View westward from the end of the long Platform 8/9, outward as far as Westbourne Bridge, with behind the train the long Parcels Platform extending from No. 1. Headed by the first of the new small group of outside-cylinder 0-6-0Ts introduced by Hawksworth in 1949, No.1500 (built 6/49, withdrawn 12/63), the train has come from Old Oak Common Yard over the flyover at Ladbroke Grove.
Peter Kerslake says "1500 is clearly working hard bringing in at least ten coaches and a van into Paddington and demonstrating just how suited this class allocated to Old Oak Common depot were for this work.
The first five went straight to Old Oak from new at Swindon in 1949, with four still being shedded there in 1956, although there was one at both Southall and Didcot at that time, and most suprisingly four down in South Wales, with two at Newport Pill together with one at Severn Tunnel Junction and one at Newport Ebbw Junction.
Whilst unsuitable for branch line passenger work due mainly to their short wheelbase and large front and rear frame overhangs the 1500's main attribute was their ability to work for 24 hours a day without lengthy spells on shed as their outside valve gear and ease of access to working parts reduced their need for time spent on shed to a minimum."