2. The Exe Valley & south Teeside-16.04.19

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2019 > 29. A Yorkshire Ramble-15 & 16.04.19 > 2. The Exe Valley & south Teeside-16.04.19

After a superb drive across the North Yorkshire Moors on the A169 Andy and I caught a bit of steam action at Grosmont. We then travelled the length of the delightful Esk Valley. Foloowing this, we did the Saltburn, Redcar and Middlesborough line followed by an evening stop at Northallerton and Thirsk on the journey home. I was defeated by one signal box and Andy by one station, both within a mile or so of each other so we may have to re-visit some time!

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Images 1-39 of 39 displayed.

D2207, stabled, Pickering station car park sidings
On our drive to Whitby, Andy and I stopped off at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway station at Pickering. Stabled on the turntable, adjacent to the car park, is D2207 that looks superb in its British Railways green livery. The class 04 shunter, that was withdrawn in 1967 thus never receiving a TOPS number, is used all over the NYMR for stock movements and shunting.
Keywords: D2207 Pickering station car park sidings

Sleights signal box (Closed) (NE, c.1876)
Behind the veil of ivy is Sleights' ex North Eastern signal box! From the rear it is virtually unrecognisable but appears to be largely intact.
Keywords: Sleights signal box

Sleights signal box (Closed) (NE, c.1876)
From the front, Sleights' former signal box is much easier to recognise for what it is as it is from the rear! The North Eastern box was constructed circa 1876 just at the end of the station platforms. As well as operating the semaphores it also controlled a level crossing for the A169 road that then crossed the River Esk that flows just behind the box. However, the stone built bridge that carried the road over the river was washed away in floods during 1930. This necessitated the construction of the present day bridge just to the west of the station and the closure of the level crossing. Over the subsequent years, the Esk Valley line was rationalised with all of the signal boxes being closed. Despite these closures it still uses a physical token system, modified so that the drivers operate the token instruments themselves. This system of working is known as No Signalman Token Remote. Token cabinets at Whitby, Glaisdale and Battersby and a signalman at Nunthorpe pass on key tokens to train drivers as authority to occupy specific line sections, ensuring that only one train can run on a section at a time.
Keywords: Sleights signal box

Frontage, Whitby station
The last picture that I took of Whitby station's frontage was very different to how it does in 2019, see..... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/29786091004/station-frontage-lner-clock-whitby The Wonderfull arches and matching mullion windows were covered up by, from left to right, a newsagent, a tobacconists and an electrical shop. The only entrance to the station was to the left-hand side and a very run down it was too. However, the station and section of line to Grosmont has undergone a bit of a revival in recent years with the return of steam to the mainline as the NYMR operate some of their service trains through to Pickering from Whitby. Indeed, the NYMR insignia can be seen next to the station name above the left-hand mullion. The station interior has been hugely improved with the second platform and track reinstated and a run round facility for the steam locomotives.
Keywords: Frontage Whitby station

926, 09.19 Grosmont-Whitby (1T10, 7L), Ruswarp station
This was one of those situations when as we approached the level crossing in the car, the barriers went down and we had no time to get to a decent spot so it's a bit of a head-on shot of a tender first working. However, it's one worth taking and keeping as it's the first time that I have seen fare paying scheduled steam hauled service on the network. Maunsell designed 4-4-0 'V Class' better known as the 'Schools Class' number 926 'Repton' crosses the River Esk on the approach to Ruswarp station. It is working the NYMR's 1T10 09.19 Pickering to Whitby. On arrival at Whitby, just over a mile away, the locomotive will round round ready to lead the return Pickering service.
Keywords: 926 09.19 Grosmont-Whitby 1T10 Ruswarp station

926, NY 10.00 Wjitby-Pickering (1T11, 60E), Grosmont station
926 'Repton' comes off the national network and on to NYMR metals under its impressive and recently installed gantry. The gantry saw service a fairly short distance south of here at Falsgrave in the throat of Scarborough station. When the signalling was upgraded in 2010 it was removed and gifted to the NYMR with a plaque on Grosmont station commemorating the event. 926 'Repton' leads the 1T11 10.00 Whitby to Pickering service that, according to Realtime Trains arrived sixty minutes early!
Keywords: 926 10.00 Whitby-Pickering 1T11 Grosmont station

