The last week or so has been busy and trying at work, and the very hobby which is supposed to relieve this stress has caused it's own frustrations - not least in the arrangements for this tour which have caused a few headaches for me. I can only imagine, knowing a little more now following some very open and honest communication from the tour promoter, how much bigger and more painful the headaches were behind the scenes! However, the news by the end of the week was positive - if daunting. The train would run as planned with some minor re-routing in Manchester, but the 05:15 kick-off from Huddersfield was non-negotiable. It's hard enough to explain to people why I get up to some of the rail-related oddness I record here, so I didn't much expect people to appreciate getting up at 2am for the 03:15 from Leeds to Huddersfield. I think I told most of them I was having "a quiet bank holiday weekend up north". Nevertheless, I found myself in the eerie artificial light of Leeds station with a mixed group of returning revellers and Ringway Airport bound tourists boarding the 03:15. Tempted to doze off, but then noticed we were passing through Wakefield Kirkgate and thus had taken an unusual route for a Class 185. Watched the rather forlorn shapes of stored Class 56s at Healey Mills slip by in the darkness before arriving in a cold and windy Huddersfield. The predicted staff response soon followed, with suspicion and concern where waiting in the station was concerned. Contented myself in finding a spot between the great pillars of the listed station entrance where the wind couldn't find me, and watching the last few straggling drunks drifting home. Eventually a few more passengers for the next airport train began arriving, along with people who planned to travel on the tour. So, less conspicuous now I went back into the station to find that the owners of The Station Buffet had taken pity on the crowds and were open for the sale of bacon rolls and coffee. I don't think I've ever been so pleased to hand over money - and it was hard to hide my pathetic gratitude from the bluff northern folk serving me, who'd surely have thought me a 'southern jessie'.

After a contented munch and a brief wait, a distant headlamp signalled the arrival of 47832 hauling a rake of pristine blue and grey stock courtesy of Cargo-D. The assembled crowd seemed very grateful to be on board, and we were soon away. Inside, the stock was even more impressive. Clean, comfortable and refurbished to a very high standard. Everything seemed to work - lights, PA system - all the things which seem to let down some of the older stock used on tours which could use similar care and attention to that which has been lavished on these coaches. Since we had a Mk3 kitchen car in our set, Network Rail had decided that the Brewery Curve just outside Manchester was out of bounds - a bit of a blow for me, as it effectively reduced the new track covered by the tour by 50%. Instead we climbed Miles Platting bank and reversed at Victoria station, with DRS owned 20306 and shiny, ex-works 20301 leading the train noisily onto the Oldham Loop. This rather unloved and previously ignored bit of track will soon be closed for conversion to Metrolink Tram operation, thus a number of tours are covering the line. Since there are no substantiated reports of Class 20 hauled passenger trains before, this was an equally historic event. After picking up at stations around the loop, we again briefly visited Manchester Victoria before setting off westwards to the coast.

The train made steady progress via Bolton and into Preston where a brief break allowed for a quick photograph. The weather was improving, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the sense of occasion which our unusual train seemed to be providing. While railtours are always in my experience, very pleasant and sociable occasions, there was a particular good atmosphere on board this trip. This was due in no small part to the excellent stewarding and catering which worked well. The presence of additional staff due to Network Rail's stipulations around parts of the Cumbrian Coast line could have made for a heavy and draconian feel, but the Retro Railtours team seemed to pitch it just right. Had a chance to chat with James, the organiser too, and to apologise for my email rants over the past week or so!

At Carnforth we curved away from the mainline, passing through the remaining platforms, and pausing at a signal directly outside the West Coast Railway Company depot. Lots of locomotives on display, bringing back memories of last year's excellent open day. Soon underway again, and approaching the track highlight for me - the short stretch of double track which cuts out the long curved section of line serving Barrow. A very brief section indeed, but one I've managed to miss on previous trips! At Park South Junction we were back on the single line north along the coast, hugging the edge of the Irish Sea, and passing the huge complex at Sellafield where a good number of DRS' other locomotives were in evidence.

