Wigan Album
Railways
11 Comments
Photo: David Halliwell
Item #: 26081
Now THATS a BEAST.
these remind me so much of my Dad - Ernie Morris. he was a Goods Guard based at Springs branch. he loved his job. When he retired, he carried on until the Beeching cuts took his job.
As I have told before on WW, my brother worked at Springs Branch when I was a little girl, and I was often lifted onto the platform of these engines to watch coal being shovelled into the fire. I was a child in the right era because they wouldn't allow it now.
Hello Irene
Strictly speaking they didn't allow it then either, but it did happen regularly.
I agree though - it wouldn't happen today!
That's true, David, but I never came to any harm, and I don't suppose child relatives of any of the railwaymen did. I know I was the envy of many little lads who lived near me!
Dave,Irene,always playing down Branch as a lad. Went on Footplate with Driver & Fireman to Turntable and back to Sheds toads of times.No H&S in 50's.
Hi Jimmy
In 1961/2 we used to go to the 'branch' every Sunday afternoon - never had a problem getting round as it was always quiet. Never got a ride on a footplate though.
During the summers of 1958,59&60 at Garswood Sidings me and my friends would often be on the footplate whilst the engines were shunting.The biggest thrill was being allowed to open the regulator when we got the all clear from the box. Incidentally David The Ranger was often the loco.on a daily train from Preston to Liverpool which we called the 8o'clock namer. See Wiganworld/Places/Garswood
Irene,Dave.Happy Days if we could only turn the clock back.
We can, Jimmy, just for a little while, on Wigan World. The internet has a lot to answer for, but for decent people, who just enjoy sharing memories, it is amazing.
Before my dad died suddenly in 1953 when I was 5 we lived in a railway cottage off Billinge road in Pemberton.I remember the times when the embankment caught fire it was so close to the house.I still love that smell of burning grass! The cottage shook when a train passed. One day my dad stopped his train and let my climb on to the footplate. My dad Norman Taylor was a goods driver out of Springs Branch in the late 1940s/early 50s. Anybody know of him? What a beast a train seemed to a four year old!