tender Posted August 20, 2017 Author Share Posted August 20, 2017 (edited) Bright sunny morning - Rain later.Day 4: Part 1 Show Time!South out of March and, waiting for the traffic to clear first (no pedestrian crossings here!), we cross the A141 onto the other end of Knight's End Road, heading for the Ramsey Steam and Vintage Show on the Auction Field, A bit under 2 mlles, past housing development, which spreads south and west along the roads like octopus tentacles; open fields; and farm buildings; and it was already hot and clammy, if not sunny! Just as well I was clipped to Her belt and not stuck in the rucksack!The road is typically straight for this area, as in those "How to draw perspective" art books, She says...and..."No! It isn't going to rain! Not 'til lunchtime. Keep an eye on those clouds, though!"Anyway, on with the show and steam, lots of it!Now, this guy, I was told, drinks a lot and the guy on the other side, smokes a lot! Just about sums up this fire engine, really!Lots of this stuff lying around, of course?And how about this for a working model?and dancers...known as Sutton Masque, Border dancing in the Fens, and a very friendly bunch they were, too - despite appearances! A great day, lots of cars, bikes (sorry, motorbikes), tractors, lorries...and buses from...Sarf...and West LundunLater, on the way back, we saw a couple on the other side of the A141 crossroads trying to cross the road. Off to the Vintage and Steam Show? We didn't find out...they were still waiting to cross the road as we crossed over! Tricky bit of road that for pedestrians, as I said above.More later... In the meantime: Edited August 20, 2017 by tender 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted August 22, 2017 Author Share Posted August 22, 2017 Hello, time to leave the show.We start our walk back on the other side of the road. Day 4: Part 2 Back to town before the rain starts Now, that is an artistic display of bulrushes! I have not seen them in that situation before. Interesting. Beautiful! St Wendreda's Church... and its right of way through the tower. We continue to March and District Museum where we get engrossed in articles on the Soham railway disaster of 1944 and find a couple of spuds in the agricultural section, and I am not referring to potatoes! Then out into the rain which eases off by the time we get to the level crossing... and this beauty. 66718 Sir Peter Hendy OBE 14:40:18 She was jumping up and down with excitement...each to their own! It must be a London Transport thing! 0E03 1234 Felixstowe North Gbrf to Peterboro Maint Shed Gbrf Runs on 5th August 2017 3L Then we are off on family business... and, later, return to the B&B via the level crossing - no trains this time. Thanks for looking in and hope you will be back for journey's end when you will be treated to a bit of steam. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted August 23, 2017 Author Share Posted August 23, 2017 (edited) Glad you could join me on the last day of this trip. Day 5: Refreshment stopThe car journey is uneventful so a stop at Carrog is very refreshing. We make good time so we are able to enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea... before 80072 arrives from Llangollen on its way to Corwen East. It is soon time to head home to the top left-hand corner of Wales. I do hope you will join me on my next railway journey... Thanks for viewing. Edited August 23, 2017 by tender 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted August 24, 2017 Author Share Posted August 24, 2017 A little extra. We have had a video, but what about the out-takes? Bangor to March: Out-takes Me waiting to be photographed with the signals up above, somewhere. I picked up on this container because I recognised the livery. It was all over signs at the garage where one of the tyres on the car was recently changed. And notice all those cycles on the left! A sure sign that this part of the world is flat, I think. Not many cyclists use the Merioneth and Llantysilio railway. Not many people use the Merioneth and Llantysilio railway but they do love it. Another view of 80072 from the yard. Handy for modelling all those bits and pieces lying around. A building project in hand? Neatly stacked, by the way. Now, this little lot appeared along the M6. It somehow attached itself to the front of the car and was trailing down the passenger side like a very long kite tail. As She pulled it in through the window, the other end attached itself to the windscreen wiper and trailed over the top of the car but It all came in eventually. So where did it come from? My guess is, it came from these little fellas who must have been in a car in front of us. Their appearance on the back of my breakfast cereal packet seems to confirm it. Hope you enjoyed that. See you next time. 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium southern42 Posted September 19, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 19, 2017 Hello, again. No long train journeys, lately, but I managed to get a lift to the Redditch Show at the weekend. I heard my companions planning the route...Ooohh! Carrog cafe...and to tie in with the Llangollen-Corwen East train. Ooh-ooh...and...the cafe at Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway, It sounded like my luck was in! Stuck behind slow traffic, we see the Corwen East train already standing in the platform at Corwen East. No problem, we carry on to Carrog, have tea and cake before the train arrives back at Corwen, and still have time to grab some photos. Slowed down again by traffic further down the road but we arrive at Bridgnorth before the cafe is due to close and find a group of four at the