For the second week in succession I woke in London, contemplating an early start and a day of travel by unusual routes. Firstly, to Kings Cross - which this time around was definitely where we were starting out. 90028 had hauled the stock into the platform, and I made some half-hearted attempts at a picture which turned out very poorly. Interpreted this as a need for coffee. Wandered to the business end of the rake of Riviera Mk 1s to find 92022 positioned to haul the first leg of the tour to Doncaster Royal Mail Terminal. Prompt departure and some very reasonable running made for a good start, making pick-ups at a few rather damp and dreary looking suburban locations along the way. Interesting chat with the gent opposite too, who was a bus driver by trade and had operated both school services and rail replacement runs in this area and knew it very well. Always good to have a bit of an insight into the area. The real track-bashing soon began, and 'Quails' at the ready much of the carriage began to check our routes for the day and discuss the possible options. Despite the bashing which the BLS receives in some quarters, we have some knowledgeable and interesting members who aren't just a bunch of dribbling vestibule-huggers as some would paint us.

Some disappointment that 56303 turned up rather than 301 which has yet to work a railtour. Still good to have a 'Grid' on the train though, and we made steady progress. First new track of the day was the direct route bypassing York station via the yard. Nothing of much significance stored there now, aside from wagons and enormous amounts of on track plant. We pushed on northwards, finding a little more new track at Longlands Junction where we avoided Northallerton, before heading to Norton South where we turned north again, heading back towards the East Coast Mainline at Tursdale Junction. It's possible to cover this track on rare PSUL workings, but not the trains are all rather inconvenient for a visitor from down south, so this too was welcome track. What was meant to be a cruise through Newcastle became a rather protracted stop, and we set off for Morpeth a little late. Joining the Blyth and Tyne route at Hepscott Junction. This was, for me one of the highlights of the tour, and naturally I managed to become very sleepy just as we started our rather slow run along the line! Soon found ourselves passing through the crossing at the tour's namesake, Choppington - luckily a photographer has immortalised the moment here. We lost further minutes as we headed south, eventually coming alongside the Metro tracks and turning again towards Newcastle where we were due to break and change locomotive once again.

66423 had been spotted at York earlier, and at Newcastle when we passed through, and remained at the back of the station apparently heading north. We expected a brief break due to lateness, but there appeared to be some confusion about the loco change, and the actions of an overzealous platform attendant caused a fair bit of havoc at the front of the train. Eventually, 66423 moved off and headed for the front of our train. We'd been expecting a Freightliner locomotive, and it appeared that this DRS example was in fact on hire. No complaints from me, and we settled in for a mainline run down to York, unfortunately not going via the King Edward Bridge following the recent derailment and imposition of a weight limit.

Another loco change at York, and a much longer break meant time to wander a bit, grab something to eat and make a couple of phonecalls before heading to the front of the train to record the locomotive. There seemed to be some disappointment with 60048, but I've experienced a few on tours and they've been steady performers for me. With the light fading, we were soon back on board and heading for Doncaster RMT once again where we were due to change loco for the final time. Routed via Church Fenton and the mess of lines at Ferrybridge, there was a quite interesting discussion about possible lines and routes. Personally a little disappointed we didn't take the route via Milford as originally planned, but it was interesting to pass by Ferrybridge depot despite being able to see very little in the gloom. It was hoped that we'd have a different Class 92 for the return, but few thought it likely that another would be available. Passed by the station, noting 86101 stabled alongside. Also noted 92029 on a rake of flats. Quite a delay while we awaited the loco change, and then rather unexpectedly 92029 sped past to join the front of our train. I'd had a previous run with this loco in December, but it was still good to see a fresh engine as promised. Soon away, carrying a little delay, and achieving a steady 87 mph on the mainline.

Despite some slow running further south and a brake problem at Carlton-on-Trent, we arrived back at Kings Cross only eight minutes after time. A really enjoyable and sociable day: lots of locos, a fair bit of new track and high mileage. I wondered if ending up on two tours on consecutive weeks was a good idea, but I've ended up having two enjoyable trips which have taken my mind off the stranger things going on just now.