two pic’s of some boxy looking tank engine (highly polished) which he finished his career on, as a pilot (he said) showing less experienced drivers the layout & points/lines in & out of Liverpool St Stn.

The station pilot was an engine permanently on station for pulling stock/trains in and out of the platforms, not for teaching drivers. I suspect it’s possible that may have happened too but that’s not why it was there. Liverpool St had two I believe.

I’m sure one of the more fanatical spotters on here can be even more accurate but that’s my understanding.

I also have no interest in diesels but I do make an exception for Deltics. There’s something about the sound that really gets to me. I had a cab ride in one recently when the six remaining production locos were all together at the Deltic Preservation Society’s open day at Barrow Hill. Seriously overpowered train – two coaches and a Deltic at each end.