It seemed strange to be getting up so late for a tour, and I almost panicked on a couple of occasions looking at the clock as I pottered around my hotel room getting ready to leave. A leisurely walk to Euston which really only just seemed to be waking up. I'd arrived early in the hope of breakfast and a good look around, but found queues at almost all of the few outlets trading at this early hour. Settled for a big cup of Starbucks coffee to wake me up, and a look around the station noting 90019 on the front of the Lowland Sleeper. No information on our train, but the general tide of enthusiasts toward the Silverlink platforms directed me to 11, where familiar pair 37410 and 37417 were rumbling away in preparation for the trip. Boarded and settled in, with only a minor panic about having no change for coffee - which didn't matter as First Plus seemed to include free refreshments - albeit at a rather erratic frequency.
After a noisy start from Euston, we progressed as far as Willesden TMD where we sat for operational reasons for quite a while. Onto the DC lines now, and soon enough new territory for me once we had passed Willesden Junction Low Level. This is absurdly rare track for locomotive hauled trains, and we made steady progress via the Watford High Street deviation, taking the equally rare link back onto the mainline just short of Watford Junction. With everyone now on board, we made a dash up the line to Tring in order to reverse.
One of the attractions of today was the rather rare visits to deopt lines. I'm informed the planning and safety case for this tour was torturous in the extreme, and that it only happened due to the sterling efforts of Silverlink and Pathfinder staff. With dire warnings not to flush the lavatories on depot property we made our first visit of the day to Wembley. Firstly though we were informed that the Carriage Line was occupied and we'd be offered an alternative. Some grumbling from the back about missing rare track was silenced by the announcement of the alternative - a trip through the shed. We crept into the site, bemused depot staff looking up at us as we passed. A real treat, and some almost unique track into the bargain!
Back to the Willesden area again, and onto the City Lines to climb to meet the line from the High Level station at Kensal Green. A sedate but pleasant trip around the North London Line next, which is still one of the finest ways to see the city, and remains a favourite bit of track for me. Much discussion of the various curves which fall away from the line to allow freight access to other routes - and I confess I couldn't quite figure out which I'd done and which I hadn't without referring back to older records. In any case, finally reached Barking via the Channelsea Curve and Forest Gate Junction, thundering into platform 7 much to the surprise of the locals waiting here.
The next run took us along the line to Gospel Oak affectionately known as 'the Goblin'. This line is an excellent example of how community involvement in a local railway can produce results, and despite it's reputation for overcrowding, poor rolling stock and crime at stations, Silverlink seem to have made a real success of it - with further improvements to come from the Overground project. Another fine run along the rooftops of London, as far as Kensal Green where we took the line through the High Level station at Willesden Junction and headed south over the Thames to Barnes and Clapham Junction before turning northwards once again onto the West London Line which deposited us almost back where we started for a fast run up the WCML to Bletchley.
We paused briefly at Bletchley before creeping slowly into the depot, again some curious staff were ready for our arrival, and we noted depot shunter 'Catherine' outside the shed, ready to assist our train. After a brief stop for staff pictures, 08874 was attached to the front of our train, and we returned to Bletchley station for a photo stop with the real Catherine (after whom the shunter is named) posing beside her namesake. When the complexities of splitting Silverlink into it's constituent Overground and London Midland components is done, Bletchley TMD will almost certainly close which will see the end of a tradition of railway employment in the area. Despite the positive changes in the industry at present, there are some sad times ahead for some.
Soon ready to depart once again for a spin along the Marston Vale line to Bedford. It soon became apparent that we'd been allowed far more time than necessary for this part of the itinerary, and we sat outside Bedford station near the River Great Ouse for twenty or so minutes before heading in, making a swift reversal and retracing our steps. However, before reaching Bletchley we climbed away from the line to the station and onto the flyover. At this point, the collective assembly of track bashers fell silent as for many of us this was the highlight of the day. We climbed sedately onto the impressive concrete structure, built to secure the future of the East-West line which was done away with by cuts a few short years afterwards. A gentle curve over the WCML then a much longer run along the former Oxford route than expected to Swanbourne Siding - now a reversing point for stone trains, but formerly an important cross-country route. Realised that I'd now covered both ends of this bit of track, to Claydon in the west and now to Swanbourne in the east. It must surely be time to consider this line's utility again? Despite the darkness and the cool November night, lots of people were hanging out of windows as we crept along the branch - the first passengers here for many many years, treated to an impromptu firework display by the locals! After reversal, back across the flyover and a curve to the left to descend to Denbigh Hall South Junction and regain the mainline. Another quick run now to Northampton, passing through the station and heading into the ultra modern new Siemens depot at Kings Heath - built specifically to maintain the fleet of Class 350 'Desiro' units which provide local services between Birmingham and Euston. Amazed at how clean and orderly the place seemed in comparison to more 'traditional' depots we'd visited today. The rows of quiet units were almost eerie in the quiet dark sidings. Another reversal, secure in the knowledge we'd been where no other passenger train had!
