Platform 8 was open by the time No. 43054 was observed at the buffer stops on 10th April 2005. It was also a time of change for the HST fleet, with power cars receiving revised light clusters and new liveries, some even new engines. As far as the Midland main line was concerned, a trend was in full swing to replace these popular formations with DMUs. © David Glasspool
No. 43051 will be leaving the station soon, as seen on 10th April 2005, wearing its more pleasing revised livery. Three vintage gasholders had to vacate the site to allow the tracks seen here to be laid. These had been erected originally in 1880 and had somewhat intricate frames. Dismantled, they are currently in store and pending re-erection elsewhere, being grade II listed. © David Glasspool
The lines branching off on the right were, at the time, used by the electrified Thameslink services. The double -track on the left was used by the diesel-powered trains. Note the rectangular red brick structure on the far right: this is in fact a vintage water tower, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Of 1870s origin, it used to sit immediately adjacent to the old terminus approaches, but was actually relocated as part of the reconstruction work. It is Grade II listed and is seen on 10th April 2005. © David Glasspool
No. 43051 finally sets off for the Midlands. What the interim station has acquired, conforming with other London termini, are the blue-backed station name boards (which first appeared at London termini during 2000). However, no logo had yet been assigned. © David Glasspool
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