next table, one of whom we know and is of this parish! Greetings exchanged and we are off onto the platform for some trainspotting. The magnificent view out of the window over to the other side of the valley with its sheer drop did not come out in the photo - too bright! A quick look at a little bit of building work going on alongside the station building... check out progress on the new member of the Riddles 3MT 2-6-2 tank class... and we are off again. We arrive at Redditch while the exhibition hall is being marked out, so we made good time, after all. My one and only layout photo: the AA man, getting ready to depart on his motorcycle after restoring the Speed 20 Alvis in British racing green back to good health. Well it is over 20 years old! I am surprised it had not been in an incident with the Police car! Or, maybe it had! They are talking about something... No trains on the way home, all closed up and locos back on shed. 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted October 15, 2017 Author Share Posted October 15, 2017 (edited) Hello and welcome to some great British train rides up and down the line on Llangollen Railway's Autumn Steam Gala behind not one, not two, but five steam locos. This was Friday's treat. I overheard my companion's saying it had been mentioned on another thread of this parish and I just could not resist going... Journey 9: Friday 13 October 2017 Accompanied by Tender and Southern42 despite the weather and the morning's disappointing forecast. However, we arrived in time for the first train of the day, the 0915 Carrog to Corwen and return to Carrog and onto Llangollen... in Auto No. 3 We were delayed at Glyndyfrdwy waiting for ... Sir Keith Park which had struggled up the hill. On the way, again, we are joined by the Large Prairie at Deeside Halt. Now, running more than 20 minutes late, we decide to stop at Berwyn for tea and cake while we wait for... the 1030 train from Llangollen which arrives just 10 minutes late... and gets us to Corwen in time to make a dash over the bridge for the 1110 to Llangollen, 34053 pulling away at 1118... through some spectacular Autumn landscape in some gorgeous Autumn sunshine. That was not in the forecast but it sure improved the day. 1146 at Llangollen, we are off the train and into the cafe at Llangollen for an early lunch ahead of the crowd. Then, back out on the platform for the 1315 to Carrog, first watching the heavy freight 2-8-0 run round its train and fill up at the water column. 1400 we arrive at Carrog and, yes, it is time for afternoon tea while the train continues to Corwen. We depart at 1510 for Llangollen on the last of the five locos, the large prairie. After a photo shoot at Llangollen... we return on the last train of the day, ending our journey at 1654 at Carrog while the train continues onto the end of the line, struggling to get going, hauling not just the train... but also the Bullied at the rear. Thank you for looking and hope you enjoyed that. Edited November 14, 2017 by tender 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted November 18, 2017 Author Share Posted November 18, 2017 (edited) Hello, everybody.Whoo hoo! Thank you for joining me for this, my T E N T H Great British Railway Journey, although I was a little under dressed for the sudden bout of cold weather. The trip had been planned awhile back but Saturday's outing came as a pleasant surprise when 61633 suggested it when we arrived, Friday afternoon. Journey 10: Friday 10 to Monday 13 November 2017 Bangor to MarchWeekend with companions Tender, Southern42, 61633, 08631 and RoomCar101 Using Realtime Trains Day 1: Bangor to March CHANGING @ Crewe / Stafford / Nuneaton / March As it was cold, I chose to wait for the train in the waiting room... (Like the colour!) and catch up on Network Railway information... until our train arrived. Bangor Crewe1A23 0855 Holyhead to London EustonVirgin Trains (West Coast) service departing on 10th November 2017 Depart Bangor 0922 RT Taking advantage of the rucksack to keep warm! They might think they are keeping me out of the way! [Tender: No, just safe!] Arrive Crewe 1054 Crewe Stafford 1L73 1034 Liverpool Lime Street to Birmingham New Street London Midland service departing on 10th November 2017 Depart Crewe 1119 Arrive Stafford 1139 Stafford Nuneaton 1U28 1102 Crewe to London Euston London Midland service departing on 10th November 2017 Depart Stafford 1155 RT Arrive Nuneaton 1235 RT Nuneaton March 1L40 1222 Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport CrossCountry service departing on 10th November 2017 Depart Nuneaton 1252 1L Approaching Whittlesey. Methinks the blurring caused by the train's speed gives this London brick works construction a fairground look or a ghostly, menacing appearance depending on how you look at it. A couple of links I found before I continue with the journey. The brick plant from the air: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Whittlesey,+Peterborough/@52.5582837,-0.1712483,81m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x4877fb2fc821b3bf:0x1f959f4a192ec057!8m2!3d52.5581179!4d-0.1300956 I found this video of the brick-making process fascinating, not being in the building trade. I do like the black bricks they make - reminds me of the coal stacks back home. http://forterra.co.uk/london-brick/london-video Arrive March 1438 4L Day 2: March to Ely A DAY OUT with 61633 1L34 0922 Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport CrossCountry service departing on 11th November 2017 Depart March 1134 RT Arrive Ely 1152¾ 1L Some shopping, lunch in one of the many tea rooms, then back to the station and a bit of loco spotting. 