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Trips, trips, and yet more trips
- Thread starter LordCreed
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Techniquest
Veteran Member
Good...
...One less to have to chase around the wilds of Wessex
I thought similar, it would be nice to have a stop to the temporary reformations!
On which note, I wonder if 377342 will last much longer...
I have no clue where the time goes, as this year is flying past...
Scores as at the end of May:
- Travel 40,000 miles on trains this year. (19762 miles at the end of April - 49.41% of target)
- 240 new UK haulage (128 so far this year - 53% of target)
- 240 new UK buses (86 so far this year - 35% of target)
- Clear the GWR fleet (43 to go, plus the 387s as they enter)
- Clear the ATW fleet (113 to go)
- Clear the AXC fleet (45 to go)
June has had a promising start, with already 30 new buses, so that'll be a huge boost.
Hopefully will be able to do a couple of reports next week...
As per usual, haulage this year:
Trains:
Buses:
Scores as at the end of May:
- Travel 40,000 miles on trains this year. (19762 miles at the end of April - 49.41% of target)
- 240 new UK haulage (128 so far this year - 53% of target)
- 240 new UK buses (86 so far this year - 35% of target)
- Clear the GWR fleet (43 to go, plus the 387s as they enter)
- Clear the ATW fleet (113 to go)
- Clear the AXC fleet (45 to go)
June has had a promising start, with already 30 new buses, so that'll be a huge boost.
Hopefully will be able to do a couple of reports next week...
As per usual, haulage this year:
Trains:
Code:
[B]Class 43[/B] | 43027 | 43091 | 43207 | 43295 | 43384
[B]Class 57[/B] | 57602 | 57603
[B]Class 67[/B] | 67012
[B]Class 68[/B] | 68008 | 68011 | 68015
[B]Class 91[/B] | 91105 | 91107 | 91113
[B]Class 121[/B] | 121034
[B]Class 139[/B] | 139001
[B]Class 142[/B] | 142061 | 142086
[B]Class 144[/B] | 144009
[B]Class 150[/B] | 150002 | 150129 | 150218 | 150252 | 150264 | 150916 | 150938
[B]Class 153[/B] | 153366 | 153375 | 153382
[B]Class 155[/B] | 155341
[B]Class 156[/B] | 156470
[B]Class 158[/B] | 158881 | 158885 | 158953 | 158954 | 158957
[B]Class 159[/B] | 159020
[B]Class 165[/B] | 165008 | 165012 | 165014 | 165015 | 165023 | 165025 | 165038 | 165016 | 165020 | 165039 | 165111 | 165119 | 165128 | 165137 | 165114
[B]Class 166[/B] | 166213 | 166221
[B]Class 168[/B] | 168001 | 168002 | 168107 | 168216 | 168325
[B]Class 170[/B] | 170501 | 170521 | 170523
[B]Class 172[/B] | 172003 | 172004 | 172212 | 172335
[B]Class 175[/B] | 175101
[B]Class 180[/B] | 180102 | 180106 | 180109 | 180110 | 180111 | 180113
[B]Class 185[/B] | 185103 | 185106 | 185111 | 158118 | 185121 | 185124 | 185135
[B]Class 220[/B] | 220004 | 220006 | 220007 | 220011 | 220018 | 220022 | 220027 | 220028 | 220031
[B]Class 221[/B] | 221110 | 221128 | 221129 | 221134
[B]Class 313[/B] | 313042
[B]Class 315[/B] | 315811 | 315814
[B]Class 317[/B] | 317710
[B]Class 350[/B] | 350103 | 350113 | 350234 | 350237 | 350246 | 350371 | 350401 | 350402
[B]Class 360[/B] | 360202
[B]Class 365[/B] | 365506 | 365514 | 365521 | 365524 | 365528 | 365531 | 365532
[B]Class 377[/B] | 377125 | 377609
[B]Class 378[/B] | 378201 | 378215
[B]Class 387[/B] | 387130 | 387132 | 387133 | 387144
[B]Class 390[/B] | 390002 | 390016 | 390125
[B]Class 444[/B] | 444023
[B]Class 450[/B] | 450091
[B]Class 455[/B] | 455838 | 455847Buses:
Code:
[B]Abellio[/B] | LT609 | LT709 | 8325 | 8341 | 9034
