Having decided on today for the long-promised Eastleigh trip, set off from home this morning in howling wind, driving rain and freezing temperatures. I'll confess I almost turned back on a couple of occasions on the short walk to the station. After a spell recovering on the journey to Bristol, and a decent coffee on arrival, I felt able to press on. More dismay however when I discovered the Exeter-Manchester football special had run a few minutes early.

After watching the developing chaos as the extent of the severe weather in the North began to affect services, onto a mercifully quite lightly loaded two-car 158. Mainly uneventful journey, heard rumours of 34067 'Tangmere' passing on a steam special later. Somewhere south of Warminster, the sun came out - a surprise after the inclement start to the day. Decided to change at Southampton for Eastleigh rather than travelling via Romsey and Chandlers' Ford - meaning a glimpse of Southampton Maritime.

Arrived at Eastleigh and found a small group of locals, along with some fellow travellers from my neck of the woods, and one familiar face from Cardiff rugby specials and South Coast '31 chasing'! Heard 'Tangmere' was due at 13:40 or thereabouts. Almost immediately 66568 passed on an up Freightliner service.

Things now became very quiet. Began to think I'd perhaps made a mistake and mentally plotted a journey back to Southampton. Not time to worry for long however! Firstly, almost everything which normally passes Eastleigh on South West Trains services was stopping today due to engineering works elsewhere. Noted almost the entire Class 442 Wessex Electric fleet during the time I was there. Also, a few of the surviving fleet of slam-door units called. First close look at the new 444 'Desiro' units too. Shunting manouvres involving 60099 and 08664 also kept us entertained.


Finally, a little before Tangmere passed at speed and looking fine in the bright sunshine, things got very busy indeed - a procession of Freightliner services, the first two hauled by Class 57s, and a third double-headed by Class 66s.


Decided to head back on the 1442 Weymouth service. Bumped into more returning locals at Southampton. Busy but uneventful ride back. Heard on arriving at Bristol that Exeter City had held Manchester United to a draw. Promising thoughts of more southbound special trains! From uninspiring beginnings, a very productive day.