A double chimneyed ‘Castle’ from Llanelly No.5098 Clifford Castle on 7th April 1963. The chimney was fitted at Swindon during a Heavy General repair in late 1958 and No.5098 was transferred to Old Oak Common the month after this picture was taken, moving to Reading in April 1964 for its last two months before withdrawal.
The 87F ( Llanelly ) shedcode on 5098 , " Clifford Castle " shows that the engine was shedded there for a while following its move away from its very longstanding home down at Plymouth Laira in 1962.
This is a splendid colour photograph taken at Stafford Road just five months before that shed closed , and I trust that the remaining roofing sheets didn't come down on anyone until after that date!
A reliable favourite whilst at Laira in the mid ' fifties , " Clifford Castle " often worked to Penzance and back , particularly on the " Cornish Riviera " in addition to appearing regularly on the tightly timed express passenger services from Plymouth to Paddington.
5098 ended its illustrious career at Old Oak Common in June , 1964