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RAIL REPORTS 2008

  
     
 

THE MALTON HOP

or "My other train is a Mercedes"
 

Departure, arrival and changing stations and haulage in bold.
     

STATION

DEPART

NOTES

MONDAY 14 APRIL 2008
     
CHELTENHAM SPA

0757

 Caught Newcastle bound train departing just ahead of the planned 0757 as I was worried about a mere 17 minute stopover at Brimingham New Street. However, Arriva Cross Country (AXC) guard aboard 220 017 had no problem about me staying on board all the way to York , reached about 11.00
     
SHEFFIELD Noted the latest round of changes on this route that I have been travelling, on and off, for 30 years. Saltley Depot has now been demolished and the Reliant car plant near Tamworth has gone too. Derby station is also being rebuilt and the former Midland Railway works redeveloped for residential use. At Sheffield noted 142 011
     
DONCASTER 08 529, 08 669
     

220 017 on arrival at Platform 10 of York station in its new Arriva Cross Country markings. Under Virgin use this DEMU was known as "Bombardier Voyager" and it is currently owned by Halifax Bank of Scotland.
220 017 on arrival at Platform 10 of York station in its new Arriva Cross Country markings. Under Virgin use this DEMU was known as "Bombardier Voyager" and it is currently owned by Halifax Bank of Scotland.
     
YORK 31 601"Gauge O Guild 1956-2006", 31 190 (D5613), 66 510, 86 902, 91 110 "David Livingstone", 91 132 "City of Durham", 115 112, 142 024, 158 754, 158 757

185 103 haulage to Malton at 1138 arriving 1202
     

A welcome throwback to "the good old days" of York station was the arrival of a Network Rail test train composed of yellow Mark1 and Mark 2 carriages, led by 31 601"Gauge O Guild 1956-2006" in the cerise pink usually associated with DMUs on the Heart of Wales line. The former 31 186 is currently owned by ECT Mainline Rail and is based at Barrow Hill Depot, Chesterfield. Also throwing out blue smoke from its English Electric 12SVT prime mover into the vaulted roof of Thomas Prosser's curved train shed was 31 190 - originally D5613 and much more conservatively dressed in the one time class standard of Brunswick Green with white horizontal bands. The Derby based A1A-A1A is part of Rail Vehicle Engineering.
     
A welcome throwback to "the good old days" of York station was the arrival of a Network Rail test train composed of yellow Mark1 and Mark 2 carriages, led by 31 601"Gauge O Guild 1956-2006" in the cerise pink usually associated with DMUs on the Heart of Wales line. The former 31 186 is currently owned by ECT Mainline Rail and is based at Barrow Hill Depot, Chesterfield. Also throwing out blue smoke from its English Electric 12SVT prime mover into the vaulted roof of Thomas Prosser's curved train shed was 31 190 - originally D5613 and much more conservatively dressed in the one time class standard of Brunswick Green with white horizontal bands. The Derby based A1A-A1A is part of Rail Vehicle Engineering.
     

A welcome throwback to "the good old days" of York station was the arrival of a Network Rail test train composed of yellow Mark1 and Mark 2 carriages, led by 31 601"Gauge O Guild 1956-2006" in the cerise pink usually associated with DMUs on the Heart of Wales line. The former 31 186 is currently owned by ECT Mainline Rail and is based at Barrow Hill Depot, Chesterfield. Also throwing out blue smoke from its English Electric 12SVT prime mover into the vaulted roof of Thomas Prosser's curved train shed was 31 190 - originally D5613 and much more conservatively dressed in the one time class standard of Brunswick Green with white horizontal bands. The Derby based A1A-A1A is part of Rail Vehicle Engineering.
     

Rail Vehicle Engineering was also the name on the side of Rugby based 86 902, now owned by Netwoek Rail as a Mobile Load Bank to test overhead catenary equipment, usually on its old West Coast Main Line stamping ground. Although the number one end traction motors are now isolated, 86 902 can still move under its own power.
     
Rail Vehicle Engineering was also the name on the side of Rugby based 86 902, now owned by Netwoek Rail as a Mobile Load Bank to test overhead catenary equipment, usually on its old West Coast Main Line stamping ground. Although the number one end traction motors are now isolated, 86 902 can still move under its own power.
     

Rail Vehicle Engineering was also the name on the side of Rugby based 86 902, now owned by Netwoek Rail as a Mobile Load Bank to test overhead catenary equipment, usually on its old West Coast Main Line stamping ground. Although the number one end traction motors are now isolated, 86 902 can still move under its own power.
     
