Jubilee 4-6-0 No 45563 Australia with an up express passes Duchess 4-6-2 No 46230 Duchess of Buccleuch which had failed earlier on the up 'Royal Scot' at Abington in July 1954.

Clearly the men had already decided that switching the heavy and awkward headboard onto the replacement loco was either not feasible nor desirable, and viewed that the smokebox door was the best place to return this grand headboard, compared with the footplate - or alongside the fire irons on the tender. Passengers wishing to board the express at further stops en route (Carlisle was next) would have been advised by the station PA. A good example, all told, of sound decisions rather than "forgetfulness", although I suspect the crew, when asked to work a loaded coal train with the loco back to shed, expressed a little mirth.

Photo: W.J. Verden Anderson/Rail Archive Stephenson