After passing through Workington, we turned inland again, and traversed the always rather long and dull section through Maryport. However, for the organisers this was perhaps the biggest headache - with clearances between the train and lineside structures, a steward is required in every coach vestibule to ensure the droplight windows are not opened. We passed the section without event, and were soon crawling into Carlisle station, passing the rather forlorn abandoned depot and the tangle of freight lines which avoid the southern approach to the station. A much briefer wait here than on my last visit - but quite a lot happening, with a brace of stabled Class 57s attracting attention and the arrival and subsequent shunting of a steam charter operated by 6201 'Princess Elizabeth'. Time also to venture out into town briefly, finding the square which had been host to a pipe band a few weeks back now hosting an international produce market. Had a relaxing wander, enjoying the decent if rather windy, weather. After some lunch, back to the station to watch the further shunting of the steam excursion alongside a passing freight, and then for our own train to head back in. As a nice touch, the locos had been reversed with 20301 now leading the pair back to Manchester. Having a chance for a good look at the loco, realised just what an amazing job had been done on it's repainting and overhaul. Despite being (as one dining car passenger reportedly told the organiser) "awkward looking engines" both were also performing extremely well scotching concerns about managing to produce a working pair earlier in the week. Soon back on board and heading back onto the coast. With a hazy autumn sun shining, the views out to sea were truly fantastic and the journey seemed to pass very quickly. Soon we were traversing the Barrow avoiding line in the opposite direction and curving back onto the West Coast Main Line. As ever, the setting sun over Hest Bank produced memorable views.

After arrival back at Manchester Victoria we once again headed onto the Oldham Loop. It was dark and wet, but the sheer racket our locos made in the quiet and rather deserted stations was worth the trip alone! There were a couple of frustrating delays awaiting other services here, and it's easy sometimes to get frustrated on the homeward leg of a railtour, but we managed to maintain our schedule falling only a few minutes behind. After arriving at Victoria for our reverse, we experienced a further hold up as the train hadn't cleared the signal and needed to pull forward. Cue lots of walking back and forth for the driver! After an impressive run with 47832 back in charge and despite a long fester at Stalybridge awaiting the platform, we made Huddersfield practially on time. As I watched the stock thunder out of the station into the darkness, and contemplated the journey back to Leeds on a busy 185 full of people doing 'The Ale Train' I realised that a day which I'd assumed would be just a pleasant jaunt with unusual engines to fill a free weekend had actually been a rather memorable railtour. In no small part this is due to the fantastic organisation and stewarding on board. As I waited to squeeze onto the train back to my hotel nearly 20 hours after leaving, I also remembered that my next railtour will also be heading this way with rather different traction and route. Lets hope that is as successful a day as this one.

Movebook Entry

Since it's appearance at the December 2008 timetable change, the First Great Western loco hauled diagram has been a regular performer. With only a few exceptions which can indeed be counted on one hand, this diagram has provided me with both reliable haulage and a much more comfortable journey to work. What it perhaps hasn't provided is any great variation - with a small pool of locos assigned to the work and few substitutions. However, last night gen began circulating that 66153 was on its way over from Westbury to form one end of the train. So, despite really needing to be in work a little earlier today, I waited in the rain for my usual train. The ECS working had headed down to Taunton very late - apparently due to a last ditch attempt to get an ailing 67 working - so 2D04 was correspondingly nearly 50 minutes late by the time it arrived with 66153 at the wrong end. Resolved to get out of work early and have a little trip this afternoon instead.

So, in surprisingly improved weather I headed for the station for the 15:25 to Taunton. The set had turned during the day, so this was again led by 67005. On this basis, decided to head all the way back to Cardiff with the train. Had an unexpected but very pleasant wait in the Welsh capital, enjoying late evening sunshine and quite a bit of activity at the station. The loco hauled set returned to work the 19:00, which I boarded and did all the way back to Highbridge.

An unexpected, but very enjoyable afternoon's travelling!

Movebook Entry

It was still dark when I left the house this morning. Not pitch black, but gloomy enough to remind me that summer is drawing on, and I'll soon be travelling to work in the dark too. Today's forecast was uncertain too - which made me wonder whether the gloom was just cloud cover, with my thoughts naturally turning to a certain cricket match being played today. Today's trip took me eastwards - almost as far as one can go in that direction in fact. Essex and Suffolk are areas which I've neglected in my travels over the years, partly because historically it's not been easy to work the timetable to my advantage. More recently, it's been more about laziness and my preference for points north - and I've found myself heading east usually when there's nothing much doing elsewhere. That's unfair though, because I've almost always had interesting trips this way which have thrown up plenty of surprises. First though, the tried and tested routine of an early ride up to London. The sky brightened as we sped along through Oxfordshire and Berkshire, and as we slowed for arrival at Paddington the NENTA tour to Paignton passed with a flash of sunlight from the pristine 47760. Eager to get to Liverpool Street for a cup of decent coffee, and despite the Bishopsgate entrance being a filthy, cigarette strewn dust-trap, it was hard not to enjoy the warm August morning as the street grew busier.

