Historical - Outdoors Events 2010 onwards.
This is a series which covers major CRS Expeditions to areas other than the South West of England.
N.B. In this section events are covered in chronological order but with the most recent being the first item.
This is a series which covers major CRS Expeditions to areas other than the South West of England.
N.B. In this section events are covered in chronological order but with the most recent being the first item.
Report on the CRS
Expedition to South Wales & Southern England 2016
Roger Winnen
Utilising an 8 in 15 Day South West Railrover ticket combined with a 4 in 8 Day South Wales Flexi Rover
These two tickets would give us the Freedom to travel from Cornwall to Cardiff, plus the lines to Bath, Swindon, Westbury, Salisbury, Eastleigh, Southampton, Portmouth Harbour and across to Weymouth also the Weymouth to Westbury line and to Swindon via Melksham. The ticket also covers travel from Bristol to Gloucester, Worcester to Great Malvern and back from Gloucester to Cardiff via Chepstow and Severn Tunnel Jct.
The South Wales Flexi Rover gives us travel from Gloucester to Newport, the Welsh Marches to Shrewsbury and back down the Central Wales line to Swansea. Also covered is the main lines to West Wales, Newport, Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot, Neath and Swansea together with the lines to Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Fishguard Harbour and all the Cardill Valley lines to Rhymney, Treherbert, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare, Coryton, Penarth, Barry Island and the through line to Maesteg from Barry via Aberthaw.
We set off from Cornwall on Tuesday 28th June, 2016, some of our Party stayed at the Cardiff University Campus at Cathays whilst other members stayed in Hotels in the centre of Cardiff. Staying at the University, Cathays was our closest Railway Station, Cardiff Queen Street being the next.
Expedition to South Wales & Southern England 2016
Roger Winnen
Utilising an 8 in 15 Day South West Railrover ticket combined with a 4 in 8 Day South Wales Flexi Rover
These two tickets would give us the Freedom to travel from Cornwall to Cardiff, plus the lines to Bath, Swindon, Westbury, Salisbury, Eastleigh, Southampton, Portmouth Harbour and across to Weymouth also the Weymouth to Westbury line and to Swindon via Melksham. The ticket also covers travel from Bristol to Gloucester, Worcester to Great Malvern and back from Gloucester to Cardiff via Chepstow and Severn Tunnel Jct.
The South Wales Flexi Rover gives us travel from Gloucester to Newport, the Welsh Marches to Shrewsbury and back down the Central Wales line to Swansea. Also covered is the main lines to West Wales, Newport, Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot, Neath and Swansea together with the lines to Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Fishguard Harbour and all the Cardill Valley lines to Rhymney, Treherbert, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare, Coryton, Penarth, Barry Island and the through line to Maesteg from Barry via Aberthaw.
We set off from Cornwall on Tuesday 28th June, 2016, some of our Party stayed at the Cardiff University Campus at Cathays whilst other members stayed in Hotels in the centre of Cardiff. Staying at the University, Cathays was our closest Railway Station, Cardiff Queen Street being the next.
This was our plan Tuesday 28th June, 2016
Day 1 Using the Freedom of the South West Rover
Penzance 10.00 and pick up at stations to Plymouth arr 11.57. Change into the Cross Country Service HST departing at 12.25 to Bristol arr 14.26, the departing on a Portsmouth Harbour 158 service to Cardiff at 14.54 arriving at Cardiff 15.44. On arrival at Cardiff we would book into our accommodation, buy the food required for our self catering at the University and meet back at Cardiff Central Station to view the passing trains for an hour or so before going to Wetherspoons, 'The Great Western' opposite Cardiff Central Station for a meal.
Day 1 Using the Freedom of the South West Rover
Penzance 10.00 and pick up at stations to Plymouth arr 11.57. Change into the Cross Country Service HST departing at 12.25 to Bristol arr 14.26, the departing on a Portsmouth Harbour 158 service to Cardiff at 14.54 arriving at Cardiff 15.44. On arrival at Cardiff we would book into our accommodation, buy the food required for our self catering at the University and meet back at Cardiff Central Station to view the passing trains for an hour or so before going to Wetherspoons, 'The Great Western' opposite Cardiff Central Station for a meal.
160628a The first photograph taken on our trip to South Wales was at St Erth where two Class 150 units was stationed side by side, one in Platform 3 and the other at the short Platform 4 adjacent to the Buffet. Copyright Roger Winnen
160628b The colourful 158 unit Supporting the Springboard Trust departs with a Cardiff Central-Portsmouth Harbour service. Copyright Roger Winnen
160628d The attractive frontage to the Great Western Station at Cardiff rebuilt in 1934. Copyright Roger Winnen
160628c The very attractive concorse of Cardiff Central Station with John Gallagher, Mike Hitchens and Tony Brokenshire. Copyright Roger Winnen
160628g The busy stations keeps you on the move between platforms, the 1930s style of lettering still does its purpose. Copyright Roger Winnen
160628h 'Nodding Donkeys' to and fro east and westbound in Cardiff. Copyright Roger Winnen
160628j 43172 'Harry Patch' in the destintive livery commenorating the war to end all wars. Copyright Roger Salter
Wednesday 29th June, 2016 Day 2 of the South West Rover Ticket
Cathays 08.31 Cardiff Central arr 08.39 (A return ticket purchased as Rover Tickets are not valid until 09.00hrs) Cardiff Central 09.00 Bristol Temple Meads 09.54/10.22 Romsey 11.50/12.07 Eastleigh 12.20/14.00 Southampton 14.12/15.44 Portsmouth Harbour 16.44/17.23 Cardiff Central 21.45
The weather on this day was not very good, we cut down our time at Southampton during the afternoon owing to the lack of freight which however we made up for at Eastleigh. We returned from Portsmouth Harbour one hour early. My watch failed at Eastleigh, a hasty trip to the watch repairer got the watch back on time for the rest of our trip, or else we may have run late!
Cathays 08.31 Cardiff Central arr 08.39 (A return ticket purchased as Rover Tickets are not valid until 09.00hrs) Cardiff Central 09.00 Bristol Temple Meads 09.54/10.22 Romsey 11.50/12.07 Eastleigh 12.20/14.00 Southampton 14.12/15.44 Portsmouth Harbour 16.44/17.23 Cardiff Central 21.45
The weather on this day was not very good, we cut down our time at Southampton during the afternoon owing to the lack of freight which however we made up for at Eastleigh. We returned from Portsmouth Harbour one hour early. My watch failed at Eastleigh, a hasty trip to the watch repairer got the watch back on time for the rest of our trip, or else we may have run late!
160629a Our early morning walk to Cathays Station. Copyright Roger Salter
160629b 90 Glorious Years a tribute to the service of the Queen. Copyright Roger Salter
160629bb At 08.42 we see an empty log train running through Cardiff hauled by 70806. Copyright Roger Winnen
160629c Romsey is the location for this shot of a two car 158 South West Trains unit. Copyright Roger Winnen - Copy
160629k We even have planes landing at Southampton Airport descending over Eastleigh Station on the approach to Southampton Airport. Copyright Roger Winnen
160629l A Car Carrier train behind a Class 66 passes Eastleigh heading north for Basingstoke, Reading and Oxford etc. Copyright Roger Winnen
160629m A Freighliner Class 66512 heads through Southampton Central Station with container traffic to the docks. Copyright Roger Winnen
160629o This photograph of the 'Warrior' at Portsmouth Harbour was taken prior to our return journey to Cardiff. Copyright Roger Winnen
160629s We pass over this bridge entering Newport Station looking down the River Usk. Copyright Roger Winnen
Thursday 30th June 2016 Day 3 of the South West Rover Ticket
Cathays 08.31 Cardiff Central arr 08.39. Cardiff Central dep 09.00 Bristol Temple Meads 09.54/10.22 Bath for a visit to Sydney Gardens 10.34/12.12 Swindon arr 12.39 for a visit to the Great Western Steam Museum. Dep Swindon at 15.12 for a through train to Westbury 15.57 for freight etc. Depart Westbury 18.10 Newport 19.26/20.28 Cardiff Central 20.44 or an alternative depart Westbury at 16.02 to Salisbury arr 16.32 and depart 17.40 or 18.40 through to Cardiff arr 19.44 or 20.44
This was a day of mixed fortunes ,whilst photographing the exhibits in the Steam Museum my camera failed, I could not see what I was taking. I hurriedly made a dash into Swindon Town Centre looking for a camera shop. However Roger Salter had a spare camera and offered to lend it to me to overcome the situation if the worse came to the worse. I found a shop where the man behind the counter tested the camera chip card as said all the images were on the card. He suggested that the camera was very worn, and possibly the insurance on the camera would not cover any repairs in its condition. He tried selling me a new one in the range of £300 of which I declined. In the meantime a series of phone calls from the remaining members of the party advised me that the 15.12 Westbury to Swindon had been cancelled, little freight movements at Westbury were shown on Realtime Trains so the party departed for Newport where a meal was had before travelling to Cardiff. On departure from Newport my camera came back to life and it has been OK every since. The motto 'Always Think Twice before you Buy Any Thing'!
Cathays 08.31 Cardiff Central arr 08.39. Cardiff Central dep 09.00 Bristol Temple Meads 09.54/10.22 Bath for a visit to Sydney Gardens 10.34/12.12 Swindon arr 12.39 for a visit to the Great Western Steam Museum. Dep Swindon at 15.12 for a through train to Westbury 15.57 for freight etc. Depart Westbury 18.10 Newport 19.26/20.28 Cardiff Central 20.44 or an alternative depart Westbury at 16.02 to Salisbury arr 16.32 and depart 17.40 or 18.40 through to Cardiff arr 19.44 or 20.44
This was a day of mixed fortunes ,whilst photographing the exhibits in the Steam Museum my camera failed, I could not see what I was taking. I hurriedly made a dash into Swindon Town Centre looking for a camera shop. However Roger Salter had a spare camera and offered to lend it to me to overcome the situation if the worse came to the worse. I found a shop where the man behind the counter tested the camera chip card as said all the images were on the card. He suggested that the camera was very worn, and possibly the insurance on the camera would not cover any repairs in its condition. He tried selling me a new one in the range of £300 of which I declined. In the meantime a series of phone calls from the remaining members of the party advised me that the 15.12 Westbury to Swindon had been cancelled, little freight movements at Westbury were shown on Realtime Trains so the party departed for Newport where a meal was had before travelling to Cardiff. On departure from Newport my camera came back to life and it has been OK every since. The motto 'Always Think Twice before you Buy Any Thing'!
