The Concrete Cow (21 & 28 Jan)

[MidnightFlyer]

Hi,

I've posted this a bit too close to the time, I know, but places are still available on the repeat tour of the Concrete Cow on Saturday 28 January. Track includes Brentford Goods, Colnbrook, Wolverton Works and Swanbourne. Traction is 2 66s (I think!). Pick up is at Paddington only, with a set-down point at Bletchley, and into Euston at an exceptionally early 1733.

http://www.ukrailtours.com/tourshow...n_trains&tourfile=120121_THE_CONCRETE_COW.txt

Anyone on either already?

Thanks

 

[Jordy]

I'm on the first

 

[37092]

I'm on the first one as well.

 

[theblackwatch]

As am I. Forum drink in the Euston Tap/Cider Tap afterwards?

 

[33056]

Also on the first one as well (x2 of us).

Traction definitely booked 2 x 66 top & tail.

 

[table38]

And me, first one, Coach F.

 

[TGVDUDE]

66085 and 66213 expected to turn up for this for those interested

 

[garnon]

66085 and 66213 expected to turn up for this for those interested

66085 won't please many...it had two outings on UKR diners before xmas.
But 66213.....

 

[trolleyman]

Extremely slack timings tho for this....

 

[MidnightFlyer]

On time so far! Having said that we are only 3 min in...

 

[table38]

Not seen any cows yet

 

[MidnightFlyer]

13 mins early already, that's how much slack we have!

 

[table38]

Is this why they call it a "branch" line?

 

[theblackwatch]

66085 won't please many...it had two outings on UKR diners before xmas.
But 66213.....

As far as I can see 213 has only done a VSOE before so I suspect everyone on board needs it. 085 is a crate though, had it to Ludgershall last month. Just branching off to Colnbrook, more dud track...

 

[heart-of-wessex]

Probably different next weekend unless 085 sticks around. Haven't splashed out on any xmas dinners so is a winner for me!

 

[table38]

Finally some cows, either concrete or maybe just standing very very still

 

[theblackwatch]

Finally some cows, either concrete or maybe just standing very very still

Missed the cows but got my new track (connection to Haversham Bank) and a beer so a happy man!

 

[egg426]

Is the train still early? I was hoping to see it go over the flyover at 1520/1550 - never seen anything up there before!

 

[MidnightFlyer]

A couple early ATM, just on approach to Wolverton. Quite a bit of slack though, so could well be early.

 

[egg426]

Cheers for that. Will be on it next week :P Didn't get a great pic, but here we go:

 

[theblackwatch]

A couple early ATM, just on approach to Wolverton. Quite a bit of slack though, so could well be early.

About 10 early into Euston...decent tour despite the dud 66 and time for a couple of drinks and a meal before my train north. Should be back in around midnight!

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Indeed. The earliness gave me a 4 minute connection for me train back north ex-Euston, meaning I'm home for half eight!

 

[33056]

Early arrival didn't make any difference to me (other than having more time for a chat with the driver who brought it back to Euston whom I havn't seen for a bit). Enjoyed the tour, scratching in one new loco (213) and the bit of track at Wolverton; also rated the "bang road" move through Wembley Central on the Up Slow to North Wembley - done it before but always like to see some creative regulating to keep stuff moving.

 

[eMeS]

I live in Milton Keynes and would be grateful of some indicative timings for Bletchley, Wolverton & viaduct traverses so that I can get some photos next weekend.

Many thanks

 

[egg426]

For timings, have a look at http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U53525/2012/01/28

Might have to go into advanced mode, from the settings button in the top-right corner

 

[eMeS]

Excellent information - just what I need.

Thanks.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Some "track-side" shots from today's excursion:

Descending to the lower level

Arriving at Wolverton

By the Electrolux Warehouse

On Bletchley Flyover

Plenty of people recording today's visit to the Wolverton and Bletchley areas of Milton Keynes, and the weather was good.

I'm hoping to upload some video later.

 

[theblackwatch]

Glad I didn't go on the second of these tours, as it wasn't only a repeat of the track, but one of the 66s (66213) also repeated and I'd had 66200 twice before.

 

[yummy125]

I went on the 2nd tour (28th) & had a great day, loads of people taking pic's etc.

Not bothered about which loco's are on booked on the trains as my days of clearing classes are overs nice i've done most of the country.

 

[GazzaB24]

Unfortunately didn't need 66200 myself either but that's the luck of the draw you get sometimes. Anyway, an excellent tour did all the track it said it would and back early into Euston. Some pics here: http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/gbrailphotos/sets/72157629089839789/

 

[eMeS]

I've now uploaded a 4½min video to Youtube.

The repeat Concrete Cow - 28th Jan 2012