Our final leg was a dash back to Euston. Our locomotives performed superbly, but a possession on the slow lines meant we didn't get to cover Kilburn Up and Down Goods loop. However, this meant a high speed run along the fasts, with a spirited arrival at Euston as the driver let off several blasts on the horn and treated the station to a noisy taste of thrash. A cracking day out thanks to Silverlink and Pathfinder, where so much could have gone wrong but didn't. Much will change on the railway map in the coming months, but with dedicated people who can organise this kind of trip in the industry the future looks optimistic.
The strange pattern of streets between Grays Inn Road and Mabledon Place has always intrigued me. Having based myself in Bloomsbury on many of my visits, this strange hinterland bordered by Euston Road to the north and Bernard Street to the south has been frequently explored. Little corner pubs and newsagents have become strangely amplified landmarks in this corner of St Pancras which has almost become home. Not quite West End and not quite city, it seems that the waves of commerce and redevelopment never quite reach the centre of this quiet corner of London.
Visiting for the first time in a long time, I found myself staying in the northern corner of the territory, not far from Kings Cross. I'm nervous about my accommodation, but needlessly - it's basic, clean and secure which is all I need for the purposes of my stay. Wandering out to Brunswick Square to shop, I take a long circuit through busy Marchmont Street. Freshman students, not yet quite formed and still wide-eyed in the tumult of post-Office drinkers pass me. They're new here and still apologise quietly for brushing past me. I find Brunswick Square transformed - the strangest of Camden's housing development once sat atop a tired shopping arcade, mostly vacant except for a supermarket and an excellent used book store. Now, the supermarket is an upmarket Waitrose and the square is filled with evening life - the bookstore pushed underground on the fringe of the development. Restaurants and bars fill the once empty shopfronts. Things are changing, Bloomsbury is buzzing again.
Heading back into the dense net of streets north of Coram's fields, all is quiet. The largely residential area is dark, and only the tree-lined and paved Cromer Street with its closed and shuttered shops indicates the strange village I stumbled across a few years back on a walk out to Kings Cross from my Bloomsbury base. Swinging north, the great tower of St Pancras Station looms, scaffolded and ominous above the glassy new station. I want to understand this curious corner - a space that is folded into the map by passing tourists, not seen, it's dimensions not sensed from passing by on the high road. However, I think to understand this quarter one needs to live here in the shadow of the city and it's western neighbour.
Stumbled the few yards from the hotel to the station still half asleep. It was a cold and foggy morning, but it had the promise of turning out bright like the last few days. After a fruitless search for breakfast at this early hour, headed for platform 12 where the stock was sitting - a motley and rather mixed selection of Mark 1 coaches. Soon found my seat, and having settled in for the long day ahead went to watch 86101 being attached. This, in itself, was something of a highlight. After all that has been written about this tour, and given the constant changes and the final hint of a possibility that 86101 would lead the tour, it was fantastic to see the gleaming machine slowly appearing out of the mist to haul the train.
Initial progress was breathtaking. Effortless acceleration had us touching 100mph several times between Crewe and Stafford. Things would surely have continued in this vein too, had Network Rail not scuppered progress with a signalling fault at Penkridge. We crawled through the Midlands in a queue of trains heading south. The actual delay was fairly modest as far as railtours go - around 30 minues - but was to have some knock on effects later in the day. Once we'd completed pick-up stops at Tame Bridge, Birmingham International and Coventry, we made good progress again via Northampton towards Euston. However, a slight change of plan was to cause a little more delay - instead of us hoging valuable platform space at Euston, the EUKL 37s would be attached to the rear of the train at Wembley and we'd haul them into the station to detach the 86. All went well, but a brief stop turned into a long wait to escape the terminus. We finally set off, making the connection to the Southern via the intricate network of lines around West London.
Once out of London's compelling gravity, I dozed a little - particularly during the trip to Tonbridge and then Ashford. This has never been a favourite bit of line for me with it's flat, featureless and uninspring countryside. It has always amazed me that Kent is so highly regarded as an example of England's finest scenery on the basis of this miserable stretch of line. Soon into Sevington Loop where our leading locomotive ran around to prepare for shuttling up and down branch lines - the real business of the day. Soon off again, wrong line as far as Herringe crossover. A short run through Folkestone before leaving the mainline and coming to rest in one of the 'train roads' which allow access to the Harbour branch. A quick reversal, then down the steep bank through the town and around the tight curve into the station. Again, this appeared to be a very unlikely event, as 37s are effectively barred from the Harbour due to adverse clearances on the platform. Network Rail had given a once-only approval and we crept gingerly into the station. A fair leap down to the platform too. Explored and took some shots of the locos and the rather unusual station area. Like all port stations it has a sort of faded glamour and a sense of importance which outshines it's rather tired appearance.
