A double-headed Down express passing Taplow station, view eastward, towards London. This was a heavy Summer Saturday extra, 2.55pm Paddington - Fishguard Harbour, with BR Britannia Pacific No. 70026 'Polar Star' piloting 'Hall' 4-6-0 No. 6946 'Heatherden Hall'.
Peter Kerslake adds "Double heading of the Welsh passenger workings was rare indeed, as the Britannia were well able to single handle even the most tightly timed workings in both directions between Cardiff and Paddington. Two years later, 70026 was involved in the fatal derailment at Milton, following which the smoke deflector hand railswere removed."