09:00.

For the second say in a row I’m heading to London, only this time for a social event. I’m on Grand Central’s 08:11 again only this time I’ve working wifi as we have a different set to yesterday.

I feel for the poor GC staff as the empty stock was 48 minutes late into Bradford Interchange due to late running Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade (TRU) engineering work. The crew had just 20 minutes to set up before the set left again. As a consequence they’ve not had time to put out seat reservation labels, which the Train Manager has been apologising profusely.

We’re currently sat waiting time at Wakefield Kirkgate as we’re running early (this section is very slackly timed). It’s been an interesting trip so far as I’ve been able to observe some of the progress on the TRU around Mirfield and Ravensthorpe where a lot of groundworks are underway. It’s obviously time for me to head out that way with the camera. Passing the derelict old marshalling yard at Healy Mills I noticed that a lot of track that’s lain rusting and disused for decades is being lifted. There’s lots of track panels stacked, awaiting removal whilst another fan of sidings has been denuded of the silver birch forest that’s covered it for years – as you can see in this picture link.

Compared to yesterday’s trip, this train in far less crowded. I’ve a table bay to myself although that may change when we reach Doncaster, so I’m looking forward to a relaxing trip.

09:23.

Would you believe it? Another day, another track-circuit failure. We’d just passed the old colliery wasteland and derelict sidings of Knottingly when our train slowed to a walking pace. The TM came on to the tannoy to explain why we were being delayed Ah well, at least it’s not a TC failure in a tunnel, so there’s something to see out of the window this time!

09:45.

Double bugger! It’s not just the track-curcuits that are flaky. Now the wifi’s playing up too so i’m back to typing on the phone.

10:12.

Having departed Doncaster 110 minutes late we’re now flying down the ECML at 124mph and made up a minute already by the time we passed Newark. There’s plenty of time for me to window-gaze now as the wifi’s still flaky so the work I was planning to do will have to wait.

12:25.

Arrived!. There will now be an intermission…

22:00

Mind the gap! I’ve had a very convivial afternoon/evening but an interesting trip back. I caught an evening LNER service from Kings Cross to Leeds whilst being totally unaware of the chaos at nearby Euston. Apparently, there was a fatality in the Milton Keynes area which closed the line on one of the busiest days of the year. I only found out when the Train Manager of my service apologised for the overcrowding and explained reciprocal ticket acceptance. Many people were on my Leeds in an effort to then get across the Peenines to Manchester/Liverpool or beyond. I have to say, the crew of the LNER service were fantastic with customer service in the face of such a problem.

Now I’m on the 22::00 from Leeds to Liverpool which is rammed with diverted travellers. At least I’m only going as far as Huddersfield…

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