Its coaching stock having been removed by one of the station pilot locos, D1071 eases down towards the starting signal at Paddington

Western Renown alongside the former signalbox at Paddington, consequently used as the TOPS reporting office. I had the honour of working in that office for a while in the early 1980s

The lonliness of an ageing Class 52. A cold and bleak Acton Yard hosts Western Campaigner as it prepares to depart with the Acton - Norwood freight

Western Renown hauling one of the last regular freight workings for Class 52s - the 1055 Acton Yard to Norwood Junction freight. The train is seen here passing the magnificent GWR signal gantry at Kensington Olympia. Note the period road vehicles in the car park behind.

Having just brought in the Westbury commuter service, D1071 pauses under the historic station roof at Paddington.

The honour to haul the last revenue earning service from Paddington fell to D1023 Western Fusilier, about to depart with the 1040 to Plymouth on 12 February 1977

Backing onto a service departure from Paddington for the last time, Western Fusilier had just weeks left in service before the class were withdrawn.

The sight we all wanted to see... A morning ray of sunshine catches D1010 Western Campaigner as it backs down towards the RPPR Western Requiem Relief on Feb 77

The number is at the other end... A well known spotter takes detailed notes of D1010 Western Campaigner during the Western Requiem Relief tour.

At the photo stop at Treherbert, deep in the Welsh valleys, D1010 is the centre of attention amongst some ageing multiple units

What a difference a few years make... D1015 as seen from a passing railtour, outside Swindon Works in early 77. Whilst it had been secured for preservation, it was still open to the elements.