Today started out along much the same pattern as yesterday. First to Bristol in glorious sunshine, then onto a Birmingham-bound Voyager towards threatening clouds. Changed for an all-stops Walsall unit at New Street, and soon alighted at a very wet, cloudy and muddy Bescot Stadium. Wandered alongside the yard - no easy photographs within my limited camera range, so headed onto the footbridge. Pretty quiet, with a few arriving Class 66s and some shunting moves on the depot.

Attempted a walk along the riverside path, but gave up due to muddy conditions. Appeared only to be the distinctive 37402 lurking at the back of the shed anyway. Watched 86628 storm through the station, before heading back to New Street.

Wandered into Birmingham for the first time in a good few years. Amazed at the way the Bull Ring and surrounding areas have changed. Got quite lost, despite only being a few yards from the station entrance. Briefly stopped into a couple of shops, and picked up the new Wedding Present single, before having a coffee and heading back into the station.

Since I'd spent less time at Bescot than planned, decided to head for Stafford which always seems busy with enthusiasts. Arrived to find 47840 playing Thunderbird today.


Spent some time chatting with local (and not so local) folks, and watched 57010 pass through on a Freightliner, followed by 92010 and 92011 in turn. Just before I left, 57316 arrived from Oxley, reversed and departed via the Trent Valley.

Arrived back at New Street in good time for the 17:12 Voyager, which threatened to be extremely busy. Time to look around the station a little more, stumbling across 87030 awaiting departure for Euston.


Miraculously, got a comfortable seat easily enough on the Voyager with only a minimum of pushing and shoving. Quick, and slightly early run straight back to Weston.