1Z65 1410 Norwich to London Kings Cross West Coast Railway Company service departing on 11th November 2017 Arrive Ely 1532¾ 2L Platforms 1 and 2 lined from end to end with spectators. We watched FS coming into Platform 2 from Platform 1. Then carefully negotiated the crowds to get up close on Platform 2. Depart Ely 1544½ 2L We return to March on the: 1N61 1527 Stansted Airport to Birmingham New Street CrossCountry service departing on 11th November 2017 Depart Ely 1616¼ RT Arrive March 1636 3L Hope you enjoyed that. Homeward journey to follow. Edited November 18, 2017 by tender 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 (edited) So, on with journey number ten. Day 3: March town On our walk to the shops and coffee shop, we are stopped for 675R 0655 Ruckholt Road Junction to Whitemoor Yard L.D.C Gbrf Runs on 12th November 2017 Pass March 1022 11L As we approach the level crossing, the lights are already flashing. Camera is at hand and the low sun is blinding but a photo is taken, anyway. An assortment of MHAs, MPAs, and other unidentified ballast wagons cross to the up track for the branch to the Yard. Day 4 March to Birmingham New Street 1N49 0921 Stansted Airport to Birmingham New Street CrossCountry service departing on 13th November 2017 Depart March 1038 6L In the Booking Hall but despite sun and blue skies... it is so cold outside, our platform has been salted. Fields have been ploughed... and buildings are being renovated. Arrive Birmingham New Street 1251¼ 13L DEL. We now have to rush round BNS concourse to get the Crewe train 1F44 1301 Birmingham New Street to Liverpool Lime Street London Midland service departing on 13th November 2017 Arrive Crewe 1358 2L Time for Hot Chocolate and a crusty baguette. Crewe to Chester 1D58 1423 Crewe to Chester Arriva Trains Wales service departing on 13th November 2017 Depart Crewe 1423¼ RT Passing 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, rostered for Euston to Holyhead, 18 November. [see next post] Arrive Chester 1446¼ Coffee and cake Chester to Bangor 1D14 1308 Birmingham International to Holyhead (via Shrewsbury and Wrexham) Arriva Trains Wales service departing on 13th November 2017 Depart Chester 1525¼ RT Arrive Bangor 1649 7L Blinded! Thanks for popping in and do join me, next time, when I go to Llandudno Junction... Edited November 20, 2017 by tender 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold ikks Posted November 20, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 20, 2017 Fabulous thread, I love the photos and places Jonesy visits..........takes me back 50 years!! Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted November 22, 2017 Author Share Posted November 22, 2017 (edited) Before doing my trip to Llandudno Junction to see the Cathedral's Express arrive, I thought I would find out about those buildings, on my previous post, which look as if they are being renovated. I was guessing here. Indeed, this is so. It is part of the Fletton Quays redevelopment on the site of the old Whitworth's flour mill. I shall have to see how this progresses. Llandudno Junction: Saturday 18 November 2017 Accompanied by Tender and Southern42 We go by car along the A55 to Llandudno Jn and the Colas hauled weedkiller train passes in the opposite direction on its way to Holyhead.355T 2120 Shrewsbury Coleham Ss to Shrewsbury Coleham SsRuns on 17th November 2017Passing Llandudno Jn 1017 10E 18th NovemberWe arrive at the Junction in plenty of time to have a cuppa in the station cafe before picking our spot to see the train's arrival. The latest details of the Cathedral's Express from Euston to Holyhead have been checked but the loco is not down as 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, which, we learn later, had "failed". Although some disappointment, we delight in her replacement,WCRC's Jubilee 45699 Galatea in its British Railways maroon livery. 1Z31 0710 London Euston to HolyheadWest Coast Railway Company service departing on 18th November 2017Arrive Llandudno Junction 1130 1E Galatea coming into Platform 1. At the end of the platform... and working back along the loco... doing my usual inspection... (It is good to see the hard knocks of the old lady - definitely a working horse, this one.) up into the cab... and a photo shoot with the friendly driver (Thanks.) Then time to say goodbye with a last look through the fence at the side of the superstore car park... among the buddleia. Filling in the missing gaps...Galatea departed Llandudno Junction for Holyhead 1225 RT, 37516 Loch Laidon at the rear. The weedkiller train returned and passed Llandudno Junction at 1300 11E but we were having lunch by then in Tess Coe's. Galatea returned and departed at 1715 5L and arrived at Crewe 1916¾ 4E. The train was diesel hauled to Euston arriving 2202¼ 4E. Edited November 22, 2017 by tender 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted January 4, 2018 Author Share Posted January 4, 2018 HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE. Sorry it is a bit late, but Ivor the Engine has kept me occupied with his silly idea of running Santa, Mince Pie, and New Year Specials. "It won't catch on, you know," I told him! "You stick to pulling coal wagons; delivering fish, hats and parcels; and doing day-trips to the seaside. Oh, and singing in the choir! Now, that's where you are needed. Santa trains, indeed! What? Do you think you are on a preservation line? Oh, dear!" I guess poor Ivor must be finding out about my travels and getting ahead of himself but he is doing a real proper job! I must tell him that and cheer him up again. To celebrate the New Year, below is a link to my 2018 Calendar for you to download and pin up in your