The driver of the Morris Oxford loses patience with NER Q6 0-8-0 No 63455 as he squeezes through the partially blocked road at Brady Square level crossing just north of Washington South Junction on 9 June 1967, it is bringing coal hoppers down the branch from Washington Colliery and is shunting the exchange sidings at Glebe Colliery en-route. The tripods with red flags are an interesting substitution for level crossing gates. The Q6 would be withdrawn just thirteen days later so the boys are wise to show an interest. Glebe Colliery will outlast the other on the old Washington Waggonway, not closing until August 1972.


Photo: M.J. Fox / Rail Archive Stephenson