160630c With the removal of the Post Office conveyor system linking all platforms at Bristol Temple Meads with the sorting office a much better picture can be seen of the station overall roof. Copyright Roger Winnen
160630d These modern buildings now grace the railway at Temple Meads where at one time lines leads to the large Railway Goods Warehouse. Copyright Roger Winnen
160630h Time gone by with the workforce in the loco repair and erection shops. A photograph which is displayed on the front of the Mechanics Institute Building. Copyright Roger Winnen
160630a The tunnel which crosses under the Great Western running lines leads to the works. Copyright Roger Salter
160630bThe Chief Mechanical Engineers Office, Swindon where my grandfather worked for 42 years. Copyright Roger Salter
160630i 4073 Caerphilly Castle displaying the Cheltenham Flyer headboard. Copyright Roger Winnen
160630j Viewing underneath the engine 4073 Caerphilly Castle from the locomotive pit. Copyright Roger Winnen
160630j Viewing underneath the engine from the pit. Copyright Roger Winnen
160630s Familiar numbers and names, 'Beenham Grange' was a Penzance engine. Copyright Roger Winnen
160630r The name Swindon carried by the last Castle Class engine constructed at the works in August 1950 and named by Princess Elizabeth during her tour of the works on 15th November, 1950 when the Borough of Swindon celebrated 50 years as a Borough. Incidentally Pricess Elizabeth travelled from Paddington behind Star Class 4057 The Princess Elizabeth. Copyright Roger Winnen
160630v Roger Salter was able to supply updated information of the freight movements during our daily visits, seen here is the Murco Train heading west through Newport. Copyright Roger Winnen
Friday 1st July, 2016 Day 1 of The Explore South Wales Pass 4 in 8 Day
Cathays 09.16 Cardiff Queen Street 09.20/09.24 Cardiff Bay 09.28/10.06 Cardiff Queen Street 10.10/10.16 Cardiff Central 10.19/10.30 Newport 10.42 Depart Newport 11.04 or 11.36 to Shrewsbury arr 12.52 or 13.21 Shrewsbury depart via the Central Wales line at 14.04 Swansea arr 18.14 for a meal. Depart Swansea 19.29 or 19.51 Cardiff Cenral arr 20.22 or 20.46 Trains to Cathays at 20.26 20.41 21.06 etc
However what happened, on arrival at Shrewsbury Mike Hitchens noticed the departure board saying that the 14.05 is cancelled and replaced by a bus. After making enquiries we were advised that the bus is going to take much longer then the train to Swansea. We agreed to return back down the Welsh Marches and revise the timetable incorporating sections from the other days applicable to the Explore South Wales Pass.
Cathays 09.16 Cardiff Queen Street 09.20/09.24 Cardiff Bay 09.28/10.06 Cardiff Queen Street 10.10/10.16 Cardiff Central 10.19/10.30 Newport 10.42 Depart Newport 11.04 or 11.36 to Shrewsbury arr 12.52 or 13.21 Shrewsbury depart via the Central Wales line at 14.04 Swansea arr 18.14 for a meal. Depart Swansea 19.29 or 19.51 Cardiff Cenral arr 20.22 or 20.46 Trains to Cathays at 20.26 20.41 21.06 etc
However what happened, on arrival at Shrewsbury Mike Hitchens noticed the departure board saying that the 14.05 is cancelled and replaced by a bus. After making enquiries we were advised that the bus is going to take much longer then the train to Swansea. We agreed to return back down the Welsh Marches and revise the timetable incorporating sections from the other days applicable to the Explore South Wales Pass.
160701a Cardiff Queen Street Station now has five platforms, on the left the train from Cardiff Bay arrives. Copyright Roger Winnen
160701b This striking red brick pierhead building at Cardiff Bay. Copyright Roger Winnen
160701g The party at Shrewsbury Station. Left to Right Roger Winnen Mike Hichens Tony Brokenshire and John Gallagher, Copyright Roger Salter
160701h 66513 and 66415 are seen passing through Shrewsbury. Copyright Roger Salter
160701i Shrewsbury Severn Bridge Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen
160701m Our train is cancelled owing to no driver being available. The replacement coach would take much longer than the four hour train ride to Swansea. We returned the way we came not like the wise men! Copyright Roger Winnen
After the cancellation of the 14.05 to Swansea we agreed this plan of action to travel on the late running 10.40 Holyhead to Llanelli Service expected at Shrewsbury 13.28 to Cardiff where we stopped off for a cuppa etc. Then departing on the 15.55 service to Barry and Barry Island. Returning from Barry Island at 16.41 to Barry arriving at 16.44. for the service from Merthyr Tydfil at 15.38 via Cardiff and Barry at 17.05 to Bridgend arr 17.37. At Bridgend we intended to catch the Maesteg service.
160701n The new Platform 8 at Cardiff awaiting its rails. Copyright Roger Winnen
160701qq 92245 unrestored at the former locomotive depot at Barry. Copyright Roger Salter.
160701y Bridgend Station with an Arriva 150 unit forming the 17.40 from Bridgend to Cheltenham Spa. This service started from Maesteg. Copyright Roger Winnen
160701z A Class 175 at Bridgend forming the 17.53 service to Chester. This train originated from Llanelli. Copyright Roger Winnen
At this point in time we were awaiting the 17.45 service to Maesteg which was advertised on the station departure boards as being the second train due. However the first train pulled in and suddenly the departure boards altered! It was our train and we watched it depart standing on the same platform. No loadspeaker announcements. What could we do now! The first train now came in for Swansea so we hopped aboard going for a meal in Swansea.
160701za A pair of Class 66s pass through Bridgend station heading east. Copyright Roger Winnen
160701zb Much in the news is the Port Talbot Steel Works, a vital part of the British Steel making industry. Copyright Roger Winnen
160701zh Swansea High Street Station at 20.08 hrs Copyright Roger Winnen
160701zi Looking from the platforms ends at Swansea with the new installations in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen
160701zk Crossing Landore Viaduct on the 20.30 from Swansea to Cardiff Central. Copyright Roger Winnen
Saturday 2nd July, 2016 Day 4 of The South West Rover
On this day we planned a visit to The Mid Hants Railway. Our rover ticket was valid to Eastleigh, so we purchased an Off Peak Day return (Sen Cit) from Eastleigh to Winchester for the sum of £3.05 plus a return from Cathays to Cardiff Central priced at £2.10.
Being a Saturday there were no restrictions on our rover tickets so we arose early at 05.15hrs. Departed Cathays at 06.39 to Cardiff Central 06.48. Departing Cardiff Central 07.21 through to Southampton arriving 10.03. Departing Southampton at 10.17 on a wedged voyager for Winchester arrival time 10.35. Luck was on our side at Winchester where a bus turned up outside of the Winchester Station going to the Bus Station giving us a 5 minute connection for the 10.50 Route 64 Service to Alresford. If we had missed the bus we would have also missed the 11.45 train, having to wait until 13.00hrs at Alresford.
At the end of the day we departed back from Alresford to Winchester on the 16.17 service, walked through Winchester City Centre to the Railway Station catching the 17.05 to Southampton. Departure from Southampton at 18.10 Cardiff arrive 20.45
On this day we planned a visit to The Mid Hants Railway. Our rover ticket was valid to Eastleigh, so we purchased an Off Peak Day return (Sen Cit) from Eastleigh to Winchester for the sum of £3.05 plus a return from Cathays to Cardiff Central priced at £2.10.
Being a Saturday there were no restrictions on our rover tickets so we arose early at 05.15hrs. Departed Cathays at 06.39 to Cardiff Central 06.48. Departing Cardiff Central 07.21 through to Southampton arriving 10.03. Departing Southampton at 10.17 on a wedged voyager for Winchester arrival time 10.35. Luck was on our side at Winchester where a bus turned up outside of the Winchester Station going to the Bus Station giving us a 5 minute connection for the 10.50 Route 64 Service to Alresford. If we had missed the bus we would have also missed the 11.45 train, having to wait until 13.00hrs at Alresford.
At the end of the day we departed back from Alresford to Winchester on the 16.17 service, walked through Winchester City Centre to the Railway Station catching the 17.05 to Southampton. Departure from Southampton at 18.10 Cardiff arrive 20.45
160702a An early start at 06.33 a train depart Cathays for Merthyr Tydfil in the Welsh Valleys. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702b Freight through Cardiff Central at 07.08 with the Brains Brewery in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702a Members of the Party Gerry and Betty Chandler, Tony Brokenshire and Roger Winnen. Copyright Roger Salter
160702h Alresford Station on the Mid Hants Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702i 41312 Runs around its train at Alresford Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702q Alton Station is shared between South West Trains and The Mid Hants Railway. It is certainly a well presented station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702r 41312 waits to run around its train at Alton. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702s Say it with flowers at Alton, everything looks very smart. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702b 92212 Working on the Mid Hants Railway. Copyright Roger Salter
160702za Ropley Engine Shed with 30850 Lord Nelson. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702z This is a poster painted by Terrence Cuneo of traffic to the Continent, no doubt a French Port. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702zi 30828 Stripped down at Ropley. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702zj 41312 Departs Ropley for Alton. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702zk Clapham Junction in the splender of steam by Terrance Cuneo displayed at Ropley Station. Roger Winnen
160702zo Slipping on departure from Alresford on wet rails. Copyright Roger Winnen
160702zp 41312 at Alresford. Copyright Roger Winnen
Sunday 3rd July, 2016 Day 5 of the South West Rover
Being a Sunday there was no early morning trains from the Valley lines into Cardiff. We walked into the City Centre looking at the marvelous Government Buildings, Museums, University Buildings together with Cardiff Castle. We purchased an Off Peak day return at £7.20 to cover our journey from Swindon to Didcot Parkway.
