In connection with the inaugural rugby match at the new Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday 26 June 1999, the 1V77 08:33 Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central service was due to be worked by preserved Class 37 37029 instead of the normal Sprinter unit. In the event 37029 only worked as far as Crewe, where it was removed after suffering low power. D172 Ixion then worked the train on towards Cardiff and is seen here passing Cwmbran. I doubt if many of the rugby fans appreciated their train having two different heritage locos at the front!