After blowing away Christmas cobwebs last year with a day freezing at Westbury, decided to continue the tradition with a trip to Newport today. News of a visiting steam train, diverted services and a reasonably normal day of freight despite the holidays provoked a flurry of text messages. A respectable crowd assembled in the usual spot on what started as a crisp clear morning.

Quite a bit going on at Godfrey Road throughout the day, and plenty of Class 60 workings provided much work for Mr Spinks new tripod! Two out of three of Wessex new three car units made an appearance, and an ex-First North Western Class 175 made a visit, followed by a quick pass through in both directions apparently for driver training purposes.

Unusually frequent quiet spells, perhaps due to the reduced holiday service - but plenty of freight still running including coal empties and trains related to the engineering works between Bristol Parkway and Gloucester, including one top-and-tailed by 60's.



Much confusion about the steam charter, and quite a few people waiting for it despite the day turning colder and damper. Finally heard it was cancelled around lunchtime. The Freightliner ran as expected, with every wagon loaded.


Things seemed to get very quiet later in the afternoon, which along with damp and dark conditions persuaded us to pack up for the day a little earlier than planned. Not before a couple of visits from back-to-back Class 43 power cars. On both occasions it was 43127, with a different partner - presumably running Landore to St. Phillips Marsh and back.


Headed back on a late running and heavily packed diverted Voyager to Bristol. Made plans to reconvene at Exeter St. Davids on Monday for visiting DEMUs. Successful, if chilly last outing of the year!