8mm cine film shot by me in 1966 on this steeply graded line in Durham which served the Iron and Steelworks at Consett.
Iron ore was transported in specially built wagons hauled by 2-10-0 9F
Locomotives on grades as steep as 1 in 35.
A banker was required on the steepest parts of the route at Tyne Dock and through Beamish.
The banker was attached at South Pelaw and as the 9f and ore train waited for this my good friend Garth McLean took the opportunity to paint the smokebox number plate under the watchful eye of the driver.
Once done the driver said "would you like to come up to Consett with us" and so without a moments hesitation we had an unforgettable footplate trip!.
As well as iron ore the railway also transported coal usually with 9fs in charge but on one occasion Q6 63368 was captured near Annfield Plain with a 9f banker.
Steam traction from Tyne Dock MPD ended on 17th October with the running of the last Ore train with 92050 seen in the video approaching Beamish.