Down at Swindon, something stirs...
Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2003 12:26 am
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Swindon Transfer Yard. Goods shed in left background. Swindon Gas Works centre background. Yard loco facilities right background.
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The daily pick up goods arriving at Stratton station, autumn 1924.
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A general view of Stratton station and yard, looking west down Ermin Street, which until recently was the A419.
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Another view of Stratton, this time looking south-west. Trinidad stone crushing plant in left background.
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Mr Whittaker's coal yard at Stratton. Mr Morgan, a Cricklade merchant, has arrived for his weekly load. Coal wagons by Caldrail.
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Stanton level crossing. Stanton mill in the background. Foreground lorries by Mike Wilson. The Wilmer wagon, based on wagons of a Swindon coal merchant who traded in the 20s, is by Caldrail.
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The goods train departs Stanton, ambling off down the Bydemill valley. Dead trees and weeds are by Jim Ward.
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Cricklade Road Crossing. More of Mike's lovely lorries in evidence. Stylish retro road signs by John Kendrick.
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On the way to Hannington the chuckling Bydemill brook keeps the line company. Swanborough hamlet allotments on the rising ground in the distance.
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Major and Lady Caldwell, of Hannington Hall are out riding and the Major has stopped to talk with Mr Wilson, one of his tenants, who is ploughing Swanborough Middle Field. Wildlife by Duckweed, plough by Mike Wilson.
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Shunting at Hannington. GW timber-built loading gauge by Decapod.
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At Hannington work proceeds at it's own gentle pace. Horse, cart and flour sacks by Duckweed. GW 5-plank by Robin Howell.
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Finally the goods train draws to a halt at Highworth. A consignment of 2-stroke water pumps has arrived for Bartops Agricultural Engineers in the town, all the way from Rotax of Willesden. The Forest of Dean coal is for the Highworth Gas Company. Wagons by Caldrail.
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Passengers wait patiently for the next train. The ladies don't seem interested in the shunting going on. The man from the Pru' looks pleased with himself; he must have sold a couple of policies in the town this morning. 1920s ladies by Duckweed.
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A GWR OpenA sheeted wagon with coconut fibre bales for the Vorda Matting Works. A mile and a half distant the imposing facade of Hannington Hall dominates the valley. Wagon by Robin Howell.
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End of the line. The buffer stops mark the end of the headshunt. Metro tank engine by Decapod, "Beaver C" flat wagon by Gopher, signs by John Kendrick.
The quality just keeps going up 
Well worth the wait, it just ouzes atmosphere! 
The limitations that MSTS put on me are really irritating!