[B]Arriva London[/B] | HV304 | HV305 | HV309 | HV313 | LT717 | T86 | VLA43
[B]Arriva Shires[/B] | 3797 | 5431
[B]CT Plus[/B] | 2502
[B]Go Ahead London[/B] | DOE10 | DOE13 | EH2 | E27 | E247 | LT43 | LT58 | LT65 | MHV13 | MHV52 | SEe28 | WVL288 | WVL404 | WVL410 | WVN13
[B]Go South Coast[/B] | 373 | 376 | 415 | 522 | 1540 | 1578 | 1650 | 1826 | 1831 | 2272 | 2765 | 2766 | 2769
[B]Johnsons Excelbus[/B] | SN65 OJA | SN65 OJB
[B]Metroline[/B] | DE1336 | DLD709 | VPL596
[B]Stagecoach London[/B] | 12307 | 12309 | 12310 | 12312 | 12315 | 12320 | 12323 | 12325 | 12327 | 12328 | 12329 | 12333 | 12407 | 12415 | 12420 | 15045| 15100
[B]Stagecoach South West[/B] | 10454 | 19107 | 19109 | 24146 | 24149 | 34862 | 36224 | 36231 | 36238 | 36248
[B]Stagecoach West[/B] | 10752 | 10754 | 10756 | 10759 | 15972 | 36127 | 36257 | 36259 | 36387 | 37238 | 37243 | 37245 | 47548
[B]Tower Transit[/B] | DN33624
Last edited:
PHILIPE
Veteran Member
Indeed, however will still count them as haulage.
Probably should have specified that the two tables were haulage I've had so far this year, as opposed to required.
PHILIPE
Veteran Member
08/04/2017 - Old Fashioned Steam
It's pretty rare that I go out on anything steam related, but today I was meeting up with a number of friends on the Bluebell railway.
The alarm was set for 07:00, a mere six hours from when I'd got to sleep. It's safe to say that I wanted to stay in bed, but alas it wasn't to be. Getting ready fairly quickly, we were soon on the platform waiting for the 08.09 to Kings Cross. DVT 82230 was leading, with 91113 providing power at the rear.The 27 miles was covered in 22 minutes (1 minute slower than the Class 365 last night), and we arrived four early.
Deciding to cross London by bus, we headed to the stops outside the station, catching Go Ahead London DOE10 on route 63 as far as Stamford Street. I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but I do love the Olympus's, as they're great buses and remind me of the trips I used to make to and from Swanage when I was studying at college. I'll be sad when these buses are finally withdrawn (sadly they already have been replaced on the routes to Swanage).
Next up was CT Plus 2502, a Enviro 400H City running on route 388. We caught this as far as Elephant and Castle, before switching onto Go Ahead London MHV13 on route 35. This is a MCV EvoSeti, which is my favourite type of new chassis (with the Streetdecks taking a close second). I'm glad that Go South Coast replaced the Swanage Olympus's with these as opposed to yet more Enviros.
We were now at London Bridge, and it was time to purchase our tickets before boarding 455838 on the 09:50 to East Croydon. Breakfast was sourced from the nearby McDonalds before boarding 377609 to East Grinstead on the 10:45. Arriving at 11:19, we were considerably earlier than I was expecting, so it was time to stretch our legs and enjoy the sun before the train arrived carrying the rest of our friends.
Just before midday, 847 (some kind of steam engine) arrived, which we then boarded. We then did two round trips of the line, having a catch up and consuming a rather large packed lunch that a friend had prepared. Definitely didn't need dinner any time soon! On the last leg disaster struck, and we were delayed due to a lineside fire. Sadly this meant we arrived into East Grinstead 24 minutes late and missing our connection. I swear Southern trains only run to time when you are running late...
