150001 newly repainted into First Great Western livery. The unit has just started working between Reading and Basingstoke.

The pioneer Class 150 has started work on the Reading-Basingstoke line for First Great Western.

150001 took charge of the 10:07 from departure from Reading on January 30th, an FGW spokesman confirmed to RailwaysToday.

The refurbished Class 150 prototype then took charge of alternate departures on the picturesque line between the Berkshire and Hampshire towns for the rest of the day with 165122 handing the others.

Class 150s are replacing Class 165s on the route, and 150001 will shortly be joined by 150002 which is currently undergoing refurbishment.

FGW said the full 150 timetable is expected to be in place by the end of February.

The move was announced in November as part of a rolling stock cascade that frees up 165s to provide extra capacity on services out of Paddington.

The above video of Class 150 150001 was uploaded to YouTube by user KingAndCastle