On my first and only visit to Crewe Station in 1962, it was a virtually identical scene to this that greeted me. It was also my first 'in person' sight of an ex-GWR locomotive. Other than the apparition was a 'namer', I sadly cannot recall any other details. This fine July 1962 image makes a wonderful reminder of the excitement that this (then) thirteen year old 'spotter' experienced that day! 7807 'Compton Manor' was built at Swindon in March 1928 and was withdrawn in Nov.1964. Fortunately, nine of the 30 built survive in preservation.

© Phil Dalley-SA Collection