railway room. The photos are from some of the Great British Railways I went on during 2017. Calendar 2018.pdf 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium southern42 Posted January 22, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 22, 2018 Hi all and welcome to another Great British railway journey. At last, another trip out east to Cambridgeshire to see what we can find. I am a bit late with it, but Ivor needed a good clean out after his Christmas and New Year activities, and, unlike BR, I do not have a band of cleaners to do the job. Apart from getting Ivor to take away a wagonful of ash, coal dust, and the like to the waste depot, the job is now done and he is spruced up and ready for the coming year. Journey 11: Friday 12 January 2018 Accompanied by Tender and Southern42 Day 1 Bangor to March Avoiding Birmingham New Street and going earlier than planned in case there are any repercussions from strike action on other train services such as possible delays or overcrowding. Train 1 Bangor - Chester Depart Bangor 1109 2L 1V95 1040 Holyhead to Llanelli Arriva Trains Wales service departing on 12th January 2018 Arrive Chester 1212¾ 11/4 E. A Class 175 DMU operates on this express passenger service to 31 stations including (Wales) Rhyl (England) Chester (Wales) Wrexham (England) Shrewsbury, Hereford (Wales) Abergavenny, Cardiff and Swansea. The 175 has a passenger information system consisting of onboard LED display and audio announcements of train destinations and arrivals but will the announcer get to the end of the list before we reach our destination? Journey length, end to end, is 5hr 58min. Even with a trolley service but I would have to think, seriously, about that one! And knocking 26min off the bit from Holyhead-Bangor it is still a long time to survive on coffee and crisps! A picnic hamper might be called for. Maybe, I could ask Eli the Baker to prepare one with some of his fancy bread. Setting out from Bangor Station in Arriva blue.and white. Two-car 175 008 Train 2 Chester - Crewe Depart Chester 1234¾ RT 1A33 1235 Chester to London Euston Virgin Trains (West Coast) service departing on 12th January 2018 Arrive Crewe 1254 RT Waiting at Crewe painted in Virgin red and white Train 3 Crewe - Stafford Depart Crewe 1320½ 1L 1L77 1234 Liverpool Lime Street to Birmingham New Street West Midlands Trains service departing on 12th January 2018 Arrive Stafford 1339 RT Stafford in red and white. I do not like those cold metal seats in the waiting room. BRRRRR! I am glad to be back on a warm train. I had Her hat to sit on this time – soft and warm! Train 4 Stafford - Nuneaton Depart Stafford 1335 2E 1U32 1302 Crewe to London Euston West Midlands Trains service departing on 12th January 2018 Arrive Nuneaton 1434¾ RT Grab a photo of the train before we catch the next one. Station clock says 14:35:46 Nuneaton is in blue and white. Photo of the paintwork next time...perhaps! Stand to attention for the next train.... but... Train 5 Nuneaton - March Depart Nuneaton 1455½ 3L 1L46 1522 Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport CrossCountry service departing on 12th January 2018 Arrive March 1634 1L Darkness descends as the train nears the end of our journey and the tower crane depot at Horsey Toll, Peterborough lights up the horizon. I am looking forward to longer days and summer but, just as I begin to enjoy the lighter evenings, it seems to be getting dark earlier than in the top left hand corner of Wales. I check it out – Sunset: Ely 1610 // Bangor 1624 Cold and wet weather over the weekend keep me indoors except for a trainless trip to the shops on the Sunday. Never mind, there is still the journey home... See you then. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozexpatriate Posted January 25, 2018 Share Posted January 25, 2018 WCRC's Jubilee 45699 Galatea in its British Railways maroon livery. Those photographs really demonstrate how much that maroon livery changes in different light and exposures. The longer exposures to show detail really change the impression of the colour. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium southern42 Posted January 25, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 25, 2018 Welcome back for the rest of my 11th Great British railway journey. It is time to go home. So what delights do we have this time? It is dark and wet but a few photos come out OK with a bit of tweaking in the photo editor. Homeward bound : Monday 15 January 2018 Day 2 March to BangorMorning. It was definitely getting lighter earlier than at home.Sunrise: Ely 08:03 // Bangor 08:25 As we approached the station, the level crossing barriers were down for the passenger train to Stansted Airport departing Platform 2.170 272 Greater Anglia Up Stansted2L73 0950 Peterborough to IpswichGreater Anglia service departing on 15th January 2018 From the level crossing. Departing station 1008 1E In the Up Siding, east of the signal box, is the HTA stone train, its rear red light flashing. Having arrived at 0911 it departs at 1037 RT after we leave on our train to Birmingham New Street, the previously unidentified train above, in post #59, now identified as originating from the Peak Forest Cemex sidings on its way to Ely as is this one: 612H 0415 Peak Forest Cemex Sdgs to Ely Mlf Papworth SidingsRuns on 15th January 2018Diesel locomotive, trailing load 2400 tonnes Then through the Booking Hall and pass this. I also learn that there is a Model Railway Exhibition in the Braza Club nextdoor to the station as well. Hmm. Very tempting… …but onto our journey home. Train 1 March – Birmingham New StreetDepart March 1033 RT1N49 0921 Stansted Airport to Birmingham New StreetCrossCountry service departing on 15th January 2018 Arrive Birmingham New Street 1238½ RT Out on Platform 1 which is in green and cream. Last year, after painting the main part of the station, Greater Anglia gave the Friends of the station left-over paint to do up the disused platforms. 