BR British Railways Steam Locomotive Class Castle', 'Modified Hall' 5043 et al at Old Oak Common MPD (81A) Roundhouse in 1961
Nos 5033, 5055, 5043, 7036, 6979 and 5011 surround the Old Oak Common roundhouse turntable in October 1961. Pride of place goes to No 5043 ‘Earl of Mount Edgcumbe’ with its oversized nameplate showing clearly. This was only the second ‘Castle’ to be fitted with a double chimney (October 1956), following No 7018 ‘Drysllwyn Castle’ five months earlier. A further 64 ‘Castles received double chimneys between then and December 1961 (No 5078 being the final recipient -and withdrawn just 11 months later!). In this photograph, No 5011 ‘Tintagel Castle’ (far right) was the last remaining 50XX series Castle to retain the old style inside cylinder steam chest cover with the scalloped top edges. The first member of this group to suffer withdrawal (9/62) was far left No 5033 ‘Broughton Castle’; the last survivor was No 6979 ‘Helperly Hall’ which remained in service until February 1965. There is an interesting contrast in the chimneys of Nos 5043 and 7036: the latter carries the original style of double chimney adopted by Swindon in 1956, which had straight sides. This was later replaced by the more elegant pattern shown by No 5043 which had a distinct curve. In this line up, No 5043 carries a ‘Not to be Moved’ sign on the bufferbeam. Maybe attention is needed by the fitters. Nevertheless, the engine is in steam -as are all six.