Riding the ROG Stock Move #9 - Cab Ride: Warrington to Swansea

Riding the ROG Stock Move #9 - Cab Ride: Warrington to Swansea

Cab Ride: Warrington to Swansea via Crewe, Birmingham NS, Bristol Parkway & Cardiff

Following the closure of Glasgow Works, one of the most unusual and long-distance workings of autumn 2019 were Scotrail Class 156 DMUs running from their home depot at Corkerhill (Glasgow) to Landore depot in Swansea, for overhaul!

The Rail Operations Group had the task of moving these units and this is a cab ride on board 156 506, filmed in September 2019 as follows:

Disc One: Warrington to Kings Norton: We pick up the action after a crew change and run via the WCML to Crewe and Stafford, heading for Penkridge and Bushbury Junction, a few freight-only curves, Portobello Junction, Bescot and then - right into the centre road at Birmingham New Street for a pathing stop - then out via Five Ways to Kings Norton.

Disc Two: Bristol Parkway to Swansea: After another pathing stop we head for the Severn Tunnel, out via Newport and the newly (partly)
electrified SWML to Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot and Britton Ferry, running right into the depot at Landore.

This was a tough day weather-wise with occasional showers and brilliant sunshine and with a maximum speed of 75mph, some 40mph stretches plus a slow run into Swansea, this is not exactly a fast cab ride! However, it's a great route, passing many different trains and a 'Spotrail' liveried Class 156 at Birmingham and Swansea is not exactly a common sight!

The engine noise and ambient sounds are recorded with a special 'thrash-cam' in the back cab. Includes maps, part-narration and on-screen captions.

Produced by - Train Crazy
Duration - 230 minutes