5961 1964-09-26 Gloucester Central
With a Hawksworth tender and a Shark heading up the train.
In its earlier years 5961 , " Toynbee Hall " had been a Llanelly based engine so would have been familiar with duties in Wales and in this shot she's heading down into South Wales in what is the twilight of her working life.
The date is the 26th. September , 1964 and Severn Tunnel Junction shed is still open to steam which is good news for the enthusiasts here at Gloucester Central , the majority of freights on the South Wales line through Gloucester still being steam hauled. As was usual , she's been halted on the down through road.
Unusually still retaining her numberplates and nameplates , something of a rarity at this period of time , 5961 is , like the majority of locomotives now , unloved and uncared for but still capable of working heavy freights within the area.
Severn Tunnel Junction , Gloucester Horton Road , Worcester and Oxford were , I believe , the only remaining steam sheds on the Western Region still in operation at this late date