In 1934 while staying with his friend and fellow artist Peggy Angus in Lewes, Ravilious discovered a cement works, 'where everything was covered with white dust. His 'Dolly Engine' and 'Alpha Cement Works', both painted that year are delightful compositions - 'toy' trains in a fairytale landscape, but for real. The high funnel of the engine, the little wheels, the open cab, the narrow gauge - it is a trainset put to serious use, in a lunar landscape.'
(P. Andrew, Eric Ravilious, Towner Art Gallery Exhibition Catalogue, Eastbourne, 1986, p.29).