Railway Herald
Western demise (3) - the final day of service for the BR Western diesel-hydraulics on 26th February 1977 was marked by a special train on a day trip from Paddington to both Swansea and Plymouth. The honour was given to Class 52 No. 1023 'Western Fusilier' and No. D1013 'Western Ranger' with the distinctive red background to its name and number plates. The Western Tribute is seen running through Slough Trading Estate on the way out to Reading nearly 40 minutes behind two further members of the class acting as support for the day. A Class 47-hauled aggregates train has just saluted the Westerns in passing on the up relief.
Tonybee
