After removal of her unique and distinctive double chimney, 1000 has the later double chimney which they all eventually got along with the improved draughting. The leader of the class, 1000 "County of Middlesex" from Bristol Bath Road looks splendid in her new colours here at Swindon Works.
Introduced in 1945 the "County" class was not at all what the railway enthusiasts had expected, and tales of a proposed "Super Castle" or enhanced "King" were not realised with what was in effect a more powerful version of the existing "Hall" class.
Early problems with rough riding caused by the two cylinder design producing a "Hammer Blow" effect did not go down well with footplate crews, and the Great Western Civil Engineers' Department were also understandably concerned about the effect this had on their trackwork.
Additional concerns were raised by a less than smooth pull on the drawbar when running, creating what is known as "Hunting", much to the discomfort on passengers in the leading coaches when one of the new "Counties" was at the head.
Nevertheless the class became useful additions to the eight Motive Power Depots over which they later became spread in the 'fifties, being rostered to a variety of duties throughout their working lives.