66543 Stonesfield 30 April 2018

Freight traffic on the southern end of the Cotswold Line is virtually non-existent, and although this is an infrastructure train, rather than a revenue earning working, it is still out of the ordinary. 66543 passes Stonesfield on 30 April 2018 with the 6X04 14:00 Fairwater Yard to Honeybourne North Junction, conveying materials for the much needed relaying of the Long Marston branch. Fourteen IFA wagons loaded with sleepers are followed by a selection of track machines. 66526 is bringing up the rear. Note the various coloured stanchions on the sleeper wagons. I deliberately chose this location, as recent tree clearance has opened up a lengthy vista, sufficient for an unobstructed view of this long train. Hiding in the trees in the background is the lofty bridge carrying the Stonesfield to North Leigh road.