A long lens emphasises the change of gradient as 43042 leads the 13:55 Cardiff Central to Paddington service out of the Severn Tunnel at Pilning on 8 September 2006. I think it is fairly easy to see where the over three miles of 1 in 100 gradient from the centre of the tunnel eases to 1 in 636. Note the heat haze from the lead power car's Paxman Valenta engine visible against the Welsh hills in the background. A recent addition to the skyline here in the last few years is the approach to the new Severn Bridge, seen in the background on the left.