AndrewT Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 15 minutes ago, w124bob said: There plenty of pictures of MGR traffic on Flickr in the Calder Valley, all seem to show loads west bound. I also never witnessed any loads running via the LNW route (doesn't mean it never happened)as the climb out of Huddesfield would have been arduous,but spectacular, even for a 56 up to Marsden . I did once work an empty back towards HM via Huddesfield it was unusual for a Vic driver to get on MGR traffic in the late 80's, I also recall it was 47 hauled making it rare for that era. I have also never seen pictures of MGR workings out of Bold or Agecroft again that doesn't mean it didn't happen. When I quoted those two particular pits (Bold & Agecroft), I was referring to them simply because they were some of the very few still open in the Lancashire coalfield up to mid-1908's. You are probably correct in saying MGR's never worked those two pits. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Fitness Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 (edited) I know Agecroft never had MGR wagons in or out and I think the last output by rail went to Huncoat PS in the late 70s or very early 80's at the latest. Most of Agecroft's output went direct to the adjacent power station via conveyor. Did Bickershaw despatch coal eastwards or did all that go to Fidlers Ferry? JF Edited October 29, 2020 by Jon Fitness Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 4630 Posted October 29, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 29, 2020 (edited) 50 minutes ago, w124bob said: There plenty of pictures of MGR traffic on Flickr in the Calder Valley, all seem to show loads west bound. I also never witnessed any loads running via the LNW route (doesn't mean it never happened)as the climb out of Huddesfield would have been arduous,but spectacular, even for a 56 up to Marsden . I did once work an empty back towards HM via Huddesfield it was unusual for a Vic driver to get on MGR traffic in the late 80's, I also recall it was 47 hauled making it rare for that era. I have also never seen pictures of MGR workings out of Bold or Agecroft again that doesn't mean it didn't happen. In addition to the arduous grade on the LNW route from Huddersfield to Marsden that you mention, it's probably worth adding that as well as generally easier prevailing grades, the Calder Valley line between Heaton Lodge Junction and Milner Royd Junction at Sowerby Bridge was a freight only line* from the closure of Brighouse station in January 1970 until the station was re-opened in May 2000. Even with the fewer trains in the timetable then, it would probably have been easier to get freight paths along the Calder Valley L&Y route. * except for occasional passenger diversions due to engineering work. Edited October 29, 2020 by 4630 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatonLodge40 Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 Yes you are all dead right well spotted! There was only one occasion I saw loaded MGR’s heading east, in all the time I spent there. Just didn’t have time to change both trains onto the correct tracks. There was an occasional MGR on the Huddersfield lines heading east but never going up the dive under gradient, for obvious reasons. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewT Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 2 hours ago, HeatonLodge40 said: Yes you are all dead right well spotted! There was only one occasion I saw loaded MGR’s heading east, in all the time I spent there. Just didn’t have time to change both trains onto the correct tracks. There was an occasional MGR on the Huddersfield lines heading east but never going up the dive under gradient, for obvious reasons. Probably empties heading back East, but diverted via Standedge due to engineering on Calder Valley perhaps? I seem to recall that happening on a couple of occasions, but like you, only saw them take direct route 'round the corner' (as we called it), rather than dive-under route. I'm guessing if they'd have been held at the signal for some reason, even a Grid would have had great difficulty restarting a full train of empties on the rising gradient, while most of the train would have been on a curved lines in and beyond the underpass, making starting even trickier? Perhaps an ex-driver could enlighten us? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongRail Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 Don’t want to do to the task but perhaps you need two train loads of wagons one full and one with empties going the other way Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongRail Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 Don’t want to do to the task but perhaps you need two train loads of wagons one full and one with empties going the other way Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted October 30, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 30, 2020 In these "very correct" days I recommend that you can please both points of view with just one train. Just have one rake of HAA's, with each alternate wagon fully loaded, and the rest left empty - simples! Kev. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post jonathan3005 Posted October 30, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 30, 2020 Hi folks, For those interested, there is a new video on the BBMR YouTube channel, some highlights from MI0G's live event last weekend. Enjoy 12 2 2 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeighties Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 1 hour ago, jonathan3005 said: Hi folks, For those interested, there is a new video on the BBMR YouTube channel, some highlights from MI0G's live event last weekend. Enjoy Well done Jonathan, excellent footage! 