Ex-Great Western Railway Collett 'Castle' class 4-6-0 No. 7003 'Elmley Castle'. Built at Swindon in June 1946 and withdrawn in August. 1964.

The fire hoses are out to dry on the tower of the adjacent Reading fire station as 7003 proudly displays the first version of her new British Railways Livery in 1948. Mighty fine she looks too with the GWR-style of lettering on the tender being particularly attractive.

© Steve Armitage Archive