Andy’s Thought Dump

  GWR HST at Teignmouth 2023 I know, I know - I promise I wouldn’t turn this into a 24/7 railway blog! But sometimes, a piece of history is so intertwined with your own life that you simply have to pay your respects. Today, I’m saying a final, fond farewell to a true icon of the tracks: the British Rail Class 43 HST , better known to most of us as the Intercity 125 . A Soundtrack to My Youth If I had to describe my early years in one sound, it would be "the scream." While I didn't grow up in the city itself, Cardiff was a massive part of my life. I spent so much time there shopping with my Mum before catching my train back up the valleys to Pentrebach . Those HST engines were the constant backdrop to our trips. I remember being a small child and hearing that unmistakable roar echoing out of Cardiff Central . Even when I wasn't at the station, the sound followed me. I’d be at my auntie and uncle’s house in Fairwater , and you’d hear them screaming past on the main line...

 There is a specific kind of magic that belonged to the 1980s. It wasn't just the music or the neon, it was the weight and substance of the gifts under the tree. This year, as I looked through some old photos and caught a glimpse of a familiar yellow-nosed locomotive, I was transported back to a cold morning in 1987 . I was eight years old. That age where the line between "believing" and "knowing" is paper-thin, but the excitement is absolute. I remember the rush of adrenaline as I ran downstairs in the dim early light. There, nestled among the wrapping paper and the glow of the tree lights, was the big one: the Hornby InterCity 125 Electric Train Set . A Masterpiece in Miniature For those who didn't grow up with a Hornby box under the tree, it’s hard to describe the presence it had. It wasn't just a toy, it was a world in a box. The livery was the classic "Executive" dark grey and yellow, exactly the same as the real High Speed Trains (HSTs) t...

  I know, I know, everyone loves to bash Star Trek V: The Final Frontier . People say it’s the "odd one out" or that the special effects weren't up to scratch. But honestly? I think it’s a great movie. Sure, it’s silly in places and definitely a bit weird (I mean, they go looking for God at the center of the galaxy), and it might not reach the legendary heights of The Wrath of Khan or The Undiscovered Country . But that doesn't mean it isn't worth watching. In fact, there are a few reasons why it’s actually one of my favorites. The Debut of the Enterprise-A One of the biggest reasons I love this film is the ship. Yes, we saw the Enterprise-A at the very end of Star Trek IV , but The Final Frontier was its first "full" movie. Even though the ship is a bit of a "lemon" at the start of the film with Scotty constantly grumbling about the transporters and the doors not working it was great to see the crew finally back on a proper Bridge. It felt ...

  I’ve had enough. Is it just me, or has the simple act of receiving a parcel become a daily battle against incompetence? I’m talking about Evri . It’s not just me, either. I’ve seen countless posts on the local pages lately from people in the same boat. Many of my friends have had parcels simply not turn up. Others are getting notifications saying a parcel has been "delivered" when they are standing right there and the doorstep is empty. In some cases, they are just dumping them at the wrong address entirely. And when you actually manage to get through to them? They couldn't care less. A Heartbreaking Christmas Fail This hit home for us personally this week. Our young son was supposed to have one of his Christmas presents delivered. He’s autistic, and for him, things like his Minecraft gear aren't just toys - they are his world. We were so looking forward to seeing him smile when he saw it, as it would have looked amazing in his room. But, in typical fashion, Evri d...

  I’ve been getting more and more annoyed with the government lately - surprise, surprise. It feels like Labour is doing their absolute best to drive a massive wedge between able-bodied people, disabled people, and the unemployed. When I say a wedge, I mean a huge one. In my opinion, Labour is proving to be a disgusting party. Keir Starmer and his cabinet are using these tactics to keep the spotlight off their own failures, and the saddest part? It’s working on some people.   I’ve seen people on Universal Credit being accused of being "lazy" by people who work. Here’s a reality check: a huge number of people on UC are workers. If anyone thinks being on UC gives you the "life of Riley," go give your head a wobble. It’s a safety net that’s barely holding together, not a winning lottery ticket. The Job Snobbery I’ve also noticed the same "weak-minded" individuals attacking people for the jobs they do: "Oh, he’s useless, he works at McDonald’s." ...

I need to get something off my chest, and I know I'm not the only parent feeling this rage. Every day, when I drive my kids between Tredegar and Ebbw Vale from Ebbw Fawr Comprehensive to Deighton Primary I witness some of the most baffling and frankly dangerous driving habits imaginable. We are talking about driving in Gwent, in conditions that demand absolute focus and visibility, yet some people seem determined to risk their own lives and the lives of others. The Great Darkness Conspiracy It’s currently winter. That means thick fog, heavy rain, and dark mornings or rapidly darkening afternoons. So why, in the name of road safety, are people driving around with NO LIGHTS ON ? It is simply astounding. We are talking about conditions where a car is almost invisible, yet these drivers cruise along with zero regard for their surroundings. It is beyond negligence; it is willfully ignorant. Your car has headlights and sidelights for a reason: to see and be seen. Indicators Are Not Opti...