Upon arrival I noted that the Strathclyde liveried 101 was sat in Platform 2, apparently on the 1105 ish service to Marple. Avoiding the usual throng of credit card hustlers and the assorted milling throng, I bought a very reasonable day return and headed back towards the platform. Unfortunately, it looked as if the 101 was poorly sick, and it soon became apparent that the incoming 142 up ahead was to form the Marple service. A little dejected, I observed the comings and goings (Including the arrival of a Pendolino, still attracting admiring glances, and the cancellation of another MML service to St Pancras). At 1120 ish, a RR liveried 101 rolled in, with aspirations for Marple.
The ambience on boarding the unit is very odd, it is like stepping back in time 30, 40 or even 50 years. The whole unit shakes as it idles, the seats feel like lumply trampolines (Now I know why they are so thick, with the primitive suspension employed on the units themselves
), and the paint on the roof panels looks as if it is bubbling up. The heaters are on full blast, bringing a strangely mediterranean feel to the entire enterprise. With a quick whistle, the unit literally lumbers out of Piccadilly. For someone brought up on HST and 2nd Gen DMU performance, it certainly comes as a surprise 
. With only one other passenger and the guard as company, i took the time to have a proper look at the units. Longsight hasn't allowed the units to fall to pieces, with everywhere looking relatively clean and well kempt. As the "express" to Marple cantered through Ardwick we passed a Pendolino, a brand new baby to the grandparent of a 101. The journey to Marple was relatively uneventful, if you discount the feeling as if you are riding in an upholstered parcels van
Upon leaving the train via the slam door (look, no CDL!) I watched the unit turn and run back into the down platform. Looking at the unit and its surroundings, it seemed that (livery discounted) the scene could have been anywhere between about 1950 and today. Magic. After a fruitless search for chips (Back in the city a local later informed me that I should go UP the hill, not down it towards Marple bridge. Well, I will be lazy
), I arrived back at the station to await the 1214 service to Piccadilly. Just my luck, it turned out to be the same pacer that had first scuppered my plans earlier in the day. Passing a few 101's on the way back into Manchester, I realised for the first time what a massive improvement even the Pacers were over the 101's as regards comfort and ambience. Despite their detractors, I would much rather commute each day on a 142 than a 101 (There, said it )Back in Piccadilly later on in the evening, I had a wander round whilst awaiting my train. It stuck me that despite the loss of VXC loco hauleds, the tractors from NWC runs and the imminent demise of the 101's and 87's, Piccadilly is still quite an interesting place to be. One thing that struck me was the confusing sight of two Virgin HST sets (one debranded) sat either side of platforms 7 and 8, both with London (St Pancras and Euston) as their destinations. Great to see the well loaded trains head out of the station, I'd forgotten how blase I had become to the charms of the Paxman engine. Must get a ride down to Stockport on one of the beasties next week
Before heading over to the through platforms to get my train, i glanced about. Representing the old school were the 101's and HST's, both still doing sterling work, whilst a few platforms away sat a brand spanking new Pendolino set and a Voyager. Maybe not as dramatic as the steam/diesel transition era, but still an interesting time to live in.Get yourselves up to Manchester for the day before Christmas. A GM Rail Ranger allowing unlimited rail travel in Greater Manchester is only £2.50, more money for beer. As for me, i'll be the one on the Dinosaurs somewhere in between the Pennines and the Irwell, clutching my railcard and a tray of chips. Seeya there.
