Peter Kerslake says: What I call one one of my'classic images", taken on Saturday the 12th. May, 1956 about two thirds of the way to the top of Hemerdon summit and on the 1 in 42 section, with the 12 noon West to North express from Penzance, the'North Mail", the 3.45.p.m. departure from Plymouth, at my favourite spot on the bank, just before Corn Wood. Just about the perfect location for the budding railway photographer!Taunton shed's 4985'Allesley Hall" and Old Oak Common's 70023'Venus" have replaced the engine from Penzance upon the train's earlier arrival at Plymouth North Road. 4985 will pilot over the banks to Newton Abbot only whilst 70023 will then work the train unassisted to Bristol Temple Meads, from where later that same evening it will work onward to Paddington on an evening express after a quick'once over" at Bristol Bath Road Moive Power Depot.The Royal Mail Travelling Post Office will also be detached at Temple Meads, to return to Plymouth the next morning, as will the lead passenger coach, and one of Bristol Bath Road's'Castles" will doubtless take the train forward to Shrewsbury.For the Laira footplatemen on'Venus" this was known as a'Double Home" working as they will remain with their engine from Bristol to Paddington, staying overnight in London at a Railwaymens' Hostel or at one of the recognised lodgings near to Old Oak Depot.Prior to the allocation of the'Britannias" to Laira and Old Oak this heavy working was entrusted to a member of the'King" class, but the Running Foremen at Laira thereafter favoured the'Britannias" for this duty, and they became the regular choice of motive power at this period of time.The green fields seen here on both sides of the track have now been covered by overspill housing estates and this view has been lost forever. Happy Days!