For the first time in a what seems a very long time, got up early and headed for the station. Strange sense of deja vu to be heading for Highbridge and Burnham at this time of the morning, and it wasn't accidental that this rather shot-in-the-dark trip was chosen because of memories of previous trips from here ten years or so ago. So, off to Weston on the 0633. Rebooked, spending a frankly enormous amount on a ticket to Leicester. Chose this destination mainly because it was somewhere I'd passed through but not often stopped at.
The Virgin service from Weston to Birmingham was diverted via Worcester and Drotiwich, then via the curve at Smethwick Galton Bridge to gain Birmingham New Street from the Stour Valley line. Some slow running along the line from Worcester, but interesting to do this on a Voyager - despite my last trip coming almost exactly the same way. Changed at Birmingham for a Leicester train via Nuneaton and Hinckley. Arrived in bright sunshine, which meant most of my photographs aren't too good - but I did however get a shot of a distant 58005 which I noted during my last excursion.
Wandered a bit, enjoying the unexpectedly good weather and a coffee. A constant stream of Midland Mainline HSTs and Meridians kept me amused and interested. Had decided on a trip via Derby to relive more memories, and eventually squeezed aboard a very overcrowded four-car Meridian travelling via Loughborough and Long Eaton to Derby. A fair amount of football fans from London on board. Got a seat just in time to peruse the former Railway Technical Centre and surrounding sidings.
Strange engineering at Derby means most trains are arriving and leaving from the south, with Virgin services to Scotland leaving via Long Eaton - and presumably heading up via Toton Centre or Nottingham. Resisted the urge to spend more and possibly get completely stuck. Did however, manage to misjudge the timings at Derby and found myself in a lull of southbound services. Contemplated heading for Sheffield and coming back on a through Virgin service, but decided on the safe option of a trip back on a Birmingham-bound local instead.
With quite a wait for the 1512 at Birmingham, stepped out into the city for a wander around the shops. Absolute mayhem, with almost intolerable crowds milling rather haphazardly around the city. Scarpered for the station. Got a seat on a rather busy Voyager back to Bristol, again via the scenic diverted route. A little outside Parkway we were delayed as a service ahead had made an unscheduled stop to allow paramedics to attend a sick passenger. I have to say the outburst of mean-spirited moaning into mobiles which went on in my carriage was pretty sickening. We were soon off, carrying a 36 minute delay, into Temple Meads, and a cross platform change for my unit home - which was it must be said, pretty rowdy with a hen party and some very agitated youths aboard.
So, back onto the rails, with a pleasant and relaxing run out to the East Midlands. Lots of people watching, train spotting, wandering and wondering. A very good day.
Decided not to trust the rail replacement bus services this morning, so headed to Redditch bus station in the dark for the 0650 to Birmingham. Interesting run through the southern suburbs, dropping me right next door to New Street. Plenty of time to top up supplies for the day and to grab a coffee before heading down to platform 8. I'd heard this tour was quite undersubscribed, and disappointingly there seemed to be very few souls on the platform. The two 47s thundered into the black hole of New Street bang on time on a rake of ex-West Coast Mk 3 stock. Out of Birmingham in weak sunshine and mist, but most importantly no rain. Took the right fork at Water Orton, heading for Nuneaton and then Leicester. From here via Melton Mowbray to Peterborough and Ely. New track for me next, as we headed for our first destination at Bury St. Edmunds.
Rather oddly, they decided not to let us off the train until the naming ceremony was almost complete, but there was time to take pictures and see the pristine new 'John Peel' nameplates. John's family were clearly delighted, and there was something of a celebratory atmosphere despite the rather sad occasion. Back aboard, and next to Ipswich where we were due to pick up 87007 for the journey to Norwich. It seems that administrivia had prevented this from happening, and there was some doubt as to what would happen next. We took comfort from the availability of plenty of locomotives at Ipswich, but in the event our new celebrity loco ran round to take us forward. There were, it must be said, some very angry enthusiasts on board.
Quick running into Norwich, arriving to a station full of locos from the recent Community Rail Festival, including many refugees from the Crewe Works open day. DRS liveried 37069 was hiding beside the station, and our intended traction 87007 was on the blocks in pristine new Cotswold Rail paint. Spent some time wandering the station taking pictures and chatting, before heading off on a unit to Great Yarmouth to look at the back of Crown Point depot and achieve some new track into the bargain.
On returning from Great Yarmouth, found refreshments and watched the parade of Class 90s arriving from London for a while. Away on time at 1715 running to Ely via Thetford. Managed to run early throughout, but frustratingly held repeatedly at signals. Threw away time at Peterborough and lost nearly twelve minutes due to a signal returning to red in front of the train at Water Orton. Arrived on time, but can't help feeling that an early arrival would have prevented the farce which occurred next. After flagging a taxi due to its extortionate fares, hopped onto the packed 2140 to Bournville, planning to change for the replacement bus at Selly Oak. We set off on time, but ground to a halt about five seconds later. A preceding service had reported a broken rail at Five Ways. So all stop heading south. A bus would be arranged - and it should be quick since there were plenty working in the in the area. Central Trains staff admitted they were playing the 'how many will get their own taxi if we keep them waiting?' game but the cancellation of the next two services on the Cross City Line kept the crowd large enough to be a problem. We finally got a bus at 2250, and despite assurances of a through service still had to change to another bus at Selly Oak. This connection was in doubt all the way to Selly Oak since the driver and his helper dropped all the pretty student girls off wherever they asked, taking all kinds of detours. Finally landed at Redditch at 00:02. A long day, with a frustrating finish but some excellent running. Proud to have been part of a historic occasion. There is a small gallery of pictures from the tour here.
