3. To Stranraer & The Lakes-26.07.18

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2018 > 52. An Anglo-Scottish adventure-24-27.07.18 > 3. To Stranraer & The Lakes-26.07.18

A day that involved a fair bit of driving. We covered the Stranraer Road from Ayr that goes through some amazingly remote countryside affording some spectacular scenery. We then headed south back to the southern Lakes taking the old A6 over Shap rather than the M6 due to its complete closure near Lancaster. An overnight stay at Barrow-in-Furness followed and a lovely curry just near to the station.

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Images 1-38 of 38 displayed.

156450, SR 07.02 Stranraer-Glasgow Central (1A11, 1L), Maybole station
Maybole is a small town on the 'Road to Stranraer' about ten miles south of Ayr. Its most notable claim to fame is that is a very short distance from the birthplace of Robert Burns. The railway station was opened in 1860 by the Maybole and Girvan Railway. Here, 156450 leaves the station forming the 07.02 Stranraer to Glasgow Central. The old down platform can be seen to the left has become very overgrown since the line was singled in 1973 and it went out of use.
Keywords: 156450 1A11 Maybole station

Frontage, Maybole station
Looking lovely in the early morning sunlight the frontage of Maybole station is seen. It has no station facilities now but the lower of the two buildings in the foreground is in use by Network Rail. The rest of the station is occupied by a small local convenience shop.

Kilkerran signal box (GSW, 1895)
This signal box took a little finding! Apart from its remote location in the rolling hills north of Girvan it takes its name from the grand Kilkerran House some three miles away. This is despite that the actual signal box and, until it closed in 1965, station is actually situated in the village of Ruglen. Naming a station or a crossing after the local landed gentry's residence was common practice in Victorian times and usually acted as a sweetener to the them who's land the railway was going to pass through. The signal box is a Glasgow and South Western structure erected in 1895 to replace two previous boxes at the same location.
Keywords: Kilkerran signal box

Girvan signal box (GSW, c.1893)
Girvan signal box sits proudly on the station end at the station of the same name. It's a classic GSW structure that is in good condition and was opened about 1893. The track layout at Girvan is quite complicated as it is passing point and there is also a pair of rail connected sidings just like the old days!
Keywords: Girvan signal box

156450, SR 09.00 Girvan-Ayr (1A57, RT), Girvan station
Having run up from Ayr, 156450 terminated at Girvan. After a quick change of ends, a PN break for the driver and the train is ready to return as the 09.00 departure back to Ayr. The train was pleasingly busy for an off-peak working. This train, as are all on this line, is supported by The Stranraer to Ayr Line Support Association. This has become an important association who work hard to keep the line going given that the ferry terminal at Stranraer closed in 2011 causing a reduction in train services.
Keywords: 156450, 1A57 Girvan station

156450, SR 09.00 Girvan-Ayr (1A57, RT), Girvan station
In beautiful weather, 156450 is about to leave Girvan with the 09.00 to Ayr. This train had just arrived from Ayr and does a quick turn round after the driver took a breif PN break. To the left is the G&SW 1893 signal box that controls a fairly complex area of track and signalling.
Keywords: 156450 09.00 Girvan-Ayr 1A57 Girvan station

Starter signals, Girvan station
For anybody who takes Traction magazine, a bi-monthly publication for which I produce occasional articles, they will have seen an almost identical picture to this image on page 11 of edition 247 (September/October 2018). Admittedly, my shot does not have a pair of 40s and some Mk1 stock but the semaphores are the same but with a bit more lineside vegetation! In this view, looking south, the hills in the distance are those to be surmounted on immediately leaving the station. This involves some three miles 1:54 climbing to Pinmore Tunnel, then, following a decent, a sustained nine miles of climbing through Barrhill to milepost 16½.
Keywords: Starter signals Girvan station

Frontage, Girvan station
The unusual but not unattractive station frontage at Girvan. This was built to typical LMS style but not opened until 1951, some years after the LMS had been subsumed into British Railways following nationalisation in 1947! It was rebuilt because the original 1877 building was destroyed by fire in January 1946. In 2009 the restored station clock was returned, allegedly the original one. Following leaving Girvan station Andy and I had a pretty fruitless search for some breakfast. We had to make-do with some supermarket grub eaten on the seafront!
Keywords: Girvan station