Representing the first generation of electric motive power on the East Coast Main Line was 91 132 "City of Durham", no longer wearing the GNER markings visible on my 2007 visit to Kings Cross but yet to be repainted in the light grey of new operators National Express.
     
Representing the first generation of electric motive power on the East Coast Main Line was 91 132 "City of Durham", no longer wearing the GNER markings visible on my 2007 visit to Kings Cross but yet to be repainted in the light grey of new operators National Express.
     
Even back in the Deltic era of the 1960s and 70s most local and regional services out of York were handled by diesel multiple units. On 14 April 2008 Sheffield bound 142 024 shared Northern Rail livery with the Class 158 across to the west and parked next to a Class 185 in First TransPennine markings.
     
Even back in the Deltic era of the 1960s and 70s most local and regional services out of York were handled by diesel multiple units. On 14 April 2008 Sheffield bound 142 024 shared Northern Rail livery with the Class 158 across to the west and parked next to a Class 185 in First TransPennine markings.
     
Even without trains, York station has a rich history to offer, including this multi-railway zero post. The top plaque above it reads "The Institution of Civil Engineers Yorkshire Association Award 1990 for excellence in the concept, design and execution of Civil Engineering Works. British Rail York Permanent Way Remodelling. Originator: InterCity Manager, East Coast Main Line, York. Designer: Regional Civil Engineer, York. Contractor: Area Civil Engineer, Leeds."
     
Even without trains, York station has a rich history to offer, including this multi-railway zero post. The top plaque above it reads "The Institution of Civil Engineers Yorkshire Association Award 1990 for excellence in the concept, design and execution of Civil Engineering Works. British Rail York Permanent Way Remodelling. Originator: InterCity Manager, East Coast Main Line, York. Designer: Regional Civil Engineer, York. Contractor: Area Civil Engineer, Leeds."

The lower plaque reads "York Zero Post. The centre of York station was the Zero Point for the measurement of ten of the North Eastern Railway's lines, including those to Beverley, Harrogate, Newcastle, Normanton and Scarborough. This replica Zero Post was erected by the North Eastern Railway Association with financial assistance from The Railway Heritage Trust and The Ken Hoole Trust to mark the 150th anniversary of the formation of the NER on 31 July 1854. it was unveiled by Sir William McAlpine,Bt., Chairman of The Railway Heritage Trust on 31 July 2004." Around the edge of the circular plaque are the following railway company names: York & Newcastle, York & North Midland, York & Scarborough, Sherburn Branch, Raskelf Curve, Micklefield Branch, Market Weighton & Beverley, Longlands Loop (Northallerton), York & Harrogate, York & Market Weighton.
     
"York Zero Post. The centre of York station was the Zero Point for the measurement of ten of the North Eastern Railway's lines, including those to Beverley, Harrogate, Newcastle, Normanton and Scarborough. This replica Zero Post was erected by the North Eastern Railway Association with financial assistance from The Railway Heritage Trust and The Ken Hoole Trust to mark the 150th anniversary of the formation of the NER on 31 July 1854. it was unveiled by Sir William McAlpine,Bt., Chairman of The Railway Heritage Trust on 31 July 2004." Around the edge of the circular plaque are the following railway company names: York & Newcastle, York & North Midland, York & Scarborough, Sherburn Branch, Raskelf Curve, Micklefield Branch, Market Weighton & Beverley, Longlands Loop (Northallerton), York & Harrogate, York & Market Weighton.
     
MALTON In Malton I stayed for £29.50 at The Green Man Hotel, 15 Market Street, YO17 7LY 01653 600370. Most of the bar and public areas of this hostelry were decorated on the theme of Ferrari, Mercedes and other high performance cars. A red Mercedes SL with gull wing doors was just one of the large scale models fixed over the bar itself.
 
In Malton I stayed for £29.50 at The Green Man Hotel, 15 Market Street, YO17 7LY 01653 600370. Most of the bar and public areas of this hostelry were decorated on the theme of Ferrari, Mercedes and other high performance cars. A red Mercedes SL with gull wing doors was just one of the large scale models fixed over the bar itself.
     

TUESDAY 15 APRIL 2008
     
Before going back to Cheltenham, I had time to catch one of Yorkshire Coastliner's Volvo Eclipse double deckers to Pickering and back. Yorkshire Coastliner buses run a half hourly Monday to Saturday service along a Leeds-Tadcaster-York-Malton before the service spreads out to Whitby, Scarborough and Filey-Bridlington. The Malton-Pickering service also called at Eden Camp and Flamingo Land.
     
