diff --git a/EXRAIL2.cpp b/EXRAIL2.cpp
index 3f22055..95d608b 100644
--- a/EXRAIL2.cpp
+++ b/EXRAIL2.cpp
@@ -610,6 +610,7 @@ void RMFT2::loop2() {
       break;
       
   case OPCODE_SPEED:
+    forward=DCC::getThrottleDirection(loco)^invert;
     driveLoco(operand);
     break;
     
diff --git a/version.h b/version.h
index 27ec74f..ba96ba8 100644
--- a/version.h
+++ b/version.h
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 
 
 #define VERSION "4.2.48"
+// 4.2.49 - Exrail SPEED take notice of external direction change 
 // 4.2.48 - BROADCAST/WITHROTTLE Exrail macros 
 // 4.2.47 - Correct response to <JA 0>
 // 4.2.46 - Support boards with inverted fault pin