A week ago, it looked like today was going to be busy, but a series of rumoured cancellations left things a little uncertain. Nevertheless, set out early enough to see the 'Merchant Venturer' tour arrive at Weston. This was due to be diesel hauled to Bristol where a steam locomotive would take over. It was a choice of heading for that, or for First Great Western's Class 47 Farewell at Taunton. Chose the latter, but found a developing farce at Weston - the tour was late and the following Paddington service had been cancelled. Hedged bets and headed south on the 0757.
After passing 67002 just leaving Bridgwater with the tour stock, arrived at Taunton and bumped into familiar faces. A chilly morning with low mist and not much light. Set ourselves up for a photograph. A little late, 47815 appeared at very high speed thundering through Platform 3 with 47811 at the rear of the train. Reminded me of summer saturday Manchester-Paignton services of old! Photograph turned out pretty badly.
Up to Bristol in brightening sunshine, just in case things turned up - and bumped into yet another of our merry band. Heard more stories of cancellations, so decided to just wait and see what developed. Aside from the arrival and departure of the Class 31 hauled 'Santa Special' to Weymouth, a few elusive HST power cars, and a sudden burst of three 66's, not a great deal happening. Odd sight of 158751 on a Cardiff-Portsmouth with one end marked as 158962 - obviously soon to gain another car! A very cold but pleasant enough afternoon spent.
Back down to Taunton for a long cold wait for the return leg of the FGW 47 tour - now double-headed following a TPWS failure on 47815 at Plymouth earlier. Again, passed at speed with only a small crowd out to greet it in the freezing evening air!
Popped out again after arriving back in Weston for the returning 'Merchant Venturer' running somewhat early, again with 67002.
A long, cold and strange day - which despite cancellation after cancellation, turned out to be very enjoyable.
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.
