Another early start in the darkness of Highbridge station. Changed at Weston for the soon to be legendary 1S49. Met a work colleague heading for the Midlands to buy a car, and passed the time to Birmingham chatting happily in rapidly improving autumn weather. Once again, sent via the scenic route of Worcester and Kidderminster. Off Birmingham after quite a wait, and some quick running as far as Derby where we reversed via Long Eaton and a first for me - the run through Toton to Trowell Junction. Any hope of getting everything on the depot was dashed by the presence of a massive crowd of football fans heading for Chesterfield wondering why the journey was taking so long. Chatted to one or two of them as far as their destination.
The weather deteriorated as we sped north, and on leaving Sheffield things looked bleak. Put it down to the gloomy stretch via Mexborough and Swinton, hoping for a change. Arrived in Doncaster in a deluge and sprinted for cover so quickly that it was some time before I realised that 57601 and pet Duff 47826 were stabled just inches from where I arrived!
Queued for coffee among a crowd of very damp passengers, then wandered around the station chatting to fellow cranks and generally watching what was going on. A busy couple of hours for a Saturday including a number of weedkiller workings and a few freights. Highlight in this respect must be the surprise convoy of 66080, 60087, 60027, 60011 and 66208 which passed by at speed - not making for the best photograph.
Determined to get a least a quick look at one of Hull Trains new 'Pioneer' units. After a wander over the rickety footbridge to find Cotswold Rail's freshly painted but unnumbered 47033, I finally got a chance when 222101 arrived on the 1359 to Hull
Left Doncaster after a pleasant couple of hours on the 1435 to Kings Cross. Speedy running in fine evening sunshine. Even this wasn't simple however as south of Stevenage, moments after seeing my last class 67 pass by, we forked left for Hertford North and Gordon Hill - more, albeit unexpected, new track for me. A quick underground trip to Paddington and aboard the 17:30 for Highbridge along with lots of Arsenal and Reading fans heading home. A relaxing trip, followed by a few welcome pints at the Coopers. Some decent mileage, interesting sightings and an excellent way to wind down after a busy week.
Lost::MikeGTN
I've had a home on the web for more years than I care to remember, and a few kind souls persuade me it's worth persisting with keeping it updated. This current incarnation of the site is centred around the blog posts which began back in 1999 as 'the daylog' and continued through my travels and tribulations during the following years.
I don't get out and about nearly as much these days, but I do try to record significant events and trips for posterity. You may also have arrived here by following the trail to my former music blog Songs Heard On Fast Trains. That content is preserved here too.
