Castle class 4-6-0 No 5042 Winchester Castle near Yarnton with the up 'Cathedrals Express' on October 20, 1959.

Peter Kerslake says "Looking immaculate in this fine view 5042 "Winchester Castle" heads the "Cathedrals Express" just north of Oxford in this view from October of 1959, the engine carrying a Worcester Shedplate and turned out in true Worcester fashion.
A locomotive with long associations with Gloucester's Horton Road Depot 5042 had the distinction of being the oldest "Castle" remaining in service when withdrawn from Gloucester in June of 1965, so she must have been a good one !
The "Cathedrals Express" first ran as such from September of 1957 when the 4:45p.m. from Paddington, which served the Cathedral Cities of Oxford, Worcester and Hereford was so named, the locomotives rostered to the duties carrying an ornate blue headboard with the Paddington bound working departing Hereford daily at 7:45a.m.
This service served a number of locations on its run between its principal Cities, such as Evesham, Moreton in Marsh and Kingham but was still regarded as an express working, the last named train operating during June of 1965.


5042 ended her days at Gloucester Motive Power Depot in June of 1965 with the distinction of then being the oldest "Castle " left in service so she must have been a good one !
Following her time spent at Worcester 5042 was transferred to Old Oak Common in Apil of 1960 before moving down to Newton Abbot in July of 1962 and thence moving to Gloucester. "

Photo: D.M.C. Hepburne-Scott/Rail Archive Stephenson