Wales v Ajerbaijan
29th March 2003
Rowan and I took the early morning Virgin HST between Bangor and Crewe, which
just gave us a comfortable quarter of an hour to buy a newspaper, photograph
the train which would take us down the Marches line to Cardiff and settle
down in the front bay of the leading coach for its 08:05 departure. Not so
long ago there'd have been stiff competition for this, but the train was surprisingly
quiet - perhaps thirty railfans and only a sprinkling of footie fans until
Abergavenny, and right up to Cardiff there was plenty of room, unlike the
rugby specials I've travelled on.
Our special was due to arrive at 10:55, but we expected it to miss the 10:59
Cardiff to Rhymney - we caught it with seconds to spare! 37 402 Bont
y Bermo cruises past a Valley Lines unit with the empty stock from Canton
depot.
Eager railfans prepare to board...
...and alight for photographs at the terminus.
The former coast line stalwart begins its run round, its weathered BR freight
grey exterior making a pleasant change from the ubiquitous EWS maroon.