Word had it that the DRS 66’s had arrived at Newport during the week and others also to the contrary. We decided to head over to Newport anyway just incase. Arrival at Newport was shortly after 9am incase they tried and early escape. 56018 was stabled among the Sheds and Tugs on the stabling point which was nice. I know I said before I wouldn’t bother you with shots of HST’s but I do like this one.
There was a bit of movement about today and we didn’t have to wait long for some action or another. A headlight appeared in the tunnel and a quick check confirmed it was the shunter on a trip working to East Usk yard. 09203 hammered out of the tunnel at probably it’s top speed and I decided to try something at bit different. One thing I’m willing to try more with digital is the more unusual or interesting shot as I have nothing to lose, when I was using slide I was always thinking about not wasting a shot as it was quite expensive.
I was caught off guard for the next one as 67023 appeared around the corner and I had the wrong lens on the camera. I turned round and did the going away shot just for fun. For good photos you normally aim for the sun hitting the front and side of the train. But as you can see here its completely wrong but for some reason I really like this shot of the 67 disappearing, I can’t tell you why but I just do!
A familiar sight appeared in the tunnel once again and this needed no checking as it was obviously a GM of one kind, I fancied a repeat of the shunter shot above so here is 66191 on a rake of HTA’s heading for East Usk yard again as it returned light diesel shortly afterwards.
Thats enough from over here so lets head over th platform for a different view as we were expecting something that we will see a little later on. First up we have 60028 on a steel train although I don’t know the particular working. Also note it is using containerised steel on intermodal flats, they may have been in use a while but it is the first time I have seen these.
I thought about including a shot of 60042 on a steel train in the same position but decided to skip that one so we will go onto the main highlight of the day. 47843 was working 1Z47 Crewe – Cardiff for the Wales Euro 2004 qualifier match at Cardiff. Did I just say highlight! A ETH 47 and MK2s is about as good as it gets now, Shocking!
We waited around a couple of hours longe but it went pretty dead although 56081 turned up on the 6C80 Machen Quarry – Westbury trip but it was routed around the back of the platform so no piccy. Shortly afterwards we headed for home, no Dreds today and once home I was sure they hadn’t even arrived in the country yet. All the same it was a nice day out and I had a nice set of shots to boot. 6 photos and 6 different locos, not bad!
Some of you may have noticed the site heading off region recently, not to worry as I have next week off work so normal service should resume shortly.