1105 Passing Stamford station in brown and white. At Birmingham At Birmingham New Street, we have a choice of trains.We could go direct to Bangor on the Arriva Wales Birmingham International-Holyhead train, a slow stopper, depart Birmingham New Street 1325, arrive Bangor 1643 – 3 hr 18min – but we choose to take the opportunity to have some station refreshment breaks and stretch our legs, still arriving at Bangor at the same time.. Thus, we venture on a different route via Crewe and Chester before joining the Birmingham International-Holyhead train at Chester. Train 2 Birmingham New Street – CreweDepart BNS 1303½ 2L1F44 1301 Birmingham New Street to Liverpool Lime StreetWest Midlands Trains service departing on 15th January 2018 Arrive Crewe 1400¾ 3L 1333 Raining Find table and chairs and devour homemade picnic lunch with drinks from the station café. Train 3 Crewe – ChesterDepart Crewe 1449¾ RT1D87 1310 London Euston to ChesterVirgin Trains (West Coast) service departing on 15th January 2018 Arrive Chester 1508¾ 1E Onboard 1457 The sun comes out. Train 4 Chester – BangorDepart Chester 1642 RT1D14 1308 Birmingham International to HolyheadArriva Trains Wales service departing on 15th January 2018 Arrive Bangor 1643 RT The five-car Virgin train empties and most passnegers, it seems, pour onto the two-set, four-car train. The rear set uncouples at Llandudno Jn and heads for Llandudno, the front set runs through to Holyhead. …the train coming into Chester east facing, changes direction to go back west along the North Wales coast. Colwyn Bay station in National colours of red, green and white. 16:44 back at the top left hand corner of Wales at dusk…And time for some maths? Sunset: Bangor 16:28 // Ely 16:15Sunrise: Bangor 08:23 // Ely 08:01 Daylight: Bangor 8hr 03min // Ely 8hr 14min That is 11min extra daylight out east! I think I might just go back! Thanks for viewing and do not forget to watch out for my next journey. Hopefully, I will see some some different trains and a bit of steam. I have a few destinations on my 2018 wishlist...fingers crossed! But for now, you can download a one year to a page version of my Calendar with a choice of photos... Calendar 2018 12-month Auto 3 with 34053 and 60103.pdf and maybe look at these http://www.mdmrc.co.uk/ More here: http://www.cambstimes.co.uk/news/volunteer-group-working-to-restore-march-rail-station-to-its-former-glory-1-5289123 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted March 1, 2018 Author Share Posted March 1, 2018 Hello all. Wishing you a Happy St David's Day, I should be tucking into a hearty breakfast on the 1Z11 0922 London Paddington to Cardiff Central hauled by 70013 Oliver Cromwell only it has been CANCELLED... :cry: Bitter cold with light flurries of snow falling on the white landscape up here in the top left hand corner of Wales. Ivor does not want to come out of his shed. He will, as soon as everyone wants to be taken up the hill with their sleds and snowboards. I expect he will want to join in! I had better go and warm him up. Lucky that Ivor brought another wagon of coal up from Pugh's Pit. We will need all that coal if we have to do trips from Llangrubbin to the slopes all day. Then it will be back to the office to plan another trip... Keep safe and warm. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted March 1, 2018 Author Share Posted March 1, 2018 I have just read on Early Risers that services from Paddington to Reading have been suspended so here is a Service Update on my train to confirm matters. London Paddington 1st March 2018 (RealTimeTrains) Ind Origin Pl ID TOC Destination Plan Dep Act DepSTP Starts here 9 1Z11 WR Cardiff Central 0922 N/R* * Not Running. WTT services are denoted as CANCEL Hope you people are not too inconvenienced by all this. Something to hark back on in years to come? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium southern42 Posted July 31, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 31, 2018 (edited) Hello, everybody.At last, I am off for my very first RMweb Tour of Didcot Railway Centre 2018. Journey 12: Saturday 29 to Monday 31 July 2018 Bangor to LondonWeekend with companions Tender and Southern42 Using Realtime Trains Day 1: Bangor to LondonCHANGING @ Chester 1G40 1123 Holyhead to Birmingham InternationalArriva Trains Wales service departing on 28th July 2018Depart Bangor 1202 RTArrive Chester 1313 3E 1A40 1335 Chester to London EustonVirgin Trains (West Coast) service departing on 28th July 2018Depart Chester 1335 RTArrive Euston 1536¾ RT We take the London Underground to our Hotel and get ready to go up town on the London Underground to South Kensington. Me at South Kensington Subway on our way to the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms and Beethoven's 2nd and 5th Symphonies. Up in the Raunsing Circle, this photo was taken in the nick of time. A voice spoke across the hall saying that taking photos was forbidden and mobile phones had to be turned off!Day 2: Paddington to Didcot We leave the hotel at 0730 and the rain starts on the short distance to the London Underground for Paddington. We arrive in time to see the Cathedrals Express depart for Swanage, top and tailed by 47804 and 47580 County of Essex (diesels due to fire risk). Then a quickie with my mate Paddington Bear before heading over to Platform 3 for our train. GWR Class 800 IEP 1B20 0930 London Paddington to Carmarthen