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Jones the Steam's Great British Railway Journeys


tender
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post-11105-0-78967100-1489530470.jpg  Hello all.
Let's get on with the journey.

 
 
Day 3: Part 3 On to Birmingham New Street

 

1D39 1329 St Pancras International to Nottingham

East Midlands Trains service departing on 6th February 2017

14:48 East Midlands 222 007 departing Leicester.
post-11105-0-29906200-1489531066.jpg

Now that is dressed to my liking.

 

[Hereafter, my companion did not get the info off RTT before the availability ran out.  "Busy" She muttered!  Never mind,  I will just carry on.]

 

post-11105-0-09319400-1489530621.jpg

That hat has come to the rescue again.  I was sliding all over the place. Warm to the feet, too.

 

15:241/Coleshill Parkway

post-11105-0-28607500-1489529353.jpg

I wonder why it is that we always seem to get the window with the least exciting view at station stops.

 

We did get some better views coming into the Birmingham NS, though it would be great to get some pics on the other side of the train.

post-11105-0-84844400-1489530125.jpg

 

post-11105-0-94564400-1489530223.jpg

 

post-11105-0-48802900-1489530335.jpg

 

Next time, a picture on the wall and some writing on the train.

See you soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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post-11105-0-90005400-1489703346.jpg. Hello all.

Time for the last leg of this journey.

 

Day 3: Part 3 On to Birmingham New Street to Crewe - via Stafford

Why Stafford?  Because we broke our journey on the Outward journey, on the first day we had Return Tickets to Stafford.  On the second day we had Return Tickets from Stafford to March.  On the homeward run the train goes through Stafford so we just had to make sure the tickets were handy for the TTI if one came on at that point.  Anyway, down to business.

 

16:01 Birmingham to Crewe

350 108 London Midland

 

15:52 Our train arrives...

post-11105-0-22603900-1489704127.jpg

 

leaving us plenty of time to settle down in our seat...

post-11105-0-84888700-1489704558.jpg

 

to look at the rain...

post-11105-0-35327600-1489704796_thumb.jpg

 

and watch the sun go down night fall.

post-11105-0-73413600-1489704911.jpg

 

16:56  Arrive Crewe.  Time for a bite to eat and a hot drink.

The only table free was below this lovely Lady.

That's me in the shadows.

post-11105-0-41434000-1489704956.jpg

 

Day 3: Part 4 "I am not a number..."

 

17:49 Crewe to Bangor

Virgin Trains Super Voyager 221106 Willem Barents

 

Onto Platform 11...

post-11105-0-14097500-1489705372.jpg

 

for the home train.

post-11105-0-86534500-1489705604.jpg

 

It looks like I am stuck up here.  Better keep smiling...keep Them happy!

post-11105-0-15132100-1489705676.jpg

 

19:20  I just had to get these when we got off the train..

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post-11105-0-57732100-1489706314.jpg

 

post-11105-0-59958700-1489710822.jpg

 

19:221/ Sometimes, you just cannot get from one end of the train to the other before it pulls out. 

Ah, well.  A blurred action shot to finish, then!

post-11105-0-21340200-1489706544.jpg

 

Thanks for dropping in.

I hope you will join me on my next journey.

  - BE -

SEEING

  YOU

 

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post-11105-0-03537600-1490389806.jpg  Hello all.

Welcome to my sixth adventure on my
Great British Railway Journeys.

Off to March, again, but by a different route

and combining it with a visit to Uxbridge.

 
 

Journey 6: Friday 17 to Monday 20 March 2017

Accompanied by Tender and Southern42

Using Realtime Trains

 

Day 1: Part 1 Bangor to London Euston

This was interesting as we had originally planned to go on the 1340 but the 1425 single was cheaper.  So,  off to the station only to find out we could only book the other single online!  ...We decided to stick to the 1425 as we only had times for the following trains of the day to hand...not that it was that useful on the outward journey...

 

 

1A48 1358 Holyhead to London Euston

Virgin Trains (West Coast) service departing on 17th March 2017

 

Depart Bangor 1426 RT  Arrive Euston 1376 RT

 

post-11105-0-93078100-1490391779.jpg

Not long to wait in the Cafe.

 

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Of course, it has been raining so, it is a bit on the dark side.

 

1432 Abergwyngregyn (Known locally as Aber)

This time, seat reservations on the mountainous side.

post-11105-0-49620300-1490392768.jpg

 

1435 Penmaenmawr (Known locally as Pen)

post-11105-0-65965600-1490393518.jpg

Yes, that is snow up top.

 

1440 Conwy

post-11105-0-62572300-1490392017.jpg

Coming out of Conwy Tunnel

 

Then it got too dark...

