ARRIVA's 57 hauled, Manchester-Holyhead
service is reputed to be drawing to a close so time to take a
ride. Colwyn Bay station and the train can be seen in the distance
leaving Penmaenhead tunnel at Old Colwyn. No telephoto lens so
not too bad. 19/01/2006
Arrival of 57310 "Kyrano"
at Colwyn and I was not alone. 19/01/2006
Holyhead and the loco
plus six coaches arrive - only four are in service. Extra
braking capacity apparently? 19/01/2006
Onto the familiar headshunt
while the shunter appears to give the coupling an apprehensive
glance - who could blame him!. 19/01/2006
Smooth as clockwork and
well inside the time frame. 19/01/2006
As 57310 was returning
from its runround performance, another class 57 arrived with
Virgin's Euston - Holyhead, Pendolino service. Where else in
the UK can you see two loco hauled services together? 19/01/2006
A bridge plate at Holyhead
- and it's true so be careful. 19/01/2006
See what I mean? 19/01/2006
These engines do look
the part - not sure about the clutter at the front, it looks
very much an afterthought. 19/01/2006
A view from the bridge.
19/01/2006
The Pendolino looks strangely
out of place at Holyhead, probably because there are no wires.
The engine took its time going onto the headshunt - it's a long
walk for the shunter who has just coupled up 310. At this point
the Manchester train would be leaving in just under 15 minutes
and I had to go all the way round by the ferry terminal - anxious
moments! 19/01/2006
At last 57303 "Alan
Tracy" commenced its runround only to pause half
way along the Pendolino number 390049 "Virgin Express".
It eventually moved on but there were only 8 minutes to go......
19/01/2006
Much puffing and wheezing
gave me just enough time to take a "ready for off"
shot by which time my Wife, already on the train, was about to
panic - I had the tickets. 19/01/2006
On the way out past Valley
were two DRS class 20's on the triangle - no numbers to date! 19/01/2006
A quick romp across Anglesey
and on to the Britannia bridge. 19/01/2006
Leaving Bangor. 19/01/2006
Leaning into the curve
at Conwy with the old goods yard crane on the left. 19/01/2006
On to the bridge over
the Conwy River. 19/01/2006
And a farewell to Thunderbird
310 at Colwyn Bay. The journey from Colwyn to Holyhead and back
cost just over £9.00 - try doing that in a car! Marvellous
value. 19/01/2006