The GWR-organised inspection train passes Claydon on East West Rail. JACK BOSKETT.

Representatives from Network Rail and the Department for Transport were taken along East West Rail on February 7 in an inspection train arranged by Great Western Railway.

The GWR-organised inspection train passes Claydon on East West Rail. JACK BOSKETT.

Representatives from Network Rail and the Department for Transport were taken along East West Rail on February 7 in an inspection train arranged by Great Western Railway.

GWR borrowed a pair of Class 47s and a set of four Mk 2 carriages from West Coast Railways to show NR and DfT its HS2 mitigation plans.

Starting out from Paddington, the train visited Reading Traincare Depot and South Marston Euro Terminal in Swindon, which will be used for stabling stock when HS2 work at Old Oak Common prohibits running to and from London Paddington.

After that, the train travelled north to Oxford and then along East West Rail to Milton Keynes, before returning to London via the West Coast Main Line, heading firstly into Euston and then back to Paddington.

GWR used the journey along EWR to show what the passenger experience would be like if it diverts services from the Great Western Main Line at Didcot and via EWR and WCML to reach Euston.

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