Old Oak Common's BR Riddles 'Standard Britannia' 70015 'Apollo' makes a pleasing sight near Dainton in Devon with a modest 7-coach train. June 1956. Judging by the train formation this may be the 11.30 ex-Paddington. The Paignton/Kingswear portion (probably 4 coaches) will have alredy been detached at Exeter or Newton Abbott (not sure which).

Peter Kerslake adds "This fine picture has Old Oak Common's "Apollo" passing the loop siding at the very start of the westbound climb from Aller Junction to the summit of Dainton bank, the siding being used to hold freights when a clear path was not open to them, and also used for banking engines used for such freights when necessary.
The line down to Kingswear from the junction is just visible in front of the white house, and "Apollo" did not reach Old Oak Common as planned from new until September of 1953 as it was diverted firstly to Camden in June, 1951 and then to Stratford in January 1952.
70015 will be destined for Plymouth on this duty from Paddington, doubtless returning home the next day".

© Ken Widd. Steve Armitage Collection