PICKERING Before going back to Cheltenham, I had time to catch one of Yorkshire Coastliner's Volvo Eclipse double deckers to Pickering and back. Yorkshire Coastliner buses run a half hourly Monday to Saturday service along a Leeds-Tadcaster-York-Malton before the service spreads out to Whitby, Scarborough and Filey-Bridlington. The Malton-Pickering service also called at Eden Camp and Flamingo Land.
     
As Pickering Model Centre was just over the road from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway station, opportunity was taken to see the departure of ex LNER B1 4-6-0 61264 with a train for Grosmont. Built by the North British Locomotive Company and originally numbered 1264, 61264 wore the 41E shedplates used by Staveley (Barrow Hill) locomotives from the end of the 1950s.
     
As Pickering Model Centre was just over the road from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway station, opportunity was taken to see the departure of ex LNER B1 4-6-0 61264 with a train for Grosmont. Built by the North British Locomotive Company and originally numbered 1264, 61264 wore the 41E shedplates used by Staveley (Barrow Hill) locomotives from the end of the 1950s.
     
As Pickering Model Centre was just over the road from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway station, opportunity was taken to see the departure of ex LNER B1 4-6-0 61264 with a train for Grosmont. Built by the North British Locomotive Company and originally numbered 1264, 61264 wore the 41E shedplates used by Staveley (Barrow Hill) locomotives from the end of the 1950s.
     
Also under power at Pickering - although not moving and with a hose running from its vacuum pipe to the interior of the locoshed - was D2207, built for the Drewry Company at Vulcan Works, Newton le Willows in February 1953 as works number 2482/ D208. Originally numbered 11108 and allocated to Parkeston ( 30F ), it was withdrawn from Crewe Works in December 1967.
     
Also under power at Pickering - although not moving and with a hose running from its vacuum pipe to the interior of the locoshed - was D2207, built for the Drewry Company at Vulcan Works, Newton le Willows in February 1953 as works number 2482/ D208. Originally numbered 11108 and allocated to Parkeston ( 30F ), it was withdrawn from Crewe Works in December 1967.
     
MALTON 1310 Journey home to booked timings. 185 145 and 105 noted running in multiple towards Scarborough before 185 147 took me to York, arriving 1337
     
One positive development since my last visit to York station is the bridge over the westernmost tracks and the steps leading to a direct footpath to the National Railway Museum, thus avoiding the long walk from the front of the station and under the railway bridge in Leeman Road.
     
YORK 1432 One positive development since my last visit to York station is the bridge over the westernmost tracks and the steps leading to a direct footpath to the National Railway Museum, thus avoiding the long walk from the front of the station and under the railway bridge in Leeman Road.

The NRM now has the Yorkshire Wheel in front of the Great Hall where there used to be a pleasant garden with, among other things, a plaque given by Italian Railways to commemorate the work of George Stephenson. A quick look inside the Great Hall - which seemed darker than I remembered - revealed many of the usual exhibits - Mallard, Bullet Train etc as well as D200 and 87 101 "Stephenson". Also noticed that gallery upstairs is now called "Search Engine" but did not have time to investigate.
     
Back at the station I noticed 86 226, 91 117 "Cancer Research UK",158 860, 158 910 and an HST in the new Sunderland - Kings Cross Grand Central markings. However, the power car at the Northern end was still in Midland Mainline Project Rio markings.. 220xxx to Cheltenham Arriving 1721
     
Back at the station I noticed 86 226, 91 117 "Cancer Research UK",158 860, 158 910 and an HST in the new Sunderland - Kings Cross Grand Central markings. However, the power car at the Northern end was still in Midland Mainline Project Rio markings.. 220xxx to Cheltenham arriving 1721
     
Back at the station I noticed 86 226, 91 117 "Cancer Research UK",158 860, 158 910 and an HST in the new Sunderland - Kings Cross Grand Central markings. However, the power car at the Northern end was still in Midland Mainline Project Rio markings.. 220xxx to Cheltenham arriving 1721
DONCASTER 91 120, 150 273
     
SHEFFIELD 43058, 43052
     
DERBY 222 011, 222 017
     
TAMWORTH 60 082, 66 006 south of station [ 66 065 WASHWWOD HEATH ]
     
SALTLEY 66056, 66145 [ 170 117, 323 213, 390 020 BIRMINGHAM NEW ST ]
 

LONDON TRANSPORT

SUNDAY 1 JUNE 2008
     

Departure, arrival and changing stations and haulage in bold.
     
