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Walter Scott's Contractor's Depot at Helmdon in Northamptonshire

This view of Walter Scott & Co.'s contractor's yard at Helmdon shows a wealth of information about railway construction at the turn of the 20th Century. The depot was at the foot of Helmdon Viaduct (seen on the left), and contained many huts and sheds for working and living in. A network of contractor's railway tracks pass under the arches of the viaduct, some passing the coaling stage in the centre of the picture, and others leading to the water tower next to the long shed. There are two mineral wagons on the right of the photograph, but no signs of other activity. Walter Scott & Co. built this section of the railway (Contract No. 5 - Woodford to Brackley) between 1894 and 1898.