The cameraman has been fortunate here with the exhaust steam of 4088 " Dartmouth Castle " lifting high above the engine and not spoiling this splendid overhead image , secured from a high vantage point , one which I also favoured in those happy days .
The unsightly Davies and Metcalfe mechanical lubricator now affixed to the smokebox spoils somewhat the classic lines of the " Castle " , but modifications such as this , in addition to improved draughting and the double chimney shown here and which 4088 received the previous year all contributed to the extended lifespan of these early " Castles " which took them well into the ' sixties and saw them still working express passenger duties in their later years.
4088 was allocated to Worcester at the date of this view but had been a Westcountry engine in her earlier life , being allocated to Plymouth's Laira Depot in the mid ' fifties .
Transferred to Swindon Depot in early 1961 and thereafter to Bristol St. Philip's Marsh in late 1963 , " Dartmouth Castle " was finally condemned from that last home in May of 1964.
The modified and later style of inside valve chest shows well to advantage in this view , a contrast to the engine's earlier and distinctive design with its fluted top corners, so characteristic of early Great Western four cylinder locomotives such as the " Stars " and which was later incorporated into the design of the early " Castles "