Up early today, since the ongoing engineering works between Cheltenham and Birmingham have made it hard to get to Gloucester at a sensible hour. Out on the 0640 to Bristol, and then to Gloucester. Time to wander into town for coffee and breakfast before returning for the first haulage of the day.

Arrived to find that the expected Class 37 top and tailed rugby special was late - things were going badly wrong in South Wales. Firstly 37422 had failed on a westbound freight. A 37 had also failed on the Rhymney service, but was later fixed despite rumours of a no-heat tractor going to the rescue. No wonder then that our incoming 0810 from Cardiff was late. Thundered in, with 37418 at the head and 67026 at the rear.

Went as far as Newport, and decided to hop off to see what was happening. Class 60s on the move at Godfrey Road, rescued 37422 passing, 67 hauled Rugby specials, and 09015 on a Llanwern-ADJ trip.

Hung around for the return of 37418/67026 to Cardiff. Up and back, on a surprisingly lightly loaded service. Went as far as Cardiff this time and spent an hour or so watching activities and comparing notes with fellow platform-enders who'd travelled quite a distance for today's events. Bizarre misunderstanding where a member of 'security' staff interpreted the 'Passengers must not cross the line' notices as referring to an imaginary parallel which he'd devised. Cries of 'Get back over the line!' being met with blank stares and general merriment.


Once the match had begun and things were quieter, headed back to a damp and miserable Bristol. Went for a pint of Butcombe to pass the time. Onto the 1723 back to Cardiff, which deposited me into a massive crowd of rugby fans. A London service in particular was wedged solid on leaving. Wondered how crowded the 1900 would be? Weirdly, after witnessing the devastation of a football match in Cardiff, I was struck by how generally well-behaved the rugby fans were. In fact, I witnessed only a minor domestic where a female South Africa supporter took a shine to a Wales fan and closed the doors of a Pembroke Dock service to prevent her boyfriend getting on. These things happen, so I'm told!

The 1900 relief to Westbury arrived 22 late due to a missing guard. Relieved to see some other Class 31 bashers around prior to its arrival. Not disappointed - 31128 and 31454 arrived on what might well be their last Wessex performance. Faulty electrics in the leading coach meant we got to see many firework displays in perfect conditions on the journey back to Bristol. Somewhere along the way, joining cranks reported the devastating news of unfolding events on 1C92 at Ufton Nervet. Called my parents to reassure them I was nowhere near, and listened with horror as more news arrived. Early insider info from better connected people than I point to a deliberate act, which is almost too horrible for words. It was oddly comforting to be among so many railway workers and enthusiasts at such a strange time. Headed home from Bristol, in rather a subdued and reflective mood after a varied and interesting day.