Without its smokebox door numberplate , and with a painted " 1011 "on its bufferbeam " County of Chester " revives memories of its earlier days , captured here at Swindon Works , but I believe on 20th. September 1964 , waiting with stock of what could well be the enthusiasts' Special from Birmingham to the Works on 20th. September 1964 as the two coaches visible appear identical with those shown in published pictures of that Special .
This was the last " County " to remain in service , being withdrawn in November 1954 , the first withdrawals of 1018 and 1026 having been in September 1962.
If I am correct on the date then that would account for the painted number and no smokebox door numberplate