day out in london - suggestions
 

On Jul 30, 12:41 pm, GazK wrote:
I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man’s eclectic is another's
every day sight.

For me the North London Line is always interesting. It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines. Now that is has
undergone a rebuild, I think it would be especially worth exploring.
I always think the Camden Town, Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun
to explore on foot. There is the hill itself which gives a god view
over London. There are some good pubs in the area that are useful for
refreshment breaks.

The new ELL has to be worth a look, even if you only explore it in
part. Also, I always found the extremities of some of the tube lines
to be interesting. The Northern Line serves some old Great Northern
stations. In my day they were well preserved, more so than their BR/
National Rail cousins. I don't know if that is still the case. The
ends of the Central Line are/were picturesquely rustic. The Western
end runs next to the little used GW line to Northolt and onwards.

This is a thread, which I am sure, will draw variety of opinions.

day out in london - suggestions
 

"1506" wrote in message
...
On Jul 30, 12:41 pm, GazK wrote:
I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man's eclectic is another's
every day sight.

For me the North London Line is always interesting. It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines. Now that is has
undergone a rebuild, I think it would be especially worth exploring.
I always think the Camden Town, Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun
to explore on foot. There is the hill itself which gives a god view
over London. There are some good pubs in the area that are useful for
refreshment breaks.

The new ELL has to be worth a look, even if you only explore it in
part. Also, I always found the extremities of some of the tube lines
to be interesting. The Northern Line serves some old Great Northern
stations. In my day they were well preserved, more so than their BR/
National Rail cousins. I don't know if that is still the case. The
ends of the Central Line are/were picturesquely rustic. The Western
end runs next to the little used GW line to Northolt and onwards.


To those I would add
DLR - much of which uses routes of otherwise long forgotten railways,
including the North London Railway Poplar branch, the Blackwall Railway, and
one or two bits of the Millwall Railway.
Ealing Broadway to Greenford
West London Line (possibly a Southern train which uses what were the Goods
Lines to get across the WCML to join the Slow Lines)
Gospel Oak to Barking

Peter

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Jul 30, 1:31*pm, "Peter Masson" wrote:
"1506" wrote in message

...
On Jul 30, 12:41 pm, GazK wrote:

I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man's eclectic is another's
every day sight.

For me the North London Line is always interesting. *It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines. *Now that is has
undergone a rebuild, I think it would be especially worth exploring.
I always think the Camden Town, Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun
to explore on foot. *There is the hill itself which gives a god view
over London. *There are some good pubs in the area that are useful for
refreshment breaks.

The new ELL has to be worth a look, even if you only explore it in
part. *Also, I always found the extremities of some of the tube lines
to be interesting. *The Northern Line serves some old Great Northern
stations. *In my day they were well preserved, more so than their BR/
National Rail cousins. *I don't know if that is still the case. *The
ends of the Central Line are/were picturesquely rustic. *The Western
end runs next to the little used GW line to Northolt and onwards.



To those I would add
DLR - much of which uses routes of otherwise long forgotten railways,
including the North London Railway Poplar branch, the Blackwall Railway, and
one or two bits of the Millwall Railway.
Ealing Broadway to Greenford
West London Line (possibly a Southern train which uses what were the Goods
Lines to get across the WCML to join the Slow Lines)
Gospel Oak to Barking

Agreed! I would also add the outer reaches of the Met. Line, except
that there are real limits to what can be sensibly covered in one
day. The LT Museum used to be worth a visit. I am not sure if that
is still the case.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On 30 July, 22:32, 1506 wrote:
On Jul 30, 1:31*pm, "Peter Masson" wrote:

"1506" wrote in message

....
On Jul 30, 12:41 pm, GazK wrote:

I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man's eclectic is another's
every day sight.

For me the North London Line is always interesting. *It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines. *Now that is has
undergone a rebuild, I think it would be especially worth exploring.
I always think the Camden Town, Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun
to explore on foot. *There is the hill itself which gives a god view
over London. *There are some good pubs in the area that are useful for
refreshment breaks.

