6007 1956 Laira
Despite being rostered for the "Cornish Riviera" from Plymouth back to its home in London's Old Oak Common's 6007 has apparently not been given a wipe over at Laira, seen in the background.....perhaps if it had been one of Laira's own "Kings" it might well have been in a more presentable condition!
Laira shed looks very busy as 6007 comes up on to the Southern line ready to run back to North Road in order to work forward to Paddington.
In addition to the rather grubby 6007 my photograph, taken from the banking round the Laira Sports Arena, provides an interesting view of Laira Depot, packed full of locomotives with the coal store and its coal trucks visible as well as the rear of the coaling plant complete with a Pannier Tank on the ramp.
6007 has just come off shed, its fireman having telephoned the signalman at Lipson Junction for clearance, and will now run tender first up to North Road station to take the " Cornish Riviera " onwards at 12.30 p.m. to Paddington.
The origin of what was known as the " Mullet Pond " seen behind the engine, is shrouded in mystery, and who knows what lies below in its murky depths ?