Cardiff Central dep 09.05 Didcot 10.34 for the Great Western Society. Depart Didcot 13.53 Swindon 14.09/14.29 Gloucester 15.19/16.37 Severn Tunnel Junction 17.16/17.39 Bristol 18.02 for a visit to Bristol Docks. Depart Bristol Temple Meads 19.48 Central Central arr 20.46
Being a Sunday there was no early morning trains from the Valley lines into Cardiff. We walked into the City Centre looking at the marvelous Government Buildings, Museums, University Buildings together with Cardiff Castle. We purchased an Off Peak day return at £7.20 to cover our journey from Swindon to Didcot Parkway.
Cardiff Central dep 09.05 Didcot 10.34 for the Great Western Society. Depart Didcot 13.53 Swindon 14.09/14.29 Gloucester 15.19/16.37 Severn Tunnel Junction 17.16/17.39 Bristol 18.02 for a visit to Bristol Docks. Depart Bristol Temple Meads 19.48 Central Central arr 20.46
160703a Cardiff Castle was number 4075 in the Great Western Castle Class engines. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703b Running on the slow lines from Newport our train is crossing the Bisham Flyover from the south side of the line to the north side of the line. Below are the up and down main lines from Newport to Severn Tunnel Junction together with the Steelworks at Newport left in the distance. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703j Road Motor Service to the Lizard. Roger Winnen
160703kkThe Teddy Bears special at Didcot. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703q The Steam Railmotor coupled to a driving trailer. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703qq The boiler and firebox. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703qqqq The coal bunker of the Steam Railmotor. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703zk Departure from Burlescombe. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703t Firefly a broad gauge engine at Didcot. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703zl Great Western Railcar No 22 at Didcot. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703c Gloucester Station with a novel footpath design. Copyright Roger Salter
160703b Rails on Gloucester Docks. Copyright Roger Salter
160703zo Cross Country and Great Western meet at Gloucester Central. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703zv The long ramps of Severn Tunnel Junction Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703zzg Through the entrance of the Great Western Building to Bristol Temple Meads Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703zzg Through the entrance of the Great Western Building to Bristol Temple Meads Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703zzf The Industrial Museum viewed from the swing bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen
160703zzc Crane on the Wharf alongside the Industrial Museum of Bristol Docks. Copyright Roger Winnen
Monday 4th July, 2016 Day 2 of the Explore South Wales Pass 4 in 8 Days
Cardiff Queen Street 09.15 Cathays 09.17 Aberdare 10.16/10.22 Abercynon 10.42 (on arrival from Aderdare we jumped into a waiting train for Merthyr and returning on the same train back to Abercynon to photo the freight) the timetable then ran slightly early) 11.04 Merthyr Tydfil 11.31/11.38 Pontypridd 12.07/12.36 Treherbert 13.13/13.47 Radyr 14.31/14.34 for Cardiff Central and 15.34 for Barry. The plan for the rest of the day was revised as Barry Island was covered on 1st July etc. The revised plan put into operation was as follows Cardiff Central 15.31 Caerphilly 15.56 Bargoed 16.13/17.02 Rhymney 17.15/17.27 Cardiff Central 18.31/18.36 Ebbw Vale Town 19.33/19.35 and back to Cardiff. This revised plan then gave us Friday 8th July as a free day where we could try again the Central Wales Line.
Cardiff Queen Street 09.15 Cathays 09.17 Aberdare 10.16/10.22 Abercynon 10.42 (on arrival from Aderdare we jumped into a waiting train for Merthyr and returning on the same train back to Abercynon to photo the freight) the timetable then ran slightly early) 11.04 Merthyr Tydfil 11.31/11.38 Pontypridd 12.07/12.36 Treherbert 13.13/13.47 Radyr 14.31/14.34 for Cardiff Central and 15.34 for Barry. The plan for the rest of the day was revised as Barry Island was covered on 1st July etc. The revised plan put into operation was as follows Cardiff Central 15.31 Caerphilly 15.56 Bargoed 16.13/17.02 Rhymney 17.15/17.27 Cardiff Central 18.31/18.36 Ebbw Vale Town 19.33/19.35 and back to Cardiff. This revised plan then gave us Friday 8th July as a free day where we could try again the Central Wales Line.
160704a Cardiff Queen Street Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160704b The 153 unit on the Cardiff Bay service doing 5 round trips an hour. Copyright Roger Winnen
160704m On a wet morning the freight we saw at Aberdare arrives at Abercynon. Copyright Roger Winnen
160704n Freightliner 66564 passes through the platform at Abercynon. Copyright Roger Winnen
142072 at Abadare. Copyright Roger Winnen
160704a Pontypridd Station, where is the way out!. Copyright Roger Salter
160704v Our train to Treherbert arrives at Platform 3 at Pontypridd. Copyright Roger Winnen
160704w Welcome to Treherbert. Copyright Roger Winnen
160704y 143604 at Treherbert on a Cardiff bound service. Copyright Roger Winnen
160704zj 143605 Awaits departure from Rhymney. Copyright Roger Winnen
160704d Hengoed High Level, an original sign. Copyright Roger Salter
160704b Caerphilly Station posters. Copyright Roger Salter
160704zs Its 21.50:58 at Cardiff Central Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160704zt 66524 Hauling coal passes through Cardiff Central Station at 22.00hrs. Copyright Roger Winnen
Tuesday 5th July, 2016 Day 3 of Explore South Wales Pass 4 in 8 days
Cathays 09.16 Cardiff Central 09.24/09.51 Swansea 10.44/11.00 Milford Haven 12.48/13.08 Camarthen 14.00/14.51 Pembroke Dock 16.19/17.09 Whitland 18.06/18.13 Fishguard Harbour 18.56/19.08 Clarbeston Road 19.30/19.35 Cardiff Central 22.03/22.06 Cathays 22.12
Cathays 09.16 Cardiff Central 09.24/09.51 Swansea 10.44/11.00 Milford Haven 12.48/13.08 Camarthen 14.00/14.51 Pembroke Dock 16.19/17.09 Whitland 18.06/18.13 Fishguard Harbour 18.56/19.08 Clarbeston Road 19.30/19.35 Cardiff Central 22.03/22.06 Cathays 22.12
160705a Its 08.56 as a GBFR 66768 heads west through Cardiff Central. Copyright Roger Winnen
160705b 60039 heads east through Cardiff Central passing a Class 175 bound for West Wales. Copyright Roger Winnen
160705f Neath Riverside Station which has been closed for many years viewed from a Swansea bound HST just after leaving the former Neath General Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160705n The station approach to Camarthen Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160705q The 14.51 seen on the right of the picture being our train to Pembroke Dock. Copyright Roger Winnen
160705r Our train passing the service train from Pembroke Dock at Tenby. Copyright Roger Winnen
160705y This was the alignment of the harbour branch from Pembroke Dock Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160705z The 16.19 dep from Pembroke Dock. Copyright Roger Winnen
160705za We changed trains at Whitland for the Fishguard Harbour service. The signal box is shown on the right. Copyright Roger Winnen
160705zb The service to Swansea departs Whitland. Copyright Roger Winnen
160705zi The train looks lost under the large station canopy. Copyright Roger Winnen
160705zj Tucked away down the platform at Fishguard Harbour. Copyright Roger Winnen
Wednesday 6th July, 2016 Day 6 of the South West Rover
Cathays 08.31 Cardiff Central 08.54/09.12 to Lydney for The Forest of Dean Railway arr 09.57 Return from the Dean Forest Railway to depart Lydney 14.25 Gloucester 14.44/15.36 Great Malvern 16.32/16.48 Worcester Shrub Hill 17.04 and through to Bristol Temple Meads arr 18.39/19.21 Cardiff Central 20.20 or Bristol Temple Meads 19.54 Cardiff Central 20.44
We were please to see The Bodmin T9 working and the Beattie and Metropolitan tanks at Norchard. We encountered problems with getting a discount off Rover Tickets as advertised on the web site. However the staff were very helpful finding this information on the web which they knew nothing of and so we got the discount. There was much to see on the railway so we extended our stay and amended our timetable to Depart Lydney at 16.00 for Gloucester arr 16.22. Tea at The Regal Cinema (Weterspoons) Gloucester then depart 17.47 to Bristol Temple Meads arr 18.39/18.47Avonmouth 19.22/19.32 Bristol Temple Meads 20.02/20.15 Cardiff Central 21.02
Cathays 08.31 Cardiff Central 08.54/09.12 to Lydney for The Forest of Dean Railway arr 09.57 Return from the Dean Forest Railway to depart Lydney 14.25 Gloucester 14.44/15.36 Great Malvern 16.32/16.48 Worcester Shrub Hill 17.04 and through to Bristol Temple Meads arr 18.39/19.21 Cardiff Central 20.20 or Bristol Temple Meads 19.54 Cardiff Central 20.44
We were please to see The Bodmin T9 working and the Beattie and Metropolitan tanks at Norchard. We encountered problems with getting a discount off Rover Tickets as advertised on the web site. However the staff were very helpful finding this information on the web which they knew nothing of and so we got the discount. There was much to see on the railway so we extended our stay and amended our timetable to Depart Lydney at 16.00 for Gloucester arr 16.22. Tea at The Regal Cinema (Weterspoons) Gloucester then depart 17.47 to Bristol Temple Meads arr 18.39/18.47Avonmouth 19.22/19.32 Bristol Temple Meads 20.02/20.15 Cardiff Central 21.02
160706a This is the Cathays part of Cardiff University complex which I believe is built on former railway land, Possibly in later years Cathays DMU depot. Copyright Roger Winnen
160706c Cathays Station opened on 3rd Oct 1983 being the first completely new station to be opened in the Cardiff area under the BR-County Council initiative. Copyright Roger Winnen
160706e The upper crust at Cardiff. Copyright Roger Winnen
160706l The 10.25 from Lydney Junction is seen arriving at Norchard. Copyright Roger Winnen
160706m The vast amount of stock in the Low Level Platfoms at Northard Road in readiness for a vintage celebration of engines which were rebuilt at the nearby Flower Mill. Copyright Roger Winnen
160706s Looking down from the footbridge as the T9 was taking water prior to coupling up with its train. Copyright Roger Winnen
160706zc 30120 Departs Whitecroft. Copyright Roger Winnen
160706zf Closing the gates at Whitecroft. Copyright Roger Winnen
160706zm 30120 with a full head of steam at Norchard Road. Copyright Roger Winnen
160706zo 150122 at Clifton Down Station on route to Avonmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen
160706zr This is the only structure that survives at Avonmouth, the platform awning . Copyright Roger Winnen
Thursday 7th July, 2016 Day 7 of the South West Rover
Cathays 08.31 Cardiff Central 08.39/09.00 Bristol Temple Meads 09.54/10.22 Southampton 12.04/12.24 Brockenhurst 12.37/12.42 Lymington Pier 12.53/13.27 (A this stage we walked back to Lymington Town Station) Brockenhurst 13.38/14.05 (Again a train was waiting at Brockenhurst so we boarded and alighted at Bournemouth to wait for our intended train to Weymouth being the 14.05 from Brockenhurst arriving at Weymouth 15.15 We walked the tramway from end to end, also seeing the lifting bridge operational at 16.00 hrs before having Fish and Chips around the corner from Weymouth Station. We departed Weymouth at 17.30 through to Bristol Temple Meads arriving 20.09 with a 10 minute stop at Frome. Bristol dep 20.15 Cardiff arr 21.02 On the Weymouth to Bristol train we had a group of Women on the bubbly for most of the journey and well away by the time we reached Bristol Temple Meads, the entertainment!