The new ELL has to be worth a look, even if you only explore it in
part. *Also, I always found the extremities of some of the tube lines
to be interesting. *The Northern Line serves some old Great Northern
stations. *In my day they were well preserved, more so than their BR/
National Rail cousins. *I don't know if that is still the case. *The
ends of the Central Line are/were picturesquely rustic. *The Western
end runs next to the little used GW line to Northolt and onwards.

To those I would add
DLR - much of which uses routes of otherwise long forgotten railways,
including the North London Railway Poplar branch, the Blackwall Railway, and
one or two bits of the Millwall Railway.
Ealing Broadway to Greenford
West London Line (possibly a Southern train which uses what were the Goods
Lines to get across the WCML to join the Slow Lines)
Gospel Oak to Barking

Agreed! *I would also add the outer reaches of the Met. Line, except
that there are real limits to what can be sensibly covered in one
day. *The LT Museum used to be worth a visit. *I am not sure if that
is still the case.

The Chesham branch of the Met is totally unlike the rest of the
UndergrounD. More like a country branch.

The other Tony in Walsall

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Jul 30, 2:37*pm, tony wrote:
On 30 July, 22:32, 1506 wrote:





On Jul 30, 1:31*pm, "Peter Masson" wrote:

"1506" wrote in message

....
On Jul 30, 12:41 pm, GazK wrote:

I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man's eclectic is another's
every day sight.

For me the North London Line is always interesting. *It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines. *Now that is has
undergone a rebuild, I think it would be especially worth exploring.
I always think the Camden Town, Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun
to explore on foot. *There is the hill itself which gives a god view
over London. *There are some good pubs in the area that are useful for
refreshment breaks.

The new ELL has to be worth a look, even if you only explore it in
part. *Also, I always found the extremities of some of the tube lines
to be interesting. *The Northern Line serves some old Great Northern
stations. *In my day they were well preserved, more so than their BR/
National Rail cousins. *I don't know if that is still the case. *The
ends of the Central Line are/were picturesquely rustic. *The Western
end runs next to the little used GW line to Northolt and onwards.

To those I would add
DLR - much of which uses routes of otherwise long forgotten railways,
including the North London Railway Poplar branch, the Blackwall Railway, and
one or two bits of the Millwall Railway.
Ealing Broadway to Greenford
West London Line (possibly a Southern train which uses what were the Goods
Lines to get across the WCML to join the Slow Lines)
Gospel Oak to Barking

Agreed! *I would also add the outer reaches of the Met. Line, except
that there are real limits to what can be sensibly covered in one
day. *The LT Museum used to be worth a visit. *I am not sure if that
is still the case.

The Chesham branch of the Met is totally unlike the rest of the
UndergrounD. More like a country branch.



Back in its day the Ongar Branch was like that. I had rather hoped
that by now it would be running as a preserved railway.

day out in london - suggestions
 

Why not some of the branches on the Croydon Tramlink, I particulary
like the branch to New Addington

some of the branches on the Thames valley are very nice especially the
line to Bourne End & Marlow ( A day ranger which covers the HST
services between London & Reading is £15.00 or £10.00 with a railcard)

day out in london - suggestions
 

1506 wrote:
On Jul 30, 12:41 pm, GazK wrote:
I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man’s eclectic is another's
every day sight.


Indeed - although I would agree with your suggestions as well as
Peter Masson's mention of the DLR. (There's an interesting
view of the old railway infrastructure and the new combined
from street level along Brick Lane, which I saw for the first
time only a couple of weeks ago.)