At this point I realised that Liverpool Street - not usually at it's busiest on a weekend - was exceptionally crowded with younger passengers. Many of them were carrying pop-up tents and rucksacks too. It dawned on me that once again in my railway and work-addled state I'd let a bit of popular culture pass me by - this weekend saw the V festival come to Chelmsford. Wedged myself into a first class compartment on the Clacton service as soon as it was called, but this didn't stop an invasion! A busy but not unpleasant ride out of Liverpool Street followed!

From Colchester onwards, as we took the curve away from the mainline, I was on new ground. The landscape soon changed from rolling countryside to the flat, rivulet-cracked marshes which typify the coast of Essex. As we passed Thorpe-le-Soken, where the Clacton and Walton lines diverge, the coast was visible to the south, with an impressive line of brooding wind turbines stalking out to sea. One of my fellow passengers remarked "how ugly!" as they came into view. After curving through caravan parks, we finally arrived at the impressive seaside terminus. Clacton station has much in common with other seaside termini I've visited, and these stations do somehow retain a bit of a special feeling. Despite the embarrassment of having to face the quizzical looks of the same guard who had just checked my ticket on the inbound train, it was quite fun to queue at the barrier in the old fashioned way to board the working back to Thorpe-le-Soken.

On arrival at Thorpe, a small human drama was unfolding. A multi-buggied Essex mum was wandering up and down the platform with her older offspring and an utterly foul-mouthed older woman pushing a trolley, who I can only assume was her mother. They seemed to want to board the London train I'd just left, but after putting her two older children onboard, they sort of wandered off, with the mother cursing and spitting at staff and showing no signs of boarding. In the general melee, the train left on time with two children on board, but mother and child still swearing at each other on the platform! Cue scenes of panic and lots of shouts of "My f**king babies!". The service was, the older woman claimed, "f**king criminal!". I have to say the station staff, and the guard of the following Colchester service were amazing. They quickly contacted staff on the train to make sure the children were safe, and mother was put in touch with children. A plan was formulated to reunite the family swiftly, and all was sorted in mere minutes. Not good enough for the family though, with the old crone shouting "You should be f**king ashamed of yourselves, I'm going to the f**king papers about this!" before confidentially adding to her pale and clearly distressed daughter "There ought to be some f**king compensation in this for us, love!".

After watching these events unfold under bright sunshine, which perhaps was affecting the usually more reserved British temperament, I boarded the next train down to Walton-on-the-Naze, a station which has seen a fair bit of tinkering with it's name over the years - both gaining and losing the definite article along with it's hyphens over the years. On the way, passed through the recently replaced 'gates' at Frinton. This level crossing was iconic in separating the 'nice' side of town from the 'not so nice', and was instrumental for many decades in completing the separation which the apparently somewhat stuffy folk of Frinton wished to establish from their fringe communities. A dawn raid by Network Rail saw to the replacement of these older gates with a newer model as part of the resignalling around this area. The new gates didn't appear too out of place, and indeed were much older in style than others on the line. Frinton itself appeared tired, the station a graffitied concrete shell. It wasn't entirely clear what they were trying to protect here, and from whom? Onwards to Walton, terminating in a pleasantly leafy station, sadly much reduced from it's earlier importance.

From Walton, I took the stopping service all the way back to Colchester, which allowed me to cover the other two sides of the triangle leading to Colchester Town station. The train was busy but not overcrowded, and we made surprisingly quick progress back up the branch. After a reversal at Colchester Town, we curved back onto the mainline and arrived at one of the bay platforms at Colchester. This station is rather a mess of bays, staggered through platforms and sidings, and there is a woeful lack of useful announcements or passenger information. Had a brief refreshment stop, and then realised that I'd positioned myself at the wrong platform for the service I'd planned to catch back into London! Being in no hurry, flagged the Class 360 in favour of 90009 which followed a few minutes later with an express to Liverpool Street. A much quieter mainline journey this time, with the festival revellers safely in Chelmsford. A fairly quick and efficient switch onto the Circle Line and back to Paddington for the train home.

Since a future railtour promises to cover all of the other mainline track I've not covered in this corner of the country, today was an opportunity to tick off some outlying extremities of the network. What it also showed though was that small seaside termini can be effectively turned into busy rail hubs with a good electrified commuter service. With recent word on wiring up the Great Western, perhaps this is something which local rail campaigners in my part of the world need to push for in terms of our local services too?

Movebook Entry

Having taken so many shots of King Edward at Highbridge, I wasn't sure I was going to go out to watch The Torbay Express today. I had been thinking of a walk to a new photo location, but left far too little time to consider this properly. In any case, decided to shoulder my camera on the walk through Highbridge. Just before I left the house, found out that the King, seen steaming happily at Barton Hill last night, was not operating due to a brake fault. Realised it would be my duty to inform the small crowd at Springfield Road - some of whom were appreciative, others who just plain didn't believe it until they saw it!

