Up early today, since the ongoing engineering works between Cheltenham and Birmingham have made it hard to get to Gloucester at a sensible hour. Out on the 0640 to Bristol, and then to Gloucester. Time to wander into town for coffee and breakfast before returning for the first haulage of the day.

Arrived to find that the expected Class 37 top and tailed rugby special was late - things were going badly wrong in South Wales. Firstly 37422 had failed on a westbound freight. A 37 had also failed on the Rhymney service, but was later fixed despite rumours of a no-heat tractor going to the rescue. No wonder then that our incoming 0810 from Cardiff was late. Thundered in, with 37418 at the head and 67026 at the rear.

Went as far as Newport, and decided to hop off to see what was happening. Class 60s on the move at Godfrey Road, rescued 37422 passing, 67 hauled Rugby specials, and 09015 on a Llanwern-ADJ trip.

Hung around for the return of 37418/67026 to Cardiff. Up and back, on a surprisingly lightly loaded service. Went as far as Cardiff this time and spent an hour or so watching activities and comparing notes with fellow platform-enders who'd travelled quite a distance for today's events. Bizarre misunderstanding where a member of 'security' staff interpreted the 'Passengers must not cross the line' notices as referring to an imaginary parallel which he'd devised. Cries of 'Get back over the line!' being met with blank stares and general merriment.


Once the match had begun and things were quieter, headed back to a damp and miserable Bristol. Went for a pint of Butcombe to pass the time. Onto the 1723 back to Cardiff, which deposited me into a massive crowd of rugby fans. A London service in particular was wedged solid on leaving. Wondered how crowded the 1900 would be? Weirdly, after witnessing the devastation of a football match in Cardiff, I was struck by how generally well-behaved the rugby fans were. In fact, I witnessed only a minor domestic where a female South Africa supporter took a shine to a Wales fan and closed the doors of a Pembroke Dock service to prevent her boyfriend getting on. These things happen, so I'm told!

The 1900 relief to Westbury arrived 22 late due to a missing guard. Relieved to see some other Class 31 bashers around prior to its arrival. Not disappointed - 31128 and 31454 arrived on what might well be their last Wessex performance. Faulty electrics in the leading coach meant we got to see many firework displays in perfect conditions on the journey back to Bristol. Somewhere along the way, joining cranks reported the devastating news of unfolding events on 1C92 at Ufton Nervet. Called my parents to reassure them I was nowhere near, and listened with horror as more news arrived. Early insider info from better connected people than I point to a deliberate act, which is almost too horrible for words. It was oddly comforting to be among so many railway workers and enthusiasts at such a strange time. Headed home from Bristol, in rather a subdued and reflective mood after a varied and interesting day.

The older I get, the less confidence I have in democracy. I suspect that roughly 48% of the US voting public feels similarly just now. Of course, as I write all is not lost for the Kerry/Edwards campaign and all eyes are on Ohio - but in fairness it's not looking good.

Over the last couple of months of hysteria, I've heard from two separate friends with relatives in the US how their families were doggedly, almost obsessively pro-Bush. I sense that neither of these families would have materially suffered under a Democrat president, but there is some unspoken fear of the unknown at play. The Bush 'just about holding on to the reins' style of leadership seems to fit perfectly with the 'America Under Sieige' mentality he has created. Its as if he is saying "look folks, I can't hold this door shut for much longer - you guys enjoy four more years of paranoid insularity while I keep the bad guys at bay". So many Bush voters seem to have ignored the key questions yet again - who are the bad guys, where are they, and why do they care about us?

Four years ago, when the genetic strand of democratic socialism was perhaps still stronger in me, I proclaimed that the end of the world was nigh under Bush Jr. Perhaps it's really just democracy that is going to end - that twisted idea that a lucky break represents a mandate, and that a baffled, mislead public can effectively choose its leaders?

Reportedly, today was the last day of Class 31 hauled services to Weymouth. Naturally, quite a lot of cranks planned to show up - and a general convergence on Temple Meads this morning made for something of an event atmosphere. Problem was, the Peds are back next week! Wessex reportedly have in excess of twenty units out of traffic - including the burned-out 143623 which is surely destined for scrap. Also, lets not forget 150234 which met a tractor near Newquay. I get the feeling there maybe several 'last ever' trains before this year is out - notwithstanding the plan to do away with locomotives on the FO Brighton run in December.

Still, I've not been to Weymouth for a while. I've not done it often over the summer, firstly due to the diversion of other things, and I confess I find parts of the run almost unbearably dull. I'm not sure why - I always have. The traction has often made up for this, and perhaps I will eventually get around to scanning shots of Class 37/4s on the 'Sand and Cycle Explorer' back in the mid-1990s. Today - overall, a good run - some of the best timekeeping on this route I've ever noted. Some interesting stuff at Westbury including half of the 59/2s, now here having moved home from Hither Green.

A short break at Weymouth. Time to wander a bit, and to spot the notice below pinned on the doors of the guard's van:

The indistinct bit at the bottom hints at December 10th being the last hauled Brighton service too.


Weather varied wildly during the return journey. Had a notion I'd get one of the Virgin shuttle services up to Gloucester and see if there was a chance of heading to Newport. Plenty of time to board the very late 221114 which was languishing without a driver. Nothing of note happening at Gloucester, and with the blockade between Cheltenham and Birmingham, few options. Back onto the Voyager for Bristol. Train Manager struggling hard to explain that as well as the coach journey that passengers had just endured due to planned engineering works, they may have to do another one if they were heading west of Exeter due to last week's events! Brief wander around a chilly and deserted (though mercifully dry) station before heading back to Weston.

Took a day off work today, ostensibly to get some random refuse which has been lurking outside the flat collected. Neither the usual rubbish collection, nor the recycling people are collecting from the house at present due to the state that a recently departed tenant left things in. So, called on friends to provide a vehicle and finally saw off bags of general rubbish, some dodgy sixth form art projects, and several broken televisions. Once the recycling goes next week, things should be back to normal.

Celebrated by getting a Wessex Rover and heading out with little idea where I was headed. First to Bristol, and straight up to Parkway. Then on to Newport. Wandered around, checking Godfrey Road for interesting activity - nothing much going on. Weather still appalling, services to the South West remained chaotic.

Decided to head for Westbury. 158817 absolutely jammed most of the way, and particularly between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa. Wessex dire unit shortage is biting hard on this route.

Decided to head back to Bristol. The Portsmouth to Cardiff/Penzance arrived very late, very full and after splitting, very confused about its destination due to the trouble on the sea wall and futher West. Flagged it for the Weymouth-Bristol unit which followed. On arrival at Temple Meads, headed for the pub for a belated, low-key birthday drink.