Wigan Album

If I remember correctly this box was used to allow engines leave Prescott Loco Sheds (23D /27D) onto the main line. Also used for engineering trains involved in the west coast electrification upgrade to enter and exit the former shed area as the equipment was kept there. My Uncle Ken was a signalman and very often used to work this box

Certainly looks like it. In the 1930's and '40's was called Douglas Bank Sidings.

there was also in earlier days the link line down into Walker Bros. Their railcars came onto the main line here for trial runs at the weekends prior to road transport abroad.

Considering how run-down the railways became in the 1960s, this signal box looks in very good nick - neat, tidy and recently-painted.

Always remember coming home from a day out at Southport by train. First you went under the M6 viaduct, then you passed Douglas Bank signalbox and you knew Wallgate station wasn't far and your Grand Day Out was nearly over.

had also forgotten about the lines into the war time storage depot on the other side of the mainline which stretched down to the box. Additionally this was used a number of times for trains with pigeon carriers which was a terrific sight when the thousands of birds were released at once

Hello, Peter,

I worked with your Uncle Ken for many years. He was a signalman at Wallgate Box, whilst I worked in Wigan No 2 Box. (on the same turn from 1961, for several years) Probably every day we would have a chat with each other, and I found he was a great pal and a gentleman of the highest order. It was a shame he passed away at such a young age, but he left me with lots of happy memories, and will never be forgotten.

Hi, Peter,

In addition to my last comment. I worked in this box many times as a Relief Signalman at Wigan, and I recall it suffered very badly from mining subsidence, and the signalmen working in it, had to walk uphill to answer the block instruments.
The old engine sheds were indeed used to store all the overhead line equipment for the West Coast Main Line electrification scheme, and I worked through it all.
I have written a book about all the signal boxes I worked in around the Wigan area. (Over 40) in addition to the other 40 I worked in throughout the North West of England, at Liverpool, Widnes, and Warrington.
Anyone interested in having a copy, over 500 pages, including over 200 photographs, (many at Wigan) and 50 signal box diagrams. The cost is £19.99. Post and Packaging Free.
You can contact me on the above website.
The book is called 'Sojourn's of a Railway Signalman.'
It is also reviewed on the Amazon website, under railway books, and endorsed by Michael Portillo M.P.

My grandfather worked this signal box in the early 1900's until he retired. He had a wooden leg and I believe he could be heard walking to work before he could be seen