After getting a shot which was all too hasty as I'd been chatting to one of the rather more pleasant steam enthusiast couples who regularly watch here, we all trudged off - some expressing deep unhappiness and anger. As I put it to one of these folk, I wonder how the people who paid for a steam trip felt?

As August continues its strange and disjointed progress, I find myself filling a couple of weeks with hastily planned trips which score little bits of track or follow diversions, just to get me out and about. If nothing else, this presents the opportunity to relax between trying weeks, in anticipation of more extensive jaunts to come later in the Autumn. So today I'd planned a relaxing circuit of the East Midlands, based on a diversion noted in a BLS communique. Given that last week I'd over-taxed my injured knee I'd left plenty of time between trains - not difficult because it seems that the timetable hadn't been fully updated in time to book some of the diverted services. The plan was for an easy time with some scope for wandering in London should the mood take me later. Set off for the station early, noting that the mornings were getting a little darker once again. Caught the customary 05:50 to Bristol, which deposited us just feet from our next train, allowing time to stock up on provisions for breakfast as we sped north. Have to say though, that I found the idea of a cheese and scrambled egg sandwich rather odd - whether hot or cold! The weather seemed a little brighter too as we left Bristol, and the only surprising event in this otherwise pleasantly calm and quiet trip was the use of platform 4 at Bristol Parkway - certainly the first time I've done this on a Voyager. Arrived in Birmingham and having missed the passing of a charter down to Paignton from Chesterfield, we headed straight for a decent cup of coffee, whilst watching the world go by. We'd try to catch up with the charter on it's homeward run.

The next train was the main object of today's trip. The CrossCountry service between Birmingham and Stansted was unable to take it's booked route through Melton Mowbray and Stamford, and thus was heading north to Nottingham, then onto the East Coast Mainline to reach Peterborough and regain it's usual route. No new track, unless of course we used the through roads at Nottingham, but an interesting journey nonetheless. Set out in blazing sunshine, with a woman moaning to everyone but us that we'd taken her seat. We hadn't - as my reservation proved - but this didn't stop her. She eventually located herself close enough to let us hear her continual 'shock' at the contents of copy of The Sun she was reading. As we left Leicester and headed into uncharted waters, she and her offspring became distinctly jittery about being on the wrong train! Through Loughborough and East Midlands Parkway, before turning east and a slow crawl into Nottingham. Always a congested station, it seems that a booked crew-change here meant that we had to call in a platform. We seemed to wait ages to get into the station, with Fastline's 66301 and 303 passing, then again to leave. Once on our way in brilliant weather, we headed to Netherfield Junction, turning south east and soon reaching the new alignment at Allington Junction. A quick blast down the ECML and we were soon in Peterborough, with our neighbouring passengers rather bewildered by the route taken - but visibly relieved that they'd got here.

A little time to kill here before the next leg, and a chance to watch operations at this busy and varied station. Not as many locomotives stabled outside in the yards as usual - but this may point to a buoyant time in the track renewal programme, so perhaps no bad thing! Found a spot on a windswept but warm platform 3 and watched a parade of HSTs, a Hull Trains operated 180 and numerous local workings. Typically, just as my camera was safely back in it's bag, the distinctive howl of an unrefurbished HST engine signalled the passing of Grand Central's service to Sunderland. Soon time for our own train south, with 91101 bringing up the rear of an Edinburgh-Kings Cross service. Found a surprisingly very comfortable seat in standard class, and relaxed once again as we sped south.

A brief wander around the building site which is Kings Cross, before walking out to St Pancras and Euston to see what was happening. Noted the Domestic Highspeed platforms were closed, so no chance of seeing if any 395s were stabled over the weekend. No hurry to be anywhere, and whilst there was plenty of time to wander, my leg was much improved it seemed today, and I didn't want to risk changing that. Decided on a meandering bus trip back to Paddington, before some shopping, coffee and our trip back to Bristol. Again, a smooth-running and quiet trip spent trying to predict where we'd cross the path of the charter returning from Paignton. The hope was that we'd do so at either Bristol or Highbridge - allowing a swift photograph. In the event, we crossed the train somewhere south of Nailsea, with just 47501 working it in fact. Even the boarding of an incredibly raucous hen-party at Weston couldn't disturb my peace and quiet - despite other's best efforts to get very much involved in their celebrations!