STATION DEPART NOTES
     

GLOUCESTER

0905

43187 provided one of the power cars of the First Great Western (FGW) HST to London
     
SWINDON 43155, 67 006 "Royal Sovereign" west of the station with a rake of chocolate and cream Mark 1 carriages
     
DIDCOT 08 567, 66 009
     
READING 43028/ 43016, Class 458 Juniper units 8021 / 8023
     
ACTON 66 012
     
Our trains both arrived at and departed from Platform 1 of Paddington Station from whence we took the LT Bakerloo line to Piccaddilly Circus to join an Original London Sightseeing Bus Tour ( a division of Arriva ). Following a meal at the Japanese restaurant Wagamama in Covent Garden, our Sightseeing Bus Tour ticket also included a voyage from Westminster Bridge along the Pool of London to Tower Bridge aboard the catamaran MV Millennium City, taking in such sights as the Queen Bodicea statue by the Houses of Parliament.
 
Our trains both arrived at and departed from Platform 1 of Paddington Station from whence we took the LT Bakerloo line to Piccaddilly Circus to join an Original London Sightseeing Bus Tour ( a division of Arriva ). Following a meal at the Japanese restaurant Wagamama in Covent Garden, our Sightseeing Bus Tour ticket also included a voyage from Westminster Bridge along the Pool of London to Tower Bridge aboard the catamaran MV Millennium City, taking in such sights as the Queen Bodicea statue by the Houses of Parliament.
 
Our trains both arrived at and departed from Platform 1 of Paddington Station from whence we took the LT Bakerloo line to Piccaddilly Circus to join an Original London Sightseeing Bus Tour ( a division of Arriva ). Following a meal at the Japanese restaurant Wagamama in Covent Garden, our Sightseeing Bus Tour ticket also included a voyage from Westminster Bridge along the Pool of London to Tower Bridge aboard the catamaran MV Millennium City, taking in such sights as the Queen Bodicea statue by the Houses of Parliament.
 
Also visible from the top deck of the MV Millennium City was a wider view of St Stephen's Tower - containing the world famous Big Ben bell - and the cream and dark grey Portcullis House used as office space by Members of Parliament. Moored next to this and a building with horizontal stripes was the MV Sapele.
     
Also visible from the top deck of the MV Millennium City was a wider view of St Stephen's Tower - containing the world famous Big Ben bell - and the cream and dark grey Portcullis House used as office space by Members of Parliament. Moored next to this and a building with horizontal stripes was the MV Sapele.
     
Moored downriver just in front of the art deco Charing Cross station is the former paddle steamer Tattershall Castle, now a floating restaurant.
     
Moored downriver just in front of the art deco Charing Cross station is the former paddle steamer Tattershall Castle, now a floating restaurant.
     
Once back on dry land, our party also visited a copy of Rodin's statue of the Six Burghers of Calais, donated by the French sculptor and located at the Western end of the Palace of Westminster.
     
Once back on dry land, our party also visited a copy of Rodin's statue of the Six Burghers of Calais, donated by the French sculptor and located at the Western end of the Palace of Westminster.
     
Finishing our day in and around the shopping area of the West End, Routemaster buses RM1640 (640 DYE) and RM1941 (ALD 941B ) were noted while Volvo double decker LJ 53 BDY in Arriva colours was noted forming the 176 service to Penge outside the Royal College of Nursing.
     
Finishing our day in and around the shopping area of the West End, Routemaster buses RM1640 (640 DYE) and RM1941 (ALD 941B ) were noted while Volvo double decker LJ 53 BDY in Arriva colours was noted forming the 176 service to Penge outside the Royal College of Nursing.
     

PADDINGTON

1927

 43002, 43005, 43140, 43106, 43163, 323 012

43091 hauled us back to Gloucester, the HST then going on to Swansea via Chepstow due to the closure of the Severn Tunnel.
     
ACTON 66012 [ 323 011 OLD OAK COMMON] [ 165 114 WEST OF AIRPORT JUNCTION ]
     
READING 43143/ 43180, 43152, 221 127.

66 616 west of station on Freightliner wagons.
     

DIG THE MOLE
     

Departure, arrival and changing stations and haulage in bold.
     
STATION DEPART NOTES
     

THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2008
     

CHELTENHAM SPA

0757

43079 / 43148 (FGW) 150 285 (AXC) to Maesteg, 153 370 / 377 (FGW) to Malvern, 220 028 (AXC) southbound.

