Shel
@shellienic.bsky.social
Train Driver. Mum of 2. Cat Lover. Lego Builder. Growing Up is Overrated. Love to travel. My own opinions, not reflective of my employer. Photos taken safely.
Reposted by Shel
It turned out the Blue Pullman was in town having come from Tamworth, turns out it also bought @shellienic.bsky.social along! What a pleasure to meet you!
Have some photos of it waiting to leave Scotland's historic capital of Edinburgh
2/3
Have some photos of it waiting to leave Scotland's historic capital of Edinburgh
2/3
December 15, 2025 at 6:33 PM
It turned out the Blue Pullman was in town having come from Tamworth, turns out it also bought @shellienic.bsky.social along! What a pleasure to meet you!
Have some photos of it waiting to leave Scotland's historic capital of Edinburgh
2/3
Have some photos of it waiting to leave Scotland's historic capital of Edinburgh
2/3
3hrs in #Edinhurgh meant a late lunch (Haggis, Neeps & Tatties - what else?!), a wee shop for a gift for the kids & then indulging in Scottish Ale, before returning to #EdinburghWaverley where I bumped into @coastwaywill.me - nice to meet you… sadly too short for a proper chat! Next time!
December 15, 2025 at 5:42 PM
3hrs in #Edinhurgh meant a late lunch (Haggis, Neeps & Tatties - what else?!), a wee shop for a gift for the kids & then indulging in Scottish Ale, before returning to #EdinburghWaverley where I bumped into @coastwaywill.me - nice to meet you… sadly too short for a proper chat! Next time!
Today is all about the #MidlandPullman
A comfortable trip on the best traction ever #HST in style to #Edinburgh
I’ve wanted to travel on the ‘Blue Banana’ for ages…. Today is that day!
#OffDutyTrainDriver #RailTour #TravelByRail
A comfortable trip on the best traction ever #HST in style to #Edinburgh
I’ve wanted to travel on the ‘Blue Banana’ for ages…. Today is that day!
#OffDutyTrainDriver #RailTour #TravelByRail
December 15, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Today is all about the #MidlandPullman
A comfortable trip on the best traction ever #HST in style to #Edinburgh
I’ve wanted to travel on the ‘Blue Banana’ for ages…. Today is that day!
#OffDutyTrainDriver #RailTour #TravelByRail
A comfortable trip on the best traction ever #HST in style to #Edinburgh
I’ve wanted to travel on the ‘Blue Banana’ for ages…. Today is that day!
#OffDutyTrainDriver #RailTour #TravelByRail
Back at work… spare driver today but launched early on to drive a Bromsgrove. It was nice to be back driving again.
It’s #ChristmasJumper day at work today, so I have donned a festive knit!
Due to AL I’m not back at work until Thurs but I’ll be out on the rails on Mon! #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
It’s #ChristmasJumper day at work today, so I have donned a festive knit!
Due to AL I’m not back at work until Thurs but I’ll be out on the rails on Mon! #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
December 12, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Back at work… spare driver today but launched early on to drive a Bromsgrove. It was nice to be back driving again.
It’s #ChristmasJumper day at work today, so I have donned a festive knit!
Due to AL I’m not back at work until Thurs but I’ll be out on the rails on Mon! #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
It’s #ChristmasJumper day at work today, so I have donned a festive knit!
Due to AL I’m not back at work until Thurs but I’ll be out on the rails on Mon! #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
I’ve not been at work for 2.5 weeks as I have been on #JuryService in #Stafford - & that’s been why my commute has been there. The last photos I took from #VictoriaPark
It’s certainly been an interesting experience, but I’m looking forward to being back to driving trains Tmw! #TrainDriver
It’s certainly been an interesting experience, but I’m looking forward to being back to driving trains Tmw! #TrainDriver
December 11, 2025 at 7:59 PM
I’ve not been at work for 2.5 weeks as I have been on #JuryService in #Stafford - & that’s been why my commute has been there. The last photos I took from #VictoriaPark
It’s certainly been an interesting experience, but I’m looking forward to being back to driving trains Tmw! #TrainDriver
It’s certainly been an interesting experience, but I’m looking forward to being back to driving trains Tmw! #TrainDriver
Today’s #VictoriaPark #Stafford pics… I had some time to kill so I had a bit more of a wander. Some areas I couldn’t walk due to paths being closed - water level related.