Great Western Railway service departing on 29th July 2018 Depart Paddington 0930 RT Pl 3 Arrive Didcot Parkway 1022¼ RT It looks good from the outside... but not very comfy inside. Even the brolly was more inviting than the seats. Join me next time and see how we get on inside Didcot Railway Centre. _________________ Edit: to correct YEAR in "RMweb Tour of Didcot Railway Centre 2918" just in case you thought I was writing sometime in the future. Typo! Well, have you seen the size of my fingers? Edited July 31, 2018 by southern42 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted July 31, 2018 Author Share Posted July 31, 2018 Hello, again..So, here we go on the RMweb Tour of Didcot Railway Centre 2018. No dilly dallying, mind, there is lots to get through... Day 2: Part 2 RMweb Tour of Didcot Railway Centre 2018 We arrive at Didcot in drizzle and head straight for the Railway Centre Ticket Office, show our GWS passes and we are in. A short walk and we are met by Castle and team member. We have come with a donation for the museum, a family BRWR (c.1961) item She inherited, taking the opportunity to combine both events. Item passed over, it is time to inspect the trains. We head over to the mainline platform where 4144 is waiting. As usual, I take up my position on the footplate. . Then it is time to head down to the immaculate looking coaches before the train leaves for Oxford Road Station (and return). Class 800 IEP! Eat your heart out - this is what I call a COMFY seat, not that hard plastic stuff...and all the way to Carmarthen? Not on your life, hogyn bach!* Then it was time for a photo shoot back in the Museum. While She got in conversation with some of the Didcot team, He went off to the café for a cuppa. Sensible man! There He got to know Bob and Bob (GDB and 81C). By the time She arrived, Mike (Stationmaster) also arrived. A good chat, and we were off for the Tour. We join at the shed roads area, lagging behind somewhat! We pop into the new and recently opened Signalling Centre. This is going to be brilliant when it is finished! I notice She takes a photo of a Southall box nameplate on the way out...(for GWRd perhaps?). I wonder if 81C spotted it. Then onto a variety of wagons while we wait for the key to arrive to open Radstock North Signal Box. The key arrives and we head back to the Signal Box. While Mike (SM) delivers his talk upstairs, Castle takes us below stairs to see the interlocking mechanism. Fascinating but a bit dark for photos. We then get on the Steam Railmotor, at the rear end, to the Transfer Shed where standard gauge meets the broad gauge and are advised to stay on for the return trip at the front end. Wonderful set of guys, here! Then, it is inside the rear coach back to Burlescombe Station to catch up with the group. This is when we lose sight of them and end up back at the café and a well needed cuppa. We eventually find them on their way into the Lifting Shop housing the Saint 2999 Lady of Legend. Boy, she's come on a long way since I last saw her. Then into the engine shed. What wouldn't Ivor do to get his eyes on this lot! Ssh! Best you don't tell him! The top left hand corner of Wales might never see him again! But I am over the moon to be allowed up here. Chuffed to bits, I am. Thanks, Castle. The poster below the nameplate says, "In Memory of Sir William McAlpine" who died 4 March 2018. And just as I thought our Day was over, Castle takes us back to the Sand drying furnace, passed earlier in the day, and allowed us to see inside. Of course, I am familiar with such things, but She had asked about it beforehand, so many thanks, again, Castle. Some pics of the sand drying furnace, outside the engine shed. A cuppa with Castle, a few goodbyes, and we hasten off for our train...only to discover it is running 14 minutes late... GWR Class 800 IEP 1L68 1424 Swansea to London Paddington Great Western Railway service departing on 29th July 2018 Depart Didcot Parkway 1702 14L Arrive Paddington 1745¼ 5L Passing Southall (at speed!), we spot this. It was not there this morning! It seems it is off to the Severn Valley Railway for their Last Days of Steam Event on the 4th August. I hope you enjoyed that. It was a terrific day and these words and pictures cannot do it full justice. Great to meet up with other RMwebbers. Hope you enjoyed it too. With many thanks to all. Jonesy _________________________ * Dear boy Links Didcot Railway Centre's new Signalling Centre http://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/guide/projectitems/cttb_project.html 45231 The Sherwood Forester due to run 4th August on the SVR’s Last Days of Steam event. http://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=132 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted September 6, 2018 Author Share Posted September 6, 2018 (edited) See below, folks! Edited September 6, 2018 by tender Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted September 6, 2018 Author Share Posted September 6, 2018 (edited) Hello, everybody.I hear that some of you missed seeing me on the Tour of Didcot. I did pop out a few times, as you see above, but you have to keep out of the rain when you are just a cuddly toy. Maybe, I should invest in some wet weather gear.... You will be sad to hear that I did not get to the recent Ffestiniog expedition at all. There was a very good reason for that. While Tender and Suvvern were out getting scared stlly enjoying themselves, I was doing the Back to School run on Ivor. It is always a joy to do this, even in the rain, as the children are all excited at going up a year, or off to a new school in their new uniforms.