926, NY 10.00 Whitby-Pickering (1T11, 60E), Grosmont station
A little out of place on the North Yorkshire Moors, ex Southern 4-4-0 925 'Repton' arrives at Grosmont station leading the 10.00 Whitby to Pickering service. This 1T11 service has just left the national network that continues along the Esk Valley behind the fence to the left. The platform behind me was pretty busy with passengers so it appears that the NYMR is doing good trade with its trains.
Keywords: 926 10.00 Whitby-Pickering 1T11 Grosmont station

1264, NY 09.25 Pickering-Whitby (1T12, RT), Grosmont station
Carrying its LNER number 1264 arrives into Grosmont station leading the 09.25 Pickering to Whitby train. The stock it's leading looks equally as superb as does the Thompson B1 that carried the British railways number of 61264 up until its withdrawal and then final use as a stationary boiler at Colwick. On leaving Grosmont, 1264 will lead the train on the final part of its journey, six miles on the national network to Whitby along the glorious Esk Valley.
Keywords: 1264 09.25 Pickering-Whitby 1T12 Grosmont station

Nameplate, 926, NY 10.00 Whitby-Pickering (1T11, 60E), Grosmont station
All of the forty Maunsell 'V' 4-4-0s were named after public schools. This was a marketing coup for the Southern Railway and aroused a lot of interest. As the number of locomotives grew and the schools used for naming were out of the Southern area the locomotives had to travel to, for example, Rugby and Malvern for the naming ceremony to take place on the nearest station to the school complete with an entourage of pupils. The nameplate of 'Repton' sits above one the driving wheels as it waits at Grosmont leading the 10.00 Whitby to Pickering service. The plaque below is a recent addition that has a number of interesting pieces of information about the locomotive.
Keywords: Nameplate 926 10.00 Whitby-Pickering 1T11 Grosmont station

926, NY 10.00 Whitby-Pickering (1T11, 60E), Grosmont station
926 'Repton' makes a steady and determined start from Grosmont seen from their viewing platform between the station and the tunnel. It's a steady and fairly steep climb from Grosmont up to Goathland but the 25,130 lbf of tractive effort of the 1934 built school should be well up to the job!
Keywords: 926 10.00 Whitby-Pickering 1T11 Grosmont station

Grosmont Crossing signal box (NYM, 1995)
Despite being built to a North Eastern design, Grosmont Crossing signal box dates from 1995. It was built using reclaimed bricks from Whitby and other parts from Eskdale Mines box. The frame came from Hordon box that was on the Durham coast line near to Peterlee. The box, that sits commanding good views of the station and crossing is always kept busy controlling the running lines, the level crossing and permitting the trains to leave and join the NYMR from Network Rail metals.
Keywords: Grosmont Crossing signal box

Glaisdale signal box (Closed) (NER, 1902)
When I last travelled on the Esk Valley line in 1980, Glaisdale signal box was open and staffed. Indeed, I took a very similar picture to this from the class 101 DMU that I was travelling on, see......https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/29786100004/x1-glaisdale-signal-box-ner-1902 Today, the trees have grown up behind it, the ivy is encroaching but it still has its BR corporate nameplate and private sign on the door. It's a shame that the 1904 constructed North Eastern Railway box could not be put to some sort of community use, but, having said that, the station is a little remote being some distance from the village of Glaisdale. Incidentally, Barbara Streisand singing 'Woman in Love' was number one when I last visited, this time it was somebody called Lewis Capaldi singing 'Someone Loved you'; apparantly!
Keywords: Glaisdale signal box

Leaholme station
Andy walks along the platform at Leaholme station. It's robustly constructed station building is now a private residence. To the left, the second platform is still in situ but very overgrown. There is no information as to when the passing loop was removed or as to whether the platform was ever actually in passenger use.
Keywords: Leaholme station

Bridge replacement, Castleton
The engineering and construction team are clearing the site around work undertaken to replace the over bridge just west of Castleton station. Looking at the work remaining I suspect that, subject to inspection and certification, the road would re-open within a day or two of this picture was taken. The whole bridge has been replaced following very serious damage inflicted a year earlier by a skip lorry striking the bridge. The force of the strike was so severe that images on the Network Rail website show the track misaligned. A huge amount of work also appeared to have been done securing the piers of the bridge with cabling drilled into the ground. I hope that the skip lorry had good insurance!
Keywords: Bridge replacement, Castleton