For the past month or so, there has been something going on each weekend. No bad thing, as this has helped me to cope with the huge amounts of change going on just now. This week however, I was exhausted and after a trip to the pub last night to celebrate our first week in the Town Hall, not in the mood for an early start. Luckily, there was a lot going on locally - 47s to Minehead, 50s and 67s to Penzance and D1015 heading for South Wales.
Set out earlier than I'd planned for Bristol. Bright sunshine, in the wrong place for photography, but nice nonetheless. Planned to watch the 47s arrive, then hop on a Cardiff-bound train. Temple Meads very quiet, but bumped into a couple of regulars just in time for the ailing 47316 to lead 47828 on a rake of ex-West Coast Mk 3 stock which included Cotswold's newly liveried buffet car.
Spent too much time chatting and watching the locomotives swap positions for the remainder of the journey down to Minehead. By my calculations I ought to have been able to meet the Western at Newport. As I left for Wales, noted the rather strange Hereford-Paignton charter (formed of two 158s) pass slowly through the station. Arrived to find I'd missed the Western by minutes! Felt very silly. Stayed for a look at Godfrey Road and some reinstated 60s. Even the usually reasonably good buffet at Newport let me down today!
Arrived back in Weston, and decided to make a dash around town trying to pick up photo frames, books and some other things I'd meant to buy all week. Ended up feeling utterly frustrated by crowds of lingering holidaymakers, and bought the wrong things. A strangely irritating day.
Arrived on the 06:48 from Weston to find a whole bunch of the Somerset contingent already aboard and clearly more awake and alert than I was. Obtained much needed coffee and settled in for an uneventful but very entertaining journey up to Crewe, with one member of our group asking 'are we on the Lickey yet?' from Gloucester onwards! Train became wedged at Birmingham, as the guard suddenly realised there was something going on at Crewe. Even the surrounding normals were reasonably amused by the crank antics onboard - I think today did a lot for rail enthusiasts public relations in fact.
Arrived under grey skies at Crewe to find the station teeming with enthusiasts. The arrival of a series of specials, along with a predicted 30,000 traveling to the open day meant bumping into familiar faces all over the place. Took a while to get to the bus queue with all this happening around us. Finally aboard an Arriva double decker and off to the works. Whilst Crewe changes little, lots of new development on railway lands around the works site since my last visit in 1996. Since a couple of us had advance purchased tickets, fast tracked in and explored a line of AC electric locos whilst waiting for the others.
Despite the much discussed non-arrival of locomotives from EWS, GBRf and DRS there was a great deal to see. Disappointed that some of the exhibits were indoors and behind the sales stands, including 47402 'Gateshead' which I'd been looking forward to seeing at close quarters. The outdoor exhibits were spaced well, and generally in photographable positions despite large crowds on site. A series of loco movements around the site, using the traverser added some interest. A pleasant surprise to exit one of the sheds to find pet duff 47826.
Lots of chances to spend money too, with endless stall selling memorabilia, models and books. Spent some time browsing, and then went for a lunch of Welsh Lamb burgers which were actually very good despite the reservations of some of our party. Headed over to the large variety of preserved steam locomotives, and on the way discovered another Somerset regular at the works for attention since it's mishap at Nailsea last October - still rather forlornly displaying it's destination!
Said goodbye to some of our party who were heading back early, and made our way back to the station to see the returning special workings. Spent several hours chatting and enjoying the sociable atmosphere. Tours hauled by steam locomotives, a pair of 33s, 67s and lots of Virgin Thunderbird activity going on. Highlight of the evening workings must be 37425 on an additional working to Cardiff sporting a headboard and in immaculate large-logo livery.
Eventually left to find food, and opted for an excellent indian then a couple of pints. On the way back to the hotel, noted several freight workings disappearing into 'the muck hole'. Despite some disappointing absences from the day, we had a great time and enjoyed bumping into old friends once again - in that sense the 'Great Gathering' tag applied perfectly.
Some unsorted photographs - including Lee's head sticking out of 33108's cab - are available here. I will at some point do some labelling and quality control on these!
Lost::MikeGTN
I've had a home on the web for more years than I care to remember, and a few kind souls persuade me it's worth persisting with keeping it updated. This current incarnation of the site is centred around the blog posts which began back in 1999 as 'the daylog' and continued through my travels and tribulations during the following years.
I don't get out and about nearly as much these days, but I do try to record significant events and trips for posterity. You may also have arrived here by following the trail to my former music blog Songs Heard On Fast Trains. That content is preserved here too.