Another thought may be stretching the definition - the parkland
walk which follows part of the route of the old LNER railway
from Finsbury Park to Edgware. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkland_Walk

There's no rail any more, but some structures such as platforms
and station buildings remain. One end is next to Finsbury Park
(interesting in itself, with one old station building now used
as commercial premises) and the other to Highgate tube.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Jul 30, 10:42*pm, 1506 wrote:
On Jul 30, 2:37*pm, tony wrote:





On 30 July, 22:32, 1506 wrote:

On Jul 30, 1:31*pm, "Peter Masson" wrote:

"1506" wrote in message

...
On Jul 30, 12:41 pm, GazK wrote:

I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man's eclectic is another's
every day sight.

For me the North London Line is always interesting. *It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines. *Now that is has
undergone a rebuild, I think it would be especially worth exploring..
I always think the Camden Town, Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun
to explore on foot. *There is the hill itself which gives a god view
over London. *There are some good pubs in the area that are useful for
refreshment breaks.

The new ELL has to be worth a look, even if you only explore it in
part. *Also, I always found the extremities of some of the tube lines
to be interesting. *The Northern Line serves some old Great Northern
stations. *In my day they were well preserved, more so than their BR/
National Rail cousins. *I don't know if that is still the case. *The
ends of the Central Line are/were picturesquely rustic. *The Western
end runs next to the little used GW line to Northolt and onwards.

To those I would add
DLR - much of which uses routes of otherwise long forgotten railways,
including the North London Railway Poplar branch, the Blackwall Railway, and
one or two bits of the Millwall Railway.
Ealing Broadway to Greenford
West London Line (possibly a Southern train which uses what were the Goods
Lines to get across the WCML to join the Slow Lines)
Gospel Oak to Barking

Agreed! *I would also add the outer reaches of the Met. Line, except
that there are real limits to what can be sensibly covered in one
day. *The LT Museum used to be worth a visit. *I am not sure if that
is still the case.

The Chesham branch of the Met is totally unlike the rest of the
UndergrounD. More like a country branch.

Back in its day the Ongar Branch was like that. *I had rather hoped
that by now it would be running as a preserved railway.

It has run as a preserved line for a few years (2004 - 2007 at least),
but has been closed since 2008 for rebuilding work to allow steam
operation. Run round loops etc. are being installed.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Jul 30, 2:55*pm, Andy wrote:
On Jul 30, 10:42*pm, 1506 wrote:





On Jul 30, 2:37*pm, tony wrote:

On 30 July, 22:32, 1506 wrote:

On Jul 30, 1:31*pm, "Peter Masson" wrote:

"1506" wrote in message

...
On Jul 30, 12:41 pm, GazK wrote:

I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man's eclectic is another's
every day sight.

For me the North London Line is always interesting. *It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines. *Now that is has
undergone a rebuild, I think it would be especially worth exploring.
I always think the Camden Town, Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun
to explore on foot. *There is the hill itself which gives a god view
over London. *There are some good pubs in the area that are useful for
refreshment breaks.

The new ELL has to be worth a look, even if you only explore it in
part. *Also, I always found the extremities of some of the tube lines
to be interesting. *The Northern Line serves some old Great Northern
stations. *In my day they were well preserved, more so than their BR/
National Rail cousins. *I don't know if that is still the case. *The
ends of the Central Line are/were picturesquely rustic. *The Western
end runs next to the little used GW line to Northolt and onwards.

To those I would add
DLR - much of which uses routes of otherwise long forgotten railways,
including the North London Railway Poplar branch, the Blackwall Railway, and
one or two bits of the Millwall Railway.
Ealing Broadway to Greenford
West London Line (possibly a Southern train which uses what were the Goods
Lines to get across the WCML to join the Slow Lines)
Gospel Oak to Barking

Agreed! *I would also add the outer reaches of the Met. Line, except
that there are real limits to what can be sensibly covered in one
day. *The LT Museum used to be worth a visit. *I am not sure if that
is still the case.

The Chesham branch of the Met is totally unlike the rest of the
UndergrounD. More like a country branch.

Back in its day the Ongar Branch was like that. *I had rather hoped
that by now it would be running as a preserved railway.

It has run as a preserved line for a few years (2004 - 2007 at least),
but has been closed since 2008 for rebuilding work to allow steam
operation. Run round loops etc. are being installed.

