Deja Vu... 01/07/17
This was the day of the Pembroke Dock HST forum meet.
I caught the 08:33 from Twyford formed of
165126 + 166214 the 6 minute journey was uneventful, though I was pleasedm about the 166 (they seem to be getting rarer in these parts)
I caught the earlier train because I wanted to get lunch from boots, and the next train was at 08:47 which was a bit tight in case it was delayed (it's rather a long wait for the next train..
)
Whilst I was waiting I saw nat67, on the 0854 Hereford service. I presume he was on a Cherwell Valley ranger.
The 0912 was on time and it was in the hands of ex EC
43053 and
43126
43126 at Reading by
litecactus, on Flickr
I took up a seat in Coach A (a rareity for me, since I'm usually in D, E or F) for the shortish journey to Bristol Parkway. We were held outside (Bristol Parkway) for a few minutes because of a points failure at Temple Meads.
The service was named the 'Pembroke Coast Express'. Here's the window label:
IMG_20170701_123405 by
litecactus, on Flickr
At Bristol Parkway I met up with yorkie, Mojo, Ainsworth74, Causton & Jake F, and made my way to coach L (my first time in proper 1st class)
bungle965 and Starmill were unable to make it, since their train from Manchester was delayed.
Common sense should tell you to leave plenty of time for a connection, especially if the connection is infrequent, and you're travelling a large distance to meet the connection.
Since there was a large dwell time at Swansea, I managed to take a picture of the other power, which ironically was named after one of my 5 University choice, the University of Worcester.
43053 at Reading by
litecactus, on Flickr
IMG_20170701_115428 by
litecactus, on Flickr
The train reversed and now the interesting part began!
I think the West Wales line is one of my favourite lines, IMO it is better than the Devon Mainline via Dawlish.
Sea view near Pembrey by
litecactus, on Flickr
Sea view near Pembrey by
litecactus, on Flickr
Towy Estuary near Ferryside by
litecactus, on Flickr
This was dud track for me since I went on the direct Carmarthen service just over a year ago (the weather was a bit better this time).
Ironically I had the other EC powercar on that service 43056, hence the title.
The train reversed again at Carmarthen and proceeded to Whitland. After Whitland the train diverged onto the branch line.
This was quite a contrast with the Reading to Bristol leg. The train trundled along at about 30mph along jointed track. This was the part I enjoyed the most.
After passing (and exhanging tokens with) a 150 at Tenby, the train continued onto Pembroke Dock.
Pembroke Dock by
litecactus, on Flickr
Pembroke Dock by
litecactus, on Flickr
Pembroke Dock by
litecactus, on Flickr
I walked to the nearby ASDA and bought some fruit (Strawberries to be exact) because the 'Express Cafe' didn't have any.
We caught the 1455 back which stopped at the more minor stations such as Lamphey and Kilgetty. The train had to stop at pretty much every crossing to sound its horn.
Some people were mesmerised at the sight of a HST at Tenby. It isn't very often that you get a HST in these parts.
The train reversed again at Carmarthen and continued back along the seafront, this time stopping at Kidwelly and Ferryside as well as the usual stops.
The train reversed again at Swansea and proceeded to Cardiff where bungle965 eventually joined us.
The train proceeded onto Newport where the journey went awry. Due to an earlier fatality at Hayes, the train was held at here. Trains were also stacked at Swindon, Didcot Parkway and Reading.
43053 at Newport by
litecactus, on Flickr
The relief lines (at Hayes) reopened and the train departed 25 minutes late.
The train arrived at Bristol Parkway. Yorkie, bungle965 and Jake F alighted here for their train north.
However the driver of our train was unable to take the train forwards to London (I think he ran out of hours) so we were held until a relief driver came. We eventually departed Bristol Parkway 55 minutes late.
The train made up 5 minutes by the time it arrived at Reading, so was only 50 minutes late.
IMG_20170701_205107 by
litecactus, on Flickr
I bid farewell to the other forum members. I hoped to get the 2106 home, however this was cancelled. There were many other cancelleations and delays throught the station.
The nest train was the 2121. This starts at Reading, however the train hadn't arrived yet. So I took a picture of the sunset.
Sunset at Reading by
litecactus, on Flickr
2121 came and went and there was still no sign of the train. The 'on time' message was changed to the dreaded 'delayed'.
The 2133 arrived and thankfully that was on time. Unusually the train was routed onto the main lines.
I arrived back at 2143 which was 1hr 19 later than planned. I had to fight my way past the hoards of reggata goers. There must have been a fight because the place was swarming with the BTP.
Except for the ending, the trip was very enjoyable. I think is was one of my favourite trips that i've doen so far! If I could, I would be going on next week's service!
My previous South Wales adventure to Carmarthen is below (I've added some more photos so you can directly compare the weather
)
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=2611875&postcount=28