Railway Herald
Freightliner Class 66/9 No. 66953 is seen passing the former Drakelow East Curve Junction, which is situated on the Knighton Junction (Leicester) to Burton-on-Trent freight-only route, on 2nd May 2012. This working, 6Z31 1040 Bardon Hill to Toton, which comprised of a rake of wagons loaded with aggregates from the Leicestershire quarry is normally routed via Leicester following a reversal at Knighton Junction. However on this day it was diverted from Coalville to run via Moira West and Burton-on-Trent instead, and thereby made the very rare sight of a freight train on this route. Currently this lightly used section or railway line normally only sees the movement of LUL 'S' Stock between Derby, Old Dalby and Amersham thereby the very rare sight of a freight train on this route made a welcome change. The exit route from the former Drakelow Power Station can be seen in the foreground as it trails in from the right whereas the track in the opposite direction has been lifted.
John Tuffs
