HST^▸ (High Speed Train) was definitely a 'last minute' decision caused by acute set shortages mainly caused by the fatality near 'Tuckers' crossing, Bradford on Avon. Set was operated by a 'High Speed' (HSS^▸ (High Speed Services)) crew (Bristol based presumably), as they had the traction knowledge, with them being piloted by a 'West' crew (Bristol or Westbury based), as they had the route knowledge.

One way an untrained eye can tell if an FGW^▸ (First Great Western) HST set is formed of SSL^▸ (Short Swing Link bogies (125)) fitted vehicles is that the letters SSL or LSL^▸ (Long Swing Link Bogies (125) or Locomotive Services Ltd, depending on context) are usually displayed at the ends of the carriages, depending on which type is fitted.

Ta for the welcome. Regularly pass through these places so I must have been paying a little too much attention to the surroundings!

St Ives line picture appears to be taken near 'Hawkes Point' crossing, (golf course off towards the right hand side).

Frome station looking north, Castle Cary down main line 'banner repeater' (signal W156BR, showing that the route is set for the main line towards Taunton) and Bruton station bottom of the footbridge onto the down (westbound) platform .