Off the Harbour with an impressive effort from the locos. The rear loco seemed to shut down halfway up the bank, and we were treated to a noisy standing start. Into a train road for our reversal back to Ashford. Pathing on the Southern and some rather weird operational decisions left us over an hour late, but no-one seemed concerned and there was no question of missing the trip to Dungeness. Pathing again caused delays, but we were soon off towards Appledore. Here we took the branch, curving southwards towards the coast through very flat, marshy country. Numerous open crossings meant slow progress but it was pleasant to hang out of the window enjoying the autumn sunshine and spotting a very late dragonfly. The closed but still intact station at Lydd Town was also of interest, sitting beside the only overbridge on the branch. The power station complex loomed large over the marshes, and soon dominated the scenery. We crept to the loading crane at the end of the branch before reversing once again.
A short break was promised at Ashford, and after watching the run-around to put both locomotives back on the front of the train, wandered into the shop to find a huge queue. Likewise for the toilet as the stock was rapidly running out of serviceable toilets with sufficient water. Again, pathing and some strange signalling decisions saw us delayed for much longer than expected, and we finally set off once again towards Appledore nearly two hours late. There were some concerns already being expressed about how things would work with an engineering possession due to start at Rugby but there was no official word, and we pressed on via Hastings and Tunbridge Wells, the driver coaxing excellent performances from the locomotives and gaining back time despite tight paths and frequent single-line sections. We were soon in the suburbs of London, and it was as ever intriguing to look down on the city at night. An additional stop at Brixton saw us lose a little time, and it was interesting to note the effect our train had on locals, looking up at us in puzzlement as they wandered drunkenly between pubs.
Negotiated the maze of lines once again to find our way to Wembley where 86101 was waiting. The time we'd gained back was spent swapping locos and we set off almost exactly two hours after time. Again noted the incredible performance of 86101, and we started to gain time once again only to lose it at pointless signal checks outside Milton Keynes and Birmingham International. Finally arrived at Crewe at 01:22 where we learned just how lucky we'd been to avoid being taken home by coach which would have meant a much later arrival. Virgin staff unlocked the station to let us out - and then had to contend with people trying to get in, including one young woman wearing what appeared to be the top half of a mermaid costume! She left without complaint, and I last saw her wandering casually and rather wistfully by the hotel, shimmering in the light from the street lamps. A strange end to a strange and long day - but one which succeeded against all the odds.
Being on leave on my birthday week was, I hoped, a surefire means of avoiding those people who think I shouldn't be allowed to escape celebration of the event. How wrong I was, and last night I was pleasantly surprised to have a party organised for me at my local which turned out to be a lot of fun. I wasn't feeling totally well though, and I have a horrible feeling I appeared unappreciative - which I absolutely wasn't! Still didn't feel great this morning, but today was my version a celebration and soon got moving. Tuned in to the radio to hear a dedication arranged by my friends, then headed off to the station to start my weekend away.
Firstly, a nice easy trip up to Crewe - my base for the next couple of days on account of the railtour starting there early tomorrow. Because I'd be arriving fairly early, I'd planned in a chance to do some other new track in the North West too. Great to be back on the rails again, and a pleasant and quiet journey. Couldn't help wondering how these services will change in just a few weeks when Arriva take over? Arrived at Crewe with some time to spare before the next train to Preston. A chance to rebook and to wander around the station. Spotted lights in the distance, and positioned myself in time to get a shot of gleaming 47790 being led to Kingmoor by 66418. Moments later, 90024 appeared from the direction of Crewe Electric in order to reverse and head north in pursuit of the DRS pair.
The Preston train arrived a little late and was full and standing. Squeezed into a comfortable corner of the vestibule and amused myself by listening to the drunken chatter of a hen party going to Preston. A quick dash over the bridge on arrival, not made easy by still feeling a bit grim, just in time to see a rather battered looking 142 arriving from Blackpool South and heading for Colne. As I began my journey of a little over an hour, I reflected on how these units are coming to my local area soon. My only conclusion was that thankfully, the journeys I'm likely to undertake are not as long as this one! Interesting make the trip in the easterly direct towards Copy Pit, which I'd not previously done. In Burnley, we branched northwards and headed for Colne. This bit of line has eluded me for quite a while, and would have been covered on an abortive Pathfinder tour earlier in the year. Surprised by the remaining roof structures at the rather dilapidated looking Nelson station. Fifteen minutes in Colne was enough time to stock up on throat lozenges and drinks. I tried to explore a bit but was confused that in both directions the road seemed to lead out of town, and there wasn't an obvious way in!
Rebooked again on the train, and retraced my steps as far as Blackburn. An impressive take on a modern station here, with sweeping curves, plenty of circulating space and level access to all platforms. Busy too, and there was quite a squash to get on the 150 which arrived for Manchester. My object was simply to complete the line from here to Bolton via the intriguingly named Hall i'th Wood station. A quiet and uneventful trip, and another bit of line crossed off. Time to head home, with one or two rather tight timings planned. First, over the bridge at Bolton to get a Wigan Wallgate train which was very busy. Then out of Wallgate station, over the road and into North Western station in six minutes to get the 17:01 Euston service as far as Crewe. Made it comfortably this time, and once again forced to stand I enjoyed a full view of an amazing sunset over Lancashire from the door. This has to be the best way to spend a birthday?
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.
