Last Saturday I headed out to London, as word came about of some unusual (and very rare) things happening!
I got some 360s on the express to London before getting Thameslink through the core to London Bridge.
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On Friday I was asked to cover in Corby again.
I wasn't going to say no, especially when it involves trains for free!
Covering in other stores is always fun and I enjoy it a lot.
I headed back home after work to rest before heading out on Saturday.
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Last Sunday I was required to work in a different store to normal - so greetings from Corby!
I was on the first northbound EMR of the day to Kettering, where I've gotten the only Connect train running before midday to Corby.
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After arriving back at London Bridge, it was home time.
I could've just taken Thameslink home, but I'm a sucker for EMR, so got the 2218 (last EMR on a Saturday to call at Luton).
Thankfully no delays. I was out again the following day, not to London though
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Station 970: Sevenoaks ✅
The end of the line for stopping services from London via Lewisham.
I had some time to spare, so I visited a required spoons before heading back into London.
One day I will venture further!
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Station 969: Hither Green ✅
The penultimate station visited on my day out.
This station is very much a construction site so I had a quick look around in the local area before heading further down the line to the last new station of the day.
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Station 968: Elmstead Woods ✅
The only station where I forgot to get a picture of the sign, but it's a lovely station just at the end of a tunnel.
I liked the grassy bits here, it adds some colour to the station.
Soon enough the next train arrived.
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Hello from Grove Park!
I came here to do a ride on the shuttle to Bromley North and back.
465001 was the unit on offer for the branch line, and once I did my return trip, I went on a different 465 to visit another station.
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Station 967: Petts Wood ✅
Thankfully this is a quick change on an island platform.
I've gone from a refurbished 376 (on the inside) to a non refurbished unit.
376021 and a friend took me to the next station - Grove Park!
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Station 966: Chislehurst ✅
One of two occasions on this trip where I got a 376 - and I'm very thankful they were both for short hops.
Chislehurst has 4 platforms so more trains and destinations here. I'll have a proper look another time!
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Station 965: Dunton Green ✅
There's a common theme going round with the stations I visited, there's not a lot here.
At least the trains are photogenic!
I had a look around the area to fill the space between trains before the next 465 arrived.
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Station 964: Chelsfield ✅
Another station with not a lot around.
I did enjoy my time here watching fast trains go through!
The arched bridge is just something else, I really don't know why I like it!
I continue onwards with another 465
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Station 963: Knockholt ✅
This is the furthest south I can go on a travelcard on this line.
It's rather peaceful here and the unique structures of bridges really make this line one to remember.
Time to carry on along this line!
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Last Saturday I went out for a day in London, mainly focusing on getting stations in Southeastern land!
I headed to London Bridge and took the first Southeastern train from platform 6. There's no real plan here so let's see where I end up!
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After a trip through the shed at Wembley Depot (see my video on TikTok for that), it's the end of the tour.
I headed home, taking a rather silly route, which was Chiltern to Birmingham Moor Street and then Avanti from New Street to Watford Junction.
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A short video of the farewell tour going through Bicester North in the up direction but on the down line.
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After going through Bicester North in the up direction on the down line, I've reached Marylebone!
I had time for a quick drink in the nearby spoons before heading back on the final bit of the trip to Banbury.
(Video in the next post)
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After a brief stop at Leamington Spa, we made it to Stourbridge Junction.
A bunch of people went on the shuttle, but I found George again!
Next heading to London, and I had time for a picture and break at Snow Hill.
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The next morning I made my way to Banbury station, as it was time for the farewell of Chiltern's Mk3 Coaches and DVTs.
68013, set AL04 and DVT 82309 take me on the BLS special all along the Chiltern Mainline!
Let's get going - first stop Stourbridge Jcn!
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Greetings from Birmingham Moor Street!
After arriving here from Stratford, I get another chance to see the Flying Scotsman passing, as it heads to Snow Hill.
Now it's time for the last Chiltern train of the night to Banbury, where my Premier Inn awaits me!
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Station 962: Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway ✅
The final station of the day for me to visit, and there is a whole load of nothing here!
I had a quick look around but just saw a huge car park so waited for the next train to Birmingham.
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Video of 47773 (D1755) and 60103 Flying Scotsman passing Wilmcote on the last journey of the day to Stratford-upon-Avon (21/2/26)
Station 961: Wilmcote ✅
A lovely station, which is a fair distance from the village of the same name.
I was told to look out for 47773 (D1755) and 60103 Flying Scotsman, which passed on the last trip to Stratford.
Now to wait 50 mins for the next train.
Vid in next post.
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Station 960: Stratford-upon-Avon ✅
The end of the line for services from Birmingham & Leamington.
I want to have a proper look around Shakespeare's town, but that will happen another day.
Now it's back on 165011 to the next station to see a special train!
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Station 959: Claverdon ✅
A single platform, former request stop station. The remains of a second platform are visible but there aren't many trains stopping here.
I keep moving & leave the branch line as there's a special treat in store at the next station!
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Station 958: Widney Manor ✅
A lovely little station - the plants and stones here make it look different from most stations you'd go to.
I went to Dorridge for snacks first but now I await another train to take me down a branch line and get another station!
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Station 957: Lapworth ✅
A small Chiltern station, mainly served by West Mids Trains!
There's not a lot to see at this station, more so now that the permit to travel machine has gone.
After taking a huge step onto the train, I'm off to another new station!
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Greetings from Stourbridge Junction!
Class 139 ✅
As is tradition when one comes here, you ride the shuttle!
As luck would have it, 139002 was out (the unit I needed for haulage), so this made me happy!
I also got to see George sleeping away.
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Station 956: Blakedown ✅
Another lovely station, the two platforms here are separated by a level crossing.
As I had another quick connection, I made sure to cross and admire the signal box here before getting on a class 172 to Stourbridge Junction.
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Station 955: Hagley ✅
The first of two intermediate stations between Stourbridge and Kidderminster. It's lovely, even if there is nothing about.
I saw a few express trains here before going to the next new station on some mega traction!
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