DavidInMiddle

Another new train ticked off today, the Class 196 for WMR. Once again like the 730, it's a pretty nice modern train for the region!

This was over the interestingly named "Elephant and Bear line" from Leamington Spa to Nuneaton via Coventry! A new line for myself. 😁

What an absolute beauty, from Rowley Regis to Leamington Spa 68013 gracefully provided the thrash for some old Mk3 at speed, as comfy as always! 😊

It's rather neat to still see loco hauled services in the modern day!

Also nice to see LU loco Sarah Siddons sat at Leamington!

Good morning from Smethwick Galton Bridge!

It's been a while since I posted properly, mostly been working haha. I had a first ride on a 730 from New Street, I really like these units, good modern trains for the west mids! 😁

Now, time to catch a big cat... 😸

Today I visited the Isle of Wight for the first time, which of course means I had to have a ride of the SWR Island Line. It really is a charming little railway! 😁

The little 484 d-train units are awesome. It's good to see these ex tube trains being upgraded and living on! 💪

Good afternoon from Portsmouth Harbour!

Last night I stayed in Exeter, and this morning rode the West of England line as far as Salisbury for the first time, and then GWR across to Portsmouth.

My next destination cannot be reached by rail, but by hovercraft? 🤔

No rail trip to this part of the world is complete without a walk of the beautiful Dawlish Sea Wall! 🥰

This walk should only take about 25 minutes... but it takes way longer when you keep stopping to get photos of trains next to the sea! 😁

How can you not love this?!

I just love these absolutely magnificent machines. HSTs have always been a favourite of mine and it was nice to be back behind two sets, to Penzance and back from Plymouth! 🫡

Lovely to see them living out "retirement" on the local stoppers mostly between Plymouth and Penzance! 😁

After 3 hours, and many beautiful views later, I made it to Plymouth. Gorgeous journey! 😁

Now for the main event, my first HST in 5 years. I can't believe it's taken this long frankly as they've always been my favourite, 43097 and 43189 form the ride all the way to Penzance! 💪

It's been a while since I've posted on here!

I've decided to make the most of my first group boxes, heading to the South West!

Stood at the beautiful Paddington station is 800305, my first GWR IET for the 3 hours down to Plymouth, and also my first time on GWR past Reading. 😁

Looks really good, gives me hope for the 360s and 810s, hopefully not too long now... 🤔

Hahaha, if you've still got discord feel free to add me as @davidinmiddle 😂

Watford Vs Coventry and the fans were absolutely awful last week at Cov lol. Especially when the fans clashed at the station.

390200? That's new...

390016 has had a (purely aesthetic) renumber in line with the Railway 200, which is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway!

Here it can be seen today at Coventry after it's press tour to Derby just yesterday!

Hey, it's been a while! 👋

Most of my training is complete now for my Welcome Host role. Just a bit more to do, then signed off and completed 👌

390119 is whisking me to work today, it sure does stand out on a grey day! 😁

After a lot of anticipation, today was my first day on the railway! 🚄

I had a great day learning things about the railway and company and also getting to know colleagues who are lovely. The trainers are great too!

All in all, I'm happy! 😁#RailwayFamily

And here's the stats for the nerds among us 😂

Just like that, I'm home. I swear the journey only just started!

Perpignan to Kettering in just over 13 hours, 942 miles, and 4 (FULLY ELECTRIC) trains! ⚡

I'm tired and going home, ready to start my railway career next week! Thanks for following, and have a good night! 😴

Finally I am somewhere I'm familiar with! The beautiful st Pancras roof greets me as I pass through, from Eurostar to the MML platforms!👌

Train 4/4 on this mega trip from France is 360107 back to humble Northamptonshire! I'm getting tired now, but it's the final stretch! 🫡

My last post was Montpellier, now I'm speeding towards London with some lovely salmon and beetroot on Eurostar 9O59! The upgrade to Plus is worth it if you find a good price! 😎

This is train 3/4 on my journey from Perpignan back home, and it's been smooth sailing so far! 😊

Now it's time for serious speed! 💨

This is my first time on a TGV, TGV 6204 from Montpellier Saint Roch to Paris Gare du Lyon! First impressions are it's super comfy, much better than what we have at home 😛

It's train 2/4 on my journey home from south of France, let's go! 😊

Greetings from Perpignan, France! 🇫🇷

For the last 10 days I’ve been on a family winter holiday in France. Today I will be heading home solo, using only 4 trains! 😲

The first leg of this long journey is TER 876414 from Perpignan to Montpellier! Let’s get moving! 😁

a turtle wearing roller skates is walking down a city street ALT: a turtle wearing roller skates is walking down a city street

After many months of trying to get onto the railway, I’m happy to share that in January, I will be joining Avanti West Coast as a Welcome Host! 🤵

It seems a small step, but for me it’s the start of a career in the industry I love! 🚆

Who knows where this thing can go? 🤔

"Be advised, hostiles have captured the headquarters!"

EMR Class 222 train passing Bedford station on the up-fast line.

My first post on the new site! I'm glad to see some familiar faces from the other side.

Anyways... here's a picture of a train, something you should get used to if you decide to follow me! :)

no way penguin face reveal!