 

1703

post-11105-0-93227000-1490392707.jpg

but I just had to get this one where we stopped at Milton Keynes,

just for the record, you understand. 

 

17363/4

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A quick snap at Euston on our way out to Part Two of our journey, to identify our train,

Super Voyager 221 103 Christopher Columbus.

 

INTERLUDE...to wet your appetite for Part Two

A quick walk across to London King's Cross KGX

 

1747 Tour bus outside Hotel St Pancras

post-11105-0-53281600-1490395359.jpg

 

1749 Clock tower King's Cross

post-11105-0-47720300-1490396503.jpg

 

1758 Western Concourse King's Cross

post-11105-0-37947400-1490395432.jpg

 

Now, what Plarform do we want?

post-11105-0-50586100-1490396169.jpg

We will have to wait...

 

See you soon, thanks for looking in.

 

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post-11105-0-22237200-1490481643.jpg  Time to discover which Platform...

 

Day 1: Part 2 London King's Cross to March

 

1N29 1819 London Kings Cross to Newcastle

Virgin Trains East Coast service departing on 17th March 2017

 

 

We eventually hear the announcement of Platform 4.

OK.  So, who spotted the clue in my previous post for our train to Peterborough?

Hey, hey.  I managed to talk my companions into going on the Virgin Trains East Coast InterCity 225 train, the one with the DVT thingy.  You could tell the coach's age - seat reservations were paper on the back of the seat, not that we could get one.

After the mad dash of the crowd onto the train and getting boxed in by the gangway connection, once moving (5 minutes late - people were still getting on the train!), we venture through the coach door.  Lo and behold, an empty seat!  [Toss you for it!]  And I get somewhere to sit.  He (standing) gets to go for coffee, negotiating persons sitting on the floor.

 

post-11105-0-23244300-1490482721.jpg

 

1923¼  5 minutes late leaving - 16 minutes late arriving at Peterborough.  We miss our connection to March.

Rushed photo of 822218 pulling out of Platform 4 as we shoot off to find out about the next train - and get something to eat while we wait for it.

post-11105-0-68971600-1490485512.jpg

 

 

2L83 1950 Peterborough to Colchester

Greater Anglia service departing on 17th March 2017

Depart 1951 1L  Platform 7

 

1945 Plenty of time to get sorted in this one before we get going..

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2009 Arrive March - The arched windows are a giveaway.

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And a quick supper in March on our way to our lodgings.

post-11105-0-01633900-1490484966_thumb.jpg

 

Join me next time for a walk through town and a mystery tour.

 

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Interlude

 

post-11105-0-98338600-1490730604.jpg  Hello, all.

The outside film crew were busy today on a photo shoot west of Llanfairfechan station.  They had orders to get some pics of the 1A48 1358 Holyhead to London Euston 10-car Super Voyager we travelled on last Friday.

 

1430

post-11105-0-07062800-1490732456.jpg

 

1432   And one with me.

post-11105-0-21508300-1490730555.jpg

 

End of interlude

 

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post-11105-0-49139000-1490818818.jpg  Oh, look! We have another Interlude.

It seems the outside film crew returned to the track, today, to get some more shots of the 10-car Super Voyager.  I see they got all ten cars in the frame this time! Champion, as they say round here. 

 

1A48 1358 Holyhead to London Euston

Passing Llanfairfechan 1433 RT

 

From Platform 2 (down platform)

post-11105-0-40180200-1490819276.jpg

 

From the footbridge

post-11105-0-63750600-1490819868.jpg

 

post-11105-0-02174300-1490819927.jpg

 

post-11105-0-36527500-1490821990.jpg

 

 

End of Interlude 2

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post-11105-0-82160600-1491085073.jpg  Enough interludes!

Back to business in and around March.

 

Back shortly

 

EDIT Slight hiccup, folks.  That was YESTERDAY.

First, I hit the Add Reply button by mistake, with just my introduction.  Next thing I know, Tender is telling me there are loads of pics, and some of your "likes", but no text.  I guess the editor must have saved undeleted images in the Full Editor (without me realising it) before I had added the comments.    :banghead:

I think everything is in order now.

 

Day 2: Part 1  To and fro in March
After breakfast, we walked through town across the River Nene (old course) with the town hall clock tower in the background on the east side of the bridge...

 

post-11105-0-74282900-1491085574.jpg

 

and a set of murals, with interesting looking loco, on the west side.

 

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0948
Over the crossing, and a view across the up sidings of a couple of unidentified Freightliner 66s in the distance on the down sidings. 

