HSTs were the predominant motive power on the Great Western Mainline through the Vale of White Horse from 1976 until 2019. After privatisation these were operated by First Great Western. Virgin CrossCountry sets did not normally appear, which makes this picture particularly noteworthy. Engineering work at Standish Junction on 26 February 1997 caused most CrossCountry trains to be diverted via the Severn Tunnel, but a couple of trains in each direction were routed via Swindon and Oxford. 43093 Lady In Red is pictured passing the site of Ashbury Crossing, Shrivenham, with the 1S35 09:22 Penzance to Edinburgh 'Cornishman'.