27th May 2017

In previous years summer Saturdays on this line have featured either loco-hauled, or HST operated, strengthened services. This is the first such train for 2017. Due to demands on stock in the London area, caused by the extra trains drafted in for the FA Cup Final at Wembley and the Rugby Final at Twinkenham, this service was allocated an HST, presumably as the DMUs were needed elsewhere. To have a full GWR rake is another bonus. Power car 43093 leads the HST set, with 43187 on the rear, all in the new GWR green livery. Here is the 1V72 17.28 Weymouth - Britol Temple Meads service arriving at 17.52, passing the former signal box on the left.