Class 37

In 2001 I moved to a house which backed on to a railway line near the South Wales valleys. All kinds of dormant trainspotting genes were awakened when I heard the familiar growl of class 37's again. Could these really be the same workhorses we snubbed in the early 70's in favour of the glamorous western region diesel hydraulics - the Westerns, Hymeks and Warships?

Yes - The numbers were changed but thanks to good old British lack of investment they were the same old bangers we used to watch hauling unfitted coal trains up and down the valleys.

The endless trains of 16 ton coal wagons are long gone but up to December 2005 a 37 still ran on the early turn from Rhymey to Radyr. Cardiff residents living near the city line could get a double fix over the cornflakes and coffee as the loco ran round at Radyr before returning to Canton. Like all good things though, it came to an end with the timetable revision in December 2005. Arriva trains organised a diesel extravaganza on the preceding Sunday when the above pictures were taken at Aber of 37419 and 37425 top and tailing one of the specials.

Normal service is resumed as 37411 'Caerphilly Castle' roars through Danescourt Station with an empty stock train on the antepenultimate day of service.