Peter Kerslake says "A stalwart of Plymouth's Laira depot in the late 'fifties 4089 Donnington Castle, in common with many of the early series of the class, enjoyed a new lease of life taking it into the 'sixties thanks to enhancements applied by Swindon Works with improved draughting, double chimneys and mechanical lubrication all adding to their working lifetimes.
In this view "Donnington Castle" shows the new style of main steam pipes, later design of inside valve chest and mechanical lubricator all of which extended its life until it was withdrawn from Reading depot in October 1964, the last single chimney "Castle" in service."
Photo by, and copyright of David P Williams