Cathays 08.31 Cardiff Central 08.39/09.00 Bristol Temple Meads 09.54/10.22 Southampton 12.04/12.24 Brockenhurst 12.37/12.42 Lymington Pier 12.53/13.27 (A this stage we walked back to Lymington Town Station) Brockenhurst 13.38/14.05 (Again a train was waiting at Brockenhurst so we boarded and alighted at Bournemouth to wait for our intended train to Weymouth being the 14.05 from Brockenhurst arriving at Weymouth 15.15 We walked the tramway from end to end, also seeing the lifting bridge operational at 16.00 hrs before having Fish and Chips around the corner from Weymouth Station. We departed Weymouth at 17.30 through to Bristol Temple Meads arriving 20.09 with a 10 minute stop at Frome. Bristol dep 20.15 Cardiff arr 21.02 On the Weymouth to Bristol train we had a group of Women on the bubbly for most of the journey and well away by the time we reached Bristol Temple Meads, the entertainment!
160707a 37219 on a test train at Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen
160707b An empty car Carrier passes through Bristol Temple Meads bound for the Portishead Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen
160707i The buffer stops at Lymington Pier. Copyright Roger Winnen
160707j Views from the past.
160707s Bournemouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160707t Bournemouth Station with Class 444 Electric Units. Copyright Roger Winnen
160707za The CRS Party visits the Weymouth Tramway. A view looking towards the signal protecting the entry to the main line. This is showing a red aspect. Copyright Roger Winnen
160707zb Looking towards Commercial Road and its route to the harbour where the last Train ran on 30th May, 1999. Copyright Roger Winnen
160707zf Caution on the Railway Tramway. Copyright Roger Winnen
160707zk Will Weymouth Quay station ever see a train again? Copyright Roger Winnen
160428b This train was on the 28th April, 2016 seen on the Weymouth Quay Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen
160707zl Weymouth is famous for its images made out of sand, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. Copyright Roger Winnen
160707zm Lest We Forget at Weymouth
160707zr The Weymouth end of Frome Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Friday 8th July, 2016 Day 4 of the Explore South Wales Pass 4 in 8 days
Let us try again
Owing to the cancellation of the Central Wales Line train on Friday 1st July, 2016 we are again attempting a ride over this line before returning home on Saturday.
We had problems once before in July 2009 when we caught the train to Swansea for the Central Wales line, only to find out when departing for Shrewsbury the train was routed via Cardiff, Newport, Hereford to Shrewsbury.
We must not make that mistake again, it so easy to overlook information taken from the Railway Website.
This is the programme for the day, we purchase a single ticket to Swansea from Cardiff priced at £7.15 for travel on the 08.03 Cardiff to Swansea arrive 09.00. Depart Swansea 09.33 via the Cental Wales route to Shrewsbury arrive 13.32 Return to Newport and Cardiff on the 14.50 from Shrewsbury arr Newport 16.40 Cardiff 17.01 for the 17.22 service from Holyhead to Maesteg.
On this day there was great excitement in Wales, with the Welsh Football team doing well in the cup, celebrations were being held in Cardiff, on arrival at Central Station with the train already full, crowds got on to go to the short distance of Ninian Park Station, a three coach train taking at least twice the load.
160708a On our last day of travelling around Wales we see the springboard charity 158 at Cardiff on a Bristol and Portsmouth Harbour working. Copyright Roger Winnen
160708b A network rail vehicle passes through Cardiff Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160708i Pantyffynnon Signal Box, this line uses 'No Signalman Token' remote working overseen by the signaller in Pantyffynnon Box. Copyright Roger Winnen
160708p This is Cynghordy Viaduct near to Sugar Loaf photographed through the rear cab window by kind permission. Copyright Roger Winnen
160708q We also had entertainment onboard with the table laid, celebrating a 50th Birthday with Champagne etc and playing Bingo, it was all good fun. Copyright Roger Winnen
160708v The old signal box at Llandrindod Wells. Copyright Roger Winnen
160708w Passing trains at Llandrindod Wells. Copyright Roger Winnen
160708zg Craven Arms with its Semaphores. Copyright Roger Winnen
160708znn Restoration work at Shrewsbury Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
160708zq A large crane being assembled at Newport to replace a road overbridge near the tunnel for the electrification programme. Copyright Roger Winnen
160708zw 175103 at Maesteg. Copyright Roger Winnen
Saturday 9th July, 2016 Day 8 of the South West Rover Return Home Day
Cardiff Central 10.30 Bristol Temple Meads 11.19 then the 11.44 Cross Country HST to Cornwall
Cardiff Central 10.30 Bristol Temple Meads 11.19 then the 11.44 Cross Country HST to Cornwall
160709zx Returning home, we are at Bristol Temple Meads looking at the HSTs and the derelict Post Office Building. Copyright Roger Winnen
160709zy We have the GWR Green Livery 150232 in Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen
160709zz On the approach to Exeter we see a Colas Test Train at Riverside Yard with a Class 37219 Copyright Roger Winnen
Report on the CRS Expedition to North West England and North Wales 2015
The Plan
SATURDAY 4TH JULY to WEDNESDAY 15TH JULY 2015
One 4 in 8 day Freedom of the North West to commence on Monday 6th July at £47.50
One 4 in 8 day Coast & Peaks Rover (Not valid between Derby and Sheffield) to commence on Tuesday 7th July at £47.50 On these two rovers the dates will overlap so it will give us scope to switch between both if necessary.
One Ffestiniog Round Robin from Manchester on Friday 10th July at £25.40
An Adult weekend travelcard for the complete Manchester Tram system is available at £5.80 from ticket machines on Metro Stations it covers both Friday night Saturday & Sunday.
Saturday 4th July 2015
Travel to Manchester - Penzance, Cheltenham Spa, Manchester Piccadilly.
The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of Manchester or the surrounding area.
A suggestion on Saturday afternoon using the tram from Manchester Piccadilly to Rochdale stopping off at places of interest as this section of line was once British Rail Oldham Loop Line.
Sunday 5th July 2015
Travel to Bury for The East Lancs Railway. First train from Bury at 09.00 hrs with 17 return workings to Rawtenstall. Return from Bury at 17.42 followed by a tour of the enlarged Manchester Metro Tram System to Manchester Airport, and Altrincham
Monday 6th July 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 1
Manchester Piccadilly, Preston, Lockerbie, Carlisle via the Settle & Carlisle to Leeds, Hebden Bridge, Manchester Victoria.
Tuesday 7th July 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 2
Manchester Piccadilly, Preston, Lancaster, Carnforth, Skipton For the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Skipton, Bradford Forster Square then walk to Bradford Interchange, Leed, Huddersfield, Manchester Piccadilly.
Wednesday 8th July, 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 3
Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street, Southport, Wigan Wallgate, Walk to Wigan North Western, Carlisle 37 locomotive haulage around the Cumbrian Coast departing to Barrow in Furness, Lancaster, Manchester Piccadilly.
Thursday 9th July, 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 4
Manchester Piccadilly, Preston, Oxenholme Lake District, Windermere Bus 6 to Haverwaite for The Lakeside Railway. Haverwaite, Ulverston Station, Preston, Kirkham and Wesham, Blackpool South. A new tram system is now in place at Blackpool. Dep Blackpool North, Poulton Le Fyle, Manchester Piccadilly
Friday 10th July, 2015 Ffestiniog Round Robin ticket from Manchester
Manchester Piccadilly, Shrewsbury, Machynlleth , Porthmadoc 14.55 For those who stay on the train from Shrewsbury you may travel to Pwllheli. From Portmadoc the Ffestiniog Train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llandudno Jct, Manchester Piccadilly.
Saturday 11th July, 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 1
Manchester Piccadilly 07.55 Crewe 08.27/09.07 Derby 10.26/10.52 Duffield 10.59 for The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Duffield, Derby, Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street via Warrington Central (Cheshire Lines Committee) Manchester Piccadilly.
Sunday 12th July, 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 2
Manchester Piccadilly, Crewe for The Crewe Heritage Centre which opens at 10.00hrs. Crewe, Holyhead, Llandudno Junction, Llandudno, Great Orme Tramway. Llandudno, Llandudno Jct, Chester, Manchester Piccadilly.
Monday 13th July, 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 3
Manchester Piccadilly, Glossop, Hadfield, Guide Bridge, Rose Hill Marple, Manchester Piccadilly, Sheffield, Stockport, Buxton, Manchester Piccadilly, Wigan Wallgate walk to Wigan North Western, Manchester Piccadilly.