 

post-11105-0-25535900-1491085997.jpg

 

Later, on a shopping trip, we were held up at the crossing

1312
4L29 0830 Birch Coppice Gbrf to Felixstowe North Gbrf
Runs SO

Maritime 66727 hauling containers

 

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post-11105-0-13992200-1491086388.jpg

 

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This reminded me of an article in the March issue of "The Railway Magazine" which raised the point of improving the A14 for more lorries carrying containers by lorry rather than improving the adjacent railway line for long trains already carrying containers on the same route.

 

 

Next time, I will take you on our mystery tour but leave you a clue to be getting on with.

 

post-11105-0-06075300-1491090715.jpg

Edited by tender
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post-11105-0-58312000-1491165880.jpg  A bit of a muddle with my previous post, since edited.  See above.  I hope I have not confused you too much. 

 

 

Day 3: Mystery Tour

Accompanied by Tender and Southern42 and guided tour by 61663.

 

After lunch, we went to town with 61663 (not of this parish) for a couple of items, then, on the way back he took us for the walk he had promised us.  

 

North of the railway, we came to the clue in yesterday's post - the bridge over the Wisbech branch, seen here from March station.

 

post-11105-0-38418800-1491167568.jpg

 

Looking towards Wisbech.

 

post-11105-0-02122900-1491167790.jpg

 

Whitemoor Yard is to the left; Wisbech branch goes off to the right.

 

post-11105-0-59133800-1491167861.jpg

 

A closer view of the junction.

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Then off down the footpath...

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but we could only see the tops of the yard lights behind an embankment.

 

On the way back, we could see the layout of the triangle with the east-west mainline (Ely-Peterborough).

 

post-11105-0-88328900-1491168620.jpg

 

post-11105-0-09836100-1491168740.jpg

 

On the other side of the bridge looking down - towards March station (east)...

 

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turning to the right, a watery island is enclosed by track...

 

post-11105-0-02214600-1491169420.jpg

 

and continuing right towards Peterborough (west).

 

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Then back to abode 61633 for a well deserved cuppa.

 

 

Coming up next:  home via Uxbridge.

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  • 2 weeks later...

post-11105-0-02798900-1492115522.jpg  Hello all.

Time for the homeward run, a bit of scenery, and lots of trains.

 

Day 4: Part 1 March for Peterborough

 

1000 March station main entrance

 

post-11105-0-14298500-1492118750.jpg

 

post-11105-0-39303000-1492118890_thumb.jpg

 

1004 Sand train spotted in the up siding so headed for the end of the platform to get closer - but not close enough, really.  Photo cropped!

post-11105-0-89276200-1492119312.jpg

 

 

1008 170 271 Arriving on Platform 2

2L73 0950 Peterborough to Ipswich

Greater Anglia service

 

post-11105-0-36888500-1492120264.jpg

 

1032 170 102 Arriving on Platform 2

1L00 0710 Gloucester to Stansted Airport

CrossCountry service

 

post-11105-0-01639600-1492120386.jpg

 

1039 March to Peterborough

1N49 0921 Stansted Airport to Birmingham New Street

CrossCountry service departing on 20th March 2017 

Running 6L  Arrive Peterborough 5L

 

post-11105-0-11563900-1492120533.jpg

 

1050 Past a quarry...(Must Farm, Whittlesey)

 

post-11105-0-28328500-1492122556.jpg

 

post-11105-0-56894200-1492122621.jpg

 

And a pile of sand

 

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1053 Research Test Vehicle 31 (RTV 31) at Railworld

 

post-11105-0-91727700-1492125079.jpg

 

and cropped...

 

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1057 That magnificent bridge at Peterborough

 

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1107 Our train arrives

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While we wait for the next leg of our journey, here is a link to Must Farm for the Bronze Age Settlement excavation 2015-16: http://www.mustfarm.com/bronze-age-settlement/about/.

Edited by tender
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post-11105-0-19064100-1492205397.jpg  OK, then.

Off to King's Cross and see how far we get.

 

Day 4: Part 2 Peterborough to King's Cross and Uxbridge

 

1A20 0945 Leeds to London Kings Cross

Virgin Trains East Coast service departing on 20th March 2017

 

Depart Peterborough 1109¾ 1L

 

Great, She got a photo with me and the bridge but what is our train number?  Guess I will have to wait.

post-11105-0-86534800-1492207369.jpg

 

A piece of art Our coach number for me to check out later.

 

post-11105-0-82659100-1492205853.jpg

 

It turns out this is the food bar only we were dining in Uxbridge so skipped the coffee.

 

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1156 We arrived on time so I managed to persuade my companions to walk down to the end of the platform to identify our train and get some pics. 

 

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And long walk back to the front end

 

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And still plenty of time to get to Uxbridge by 1315.