Half hour was killed before boarding 377125 on the 17:36 for the entire journey to London Victoria. Here we then boarded 21453 on the District line to Westminster, before changing onto 96096 to Baker Street (Jubilee line), and finally 3239 on the Bakerloo line to Paddington.
It was now time for the final couple of journeys, with 43137 on the 19:57 to Swindon, chaning for 43155 and 43186 on the 21:19 to Cheltenham Spa. I was very glad to be home, as it had been a long couple of days. Bed seemed far more comfortable than normal!
Scores for the day was:
New Trains: 91113, 377125, 377609, 455838
New Buses: DOE10, MHV13, 2502
New LU: 3239, 21453, 96096
Not a bad day, especially given I wasn't aiming for any new haulage.
It's pretty rare that I go out on anything steam related, but today I was meeting up with a number of friends on the Bluebell railway.
The alarm was set for 07:00, a mere six hours from when I'd got to sleep. It's safe to say that I wanted to stay in bed, but alas it wasn't to be. Getting ready fairly quickly, we were soon on the platform waiting for the 08.09 to Kings Cross. DVT 82230 was leading, with 91113 providing power at the rear.The 27 miles was covered in 22 minutes (1 minute slower than the Class 365 last night), and we arrived four early.
Deciding to cross London by bus, we headed to the stops outside the station, catching Go Ahead London DOE10 on route 63 as far as Stamford Street. I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but I do love the Olympus's, as they're great buses and remind me of the trips I used to make to and from Swanage when I was studying at college. I'll be sad when these buses are finally withdrawn (sadly they already have been replaced on the routes to Swanage).
Next up was CT Plus 2502, a Enviro 400H City running on route 388. We caught this as far as Elephant and Castle, before switching onto Go Ahead London MHV13 on route 35. This is a MCV EvoSeti, which is my favourite type of new chassis (with the Streetdecks taking a close second). I'm glad that Go South Coast replaced the Swanage Olympus's with these as opposed to yet more Enviros.
We were now at London Bridge, and it was time to purchase our tickets before boarding 455838 on the 09:50 to East Croydon. Breakfast was sourced from the nearby McDonalds before boarding 377609 to East Grinstead on the 10:45. Arriving at 11:19, we were considerably earlier than I was expecting, so it was time to stretch our legs and enjoy the sun before the train arrived carrying the rest of our friends.
Just before midday, 847 (some kind of steam engine) arrived, which we then boarded. We then did two round trips of the line, having a catch up and consuming a rather large packed lunch that a friend had prepared. Definitely didn't need dinner any time soon! On the last leg disaster struck, and we were delayed due to a lineside fire. Sadly this meant we arrived into East Grinstead 24 minutes late and missing our connection. I swear Southern trains only run to time when you are running late...
Half hour was killed before boarding 377125 on the 17:36 for the entire journey to London Victoria. Here we then boarded 21453 on the District line to Westminster, before changing onto 96096 to Baker Street (Jubilee line), and finally 3239 on the Bakerloo line to Paddington.
It was now time for the final couple of journeys, with 43137 on the 19:57 to Swindon, chaning for 43155 and 43186 on the 21:19 to Cheltenham Spa. I was very glad to be home, as it had been a long couple of days. Bed seemed far more comfortable than normal!
Scores for the day was:
New Trains: 91113, 377125, 377609, 455838
New Buses: DOE10, MHV13, 2502
New LU: 3239, 21453, 96096
Not a bad day, especially given I wasn't aiming for any new haulage.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
Sounds like quite a nice little spin all in all, ouch to the delay causing a later than planned move back into town though.
Little bit of progress towards the goal at least
Oh, and one of my recent Southern services was not only on time, it was actually fast on a non-stop run from Clapham to East Croydon, on the fast lines. If I hadn't been sat down I would have needed to find a seat quick in disbelief that it can happen!