Tuesday 14th July, 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 4
Manchester Piccadilly, Warrington Bank Quay, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Crewe, Tamworth, Rugeley Trent Valley, Stoke on Trent, Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly.
Wednesday 15th July, 2015 Return Home
Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, Plymouth, Penzance.
SATURDAY 4TH JULY to WEDNESDAY 15TH JULY 2015
One 4 in 8 day Freedom of the North West to commence on Monday 6th July at £47.50
One 4 in 8 day Coast & Peaks Rover (Not valid between Derby and Sheffield) to commence on Tuesday 7th July at £47.50 On these two rovers the dates will overlap so it will give us scope to switch between both if necessary.
One Ffestiniog Round Robin from Manchester on Friday 10th July at £25.40
An Adult weekend travelcard for the complete Manchester Tram system is available at £5.80 from ticket machines on Metro Stations it covers both Friday night Saturday & Sunday.
Saturday 4th July 2015
Travel to Manchester - Penzance, Cheltenham Spa, Manchester Piccadilly.
The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of Manchester or the surrounding area.
A suggestion on Saturday afternoon using the tram from Manchester Piccadilly to Rochdale stopping off at places of interest as this section of line was once British Rail Oldham Loop Line.
Sunday 5th July 2015
Travel to Bury for The East Lancs Railway. First train from Bury at 09.00 hrs with 17 return workings to Rawtenstall. Return from Bury at 17.42 followed by a tour of the enlarged Manchester Metro Tram System to Manchester Airport, and Altrincham
Monday 6th July 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 1
Manchester Piccadilly, Preston, Lockerbie, Carlisle via the Settle & Carlisle to Leeds, Hebden Bridge, Manchester Victoria.
Tuesday 7th July 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 2
Manchester Piccadilly, Preston, Lancaster, Carnforth, Skipton For the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Skipton, Bradford Forster Square then walk to Bradford Interchange, Leed, Huddersfield, Manchester Piccadilly.
Wednesday 8th July, 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 3
Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street, Southport, Wigan Wallgate, Walk to Wigan North Western, Carlisle 37 locomotive haulage around the Cumbrian Coast departing to Barrow in Furness, Lancaster, Manchester Piccadilly.
Thursday 9th July, 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 4
Manchester Piccadilly, Preston, Oxenholme Lake District, Windermere Bus 6 to Haverwaite for The Lakeside Railway. Haverwaite, Ulverston Station, Preston, Kirkham and Wesham, Blackpool South. A new tram system is now in place at Blackpool. Dep Blackpool North, Poulton Le Fyle, Manchester Piccadilly
Friday 10th July, 2015 Ffestiniog Round Robin ticket from Manchester
Manchester Piccadilly, Shrewsbury, Machynlleth , Porthmadoc 14.55 For those who stay on the train from Shrewsbury you may travel to Pwllheli. From Portmadoc the Ffestiniog Train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llandudno Jct, Manchester Piccadilly.
Saturday 11th July, 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 1
Manchester Piccadilly 07.55 Crewe 08.27/09.07 Derby 10.26/10.52 Duffield 10.59 for The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Duffield, Derby, Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street via Warrington Central (Cheshire Lines Committee) Manchester Piccadilly.
Sunday 12th July, 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 2
Manchester Piccadilly, Crewe for The Crewe Heritage Centre which opens at 10.00hrs. Crewe, Holyhead, Llandudno Junction, Llandudno, Great Orme Tramway. Llandudno, Llandudno Jct, Chester, Manchester Piccadilly.
Monday 13th July, 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 3
Manchester Piccadilly, Glossop, Hadfield, Guide Bridge, Rose Hill Marple, Manchester Piccadilly, Sheffield, Stockport, Buxton, Manchester Piccadilly, Wigan Wallgate walk to Wigan North Western, Manchester Piccadilly.
Tuesday 14th July, 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 4
Manchester Piccadilly, Warrington Bank Quay, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Crewe, Tamworth, Rugeley Trent Valley, Stoke on Trent, Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly.
Wednesday 15th July, 2015 Return Home
Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, Plymouth, Penzance.
The Report
Day 1 Saturday 4th July, 2015
Travel to Manchester - Penzance 06.30 Camborne 06.51 Truro 07.09 St Austell 07.25 Par 07.32 Bodmin Parkway 07.46 Cheltenham Spa arrive 11.09 and depart 11.41 Manchester Piccadilly 13.59
The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of Manchester or the surrounding area.
Its advisable to purchase an Adult Weekend Travelcard for £5.80 which would cover both Saturday and the trip to the East Lancashire Railway on Sunday on the trams.
A suggestion on Saturday afternoon using the tram from Manchester Piccadilly to Rochdale departing after 15.00hrs journey time 1 hr and stopping off at places of interest as this section of line was once British Rail Oldham Loop Line.
Travel to Manchester - Penzance 06.30 Camborne 06.51 Truro 07.09 St Austell 07.25 Par 07.32 Bodmin Parkway 07.46 Cheltenham Spa arrive 11.09 and depart 11.41 Manchester Piccadilly 13.59
The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of Manchester or the surrounding area.
Its advisable to purchase an Adult Weekend Travelcard for £5.80 which would cover both Saturday and the trip to the East Lancashire Railway on Sunday on the trams.
A suggestion on Saturday afternoon using the tram from Manchester Piccadilly to Rochdale departing after 15.00hrs journey time 1 hr and stopping off at places of interest as this section of line was once British Rail Oldham Loop Line.
150704a Spliting our journey at Cheltenham using advance single tickets reduced our train fare considerably. A South West Trains 159 is seen at Cheltenham. Copyright Roger Winnen
150704h The impressive facade of Rochdale Town Hall. Copyright Roger Winnen
150704o The Manchester Tram system has been bisected in order to build a second city crossing for the tram. We see part of the new works under construction. Copyright Roger Winnen
Day 2 Sunday 5th July 2015
Travel to Bury for The East Lancs Railway Diesel Gala. Depart from the Tram Stop Manchester Piccadilly 08.26 to Bury. First train from Bury at 09.00 hrs with 17 return workings to Rawtenstall. Rover Ticket Price £26.50 and £24.00. Return from Bury at 17.42 arriving Piccadilly Gardens at 18.15 for food at Weatherspoons followed by a tour of the enlarged Manchester Metro Tram system to Manchester Airport, and other destinations such as Altringcham for some members.
Travel to Bury for The East Lancs Railway Diesel Gala. Depart from the Tram Stop Manchester Piccadilly 08.26 to Bury. First train from Bury at 09.00 hrs with 17 return workings to Rawtenstall. Rover Ticket Price £26.50 and £24.00. Return from Bury at 17.42 arriving Piccadilly Gardens at 18.15 for food at Weatherspoons followed by a tour of the enlarged Manchester Metro Tram system to Manchester Airport, and other destinations such as Altringcham for some members.
150705a A rather quiet Sunday morning on the concourse of Manchester Piccadilly. Copyright Roger Salter
150705b Class 26038 Tom Clift stands at Bury Bolton Street with the 09.48 service to Heywood. Copyright Roger Salter
150705q Cornbrook Tram Station covers the four lines radiating to the Airport, Altrincham, Eccles and East Didsbury. Copyright Roger Winnen
Day 3 Monday 6th July, 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 1
Manchester Piccadilly 08.45 Preston 09.36/09.58 Lockerbie 11.29/12.07 Carlisle 12.28/14.04 via the Settle and Carlisle to Leeds arr 16.53/18.18 Hebden Bridge 19.05/19.19 Manchester Victoria 20.03 or Hebden Bridge 19.43 Manchester Victoria 20.18
Manchester Piccadilly 08.45 Preston 09.36/09.58 Lockerbie 11.29/12.07 Carlisle 12.28/14.04 via the Settle and Carlisle to Leeds arr 16.53/18.18 Hebden Bridge 19.05/19.19 Manchester Victoria 20.03 or Hebden Bridge 19.43 Manchester Victoria 20.18
150706a An impressive line up of various company trains at the buffer stops in Manchester Piccadilly Station. Copyright Roger Salter
150706b The CRS Party on the travolater accessing platform 13 &14 of Manchester Piccadilly. The first travolater in Europe was installed linking the Waterloo and City Line at the Bank to Monument Station on the Circle and District Line in September, 1960. Copyright Roger Salter
150706q The rush hour at Leeds Station, platform 16. Copyright Roger Winnen
Day 4 Tuesday 7th July, 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 2
Manchester Piccadilly 08.45 Preston 09.36/09.54 Lancaster 10.07/10.25 Carnforth 10.34/11.07 Skipton 12.10 For the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway which only runs on Tuesdays,Sat & Sundays. Skipton 16.55 Bradford Forster Square 17.35 arr then walk to Bradford Interchange dep 18.04 Leeds 18.22/19.09 Huddersfield 19.28/20.11 Manchester Piccadilly 20.45
The Bus Service not very good, a mini bus is provided with 16 seats departing at 13.00 taking 10 mins andreturning at 16.30 from Embsay. Therefore we may need taxis, ring 01756 794748
Services from Embsay depart 13.30 & 15.00 taking 15 mins
Services from Bolton Abbey depart 14.10 & 16.10 taking 30 mins.
Manchester Piccadilly 08.45 Preston 09.36/09.54 Lancaster 10.07/10.25 Carnforth 10.34/11.07 Skipton 12.10 For the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway which only runs on Tuesdays,Sat & Sundays. Skipton 16.55 Bradford Forster Square 17.35 arr then walk to Bradford Interchange dep 18.04 Leeds 18.22/19.09 Huddersfield 19.28/20.11 Manchester Piccadilly 20.45
The Bus Service not very good, a mini bus is provided with 16 seats departing at 13.00 taking 10 mins andreturning at 16.30 from Embsay. Therefore we may need taxis, ring 01756 794748
Services from Embsay depart 13.30 & 15.00 taking 15 mins
Services from Bolton Abbey depart 14.10 & 16.10 taking 30 mins.
