GWR 2883 class 2-8-0 No 2893 passes through Sonning cutting with a down train of coal empties bound for South Wales on May 16, 1964.

Peter Kerslake says "A fine study of 2863, allocated to 81E Didcot, as she heads empty coal wagons back home to Wales on the down relief line here at Sonning cutting to the east of Reading.
This location was the favourite for the renowned railway photographer Maurce Earley whose work from here has graced the pages of many publications since 1925, with stories that the G.W.R. even built a litle fenced platform for him on the south side banking just behind this bridge in order that he could pursue his photographic exploits more safely."


Photo: Brian Stephenson