Wigan Album

A magnificent picture. Photos of this particular box are rare and usually caught in the background as an after thought when the WCML is being photographed. Unusual angle too, with the loco pulling bogie flats by the look of it, off the connection from the main line between the Branch and Manchester Exchange, round onto the Lancashire Union line towards Ince Moss Jct. An absolute belter.

Great photo Brian, Yes I agree with Dave, we dont see much of the fir tree box. I would say the trains off to Fords at Hailwood, this line and the Whelley loop was used heavy to transport new vehicles.

Where is or was this line ?

Tim,
This was part of the 1869 Lancashire Union line that ran between Gerrards Bridge (St. Helens) and Adlington Jct. , the second portion of this line then left the Lancashire and Yorkshire main line between Chorley and Euxton Jct. just north of Chorley, and ran to Cherry Tree just to the west of Blackburn. In popular local lore the line was always known as the “Whelley line”. The particular view in the photo is looking approximately north east and shows Fir Tree House Jct. S/Box, and the cameraman is standing on the south side of the WCML. Just behind the camera is Ince Moss Jct. and in the foreground just behind the telegraph pole are the six running lines on the WCML (Slows, Fasts and Goods). At this point the Whelley line crossed over the top of the WCML. The reason for the S/Box here was because the original “Whelley” line went straight on behind the S/Box and on towards Amberswood West and East Jct’s, and Whelley itself. As it did so it crossed over the top of the 1864 LNWR main line from Wigan to Manchester Exchange station.
At a later date the LNWR put a connecting spur in from the Wigan to Manchester Exchange line onto the Whelley line. The train in the picture is coming round this spur to join onto the Whelley line towards Ince Moss and St. Helens. You can see the Platt Bridge Jct. end of this same spur in one of Tommy Sutch’s excellent photos on WW No.:- 15080. Tommy has also put one on of Amberswood West Jct. No.:- 15069. Cheers, Dave

in the 60s if the turn table at springs branch was broken we used this junction to turn the steam engines, shed to platt bridge junction then via fairtree to ince moss then back to springs branch on the st helens - Wigan line

Thats interesting Roland, I didn't realsie that was an available move to the staff. Are you related to the Cliff Harter whose picture appears on WW/work/railways; cycling along the canal bank at Bamfurlong with his nipper on the handlebars No. 5827?

Cliff was my eldest brother sadly he died 3 years ago I finished on the railway in 69 after the steam had gone.

I am sorry to hear that Roland. That picture of your brother belting along the canal tow-path with his nipper on the cross-bar (I think it is),is one of my all time favourite pictures on WW. Such a lovely cheeky grin, although the youngser doesn't look quite as impressed mind! Not as used to the sway and fall of the footplate at speed as dad I imagine!. Thanks for sharing the memory Roland, much obliged. Cheers, Dave

Roland,sorry to hear about your Cliff,however your Norman still going strong.I only started at Branch in 70