150707a The loco hauled 10.04 Preston-Barrow behind 37606 awaits departure from Preston. Copyright Roger Winnen
150707b All tickets please as our party gets on the move to Carnforth. Viewed in this photograph from L to R front row Roger Salter, John Gallagher, Tony Brokenshire. Back Row Betty & Gerry Chandler, Sue & Tony Wright and the head of Peter Bragg. Copyright Roger Winnen
150707t Grand Central Adelante Arrival at Bradford Interchange from London Kings Cross via Pontefract, Wakefield Kirkgate and Halifax. Copyright Roger Winnen
150707s Two of the three Rogers roaming the rails had to return home for special duties after visiting the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway. They travelled into Leeds, down to London Kings Cross-Paddington and the Night Riviera home to Penzance. On route 60163 Tornado was photographed in London Kings Cross. Copyright Roger Salter
Day 5 Wednesday 8th July, 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 3
Amended time table as the Southport Pier Tramway closed in June 2015
Manchester Piccadilly 08.55 Liverpool Lime Street 09.46/10.01 Southport 11.10/11.29 Wigan Wallgate 11.57 Walk to Wigan North Western Dep 12.25 Carlisle arr 13.45 for 37 locomotive haulage around the Cumbrian Coast departing to Barrow in Furness at 14.35 Barrow in Furness arr 17.24/18.15 Lancaster 19.16/19.25 Manchester Piccadilly 20.27 arrival..
There is an option to visit Hexham from Carlisle dep Carlisle 14.36 Hexham arr 15.23. Depart Hexham 15.56 or 17.13 arrive Carlisle 16.30 or 18.00. Depart Carlisle at 18.08 direct to Lancaster arr 18.58 to meet other members of the party.
Amended time table as the Southport Pier Tramway closed in June 2015
Manchester Piccadilly 08.55 Liverpool Lime Street 09.46/10.01 Southport 11.10/11.29 Wigan Wallgate 11.57 Walk to Wigan North Western Dep 12.25 Carlisle arr 13.45 for 37 locomotive haulage around the Cumbrian Coast departing to Barrow in Furness at 14.35 Barrow in Furness arr 17.24/18.15 Lancaster 19.16/19.25 Manchester Piccadilly 20.27 arrival..
There is an option to visit Hexham from Carlisle dep Carlisle 14.36 Hexham arr 15.23. Depart Hexham 15.56 or 17.13 arrive Carlisle 16.30 or 18.00. Depart Carlisle at 18.08 direct to Lancaster arr 18.58 to meet other members of the party.
150708a The 07.38 Chester-Manchester Piccadilly headed by a DVT and tailed by a Class 67 arriving at Piccadilly Platform 13. Copyright Roger Winnen
150708b We are travelling on the Liverpool & Manchester Railway at Newton Le Willows on route to Liverpool Lime Street. Copyright Roger Winnen
150708u 46115 Scots Guardsman enters Preston Station from the south after returning from Carlisle. This train will terminate at Lancaster. Copyright Roger Winnen
Day 6 Thursday 9th July, 2015 North West Rover Ticket Day 4
Manchester Piccadilly 08.45 Preston 09.36/09.54 Oxenholme Lake District 10.21/10.33 Windermere 10.49 Bus 6 11.05 from Windermere Station to Haverwaite arr 11.38 for The Lakeside Railway. Haverthwaite Lakeside arr Lakeside dep Haverthwaite arriving
11.50 12.08 12.30 12.48
13.00 13.18 13.35 13.53
Also intermediate station at Newby Bridge
Price £6.60 return, Travel on two trains would be £13.20
Bus 9 departs Haverwaite 14.03 Ulverston Station arr 14.26 Train dep 14.51 Preston arr 15.52/16.28 Kirkham and Wesham 16.37/16.52 Junction for the two Blackpool Lines Blackpool South arr 17.19 A new tram system is now in place at Blackpool. Dep Blackpool North 19.03 (They can't kick us off the station if we are catching a train!) Poulton Le Fyle 19.09/19.50 Junction for the old Fleetwood line Manchester Piccadilly 20.56
We had real problems on this day as the 08.45 service from Manchester Piccadilly had problems on arrival at Manchester Oxford Road. Eventually the train was terminated and we were advised to catch the 09.19 service direct to Oxenholme Lake District which would have kept us to the timetable. Unfortunately we were held around the Wigan area, losing a lot of time. It was realised after leaving Preston that no way could we make up time to Oxenholme to meet the Windermere connection, the bus to Haverthwaite only running every there hours. A decision was made to alight at Lancaster in the hope catching the loco hauled 10.04 from Preston to Ulverston for a bus connection to Lakeside. However on alighting at Lancaster it was found that this service had run in front of our train and not behind as the scheduled path was altered owing to the late running. We stayed at Lancaster until 11.01 and ran through to Windermere arriving 11.39.
Frantic efforts were being made by Kathryn Marsden and Tony Wright for a solution! Eventually we had an answer by departing from Bowness Pier, Windermere at 12.40 direct to Lakeside Station for a single trip to Haverthwaite which would then put us back on time. All went well as we boarded the train at Lakeside, it never moved! Ten minutes or so after the departure time a large group of foreign youngsters came strolling up the platform, time was at a premium as we only had a 10minute connection for the bus at Haverthwaite. Eventually we departed and arrived two minutes before the bus was due the other side of a dual carriageway, crossing the dual carriageway was the next problem, with horns blowing we managed it, the bus turned up 10 minutes late. However the speedy bus driver got us into Ulverston on time and back on track.
Manchester Piccadilly 08.45 Preston 09.36/09.54 Oxenholme Lake District 10.21/10.33 Windermere 10.49 Bus 6 11.05 from Windermere Station to Haverwaite arr 11.38 for The Lakeside Railway. Haverthwaite Lakeside arr Lakeside dep Haverthwaite arriving
11.50 12.08 12.30 12.48
13.00 13.18 13.35 13.53
Also intermediate station at Newby Bridge
Price £6.60 return, Travel on two trains would be £13.20
Bus 9 departs Haverwaite 14.03 Ulverston Station arr 14.26 Train dep 14.51 Preston arr 15.52/16.28 Kirkham and Wesham 16.37/16.52 Junction for the two Blackpool Lines Blackpool South arr 17.19 A new tram system is now in place at Blackpool. Dep Blackpool North 19.03 (They can't kick us off the station if we are catching a train!) Poulton Le Fyle 19.09/19.50 Junction for the old Fleetwood line Manchester Piccadilly 20.56
We had real problems on this day as the 08.45 service from Manchester Piccadilly had problems on arrival at Manchester Oxford Road. Eventually the train was terminated and we were advised to catch the 09.19 service direct to Oxenholme Lake District which would have kept us to the timetable. Unfortunately we were held around the Wigan area, losing a lot of time. It was realised after leaving Preston that no way could we make up time to Oxenholme to meet the Windermere connection, the bus to Haverthwaite only running every there hours. A decision was made to alight at Lancaster in the hope catching the loco hauled 10.04 from Preston to Ulverston for a bus connection to Lakeside. However on alighting at Lancaster it was found that this service had run in front of our train and not behind as the scheduled path was altered owing to the late running. We stayed at Lancaster until 11.01 and ran through to Windermere arriving 11.39.
Frantic efforts were being made by Kathryn Marsden and Tony Wright for a solution! Eventually we had an answer by departing from Bowness Pier, Windermere at 12.40 direct to Lakeside Station for a single trip to Haverthwaite which would then put us back on time. All went well as we boarded the train at Lakeside, it never moved! Ten minutes or so after the departure time a large group of foreign youngsters came strolling up the platform, time was at a premium as we only had a 10minute connection for the bus at Haverthwaite. Eventually we departed and arrived two minutes before the bus was due the other side of a dual carriageway, crossing the dual carriageway was the next problem, with horns blowing we managed it, the bus turned up 10 minutes late. However the speedy bus driver got us into Ulverston on time and back on track.
150709a The former Manchester Central Station now an exhibition Centre. At present the trams terminate at this point. Copyright Roger Winnen
150709b The rush hour commencing at Deansgate. From here the tram line was closed into the city for a number of weeks to allow for the construction of the second city crossing of the tram network. Copyright Roger Winnen
150709ze The Blackpool Tower and the Tram, the essence of Blackpool with its Fish & Chips and Bingo stalls. However today it was very quiet, most unusual for Blackpool. Copyright Roger Winnen
Day 7 Friday 10th July, 2015 Ffestiniog Round Robin ticket from Manchester
Manchester Piccadilly 07.30 Shrewsbury 08.37/09.30 Machynlleth where the train divide one portion to Aberystwyth arr at 11.20, the remainder of the tour you must depart at 11.30 for Machynlleth arr 12.01/12.51 Porthmadoc 14.55 For those who stay on the train from Shrewsbury you may travel to Pwllheli arr 13.16/13.38 to Porthmadog arr 14.00. The Ffestiniog Train 15.45 arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog 17.00/17.37 Llandudno Jct 18.35/18.53 Manchester Piccadilly 20.51
Manchester Piccadilly 07.30 Shrewsbury 08.37/09.30 Machynlleth where the train divide one portion to Aberystwyth arr at 11.20, the remainder of the tour you must depart at 11.30 for Machynlleth arr 12.01/12.51 Porthmadoc 14.55 For those who stay on the train from Shrewsbury you may travel to Pwllheli arr 13.16/13.38 to Porthmadog arr 14.00. The Ffestiniog Train 15.45 arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog 17.00/17.37 Llandudno Jct 18.35/18.53 Manchester Piccadilly 20.51
150710a Manchester Piccadilly Station, The time is 07.02 on a Friday morning, we depart at 07.30 for Shrewsbury and the Cambrian Coast line. Copyright Roger Winnen
150710b The 07.30 Manchester Piccadilly to Shrewsbury, Newport and Cardiff & Camarthen. Copyright Roger Winnen
150710zv The 17.37 to Llandudno arrives at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Copyright Roger Winnen
Day 8 Saturday 11th July 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 1
Manchester Piccadilly 07.55 Crewe 08.27/09.07 Derby 10.26/10.52 Duffield 10.59 for The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Duffield Shottle Idridgehay Wirksworth Idridgehay Shottle Duffield
11.15 11.26 11.31 11.48/12.15 12.31 12.36 12.46
13.15 13.26 13.31 13.48/14.15 14.31 14.36 14.46
Wirksworth dep 14.15 Duffield 14.46/15.03 Derby 15.11/15.42 Crewe 17.01/17.32 Liverpool Lime Street 18.11/20.16 Manchester Piccadilly 21.04 or 20.52 Liverpool Lime Street via Warrington Central (Cheshire Lines Committee) Manchester Piccadilly 21.41 arr.
