Express awaiting departure for Paddington
Earl of Ducie is in fine condition for what was destined to be its last year in service, but Worcester had a reputation for turning out its Top Link engines in fine style, even as late as this.
The engine had been transferred fom Hereford to Worcester in early 1964, and was used thereafter on a number of Special Workings before its withdrawal in October. Whilst at Worcester it had been transformed from an engine with a poor reputation nto one worthy of selection for the Special that May, and in made a very fast run on the Special on the final leg between Bristol and Paddington that day.