD]

I think the railway bookshops must love it every time you walk through the door!

You didn't fancy dressing up as an elf to blag a trip behind 75078 then?

 

[shredder1]

I think the railway bookshops must love it every time you walk through the door!

You didn't fancy dressing up as an elf to blag a trip behind 75078 then?

Lol, I guess they dont do too badly from me, Im so sorry I didnt take my elf uniform with me now you come to mention it.

 

[shredder1]

Cheshire Day Rover. Saturday 31st December 2022.

I’m usually in the south this time of the year, roaming around the Greater London lines, this year has been a little different though and I chose to work three days between Christmas and the New Year. I didn’t manage to get out last Saturday, so had to take to the rails this Saturday. The trains were not striking for once, but I couldn’t decide where to go. I checked on the Crewe Heritage Centre website and it said it was open from 10.00. So, I decided to call in and have a look at the railway book stalls. In conjunction to this I purchased a Cheshire Day Rover and see what was around.

I like my early starts, so the alarm was set for 05.00, followed by a drive down to my go to Metrolink station and the first tram of the day into Manchester Piccadilly.
I boarded a Northern class 323 at 06.57, a Crewe stopper, which was routed via Manchester Airport. From Crewe I caught an Avanti Pendolino up to Warrington Bank Quay, with a change for a TfW class 175 to Chester and then a TfW class 150/1 back to Crewe.

I walked out to the Crewe Heritage Centre, only to find out it was closed, I rechecked the website again and this time it confirmed it was closed, so I walked back to the railway station. My last class 156 from Derby was showing working into Crewe, arriving just before 12.00, so I waiting for it to arrive. Strangely a pair of EMT class 170`s turned up in stead, but Realtime Trains was still showing my last Derby class 156, (907).

I did however cop my last London Midland class 350, (259), a bonus. I next travelled from Crewe back up to Chester and caught up with no less than 4 of the new TfW class 197, one which I copped. The class 197`s on Chester were 197004/06/10 and 013/ two which were on revenue earning services.

My next move was a Merseyrail class 507 into Liverpool Moorfield with a change of trains to the Northern line to Kirkdale to see what the situation with the new Merseyrail class 777`s. I noted that a few more had appeared on the depot, and another cop for me, (004). Taking to staff, the new units should be on passenger earning duties by February 2023.

I then caught a Merseyrail Class 508 back to Moorfields with a change of trains for the Wirral Lines into Liverpool Lime Street and then up to the main station. After grabbing a few snacks from Sainsburys for the train, I boarded a Northern class 323 bound for Manchester Oxford Road, but I alighted at Deansgate for a Metrolink tram back to Cheetham Hill and the drive home. My last trip out in 2022 and 3 cops, so not a bad day despite the weather being a bit wet and miserable.

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[shredder1]

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Saturday 7th January 2023.

First day out in 2023 and another rail strike, so a last-minute change of plan and the East Lancs railway wasn’t running either, so I was driving back over the hill to the Worth Valley Railway yet again. I’m certainly getting my money’s worth from my lineside pass.

I set off in the car on a dark and very wet Saturday morning in North Manchester and headed off over the hill to Yorkshire listening to some Steve Vai turned up the eleven on the CD player. The roads were fairly quiet and it wasn’t long before I was climbing up Blackstone Edge and heading down towards Cragg Vale and into Hebden Bridge, crossing Oxenhope Moor and dropping into Haworth, first stop the locos sheds.

Only two paths were operating, the main train was behind the Riddles Standard class 2 2-6-0 78022 in BR green livery, the second path was for the PW Gang, who were doing work on various locations along the line, with the assistance of 32 ‘Huskisson’ Mersey Docks & Harbour Board, Hunslet Diesel Mechanical 0-6-0 Shunter.

After my obligatory shed bash, and a coffee in the café opposite Haworth station, I had a quick look in the station shop, before driving down to Ingrow West and a visit to the museum bookshop. Another £50 spent on books and a model loco, before catching the returning train down to Keighley, for a full run up the line to Oxenhope and back to Ingrow West behind the Riddles.

I collected the car at Ingrow and drove up to Oakworth via the chippie, and caught up with the Riddles returning to Oxenhope, and managed a few photographs of her climbing the bank to Oakworth. Finally, I drove up to Oxenhope and again caught up with the Riddles, had a museum visit and a coffee in the station café before driving back over the moors to North Manchester.

