GWR Castle class 4-6-0 No 4073 Caerphilly Castle about to leave Cardiff Canton shed on January 24, 1959.

Peter kerslake says "Canton's cleaners had a reputation for the fine way in which they turned out their Top Link passenger locomotives and despite its thirty six years in service the first "true" "Castle" 4073 "Caerphilly Castle" is in splendid condition as it comes off shed ready for its next duty.
An Old Oak Common engine for much of its earlier life 4073 went to Bristol Bath Road for seven years from July of 1950 before being transferred to Canton in Frbruary 1957.
Late in life enhancements by Swindon Works to even the earliest members of the class prolonged their working lives and this view shows the later style of outside steam pipes although it still has the original and much more attractive inside valve chest with its curved top corners which it retained until being withdrawn in May 1960."

Photo: R.O. Tuck/Rail Archive Stephenson