Little bit of progress towards the goal at least
Oh, and one of my recent Southern services was not only on time, it was actually fast on a non-stop run from Clapham to East Croydon, on the fast lines. If I hadn't been sat down I would have needed to find a seat quick in disbelief that it can happen!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a good day on the Bluebell Line
13/04/2017
The next trip was less than a week from my last, as April was a pretty busy month. I was travelling with a friend, and the aim for the day was to cover a variety of different traction, including the bubble car which was soon to disappear.
Today we were starting in Westbury, and the first train we caught was 43137 on the 07:51 as far as Reading. Here gave opportunity to pick up a much needed bacon roll before boarding 165114 on the 09:05 as far as Hayes & Harlington, which we then made the four minute connection onto 387144, 09:49 to Paddington. We were originally planning to catch the following Hayes shuttle, but with the connection being so easy, it would have been silly to wait.
Arriving right time at Paddington, we then made the walk up to the bus stops just outside the station, before boarding 12407 (one of the new Stagecoach Ennviro 400 MMCs) to Kings Cross Station. We were now nearly a hour ahead of schedule, so we killed some time by making a quick return to Finsbury Park, with 365524 on the outbound and 365532 on the return.
With just 15 minutes left, we walked across to our platform where 180111 was waiting to take us on the 11:48 as far as Retford. This was my final Hull Trains 180, so I can now say that I've cleared (the admittedly tiny) fleet. They're my first operator that I've cleared, so I'm still pretty happy with this.
We arrived at Retford at 13:09, meaning we had averaged 102.7mph which was pretty good going. It was now just over half hour till our train back to London, and half hour is definitely long enough at Retford station! Eventually 180110 turned up to take us back on the 13:45 to London.
Upon arriving at London we caught our next bus, 12323 (one of the Stagecoach Enviro 400s) to Marylebone Station. It was now time to grab a late lunch, before boarding 165020 on the 16:27 to Aylesbury. This service is one of the ones that goes via Harrow on the Hill, a line which I've never done before. It does seem to drag, but some of the views aren't too bad.
At Aylesbury we made the five minute connection onto 121034 on the 17:26 to Princes Risborough. I'm glad we made this journey, as it was really enjoyable (even if the bubble car was rather packed).
At Princes Risborough we changed onto 168216 on the 18:24 to Oxford, which was yet more new track for my friend. At Oxford we caught 180103 on the 19:08 to Reading before changing onto a full and standing HST (with powercar 43035 leading) on the delayed 20:25 back to Westbury, arriving around thirteen minutes late.
All in all a good day, and it was certainly varied in routes and traction. Luckily this wasn't my last trip on the bubble car.
The next trip was less than a week from my last, as April was a pretty busy month. I was travelling with a friend, and the aim for the day was to cover a variety of different traction, including the bubble car which was soon to disappear.
Today we were starting in Westbury, and the first train we caught was 43137 on the 07:51 as far as Reading. Here gave opportunity to pick up a much needed bacon roll before boarding 165114 on the 09:05 as far as Hayes & Harlington, which we then made the four minute connection onto 387144, 09:49 to Paddington. We were originally planning to catch the following Hayes shuttle, but with the connection being so easy, it would have been silly to wait.
Arriving right time at Paddington, we then made the walk up to the bus stops just outside the station, before boarding 12407 (one of the new Stagecoach Ennviro 400 MMCs) to Kings Cross Station. We were now nearly a hour ahead of schedule, so we killed some time by making a quick return to Finsbury Park, with 365524 on the outbound and 365532 on the return.
With just 15 minutes left, we walked across to our platform where 180111 was waiting to take us on the 11:48 as far as Retford. This was my final Hull Trains 180, so I can now say that I've cleared (the admittedly tiny) fleet. They're my first operator that I've cleared, so I'm still pretty happy with this.
