Had the day off work on Friday 7th December 2018 so decided to travel down to Newport and Cardiff to photograph the last few workings of HST's on London - South Wales workings.
When I got off at Newport I checked "realtimetrains" on my phone.
This app tracks ever train in the country from signal to signal. You can filter this down to only show "non passenger" services. Nothing out of the ordinary was about.
I was aware that a Swansea - Paddington service was 10 minutes late due to "engine" problems. Only 25% of the Paddington services were still HST's so wondered if this was one of them.I crossed over to a platform that offered a better view.
Out of the Tunnel appeared a Class 67 Locomotive. I initially thought that the HST had completely failed and this Class 67 was a rescue loco. It was in fact the Royal train.Two freshly painted burgundy Class 67 locomotives were sandwiching 7 burgundy coaches. I later found out that the Royal train does not show on "realtimetrains" because of Security issues. I crossed over to a platform to Photograph this rare sight...but the late running Swansea - Paddington service arrived. All 10 coaches of a new Class 800 was completely blocking my view. When the 2 Class 67's revved into life I thought I had missed it....but no...it was heading back to Cardiff.
A Paddington service was due in 10 minutes and hoping it was a HST... I was boarding it and catching this Royal Train up. 10 minutes later yet another brand new Class 800 arrived and I jumped on.
A few miles after leaving Newport on your left is Alexander Dock Junction. Locomotives and Freight stock are stabled here between workings. As I sped past at 70 mph I could see that the Royal Train was there....and the leading Class 67 Loco was being uncoupled.
On arriving at Cardiff I was aware of a heavy police presence. I noticed a man nearby in a High Vis Vest and asked about a possible Royal visit? He replied that Prince Charles was due in 10 minutes. It was his job to make sure the lift functioned perfectly. He said he had been given the same responsibility on a previous visit 3 years...only to watch Charles take the stairs !!
I was then approached by one of the numerous policemen. He polity
asked what I was doing. He then asked me to leave the platform as it was to become a "sterile area".
I made my way over to a platform that offered a good view. Shortly after the unmistakable sound of a Steam engine could be herd. 35028 "Clan Line" was hauling the train in. After taking some photos I went to get a better view of Charles. Police were blocking the entrances to his platform..so I went to the next. A group of about 20 - 11 year old school kids were singing..while he mingled.
I went back to photograph the steam engine leaving. I was sure it would make its way to the nearby Cardiff Canton depot..but the driver was positioning a red tail lamp...it was going back in the London direction.
I went up the other end and made a movie of the Class 67 hauling the train out towards Newport with the steam engine on the rear.
Below are 3 Photos.
The 1st shows "Clan Line" after arriving.
The 2nd and 3rd shows Charles having disembarked.
I have posted the video of the train leaving on youtube.
The address is :-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxGINIWuamQ&t=19s
Copy and paste in in youtube