Water column, Battersby station
The water column at Battersby station has been a feature for well over one hundred years according to its NER plate. It's a reminder of days past when steam train boilers would be replenished on arrival at the station that was a much busier place that it is today. Notice the electrical relay room at the end of the platform, just beyond this used to be the impressive signal box that controlled all movements in and out of the station. Today, there is a token cabinet on the platform where the driver will exchange the token to continue their journey to either Middlesborough or Whitby under the authority of the signalmen at Nunthorpe.
Keywords: Water column Battersby station

142071, NT 11.58 Whitby-Hexham (2W35, 3L), Battersby station
Battersby station is a remote spot some considerable distance from the village of the same name. On maps it is referred to as Battersby Junction but the NER had a dislike of the Junction suffix so it was removed from their publications and signs. 142071 arrives forming the 11.58 Whitby to Hexham service. On arrival, the train crew will change ends and the service will re-trace its steps out of the station for to continue its journey. In the distance, it will take the left-hand track towards its next stop at Great Ayton.
Keywords: 142071 11.58 Whitby-Hexham 2W35 Battersby station

Exchanging the token, 142071, NT 11.58 Whitby-Hexham (2W35, 3L), Battersby station
Absolute block is still up and running on the Esk Valley, but not the traditional form! The driver of 142071, that is working the 11.58 Whitby to Hexham, has un-locked and opened the tablet cabinet on Battersby station. Under the authority of the signalmen at Nunthorpe, he is exchanging the tablet in the familiar equipment that is painted red. This system of working is known as No Signalman Token Remote and is in use on a small number of long and relatively sparsely used lines. Despite all of the modern technology available to us and the railways, it's warming to see a physical system in place and working well based on a principle that is well over one hundred years old!
Keywords: Exchanging the token 142071 11.58 Whitby-Hexham 2W35 Battersby station

142071, NT 11.58 Whitby-Hexham (2W35, 3L), Battersby
142071 has left Battersby station and is now continuing its journey from Whitby on towards Middlesborough and, ultimately, Hexham in the Tyne valley. The Pacer will soon take a sharp turn to the left past the colour light at the 20mph speed restriction and head down hill to its next stop at Great Ayton. This picture is taken using my lovely Sigma 80-200 zoom, a lens that I don't use as often as I should do.
Keywords: 142071 11.58 Whitby-Hexham 2W35 Battersby

Nunthorpe signal box (NE, 1903)
Nunthorpe box is a superb example of a North Eastern structure dating from 1903. It sits on a busy road in the middle of the village that is now more of a suburb to Middlesborough! It controls a number of semaphores and the crossing gates and handles the all-important job of physically handing over and collecting the token enabling trains to continue on to and off the Esk Valley line. I last visited the station when travelling along the line in 1980, see..... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/29786102804/nunthorpe-signal-box-ne-north-eastern
Keywords: Nunthorpe signal box

Nunthorpe signal box (NE, 1903)
The rear view of Nunthorpe signal box taken from the level crossing. The box is grade II listed so this accounts for its survival in its current form. For example, the windows were replaced in 2011 but they replicate the original timber ones having an identical glazing pattern and the balcony also survives. In addition, no toilet block has been added that is an all too often occurrence but the recent green security fencing spoils the scene. A particularly notable feature is the gablet mounted ventilators that cleverly combines the constructional advantages of a gabled and a hipped roofed, producing a visually striking signal box.
Keywords: Nunthorpe signal box

66065, 13.40 Tees Yard-Skinningrove BSC (6N40), Long Beck level crossing
A striking picture of 66065 as it passes Long Beck signal box and level crossing that is on the line to Saltburn. The DB class 66 is hauling the 13.40 Tees Yard to Skinningrove BSC train of loaded slab steel. It's surprising that on the national timetable, this working still is shown as going to Skinningrove BSC as this publicly owned company has not existed since 1988 when Thatcher and her divisive administration privatised it forming British Steel, later to become owned by Corus and now Tata. The train is seen passing the superb LNER Long Beck signal box.
Keywords: 66065 13.40 Tees Yard-Skinningrove BSC 6N40 Long Beck level crossing