What is the arrangement at Epping? Can one easily change trains from
London Underground? Tis a pity they cannot run some preserved tube
and/or subsurface stock.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Jul 30, 11:07*pm, 1506 wrote:
On Jul 30, 2:55*pm, Andy wrote:





On Jul 30, 10:42*pm, 1506 wrote:

On Jul 30, 2:37*pm, tony wrote:

On 30 July, 22:32, 1506 wrote:

On Jul 30, 1:31*pm, "Peter Masson" wrote:

"1506" wrote in message

...
On Jul 30, 12:41 pm, GazK wrote:

I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man's eclectic is another's
every day sight.

For me the North London Line is always interesting. *It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines. *Now that is has
undergone a rebuild, I think it would be especially worth exploring.
I always think the Camden Town, Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun
to explore on foot. *There is the hill itself which gives a god view
over London. *There are some good pubs in the area that are useful for
refreshment breaks.

The new ELL has to be worth a look, even if you only explore it in
part. *Also, I always found the extremities of some of the tube lines
to be interesting. *The Northern Line serves some old Great Northern
stations. *In my day they were well preserved, more so than their BR/
National Rail cousins. *I don't know if that is still the case. *The
ends of the Central Line are/were picturesquely rustic. *The Western
end runs next to the little used GW line to Northolt and onwards.

To those I would add
DLR - much of which uses routes of otherwise long forgotten railways,
including the North London Railway Poplar branch, the Blackwall Railway, and
one or two bits of the Millwall Railway.
Ealing Broadway to Greenford
West London Line (possibly a Southern train which uses what were the Goods
Lines to get across the WCML to join the Slow Lines)
Gospel Oak to Barking

Agreed! *I would also add the outer reaches of the Met. Line, except
that there are real limits to what can be sensibly covered in one
day. *The LT Museum used to be worth a visit. *I am not sure if that
is still the case.

The Chesham branch of the Met is totally unlike the rest of the
UndergrounD. More like a country branch.

Back in its day the Ongar Branch was like that. *I had rather hoped
that by now it would be running as a preserved railway.

It has run as a preserved line for a few years (2004 - 2007 at least),
but has been closed since 2008 for rebuilding work to allow steam
operation. Run round loops etc. are being installed.

What is the arrangement at Epping? *Can one easily change trains from
London Underground? *Tis a pity they cannot run some preserved tube
and/or subsurface stock.

They don't run into Epping station and there is no platform at that
end of the line, trains turn round at Coopersale. I don't know if the
rebuild will change the arrangements.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Fri, 30 Jul 2010, 1506 wrote:

Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun to explore on foot. There is the
hill itself which gives a god view over London.

Hmm, i'm not an expert on geography or theology, but i wouldn't have said
it was *that* tall.

tom

--
Come with me, and we'll go dreaming.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Fri, 30 Jul 2010, 1506 wrote:

On Jul 30, 12:41 pm, GazK wrote:

I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man?s eclectic is another's
every day sight.

For me the North London Line is always interesting. It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines.

Seconded. I always find it particularly interesting to see the freight
trains, knowing they've come from Felixstowe and are on their way to the
remote north.

tom

--
Come with me, and we'll go dreaming.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Jul 30, 4:49*pm, Tom Anderson wrote:
On Fri, 30 Jul 2010, 1506 wrote:
Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun to explore on foot. *There is the
hill itself which gives a god view over London.

Hmm, i'm not an expert on geography or theology, but i wouldn't have said
it was *that* tall.

tom

--
Come with me, and we'll go dreaming.

err "good".

day out in london - suggestions
 

On 30 July, 22:54, Kevin Ashley wrote:
1506 wrote:
On Jul 30, 12:41 pm, GazK wrote:
I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man’s eclectic is another's
every day sight.

