A slightly late start, and into one of those days where things just seem to go wrong. Firstly, the ticket office issued my CDR to Rhymney for tomorrow, which gave me all kinds of awkward moments throughout the day. Next, I ended up with sugar in my coffee and an almost inedible breakfast. At some point things just had to turn around...
And they finally did as 47839 left Canton and began to creep towards Platform 6 at Cardiff Central. I had gambled on this loco working the 10:59 having seen no concrete gen, and it paid off. Station staff with a sense of occasion, not to mention a sense of humour switched off the auto-announcer to call the '10:59 Spotter Special to Rhymney with a shiny blue 47 on the front'. Cranks filled almost all of the front coach on the way up the valley.
As we left Cardiff the weather began to turn, and as the skies darkened a downpour began which was to last most of the trip. The locomotive performed wonderfully all the way, with some very spirited running and some quick starts. Spotted a few faces from the very dim and distant past around the valley today. Off at Rhymney for a photocall in the rain, with some impatient types heading off the platform end to the foot crossing, much to the disgust of the lurking Heddlu Trafnidiaeth Prydeinig - clearly our arrival was anticipated! A swift but not entirely heartfelt ticking off was delivered and things went on much as before.
As ever, the ride back down to Cardiff was much busier with normals heading for the shops. Didn't hang around at Central since the rain was still pouring down. Bumped into friends on the platform at Weston and passed the time until their train arrived. I can't actually remember ever being in Rhymney when it hasn't rained...
I've had strange and turbulent long weekend. Once again booked the leave at quite short notice and found myself desperately trying to find cheap tickets to get away. Having settled on a separate trip on Friday and Monday rather than a weekend break, I looked forward to getting away during what was a pretty tough week at work. So I found myself yawning and swearing my way to the station early on Friday morning, having had yet another work related sleepless night. Took me quite a while, and a lot of coffee to get going.
So, Friday was Nuneaton. I spent a little time here on my last Rover - in rather bizarre weather conditions, and had planned to visit again for some time. Today however, the sun was shining as I took up my spot at the north end of the station. I soon realised however that I wasn't in the greatest place for clear photography, and I think I might head for the south end next time - to join the crowds of enthusiasts with their deckchairs! Still a bit preoccupied, but I soon settled into the parade of Pendolinos, and enjoyed a reasonably busy few hours with lots of passing freight to divert my attention.
Finally managed to get my mind off work and relax later into the afternoon. Packed up to leave a little after three, and made my way to the new Leicester-line platforms after grabbing a coffee from the pleasant little station tearoom. Arrived in time to watch 66405 pass by on 4M44 - the near legendary 'Malcolm' train, which I thought I might miss today. Noticed that the unexpected sunshine had left me looking a little pink. Uneventful and sleepy trip home, with lots of reading en route.
Found myself at something of a loose end on Saturday morning, so after another poor night of sleep and a late start I decided to head for Temple Meads to see if anyone was out watching the summer specials. Arrived to find a pair of 67s on the Pride of the Nation stock. Wandered into my customary spot and chatted for a while to some of the regulars. Slight gloom cast over the day by a rather overzealous member of staff threatening to eject us for little real reason. Moved over to a different platform to avoid trouble, and watched the remainder of the HSTs arrive. Back to Highbridge for a PC fixing visit to my sister and a pleasant evening at my parent's home.
A better sleep, and something of a better start to Sunday. Up later, and out to Highbridge station to see my first Torbay Express this year. 6024 thundered through a station full of spectators dead on time. Most impressed by the crowds at Highbridge.
Back to Weston, and just as I thought my day was going well I got into a stupid argument about a worn five pound note at my local shop. Felt extremely resentful that I was accused of tampering with the note. Everything got a little out of hand, despite me remaining calm and sensible. Won't be going back there - but decided to write to inform One Stop's head office of my experience. Will need to find somewhere else to pay for electricity. Out later in the evening to watch the return working of the Torbay Express under a golden sunset.
Woke early again on Monday, determined to shake off the strange gloom which had dogged me all weekend. Similar trains to Birmingham, then a quick change for Stafford. Arrived in bright sunshine, finding quite a few other enthusiasts around. Had remembered to apply sunscreen this time, luckily. Quiet to start, with 57309 pottering back and forth before settling into the bay platform for the day. Noted a number of the new Desiro sets working, and a pair passing on frequent high speed tests.
Whilst things weren't quite as busy as at Nuneaton, there was perhaps a little more variety. Weather remained excellent all day, and I managed finally to forget all the frustrations and fall-out of the previous week. Once again, the infamous 'Malcolms' arrived somewhat early, led by 66406.
Caught a late running Virgin Manchester-Birmingham service back, with 90020 on the rear. Diverted via Bescot due to problems at Galton Bridge. It was hard to hide my joy at locomotive haulage around a diversionary route from a train full of angry passengers. Slow, but interesting run into New Street without air conditioning. Negotiated a bit with Virgin about having missed my connection, but aside from standing all the way home no major problems. A memorable ending to a strangely muted weekend on the rails.
