Immaculate after overhaul.

Peter Kerslake says "Seen here taking water at Lincoln Central in 1962 "Thomas Hardy" had gone to Manchester's Longsight Depot from new in December1952 for just seven months before moving to the Eastern Region's Stratford Depot in July1953 and whilst at Longsight 70034 had been on loan to the Southern Region for a few weeks in 1953 when their "Merchant Navy" class were experiencing axle problems.
In a badly thought out move by those in authority all the Britannias then at Norwich were hastily sent to the freight locomotive Depot at March in the wilds of Cambridgeshire from late 1960 when the Diesels arrived but they were not wanted there and with little suitable work for them the majority were left out of use and with their condition rapidly deteriorating although seven escaped to Immingham where they were warmly received.
"Thomas Hardy" seen here seems, however, to be in good condition on a passenger service at Lincoln in 1962 so perhaps March was able to use its to advantage whilst many of its sisters at March were not so fortunate.
Following transfer of all "Britannias" to the Midland Region in late 1962 and after an essential and badly needed overhaul at Crewe Works in early 1963 "Thomas Hardy" in company with five other "Britannias" was sent to Willesden in March1963."