The rain had stopped by around lunchtime and the sun also made an appearance and generally it was a warm day for a January. An enjoyable visit and I’m looking forward to the steam gala in March.

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

kwvr.co.uk

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[shredder1]

Derbyshire Wayfarer. Saturday 14th January 2023.

A day back in the East Midlands, still trying to catch up with my last EMT Sprinter class 156 (906). According to RRT it was running yesterday, but not today. I also wanted to photograph an EMT class 180, only one was working on the St Pancras to Nottingham service, so I made sure I was at Nottingham for its arrival. In addition, a number of Class 170s Turbostars have been transferred and allocated to EMT from both East Anglia and Southern and still carrying their respective liveries, so I was also out for those.

I awoke to another 05.00 alarm and caught the first Metrolink tram into Manchester Piccadilly. I was initially heading over to Sheffield, the Hope Valley line was however being upgraded, so I caught a Transpennine class 185 diverted via Huddersfield and Wakefield to Sheffield.

From Sheffield I boarded a Meridian class 222 down to Derby and later a Cross Country Turbostar class 170 over to Nottingham. The EMT class 180 (113), arrived in time for a few photographs and I also caught up with the Southern and East Anglian liveried Turbostars.

Returning to Derby on a Cross Country Turbostar class 170. I left the station and caught a bus into the city centre, as I wanted to visit a railway bookshop that Id found on the internet, (The Railway Bookshop, 91 Macklin St, Derby DE1 1LG), despite saying it was open, it wasn’t, and Im not sure if it’s still in business looking at it was the outside.

I walked back into the centre and had a pub lunch before returning to the bus station and catching a bus back to the railway station. I was just in time to see a pair of class 37`s passing through the station on an engineering train.

I later caught an EMT Meridian class 222 back up to Sheffield. My next Transpennine service was however cancelled, so we were advised to catch either a rail replacement bus from the bus station to Manchester Piccadilly, or catch the Northern Huddersfield service via Penistone and change for Manchester. On arrival into Huddersfield, a Liverpool bound Transpennine class 185 was just pulling into the platforms, which took me back to Manchester Victoria, for my tram and drive back home. The weather was very dull and overcast for most of the day, with light rain in the morning, but still not a bad run out.

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[shredder1]

Merseyrail Saveaway day saver. Saturday 28th January 2023.

The new Merseyrail class 777`s had started running in the week between Liverpool Central and Kirby, so I thought I’d have an early start and take my first ride on one, however, as my luck would have it, they weren’t running on Saturdays at the moment. I did however manage my first ride on a new TfW class 197 between Chester and Liverpool Lime Street via Frodsham and back to Chester, plus it was a cop, so not all lost, and of course I also took a few more shots of the Peps before they leave this world. I do wish Merseyrail would re-livery one in original blue and white and dare I say preserve one for prosperity.

My day started with the alarm going off at 05.00 and my ten-minute drive to Crumpsall Metrolink station for the first tram out, the 05.11 into Manchester Victoria. Grabbing a couple of sausage rolls from Greggs, and I was on an early train into Kirkby via Wigan Wallgate, I paid the extra for the gap from my GM pass, from Orrell to Kirby and also managed to buy a Merseyrail Saveaway ticket from the guard on the train.

It was only just breaking dawn as I arrived into Kirby, and nice to see the new station at Headbolt Lane coming along as we passed. At Kirby, I eagerly awaited the arrival of a class 777, but a Pep arrived instead. I caught the Pep out to Kirkdale and noticed a class 777 moving up the yard, but I was informed by one of the guards, that it was only shunting in the yard and that they were presently only operating Mondays to Fridays, so that was that.

I boarded the next train into Liverpool Central and headed for the McDonalds for a pancake and sausage breakfast, (so, more junk food). Returning to Kirkdale as the morning got lighter, I later returned to Moorfields and headed for the Wirral lines below, first taking an Ellesmere Port train out as far as Hooton, and changing there for Chester. At Chester I was rewarded by four of the new TfW class 197s, 197 004/006/007 and 021, a cop, with the latter operating on a Liverpool Lime Street service via Helsby, so I caught it to Liverpool Lime Street and back to Chester, my first trip on one, a nice smooth ride, similar of course to the West Midland class 196s.

