Around Coalville, 1980s.
3-of-4) Two years later, in October 1986, another Co-Co class 58 locomotive loads a merry-go-round train under the rapid loader at Ellistown, Leicestershire, with coal from the Coalfield Farm opencast site. Note that by this time the winding gear of South Leicestershire colliery, present on the left in the first photograph, had been demolished.
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1-of-4) A Co-Co class 58 locomotive loads a merry-go-round train under the rapid loader at Ellistown, Leicestershire, with coal carried by conveyor from the Coalfield Farm opencast site, 1984.
On the far left is one set of winding gear of the South Leicester Colliery. Originally called South Leicestershire Colliery, it was renamed South Leicester Colliery in 1949[1]. Surface facilities had been greatly reduced here after 1957 when South Leicester Colliery was connected underground to the nearby Ellistown Colliery where coal was brought out[2] and in 1964 it was connected to Snibston Colliery where the coal was brought to the surface via a drift[3]. The colliery was finally closed in July 1986[1].
2-of-4) The loaded train from the previous photograph is here seen gaining the main line from Leicester to Burton at Coalville Junction, on the southern outskirts of Coalville. This coal will undoubtedly be heading to a power station.
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4-of-4) In early 1990 another heavy haulage type of locomotive, a Co-Co class 56 no. 56008, was found on duty at the loader with a fully loaded train.
