Portugal 01/04 to 08/04 2001 "The Coach of Death"
A last chance saloon attempt to finally get an Alco down the Algarve, the only remaining booked turn for the class being the 0853 ex Barreiro & 1620 return. I would also be trying to cover all my required diesel hauled track in Portugal. I was single manned on this trip & again # = required loco. Sunday 01/04/01 A day transiting my way across France and Spain to pick up the overnight at Irun. 3209 Waterloo International - Paris Nord 1000 Waterloo I - Paris Nord 494km 337#) Paris Montparnasse - Irun 1555 Paris Mont - Irun 807km 402#) 252069# Irun - Valladolid 2210 Irun - Lisbon 391km Monday 02/04/01 My alarm was set for the loco change at Valladolid - Beast 333 087 forward. 333087# Valladolid - Vila Formosa 2210 Irun - Lisbon 400km 5605# Vila Formosa - Coimbra-B 2210 Irun - Lisbon 216km Phew! that was a long journey, I had stocked up on snacks and beer in Paris then managed to stay awake ...