A note on the title
Apart from being quite accurate, this article is named in honour of B S Johnson. Having read and enjoyed several of his novels, I finished reading Jonathan Coe's biography Like a Fiery Elephant this weekend. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable but affecting books I've read for a very long time. Both Johnson's novels and Coe's biography are highly recommended.
Feeling very sleepy after a long but entertaining weekend. Straight from work on Friday to Bristol. Checked in at the Holiday Inn and wandered into town. Fish and chips at Pellegrinos then a pint or two at the Old Fish Market, before retiring early to prepare for Saturday's early start.
Checked out a little after 04:00 and after a hurried breakfast, across the street to Temple Meads to find 67030 awaiting our 05:00 departure for Edinburgh. Just before our departure, 37401 and 37427 arrived to take the 'Snowdonian II' tour up to Pwhelli. Nowhere near enough light under the roof at Temple Meads for a picture. Off on time, with 67030 in apparently fine form. Quite a bit of confusion with the normals and excursionists with two tours arriving at stations en route a matter of minutes apart. Despite lots of clear announcements, at least one gentleman in our carriage managed to get haulage behind both the 67 and the 37s!
Last pickup at Birmingham, now in daylight. Our end of the buffet carriage became quite sociable from here, with some fellow enthusiasts and a pleasant couple from Birmingham off to shop for model locomotives and jewellery. Some spirited running on the way up to Edinburgh, with notable sightings including a quartet of Thunderbirds at Crewe. With a team effort, managed to work out quite a bit of what remains abandoned at Springs Branch too.
On arrival made a quick survey of the oddly shaped Waverley station complex. Headed out into town, but noted from a bridge what appeared to be a 37 arriving. An ill-advised high speed dash down a slippery staircase and into Waverley in time to see 37261 backing onto 37197 and the stock of the Royal Scotsman. Waited to see this incredibly opulent train depart, with the verandah of its observation car already packed with inebriated looking posh passengers.
Spent the few hours we had available wandering the town, people watching on Princes Street and watching activity at the station. First Scotrail staff varied between the extremely friendly and the downright hostile, but generally had a productive afternoon including a quick spin out to Haymarket just for fun. Back to Platform 20 in time for the return of our stock, again headed by 67030.
Some very quick running on the return. Settled down to enjoy the company and since we were at the back of the buffet car, handy supplies of Spitfire and Bishop's Finger. Amazingly however, I can confirm that no alcohol at all was consumed by the two people in the following picture:
Enjoyed the day so much that I decided to book on a similar excursion to York at the end of August. Once again this one calls at Weston, so I feel duty bound to book and support it. Arrived back at Temple Meads a few minutes early, to find the station reverberating to the sound of the tractors which had successfully completed their jaunt to the Cambrian Coast. A sleepy lift home to my parents place thanks to my father. A fun day among pleasant people.
Set out for the station with little idea of what to do today. Figured that given the current security situation, hanging around a major station would be unwelcome. A suggestion of a local rover ticket was inspired. Purchased the now slightly more expensive 'Freedom of the Severn and Solent' rover which allows travel in a wider area. Wasn't sure just how much use I'd get out of it, but set out with high hopes.
Customary 0830 Voyager out to Bristol, and then a dash for the South West Trains service to Salisbury. Slow running throughout, particularly due to a track circuit failure at Westbury. Changed for a following Wessex unit bailing briefly at Romsey, but boarding again and heading for Southampton Central.
Next delayed by maverick steam cranks photographing in the four-foot on the way to Brockenhurst. Boarded delayed heritage slamdoor unit 1498 for a brief trip up and down the Lymington branch. Back to Brockenhurst in blazing midday sunshine. Onto a Weymouth-bound 442 for a relaxing trip along the south coast via Bournemouth and Poole, covering track I'd not seen for what I think is around ten years!
Arrived in Weymouth to find Duke of Gloucester steaming away, with the Wessex 31s stabled awaiting the 1630 for Westbury. Shortly after our arrival, 33202 arrived to take the Duke to be turned around. Enjoyed the anachronistic scene for a while, before heading into town for a mammoth late breakfast and a wander around the sun-bleached and tourist thronged streets.
Back to the station in time to secure a seat up front on the 1630. Away on time, but stopped for a passing unit at Dorchester West. Stopped again at Maiden Newton. Eventually figured we were passing the Duke here, so hopped off and enjoyed a lazy half hour in the Dorset countryside before getting a shot of 33202 leading the Duke back to Weymouth. An uneventful journey as far as Westbury, but not quite in time for the Taunton-bound HST. A photo call for the 31s and the stabled class 59s at Westbury - still baking at nearly 1900 - before boarding a Cardiff service packed with Bath and Bristol clubbers. Time for a relaxing beer and the chance to flag a 143 to Severn Beach at Temple Meads before heading home.
Clocked up around £62 worth of travel during the day, allaying my fears about the value for money of the new rover tickets. Good thinking Mr Spinks!
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.
