D1015 Denchworth (Circourt Bridge) 23 February 2002

D1015 Western Champion made a triumphant return to the mainline in 2002, and is pictured here working the first Class 52 hauled passenger train on the national network for 25 years. After performing a loaded test run, it worked the Pathfinder Tours 1Z52 (of course!) 12:09 Paddington to Gloucester (via Bristol) 'Western Pathfinder' railtour on 23 February 2002, which is seen here at Circourt Bridge, Denchworth. The tour had earlier worked down from Crewe behind another preserved loco - 'Peak' 46035. The gold ochre livery and unusual yellow warning panel are authentic for the loco, and in my opinion suits the class very well. Note the clouds scudding in from the north, which luckily hadn't quite reached the sun at this point!