Wigan Album

Another good one Thomas, and a rather unusual motive power arrangement. As I recall from my days at The Branch, the more normal configuration was two class 20's at the front (pilot and train engine) and two bankers at the rear? Wonderful too to see Bickershaw Jct. completely devoid of trees and undergrowth, with the track beds of the spurs down to the GCR at Strangeways East Jct. .

good picture thomas...unusal having 3 class 20s together thanks for the picture.more........

Dave and Tony,
The train pictured was a special test train to see if it was possible to work trains to F/Ferry with one class20 at the front and one at the back, under the ( radio ) control of one driver. Saves drawback engines at Springs Branch and Warrington.Nothing ever became of the idea.(see BW pic )

Sorry to appear simple, Tom, but how does that account for the three engines in view?

Rev, I think the idea of three engines is not just for motive power, but brake efficiency, alot of weight, real weight when loaded with coal.

Rev, It was the first trip with the train engines working together, and the 'drawback 'engines were attached ( I think ) has a precaution (there had been problems before hand ) The trip up to Bickershaw and back must have been ok,as the they detached at Springs Branch, and the train went forward with one engine on the front and one on the back. If the scheme had been successful,the 'drawback' engines would not have been required.

i remember the testing of the radio control ....why did the scrap it .... i was at arpley in the early 80s when they used to propel all the coal trains.except the trenthams poit of ayre.and the workington ones.

There are 46 trucks loaded with coal, what sort of weight are we talking, you can just about see the banker engine.

Colin, I recall having seen a figure somewhere of around 1350 tons fully laden. No mean weight really when you remember the gradients involved along the branch to and from Bickershaw colliery. There are other pictures on WW under album ... work.. railways .... showing a laden coal train which has de-railed approaching Springs Branch Jct.

Many thanks Dave.

I wouldn't like it to run over my toe, Dave.

is the fenced off areaa the grounds of HMP hindley