221 121 (AXC) to Birmingham

     

BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET

0826

170 635 ( London Midland ) 220 018 (AXC) 323 202 (LM) 350 122 (LM ) 390 012 "Virgin Star" (Virgin West Coast )
     

BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET

0903

 221 107 "Sir Martin Frobisher"(VWC) to Oxenholme
     

WOLVERHAMPTON

 67 012 "A Shropshire Lad" / 67 015 ( Wrexham & Shropshire, top and tailing MkII carriages in old BR blue and grey)
     
NORTON BRIDGE JUNCTION 60 020
     
CREWE 47 848, 175 003, 221 105 "William Baffin"
     
CREWE RAILWAY AGE D1842, 47 575. Wind turbine noted near APT
     
WARRINGTON ARPLEY 66 138, 66 176, 67 013 ( Wrexham & Shropshire)
     

OXENHOLME

1111

47 804, 390 016 "Virgin Champion"
     

OXENHOLME

1155

 185 133 to Windermere
     

WINDERMERE

1214

  

SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2008
WINDERMERE 185 105 to Preston
     
PRESTON 57 315 "The Mole", 57 316 "FAB 1",150 138, 150 224, 156 429, 158 759, 158 845, 185 146, 390 053 "Mission Accomplished"
     
PRESTON 156 441 to Blackpool North
     
POULTON LE FYLDE 156 471
     
BLACKPOOL NORTH 150 139,150 203,150 224, 185 108
     
An atmospheric shot under the 550v dc wires inside Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway's Rigby Road depot with a 1934 vintage English Electric built A1-1A "Balloon" double deck tram just behind the parked car.
     

An atmospheric shot under the 550v dc wires inside Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway's Rigby Road depot with a 1934 vintage English Electric built A1-1A "Balloon" double deck tram just behind the parked car.
     

SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2008
     
BLACKPOOL NORTH 156 425 to Poulton Le Fylde
     
POULTON LE FYLDE 158 758, 185 114, 158 xxx to Preston
     
57 315 "The Mole" was parked at the northern end of Preston station, ready to assist any failed Pendolinos
     
57 315 "The Mole" was parked at the northern end of Preston station, ready to assist any failed Pendolinos
     
PRESTON 57 315 "The Mole", 150 139, 153 317, 185 108, 185 124 / 123, 185 130, 185 150 / 113, 221 101 "Louis Bleriot"/221 144 "Prince Madoc", 390 038 "City of London" to Oxenholme
     
390 019 "Virgin Warrior" and 221 144 "Prince Madoc" represent Virgin's two types of tilting train.
     
390 019 "Virgin Warrior" and 221 144 "Prince Madoc" represent Virgin's two types of tilting train.
     
The curvy lines of Siemens built Desirio diesel hydraulic m.u. 185 108 in its special Liverpool 08 version of First Trans Pennine Express livery contrasts with BREL York built 150 139 in North Western Trains markings
     
The curvy lines of Siemens built Desirio diesel hydraulic m.u. 185 108 in its special Liverpool 08 version of First Trans Pennine Express livery contrasts with BREL York built 150 139 in North Western Trains markings
     
The curvy lines of Siemens built Desirio diesel hydraulic m.u. 185 108 in its special Liverpool 08 version of First Trans Pennine Express livery contrasts with BREL York built 150 139 in North Western Trains markings
     
OXENHOLME 185 130, 185 133 to Windermere
     

MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2008
     

WINDERMERE

0928

185 125 to Oxenholme
     

OXENHOLME

0948

390 038 "City of London" 221 106 "Willem Barents" to Birmingham
     
PRESTON 43062 "John Armitt" leading Network Measuring Train, south of station
     
WARRINGTON (ARPLEY) 67 029 "Royal Diamond" (66 098)
     
CREWE D1748, D1916, 47 747, 158 831
     
CREWE BASFORD HALL YARD 66 099, 66184
     
STAFFORD 57 314 "Firefly"
     
WOLVERHAMPTON 158 825, 158 834, 323 218, 390 015 "Virgin Crusader"
     
67 012 "A Shropshire Lad" in the silver livery of Wrexham and Shropshire leads a rake of blue and grey stock
     
67 012 "A Shropshire Lad" in the silver livery of Wrexham and Shropshire leads a rake of blue and grey stock
     
67 012 "A Shropshire Lad" in the silver livery of Wrexham and Shropshire leads a rake of blue and grey stock
     
67 015 brings up the rear of the Wrexham and Shropshire train past a London Midland liveried Desirio emu
     
67 015 brings up the rear of the Wrexham and Shropshire train past a London Midland liveried Desirio emu
     

BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET

1211

67 012 "A Shropshire Lad" / 67 015, 175 514, 390 005 "City of Wolverhampton"

175 104 to Cheltenham Spa at 1230
     

CHELTENHAM SPA

1311