Wigan Album

Plenty steam to spare to take on the Orrell to Up Holland clime. The fireman would be shoveling coal by now.

Notice the immaculately mown embankment going all the way to Warrington Road bridge. This was a time when the permanent way gangs competed against each other for who could have the neatest section. What pride they had in their jobs way back then.

Steam train use to set fire to the embankment jarvo, keeping all unwanted growth controlled.

Fire? That was if the fireman got his fire wrong. And of course several did. But a good fireman never lit any railway embankment up...his mate wouldn't allow it!

Nothing to do with the fireman, if sparks coming from firebox under engine. Many corn/wheat fields been set on fire by steam trains.

no smoke from the chimney indicates no firing taking place.
the driver would have rattled down the bank from hindley to westwood and mostly momentum would get them to upholland tunnel where the driver would like has not shut off steam till kirby.

Anybody what and where those flats are (were)

http://www.wiganworld.co.uk/album/photo.php?opt=4&id=16247&gallery=Poolstock+Lane%2C+Worsley+Mesnes&offset=0