Sent to Swindon Works for breaking up, it had one final unusual task – coupled to its twin, 6023 King Edward II, it was towed over a bridge for weight testing purposes.

Both 6023 and 6024 were available for purchase, but 6024 was preferred because after a derailment in the Barry yard 6023 had had its rear driving wheels torched through, and at the time was considered beyond repair.

No 6024 was bought for £4,000 in 1974 but, like many of the other remaining locomotives, was missing significant components, including its double-chimney (currently fitted to No 6000) and its piston, connecting and eccentric rods; in addition its slide-bars had been cut through.

In October of that year the engine was moved by low-loader from Quainton Road to the Birmingham Railway Museum, from where it completed its mainline test runs.

In July 1990 it appeared at the National Railway Museum Exhibition on Tour which was held at Swindon Works, where it celebrated its 60th anniversary and was stabled alongside classmate 6000 King George V. Affectionately nicknamed "Spud One"[according to whom?]

Fitted with BR's standard Automatic Warning System (permitting speeds up to 75 mph), 6024 reintroduced steam-hauled express passenger trains to a number of new destinations within western zones for the first time for many years.

In August 1992 the locomotive made its promised return to Quainton Road, this time via the mainline, when in the company of 5029 Nunney Castle it hauled shuttles to and from Aylesbury.

To keep pace with safety improvements, the locomotive was fitted with standard Train Protection & Warning System, and the society also completed its Water Wagon project for mainline trials.

On 10 June 2008, 6024 hauled the Royal Train, with Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall on board, from Kidderminster Town to Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway.