Monday 16 October 2017 saw the first booked GWR passenger service using the new Class 800 bi-mode units. Unfortunately things did not get off to a very good start, with one of the two diagrams being cancelled after the first run, due to problems raising the pantograph and a faulty air conditioning unit. Ironically, a good old reliable HST had to take over the diagram later in the day! The other diagram was worked by 800008 & 800009, and they are seen here approaching the site of Ashbury Crossing, near Shrivenham, with the 1B28 11:45 Paddington to Swansea service. This picture is taken in possibly the worst ever conditions that I have seen during the middle of the day. ISO 3200 was required for this, and yet the Met Office was still indicating that the area was in full sun! It is extremely ironic that this massive error is on the thirtieth anniversary of the 1987 hurricane, which they failed to predict!