Wigan Album

Great picture Winder

Good picture but wheres the steam???

Another excellent photo Winder, this time of a Hughes/Fowler "Crab". One of these locomotives is currently undergoing restoration at the ELR in Bury - estimated cost in the region of £300,000.

You never fail to post some crackers Winder!

A "Crab" was not considered to be a particularly powerful locomotive. That said,how often do you see a modern diesel or electric loco pulling 10 or more coaches today? Progress?

Ahh the beautiful Douglas Valley, now suffering development "creeping" down from Wigan Lane. I noted a new building by the Viaduct a few weeks ago, how they got planning permission is beyond me.

Back to the photo, one of my favourites. Cheers Cliff.

this is a bit of a gem, Winder

When you look at this photograph from 1959 and then compare the same location today,with security fencing, trees and bushes growing wild, what a sad looking site it is.
Anyway, thanks for the comments and who knows our kind hearted Wigan Council might see their way into ripping the fences down and providing a footpath over the viaduct linking the plantations through to Chorley Rd and Standish Junc. We all live in hope!!

Such a fine photo'. The year I was born. Seeing images like this; is one of the times I wish I was older!!!! Plenty of interest about this area, and the Whelley Loop! Please submit more!!! You are a marvel!

Not many branch men liked firing the crabs and they wernt a Branch Loco, usually one which was on loan, that train looks to me like an excursion probably to Blackpool.

Notice the immaculate state of the permanent way and railway embankments; absolutely marvellous. Far cry from the chaos and neglect of the railways today...sad but true.

Very true John. It used to be called maintenance. Lengthsmen were employed to keep the place tidy, today however they are seen as an expense too far.

Great shot - it also appears in large form on the wall of the Crown at Worthington, where you can enjoy it over a beer! I intend re-taking the photo sometime, but it will really be a shot of some trees. The train is almost certainly an excursion - note the reporting number fixed to the front of the Horwich-designed "Crab" loco, plus the mixture of rolling stock, none of which is in the first flush of youth. A guess, but I would think that it's on it's way to Blackpool.

does anyone have this image they can send so it could be blown up?
thanks in advance