30th July 2020

Accelerating away from Chard Junction at 12.00 is Network Rail's New Measurement Train. This HST set is regularly run over the line every one to two months, always on a Thursday. Today it is operating as 1Q23 05.56 Reading to Exeter St. Davids, outwards direct to Exeter but returning via Salisbury and Westbury, and back to Salisbury, and then on to Reading. Today the train is headed by power car no. 43014 "The Railway Observer" and no. 43013 "Mark Carne CBE" brings up the rear. Since my last shots here 4 years ago the line-side growth has dramatically increased, but it's still a nice enough view when the sun is out. Rosebay Willowherb flourishes over to the right.

Watch the train passing, on my video here: https://youtu.be/hpg4QUc5oV8