1989 was a good year for the use of Class 31s on passengers trains to the west country. On summer Saturday's three pairs were normally in action, with sights such as this commonplace - a pair of tatty blue departmental allocated 31s hauling Mk 3 coaching stock (plus the obligatory Mk 1 BG!). On 24 June 1989, 31 465 & 31405 pass Little Haresfield (near Gloucester) with the 1M37 08:40 Paignton to Manchester Piccadilly service, which the 31s worked as far as Birmingham New Street.