Long Beck signal box (LNER, 1932)
The absolutely delightful 1932 LNER signal box at Long Beck. It is located at a level crossing next to the station of the same name that opened in 1985. The lovely square symmetrical design has been somewhat compromised by the ghastly palisade fencing that surrounds it; a sign of the times perhaps? The box used to have an eight lever frame but this has been replaced by a huge array of instruments that control all the lines and workings to the east including the Skinningrove and Boulby mine freight-only lines.
Keywords: Long Beck signal box

142015, NT 14.17 Saltburn-Darlington (2D33, RT), Long Beck
The 14.17 Saltburn to Darlington service approaches Long Beck formed by Pacer 142015. These 1980 units have always been associated with this line, with the end in sight for them at the end of this year, I am not at all sure what the people of Redcar and Cleveland will be travelling in come January 2020.
Keywords: 142015 14.17 Saltburn-Darlington 2D33 Long Beck

142067, NT 13.11 Bishop Auckland-Saltburn (2D40, 2L), Marske station
142067 pauses at Marske station forming the 13.11 Bishop Aukland to Saltburn. The station is only a very short distance from Long Beck to the west, in fact, it could be seen by standing on the footbridge where this picture was taken from
Keywords: 142067 13.11 Bishop Auckland-Saltburn 2D40 Marske station

Andy, 142067, NT 14.44 Saltburn-Bishop Aukland (2D35, RT), Saltburn station
Andy has reached the end of the line at Saltburn! Standing on the station's only platform Andy has made a repeat visit, the last time he was on holiday here in 1990. The Pacer, 142067 could well have been in operation then being about five years old. However, by the end of this year (2019) it will be withdrawn from service along with all the other units of this type. 142067 will soon be working the 2D35 14.44 to Bishop Aukland.
Keywords: Andy 142067 14.44 Saltburn-Bishop Aukland 2D35 Saltburn station

Frontage, former Saltburn station
The frontage of the former Saltburn station complete with British Railways tangerine enamel sign. It's an odd sign, simply saying 'railway station' and as such, I thought that it might be a reproduction. However, on studying past images of the station it appears to have been there for many years. The grand station building was built by the Stockton and Darlington Railway finally opening, after some delays, in 1861. No longer in railway use, with the simple one-platform station off to the left, the building is now used for retailing and as a community resource for the fine people of Saltburn. The spire of Saltburn Methodist church stands above the station in the background.
Keywords: Frontage former Saltburn station

Redcar signal box (LNER, 1937)
The unusually designed Redcar signal box sits at a level crossing where West Dyke Road crosses the line. The box is an unusual design being constructed by the LNER in 1937. The box contains no frame with the semaphores having been abolished some years ago. However, it does have two interesting features. Firstly, last year Network Rail installed a, so far, unique pair of sliding barriers that cross the road from left to right locking into the vertical grey box on the end wall of the box. These replace the wheeled gates that had become notoriously unreliable, particularly in windy conditions. A video of these gates in operation can be found at.... https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/resources/the-sliding-gate-barriers-in-action-at-west-dyke-road-redcar . The other feature is the glass floor panel to enable the signalmen to observe the action of the gates below the box. The panel is installed in the overhanging section of the floor directly above where the warning lights are installed.
Keywords: Redcar signal box

260, 269, 257 & 265, stored, Redcar steelworks
A line up of mothballed English Electric Stephenson four-axle shunters are seen outside the maintenance shed at the former Redcar steelworks. Numbers 260, 269, 257 and 265 are just four of the remaining shunters that were mothballed in 2010. These shunters were rated at 750bhp and used for moving the steel torpedo wagons around the complex. With the complete closure of the plant in October 2015, their future is uncertain, many having already left the site.
Keywords: 260, 269, 257 & 265 Redcar steelworks

Shunters, stored, Redcar steelworks
With the blast furnace of the former Redcar steelworks dominating the skyline, two of the mothballed English Electric Stephenson 750bhp shunters are seen. The storage of these unidentified shunters actually predates the closure of the works having been taken out of service in 2010 when new NSB Di 8 shunters were introduced these being leased from Norwegian Railways. A desolate scene that acts as a reminder of our once proud industrial skills and heritage.
Keywords: Shunters stored Redcar steelworks

