Stayed reasonably local again this weekend. Since huge crowds were expected for the Tsunami Relief Concert at the Millenium Stadium, decided to see what Arriva Trains Wales would provide in the way of additional capacity.

Arrived at Newport at around 0930 to find quite a crowd of 60s and 66s on Godfrey Road. Cold but dry start to the day, with five passing freights in the first couple of hours, and a steady stream of the usual units and HSTs.

Things started to get very busy around lunchtime, soon after a couple more members of the infamous 'Gang of Four' arrived on the scene! I'd figured that the concert should be starting at around 1500, and around midday, crowd control and revenue protection swung into action. Huge queues to get into Newport station - and severely overcrowded Cardiff bound services. To compound things, a unit failed between Newport and Cardiff - which eventually returned to Newport and was abandoned on a very damp up through line. To make things even stranger, the staff decided to override the automatic announcements because of the overcrowding, and a guy with a voice like he'd inhaled helium began barking instructions for the next train to Cardiff!

Things stayed busy, with packed platforms and very wet people queuing right up to around 1445, when it became very quiet indeed. Things remained busy on the freight front, and lots of action was to be seen on Godfrey Road. Industrial action on Central Trains services meant some further weirdness - with a somewhat unpredictable pattern of services and some unusual units visiting. Also noted most of the Wessex 3 car Class 158/9s visiting during the day - including 965, 966 and 967 which were all new to me. By popular request, I've added a list of which units make up the 3 car sets here on the site.


Had a very damp walk around to see what was at the back of Godfrey Road - predictably, the locomotives at the front moved minutes after we returned, dripping to the platform! Having seen 158961 head down to Cardiff earlier, decided to wait and catch it on the return to Bristol. Arrived home cold, wet and tired, but as usual an entertaining time at Newport.

Up later than usual after a good sleep - no doubt due to plenty of rather fresh air yesterday at Rugby. Pottered around until a text message arrived - despite damp weather a trip to Cardiff was on the cards. Got ready and headed for the station for the 1006 to Bristol. Quick change at Bristol onto a severely overcrowded 150242 for Cardiff.

Slow progress west of Newport due to an engineering possession on the fast lines. Noted several unusal locomotives working here, but this led to things being a little quieter than usual - particularly where freight is concerned.

Arrived to a very damp Central station, so took a short spin out to Queen Street on a Rhymney-bound 37425 just for fun. Also noted 37405 and 37411 working the Rhymney service today. Back to Central in time for two Class 60 hauled freights. No pictures due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and too wet to venture out beyond the platform canopy.

Failed to see my last Class 143, but saw almost the entirety of the others, along with a good supply of the usual units. Finally got a decent pictorial record of Wessex Trains second three-car Class 158.

Took another short trip as far as Radyr via the City Line in order to see what was on Canton depot. Some amusement from the guard when we attempted to pronounce our destination in order to buy tickets! Noted several of the new units cascaded from Scotrail, including one rumoured to have arrived this morning. Changed platforms at Radyr and headed back to Central via Cathays and Queen Street.

Meandered damply home via a photo stop at Newport and a short spell at Temple Meads.

Sometimes things seem to work out - a short-notice day off work approved and a Virgin Value ticket available. So, set out on the 0832 Voyager from Weston, which was predictably very busy indeed. Crowds thinned out at Bristol, and whilst we waited for the road at Temple Meads I noted 60048 and 56051 beside us in the middle road having just arrived from Eastleigh. A good omen perhaps?

Changed at Birmingham New Street for a short hop to Rugby, arriving in reasonable weather - if a little chilly. Explored the station, which was surprisingly busy with fellow enthusiasts. Three Freightliner 66s stabled, along with a Virgin Thunderbird as expected. Also noted Network Rail 86901 and 86902 in the yard. Settled in at the North end of Platform 2 to see what developed.

Lots and lots of Pendolinos zipped by - sometimes only seconds apart it seemed. Not a major problem for me, as they remain something of a novelty. Clearly not interesting to the locals however! Chatted briefly with some of them about what was due - an interesting variety of freights, including another rarity for me - a DRS class 66. Things seemed to get a little busier after lunch - and I was pleased to note several class 87 hauled services passing at speed, including 87002 and 87004 on an up ECS working.


The promised freight soon began to appear, with all four freight companies represented during the day. 66060 wandered around the station after arriving with an engineers working, and two class 90 hauled Freightliners passed (although this appears unusual as pairs of class 86s normally work these I'm told). Two GBRf class 66 hauled workings passed, and finally a little later than predicted the DRS hauled 'Malcolm' train appeared heading south.




As planned, stayed until a little after 4pm when the clouds began to close in, and the sky darkened. Realised exactly how cold and tired I was. Dragged creaking bones onto a Birmingham-bound 321 and almost dozed off. Came to my senses just as we entered New Street, and noted 220034 'Yorkshire Voyager' passing by. Finally spotted this one after months of chasing it around the country!

Voyager back to Bristol again busy. Settled in to a relaxing read. An interesting and unexpected day out. Good to wander to off my usual tracks.

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.