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Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Wigan Album

Roburite Works, Gathurst

7 Comments

Roburite Deisel
Roburite Deisel
Photo: Gordon Jennings
Views: 3,479
Item #: 25361
Roburite loco in 1990`s driven, i think, by Phil Vaughn

Comment by: Gordon Jennings on 16th July 2014 at 12:49

Possibly nearer to mid 80`s

Comment by: Nev on 17th July 2014 at 11:07

This is a rare photo. Did it always have the flower on the front? The site is now graced (?) with housing. Got any more, Gordon?

Comment by: Gordon Jennings on 18th July 2014 at 10:12

Unfortunately, Nev, being an explosives factory, photography was very much frowned upon but I am surprised that no photos have surfaced of the locos pulling their loads accross the steel girder bridge, which spanned the Douglas valley, and then through the tunnel to the station yard ( now the station pub car park) where the explosives were loaded onto BR wagons for dispatch. I'm not sure if the loco was acquired in this form or transformed from its original rectangular shape on site but was used for giving short rides on the seated bogie in the background at functions like the employees children's Christmas parties. The flower was not used for day to day running.

Comment by: Gordon Jennings on 18th July 2014 at 11:41

Here is a link to said bridge and loco photo on Flickr.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/72213853@N03/7880493186/

Comment by: Albert. on 18th July 2014 at 15:41

Gordon. A very good photograph on the website you gave. There is also an exceptional amount of railway coverage too.

Comment by: Christopher A Darbyshire on 18th July 2014 at 16:22

During or about the time of the 1st World War some female ancestors of mine worked at Roburite, and I have a photo of one group of girls from that time on this website. Could I ask you Gordon if you know of any archive records re Roburite and where they might be housed if they exist. It would help my Speakman family history searches a lot I'm sure.

Comment by: Gordon Jennings on 18th July 2014 at 17:50

Christopher, the present offices for Orica operations is at Stonecrop north quarry bussines park in Appley Bridge, tel 01257 256100. Not sure if they would keep the archives that you are interested in but may be able to steer you in the right direction. Another option is the history shop in the Wigan museum in library street who may have some records. Good luck.

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