Well I've had a lovely day made even better by about 4 hours on a single Class 142 exploring some of the lines in Devon.
I got to Kings Cross rather early about 6am as I wanted to get to Paddington in time for my 7am departure, so got myself some refreshments and headed to use the LUL services to Paddington.
Somehow used the H & C line without realising it but no matter, had plenty of time when I got there only for the first of many problems to crop up.
My 0700 departure to Bristol Temple Meads got delayed due to having to step up a member of train crew, the intended guard wasn't available so FGW got a guard from somewhere and we only suffered about a 2 minute delay.
Got the chance to enjoy the First Class on the way down and noticed the seating in the buffet carriage hadn't yet been refurbished and was of the older style seating ie not leather.
Got to Bristol Temple Meads and as I was coming onto the platform, the train was rolling in - same stock as I had when I did Taunton to Cardiff Central not so long ago except the 67s might have been changed.
Guard gave me a shock when I came out of the toilet, was looking around the vestibule in awe of the technology used but apart from that and seeing how close the water actually is to the line at Dawlish, it was a good trip made even better by a group of young ladies doing their impressions of the Village People completed with builders, short dresses etc...joining the service.
Anyway, got to Paignton and found the guard of the 142 which was to take me to Exmouth via Exeter St Davids then onto Barnstaple and finally getting off at Exeter St Davids.
Now this guard either is very good at his job or has a short term memory loss like I sometimes have as I checked with him before boarding to which he was fine and gave me a thumbs up to say so then got checked 4 more times by the same guard. Nowhere else have I came across a guard so though in his duties.
His relief was good, double checking I didn't want any of the request stops to Barnstaple and where I was going.
Anyway, back to Exeter St Davids I got on one of the named express's which got held at Taunton due to signalling problems, still enjoyed the First Class though,
and got delayed at Reading waiting for a platform.
Ran to catch my FCC only to see my watch running 2 to 3 minutes fast, :roll:
Got home, typed this.
I must say though, it was a interesting and eye opening day and strongly suggest if you can take the chance to sample the haulage even if it's 67s then do so.
