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I lived and train spotted at Skipton in the 1950's. The only ICI traffic that I can remember were the daily Heysham - Teeside ammonia trains. Empty tank trains were worked from Teeside by Newport, later Thornaby, single WDs acquiring a Starbeck J39 or B16 on route. Later double headed WD's from Thornaby were employed. At Skipton the NE locos were detached for servicing and turning, the tanks being worked forward to Heysham by Midland locos. Loaded tanks from Heysham arrived some time later and the Midland loco was detached and the NE locos attached. Departure of the train was spectacular up the steeply graded Ilkley line and the locos could be heard long after they disappeared from sight. No remarshalling took place at Skipton except for the occasional wagon needing repair. Tony

I also first met Rod through visiting D C Evans and TAG Models. We subsequently became friends and I operated his exhibition layouts on a regular basis. One year at Bentley exhibition he introduced me to the late George Morris and I was invited to operate George's GWR layout. I was never a GWR fan but I wil be forever grateful to Rod for the introduction which lead to many happy years operating , in my opinion, the best layout ever built for anybody interested in operating. This introduction also enabled me to meet many other skilled modellers and to operate their layouts. I had lost touch with Rod in recent years but I remember he was always helpful and had an endless supply of tall stories. Rest in peace Rod. Tony L.

The picture of the 8F is Skipton by the bridge just north of the station. The row of houses is Aireview Terrace where my relatives lived and I stayed for holidays after moving to Doncaster. The signal box will be of Midland Origin. Regards, Tony L.

I believe the Regent III in the photo is not OWE116 but York Pullman 64 JDN668 owned by the late Tony Peart and also kept at Haxey. JDN668 has a large single destination display as in the photograph whereas OWE116 has the Sheffield three part display. Tony also kept his other Regent III Doncaster 122 KDT393 at Haxey. Both vehicles are now in the care of the L.V.V.S. at North Hykeham, Tony

J752. I believe 75015 is crossing over Carleton Road bridge which is some way before the bridge over the main line to Leeds not as stated. Excellent photos! Tony.