D1015 Tackley 16 February 2008

My first picture of D1015 Western Champion in the sun since it was painted maroon, albeit backlit. Just after sunrise on 16 February 2008, D1015 is pictured tackling Tackley Bank (between Oxford and Banbury) with the Pathfinder Tours 1Z15 06:00 Ealing Broadway to Holyhead 'Irish Mail' railtour. While waiting for the train I was watching the antics of several Muntjac deer, one of whom had decided to cross the line just before the train arrived. The area of rough grassland above the rear of the train is a local nature reserve.