As part of the Reading Station blockade, a limited service of HSTs from the West Country were routed from Westbury (reverse) via Salisbury to London Waterloo. Although HSTs have been seen at Salisbury and Waterloo before, they have not operated services to Waterloo via Andover previously (albeit they ran via Staines). South West Trains ran 6 car 159 units Exeter and Yeovil Junction to Salisbury where a further 3 cars were added to cater for increased patronage. These diversions ran on 27-30 December 2010 and 1 January 2011. Apologies for the poor quality of pictures which was (partly) caused by mist (following the thaw of snow and ice) and rain.

Nice to see Network South East still is remembered!

An up train. Most HSTs appear to have been routed through Platform 4 - presumably the fastest route.

Rear of the previous HST. 159 unit stabled in the bay platform.

The SWT 159 unit has now been joined by a FGW 153 unit prior to its return to Great Malvern. A down HST rushes through non-stop.

An engineering train with concrete sleepers and ballast also makes an appearance.

An up stopper formed of 159 and 158 units waits time whilst a down HST passes.

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