From Chester I returned on a Pep back into Liverpool Moorfields and caught the Northern line through to Southport. Two more class 777s were parked up in the sidings at Southport, but I’d seen them before, 777 004/010. I was feeling hungry again, (I eat too much), so walked out to a chippie and had fish and chips and a coffee at “The Kings Plaice”, a fresh radioactive fish from Fleetwood, yummy.

Returning to Southport Chapel Street, I then caught a train to Sandhills, a Pep and changed for a train back to Kirkby, with another change for a Sprinter back into Manchester Victoria via Wigan Wallgate. An enjoyable day and quite a bit of mileage knocked up on a Saveaway ticket. Surprisingly my Saveaway ticket covered me from Chester to Liverpool Lime Street via Runcorn.

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[shredder1]

West Midland Network Day Tripper. Saturday 18th February 2023.

I was back in the UK now and was aiming for the West Midlands, essentially for the new section of the Midland Metro tram from Centenary Square to Edgbaston, which has a fly under at the busy Five Ways road junction, a superb bit of engineering. I have to say the Midland Metro is one of my favourite tram networks in the UK. They have now settled on a pleasing blue and white livery, while the historic side of the main section, uses the former Great Western track bed from Birmingham Snow Hill to Birkenhead Woodside, much of which is still evident today.

The alarm was set for 03.30 ready for the drive down to Manchester Piccadilly and the 05.11 Cross Country service, which was only going as far as Eastleigh. I alighted at Wolverhampton, where I purchased the Network Day Tripper ticket for just over £7 with an add on for an extra £2.90.

I then took the next Wolverhampton to Birmingham New Street train, an Avanti Pendolino. It was still dark as I arrived into New Street, so I caught a London North Western Railway Desiro class 350 up to Walsall for breakfast in Greggs, and also to check out Bescot yard as it passed through. Visible from the train were 3 class 66`s and an 08 shunter, although a light engine GBRf class 66 passed me at Walsall going north.

Returning to Walsall railway station, I caught another Desiro class 350 back into New Street and then a tram out to sample the new section of line out to Edgbaston Village, this is as far as the line will be going in this direction for the foreseeable future. The extension down to Wolverhampton railway station is well underway and should be open later in the year and also significant progress on the new line out to Brierley Hill is moving along.

I walked from Edgbaston across Five Ways to check out the new fly under, buses use it also, and later boarded another tram from Five Ways to St Chads for Birmingham Snow Hill station. At Snow Hill I decided to have a ride down to Stratford upon Avon. A nice run, with a few original station buildings along the line, plus I copped two of the new West Midland class 196`s as I passed Tyseley, still plenty parked up in the yard, although I didn’t actually see any running on this trip.

Stratford upon Avon railway station is still a through station, in that the tracks continue, albeit only on a small loop beyond the platforms. One local councillor tried to reopen the line beyond Stratford to reconnect it to Honeybourne, but it didn’t happen, whether it will in the future or not, only time will tell.

I returned from Stratford to Birmingham Moor Street, and spent an hour or so on the platforms, before catching a class 172 up to Hawthorn with a change for a tram. I took the tram journey right up to Wolverhampton, stopping off at Wednesbury on the journey up. The main reason was to try to get near the tram depot to obtain a few photographs, as there are plenty of trams visible from the line, and secondly was to check out the former goods depot on an old line adjacent to the tramway, but now owned by a plant company.

On the way back from Wolverhampton I broke my journey at Bilston Central which still has interesting abutment walls evident of its past use as a heavy railway. Of interest, before the street running section, in Wolverhampton, when the tram leaves the former GWR main line track-bed, it’s difficult to see where it use to continue now, possibly revisiting this section with an overlay map might help.

I returned to Grand Central tram stop, for Birmingham New Street station and caught a Cross Country Voyager back into Manchester Piccadilly and then the drive home, not a bad first day back in the UK.

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[Techniquest]

Just a quick pointer, that old line from Stratford-upon-Avon used to go to Honeybourne and Cheltenham, not Honeywell I won't discuss how much more useful that is now with the Stratford Greenway on it now, and how I'd love to see that extended to Honeybourne itself, never mind having the shared-use route go all the way to Cheltenham or even just Broadway. On a related note, I think you'd like the Greenway too as there's a former MK2 in use as a cafe around halfway along.

