12th February 1983

 

After unloading at the Redland Aggregates Terminal, 33208 and 73132 head north with 36 empty PGA type hopper wagons destined for Mountsorrel. Running under control arrangements as the 1054 (6Z19) Bat & Ball to Cricklewood with South Eastern motive power and crew, the wagons would eventually be worked forward from Cricklewood by the London Midland Region. The expanse of wasteland to the right once formed part of the extensive Bat & Ball Goods Yard. The area is now occupied by a road and industrial units. © David Morgan

 

16th July 1983

 

Viewed looking west from the Otford Road overbridge, 33202 & 33063 pass the Redland Aggregates Siding on the Up Line as they approach the station. The train is an additional Saturday morning service running as 0845 (6Z61) Cliffe to Bat & Ball and conveying 18 x 102t bogie hoppers loaded with sea-dredged aggregate. Note the two lever groundframe released from Victoria ASC, which operated the main line connection and associated trap points. The small cabinet contained a direct phone line to Victoria ASC and two plungers, which were operated to either illuminate or extinguish reversing lights that controlled propelling movements back into the siding. © David Morgan

 

16th July 1983

 

33202 & 33063 on full power as they reverse their 1800t train up hill and around the sharp curves into the Redland Aggregates Siding. Whilst the noise was impressive, with regular services scheduled to arrive well before the morning rush hour, it was the cause of considerable annoyance to nearby residents and ultimately resulted in closure of the siding as an extension of its temporary planning permission was refused. © David Morgan