The majority of the group travelled on 158841 on a Holyhead - Cardiff service, leaving Chester at 08:22. We had seat reservations but when the unit arrived no reservation labels were to be seen - we had a similar problem on our trip to Aberystwyth last October. The train was very busy but we all managed to find seats and a large crowd alighted at Wrexham allowing us to gather more closely together for the run to Cardiff. The highlight of this was the sight of Colas-liveried 66843 unloading a timber train (from Carlisle) in the Kronospan siding at Chirk. We were very lucky to see this because it normally arrives at Chirk around 19:00 but for this week it was running in its alternative “daylight” path. Also, the use of a Colas class 66 had only started within the last couple of weeks.
At Newport a couple of us, including the outdoor fixtures secretary, alighted for a brief visit to the station buffet and a meeting with some members of the South Wales branch who normally gather at Newport on a Tuesday. We then joined 175109 on a Manchester - Milford Haven service, which was already occupied by a couple of members who had travelled through on it from Crewe. At Cardiff the remainder of the Chester contingent, plus a further member from West Midlands branch, joined for the ride to Carmarthen.
Many members had not ventured west of Swansea or Llanelli before, so the scenic section of line alongside Carmarthen Bay and the mouth of the river Towy came as a very pleasant surprise, enhanced by the superb sunny weather that prevailed. The memories of those with Great Western leanings were stirred by the appearance, in rapid succession, of the “originals“ of 4098 (Kidwelly Castle), 5004 (Llanstephan Castle) and 4076 (Carmarthen Castle) !
At Carmarthen we had just over 30 minutes wait for our train back to Cardiff. This gave us time to grab a hot drink in the privately-run Coracle Buffet on the station platform and to watch (and photograph) 175109 departing for Milford Haven and 175009 reversing here on a Milford - Manchester service. We returned to Cardiff on the Fishguard Harbour - Cheltenham service. This connects with the Rosslare ferry at Fishguard although it was difficult to dignify 150230 with the title of “Boat train” ! The reason for taking this service was that it runs non-stop from Llanelli via the Swansea District line (one of the few passenger services over this route) to rejoin the main line from Swansea at Briton Ferry. The guard on this service was extremely friendly and helpful, circulating a detailed computer printout of the route for members to inspect.
As we drew into Cardiff we passed 57313 waiting outside with the stock the Cardiff- Holyhead service (known locally as the WAG Express as it is sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government) which we would take back to Crewe and Chester. This has a first class catering vehicle in its 4-car formation and the smells emanating from kitchen persuaded at least one member to sample the Steak Pannini on offer - it was certainly better than the tin of beans that was waiting for him at home ! As we arrived at Newport we passed 67017 & 67022 top & tailing a Paignton - Cardiff service, running about 30 minutes late
In contrast to the class 67s, timekeeping on all of our trains was exemplary. This coupled to the superb weather and scenery made for an excellent day out.
last updated: 17/03/10