So, a quiet, uncomplicated and varied day out spent just travelling for the sake of it. It was just the kind of day I needed today - and despite not scoring any new track or attempting any sort of epic quest, I'm quietly pleased to have travelled 450 miles or more around the country just watching, listening and enjoying the place.

Movebook Entry

August is shaping up to be a rather odd month - with lots going on at each end but very little in the middle weeks. After a busy week with a jaunt up to London and family visits, I was looking forward to a fairly gentle day out today. Also, given what promised to be an expensive few months ahead, conserving funds appeared to be a sensible strategy. Started out with the usual first train off Highbridge and subsequent connection into a London service at Weston. A nice, quiet and rather sleepy trip - disturbed only by a bunch of odd teenagers who boarded at Chippenham and attempted to strip the antimacassars from the carriage I was in. They were soon removed from the train at Swindon with no delay. Arrived a little early into London, only to remember I hadn't checked for engineering on the Underground. Discovered that as I feared, the Circle Line was out and thus wasted precious minutes getting to the bus stop for a service to Charing Cross. Missed one by seconds in fact, but my dodgy knee wasn't up to the dash - and would be needed for the walk across Tunbridge Wells later! Finally on board for a quiet trundle through the West End. Arrived in good time for my planned train, but couldn't help feeling I could have made it earlier if I'd been a bit more alert last evening and checked as I'd planned. The rest of the journey into the Kent countryside was quiet and uneventful, and we rolled into Tunbridge Wells exactly on time.

The walk across town wasn't quite as bad as I'd thought and the place seemed very well-to-do and rather busy with a market and some very upmarket shopping going on. The West station now appears to be a large wild west theme pub, with the locomotive shed across the access road to a large Homebase now providing the facilities. Arrived to find the next service out was the 11:08 - using the line's resident Oxted thumper unit. This was also departing from the non-preferred platform two. Not much of a platform in fact, as steps were required to get up to the doors! Soon away and making a huge racket as we chugged and thumped our way to High Rocks. The operation at this station is odd - with the train guard unlocking a gate to let passengers in and out, and then closing and padlocking it after them. This effectively ruled out nipping out for a quick photograph, as staff were keen to clear the platform swiftly and get the train moving. This occurs I understand because High Rocks station is at the foot of a pub beer garden, and the risk of people straying on to the railway is high. Pressed on and eventually arrived at Groombridge where this service terminated and headed back. Here too, the original station and alignment seem to have been sold - with the station in new use, and the former alignment built on. The new station is a simple affair with a shed acting as a very neat little refreshment stall. The line actually heads on further to Birchden Junction where it comes alongside the Uckfield branch, then proceeds to Eridge station - however this section remains out of use at present for work to make this a regular part of the line's operation.

Headed back to Tunbridge Wells West and settled into a pattern of hopping trains to try to get the best out of the day - with a double-headed service using the Spa Valley's E6047 (73140) and 33063 next. These services called at Groombridge then headed a little further to the loop at Groombridge Junction to return to the station top-and-tailed, before working back to Tunbridge Wells West. Visiting 20110 from the South Devon Railway lead a trip next, performing extremely well as ever. The timetable began to slip pretty badly here, with around a 20 minute delay. This meant arriving back to find that the shuttle to High Rocks with 15244 hauling the Thumper was packed to the gills already. Decided to flag this, get a drink and relax in the bright sunshine and pleasant surroundings. My aim was to get at least one trip involving 37254 - another resident, and this became more and more doubtful as the delays mounted. Finally, the time came for a double-headed run with 20110 and 37254. These were quickly and expertly hooked on to the front of the train and we were off. Both locos were working hard and we made some very fast getaways from station stops. A quick run around took place, but another delay in setting off meant plenty of pressure on the crews of the top and tailed locos. Shouldn't have feared, as they again worked the locos brilliantly, and the sound of both the 20 and 37 echoing past High Rocks was very memorable. Spent much of this trip happily with my head out of the window in the sunshine, listening to the engines!

Mindful of needing to get a bus across London in the much busier afternoon, I made a dash back to the mainline station after hopping off this service. Made it in good time for a slightly earlier service than planned, despite limping much of the way. In fact, I've developed a sort of 'fast limp' over the past few weeks which was put to good use today. Pleased to be in the cool of the air-conditioned unit, and had a productive ride back to Charing Cross with a good few units spotted on route! The bus was, as expected, pretty packed. Found myself becoming increasingly annoyed with tourists during the trip - which was rather hypocritical because I was one too, so to speak. However, I'd never turn up in another country without have done some basic research on how to get around. Disembarked at Paddington with about 45 minutes to grab a bite to eat whilst waiting for the 19:00 which took me directly home. A fine, uncomplicated day out on a small but well-run railway. Definitely due another visit when the full extent of the line is available.