156436, SR 08.08 Glasgow Central-Stranraer (1A10, RT), Barrhill station
Barrhill station is situated high up in the hills between Girvan and Stranraer. The actual station is located some mile or so high above the village of the same name. In this shot, ScotRail 156436 arrives at the station working the 08.08 from Glasgow Central to Stranraer. The line is double track for a short distance through the station to act as an intermediate passing loop that is controlled by the tiny signal box.
Keywords: 156436 1A10 Barrhill station

Exchanging the tablets, 156436, SR 08.08 Glasgow Central-Stranraer (1A10, RT), Barrhill station
The signalwoman at Barrhill exchanges the tablets with the driver of the 08.08 Glasgow Central to Stranraer being worked by 156436. Barrhill station is a pretty remote spot high up in the hills of south west Scotland, benign on day such as this, but in the depths of winter it would be a very different place!
Keywords: Exchanging the tablets 156436 1A10 Barrhill station

Barrhill signal box (GSW, 1935)
The diminutive signal box at Barrhill! Room only for one person to operate the levers in this former GSW box that was erected in 1935. It had previously been situated at Portpatrick and was brought to Barrhill to replace the previous Caledonian box that had been destroyed by a fire. In the adjacent station building is a very rare Tyer's Electric Tablet instrument that is also operated by the signalman.
Keywords: Barrhill signal box

Glenwhilly signal box (GSW, c.1907)
Glenwhilly signal box is situated in the most glorious but remote spot high up in the hills of the county of Dumfries and Galloway. It looks as though it's had a lot of work to make it weather-proof in order to withstand the extreme conditions that will it have to endure during a Scottish winter! The box has a number of semaphore arms and a passing loop and sits on the remains of the old station platform. The box was constructed by the GSW railway about 1908, but, at the time of writing, its future is uncertain as resignalling of the line is imminent.
Keywords: Glenwhilly signal box

Trackwork & signalling, Glenwhilly
In the foreground the trackwork at Glenwhilly can be seen composed of a through line, a passing loop and a siding. There is a shunting ground signal as well as an up and down home signal. Up until 1965, there was a station at this remote spot, quite where the passengers came from who used it was a mystery as all there is are some scattered remote farms and plenty of sheep!
Keywords: Glenwhilly

Dunragit signal box (LMS, 1927)
Dunragit signal box close to the shore of Luce Bay. It's an impressive LMS built box of 1927 vintage replacing an existing structure. The box is in good external condition having many of its original features, including the windows.
Keywords: Dunragit signal box

Former station & platform, Dunragit (Closed, 1965)
Dunragit station closed in 1965 along with a number of others on the route between Stranraer and Ayr and the complete closure of the Portpatrick and Wigtownshire Joint Railway from Challoch Junction to Dumfries, commonly referred to as The Port Road. The platform remains can be seen here with the old station building.
Keywords: station platform Dunragit

Dunragit signal box (LMS, 1927)
Dunragit signal box from the rear. This is an LMS Type 12 box built in 1927. Apart from the ugly toilet block extension on the end it is largely 'as-built'. It utilises the last surviving example of electric tablet working on the national railway network that is linked to Glenwhilly and Barrhill boxes.
Keywords: Dunragit signal box

Stranraer (Harbour) signal box (GSW, 1897)
Situated on the harbour wall Stranraer signal box is switched out for most of the time. It is in good condition having been weather proofed to protect it from the elements. I photographed the box during my 1984 Railrover but it was seeing a lot more use then operating the various sidings and also because both of Stranraer's platforms were in use then. The box was constructed by the GSW and opened in 1897.
Keywords: Stranraer Harbour signal box

Stranraer station from pier end
The sidings in this view at Stranraer have not seen any use for a long time. The decay around the station was much in evidence and was largely due to the closure of the port in 2011 following the opening of a purpose built facility named Loch Ryan Port, near Cairnryan some five miles away. This left the station in a difficult position as its location and purpose was largely due to the ferry traffic to and from Ireland. ScotRail immediately reduced train services and a bus link now connects the station with Lock Ryan Port; not nearly as convenient as getting off the train and straight on to the ferry!
Keywords: Stranraer station

Former car loading ramp, Stranraer Pier
The rusting hulk of the former car loading ramp on Stranraer Pier. There was once a Motorail terminal at Stranraer and this was where the cars were driven on and off the carriers. Indeed, I have a picture taken in 1984 of a double deck car carrier in the siding full of vehicles.
Keywords: Stranraer Pier

