This trip was unplanned. Speculation had started on the Internet of the last Bristol – Weymouth being operated by Class 37s rather than the Class 67s that normall worked the train each Saturday. I read this on a couple of sites and thought someone is having a wind up. This cannot be true. There is no way First Great Western is going to do this in 2009. No train company had put unusual traction out on a service train for years except in the event of failure.

The Friday evening came and things are hotting up and the WNXX discussion forums website had gone into frothing meltdown over heritage English Electric traction heading towards Bristol.

Hmmmm this may not be a wind up, or if it is it is very good one. Picture the scene several hundred unhappy people on Bristol Temple Meads station all looking at the 150 is sat there.

Checked the forum again on Saturday morning to find that they had left Bristol there is no way this can be a wind up, too many people involved. Quick look at the National Rail website to see if I can get to this train for the return journey. Not had a 37 on a service train since they finished on the Rhymney line.

It appears to be possible to get to the train, can’t get to Weymouth but can get to Dorchester West then back to Bristol. Very appealing as I am partial to a bit of EE action and this is not at Railtour prices.

The Plan:

Saturday 05/09/09

After a brief discussion number one and number two sons decide they want to come for a ride. Number two son is not the best train traveller as after about 20 minutes on any train journey wonders why it is taking so long to get there and are we getting off soon. Would probably not notice the length of the journey if every train was equipped with a play station. I agreed to let him come along as he had expressed an interest.

Bad move! Guess what after 20 minutes “are we there yet?” “Are we going to get there soon?” Didn’t want to mention that we were only going to get 10 minutes in Dorchester than come back again. Thought I would save the joy from that news later.

The trip down was uneventful except for the occasional “Are we on this train much longer?” comment at regular 10 minute intervals and I could net send him off to the Buffet as the train didn’t have one. The train also doesn't have a trolley.

37670+37401 arrive at Dorchester West 05/09/09

37670+37401 arrive at Dorchester. Excellent First Great Western have provided additional carriages. Only problem every crank in the world has appeared for the event and the train is stood down the centre aisles. Manage to push into a small space at the back of the train and even get seats from Yeovil. Number two son is not impressed and continues to inform me of this at regular intervals. Bottom lip pushed well out.

Saw a few faces from the past out, who I had not seen for quite a few years do a bit of catching up. Really good discussion about various places we had been in the past much to the disgust of the current generation.

Good to see some faces who are older since I last saw them and catch up.

Short day out but probably the working of 2009. I was there!

Traction Log