Former signal box, closed South Bank steelworks, NZ552219
The discovery of this box was accidental as Andy and I were actually looking for Grangetown box. Despite some extensive searching, I have been able to find no details about this signal box that is situated in the former South Bank steelworks complex. It looks to have been out of use for many years with no track nearby. I suspect that it was a box that controlled the internal network within the plant rather than the national network. Any further information about this box would be appreciated. We never did find Grangetown box only to discover later that it is actually just behind this box hidden by the trees; so near and yet so far! Andy does not know it yet, but I have a cunning plan to get this box and for him to get Redcar Steelworks station.
Keywords: Former signal box closed South Bank steelworks NZ552219

142015, NT 15.18 Darlington-Saltburn (2D46, 1L), South Bank station
142015 passes through South Bank station working the 15.18 Darlington to Saltburn. It is passing along the highly industrialised but now largely quiet area south of the River Tees towards Redcar. It is desolate scenes such as this with industry that has largely closed down makes one realise that the UK core industrial base has moved on to the next stage in its evolution.
Keywords: 142015 15.18 Darlington-Saltburn 2D46 South Bank station

Whitehouse signal box (NE, e.1874)
The rear of Whitehouse signal box just to the east of Middlesborough. Whilst it retains its North Eastern characteristics and features it has been somewhat disfigured by the steel steps and balcony at this end.
Keywords: Whitehouse signal box

Whitehouse signal box (NE, e.1874)
Whitehouse signal box is a North Eastern C1 structure built sometime around 1874. It contains a 40R frame and also controls the level crossing. A short distance northeast of the box was Cargo Fleet station that closed in 1990.
Keywords: Whitehouse signal box

Middlesbrough signal box (NE, 1877)
Just at the end of Middlesbrough station is the signal box. It's a North Eastern C1 box that opened in 1877. It contains an IFS (individual function switch) panel. Once again, it's a shame that the surroundings of the box have been spoilt by the installation of the palisade fencing. I took a photograph of the signal box from a departing train back in 1980, note the white concrete lintel to the right of this photograph..... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/29786104004/x11-middlesborough-signal-box-ner
Keywords: Middlesbrough signal box

91124, GR 14.30 London King`s Cross-Newcastle (1N21, 5L), Northallerton station
91124 slows for its stop at Northallerton station leading the 14.30 King's Cross to Newcastle. Notice the damage to the front panel of the class 91, I suspect that relatively cosmetic issues such of this will not be attended to as these locomotives are going to be withdrawn form service starting in the next few weeks. What a different day to yesterday with its clear blue skies and spring sunshine!
Keywords: 91124 14.30 London King`s Cross-Newcastle 1N21 Northallerton station

185151, TP 16.15 Newcastle-Manchester Airport (1P34, 10L), Northallerton station
185151 passes at speed through Northallerton station forming the 16.15 Newcastle to Manchester Airport service. With TPE's desire to withdraw their fleet of class 185s I am not entirely clear what will work these services in the future?
Keywords: 185151 16.15 Newcastle-Manchester Airport 1P34 Northallerton station

66572, 16.12 Tees Dock-Felixstowe North (4L79), Thirsk station
As we were driving the relatively short distance between Northallerton and Thirsk I was aware that, according to Realtime Trains, the 16.12 Tees Port for Felixstowe Freighliner was bearing down on us! Andy put his foot down a bit (as much as you can do in a 1000cc 2002 Nissan Micra!) and we ended up getting to Thirsk with a good few minutes in-hand. 66562 passes through the station on the up slow line going at a fair lick. This is a pretty regularly photographed class 66 for me, having seen it all over the country.
Keywords: 66572 16.12 Tees Dock-Felixstowe North 4L79 Thirsk station

185150, TP 15.25 Liverpool Lime Street-Newcastle (9E15, 3E), Thirsk station
185150 races north through Thirsk station on the down fast line forming the 15.25 Liverpool Lime Street to Newcastle. Thirsk station was a pretty desolate place with very basic facilities.
Keywords: 185150 15.25 Liverpool Lime Street-Newcastle 9E15 Thirsk station

66106, 10.55 Knowsley Freight Terminal-Wilton EFW Terminal (6M26), Thirsk station
The final picture of the day taken just before 18.20 and prior to our long drive home. 66106 passes through Thirsk station with the 10.55 Knowsley to Wilton bin-liner working. The stench from Merseyside's rubbish after the train passed hung around in the air for a bit; there was absolutely no doubt what working this was! I was pleased to capture this 66 as it was a cop for me photographically at least.
Keywords: 66106 10.55 Knowsley Freight Terminal-Wilton EFW Terminal 6M26 Thirsk station

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