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10:30.

The start of a new week sees me back on the rails, this time heading for Nottingham and the two-day Community Rail Network conference. Sadly, I’m travelling solo. Dawn was hoping to attend but decided to stay behind at the last moment due to pressures of work.

So, I’ve left home early in order to get a few pictures en-route and at Nottingham before this afternoon’s kick-off. Having walked into sunny Halifax I found a Hull bound service waiting at the platform, so I’m already on my way to Leeds aboard a mostly empty 2-car class 158 which is providing a relaxed mobile office environment!

I’ve worked in busier offices!

11:35.

After a brief stop in Leeds to change trains, I’m on my way again. Oddly, on another Class 158. The Leeds – Nottingham route is normally worked by the more modern CAF built Class 195s. Today, we’re having to slum it without the benefit of power-sockets. Ho hum! At least the weather’s staying good.

Not what I expected…

16:00.

Sorry for the gap, but I’ve had a busy day. I’m now settled into my hotel with time to breathe before stuff kicks off. Despite the train being busy, the trip to Nottingham was rather relaxed. Normally, there would be a gang of us, but today I was flying solo. This meant that I had a couple of hours to explore the city and get some pictures (which are downloading from the camera now). I like this city. It’s a really interesting place, full of life. Like any UK city, it’s not without its problems (homelessness and substance abuse, for example), but it’s thriving university town with a vibrant city centre – and trams – which is always a good start!

Now my camera’s downloaded I’ve a small selection of pictures for you.

DBs diversity branded Class 66 passed through hauling 6E02, the 1230 Toton Up Sidings to Boston Sleaford Sidings
To reinforce the message that the railways celebrate diversity EMRs version of a ‘trainbow’ passed through a few moments later!
London Rd overbridge to the East of the station provides a great vantage point of Eastcroft depot and the running lines out to Grantham and onwards to Skegness. The view’s changed a bit over the past few years now that EMR have dispensed with their older Class 153 and 156 units.
Trams on Cheapside in the centre of town.

17:10.

The stage is set, and the buffet is almost ready…

23:00.

Time to call it a day. The conference has produced lots of talking points for tomorrow, people have been busy networking and a few dozen of us have been enjoying a drink out in Nottingham. Tomorrow’s another (busy) day…

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