Author: davidscruise

There was hope in last night’s weather forecast that today might be drier and brighter. It is; The incessant downpours of yesterday have indeed given way to short sharp bursts of heavy rain, together with a cold and unpleasant breeze, presumably from the northwest.

The short drive from Meifod Country House Hotel to the temporary Caernarfon Station presented no problems, and the almost adjacent £2.00 per day car park, operated by a next-door tyre fitting firm, had plenty of room. The distant sound of an American style locomotive chime whistle heralded the eventual splendidly spectacular sight of the 10.00hrs Welsh Highland Railway service to Portmadoc. I missed a brilliant photo opportunity as the train was hauled into the station by a former South African Beyer Garratt locomotive. Such inclement weather at home would have determined my not being in a rush to leave a warm comfortable bed.

Soon, I was looking at the train which would take me through some of the loveliest countryside anywhere. I recognised the first mile or so of the journey from childhood memories of travelling from Caernarvon (as it was spelled then) to Groeslon, base for a number of North Wales summer holidays. Two hours and 15 minutes later, we arrived at a windswept Portmadoc. The breeze turned my ears to porcelain and my eagerness to explore anything other than for somewhere to eat and take shelter, was diminished to extinction. Portmadoc is blessed with a pub called the “Australia”. And it was a jolly sight warmer inside than it was outside! Tomato and red pepper soup followed by lasagne with peas and boiled potatoes did the trick! Soon, I shall be on my back to Caernarfon.

Storm Bronagh does seem less tempestuous than its immediate predecessor Ali. Thus, I am having a brilliant time today, experiencing the absolute miracle of the rebuilt Welsh Highland Railway. The Pullman car is well worth the modest upgrade to First Class.

It was a very brief ride on the Puffing Billy Railway near Melbourne, Australia (3.5 out of 15 miles) that prompted a renewed interest in similar railways in the U.K.

Thanks for reading. More pictures later.

David.

Right now, retirement is an absolute pleasure, a rare period, free from any obligation other than to make good use of the undetermined length of time now available to me. Health issues last year had prevented me from “hitting the ground running” immediately after leaving Arriva Trains North at the end of July 2017. However, even recovering in ” fits and starts” from open heart surgery in the spring of that year, I did manage two trips to Bournemouth in the summer, and seventeen weeks ambling to and from New Zealand by sea. Pretty good use of my first year methinks. And there’s a ton of global travel to look forward to in 2019 and 2020.

Last week, I contemplated the present opportunities to travel to places much closer to home. I had walked along the converted track bed of what was once part of the main railway line from Manchester Central to London St. Pancras, once with former work colleagues, and on a second occasion with a friend. Nor far from where I live, there is a number of disused railways converted to cycle and walkways.

On a whim, I booked tickets to travel on the Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog Railways, driving to Caernarfon on Thursday, returning home late Saturday evening. Good use of a few days then. The last time I was in these parts, Caernarfon, was when Caernarfon was spelled with a “V” and one could catch the train to Afon Wen. We had family holidays at a lovely self catering farm at Groeslon around three miles south of Caernarfon. We would stay for three long weeks, having brought our bikes on the train. Some sixty years later, I am back, and reminded of just how lovely the countryside and seaside is around here. What a great pity the weather couldn’t be worse. Storm Ali was followed by continual torrential rain with mist obscuring the once familiar scenery of carefree childhood holidays. Caernarfon Castle didn’t seem quite as big as I remember. Tomorrow, my train from Caernarfon to Portmadoc leaves at 10.00hrs; I picked up my tickets today at the Station. Hopefully, there will be some brightness in the sky, and I will have made very good use of what might well be a wet weekend in Wales!

Thanks for reading; illustrated accounts to follow Friday and Saturday.

Yesterday, Friday 24th August 2018, I chose to close down my Face Book page. I was aware of an increasing number of people I know, and total strangers wanting to keep or become in touch via “my Facebook”. This, I am delighted with, and must apologise for a completely unintended rebuff. It was never my intention to set up a Facebook account, not warming to the concept of social media. However, a Facebook app on my phone manifested itself; curiosity got the better of me and somehow, I was receiving requests and other correspondence which left me somewhat bewildered.

