Wigan Album

Can't be 1970s, steam finished in the UK in 1968.

Mid sixties.

I remember steam trains were still in use in the mid 1970s, I remember the long hot summer of '76, sat on an embankment on the old Hindley Green - Platt Bridge line. I'm sure it wasn't a ghost train.

The last hauled steam powered locomotive for British Railways was on the 11th August 1968, before and after that date, thousands of engines and rolling stock were scrapped to make way for diesel power. The photo is clearly BR days and could well be the 50s or 60s. The stanier engine looks like it's ran into the back of a stationary train.

There were still some privately owned steam trains still in operation after 1968, but not in service for BR.

Should read late 1960's

Dave: you may well be right, but...The engines would have been 'dead' ones being towed to Springs Branch for scrapping...High unlikely though in 1976; but maybe in early 1970.

I think he would have needed more than a metal bar to clear that mess up

There is gibo, that's why there's a crain on the left.

Engine pictured is 45414 on a parcel train from Manchester, ran into 45313(Driver Jimmy Lincoln )returning light engine to Springs Branch, early 1965/6. see WW Assorted-Railway page 2 for pic of 45313 at S/B Shed after the accident.

The signalman responsible for this crash came to visit me just before Christmas last year, along with some other signalmen I worked with I Wigan, namely:-
Horace Davies,(an ex box lad of mine) who transferred from Standish Junction signal box onto the Permanent Way department as a welder in September 1972, when the power box opened in Warrington.
Cyril Peers, (also an ex box lad of mine) retiring from Wigan Wallgate signalbox, and
George Clarke, signalman at Boars Head Junction box, leaving the railway when the power box opening and going to British Telecoms as an engineer.
At the present time we are making plans for another reunion later this year.

I remember a crash near Low Hall near Sammies Flood on the line going to Hindley Green.Was this the same accident?

My dad would more than likely have been part of the crane gang sent out to get the wagons back on the tracks. Others would have been Arthur Lewis, Cliff Lancaster, Gordon Brown.

Whilst I've never heard the names Low Hall or Sammies Flood in the Hindley area, in answer to your query. I would say this is the crash you mentioned.

Tony, do you remember my uncleJames Whittle, he was a signalman in Hindley no2 till it closed

Of course I remember Jimmy Whittle.

Further aitch, your Uncle Jimmy trained me to work Hindley No 2, but at that time it had been decimated, with a lot of track being taken out

TONY COOK.There is a photo on assorted railways page 2 photo 18 by Thomas Sutch item 10681 .Where the train is on the line is where I remember the accidident happened.Some mail coaches were left down the embankment for a while and we had loads of fun playing in them

Thanks OW

This accident took place in March 1965.

Thanks for the info baldylocks

Correction to my comment above.
It was more than likely to have been late February 1965/early March 1965 when this happened.

After going though my notes,both locos in this collision were taken to Springs Branch,declared a write off beyond economic repair by BR,then disposed & sent for scrapping in late March 65.
Possibly at Ince wagon works.

Hi Tony Cook, remember me, ex box lad Wallgate and Signalman Bickershaw Jc? I'm trying to contact Cyril Peers do you have a contact point.

Hi, Gordon,

Yes, I can put you in touch with Cyril.

e-mail me tony.cook75@yahoo.com for info.

Tony

Through wiganworld I was able to put Gordon in touch with Cyril, and at the same time get in contact with Dave Borshik, who worked all together along with me over 40 years ago at Wigan.
In addition many, many more of my former colleagues, have come out of the woodwork since I started viewing this site.
Thanks a lot.
Tony Cook. Retired Signalman.