Andy, Stranraer station
Andy on the platform of Stranraer station. Despite the general rundown nature of the station surroundings, the staff make an effort to keep it as attractive as possible with flower boxes and an a general air of cleanliness. As can be seen, the starter signal behind Andy is off. The box is switched out so all trains are controlled by the next box along the line at Dunragit.
Keywords: Andy Stranraer station

Up home signal, Dunragit NX152572
A GSW wrought iron lattice signal post just east of Dunragit. Unfortunately it has lost its finial and has gained a rather ugly modern ladder. Also, this picture was the cause of a big and very bloody gash on my shin from the barbed wire fence I had to negotiate; it's dangerous this hobby of ours!
Keywords: Up home signal, Dunragit NX152572

156509, SR 11.04 Kilmarnock-Stranraer (1A64, RT), Dunragit NX152572
156509 working the 11.04 Kilmarnock to Stranraer is slowing for its brief stop at Dunragit to facilitate the token exchange. After it had passed, I took the opportunity to access a small foot crossing to capture it passing the up GSW up lattice signal.
Keywords: 156509 1A64 Dunragit NX152572

156471 & 153328, NT 16.24 Oxenholme Lake District-Windermere (2C28, 2L), Kendal station
With Northern having reinstated some its services on the Windermere Branch a couple of weeks earlier, 156471 and 153328 enter Kendal station forming the 16.24 Oxenholme to Windermere. As can be seen in this picture, the fine and sunny weather of the previous few days had given way to cloudy but very humid conditions.
Keywords: 156471 153328 2C28 Kendal station

Crossing keeper hut & gates, Burneside SD503954
I was inspired to visit this location by the front cover of Rail Magazine Edition 856. It showed a WCR class 57 leading one of the replacement trains that the TOC operated along the line in lieu of Northern being able to do so. Until I saw this front cover, I was totally unaware that there were semaphores on this short branch line, but, there behind the 57 at Burneside was a home signal, the same one that can be seen in the background of this image to the left. Also shown, is one of the manually operated level crossing gates and the crossing keeper's rather unattractive hut looking more akin to a container box!
Keywords: Crossing keeper hut gates Burneside SD503954

Closing the crossing gates, Burneside SD503954
The signalman has emerged from his keeper's hut and is closing the gates to road users in the village of Burneside. Despite it being a fairly quiet village a fair number of vehicles soon built up either side of the gates.
Keywords: Closing the crossing gates Burneside SD503954

Crossing keeper, operating the ground frame, Burneside SD503954
Having closed the crossing gates over the minor road in Burneside village, the crossing keeper operates the ground-frame that will pull off the home signal to allow a train to pass. This is a remarkable survival of Victorian Infrastructure in a sea of digital signalling! I suspect that the cost of manning the crossing will lead to it being automated very soon.
Keywords: Crossing keeper operating the ground frame Burneside SD503954

153328 & 156471, NT 16.48 Windermere-Oxenholme Lake District (2C15, 2L), Burneside SD503954
Having run earlier down to Windermere, 153328 and 156471 return with the 16.48 to Oxenholme or 'Oxenholme Lake District' as Network Rail and the TOCs persist in calling it. The combo is seen approaching Burneside level crossing passing the protecting up home semaphore. The train has just left Burneside station that is just around the corner out of shot behind the grey box.
Keywords: 153328 156471 2C15 Burneside SD50395

156471 & 153328, NT 16.48 Windermere-Oxenholme Lake District (2C15, 2L), Burnside SD503954
This is the picture that I wanted! However, I would have preferred the subject matter to have been a class 57 as per the front cover of Rail magazine's edition 856 rather than a mundane unit! The DMU combination of 156471 and 153328 is working Northern's 16.48 Windermere to Oxenholme past Burneside's down home signal that protects the manual level crossing from where I am taking the picture.
Keywords: 156471 153328 2C15 Burnside SD503954

156429, NT 14.41 Carlisle-Lancaster (2C58), Grange-over-Sands station
By the time Andy and I had come out of The Lakes and reached the south Cumbrian Coast the sun had come back out again. In absolutely superb light, 156429 arrives at Grange-over-Sands station working the very late running 14.41 Carlisle to Lancaster. The guard peers out of the rear cab, no doubt wondering if there will be more complaints aimed at him because of the continuation of Northern's terrible handling of their 'timetable changes' that caused such chaos over the last few months. Grange-over-Sands is a superb station in a stunning spot with the estuary of Morecambe Bay stretching out to the back of it.
Keywords: 156429 2C58 Grange-over-Sands station