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve fay Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 Fantastic Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongRail Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 Watching the video I see you already have a train of full hoppers and one with a rake of empties Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold bcnPete Posted October 31, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 31, 2020 10 hours ago, jonathan3005 said: Hi folks, For those interested, there is a new video on the BBMR YouTube channel, some highlights from MI0G's live event last weekend. Enjoy Thank you - excellent compilation. Love the smokin’ 47 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mac1960 Posted November 4, 2020 Share Posted November 4, 2020 I actually live in the Colne Valley west of Huddersfield, and there were West Bound loaded MGR trains during the day on the LNWR route in the early 80,s. They were often put into the loop at Marsden. You have to remember that there was not the volume of passenger traffic that there is now on this route, and paths could be found back then. Indeed in the early 70,s there were about 70 freights per day of all types (this was after the dropping of 4 tracks) and this steadily declined over time to the current levels of perhaps 8. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatonLodge40 Posted November 4, 2020 Share Posted November 4, 2020 6 hours ago, mac1960 said: I actually live in the Colne Valley west of Huddersfield, and there were West Bound loaded MGR trains during the day on the LNWR route in the early 80,s. They were often put into the loop at Marsden. You have to remember that there was not the volume of passenger traffic that there is now on this route, and paths could be found back then. Indeed in the early 70,s there were about 70 freights per day of all types (this was after the dropping of 4 tracks) and this steadily declined over time to the current levels of perhaps 8. Yes true - there was actually 125 freights in both directions up to the late 1960’s. This when there were 4 tracks going east (as of now), 4 tracks west to the Calder Valley (L&Y), 4 tracks to Huddersfield on the LNWR route & the 2 tracks going directly to Leeds via the Dive Under (New Line). See diagram. Of course the New Line was shut in 1965 and that first part inc the dive under realigned to join the 4 tracks going east/west in 1970. I’d love to have been around then 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mac1960 Posted November 6, 2020 Share Posted November 6, 2020 (edited) Heaton Lodge 40 I was there, as my family came form Mirfield, with an Aunt living on the opposite side of the valley from Mirfield engine shed, with the "New line" running behind her house. I was only young (5) when the "New Line" closed, but have good memories of Class 40,s on Liverpool - Newcastle climbing hard from Heaton Lodge junction at around 17.00 each evening. As my Grandfather was a loco driver I actually got an unofficial footplate ride on a double headed 9F Oil train from Stockport to Hargreaves Terminal at Heckmondwike on this route when I was 5. H&S would have a fit today, as my grandfather could see the end coming for steam, and was due to retire with it. We came to a stand on the viaduct in the middle of Mirfield Park and could not get restarted, and therefore he had to get an 8F from Mirfield to give us a shove too get going. They used to really try and get a good run at the bank, so would crank things up as soon as they passed Bradly Cricket pitch (it was their marker as the rear of the train would have cleared Bradly junction). The day was just a blur of sensory overload for a little lad, and there were some tears on entering Stanedge tunnel. All a long time ago now, but the memory is still very clear. Incidentally before WW2 my late father worked as a junior signalman at Heaton Lodge and Wessey Junction (Ravensthorpe) he subsequently joined the RAF and left the railway never to return after the war. I remember the box being painted light Blue and White when it was the NE Region colour scheme in the 60,s. Cheers Mac Edited November 9, 2020 by mac1960 Spelling !!!!! 15 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post jonathan3005 Posted November 7, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted November 7, 2020 Hi again folks, Here is a new video for you all. Some more highlights from MI0G Live. Hope you all enjoy and hopefully more videos before too long. 22 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Tony Teague Posted November 7, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 7, 2020 Just watched Andy York's interview with Simon on the 'World of Railways' virtual exhibition and I have to say that this, together with the video footage that was included, just bring home what a heroic project this is! I guess that those of us who follow this thread already know that, but every now and again it serves to have a timely reminder of just how exceptional HLJ really is! Tony 1 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post HeatonLodge40 Posted November 7, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted November 7, 2020 Thanks for those comments Tony. Can I also say a huge thanks to my fellow modellers here on RM web who have offered their support over the years. It’s really made a huge difference. As phase 1 of this project draws to a close I’ll soon be making a start on phase 2 - a slice of Healey Mills. And hopefully when Covid has been finally overcome, the model will begin traversing the U.K. In the meantime the basement is being converted into a live streaming venue which will deliver super quality footage from mainly GoPro’s in multiple locations. As well as this we’ll have in-loco footage & aerial footage via a zip wire. Rob & Jonathan, the software chaps are confident this will be operational in the next few weeks. Back to this weekend and I’ve been working on the final triangular section. A more detailed update soon.. 23 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simond Posted November 7, 2020 Share Posted November 7, 2020 Simon, I hesitate to speak for others, but I think I’d be safe is saying that your project has amazed and fascinated everyone who has looked in, the scale of the project is eye-watering, but your astonishing attention to detail, and the wonderful, evocative modelling is a joy to behold. I have no recollection of visiting the real thing, though I might have wizzed through at some point, but the comments from those who know it well speak volumes for the authenticity and atmosphere you’ve created. and on those days when the mojo crawls off to hide somewhere, just remember we’re all rooting for you! thanks for sharing the journey with us Simon 2 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Holt Posted November 8, 2020 Share Posted November 8, 2020 Couldn't agree more with Simond. A most incredible model which I look forward to to watching further postings. Dave. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold pirouets Posted November 8, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 8, 2020 Simon, having watched the Pete Waterman content on the virtual exhibition this weekend, he talks about a Ken Payne loco that took 1hr 53mins to crawl round Leamington Spa can I sow the seed of a daft idea. If you get bored one day, just how slow do you reckon a lap of Heaton Lodge would be? Maybe measure with a before and after picture of a piece of scenery you are working on. Look forward to seeing more develop and who knows one day as you say, see it for real when it makes it out on the road. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Enterprisingwestern Posted November 8, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 8, 2020 3 hours ago, pirouets said: Simon, having watched the Pete Waterman content on the virtual exhibition this weekend, he talks about a Ken Payne loco that took 1hr 53mins to crawl round Leamington Spa can I sow the seed of a daft idea. My tracklaying is that bad too! Mike. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatonLodge40 Posted November 8, 2020 Share Posted November 8, 2020 7 hours ago, pirouets said: Simon, having watched the Pete Waterman content on the virtual exhibition this weekend, he talks about a Ken Payne loco that took 1hr 53mins to crawl round Leamington Spa can I sow the seed of a daft idea. If you get bored one day, just how slow do you reckon a lap of Heaton Lodge would be? Maybe measure with a before and after picture of a piece of scenery you are working on. Look forward to seeing more develop and who knows one day as you say, see it for real when it makes it out on the road. Good question. One of the slowest running locos is a kitbuilt 08 which moves at about 3/4mm a second. Watch this space I shall try it ! 6 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatonLodge40 Posted November 8, 2020 Share Posted November 8, 2020 On 06/11/2020 at 15:00, mac1960 said: Heaton Lodge 40 I was and my family came form Mirfield with an Aunt living on the opposite side of the valley from Mirfield engine shed, with the "New line" running behind her house. I was only young (5) when the "New Line" closed but have good memories of Class 40,s on Liverpool - Newcastle climbing hard from Heaton Lodge junction at around 17.00 each evening. As my grand farther was a loco driver I actually got an unofficial footplate ride on a double headed 9F Oil train from Stockport to Hargreaves Terminal at Heckmondwike on this route when I was 5 - H&S would have a fit today as my grandfather could see the end coming for steam and was due to retire with it.. Came to a stand on the viaduct in the middle of Mirfield Park and he had to get an 8F from Mirfield to give us a shove too get going. They used to really try and get a good run at the bank, so would crank things up as soon as they passed Bradly Cricket pitch (it was there marker as the rear of the train would have cleared Bradly junction). The day was just a blur of sensory overload for a little lad and there were some tears on entering Stanedge tunnel. All a long time ago now but the memory is still very clear. Cheers Mac Those are some great memories to have! Yes the Hargreaves fuel oil terminal stayed open till the 1980’s and after the ‘New Line’ closed in the mid ‘60’s it was accessed via the L&Y line to Bradford via Heckmondwike. I’ve got some footage of a 9F climbing light engine up from HLJ through the dive under and up towards Battyeford. Thanks for sharing those memories Mac. Simon 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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