Steam will be running on the 1 in 27 incline to Ravenstor an additional fare payable £2
Manchester Piccadilly 07.55 Crewe 08.27/09.07 Derby 10.26/10.52 Duffield 10.59 for The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Duffield Shottle Idridgehay Wirksworth Idridgehay Shottle Duffield
11.15 11.26 11.31 11.48/12.15 12.31 12.36 12.46
13.15 13.26 13.31 13.48/14.15 14.31 14.36 14.46
Wirksworth dep 14.15 Duffield 14.46/15.03 Derby 15.11/15.42 Crewe 17.01/17.32 Liverpool Lime Street 18.11/20.16 Manchester Piccadilly 21.04 or 20.52 Liverpool Lime Street via Warrington Central (Cheshire Lines Committee) Manchester Piccadilly 21.41 arr.
Steam will be running on the 1 in 27 incline to Ravenstor an additional fare payable £2
150711a The 153 09.07 Crewe Derby service. Most of our members travelled on this service swelling the numbers. Copyright Roger Winnen
150711b The Derby Research Centre which houses many interesting vehicles situated on the Nottinham line. Copyright Roger Winnen
150711zb Our train to Manchester Piccadilly awaiting departure at 20.16. Copyright Roger Winnen
Day 9 Sunday 12th July, 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 2
Manchester Piccadilly 08.27 Crewe 09.01 for The Crewe Heritage Centre which opens at 10.00hrs. Turn left outside Crewe Station, down Nantwich Road, then right at the Last Orders Pub then cross under the railway and follow the signs. Admission £5 Depart Crewe 11.27 Holyhead 13.42/14.30 Llandudno Junction 15.25/15.30 Llandudno 15.40 For the Great Orme Tramway which closes at 18.00hrs Fare £6.50. Dep Llandudno 18.05 Llandudno Jct 18.15/18.24 Chester 19.21/19.36 Manchester Piccadilly 20.40
Manchester Piccadilly 08.27 Crewe 09.01 for The Crewe Heritage Centre which opens at 10.00hrs. Turn left outside Crewe Station, down Nantwich Road, then right at the Last Orders Pub then cross under the railway and follow the signs. Admission £5 Depart Crewe 11.27 Holyhead 13.42/14.30 Llandudno Junction 15.25/15.30 Llandudno 15.40 For the Great Orme Tramway which closes at 18.00hrs Fare £6.50. Dep Llandudno 18.05 Llandudno Jct 18.15/18.24 Chester 19.21/19.36 Manchester Piccadilly 20.40
150712a The APT at Crewe Heritage Centre. Copyright Roger Winnen
150712c Tony Brokenshire enters The Advance Passenger Train at Crewe, he will be getting nowhere. Copyright Roger Winnen
150712zt THE LONGEST PLACE NAME IN WALES IS LLANFAIRPWLLGWYNGYLLGOGERYCHWYRNDROBWLLLLANTYSILIOGOGOGOCH or in short LLANFAIR PG Copyright Roger Winnen
150712zzp At the Tram Terminus. Copyright Roger Winnen
Day10 Monday 13th July, 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 3
Manchester Piccadilly 08.45 Glossop 09.17/09.20 Hadfield 09.27/09.59 Guide Bridge 10.26/10.45 Rose Hill Marple 11.05/11.23 Manchester Piccadilly 11.55/12.20 Sheffield 13.08/15.11 Stockport 15.52/16.01 Buxton 16.49/18.02 Manchester Piccadilly 18.59/19.20 Wigan Wallgate 19.59 walk to Wigan North Western 21.01 Manchester Piccadilly 21.30
Manchester Piccadilly 08.45 Glossop 09.17/09.20 Hadfield 09.27/09.59 Guide Bridge 10.26/10.45 Rose Hill Marple 11.05/11.23 Manchester Piccadilly 11.55/12.20 Sheffield 13.08/15.11 Stockport 15.52/16.01 Buxton 16.49/18.02 Manchester Piccadilly 18.59/19.20 Wigan Wallgate 19.59 walk to Wigan North Western 21.01 Manchester Piccadilly 21.30
150713a Mike Hitchens reading the latest news at Manchester Piccadilly. Copyright Roger Winnen
150713b Our Hadfield unit from Manchester Platform 1 Copyright Roger Winnen
150713ze An important piece of British History, Magna Carta 1215 2015 Copyright Roger Winnen
Day 11 Tues. 14th July 2015 Coast & Peaks Rover Day 4
Manchester Piccadilly 08.50 Warrington Bank Quay 09.25/09.39 Crewe 09.58/10.08 Shrewsbury 10.37/11.59 Crewe 12.28/13.02 Tamworth 14.19/15.09 Rugeley Trent Valley 15.24/16.25 Stoke on Trent 17.00/17.25 Stockport 17.55/18.25 Manchester Piccadilly 18.35
Manchester Piccadilly 08.50 Warrington Bank Quay 09.25/09.39 Crewe 09.58/10.08 Shrewsbury 10.37/11.59 Crewe 12.28/13.02 Tamworth 14.19/15.09 Rugeley Trent Valley 15.24/16.25 Stoke on Trent 17.00/17.25 Stockport 17.55/18.25 Manchester Piccadilly 18.35
150714a This was our residence in Manchester, The Pendulum Hotel and Conference Centre run by the University of Manchester. Copyright Roger Winnen
150714b The Pendulum inside the hotel greeted us in its swaying montion each day. Copyright Roger Winnen
150714u Class 170s on the Birmingham New Street, Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley service. Copyright Roger Winnen
150714w Stoke on Trent Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Day 12 Wednesday 15th July, 2015 Return Home
Manchester Piccadilly 12.27 Birmingham New Street arr 13.58/14.17 dep Plymouth 17.42arr Dep Plymouth 17.55 (This train has recently been running as a single car 153 unit) Penzance arrive 19.54
Manchester Piccadilly 12.27 Birmingham New Street arr 13.58/14.17 dep Plymouth 17.42arr Dep Plymouth 17.55 (This train has recently been running as a single car 153 unit) Penzance arrive 19.54
150715a From the vacinity of our hotel a view was had of the main line, going right to Piccadilly and left to Manchester Oxford Road. Copyright Roger Winnen.
150715b This line is built on arches for a considerable distance. Approaching is the 08.50 arrival from Chester. Copyright Roger Winnen
150715s Is it the Wright Brothers Flight for Tony & Sue Wright! Getting you home to Truro early. Copyright Roger Winnen.
150715t Waiting the arrival of the 12.27 service from Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth taking us on our first leg of the journey to Birmingham which pulled in infront of the unit standing at Platform 4. Copyright Roger Winnen
Many thanks to Roger for the midnight oil burnt not only planning this quite massive expedition but also for his time putting together the results afterwards - WELL DONE.
Report on the CRS Expedition to Middle England in 2014
TO FOLLOW
Report on CRS Scottish Adventure 2012
Details & Pictures of each days travels.
Details & Pictures of each days travels.
25th June 2012
06.45 Penzance to Paddington 14.30 Euston - Preston 16.53 Preston - Glasgow Central
06.45 Penzance to Paddington 14.30 Euston - Preston 16.53 Preston - Glasgow Central
26th June 2012 09.15 Glasgow Central - Ardrossan South Beach 10.29 Ardrossan South Beach - Largs 10.53 Largs - Killwinning, 11.29 Killwinning - Ayr, 12.30 Ayr - Stranraer, 14.43 Stranraer - Kilmarnock
16.49 Kilmarnock - Carlisle, 20.03 Carlisle - Glasgow Central
16.49 Kilmarnock - Carlisle, 20.03 Carlisle - Glasgow Central
A couple of the group decided to go their own way as they wanted to revisit the Isle of Bute. They travelled from Glasgow Central via Paisley Gilmour Street to Wymess Bay where they caaught the ferry to Rothsay.
27th June 2012 08.21 Glasgow Queen St - Crianlarich, 10.58 Crianlarich - Mallaig, 16.05 Mallaig - Glasgow Queen Street
** Reference the second picture. The very next day, this locomotive 66734, hauling an aluminia train from North Blyth to Fort Willaim hit a boulder on the line, became derailed and rolled down the steep hillside to come to rest on the banks of Loch Treig. The line remained blocked for several days - we were lucky!
** Reference the second picture. The very next day, this locomotive 66734, hauling an aluminia train from North Blyth to Fort Willaim hit a boulder on the line, became derailed and rolled down the steep hillside to come to rest on the banks of Loch Treig. The line remained blocked for several days - we were lucky!
28th June 2012 08.21 Glasgow Queen St - Oban, 12.56 0ban - Helensburgh Upper
After alighting at Helensburgh Upper, the party witnessed a Scottish Monsoon on route between the two stations at this seaside town, being soaked from head to foot. We returned to Glasgow for a brief drying out period.
15.40 Helensburgh Central - High Street, Glasgow, 17.44 High Street - Airdrie, 18.14 Airdrie - Edinburgh, 19.09 Edinburgh - North Queensferry (Forth Bridge). Over an hour at the Forth Bridge in brilliant sunshine made up for the downpour earlier. 20.43 North Queensferry - Haymarket, 21.04 Haymarket - Glasgow Queen St
After alighting at Helensburgh Upper, the party witnessed a Scottish Monsoon on route between the two stations at this seaside town, being soaked from head to foot. We returned to Glasgow for a brief drying out period.
