Wigan Album

doubt its the 70,s as water tower and fire are still extant

another fine shot of a mac rat nice.

Lovely shot! Captures the atmosphere perfectly. The water column looks out of use to me, there was usually a dome on the top.

The houses/offices on Chapel Lane which were opposite the old fire Station ca be seen on the extreme right. Not demolished until late 1970's to make way for the ringroad. Could the crane gantry structure between the Water Hydrant and the Engine be that used to build the now empty former Police Staion on Harrogate Street? It was a modular building on a steel frame mainly manufactured off site and assembled in situ, hence the need for lifting gear. If thats the case, if anyone can date the Police Station, it will give a date for the photo.

if my memory serves me right (it was many moons ago) we used to call these engines "sulzers" in my train-spotting days

If my memory serves me well the 25kv OHL electrification system was energised through Wigan in 1972(1974 to Glasgow). There is no sign of commencement of these works on this picture so I would suggest it was more than likely taken in the late 60s.

Maybe 1968, when it was allocated to Springs Branch.

(http://www.brdatabase.info/locoqry.php?action=locodata&id=5206&type=D&loco=5206)