The previous week I saw a DBS loco working the scrap train to Cardiff, which reminds me I’ve done nothing with those photos yet ( but it was extremely dull, so poor results) so a change to GBRf adds some interest to the working. Over the years the scrap train to Cardiff has proved very difficult for me to see, running early, late or via the Lickey. There is no advance warning as it starts from just a few miles away from here & looking for “sightings” is pointless.

Link to photos

There is a little write-up to go with the photos, explaining things didn’t go to plan, and my nightmare journey home.

86701 was being used on training runs from Crewe, and was due to run to Stafford all week. So a few hours up there seemed a worthwhile few hours out. There were a few other locos seen during the time there, but 70010 was not expected, so that was a pleasant surprise. The other bonus was the 37s on the Bridgwater to Crewe 6M67 working.

A pair of Class 379 EMUs on test between Crewe & Northampton were also seen several times, the units were 379001 & 379005.

Link to photos

This is what I went to see, 86701:-