The river had risen again by the end of my day here - see pics in comments.
The river had risen again by the end of my day here - see pics in comments.
December 5, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Today’s #VictoriaPark #Stafford pics… I had some time to kill so I had a bit more of a wander. Some areas I couldn’t walk due to paths being closed - water level related.
The river had risen again by the end of my day here - see pics in comments.
The river had risen again by the end of my day here - see pics in comments.
Today’s #Stafford pics. #VictoriaPark when I arrived & as I was about to leave. The River Sow is just about to flood onto the path.
I also saw a retro bus this morning - made for a different sight!
I also saw a retro bus this morning - made for a different sight!
December 4, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Today’s #Stafford pics. #VictoriaPark when I arrived & as I was about to leave. The River Sow is just about to flood onto the path.
I also saw a retro bus this morning - made for a different sight!
I also saw a retro bus this morning - made for a different sight!
Victoria Park, Stafford. Still enjoying it whilst I am temporarily here. I shall miss this view from next week when I return back to the day job! #VictoriaPark #Stafford
December 3, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Victoria Park, Stafford. Still enjoying it whilst I am temporarily here. I shall miss this view from next week when I return back to the day job! #VictoriaPark #Stafford
Today, I popped up to the Birmingham Donor Centre of @givebloodnhs.bsky.social and donated my 45th ‘pint’ of blood. As always a smooth experience with friendly staff and it only takes around an hour. 🩸
#BloodDonor #GiveBlood #NHS
#BloodDonor #GiveBlood #NHS
December 1, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Today, I popped up to the Birmingham Donor Centre of @givebloodnhs.bsky.social and donated my 45th ‘pint’ of blood. As always a smooth experience with friendly staff and it only takes around an hour. 🩸
#BloodDonor #GiveBlood #NHS
#BloodDonor #GiveBlood #NHS
I popped in for an extra Sunday shift today. Starting with a round trip on the #CrossCity which ran late with sheer amount of football fans. I did another run to #Lichfield before a PNB. Then a taxi to Soho to collect a 730/2 take it to N mew St, attach it to another 730/2…
December 1, 2025 at 1:17 AM
I popped in for an extra Sunday shift today. Starting with a round trip on the #CrossCity which ran late with sheer amount of football fans. I did another run to #Lichfield before a PNB. Then a taxi to Soho to collect a 730/2 take it to N mew St, attach it to another 730/2…
It would have been rude not to catch another ‘proper train’ again… Off to #Shrewsbury we did go!
#OffDutyTrainDriver #DayTrip #RailTrip #DayOnTheRails
#OffDutyTrainDriver #DayTrip #RailTrip #DayOnTheRails
November 30, 2025 at 8:21 AM
It would have been rude not to catch another ‘proper train’ again… Off to #Shrewsbury we did go!
