At the beginning of the BR era, it must have been a joyful surprise to enthusiasts and onlookers alike, that new locomotives were being delivered in pre-nationalisation liveries. 61163's 'apple green' livery as here at Neasden MPD in June 1948, did not last long. It would be replaced by the smart (when newly applied) BR lined black but the 'glamour' was gone never to return. 61163 was built by Vulcan Foundry in May 1947 as LNER No. 1163 and would be withdrawn in Sept. 1962.

© Steve Armitage Archive