Peter Kerslake says "This is how Swindon turned out its finest after overhaul, with former Laira shedded 6004, now allocated to Cardiff Canton, outside the weighing shop at Swindon, the date being given as 30th. July, 1961.
This acccords with my records as 6004 underwent a Heavy Casual Overhaul here at Swindon from April of that year, returning to traffic at Canton in the August. This was destined to be its final overhaul.
What is so hard to understand that, by September 1962 the engine, seen here in its final and splendid condition, was withdrawn from service and cut up here at the Works.
No wonder that the railway workers at Swindon delayed cutting up those " Kings " that ended their days there until the very last.
Formerly a Stafford Road engine, 6004 was transferred to Laira in early 1954 and was one of their finest until, like the other members of the class there, it was displaced by Diesel power, subsequently moving to Old Oak Common for a short while before going to Cardiff Canton for its last years in service."