#OffDutyTrainDriver #DayTrip #RailTrip #DayOnTheRails
#OffDutyTrainDriver #DayTrip #RailTrip #DayOnTheRails
Croeso y Cymru! 🏴
After a short 20 mins at #Cardiff our onward train pulled in - it was the one we were hoping for! Now chilling out in the comfy seats for our journey to #Manchester
#OffDutyTrainDriver #DayTrip #RailTrip #ProperTrain
After a short 20 mins at #Cardiff our onward train pulled in - it was the one we were hoping for! Now chilling out in the comfy seats for our journey to #Manchester
#OffDutyTrainDriver #DayTrip #RailTrip #ProperTrain
November 29, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Croeso y Cymru! 🏴
After a short 20 mins at #Cardiff our onward train pulled in - it was the one we were hoping for! Now chilling out in the comfy seats for our journey to #Manchester
#OffDutyTrainDriver #DayTrip #RailTrip #ProperTrain
After a short 20 mins at #Cardiff our onward train pulled in - it was the one we were hoping for! Now chilling out in the comfy seats for our journey to #Manchester
#OffDutyTrainDriver #DayTrip #RailTrip #ProperTrain
Good Morning! Following our railtour sadly being cancelled for today, my friend & I found ourselves needing to make alternative plans. Currently onboard an XC 170 heading for #Cardiff - let’s see how our day pans out…. #OffDutyTrainDriver #OffDutyGuard #DayOut
November 29, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Good Morning! Following our railtour sadly being cancelled for today, my friend & I found ourselves needing to make alternative plans. Currently onboard an XC 170 heading for #Cardiff - let’s see how our day pans out…. #OffDutyTrainDriver #OffDutyGuard #DayOut
The start of my temporary commute to #Stafford. The red hazy mist over the spires of @lichfieldcathedral.bsky.social and the sun just rising in my local park. Followed by a very frosty but sunny #VictoriaPark
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 AM
The start of my temporary commute to #Stafford. The red hazy mist over the spires of @lichfieldcathedral.bsky.social and the sun just rising in my local park. Followed by a very frosty but sunny #VictoriaPark
I am a bit of a sucker for sunrises & sunsets… especially when combined with water.
#Sunrise #Environment #GoodMorning
#Sunrise #Environment #GoodMorning
November 24, 2025 at 9:22 AM
I am a bit of a sucker for sunrises & sunsets… especially when combined with water.
#Sunrise #Environment #GoodMorning
#Sunrise #Environment #GoodMorning
Saturdays shift began with a Wolves, followed by a coffee break then 2 trips to Redditch - absolute pea soup in places - some braking areas were educated guesses. Following my break I finished up with a Longbridge & Four Oaks - stabling the unit for the night. #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
November 24, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Saturdays shift began with a Wolves, followed by a coffee break then 2 trips to Redditch - absolute pea soup in places - some braking areas were educated guesses. Following my break I finished up with a Longbridge & Four Oaks - stabling the unit for the night. #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
Apologies for yesterday’s delayed post, I went to straight to bed when I got in!
I had a spare shift which was a relatively quiet one. I did have two trips up to Soho to fetch units off. There was a guest engine perched up there too! Wouldn’t mind a cab ride in a 37! #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
I had a spare shift which was a relatively quiet one. I did have two trips up to Soho to fetch units off. There was a guest engine perched up there too! Wouldn’t mind a cab ride in a 37! #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
November 18, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Apologies for yesterday’s delayed post, I went to straight to bed when I got in!
I had a spare shift which was a relatively quiet one. I did have two trips up to Soho to fetch units off. There was a guest engine perched up there too! Wouldn’t mind a cab ride in a 37! #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
I had a spare shift which was a relatively quiet one. I did have two trips up to Soho to fetch units off. There was a guest engine perched up there too! Wouldn’t mind a cab ride in a 37! #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
G’Morning! Happy Sabbath day! I’ve prepped 730023 & dropped her on to Soho Depot. I’ve got my own 6 car to take off (730001/018) shortly where I’ll do 3 trips to Bromsgrove spinning her wheels! It’s a nice sunny & mild morning, I’ve got my coffee…. let’s crack on! #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