I will, I anticipate, get my head around all of this eventually, re-establish my Facebook page and then enjoy staying in touch with friends, colleagues and new people.

Very best wishes,

David Nevell.

14th August 2018.

Pathfinder Railtours staged a magnificent tribute to the End of Steam three days ago. I was somewhat pleased to have acquired a ticket for a tour which had been announced as sold out several weeks ago. If I remember correctly, British Rail’s Last Steam Train did not sell out and came in for considerable criticism for levelling a hefty charge of £15.15.0d for the privilege of travelling. This was, at that time, somewhat over two weeks wages in my embryonic and none too successful career as a sales assistant; The Bank of Mum and Dad ensured my place on the passenger list!

In 2018, the train left Bristol at around 5am, one of the permanent staff having got out of bed at 2am to commute from Cardiff. I was astonished at his stamina especially when in conversation after bailing out at Crewe at just after 8pm. I was one of three who were on the original train fifty years earlier. We had a photo call on Crewe Station which will no doubt appear on social media.

This year’s excursion, although much of a routine steam trip was, I think, slightly better value at today’s price in Premier Dining of £299. In 1968, we travelled in Second Class Mark 1 stock. Each passenger then, enjoyed morning coffee, a mixed meat salad lunch (with complimentary wine to the value of ten shillings), and a substantial high tea. A commemorative scroll, and souvenir ticket was issued, also to each passenger. At the end of that trip, I remember, well, standing at the block end of Liverpool Lime Street as the Last Steam Train (1T57) backed out of the station and out of sight. At Crewe, on Saturday, I waited well over an hour to witness that train, now diesel hauled, continue its journey to Bristol. That hour (which passed quickly) was spent in conversation with an onlooker who was once employed at Crewe Works who was keen to reminisce, and, the organiser of the trip…who had been up since 2am!

The catering on this year’s train was railway cuisine at its best. Bucks fizz preceded a mountainous “full English”. Those who joined at Bristol and at subsequent pick up points had finished dining long before I embarked at Crewe. The promised “elevenses” did not materialise due to an unexpected water shortage which was rectified at a booked water stop on the outskirts of Carlisle. What I wasn’t expecting was a light lunch of quiche, and salad. My plan was to have an off-train lunch at Appleby. There was no need to now.

Dinner, shortly after our two hour stay at Appleby, was splendid. I don’t drink normally, but I did in 1968! And in 2018, I treated myself to a quarter bottle of rose (I cannot get the accent accute on the “e”!) I was surprised and delighted to learn that this was included with the meal! This was as good as any train dinner I can remember and one has to admire the skill and dexterity of the dining car crew.

In 1968, three days after, I do not recall a massive sense of bereavement, even though there appeared to be no possibility of Steam on the main line, apart from those specials hauled by Alan Pegler’s Flying Scotsman. Like prestigious trains between the Wars, Flying Scotsman toured North America in the early 1970s. I caught up with it shrouded in tarpaulin at (I think) Spadina Road depot in Toronto. Not quite believing it actually was Flying Scotsman, I did manage to confirm that it was by catching a glimpse of the Apple green of the driving wheels beneath the tarpaulin. It’s train of chocolate and cream liveried coaching stock, adorned with the Union Flag at one end of each coach, was marshalled at a near-by carriage facility. Security staff allowed me into both railway premises.

I shall write little between now and when I commence a full circumnavigation of the globe in January next year. (That’s the plan) Do feel free to comment; I shall acknowledge any correspondence.

All the best,

David

Crewe. Gresley A-4 Pacific No. 60009 “Union of South Africa” after arrival from Appleby (see previous picture)

Cl.67. No 67002 waits at Crewe having replaced the Pacific and its assisting class 66 diesel locomotive, prior to working the final leg of the journey to Bristol.

The train pictured is that which we saw heading for Carlisle Citadel while our locomotive and kitchen car was being watered on the outskirts of Carlisle on a section of railway which connects the West Coast Main Line with that of the Settle and Carlisle.

