6000 1954c Laira
In the early ' fifties 6000 had been the sole "King" allocated to Bristol Bath Road and as such had been used on "West to North" expresses working between Bristol and Shrewsbury.
In 1954, however, it was reallocated to Old Oak Common and, in common with that shed's other "Kings" began to work down to Plymouth.
In this view 6000 is at the very end of Laira's coaling line, waitng to be moved forward for its fire to be "dropped" before it is recoaled and its smokebox cleared. Note the "enthusiasts" at their usual location sitting patiently watching the King go on shed.