 

See you there....next time.

 

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post-11105-0-55248900-1492289316.jpg  The homeward run via Uxbridge to meet a friend.

 

 

Day 4: Part 3 King's Cross to Bangor via Uxbridge

 

After the photo shoot down on King;s Cross platform, we turned right out of the station to the Underground and straight onto the Uxbridge train.  We could not have timed it better!

 

Kings Cross-UXBRIDGE  Metropolitan Line

 

Departs 12:07    Arrives 12:56      Total time: 49mins

 

post-11105-0-76597100-1492290409.jpg

 

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Station cafe for lunch and very tasty it was too.

 

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And our meeting soon comes to an end

 

UXBRIDGE- Euston          Metropolitan

Departs 15:01    Arrives 15:46      Total time: 45mins

 

 

Back at Euston, and not allowed on the 1610, we wait for the 1710 over a hot drink and something hot and crusty in the newly refurbished station.

 

post-11105-0-67438700-1492292687.jpg

 

Finally, we are leave Euston and head into the sunset.

 

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1800  We pass Rugby cememt works

 

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1826  Then Rugeley B Power Station (closed 8 June 2016 and soon to be no more) before it gets dark.

 

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And it is goodnight to our train.

 

post-11105-0-49323200-1492296229.jpg

 

And goodnight and Happy Easter from me (and Them).

 

 

Edited by tender
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  • 1 month later...

post-11105-0-67921700-1496920083.jpg   Hello all.

Welcome to my seventh adventure on my
Great British Railway Journeys.

This time, to Peterborough
via March, which you should know quite well, by now,
but I will try and add something a bit different.  There will be lots of rail stuff, anyway.

 
 

Journey 7: Friday 2 to Monday 5 June 2017

Accompanied by Tender and Southern42

Using Realtime Trains

 

Day 1: Part 1 Bangor (Gwynedd) - Crewe - Stafford

 

1305  Coming into Platform 1, as we arrived at the station, was the:

 

1V96 1232 Holyhead to Maesteg

Arriva Trains Wales service departing on 2nd June 2017

Depart Bangor 1307 RT

 

post-11105-0-65863200-1496925144.jpg

In the background is the old engine shed.

 

post-11105-0-89956500-1496925869.jpg

1310  Me on Platform 1 waiting for the:

 

1A43 1252 Holyhead to London Euston

Virgin Trains (West Coast) service departing on 2nd June 2017

Depart Bangor 1321 RT Arrive Crewe 1458 4L

 

At least we get a Super Voyager - 221103 Christopher Columbus
...and another nameplate to add to the collection.

post-11105-0-29980300-1496925943.jpg

 

Platform 6 Crewe, we wait for the:

 

1L81 1434 Liverpool Lime Street to Birmingham New Street

London Midland service departing on 2nd June 2017

Depart Crewe 1519 RT Arrive Stafford 1537 2L Platform 4

 

post-11105-0-76345300-1496928905.jpg

 

...and we're off.

post-11105-0-38574100-1496929205.jpg

 

Over on Platform 1 at Stafford, we wait for the:

 

1U36 1502 Crewe to London Euston

London Midland service departing on 2nd June 2017

Depart Stafford 1555 RT Arrive Nuneaton 1633¼ RT

 

...and fit in a bit of trainspotting.

.

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post-11105-0-05222700-1496930585.jpg

 

Clicked wrong button by mistake - still finishing this post - don't go far...

Edited by tender
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post-11105-0-44448500-1496944594.jpg  Sorted.

Welcome back.

Now it is time to continue our journey..

 

Day 1: Part 2 Stafford - Nuneaton - March
 
1U36 1502 Crewe to London Euston
London Midland service departing on 2nd June 2017
Depart Stafford 1555 RT Arrive Nuneaton 1633¼ RT
 
At Nuneaton, there is plenty of scope for trainspotting and for the enthusiast photographer, one of which got on our train.  Just a few examples running today - the slower ones!.
 
457P 1548 Lawley Street F.L.T. to Southampton M.C.T.
Runs on 2nd June 2017

I am happy to catch this one as we pass the Lawley Street container depot on a Birmingham New Street connection, though not this tiem.
 
I spot this!
post-11105-0-20278700-1496932354.jpg

 
However, the camera actually sees this, though, it does include a container which helps to identify the train...
post-11105-0-64247800-1496933386.jpg
 
 
4L18 1418 Trafford Pk Euro Tml Gbrf to Felixstowe North Gbrf
Runs on 2nd June 2017


66708 "Jayne" on Platform 5
post-11105-0-05957200-1496932536.jpg
 
6M40 1156 Westbury Up T.C. to Cliffe Hill Stud Farm Gbrf
Runs on 2nd June 2017

 
66767 passes Platform 7
post-11105-0-11968200-1496932915.jpg
 
After hours of sitting on the train, how about a bit of exercise?
post-11105-0-78300600-1496932477.jpg
 
Our train to March is next to arrive on Platform 7.
 
