Ex-Great Western Railway Collett 'King' class 4-6-0 No. 6008 'King James II'. Built at Swindon in March 1928 and withdrawn in June 1962. Although it's July in 1957, the beach seems relatively deserted at Dawlish as 6008 arrives with 'The Mayflower', a train only introduced the month before. 'Noise and smoke must be kept to a minimum' states the notice on the left. There appears to be no "or else" added!

Peter Kerslake adds "Emerging from Kennaway Tunnel with Boat Cove and its breakwater in the left distance Laira's 6008 had been fitted with a double chimney, replacement front frames and inside cylinder block during a 13-week visit to Swindon Works completed on 11th July."


© Ken Widd-SA Collection