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Local information:-
During and after the War, a local "tank" loco would
transport coal from March onwards to Marks Tey.
The load consisted of 600 tons of coal which amounted to 60 x
10ton trucks
On passing through Bures station they would have to climb the
1:90 Mount Bures bank passing over the level crossing then onwards
to Chappel
It was not unusual for the loco to run out of traction the north
side of the crossing and come to a grinding halt.
The local would reverse back to Bures station where a spare "tank"
loco in the Bures yard would couple onto the rear truck
Both, would then shunt the load all the way back to Cornard.
Now with a full head of steam from both engines, pushing and pulling
they would pass over the Mount Bures bank with a great gusto of
steam and noise.
During 1943 to 1945,
munition trains also used the same path conveying bombs etc to
the Chappel yard
The locomotives used, were either British or Americal 2.10.0 WD
which were specifically designed for heavy goods work
American servicemen and local residents would stand by the crossing
gates waving and cheering as the locomotive came up the bank and
passed through the gates belching smoke and steam on full power.
Courtesy of John Cowlin
<Typical 2.10.0 loco
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