Since it's appearance at the December 2008 timetable change, the First Great Western loco hauled diagram has been a regular performer. With only a few exceptions which can indeed be counted on one hand, this diagram has provided me with both reliable haulage and a much more comfortable journey to work. What it perhaps hasn't provided is any great variation - with a small pool of locos assigned to the work and few substitutions. However, last night gen began circulating that 66153 was on its way over from Westbury to form one end of the train. So, despite really needing to be in work a little earlier today, I waited in the rain for my usual train. The ECS working had headed down to Taunton very late - apparently due to a last ditch attempt to get an ailing 67 working - so 2D04 was correspondingly nearly 50 minutes late by the time it arrived with 66153 at the wrong end. Resolved to get out of work early and have a little trip this afternoon instead.
So, in surprisingly improved weather I headed for the station for the 15:25 to Taunton. The set had turned during the day, so this was again led by 67005. On this basis, decided to head all the way back to Cardiff with the train. Had an unexpected but very pleasant wait in the Welsh capital, enjoying late evening sunshine and quite a bit of activity at the station. The loco hauled set returned to work the 19:00, which I boarded and did all the way back to Highbridge.
An unexpected, but very enjoyable afternoon's travelling!
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.