That was certainly a nice little day out in the Midlands, and you're not wrong about that junction at Five Ways, I did it on a cycle ride the other week and even on a Sunday it can take a while to get onto the roundabout itself! I know what you mean about following where the old GWR route went in Wolverhampton, I was in that area the other week and I was a bit lost figuring out how it got there. Not helped by trying to pedal to the station ultra quickly, to make it for a train, to then miss the train to deal with a coffee break!

 

[shredder1]

Just a quick pointer, that old line from Stratford-upon-Avon used to go to Honeybourne and Cheltenham, not Honeywell I won't discuss how much more useful that is now with the Stratford Greenway on it now, and how I'd love to see that extended to Honeybourne itself, never mind having the shared-use route go all the way to Cheltenham or even just Broadway. On a related note, I think you'd like the Greenway too as there's a former MK2 in use as a cafe around halfway along.

That was certainly a nice little day out in the Midlands, and you're not wrong about that junction at Five Ways, I did it on a cycle ride the other week and even on a Sunday it can take a while to get onto the roundabout itself! I know what you mean about following where the old GWR route went in Wolverhampton, I was in that area the other week and I was a bit lost figuring out how it got there. Not helped by trying to pedal to the station ultra quickly, to make it for a train, to then miss the train to deal with a coffee break!

Thanks very much Tech, yes Honeybourne of course, just changed it. I didnt realise they had a Stratford greenway on the old trackbed, well thats something

 

[Techniquest]

Thanks very much Tech, yes Honeybourne of course, just changed it. I didnt realise they had a Stratford greenway on the old trackbed, well thats something

It goes for a fair distance, definitely recommended and I only found out about it from my Sustrans maps. When it gets close to the Long Marston area it does stop unfortunately, if it ran into Honeybourne it would be extremely well used but that's not going to happen any time soon!

 

[shredder1]

It goes for a fair distance, definitely recommended and I only found out about it from my Sustrans maps. When it gets close to the Long Marston area it does stop unfortunately, if it ran into Honeybourne it would be extremely well used but that's not going to happen any time soon!

That sounds interesting, I must check it out next time Im down there.

 

[shredder1]

South Pennine Day Ranger and Doncaster. Saturday 25th February 2023.

I was a bit stuck for somewhere to go this Saturday, so decided on a South Pennine Ranger ticket with an add on from Wakefield to Doncaster, you can never go far wrong at Doncaster for some action.

A bit of a chilled out start as I didn’t leave Manchester Victoria until 08.30, on a Transpennine Nova 1, class 802 diverted via the Calder Valley line and Brighouse routing. I then caught a LNER Azuma down to Doncaster. Interestingly, our marvellous ticketing system was going to charge me £7 plus single from Wakefield to Doncaster, yet a return was £6.20, work that one out.

I arrived into Doncaster in time for a Tesco diversion northbound, with DRS class 88007 double headed with 68004, and later Tesco working 68016 southbound, Black Liveried Thunderbird class 67006 was in the sidings awaiting duties, TPE class 68016 was also parked up across from platform 0, Class 67024 and 67005 top and tail went Northbound on ECS. Various class 66 workings, including a convoy northbound consisting of 66739, 66722, 66714, 66738 and 66751, plus a two loco convoy of Green liveried 66004 and 66169 southbound and later 66067 southbound also. So, plenty of action.

A number of LNER class 91 rakes were still operating, and nice to see Hull trains have named their class 802`s Paragons. Around lunchtime I visited the Mallard in the Frenchgate Centre for a very expensive Mexican Spiced Enchiladas, which came to nearly £12 with a coffee and it was crap, so that was my first and last time in the Mallard, I should have stuck with the Frenchgate Cafe.

I returned to Doncaster railway station and caught a Northern Class 170 across to Sheffield, my intention being to have a ride up the Huddersfield line via Penistone, but the next one was cancelled, driver shortage they said, so instead I caught a stopper on a Norther class 158 via Castlefield to Leeds. The second platform, lifts and footbridge are coming along at Castleford and they have certainly invested some money in the last few years. It would be nice if they started running regular services on the line to Goole again.

Returning to Leeds I caught a Transpennine class 185 to Huddersfield, when really, I should have waited for a service back to Manchester Victoria, Id forgotten about the diversion on the way over in the morning. In hindsight I should have returned to Leeds, but instead I was stuck with a rail replacement bus back to Manchester Piccadilly. It wasn’t too bad though and I was soon on the tram and back to the car for the short drive home, arriving for around 20.00. A good day though and a very proactive one.

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