1L48 1622 Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport
CrossCountry service departing on 2nd June 2017
Depart Nuneaton 1657¼ 4L Arrive March 1833 RT
 
post-11105-0-44833900-1496933499.jpg
 
1734  A Melton Mowbray pork pie to eat as we pass Melton Mowbray.  Do you like my napkin?  A touch of Poirot is called for sometimes.
post-11105-0-11126000-1496944196.jpg


1810 Overtaken...

1A66 1518 Sunderland to London Kings Cross
Grand Central service departing on 2nd June 2017


post-11105-0-64012300-1496944881.jpg
 
Mad dash to catch our train over the level crossing after it got us here, for the first time, in daylight!
post-11105-0-59601600-1496933953.jpg

 

Thanks for dropping in.

Don't forget to join me, next time, for an anniversary in Peterboro'.

 

 

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post-11105-0-31361900-1497304352.jpg  Hello all.  Party time
but first we have to get to Peterboro'.!
 
Day 2: Part 1 March - Peterborough
 
...and a chance to see a different freight train.
 
659A 0813 Mountsorrel Sdgs to Trowse Yard Redland Siding
Runs on 3rd June 2017
March Up R.S. Arrive 1021 Depart 1057 3E
 
Hauled by 66168
post-11105-0-01541100-1497305678.jpg
 
post-11105-0-94783700-1497305800.jpg

 
Up train departing...
1L00 0707 Gloucester to Stansted Airport
CrossCountry service departing on 3rd June 2017
Depart March 1035
 
...as our (down) train arrives.
1N49 0927 Stansted Airport to Birmingham New Street
CrossCountry service departing on 3rd June 2017
Depart March 1036 3L Arrive Peterborough 1052 2L
 
post-11105-0-42084400-1497306179.jpg
 
post-11105-0-34249600-1497306894.jpg
The 659A train, visible in the up siding, departs later.
 
 
Going back a few days...
 
5Z46 0956 Southall Wcr to Orton Mere
West Coast Railway Company service departing on 25th May 2017
46100 + Support coach Arrive 1530
 
Now, let the party begin!  40th Anniversary on the Nene Valley Railway.
 
1053 From Peterborough Mainline, we found our way to the NVR via the footpath which runs along the River Nene, the Deltic disappearing out of sight, on the other side of the river, on its way to Wansford.  Rats! Missed it!

 

1115  We arrive at Peterborough NVR five minutes too late for the 1110 to Wansford but the very helpful people at the ticket office suggest an alternative to hanging around for over an hour - and sold us a couple of bottles of water!.  Thus, we follow the footpath along the railway and arrive at Orton Mere at 1200 noon.  In the hot sun, we were just thankful for those bottles of water and the shady spots along the way... 

 

Pictures next time...

Edited by tender
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post-11105-0-30934000-1497385095.jpg  So, we are all set for the big day, then.
Very good.  Enjoy the pics.
 

Day 2: Part 2 Orton Mere to Wansford

 

post-11105-0-24846800-1497385436.jpg
 
We arrive at Orton Mere...
 
post-11105-0-30651800-1497385844.jpeg
 
in time to see 46100 Royal Scot run round its train before heading back to Wansford tender first.
post-11105-0-30030200-1497386353.jpeg

I was over the moon when someone wanted to be in the picture with me.
post-11105-0-90425000-1497386483.jpeg

 
Depart Orton Mere 1225
Arrive Wansford 1245 (20 min ride)

 

Check out the blue thing...
post-11105-0-41708300-1497388055.jpg

 

post-11105-0-17439300-1497388126.jpg
 

Nice.
post-11105-0-08220200-1497388281.jpeg
 
We stopped for lunch then went out to see the Southern Battle of Britain 34061 92 Squadron on the turntable.
post-11105-0-78869100-1497388751.jpg
 
Then a short ride along the Yarwell Branch Line on the veranda of the continental coach.
 
post-11105-0-41667000-1497391029.jpeg
 
post-11105-0-08478600-1497392073_thumb.jpg
Plaque below works plate: Hudswell, Clarke & Co Ltd Railway Foundry, Leeds 1947, No. 1800

 
Depart Wansford 1400

 

...through the tunnel to Yarwell Junction

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...pushed by the diesel at the rear.

Out into fresh air and Thomas takes over once more.
 