We arrived at Retford at 13:09, meaning we had averaged 102.7mph which was pretty good going. It was now just over half hour till our train back to London, and half hour is definitely long enough at Retford station! Eventually 180110 turned up to take us back on the 13:45 to London.
Upon arriving at London we caught our next bus, 12323 (one of the Stagecoach Enviro 400s) to Marylebone Station. It was now time to grab a late lunch, before boarding 165020 on the 16:27 to Aylesbury. This service is one of the ones that goes via Harrow on the Hill, a line which I've never done before. It does seem to drag, but some of the views aren't too bad.
At Aylesbury we made the five minute connection onto 121034 on the 17:26 to Princes Risborough. I'm glad we made this journey, as it was really enjoyable (even if the bubble car was rather packed).
At Princes Risborough we changed onto 168216 on the 18:24 to Oxford, which was yet more new track for my friend. At Oxford we caught 180103 on the 19:08 to Reading before changing onto a full and standing HST (with powercar 43035 leading) on the delayed 20:25 back to Westbury, arriving around thirteen minutes late.
All in all a good day, and it was certainly varied in routes and traction. Luckily this wasn't my last trip on the bubble car.
Techniquest
Veteran Member
An awesome bit of variety there, well done on clearing HT!
Probably GWR or XC, as I have around 43 left to clear for each. I'm going to update my aims later today and see what I have left.
Go South Coast Buses - 14 March 2017
I honestly have no clue where the time goes, as it seems like yesterday I was last posting in this thread...
Now for those that don't like buses, this probably isn't the post for you... But for those that do, here goes:
I grew up in Dorset, and in the later years of living here I used Wilts and Dorset buses on a frequent basis. Back then my school bus was originally a DAF Icarus Citybus - Vehicle number 506(I can still remember the registration, T186 AUA!). It was a lovely bus with comfy seats, and I do still prefer it to the Enviro 200s that Stagecoach here seem to love. In later years, 506 was replaced with Optare Excels which sadly are no comparison... 506 was then sold on, and eventually went to Sussex Bus where it then went up in flames on 25 September 2013 whilst on the A23.
A picture of 506 when it was with Wilts and Dorset can be found here. (Please note, this isn't my photo).
Anyways, I've digressed a little...
The point of todays trip was to make a big circle, seeing what buses Go South Coast now use. I've always loved the varied Go South Coast fleet, and now they've taken over Thamsedown I'm pretty excited for the future.
Our trip started in Bournemouth Square, after getting a lift, and the first bus we caught was 1831 on route X1. This is a East Lancs Myllennium Vyking still in the Wilts and Dorset livery (something that is getting increasingly rare). It is a convertible open top bus, so the seats upstairs are the horrid plastic style. Other than these seats I really like these vehicles, and they don't seem to be twelve years old.
In a hour and forty five we arrived at Lymington, where it turned out it was market day. Lots of people were about, and the traffic was pretty bad, but it was only a twenty minute wait until 1826 arrived on Bluestar 6. Once again, this is a convertible East Lances Myllennium Vyking but this time in the blue New Forest Tour livery. This journey went pretty smoothly, and it was only a hour and fifteen before we reached Southampton Central Station.
Here we were changing for the X7R route to Salisbury. After a half hour longer wait than advertised, 1578 turned up. This is probably the squeakiest Enviro 400 I've ever been on, and the rattles it made as we went along was pretty loud. Four a four year old vehicle I really expected better, and we couldn't wait for the hour to Salisbury to be over.
We eventually arrived at Salisbury and took the opportunity to have lunch at a nearby Weatherspoons. What a well needed meal that was! It was time to go to the bus stop, where we waited for the 20 minute late X3 to Bournemouth. This was worked by 1650, one of Go South Coasts recently purchased Envrio 400 MMCs. Inside it has very comfy coach style seating, and upstairs it even has tables. I couldn't imagine being able to do much on the tables as we made our way down the very windy Wiltshire roads. The hour and fifteen went really quickly, and it didn't feel like long before we got to Bournemouth.