November 16, 2025 at 9:10 AM
G’Morning! Happy Sabbath day! I’ve prepped 730023 & dropped her on to Soho Depot. I’ve got my own 6 car to take off (730001/018) shortly where I’ll do 3 trips to Bromsgrove spinning her wheels! It’s a nice sunny & mild morning, I’ve got my coffee…. let’s crack on! #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
I’m back after AL week & LWE off. I had the 9-6 job - beginning with B’ham Intl/Rugeley (very much in “Brian’s” company!), followed by Walsall & a Cross City round trip where some kids activated an egress & thus I got an emergency brake & alarm! Thus delaying the train. #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
November 14, 2025 at 2:44 PM
I’m back after AL week & LWE off. I had the 9-6 job - beginning with B’ham Intl/Rugeley (very much in “Brian’s” company!), followed by Walsall & a Cross City round trip where some kids activated an egress & thus I got an emergency brake & alarm! Thus delaying the train. #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
Yesterday I found myself back on the coast for a short while. And yes I had a little paddle in the sea. In November. Crazy how mild the weather is for a “ber” month. #OffDutyTrainDriver #Coast #Dawlish #Devon
November 13, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Yesterday I found myself back on the coast for a short while. And yes I had a little paddle in the sea. In November. Crazy how mild the weather is for a “ber” month. #OffDutyTrainDriver #Coast #Dawlish #Devon
As the time to head home has come, I decided to take a little walk to the River Exe this morning for some fresh air & leg stretch. A sunny & warm Exeter morning. I’m always sad to leave but I’ll be back! #OffDutyTrainDriver #Exeter #Devon #TrainTravel
November 8, 2025 at 12:18 PM
As the time to head home has come, I decided to take a little walk to the River Exe this morning for some fresh air & leg stretch. A sunny & warm Exeter morning. I’m always sad to leave but I’ll be back! #OffDutyTrainDriver #Exeter #Devon #TrainTravel
Exeter St Davids station by night is nicely illuminated. Red Cow level crossing with its attendants can be seen just in front of the platform. A cl800 GWR can be seen departing for Paddington. #ExeterStDavids #Exeter #Railway
November 8, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Exeter St Davids station by night is nicely illuminated. Red Cow level crossing with its attendants can be seen just in front of the platform. A cl800 GWR can be seen departing for Paddington. #ExeterStDavids #Exeter #Railway
/1 Yesterday, I went for lunch at one of my fave spots - The Anchor at #CockwoodHarbour - it’s a 20 min walk from Starcross. Despite the inclement weather I sat outside mostly but when the rain became Biblical I retreated inside to a cosy snug. The food & beer were excellent. #OffDutyTrainDriver
November 8, 2025 at 8:21 AM
/1 Yesterday, I went for lunch at one of my fave spots - The Anchor at #CockwoodHarbour - it’s a 20 min walk from Starcross. Despite the inclement weather I sat outside mostly but when the rain became Biblical I retreated inside to a cosy snug. The food & beer were excellent. #OffDutyTrainDriver
One of my happy places is the coast - so I have escaped to Devon for a couple of days. I will never tire of this view and listening to the sound of the sea. Coastal air is so uplifting.
#OffDutyTrainDriver #AnnualLeave #Dawlish #SeaAir #Seaside
#OffDutyTrainDriver #AnnualLeave #Dawlish #SeaAir #Seaside
November 6, 2025 at 3:50 PM
One of my happy places is the coast - so I have escaped to Devon for a couple of days. I will never tire of this view and listening to the sound of the sea. Coastal air is so uplifting.
#OffDutyTrainDriver #AnnualLeave #Dawlish #SeaAir #Seaside
#OffDutyTrainDriver #AnnualLeave #Dawlish #SeaAir #Seaside
The weekends shifts were reasonable. A ‘Red Leaf’ 🍁 day on Sat made for a rather slippy drive to Lichfield, however Walsall/Wolves wasn’t too bad. A Standby Sunday saw me cover parts of 2 Wolves depot jobs culminating in parking up at Wolves. I’m now on AL for a week. #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver
November 5, 2025 at 10:15 PM
The weekends shifts were reasonable. A ‘Red Leaf’ 🍁 day on Sat made for a rather slippy drive to Lichfield, however Walsall/Wolves wasn’t too bad. A Standby Sunday saw me cover parts of 2 Wolves depot jobs culminating in parking up at Wolves. I’m now on AL for a week. #DayInTheLife #TrainDriver