With DS3152 with workmen's train
A spectacular view of Meldon quarry with what looks to be the result of a recent blasting in the form of fresh material awaiting loading for use as ballast somewhere on the Southern Region network , but I cannot identify what all that material is on the right .
DS 3152 , coupled to T9 30712 on what is shown as a workmans' train , went to Meldon in late 1949 and lasted there until July of 1960.
Meldon quarry is in an isolated area of North Dartmoor and whilst there were a number of workmens' cottages on the site itself there would have been a need for workmens' transport by road and rail to and from the surrounding villages. The quarry still produces ballast today , the line from the quarry across Meldon Viaduct into Okehampton station and eastwards to Exeter is still operational for this material as well as being a Heritage line in the Summer months , with Okehampton station having been splendidly restored to its former glory