Arrive 1405 (5 min)

 
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Depart Yarwell Junction 1415

Arrive Wansford 1420 (5 min)

 

...in time to catch 34061 92 Squadron

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and a view over the station

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Depart Wansford 1440

 

Next time, join me for more pics at the other end of the line.

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post-11105-0-11252100-1497647485.jpg  Welcome back for more on the NVR.
 
Day 2: Part 3 Wansford to Peterborough
 
Depart Wansford 1440
 
Once I got settled, I enjoyed the return trip.behind 46100 Royal Scot.

 

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You can just make out the outline of some of the architectural detail on the Old Station Building

 

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Wansford signal box

 

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We were told that Ferry Meadows was renamed Overton as part of the NVR's 40th Anniversary celebrations and they certainly did well with the bunting..

 

Some views looking out across the flood plain.

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Arrive Orton Mere 1458

 

We bid farewell to 34061 which continues on to Peterborough...

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while we meet up with the train which has just ended its day running brake van rides.

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At the other end of the platform, we watch the arrival of our train to Peterborough.

 

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Depart Orton Mere 1523

Arrive Peterborough 1528

 

You can tell we are back in Peterborough by the distinctive bridge.

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We have passed the RVT (at Railworld) before.  It turns out it is adjacent to the Peterborough end of the NVR, and part of the road we came along runs along the bit of mainline from which we first saw the RVT.

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The section of the bridge across the river on the walk back to the Mainline station, via the shopping precinct this time.

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I checked it out on the map to see how it all fits together.

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A great day, must come again.

Next time, a bit of trainspotting before heading off home.

 

 

P.S.  I believe the original loco 55018 Ballymoss was named after the racehorse.  I am more familiar with Sir Ivor, of course.

 

 

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That surprised me a little. I suppose I haven't ridden on the NVR for a long time.

 

Yarwell Junction opened about 2005/06 but there WAS an earlier practice of reversing trains there and back again, to give a longer ride. It hasn't been a junction of any sort, for many years. It has the disadvantage of being an amputated stump of a former route, rather than a destination in its own right, although it IS a pleasing location; rather like NYMR's Levisham, journeys there need planning with care. I don't know whether its still true, but last time I looked, the A1M severed the footpath and the short walk from Yarwell to Wansford wasn't possible. There is a very pleasant, but little-used path leading across the outlying areas of Ferry Meadows, across the pedestrian access on the rail bridge and ending at the Old Great North Road, now a layby loop serving the original village E of the A1M.

 

Wansford is generally credited with being the location for the filming for a range of films and programmes, including most famously, James Bond. Most of the filming was done there but Ham Lane was also used. There is a story around the interweb, of a scene involving a car being propelled across the tracks into a lake; this may refer to the level crossing at Orton Mere, the only location close to a lake? The helicopter landing on the train in "Goldeneye" was filmed there, and the "tunnel" in one shot is actually the overbridge sometimes known locally as Cherry Wood, W of Ham Lane. The Railway refers to this Bridge as Mill Road, and it is reported to be partly constructed from stone blocks originally used as sleepers on the original line.

 

There is a "ghost" station between Wansford and Ferry Meadows, the former Castor station. It was struck by a "flying bomb" in 1945, which must have been well and truly off course.... Nothing survives of the station structures but the road access, level crossing and a metalled hardstanding can be seen there.

 

I've always thought of the station referred to as "Overton" or "Ferry Meadows" as Ham Lane, its original name. Ham Lane appears on various plans as the name of the level crossing.

 

Orton Mere was the original Eastern terminus of the line.

 

Longueville, sometimes Longville Junction is the latest reconstruction of the junction with a line variously known as the Sugar Loop, Woodston Loop and other names, which forms NVR's connection to the main line network. Longueville is the correct spelling of the former village and parish nearby, now part of Peterborough's suburbs. It has fencing, a foot crossing but no structures or platforms.

 

There is another "ghost depot" at Wharf Road, once an industrial site accommodating various businesses peripheral to the sugar refinery. Nothing remains of the Railway structure.

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post-14049-0-27161600-1497990331.jpg  Hello all and thanks to rockershovel for some interesting pointers on the NVR.

Time, now, to head back to March.
 
Day 2: Part 4 Peterborough to March
 
Some trainspotting while we wait for our train:
 

644B 1339 Middleton Towers to Arpley Sidings
Runs on 3rd June 2017
Trailing load 2400 tonnes

 

Sand train (quarry near King’s Lynn to Warrington)

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66097 in DB Schenker livery

 

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Construction hoppers

 

1L44 1422 Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport

CrossCountry service departing on 3rd June 2017

Depart Peterborough 1618½ RT Arrive March 1633 RT

 

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post-14049-0-08025700-1497990932.jpg

 

 

And a few more at the level crossing

 

1N61 1527 Stansted Airport to Birmingham New Street

CrossCountry service departing on 3rd June 2017

 

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These on a walk to the shops and back on Sunday.

