Wales v Italy
2nd March 2002
Rowan and I left Bangor station in darkness aboard 1A13, the 0543 Holyhead
to Euston, which comprised 47 789 Lindisfarne and stock rather
than the usual HST. As we progressed along the coast, the sky gradually lightened
and the sun rose with the delightful backdrop of Mostyn Docks. As the line
turned inland towards Chester, the fields became frosty then it was time to
alight for a quick photograph before crossing the bridge to meet Alastair.
After a short wait, the once familiar sight of 37 415 and stock graced
platform 3. It felt very strange to be turning off towards Wrexham along the
singled former GWR Paddington to Merseyside main line rather than along the
coast to Holyhead.
An overturned lorry in a field, attended by emergency vehicles, provided a distraction. Then we returned to enjoying the pastoral scenery before the snow capped Black Mountains preceded our entry to industrial South Wales and the filling up of our six coaches.
Glorious sunshine at Cardiff with an early March sting in the air. 37 415
is about to trundle off to Canton depot with its stock before returning after
the game.
A couple of light engine movements attracted our interest while we waited
for the first loco hauled trip up the Rhymney valley. First was 56 032.
56 115, 66 151, 60 041 and 66 250 followed