Movebook Entry

The opportunity to get out and about midweek doesn't arise very often these days. However, with a few days off this week and a chance to sample a free first class journey courtesy of friends at First Great Western, I decided to design myself a day catching up on changes on the network around London. My visits to London usually take two forms - either fleeting cross-city dashes to get from one station to another, or long drawn out psychogeographical rambles which lead me into hitherto unexplored bits of the area. Today though was to be dedicated to new track and new trains. This short break having crept up on me, still found myself shuffling about and deciding what I needed to take this morning. Would I get a chance to take pictures in the now enthusiast-unfriendly city? Would I need a coat, as Highbridge was very wet indeed. Erred on the side of caution and took both camera and raincoat. Soon on board the 07:12 to Paddington which provided a relaxing, easy journey into the capital.

A swift Circle Line trip to Kings Cross followed, and then a rather long walk to the Highspeed Suburban platforms at St Pancras International. They weren't well signposted, but I suppose this is the 'preview' service, and they wouldn't have been ready when the station opened and original signage was erected. Used my vague knowledge of the track layout to get myself into the far northeastern corner of the station, and sure enough found a small temporary sign pointing up to the concourse. Took the opportunity to pack my coat away, as despite the dreary weather at home, London was sweltering in a steamy, humid haze. Ascended to the platforms and spied a line up of Hitachi Javelin trains. The sleek, blue forms were rather breathtaking up close - a real vision of the future like we used to see in science fiction books. A friendly and helpful member of the gateline staff came over to chat. He was happy for me to take pictures, and seemed proud of what Southeastern were doing here. Finally boarded 395011 finding a comfortable and cool - but strangely rather ordinary interior. I'm not sure what I expected, but I was happy enough with a good seat and plenty of legroom!

And then the entertainment began...a crawl out of the station and onto the CTRL relief lines was taken slowly, but as we climbed towards the covered tunnel high above Kings Cross, the train began to accelerate. Once inside the tunnel, there was a sudden feeling of speed and dive-bomber whine from the train. It's difficult to gauge speed underground, but from the tunnel lights flashing by it felt fast! It wasn't until we breached ground at the concrete box which is fast becoming Straford International Station, that I appreciated just how quickly we were moving. Blasting back into tunnel, there was a perceptable pop as my ears adjusted to the sudden change in pressure. Meanwhile onboard, things were far from futuristic. Announcements were made, and the polite and friendly staff checked my ticket and crossed it with a pen mark. It seemed almost like the staff had been told to play down the fact we were hurtling along at high speed.

We burst into open air again near Rainham. The yards at Ripple Lane and Dagenham beside the line flashed by, and we skirted the road to the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Once again into tunnel, this time to pass under the Thames. And strangely, all too soon, we were slowing for Ebbsfleet! We entered another concrete box - the lines connecting to North Kent leapt up and over, and we came to rest in platform 2 beside another pair of Javelins on test. A surprising amount of people had travelled, and some were waiting to come back. People are taking the new service in their stride it seems, which made my furtive photography and foolish excitement seem all the more strange. I calculated 14 minutes for the 22 miles or so to Ebbsfleet - an average speed of 94mph including all the accelerating and decelerating around the stations. Sadly, as the route is mainly in tunnel, I couldn't get a maximum speed reading from my GPS. I can't wait to get a longer run on one of these remarkable machines when they enter squadron service next year!

Next it was time to sample another way in which London was catering to it's embattled commuters needs. After making my way back to St Pancras via another exhilarating trip on 395011, I hopped back onto the tube to Liverpool Street and after a quick bite to eat onto a 321 to Stratford. Seemed odd to be arriving at a station I'd just passed under at extreme speed. Had a brief wander around the busy station front. It was now fairly bright and very warm out, and I was suffering under the weight of my ill-considered raincoat, now stuffed into a bulging rucksack. Dodged the charity muggers and headed back to platform 1, where the London Overground service has been diverted into new platforms to leave those bisecting the concourse free for the DLR extension. Here I became rather muddled about which diagram was planned for one of the new trains. However, waiting around here wasn't an option - there were a huge amount of staff milling around, and their constant looks and patrols indicated that they felt my presence was a threat in some way. Decided to find a place further along the line where my presence wouldn't be questioned. Naturally selected Dalston Kingsland - if there is anywhere it's possible to fade into obscurity it had to be there. So compromised by doing the first bit of my trip on a battered but still reliable 313, covering the new curve and passing the Olympic Park with its profusion of frames and skeletons. Popped out into Dalston on arrival for a brief walk around Ridley Road market and the shopping centre before heading back down to the platforms. I comfortably let two trains pass here with no comment or concern from anyone. While Stratford becomes nervous in anticipation of it's Olympic future, Dalston soldiers on - unsuspecting and unsurprised. Finally my patience was rewarded. The sight of a high intensity headlamp signalled the arrival of 378007 into the station.