 

1R82 1047 Norwich to Liverpool Lime Street

East Midlands Trains service departing on 4th June 2017

Pass March 1158 4L

 

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1L08 1240 Nottingham to Norwich

East Midlands Trains service departing on 4th June 2017

Pass March 2L 1400

 

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Sadly, the next journey will be homeward bound but via a different route and a few more trains.

So do join me next time and thanks for dropping by.

 

 

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post-11105-0-56396300-1502473177.jpg Hello all.

What with loads of summer visitors coming into my part of Wales, it has been a real busy time on the Merioneth and Llantisilly Railway but I have finally managed a short away break, this time in my companion's car, so more of a journey by road, but I did catch a train or two.

 

Journey 8: Wednesday 2 to Monday 7 August 2017

Accompanied by Tender and Southern42

Using Realtime Trains

 

Day 1: Bangor to March - trainwatch at Carrog

 

By the time we arrived at Carrog, it was raining so I opted to stay in the car with instructions to my companions to get some pictures, expecting to see BR 4MT 2-6-4T 80072 or large Prairie 5199.  What came round the curve was a GWR tank but it was not the Prairie!

 

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Plenty of steam from the 11:20 Carrog to Corwen East, Class 1500 0-6-0 1501 on an 8-day loan from the Severn Valley Railway.

 

 

 

Train journey next time...

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post-11105-0-18262900-1502656207.jpg  A short trip, this time, but more trains than expected.
 
Day 2: March to Peterborough
 
 
As we were travelling by car, my companions did not think to bring their railcards!  They did agree to a short train trip though.  We came in via the Up platform and as there was already a train in, it was a good opportunity to get a close up of the way in via a footpath off the main road. 
 
post-11105-0-68090700-1502656387.jpg

 

post-11105-0-86345000-1502656317.jpg
2L77 1350 Peterborough to Ipswich
Greater Anglia service departing on 3rd August 2017
RT
 
 

We were going the other way so we crossed the bridge over to the ticket office.on the Down platform.  Then the fun began.
 
Our train to Peterboro was due at 1432 but there were mixed messages given out on the platform causing some confusion.  The train came up on the board as Cancelled AND Delayed.  So is it coming or not?  We were informed that the train's cancellation was due to "signal failure."   Assured at the ticket office that the train WAS coming, I went out for a photo shoot.
 
Checking it out later, the cancelled / delayed information was explained on RTT thus:
 
WTT  1432 Cancel Stansted Airport            1N57 XC Birmingham New Street 1432 Cancel
STP   1431 1451    Cambridge                    1Z57 XC Birmingham New Street 1432 1452
 

The 1N57 1327 Stansted Airport to Cambridge // CrossCountry service departing on 3rd August 2017
further stated:

"This service was cancelled between Cambridge and Birmingham New Street due to a points failure (IB)"

So, there we are.

Now.  Time for those photos!

 

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Signals at the end of Platform 1

 

1433 Cross Country and GBRf 66747
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1L40 1222 Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport
CrossCountry service departing on 3rd August 2017  1E
+
4Z33 1122 Felixstowe South Gbrf to Doncaster Railport (Gbrf)
Runs on 3rd August 2017 10L
Diesel locomotive, trailing load 1475 tonnes
 

14:40:27 Colas 66850
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14:41 Heading down the triangle towards Whitemoor Yard

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603P 1000 Hoo Junction Up Yard to Whitemoor Yard L.D.C Gbrf
Runs on 3rd August 2017 1L
Diesel locomotive, trailing load 1400 tonnes
Whitemoor Yard 1445 1E

 
14:48:29  Freightliner 66518

post-11105-0-17170000-1502656323.jpg
422F 1228 Doncaster Ept (F'liners) to Felixstowe North F.L.T.
Runs on 3rd August 2017 1E
Diesel locomotive, trailing load 1235 tonnes
 
14:51:29 and our train finally turns up.

post-11105-0-80810300-1502656323.jpg.
Cross Country 170639
1Z57 1401 Cambridge to Birmingham New Street
CrossCountry service departing on 3rd August 2017 19L
 
 
Peterborough next stop and a bit of shopping...

 

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post-11105-0-61276000-1502743657.jpg  Well, we arrived at Peterboro.

 

Day 2: Part 2 Peterborough

 

15:10 As we leave the station, Class 387/1 is standing in Platform 1a.