Next up was 2272, a Wright Eclipse Urban 2 on route m1 to Poole Bus Station. It didn't seem like these were introduced five years ago (time goes too quickly!) but they were starting to look a little worn inside. I guess it won't be too long until these are replaced once again.
The final bus of the day was 1540, another Enviro 400, which I caught on route X6 to Verwood. I remember when this route used to be the 37 (and 36), and was operated by a mixture of Optare Spectas, Plaxton Presidents and if we were lucky one of Ringwoods Scania Omnicities. I do miss these days, but it was a pleasant rattle-free journey this time. The journey seemed a lot quicker compared to the horrid winter evening journeys I used to make.
All in all it was a good day, and I certainly need to come back and spend another couple of days on Go South Coast buses.
Kite159
Veteran Member
Sounded like a good day on the buses
Techniquest
Veteran Member
You mention Optare Excels, oh MY LORDZ they were hellfire! I honestly can't remember what the M reg Merecedes we had before it (W408 UCJ) was but the Excel 2 was insanely fun and I miss it. Spectras are also beast, we've got rid of our 51 plate one not too long ago and now have an 03 reg one, ex-Reading Buses, up here. It's not quite the same though, although some of that will be down to nostalgia with the previous Spectra.
My most regular bus is a Merecedes MCV, probably about 17,500 miles off it now. Not a big fan of it to be honest!
Anyway, back to your trip report, that sounds like a rather enjoyable trip all in. Some very long journeys there, and the rattling Enviro to Salisbury had me wincing and feeling sorry for you!
My most regular bus is a Merecedes MCV, probably about 17,500 miles off it now. Not a big fan of it to be honest!
Anyway, back to your trip report, that sounds like a rather enjoyable trip all in. Some very long journeys there, and the rattling Enviro to Salisbury had me wincing and feeling sorry for you!
So it's been a long long time since I've posted in here, but figured I might try and post again.
No trip report now, but I have three trips currently lined up:
1. Flying from Newcastle - Wroclaw and then Rzeszow - Stansted later this month. Whilst neither the airline or plane are new to me (RyanAir B738), I will get to try three new airports (Newcastle / Wroclaw and Rzeszow), and I always love visiting Poland.
2. First class return from Euston to Carlisle in May, purchased in the sale not that long ago. I travel a fair bit on VTWC, but haven't experienced weekday first class in several years.
3. Flying from Heathrow - Frankfurt - Madrid - Heathrow in July. We'll be flying on a BA B767 between Heathrow and Frankfurt, then a LATAM B787 between Frankfurt and Madrid and finally one of the new Iberia A350's back to Heathrow. With two winning plane types (B767 / A350), three winning airlines (BA / LATAM / Iberia) and a winning airport (Madrid), I'm very much looking forward to it.
Should be a good couple of months!
No trip report now, but I have three trips currently lined up:
1. Flying from Newcastle - Wroclaw and then Rzeszow - Stansted later this month. Whilst neither the airline or plane are new to me (RyanAir B738), I will get to try three new airports (Newcastle / Wroclaw and Rzeszow), and I always love visiting Poland.
2. First class return from Euston to Carlisle in May, purchased in the sale not that long ago. I travel a fair bit on VTWC, but haven't experienced weekday first class in several years.
3. Flying from Heathrow - Frankfurt - Madrid - Heathrow in July. We'll be flying on a BA B767 between Heathrow and Frankfurt, then a LATAM B787 between Frankfurt and Madrid and finally one of the new Iberia A350's back to Heathrow. With two winning plane types (B767 / A350), three winning airlines (BA / LATAM / Iberia) and a winning airport (Madrid), I'm very much looking forward to it.
Should be a good couple of months!
Kite159
Veteran Member
Welcome back Mr Creed
Sounds like you have a good few trips lined up
Sounds like you have a good few trips lined up
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