A temporary branch line leading to a ballast pit, Leicestershire, 1870s.

Photograph by Richard Keene, a noted landscape photographer from Derby, who undertook commisions for the Midland Railway. These commisions included photographing views of newly constructed locomotives and documenting the impact of railway construction on the local countryside. This photograph was taken during the building of the London North Eastern and Midland Railway joint Coalville colliery line. A contractor's locomotive can be seen on the rickety temporary branch line, leading to a ballast pit at Dadlington, Leicestershire.