Stop four · The end of loading bay 2
The Quarry
At the far end of loading bay 2 the sidings stop at a row of buffer stops beneath a pylon, and beyond them a quarry is cut into the rock.
A Russell lorry waits by the tunnel mouth while an excavator loads a dumper with stone.
Gold markers point out small details. Select one to read about it.
Daylight at the far endGrandad painted the back wall of the tunnel in pale blue and white, so the quarry road seems to run out into daylight on the far side.1 of 3 details
The Russell lorryLoaded to the brim with stone, the Russell lorry waits by the tunnel mouth, its driver and mate in hard hats standing by the cab.2 of 3 details
Where to dig nextFork over his shoulder, a quarryman waits by the yellow bulldozer while a workmate in a red shirt leans in, as if deciding where to dig next.3 of 3 details
The quarry cliffsThe quarry cliffs are Grandad’s own handiwork: tall rock faces painted grey and rust, with lichen and bushes clinging to the ledges.1 of 2 details
Loading the dumperOver by the stone heaps, the Volvo excavator has just loaded the yellow dumper, heaped high with grey stone and ready to roll.2 of 2 details
Pride of FerrybridgeNearest in the line-up, Class 59 ‘Pride of Ferrybridge’ wears her name on a small red plate, with ‘Kenneth J Painter’ resting beside her.1 of 3 details
Bound for ScotlandAt the back, a blue diesel shows 1S57 in its headcode box: in railway code, an express bound for Scotland.2 of 3 details
Grandad’s rock faceAbove the sidings rises a craggy grey rock face, topped with bushes and lichen: scenery Grandad built and painted himself.3 of 3 details
At the buffer stops
Beneath the rock face, the Class 59s “Pride of Ferrybridge” and “Kenneth J Painter” stand with a Class 50 by the buffer stops, watched over by a pylon and a hoarding for Heinz Spaghetti.
Look closer
Nearest in the line-up, Class 59 ‘Pride of Ferrybridge’ wears her name on a small red plate, with ‘Kenneth J Painter’ resting beside her.
By the buffersBeside the buffer stops at the end of the line, a small timber cabin half hidden by a young tree: just the spot for a shunter’s tea break.1 of 2 details
Waiting for the roadTwo blue diesels wait on the far roads beneath the rocky bank, as though for the signal to head out with the next train.2 of 2 details
Here’s the finest spaghettiAbove the buffer stops he put up a period hoarding for Heinz Cooked Spaghetti, “the finest”, cooked with tomato sauce, cheese, butter and milk.1 of 2 details
Men at workUnder the pylon two workmen dig into the bank, one in a red hard hat bent over the drill while his mate in orange minds the hose.2 of 2 details
Kenneth J PainterThe blue plate beneath the cab window names this Class 59 ‘Kenneth J Painter’, one of the named engines in his collection.1 of 3 details
Heinz Spaghetti hoardingAn old Heinz Spaghetti hoarding, tin and all, stands on the bank above the buffer stops: one of his touches of period advertising.2 of 3 details
Men at workBelow the pylon, a gang in red hard hats gets stuck into the cutting, one man bent over his drill.3 of 3 details