Another pretty bad night of sleep, in part due to some worrying family news. Uncertain whether I might need to travel to the Midlands this morning. Things a bit more positive today, so instead set off late for Bristol to see the Midland Mainline 'Project Rio' HST sets being dragged to Laira Depot in Plymouth by Freightliner Class 47 locomotives. Initially, I was alone on the platform, rather miserable and chilly, and under leaden skies. A couple of other brave souls finally turned up and we waited for 5Z16, reported 30 minutes late.

5Z17 - the second working caught me by surprise, running a little early and hot on the heels of 47150. Just about got a picture of 47812, but it was pretty poor. Every day I seem to learn more about this new camera. Perhaps it will soon start paying off?

A long, long wait for the next service. The weather changed rather bizarrely from heavy rain and strong wind, to warm sunshine and back again. Reports of late running southbound services, which were probably the cause. Finally got some news, on 5Z18 at Lawrence Hill and 5Z19 at Standish Junction. Got ready for 47805's imminent arrival.


Pretty chilly now, so dived off for a comfort break and a cup of tea before heading back to the platform. 5Z19 arrived surprisingly quickly, resulting in a slight tea spillage and another rather hurried shot of 47197, still looking rather filthy and neglected - especially in comparison to the clean, recently refurbished Rio sets.


During a dash down the platform, noted a 'retimed' Penzance bound service arriving. Lots of passengers waiting, but managed to grab a seat as the rear doors luckily ended up next to me. An ill-tempered crowd on board with some heated inter-passenger arguing about reservations and luggage space, which threatened to turn a little physical at one point. Glad to alight at Weston, despite more rain! Pleasant afternoon doing just what I tell people I don't do - hanging around at the end of the platform!