Inside the unit gave an impression of space. The longitudinal tube-style seating and full-width gangways allow sight all the way through the train. Settled on a sort of 'perch' seat beside the doors and watched how people avoided standing near the corridor connection. This however allowed a travelling busker to set up his stage for a swift rendition of 'King of the Road'. The guard came to move him on and a dungaree-clad Islingtonite and her friend defended him "Leave him alone, he's done no harm" they protested. Confidentially, a fellow passenger beside me whispered "Dunno, I thought he murdered that one". I nodded tacit agreement and stared ahead in the time-honoured London fashion. At Willesden, a small gaggle of Bombardier workers boarded and began a complicated series of ambient temperature checks on the unit. This seemed to involve them leaning over passengers and waving a probe about, quite unsure of where it ought to be. The unit was cold - for me pleasantly so, because I appreciate well air-conditioned trains. However the chill wasn't to everyone's taste and I can only assume it's this the deputation had been sent to asses scientifically.

We progressed around the North London Line, and I heard plenty of positive comments about the new train as people remarked on it's arrival. Eventually into Richmond where the turn around allowed time to get a quick snapshot of the unit before it worked back. I travelled back as far as Willesden Junction, with the Bombardier guys struggling to finish their measurements before getting off too! With the start of a nagging headache from the humidity, feeling much too hot and weighed down by my rucksack, I decided to get a coffee - I must have looked downtrodden because the barista was extra nice to me today! Spent a pleasant few minutes drinking coffee, chatting and watching trains pass by on the West Coast Main Line below. Eventually time to do one of my signature moves - back to Paddington via West Brompton.

Enjoyed a quiet ride back on the busy 16:30, regarding today's trip as a success. Perhaps most excitingly I've seen the developments which have caused so much speculation and debate in railway circles over the past few years finally come to fruition. Of course the common thread in terms of both the Overground renewal and the Highspeed Service is the Olympics - an uncomfortably transient phenomenon. London is beginning to get the modern railway it deserves, but I hope the momentum can be sustained into projects like wider electrification and new trains for the provinces.

It was also interesting to think that thundering west in a 1970s built HST on a century old rail alignment, I wasn't really going so much slower than the Javelin...

Movebook Entry

There hasn't been a good old fashioned spin'n'win tour for a good while now, so when Spitfire announced this trip, using a variety of traction from the varied and interesting DRS fleet, I was keen to book. Thus I found myself in the familiar surroundings of Birmingham New Street at an unearthly hour once again, grabbing a rushed breakfast whilst trying to find a member of staff willing to commit to a platform for the tour. In the end descended to a very congested platform 7 still in some doubt, but sure enough the parade of Voyagers all left for their various destinations in time for our stock to crawl into the platform behind 66430 - and then to stop dead at the mid-platform signal. Rushed back to board as close to my carriage as possible, and found myself seated in a very strange saloon called "The Red Knight" - clearly not one of WCRC's finest efforts. The train did eventually pull forward enough for it all to be accommodated, and we finally left around ten minutes down. However, things soon seemed to be picking up as we gathered speed via a pick-up at Burton-on-Trent and then took the Stenson to Sheet Stores freight line to head through Toton and further stops at Alfreton and Sheffield. As we headed north again via the Dearne Valley, noted that the skies were darkening somewhat. Indeed from Wakefield Westgate onwards the storm deepened. As we arrived in Leeds via the Copley Hill Chord, the rain was falling hard from a slate grey sky. Thus, only headed briefly out onto the platform to see that 37607 and 604 were already on the back of the train and preparing to work forwards. The start-up on 37604 was particularly noisy, smoky and impressive! One of these locos was of course supposed to be a Class 20, but the shortage of this class while most members are at Eastleigh receiving attention made this impossible. Not a big issue for me, with the second 37 being an fine choice of replacement.

