springs branch

On 06/02/2013 at 21:51, APOLLO said:

All the next set of shots were taken by my dad, (with me spotting - but I lost the notes decades ago !!). A couple (the super D and the semi) from the late 50's early 60's. The rest in 1966 and 67, when the Brits had their last fling.

 

We are at Whitley Crossing, a mile or so north of Wigan North Western on the 1 in 104 climb out of town, a pretty stiff climb from a standing start, and trains not stopping and running at the bank had a 50mph restriction through the station. So, hard work in steam days.

 

The nearby signalbox is Rylands Sidings which controlled access to the sidings and former Beech Hill and Standish colliery railway system which closed around 1964. The sidings were used in 66 / 67 by engineering trains. Rylands sidings had 30 levers, and was situated adjacent to the up line, 1463 yards south of Boars Head Junction, closing on 1 Oct 1972. The overhead electric went live in July 1973.

 

Incidentally on the flat land behind the crossing the new girls high school was being built at this time. This was demolished in 1992 land is now occupied by housing. The footpath crossing (locally known as Whitley Crossing) was replaced by a footbridge around 2000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here its what it's like here today. These shots taken through the god awfull pallisade fencing. Is it to keep us out, or them in ???

 

This is probably the best shot I've ever taken. 8 o'clock in the morning in April, sun just came out in time !! Tornado Northbound.

 

 

 

And finally Whitley Crossing's replacement bridge. The old signalbox was about behind where the middle of this DMU is.

 

 

Oh for the good old days. The Brits allways whistled for the crossing here - wonderfull.

 

Brit15

These are brilliant photos and bring back so many memories (but if a later time). Grew up around there and spent hours and hours there in the late 70s, 80s and early 90s. For the last 30 years drive past there on the railway. It’s completely different now. 

Wow, that must sound far worse than it actually was. Done skate moves on wagons that didn’t sound anywhere near as bad as that. 

29 minutes ago, 9C85 said:

 

More like this...

 

Keep posting these, I have been trying to get him to go back to early 80s for ages. Hopefully 1984 as the 20s had just arrived in the north west. Best time ever with 08, 20, 25, 37, 40, 45s (on the north Wales), 47, 56 (push a 58!), rosters, 86, the best 87s along with brilliant blue squares, random EMUs and the APT. 

58 minutes ago, The Johnster said:

He probably shouldn't be, unless the up slow is speed restricted to less than 40mph which would be unusual.  And he can't open the throttle any more than keeping her going at 40mph until the rear of his train has cleared on to the up main; then he can work her up to line speed.

Cant see a problem in opening up. Back end is clear of the points coming from the Royal Mail Terminal onto the up slow, and now opening up for the 40mph crossover.

Scarborough again, thus time testing the DT ability to activate track circuits in the other direction.

Out again with set 9 tomorrow. Set 1 out Wed-Fri night MID-Crewe-Runcorn-Liverpool Lime Street.

A couple from today's Nova 3 CAF Mk5a run from Manchester to Scarborough and back.

If things go anywhere near a plan I'm taking the class 397 from Crewe to Carlisle and back next Thursday and Friday. Booked off Crewe around 0645ish. We should also have the Mk5a Nova 3 set out to Carlisle so depending on whether that's a MID and back or a Blechley we will either pass somewhere on WCML or be at Carlisle together.

A couple of cold starts....

Great photos. Does anyone have any photos of the concourse in the kate 80s?

Hi folks,

 

Don't think I've posted these before...

 

Taken at Glasgow Queen St. in July 1986.

 

47705

 

47705 at Queen St ready to depart for Aberdeen 090786.jpg

 

47711

 

47711 ready to depart for Waverley Queen St 090786.jpg

 

37406

 

37406 ready to depart from Queen St 090786.jpg

 

37405

 

37405 ready to depart at Queen 090786.jpg

 

37405 nameplate at Queen St 090786.jpg

 

374 at Queen St 090786.jpg

 

47422

 

37422 arriving at Queen St from Oban 090786.jpg

 

Happy days

Some differant shots of a 47. This one is Freightliners 47830.

I wish to echo Simon's comments. We had great time and was lovely to hear the great comments.

Simon concentrating very hard operating today.

Normal service then resumed.

Having a bit of a play and brought Dallam up to date with 66418 Patriot (limited edition for Project Railway Honour), 70003 and 66610.

Mmmm much rather it be 1984.

66418 on Dallam

66418 on Dallam

It's 84 that we need as 20s only came to the north west then. May get away with coal trains though due to the miners strike.

OK, you have finally convinced me, 1984 it is then!!!!

1984 mate

Just think what was around

81,85,86+87

20s had arrived, 25/40, 45,46,47,56 plus the odd random stuff off the Chat Moss heading to Wales.

First generation DMUS, and parcel DMUS

APT

Different liveries coming through

OhL train and th crane off the Branch

Come on you know you want to......

Regarding dates, I travelled behind 40145 from Carnforth to Man Vic on Friday, stock move for Saturday, and discussions were had regards how to include a 40!

 

2017-06-11 08.42.59.jpg

 

It was an excellent tour btw.

 

Cheers

 

Simon

I know a way mate, 1984!

Got mine today, thank you so much and feel very proud to have played a part in this great project.

We are DCC! Wow I feel violated, just don't tell Peter.

27008 was the last and was withdrawn in August 1987 after a big withdrawal in July. I think summer 87 to Summer 89 will be better.

Why do I fall for it everything!

Still looks good though mate, 9 months easy look how quick Dallam was done!!!