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2P16 1334 London Kings Cross to Peterborough Terminates here

Great Northern service departing on 3rd August 2017

Becomes:
2P55 1519 Peterborough to London Kings Cross

Great Northern service departing on 3rd August 2017

 

We take a long walk across the city in the heat of the sun...

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arriving at out destination at 15:44

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He bought some peekaboo bullhead track...(...I wonder if it is for me?...hmmm....probably not...wrong gauge, scale and type for Ivor, I guess!)  Anyway, after a good look round, it was time to get back for the return train...and buy a couple of bottles of water from the nearby convenience store.  It was still hot and we still had a long walk back.  Well, they did, I hitched a ride in the rucksack!

 

17:04 We arrived at the station with 10 minutes to spare so I had a chance to get a photo of the train in Platform 5, opposite.

 

It occupied the full length of the Platform

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and disappeared round the curve out of sight.

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4Z26 1313 Felixstowe North Gbrf to Masborough N&W Gbrf

Runs on 3rd August 2017

Diesel locomotive, trailing load 1475 tonnes

Arrive Peterborough 1628 Depart 1722 2E

 

17:12 Our return train to March arrives on time.

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1L46 1522 Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport

CrossCountry service departing on 3rd August 2017 RT

 

 

17:37 When we arrive at March, we meet up with offspring coming in on 170101 from the opposite direction.

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1N63 1627 Stansted Airport to Birmingham New Street

CrossCountry service departing on 3rd August 2017 5L

 

19:01 On our way back to the B&B we were stopped at the level crossing for 158799...

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and notice that there is a different Poster on the billboard.  Not quite as vibrant as the last one!

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1L13 1452 Liverpool Lime Street to Norwich

East Midlands Trains service departing on 3rd August 2017 RT

 

 

A bit of a cultural trip on Day 3

but it is 'bye for now.

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post-14049-0-48234200-1502817566.jpg

 

Day 3: March to Ely

 

We had a15 minute wait before our train so I took an exploratory walkabout on Platform 2.

 

12:20 Behind Platform 2 are the disused platforms where the Friends of March Railway Station (FOMRS) meet once a month.

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One of the flower barrels planted by the FOMRS.

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12:32 And our train arrives

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1L36 1022 Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport

CrossCountry service departing on 4th August 2017 2L

Arrive Ely Platform 2 1254¾ 4L

 

12:42 Passing Fields west of the village of Manea

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12:44 Over the Old Bedford River and the Hundred Foot Washes east of Manea

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12:52 Along the River Great Ouse as the railway runs into Ely.

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12:57 View across the station.

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Next time, do join me out and about in Ely.

 

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post-11105-0-65131800-1503084564.jpg  So, off we go for another walk.

 

Day 3: Part 2 Ely

This time, destination city centre and, yes, we head for the Cathedral.

 

The ceiling, painted in Victorian times, catches our eye.  Thankfully, we can zoom in on the photo these days!  It sure is a long way up.

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Next we get (pleasantly) held up in the choir stalls due to a guided tour coming in the opposite direction.  We listen in on the interesting talk until they disperse.

 

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More windows around a dome to the south.

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Obligatory stop in the cathedral cafe for afternoon tea...

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followed by a walk round the outside of the cathedral.

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16:09 Platform 2, waiting for the train back to March.

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16:15:27 Our train arrives

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1N61 1527 Stansted Airport to Birmingham New Street

CrossCountry service departing on 4th August 2017 1L

Arrive March 1636 4L

 

16:35:58 Back in March over the Level Crossing

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Thanks for popping in.

Why not join me later for an evening meal and a walk through town?

 

 

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post-11105-0-82270900-1503180065.jpg  Hello, again.

 

Day 3: Part 2 Evening in March

 

You are just in time for our evening meal in the old Hippodrome cinema, dark inside but our table was well lit.

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Then a walk back through town before it got dark outside.

 

The Victorian fountain, made in Scotland by Walter MacFarlane and Co. of Saracen Foundry (see link below)*, looked its very best in the evening sun.  Something you modellers might like - apparently these fountains came as a kit!

post-11105-0-91322000-1503180151.jpg

 

The town clock looked splendid as well.

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And what about this beauty above the MOT centre?  Fantastic.

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Lastly, our B&B on the left.  A good hearty breakfast to look forward to...

post-11105-0-06788200-1503180154.jpg

 

 

* The fountain and animal troughs have both been removed from the Memorial but how the fountain may have looked can be seen in photos of similar fountains:  http://www.themarchsociety.org.uk/msocmain.php?page=fountain

 

Next morning we take a walk out of town and see some old steam, some London buses, and a bit of dancing.  See you then.

 

 

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