Due to signalling problems, all traffic was using the relief lines between Didcot & Reading on 18/12/2002. Here 43003/43168 catch the rays of a low winter sun in South Moreton Cutting with a London Paddington bound service.
Shortly after this photograph was taken the signalling problems were resolved and traffic resumed using the main lines. Here 43126/43042 head for London Paddington on 18/12/2002.
43162/43078 pass Whitacre Junction with the 1012 Manchester Piccadilly-Oxford diverted via Nuneaton due to engineering works on 05/01/2003.