Indeed - although I would agree with your suggestions as well as
Peter Masson's mention of the DLR. (There's an interesting
view of the old railway infrastructure and the new combined
from street level along Brick Lane, which I saw for the first
time only a couple of weeks ago.)

Another thought may be stretching the definition - the parkland
walk which follows part of the route of the old LNER railway
from Finsbury Park to Edgware.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkland_Walk

There's no rail any more, but some structures such as platforms
and station buildings remain. One end is next to Finsbury Park
(interesting in itself, with one old station building now used
as commercial premises) and the other to Highgate tube.

You can also cover part of the route that curves round towards Muswell
HIll, at the start of which you get a view of the Northern Line
Highgate depot that no service trains ever go past.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:51:25 +0100, Tom Anderson
wrote:
For me the North London Line is always interesting. It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines.

Seconded. I always find it particularly interesting to see the freight
trains, knowing they've come from Felixstowe and are on their way to the
remote north.


The *remote north*? You mean places like Birmingham?

Or perhaps Cricklewood? ;-)

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:37:48 -0700 (PDT), tony
wrote:

The Chesham branch of the Met is totally unlike the rest of the
UndergrounD. More like a country branch.


The only problem is the long trip over "the rest of the UndergrounD"
to get there.

Also, there is nothing particularly remarkable about Chesham when you
get there, except perhaps the Old Town, but that is quite a long walk
from the station.

I would second others' recommendations of the Docklands Light Railway
- surely the best tourist bargain in London - plus the North London
Line and the recently extended East London Line. For sheer numbers of
trains there are Clapham Junction and Stratford, the latter having a
far greater variety of trains than just about anywhere else in London.

day out in london - suggestions
 

"Bruce" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:37:48 -0700 (PDT), tony
wrote:

The Chesham branch of the Met is totally unlike the rest of the
UndergrounD. More like a country branch.


The only problem is the long trip over "the rest of the UndergrounD"
to get there.

Also, there is nothing particularly remarkable about Chesham when you
get there, except perhaps the Old Town, but that is quite a long walk
from the station.

I would second others' recommendations of the Docklands Light Railway

So would I.

And it is well worth visiting one of the pedestrian tunnels at Greenwich or
Woolwich though now that the DLR goes under the river the stations aren't as
convenient for this as they once were

tim

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Sat, 31 Jul 2010, Bruce wrote:

On Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:51:25 +0100, Tom Anderson
wrote:
For me the North London Line is always interesting. It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines.

Seconded. I always find it particularly interesting to see the freight
trains, knowing they've come from Felixstowe and are on their way to the
remote north.

The *remote north*?

Willesden Junction, where i assume the trains fall off the edge of the
world.

You mean places like Birmingham?

Or perhaps Cricklewood? ;-)

Never heard of 'em!

tom

--
I have no idea if its infected or anything, I don't check for viruses. Its
gay. -- The Laird

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:36:10 +0100, Tom Anderson
wrote:
On Sat, 31 Jul 2010, Bruce wrote:
On Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:51:25 +0100, Tom Anderson
wrote:
For me the North London Line is always interesting. It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines.

Seconded. I always find it particularly interesting to see the freight
trains, knowing they've come from Felixstowe and are on their way to the
remote north.

The *remote north*?

Willesden Junction, where i assume the trains fall off the edge of the
world.


You can be forgiven for thinking that Willesden Junction is the edge
of the world. ;-)

day out in london - suggestions
 

For me the North London Line is always interesting. *It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines. *Now that is has
undergone a rebuild, I think it would be especially worth exploring.


Especially now the line has those new units.

The NNL has suffered in the past from generations of trains that
didn’t really provide for a great travelling experience for an
enthusiast.

I made the effort to travel the line whilst Anglia were still
providing a through service from Basingstoke to Colchester.

A class 170 is no bad thing and first class in those Anglia units
(available for a very modest weekend upgrade) was one of the finest
first class environments to be had on the railway at the time.

I wonder if that is still the case?

