The final years of 6018 ' s service were noteable in that following withdrawal from service in December 1962 there had been plans to purchase the engine for display at a Butlin' Holiday camp, but they fell through when a financial disagreement arose and the engine's overhaul at Swindon was accordingly halted.
6018 remained at Swindon following its official withdrawal in December 1962 but worked the last " King" hauled Special prior to the preservation era on 28th. April, 1963 before being cut up at Swindon in October of that year.
In September 1960, and in company with sister engines 6003, 6004, 6019, 6023 and 6028 this engine had been transferred down to Cardiff Canton from Old Oak in an effort to provide suitable top link work for them within that area, but their stay there was to last for two years only as such work was not readily forthcoming, although they did appear on Paddington and Shrewsbury rosters within that period before their days ended in about March 1962.