The journey from Crewe was most pleasant. I am only slightly put out that my seat in coach J is “backing” throughout. The weather is not too far removed of that of fifty years ago…mixed, dry (so far) and not too cold. Departure from Crewe was on time at 08.26hrs. I had played safe and stayed overnight at the Crewe Arms Hotel, which I understand was the first “railway hotel”, but now comes under “Best Western”. Breakfast was included in the reasonable £60, single occupancy of a double room. My plan was to drive home tonight, but I shall now stay until Sunday, when I can return home refreshed from, hopefully, a decent sleep.

I was reminded, briefly, of my final years as Driver with Arriva Trains North as, hauled by Cl.67, 67002, we covered the section between Wigan North Western and Preston. Working from Wigan was very rare for me, but frequently, I would work an evening service from Blackpool and Preston to Wigan North Western before travelling as passenger to Manchester Piccadilly and then working the last train to Buxton. In the very latter days, I would find time for a meal at Carluccio’s at Piccadilly! It’s hard to believe those seemingly recent days are no more.

Breakfast was served almost as soon as we left Crewe, and excellent it was too. Porridge, toast, coffee and a “full English”. That, on top of the most continental of breakfasts I chose at the Hotel!

67002 detached at Preston where ex. LNER Cl. A4 No 60009, a back up class 66 and support coach would attach to our train of B.R. of Mark 1 stock in a nostalgic mix of early B.R. carmine( red) and cream and B.R. Western Region chocolate and cream livery. This rake of passenger coaching stock is now managed by Riviera Trains Ltd.

I find that three steam trains are operating today and already, the other two have been seen, 45699 “Galatea” heading towards Carlisle (which we didn’t call at), and 45690 on its way from Appleby to Carlisle, both diesel assisted on “End of Steam” specials. One of these is due here at Appleby in around 30 minutes, giving me ample time to write this blog in the beautifully restored waiting room on the “south-bound” platform.

There’s a convivial atmosphere as a large gathering of people from children to those older than I am anticipate the arrival of one of these steam specials. What I was reminded of on this part of the journey was the vastness and utter beauty of this high up area of Northern England. I might have become something of a world traveller, but little I have seen so far away, surpasses the magnificence enjoyed from the carriage window this afternoon.

To be continued…

The menu, itinerary and ticket from today’s tour. I shall write further much later in the day. Also, scenes at Preston during the change of locomotives.

Who would have thought it back in August 1968 as a nineteen year old, and very privileged to be a passenger on what would soon be dubbed “The Fifteen Guinea Special”, 50 years to the day later, as a 69 year old, I would be once again heading towards Carlisle, albeit with our steam locomotive, one of six surviving class A4 Pacifics No. 60009 “Union of South Africa”, assisted by a class 66 diesel. I am one of just three people on today’s train who were on that much written about train of 11/8/68. Like me, they will have been young at the time!

A few illustrated highlights.

The Lost City of Petra, “The Treasury”

Suez Canal

Montserrat, the summit reached by funicular railway.

A further view from the top.

Cadiz, Spain: The final port of call, 7/5/18.

It would have helped if I had labelled the illustrations I have just posted. This I will attempt in due course. In the meantime, I enclose a very brief idea; the first picture was taken during a safari on the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Plettenberg Bay forms the second picture. We move on to La Reunion (QM2) then my first sighting of Australia, Fremantle and Kings Park looking towards Perth. The Kangaroos are in Cleland Wildlife Park, Adelaide; we move to scenes around Canberra and then Sydney. We travel through the Sounds (fjords) of New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin, Tauranga, back to Sydney. Singapore and Hong Kong are shown, Penang, and a couple of locomotives, I think on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. (I shall need to check that)

Also shown, Penang, The Lost City of Petra and the beach at Cadiz.

I accept that these final writings are far from satisfactory, but I hope even so, they still give some small idea of this amazing journey. Comments, of course, are welcome, and will answer any points or queries as they arise.

Very best wishes, David.