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Jul 31, 6:36*am, Tom Anderson wrote:
On Sat, 31 Jul 2010, Bruce wrote:
On Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:51:25 +0100, Tom Anderson
wrote:
For me the North London Line is always interesting. *It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines.

Seconded. I always find it particularly interesting to see the freight
trains, knowing they've come from Felixstowe and are on their way to the
remote north.

The *remote north*?

Willesden Junction, where i assume the trains fall off the edge of the
world.

You mean places like Birmingham?

Or perhaps Cricklewood? *;-)

Never heard of 'em!

Nah, remote north s'boynd the 'ome coun'ies innit.

day out in london - suggestions
 

The only problem is the long trip over "the rest of the UndergrounD"
to get there. *


The Underground does run fast trains though, always fascinating to
catch one that starts back from Aldgate.

The Met main line is full of interest to those of us well north of
Watford that have not found our way into contempt through familiarity
and are able to appreciate the truly wonderful (by comparison with the
truly appalling bus only land up here in the West Midlands)
transportation system that London enjoys.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Sun, 1 Aug 2010 10:26:45 -0700 (PDT), allantracy
wrote:


The only problem is the long trip over "the rest of the UndergrounD"
to get there. *


The Underground does run fast trains though, always fascinating to
catch one that starts back from Aldgate.

The Met main line is full of interest to those of us well north of
Watford that have not found our way into contempt through familiarity
and are able to appreciate the truly wonderful (by comparison with the
truly appalling bus only land up here in the West Midlands)
transportation system that London enjoys.


I think you are wilfully overestimating the attractiveness of the
Chesham branch and underestimating the sheer boredom induced by the
comparatively long journey to get there - especially on the old
Underground sub-surface trains whose ride quality is absolutely
atrocious.

My view of the line is not conditioned by "contempt through
familiarity" because almost all my journeys to and from London are
accomplished on London Midland services to and from Tring. Almost
regardless of the time of day, the LM trains are uncrowded,
comfortable and clean, and the new multi-story car park at Tring means
that there are always spaces to park my car.

So a trip on the Met main line is now a rare "treat". Only problem
is, it isn't much of a treat, as stated above and previously.

If you want a scenic trip on LUL, the DLR and ELL are far more
interesting, and there is no need of a long and boring journey to get
there. If you want a variety of scenery, including some rural (green
belt) scenery, I think the east end of the Central Line takes some
beating. But Chesham? IMHO - forget it.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On 02/08/2010 21:58, Ian Jelf wrote:
Years later when I discovered the collection of suburban semis that was
World's end, it was a bit of a disappointment!

In that case you need to visit World's End near Llangollen. The cliffs
are there, but the road is at the bottom of them - and a Midland Red bus
would have some difficulty...

--
Dave,
Frodsham
http://dave-jackson.fotopic.net

day out in london - suggestions
 

"Ian Jelf" wrote in message
...
In message . li, Tom
Anderson writes
On Sat, 31 Jul 2010, Bruce wrote:

On Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:51:25 +0100, Tom Anderson
wrote:
For me the North London Line is always interesting. It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines.

Seconded. I always find it particularly interesting to see the freight
trains, knowing they've come from Felixstowe and are on their way to
the
remote north.

The *remote north*?

Willesden Junction, where i assume the trains fall off the edge of the
world.

As a child, the Midland Red bus service that passed the end of our road
went to "World's End". It was one of the first things I learned to read.
I had this vision of the buses going to a cloud-filled cliff-edge and then
turning around and coming back to Smethwick.

Years later when I discovered the collection of suburban semis that was
World's end, it was a bit of a disappointment!

There are London buses that go to World's End as well.

tim

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Tue, 3 Aug 2010 21:42:45 +0100, tim.... wrote

"Ian Jelf" wrote in message
...
In message . li, Tom
Anderson writes
On Sat, 31 Jul 2010, Bruce wrote:

On Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:51:25 +0100, Tom Anderson
wrote:
For me the North London Line is always interesting. It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines.

