Peter Kerslake says "An unusual and interesting picture from the West country where double heading down here in Cornwall was not too common a spectacle, and the lucky photographer has captured this event well here at Truro .
1018 County of Leicester is heading away from itshome at Penzance coupled as pilot engine to an unidentified "Hall" with perhaps the load having been considered too much for a single engine between Penzance and Plymouth, where most probably both engines will be replaced as was the customary practice.
Penzance had three Counties in the mid 'fifties, and they made frequent visits to Plymouth on express passenger workings as well as being favourites for the daily and heavily loaded milk train workings originating from West Cornwall and destined for Kensington. Two Counties were also allocated to Truro at this time, with Laira having four."