Peter Kerslake says "A splendid setting here at Pontypridd with that well constructed high wall, impressive overhead signal gantry and typical Welsh hills in the background as Mr. Collett's "Taffy Tank" number 5683 runs through, its leading wagons carrying coiled steel rolls from a Welsh steel factory.
Designed for use within the Welsh valleys on both freight and passenger duties the class was popular with the Welsh enginemen and incorporated sliding shutters as seen here to the cab sides affording protection for the crews from the Welsh winter weather.
A number were given an all over green livery in 1957, later further enhanced to a fully lined out green as they passed through Swindon Works.
During the mid 'fifties no less than 87 of the class were to be found within Welsh Motive Power Depots with just 13 housed outside Wales but sadly 5683 seen here was one of the first four to be condemned in 1962, whilst 5605, the last survivor, remained in service until 1966 "