Streamlined GWR Castle class 4-6-0 No 5005 Manorbier Castle approaches Westbourne Park with a Taunton to Paddington express on July 14, 1937.

Peter Kerslake says "This fine view shows part of the "streamlining" applied to 5005 "Manorbier Castle" by the G.W.R. in March of 1935 and in this view still retaining her rounded casing over the smokebox door but with a number of other additions such as the coverings over the outside cylinders, front steam chests and outside steam pipes all having gradually been removed during the two years preceding this view.
This "Bullnose" smokebox door casing had gone by 1939 as had the chimney and safety valve cowlings and the original nameplates reappeared on their conventional curved splashers by mid 1946 leaving just the wedge fronted cab which was also shortly afterwards restored to its original design.
What did remain in place, however, was the little bracket seen here on the leading face of the valve chest, fitted in 1935 in order to permit the Reporting Number frames to be carried, there being no provision for same with this rounded nose in position."


Photo: John P. Wilson/Rail Archive Stephenson