This location was only very recently identified as being Skipton North Junction. The appearance in 1948 of an ex-North Eastern Railway Raven 'B16/1' 4-6-0 No. 614xx on this Heysham to Teeside ammonia tank train via Skipton, Otley and Harrogate was unusual, perhaps unique. The long closed (1970) lines to Colne can be seen diverging to the left.

Note that the train is in the siding, not on a running line. John G Teasdale thinks the ICI Heysham - ICI Billingham train was left in the siding by an LMR locomotive and crew. The photograph shows the BR(NE) loco coupled up waiting for a path and will depart via Skipton and Arthington for Teesside. He adds 61431 is our best guess at the ID. Neville Hill as the shed providing the engine matches other known BR (NER) engines on the working, though Starbeck and Thornaby also provided traction.


© Stephen Barrett Archive-SA Collection