15.40 Helensburgh Central - High Street, Glasgow, 17.44 High Street - Airdrie, 18.14 Airdrie - Edinburgh, 19.09 Edinburgh - North Queensferry (Forth Bridge). Over an hour at the Forth Bridge in brilliant sunshine made up for the downpour earlier. 20.43 North Queensferry - Haymarket, 21.04 Haymarket - Glasgow Queen St
A couple of the group did their own thing agin... and after going to Largs to visit the ice-cream parlour they found on their last visit in Feb 2008 (This time they tried Rhubarb & Ginger flavour). they found the Paddlesteamer Waverly at the pier ready for a cruise around the Clyde Estuary to the Isle of Arran. It might not be railways but it was too good to miss...
29 June 2012 The party each purchased a Strathclyde PTE Day Tripper Ticket at £9.50. This they used firstly on the Glasqow Underground (Clockwork Orange) from Buchanan Street to Govan then Govan to Partick. Unfortunately they found that the museum didn't open until later than expected so this option was abandoned.
The party returned to Partick and caught the 10.20 to Milngavie. In succession now - 10.57 Milngavie - Westerton, 11.08 Westerton - Balloch. At Balloch they traced the former rail route to Balloch Pier, returning to Balloch for the 12.53 to Partick. 13.40 Partick - Glasgow Central Low Level, 14.05 Glasgow Central to Gourock, 15.10 ferry Gourock to Kilgreggan in very rough conditions. Whilst here the paddle steamer Waverley arrived to set down a few passengers. The 16.30 ferry was taken back to Gourock from whence the 17.06 to Port Glasgow. From Port Glasgow the 17.45 service was taken to Wemyss Bay - the station here has a very attractive roof. At Wemyss Bay the Royal Scotsman Railtour was seen with Class 47 'Diamond Jubilee' , there was a class 37 on the back.
The main party returned on the 18.26 Wemyss Bay to Glasgow Central for the night. However Roger continued his travels on the 19.27 Glasgow Central Low Level to Hamilton Central and finished his day on the 20.04 Hamilton Central to Motherwell and the 20.47 Motherwell to Argyle Street.
The party returned to Partick and caught the 10.20 to Milngavie. In succession now - 10.57 Milngavie - Westerton, 11.08 Westerton - Balloch. At Balloch they traced the former rail route to Balloch Pier, returning to Balloch for the 12.53 to Partick. 13.40 Partick - Glasgow Central Low Level, 14.05 Glasgow Central to Gourock, 15.10 ferry Gourock to Kilgreggan in very rough conditions. Whilst here the paddle steamer Waverley arrived to set down a few passengers. The 16.30 ferry was taken back to Gourock from whence the 17.06 to Port Glasgow. From Port Glasgow the 17.45 service was taken to Wemyss Bay - the station here has a very attractive roof. At Wemyss Bay the Royal Scotsman Railtour was seen with Class 47 'Diamond Jubilee' , there was a class 37 on the back.
The main party returned on the 18.26 Wemyss Bay to Glasgow Central for the night. However Roger continued his travels on the 19.27 Glasgow Central Low Level to Hamilton Central and finished his day on the 20.04 Hamilton Central to Motherwell and the 20.47 Motherwell to Argyle Street.
30th June 2012
07.06 Glasgow Queen St to Aviemore, 10.30 dep Aviemore to Broomhill on the Strathspey Preserved Railway. 11.30 Broomhill to Aviemore. This train was hauled by Ivatt designed 46512 built at Swindon in 1952.
12.48 Aviemore to Inverness. 14.27 Inverness to Aberdeen, 17.36 Aberdeen to Stirling. The two signalboxes at Stirling controlled a fine array of semaphore signals. 20.00 Stirling to Alloa and finally 20.41 Alloa to Glasgow Queen Street.
07.06 Glasgow Queen St to Aviemore, 10.30 dep Aviemore to Broomhill on the Strathspey Preserved Railway. 11.30 Broomhill to Aviemore. This train was hauled by Ivatt designed 46512 built at Swindon in 1952.
12.48 Aviemore to Inverness. 14.27 Inverness to Aberdeen, 17.36 Aberdeen to Stirling. The two signalboxes at Stirling controlled a fine array of semaphore signals. 20.00 Stirling to Alloa and finally 20.41 Alloa to Glasgow Queen Street.
1st July 2012
08.30 Glasgow Queen St to Edinburgh, 10.30 Edinburgh to North Berwick, 11.20 North Berwick to Edinburgh, 12.00 Edinburgh to Lenlithgow, 13.00 Route 6 A bus to Bo'ness, Bo'ness Railway 14.05 Steam from Bo'ness to Manual where there is as yet no platform and return. 16.34 bus from Bo'ness to Linlithgow. The main party returned to Glasgow. Roger, however, continued. 16.58 Lenlithgow to Edinburgh, 18.42 Edinburgh to Dundee, 20.43 Dundee to Glasgow Queen St.
08.30 Glasgow Queen St to Edinburgh, 10.30 Edinburgh to North Berwick, 11.20 North Berwick to Edinburgh, 12.00 Edinburgh to Lenlithgow, 13.00 Route 6 A bus to Bo'ness, Bo'ness Railway 14.05 Steam from Bo'ness to Manual where there is as yet no platform and return. 16.34 bus from Bo'ness to Linlithgow. The main party returned to Glasgow. Roger, however, continued. 16.58 Lenlithgow to Edinburgh, 18.42 Edinburgh to Dundee, 20.43 Dundee to Glasgow Queen St.
2nd July 2012
10.10 GLASGOW QUEEN STREET - INVERNESS Glasgow Queen St to Inverness. 14.39 Inverness to Dingwall. The party returned to Inverness. Roger continued 15.56 Dingwall to Muir of Ord, 16.29 Muir of Ord to Inverness. 17.11 Inverness to Keith (Roger and Tony Brokenshire), Walk the Dufftown bramch to Keith Town, 19.24 Keith to Inverness.
10.10 GLASGOW QUEEN STREET - INVERNESS Glasgow Queen St to Inverness. 14.39 Inverness to Dingwall. The party returned to Inverness. Roger continued 15.56 Dingwall to Muir of Ord, 16.29 Muir of Ord to Inverness. 17.11 Inverness to Keith (Roger and Tony Brokenshire), Walk the Dufftown bramch to Keith Town, 19.24 Keith to Inverness.
03 July 2012
09.00 Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. While the main party stopped awhile at the Kyle, Roger and Tony Brokenshire took the 12.03 Kyle to Stromeferry and the 13.01 return. The party then returned to Inverness on the 14.35 departure from the Kyle.
On the return journey, at Achnasheen, we passed the Royal Scotsman on route to the Kyle of Lochalsh for an overnight stay.
09.00 Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. While the main party stopped awhile at the Kyle, Roger and Tony Brokenshire took the 12.03 Kyle to Stromeferry and the 13.01 return. The party then returned to Inverness on the 14.35 departure from the Kyle.
On the return journey, at Achnasheen, we passed the Royal Scotsman on route to the Kyle of Lochalsh for an overnight stay.
04 July 2012
07.06 Inverness to Wick
There was a problem with the class 158 unit we had from Inverness running on one engine. After waiting a while at Ardgay in the hope that we could cross and swap trains there, control decided that we should continue up the bank to Lairg for the change. At Lairg, another crossing point we swapped into the 06.20 service from Wick - the defective one returning to Inverness. A shunt movement was carried out in which passengers from both trains exchanged seats so that the problem unit could return to Inverness. The procedure was made more complicated by the lack of a local signalman and the control being from a distant point. We arrived at Wick some half hour late. From Wick the 13.40, route 77 bus was taken to John O Groats. The return was on the 14.45 bus connecting with the 16.00 Wick to Inverness service.
07.06 Inverness to Wick
There was a problem with the class 158 unit we had from Inverness running on one engine. After waiting a while at Ardgay in the hope that we could cross and swap trains there, control decided that we should continue up the bank to Lairg for the change. At Lairg, another crossing point we swapped into the 06.20 service from Wick - the defective one returning to Inverness. A shunt movement was carried out in which passengers from both trains exchanged seats so that the problem unit could return to Inverness. The procedure was made more complicated by the lack of a local signalman and the control being from a distant point. We arrived at Wick some half hour late. From Wick the 13.40, route 77 bus was taken to John O Groats. The return was on the 14.45 bus connecting with the 16.00 Wick to Inverness service.
5th July 2012
07.55 Inverness to Kings Cross (Edinbugh).
( Problems with the rear power car of the H.S.T caused problems in the climb out of Inverness and other steep gradients. Time was being lost on route, Edinburgh was reached over 40 mins late. In the wisdom of East Coast this service was terminated at Edinburgh instead of going through to London Kings Cross.
As a result the party found themselves looking for seats on the 09.52 Aberdeen which formed the 12.30 from Edinburgh to London Kings Cross. This service was already full and standing.
07.55 Inverness to Kings Cross (Edinbugh).
( Problems with the rear power car of the H.S.T caused problems in the climb out of Inverness and other steep gradients. Time was being lost on route, Edinburgh was reached over 40 mins late. In the wisdom of East Coast this service was terminated at Edinburgh instead of going through to London Kings Cross.
As a result the party found themselves looking for seats on the 09.52 Aberdeen which formed the 12.30 from Edinburgh to London Kings Cross. This service was already full and standing.
Total mileage covered by Roger Winnen including train, bus and ferry = 4446.25
Many thanks to Roger Winnen for organising much of this years outing, assisted by Peter Bragg. Next years excursion maybe to the Midlands - interested - keep in touch with Roger Winnen - Master Planner.
Additional pictures taken on this event provided by John Ball for which many thanks
The railtour on which John Ball rode. 2012 Copyright John Ball
Inverness - 2012 Copyright John Ball
The CRS party at Inverness. 2012 Copyright Jon Ball
Achnasheen 2012 Copyright John Ball
Achnasheen 2012 Copyright John Ball
CRS Trip to the North East of England in 2011
Details to Follow
CRS Trip to the North West of England in 2010
Details to Follow
CRS Trip to South West Wales and Portsmouth in 2009
Details to Follow
