Newly arrived in the Thames Valley from its former duties in East Anglia, 47581 Great Eastern approaches Wolvercote Junction on 11 July 1990 with the 1F44 17:20 Paddington to Banbury train. Class 50s had just been ousted from these services and at the time this was viewed very negatively. However, looking back now the replacement traction is very nearly as good! A nine coach train working from the capital to Banbury is a bit of a shock to modern eyes, when today's service from Oxford consists of a two car unit!