Seconded. I always find it particularly interesting to see the freight
trains, knowing they've come from Felixstowe and are on their way to
the
remote north.

The *remote north*?

Willesden Junction, where i assume the trains fall off the edge of the
world.

As a child, the Midland Red bus service that passed the end of our road
went to "World's End". It was one of the first things I learned to read.
I had this vision of the buses going to a cloud-filled cliff-edge and then
turning around and coming back to Smethwick.

Years later when I discovered the collection of suburban semis that was
World's end, it was a bit of a disappointment!

There are London buses that go to World's End as well.

There was even a TV series set there in the 1970s

day out in london - suggestions
 

On 30 July, 21:08, 1506 wrote:
On Jul 30, 12:41 wrote:

I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man’s eclectic is another's
every day sight.

For me the North London Line is always interesting. *It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines. *Now that is has
undergone a rebuild, I think it would be especially worth exploring.
I always think the Camden Town, Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun
to explore on foot. *There is the hill itself which gives a god view
over London. *There are some good pubs in the area that are useful for
refreshment breaks.

The new ELL has to be worth a look, even if you only explore it in
part. *Also, I always found the extremities of some of the tube lines
to be interesting. *The Northern Line serves some old Great Northern
stations. *In my day they were well preserved, more so than their BR/
National Rail cousins. *I don't know if that is still the case. *The
ends of the Central Line are/were picturesquely rustic. *The Western
end runs next to the little used GW line to Northolt and onwards.

This is a thread, which I am sure, will draw variety of opinions.

Phew - a lot of posts while I was away! Loads of good suggestions
there, I think NLL, ELL, Braking - Gospel Oak and at least one LUL
branch are on the cards.

day out in london - suggestions
 

"GazK" wrote in message

On 30 July, 21:08, 1506 wrote:
On Jul 30, 12:41 wrote:

I have a day out in London and surrounding environs lined up in the
next couple of weeks. I would like to spend the day exploring the
quirky, out of the way or interesting railways in greater London.
Does anyone have any suggestions?

Well that is a subjective question; one man’s eclectic is another's
every day sight.

For me the North London Line is always interesting. It passes thru
varied territory, passing numerous other lines. Now that is has
undergone a rebuild, I think it would be especially worth exploring.
I always think the Camden Town, Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill area is fun
to explore on foot. There is the hill itself which gives a god view
over London. There are some good pubs in the area that are useful for
refreshment breaks.

The new ELL has to be worth a look, even if you only explore it in
part. Also, I always found the extremities of some of the tube lines
to be interesting. The Northern Line serves some old Great Northern
stations. In my day they were well preserved, more so than their BR/
National Rail cousins. I don't know if that is still the case. The
ends of the Central Line are/were picturesquely rustic. The Western
end runs next to the little used GW line to Northolt and onwards.

This is a thread, which I am sure, will draw variety of opinions.

Phew - a lot of posts while I was away! Loads of good suggestions
there, I think NLL, ELL, Braking - Gospel Oak and at least one LUL
branch are on the cards.

Don't forget the DLR -- even if you've been on it before, there are
probably new bits (like the route past the airport to Woolwich Arsenal)
that you might have missed. The route through Greenwich is probably the
most scenic, and there's always giant new buildings popping up. The NLL
route from Stratford has great views of the Olympic site (the aquatics
centre roof is amazing).

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:55:48 +0100, "Recliner"
wrote:

The NLL
route from Stratford has great views of the Olympic site (the aquatics
centre roof is amazing).

I went that way last week. I didn't realise that the NLL cuts through
the park itself. Better views of the construction from there than
from the official viewing platform on the Greenway.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Aug 10, 3:18*pm, Ivor The Engine
wrote:

On Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:55:48 +0100, "Recliner"
wrote:
The NLL
route from Stratford has great views of the Olympic site
(the aquatics centre roof is amazing).

I went that way last week. *I didn't realise that the NLL cuts through
the park itself. *Better views of the construction from there than
from the official viewing platform on the Greenway.