* Of course, you do know Ivor has made the odd trip up a quarry line or two. It may be great on a lovely sunny summer's day, but in the rain, hail, ice, snow? Not so great! Anyway, I am delighted to post a few pics of my companions' trip up (and down) the mountain.I am not superstitious, but I must point out the journey number... Just unlucky I had to miss it. * In other words, THEY FORGOT ME! Journey 13: Monday 3 September 2018 Ffestiniog Railway on the Gravity Train Tender and Southern42 Using Ffestiniog TTs Minffordd to DdualltMONDAY 3rd September: Steam Loco + Slate Waggons • Depart Minffordd @ 08:30 • Arrive Dduallt @ 09:25 Gravity Train: • Depart Dduallt @ 09:35 • Arrive Minffordd @ 10:15 0750 The guests arrive at Minffordd for a cuppa and Briefing. 0820 Everyone goes outside to meet the train 0828 Everyone is aboard the slate wagons buffer to buffer ready to depart for Dduallt. 0845 Smoke, steam and showers of smut fall down behind LINDA. The train passes Minffordd and Penrhyn stations, and stops at Tan y Bwlch where they could get out and stretch their legs but just for a few minutes. 0905 LINDA, taken from the Boneshaker Gravity Train at Tan y Bwlch. The train eventually comes to a halt where the "deviation spiral" takes the line over the top, just short of Dduallt Station. Dduallt back to Minffordd 09.28 With LINDA uncoupled from her load, the Gravity Train is let loose . 09.29 and runs free down the mountain 09.34 through the tunnel 09.35 and views across the valley. 10.15 At Minffordd waiting in the loop for the 10.15 from Porthmadog hauled by MERDDIN EMRYS before continuing back to the Yard. BLUE TIMETABLE Porthmadog 10.05 Minffordd 10.15 Tan y Bwlch 10.45 Blaenau Ff. 11.20 PorthmadogMy companions then drove down to Porthmadog for a longed for cuppa and were greeted by the 11.25 to Blaenau Ffestiniog, hauled by No. 190 LYD. The RouteSee the route on Ffestiniog's website. https://www.festrail.co.uk/route.htm Zoom in to see more detail (+/- in bottom left corner). Click on the circles to see more about the stations. Dduallt is the circle left of "FFESTINIOG". This is where the line spirals round the Ffestiniog power station. Thanks for looking in. Edited September 7, 2018 by tender 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tender Posted January 1, 2019 Author Share Posted January 1, 2019 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019 I hope you all had a jolly good Christmas. Ivor was busy hauling Santa Specials before Christmas and Mince Pie Specials on Boxing Day. I think he has been looking at too many preservation railway brochures. Anyway, I decided to have a break from all this and took a friend to Haigh Woodland Park to area No. 13 on the map. It was a bit damp out but my special friend managed OK. Journey 14: Sunday 30 December 2018 5" Gauge Miniature Railway Companions: Special friend; Tender and Southern42; 61664; 61657 and LMS5523 11:53 Arrive at the entrance. We take a look at the map. Click on map for larger image A wet, leafy walk through the wood and we find the railway. My companions chat to members of the group and watch other members steaming up their locos. Soon it was time to walk round to the station. We watch as the train does a test lap. 12:39 We depart. In the background, some members with their locos in the steaming bay. Picking up speed and yet more speed. This is the life! Photos are taken of our engine, Leander, steaming up at the station for the 1/3 mile ride with the next lot of passengers. Then, we were all invited to the club meeting room to join members for a mug of tea - and a very friendly and welcoming group they were too. A pleasant walk via a different route took us back to the car park. Thanks for looking in. A couple of links Wigan and District Model Engineering Society: http://www.wigandmes.co.uk/The railway, Haigh Woodland Park: http://www.haighwoodlandpark.co.uk/ThingsToSeeAndDo/Railways/ 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium southern42 Posted September 5, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 5, 2019 (edited) Hello, everybody. Ivor has been so busy this year but, with the Bank Holiday out of the way, and the Welsh children back at school this week, I get the chance to steal away for a trip to mid Wales. Journey 15 Saturday 31 August 2019 Mid Wales Marches Tender and Southern42 A5 to Carrog The morning was a bit grim going up through the mountains of Snowdonia but sunshine was promised for the afternoon. We arrive at Carrog Station and quickly make our way through the rain to the cafe for a mug of tea and wait to see whether we get the large prairie or the pannier tank which are rostered for the season. I do love these big engine! Still raining, 6430 arrives in the platform. The rain eases off, 6430 runs round, and we make our way to the other end of the platform, talk to the train crew, and I get to inspect the cab. Fabulous! Oh, look! You can see the rainwater running down the side of the cab. Welshpool The sun comes out and we have a pleasant drive to Welshpool Raven Square Station. Parking? “Only if you can squeeze in just there, Edwin Jones. That car is parked quite awkwardly, isn’t it?” "No problem. We will just have to move some leafy branches out of the way when we open the car door." So, where to? Ah! Straight ahead, through the station building, out onto the platform, back across the track and head towards the sheds. I have a couple of rides behind the driver of the 5” gauge train and then pop in the shed to see the layouts. Marvellous! Back to the station for a picnic lunch; a chat with one of their very informative volunteers; then on with our trip. Llanfair Caereinion First, we follow the road to the Leisure Centre for the garden rail show. She falls in love with some slate workers; imagines a quarry scene in the garden; and it is an instant purchase. He sees a Penrhyn Quarry open carriage he wants, and it is in the bag. Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway Then down the hill to Llanfair Caereinion Station for the 5 o'clock train to Welshpool Raven Square and back for the evening’s event. The previous day's update notes that the Austrian loco would not be available, but there she is, passed to run at the last minute! We climb aboard a balcony ended Austrian carriage and watch "Zillertal" being filled with the water below the water tank. For our return journey, we stepped aboard the Hungarian carriage though the trip was not without incident. After a short while, the train slows to a crawl round the curves and comes to a stop near the Hanged Man’s Tree. The grate is full of clinker, the fire is rebuilt and a member of the crew is on the radio about the situation - no doubt, a call out to Idris of Smoke Hill.*** After a while, the fire is going, steam is up , the sun is going down, and we are on our way again. We pass the half past six train, now running late, from Llanfair to Welshpool which is patiently waiting for the line to Raven Square to clear before proceeding. Eventually, we arrive back at Llanfair and join the gathering queue at the Burger Van. With tasty hot burgers in our hands, and a chill in the air, we find warmth beside the engine of a full-size steam road roller and enjoy the music and promised steamy night atmosphere of locos and traction engines. What a wonderful end to a brilliant day out. I must tell Ivor all about it! *** Meet Idris… And if you wish to know more about the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway you can start here: https://www.wllr.org.uk/about See you soon, Edwin Jones Edited September 6, 2019 by southern42 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
62613 Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 On 23/08/2017 at 00:13, tender said: Hello, time to leave the show. We start our walk back on the other side of the road. Day 4: Part 2 Back to town before the rain starts Now, that is an artistic display of bulrushes! I have not seen them in that situation before. Interesting. Beautiful! St Wendreda's Church... and its right of way through the tower. We continue to March and District Museum where we get engrossed in articles on the Soham railway disaster of 1944 and find a couple of spuds in the agricultural section, and I am not referring to potatoes! Then out into the rain which eases off by the time we get to the level crossing... and this beauty. 66718 Sir Peter Hendy OBE 14:40:18 She was jumping up and down with excitement...each to their own! It must be a London Transport thing! 0E03 1234 Felixstowe North Gbrf to Peterboro Maint Shed Gbrf Runs on 5th August 2017 3L Then we are off on family business... and, later, return to the B&B via the level crossing - no trains this time. Thanks for looking in and hope you will be back for journey's end when you will be treated to a bit of steam. Just noticed the photos of St. Wendreda's church; did you manage to visit the inside? If you didn't, you missed a treat. The hammerbeam roof has carved angels at the outer ends of the beams, uniquely with their wings open. 2 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium southern42 Posted September 6, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 6, 2019 16 hours ago, 62613 said: Just noticed the photos of St. Wendreda's church; did you manage to visit the inside? If you didn't, you missed a treat. The hammerbeam roof has carved angels at the outer ends of the beams, uniquely with their wings open. Sorry to say, we just walked past and did not see the flying angels inside. So... I googled them...spectacular! https://www.google.com/search?q=st+wendreda's+flying+angels&client=safari&rls=en&sxsrf=ACYBGNSXx5c-rJfxLVDTkM84xFnMDXlokg:1567765998633&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwic1sG7_7vkAhXjoXEKHZfBCzkQ_AUIEigB&biw=1091&bih=602 Thanks, 62613. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium southern42 Posted October 7, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 7, 2019 Hello, everybody. Well, I have had some more time off, so I guess I had better fill you in. Journey 16 Thursday 12 September 2019 Llangollen Railway Companions Tender and Southern42 Carrog-Llangollen-Carrog I heard They were off down the A5 for a ride on the steam train and cadged a lift, leaving Ivor at the Colliery to fill up the wagons with the last of the summer price house coal. So, we arrive at Carrog Station for the first train of the day. The train is already in the platform but we just have time for a cup of tea before it departs for Llangollen. It is just an ordinary service but there is a fair number of passengers including quite a few pre-school children. We follow the course of the River Dee, passing over it as we approach Llangollen. The Llangollen cafe is not too full but we decide to have lunch back on the train - BLTs and hot drinks all round. Back at Carrog, we visit the GWR Group shop to find out how the small pannier tank No. 5532 is progressing. There was not a lot to do while the boiler was being attended to but work on the loco is resuming. Soon, we are back on the train to Llangollen, where He sneaks into the cafe for a Kit-Kat, She has a look round the gift shop, and I get to inspect the large prairie, No. 5199. Isn't she a beauty? And then, it is time to return to Carrog and head for home. Hope to see you soon. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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