A day out by rail
An Outing to Oxford
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© Geoff’s Rail Diaries 2016
Geoff’s Rail Diaries
26 July 2016
After a certain amount of debate, the destination for this day out finally firmed up. We’ll have a ride down to Oxford, and on the outward journey, we’ll travel on one of Chiltern Trains’ loco-hauled (or, in our case, propelled) “Mainline” services, between Birmingham Moor Street and Banbury. We’ve got plenty of time to walk from New Street to Moor Street - sufficient to snap a couple of trams on the recently-opened extension from Snow Hill. At Moor Street, 68010 is ready with our train, for the most pleasant part of our day’s travels - proper coaches, a decent view out of the window, no engines roaring away under the floor... All will change, of course. From Banbury, we’re on a “Voyager” (which is slightly delayed behind two lengthy Freightliners). Why
do I suspect their designers never travel by rail? We passed the two freights, looped, as we headed south, so at Oxford, before we leave the station, we’ll maybe get a photo of them as they pass. Then we can go for lunch... After lunch, I’m on my own for an hour or so - an opportunity to explore a little of the city. Interesting! I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a high concentration of Japanese (Chinese? Korean?) tourists! (photos on geoffspages blog) Back to the station, for another Voyager, all the way back to New Street (via Coventry). The Shrewsbury train is just arriving as we get out - at the bay beside our platform. Just as well - it’s 5pm, and it’s busy. An hour later, I’m walking back to the car, in the rain...
Arrival and departure, Stephenson Street A new view of Corporation Street Tram terminus - until the next extension 68010 - they're funny-looking things! Banbury - our train's off to Marylebone Freightliner 1 - 70009 On-track plant Freightliner 2 - 70007 Northbound Voyager arrival at Banbury Two of a kind at Banbury Freightliner 2 (now 1) at Oxford More Voyagers Northbound Freightliner Freightliner 1 (now 2) at Oxford 180103 - Worcester train London-bound HST Old Oxford - 165137