Returned to our strange carriage to dry off and enjoy a run along the legendary Settle and Carlisle line. It's been a while since I've been in these parts, and I'd forgotten just how impressive the scenery and the isolation is up there. The Ribblehead Viaduct as ever, made a huge impression on everyone on the train. Amazingly too, as we passed over the Pennines and into the west, the clouds broke and the sun came shining through. We descended into Carlisle in strong midday sunshine, with a few hours to spend in the border city. Since my injured knee was still giving me a fair amount of grief, I hobbled carefully into the centre and found some food which led to an impromptu picnic in the grounds of the Cathedral. Decided I wanted decent coffee now, and thus made for the Market Square, formed by the confluence of English Street and Scotch Street. The significance of this was not lost, as while I cooled off in the coffee shop, the sound of pipes drifted in. Drank up and headed out to find a small band of pipers and brass musicians performing for charity. Stayed and watched for quite a while, particularly enjoying the moment when two Buckfast-swilling neds on tour persuaded the bandleader to strike up 'Flower of Scotland'. The locals took it in good humour, however!

Back to the station to find out what Kingmoor Depot had turned out for our trip back. After a short exploration of the station, 57007 arrived with the stock of our train - indicating that this would be hauling the final leg of our tour after a reversal at Wakefield Kirkgate. Walked to the front to find DRS 37087 paired up, rather unexpectedly with WCRS's 37676! Another failure at Kingmoor had meant this late substitution - and while 676 wasn't a winner for me (having featured on a couple of trips this year) the leading 37087 was. Back on board in great weather for and on-time departure, and things were looking good for a fine run home...

..but these things almost never work out quite that easily - and would of course, be dull if they did. What would people find to gossip and whinge about on the internet for starters! Out first problem, it seemed related to the roof-mounted horns on 37676 which were out-of-gauge for tunnels on the booked route via Barnsley! A substitute plan was concocted with us heading instead via Wakefield Kirgate, not reversing as planned but progressing presumably via Crofton and Hare Park to gain the route via Moorthorpe. We would then reverse at Sheffield and take the 'Old Road'. However, just west of Blackburn the brakes went on pretty sharply. At this point someone leaning out of a window said with some dismay "Hmm. We seem to be on fire!".

Indeed there was a great deal of smoke pouring from one of the wheelsets on 57007. Whether there was in fact a fire, or just lots of heat, oil and therefore smoke is hard to establish. Suffice to say that 57007 had appeared to have been moving for a good few miles with it's brakes on. Enough in fact to cause the tyres to shift. After a long, quiet delay when the broken PA meant that at least we didn't get any speculation, 6201 'Princess Eliabeth' arrived with it's steam special. We endured a good few minutes ribbing from the steam cranks' on board, but they were soon away and that just left the local youngsters to have their own pop at us!

Finally the decision was taken to move forward to Blackburn on the Up & Down Goods line, then to detach 57007. All this was duly accomplished very swiftly and efficiently and we were under way once more - delayed, but with some prospect of making up time as a reversal would now not be necessary at Sheffield. Despite some slow running, presumably due to following units over Copy Pit, we seemed to be holding time and not getting any later. The loss of a potential haulage was disappointing, but we were moving which was positive. Until of course we stopped - just outside Wakefield Kirgate, and for no apparent reason. As we had no PA in "The Red Knight" we had to wait for the news to filter back - a points failure, and cable theft in the Dearne Valley. We sat for a long time, chatting through the various options available. A mention had been made of travelling via Doncaster - but that meant a likely very much longer route out to the ECML. Eventually, as we set off through Kirkgate and turned north at Altofts Junction it became clear. We in fact travelled via Methley Junction and almost back to Leeds, before taking the Whitehall Curve and the spur line to avoid the station. Throw in for good measure a second traversal of the Copley Hill Chord in the other direction, and within the space of a few minutes we'd scored a fair bit of very rare track indeed! Feeling much better about things now, we sped off south towards Doncaster, crossing over the bridge above the spot where we'd waited outside Kirkgate almost an hour earlier!

37087 and 676 did solid work in getting us home, especially as I understand they were being driven in tandem due to problems persuading them to work in multiple. We made very good progress south via the Erewash Valley and into the Midlands, and arrived at New Street at around 00:38 - about 80 minutes late - which given the challenges which the day presented, is far from bad going! The tour terminated here as Network Rail had already taken possession of the line between New Street and Wolverhampton. So we were efficiently shepherded out of the station via a secret exit onto the cab road and while the Wolves-bound passengers headed for their coaches, I very gratefully descended the stairs to Station Street and my hotel. It would be easy to use the usual term 'farce' for this tour - and some of the situations were pretty unlikely. For them all to crop up on the same trip is incredibly bad luck. However, the way things were handled, the positive attitude to getting everyone home and the general good humour on board reflected very well indeed on Spitfire. The bonus of some extra mileage and some extremely hard-to-get track made my day, and you'll get no complaints from me!

Movebook Entry