156429, NT 14.41 Carlisle-Lancaster (2C58), Grange-over-Sands
156429 leaves Grange-over-Sands forming the 14.41 Carlisle to Lancaster 2C58 working. The train is passing Grange's up starter signal and BR box of 1956 vintage. It's been many years since I have visited Grange-over-Sands but I am feeling the 'need' to go back again soon before the Victorian signalling is wiped away.
Keywords: 156429 2C58 Grange-over-Sands

Grange-over-Sands signal box (BR, 1956)
Grange-over-Sands signal box was last photographed by me in 1985 on a dull and damp October day. The background was somewhat different then with no trees and it had a chimney with some smoke drifting out of it. The box is a BR Type 15 structure built in 1956 and is looking good apart from the non-standard (but H&S compliant) steps.
Keywords: Grange-over-Sands signal box

156484, NT 18.02 Barrow-in-Furness-Lancaster (2C34, RT), Kents Bank station
As Andy walks along the platform at Kents Bank station, 156484 arrives with the 18.02 Barrow-in-Furness to Lancaster working. Another lovely station that was well tended and situated at a super spot on the edge of Morecambe Bay.
Keywords: 156484 2C34 Kents Bank station

68034 & 68004, 17.38 Sellafield B.N.F.-Crewe Coal Sidings (6K73), Cark station
The one that nearly got away! If it not been for a HGV learner driver getting his truck stuck in Cark's Market Street then Andy and I would have arrived at Cark and Cartmel station in time to get a proper shot of this working! However, a going-away shot has the sun in the right position so it's not all bad! 68034 and 68004 'Rapid' speed through the station working the 17.38 Sellafield to Crewe Yard empty nuclear flask train.
Keywords: 68034 68004 17.38 Sellafield B.N.F.-Crewe Coal Sidings 6K73 Cark station

156443, NT 20.20 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle (2C51, 4L) & 185127, NT 17.42 Manchester Airport-Barrow-in-Furness (1C54, 3L), Barrow-in-Furness station
After a quick shower and a change of clothes Andy and I headed into 'downtown' Barrow-in-Furness in search of a curry house! Before commencing our search, we called in at Barrow station and were greeted with some amazing evening light. To the left, 156443 is about to leave with the 20.20 to Carlisle. Whilst on the right, 185127 has just arrived with the terminating 17.42 from Manchester Airport. Barrow retains some superb semaphores all controlled by the signal box on the platform end.
Keywords: 156443 2C51 185127 1C54 Barrow-in-Furness station

156443, NT 20.20 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle (2C51, 4L) & 185127, NT 17.42 Manchester Airport-Barrow-in-Furness (1C54, 3L), Barrow-in-Furness station
185127 draws out of Barrow-in-Furness station having arrived with the 1C54 from Manchester Airport. Notice that the miniature calling-on signal is raised allowing the train to pass the down starter at danger so it could make the short journey to the carriage sidings just behind where I am standing where it would be serviced and prepared for its next service. There are dramatic skies above the station, the very hot and humid weather was on the cusp of a change!
Keywords: 156443 2C51 185127 1C54 Barrow-in-Furness station

156443, NT 20.20 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle (2C51, 4L), Barrow-in-Furness signal box (Furness, 1907)
The last time I visited Barrow I was afforded a visit into the signal box. I also saw a class 25 working an ICI weedkilling train passing through the station, all this back in October 1985. A glint shot as 156443 leaves the station past the 1907 built Furness signal box forming the 20.20 Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle working. This would be a delightful and dramatic journey along the Cumbrian Coast on a lovely summer's evening such as this.
Keywords: 156443 2C51 Barrow-in-Furness signal box

Starter signals, Barrow-in-Furness station
With a dramatic evening sky the view from the end of Barrow-in-Furness station. With Abbey Road bridge in the background the up starter signals stand out nicely against the stonework.
Keywords: Starter signals Barrow-in-Furness station

Frontage, Barrow-in-Furness station
Barrow station at this site was opened in 1882 and did its job until 7th May 1940 when it was destroyed by German bombing. Eventually, the station was rebuilt and re-opened in the late 1950s. I like its styling, being very much of its time. In recent years, the station has undergone extensive refurbishment and gate line barriers have been installed.
Keywords: Frontage Barrow-in-Furness station

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