Yes, I'd defo recommend a jaunt out to to Stratford and a trip on the
NLL even if one only goes as far as Hackney Wick then turns back just
to see for yourself what's happening (and has happened) at the Olympic
Park. You can also get some decent views from the GEML twixt Liverpool
Street and Stratford (though that's not right in the midst of it
unlike the NLL).

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:04:37 -0700 (PDT), Mizter T
wrote:

Yes, I'd defo recommend a jaunt out to to Stratford and a trip on the
NLL even if one only goes as far as Hackney Wick then turns back just
to see for yourself what's happening (and has happened) at the Olympic
Park. You can also get some decent views from the GEML twixt Liverpool
Street and Stratford (though that's not right in the midst of it
unlike the NLL).

A good circular route - that I did in the opposite direction - is to
walk from Hackney Wick along the Greenway to the View Tube area then
get the DLR from Pudding Mill Lane. A bit industrial at first but
gets better on the foot/cyclepath proper. The DLR to Stratford runs
along the same GEML track after leaving the old goods chord from
Poplar.

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Aug 10, 6:53*pm, Ivor The Engine
wrote:

On Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:04:37 -0700 (PDT), Mizter T
wrote:
Yes, I'd defo recommend a jaunt out to to Stratford and a trip on the
NLL even if one only goes as far as Hackney Wick then turns back just
to see for yourself what's happening (and has happened) at the Olympic
Park. You can also get some decent views from the GEML twixt Liverpool
Street and Stratford (though that's not right in the midst of it
unlike the NLL).

A good circular route - that I did in the opposite direction - is to
walk from Hackney Wick along the Greenway to the View Tube area then
get the DLR from Pudding Mill Lane. *A bit industrial at first but
gets better on the foot/cyclepath proper. *The DLR to Stratford runs
along the same GEML track after leaving the old goods chord from
Poplar.

Yeah, that's a good route, always good to check it out on foot a
little too - I know the Hackney Wick area a bit, it became something
of a popular haunt for artists what with the availability of spacious
cheap warehouse space and all that, (plus it is/was a bit gritty,
close to Hackney proper etc) - that's still sort of the case but less
so now, rent has gone up, a number of new trendy apartments have been
built nearby, the Olympic park is bang next door, the general thinking
is that it's all change.

day out in london - suggestions
 

"Ivor The Engine" wrote

The DLR to Stratford runs
along the same GEML track after leaving the old goods chord from
Poplar.

The DLR line, from All Saints up past Devons Road to Bow Church uses the
former NLL Poplar line, which lost its passenger service during WW2, though
retained freight trains to the Docks until at least the 1970s. There was no
connection with the GEML - the NLL went under the GEML at Bow Junction. Now
the DLR swings parallel with the GEML, while the National Rail line from Gas
Factory Junction joins the GEML - this latter gets occasional diversions,
though has no booked passenger trains (and I'm not sure that there are any
regular ecs workings)[1].

The NLL Poplar line from there to Victoria Park has been abandoned, but at
Victoria Park (near Hackney Wick station) the line from Stratford joins.

It was electrified as part of the Shenfield electrification. The idea was to
run shuttles from bay platforms at Stratford to Fenchurch Street, but this
never happened. One of the bays has never been used; another was used for
the DLR until the DLR's own 2 platform terminus was built at Stratford.

Apart from the interest in the Olympic construction, this area is full of
railway history.

Peter

day out in london - suggestions
 

On Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:28:12 +0100, "Peter Masson"
wrote:

Now
the DLR swings parallel with the GEML, while the National Rail line from Gas
Factory Junction joins the GEML - this latter gets occasional diversions,
though has no booked passenger trains (and I'm not sure that there are any
regular ecs workings)

Thanks for the history lesson! It's an area I know a little, but only
relatively recently. While I was down there last week, I saw the
Network Rail Measurement Train on the NR line, crossing the bridge by
Bow Church DLR station.