5051 Heyford 14 April 1984

Castle Class 4-6-0 5051 Drysllwyn Castle approaches Heyford on 14 April 1984 with the Great Western Society Paddington to Stratford-upon-Avon railtour, which the steam loco took over at Didcot. It may seem hard to believe, but this picture of 57315 is taken from the same location! In 1984 a single bush behind the steam loco was the precursor to the abundant vegetation that was to follow in years to come. This picture is actually taken slightly to the left of the modern day picture, and in fact in the 1980s pictures could be taken looking along the canal (just out of the picture on the left) and still include the railway! Note Rousham church in the background.