1. The Cumbrian Coast-26.07.13

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2013 > 42. The Borders, Cumbria & North Merseyside-25 & 26.07.13 > 1. The Cumbrian Coast-26.07.13

After a ridiculously early start from Northamptonshire, we travelled non-stop finding ourselves in Penrith's station carpark for a burger van breakfast at 08.30! The rest of the day fund us, initially, heading into southwest Scotland getting just north of Dumfries and then heading along the magnificent Cumbrian Coast. Overnight accommodation, once we found the entrance of Lancaster's crazy one-way system, was on a seedy but very cheap hotel on Market Street. However, the evening curry with the customary late evening visit to the station made up for the accommodation!

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Images 1-39 of 39 displayed.

221117, VT 06.52 Edinburgh Waverley-Birmingham New Street, Penrith station
Arriving at Penrith station after an epic non-stop drive from Northamptonshire, the first train to greet us is a Virgin Voyager! 221117 slows for its stop, working the 06.52 Edinburgh to Birmingham New Street service.
Keywords: 221117 06.52 Edinburgh Waverley-Birmingham New Street Penrith station Virgin Voyager

Frontage, Penrith station
Penrith station was built by the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway and opened in 1846. It was designed by renowned architect Sir William Tite and today is Grade II listed. On the day of our visit, the car park was being extended and re-surfaced. Andy has parked his trusty Micra in the car park and is attending a nearby food van to purchase his much-needed breakfast bacon roll!
Keywords: Frontage Penrith station

Andy, Lockerbie station
Despite passing through Lockerbie many times neither Andy or I have ever stopped at the station. Andy stands proudly on the down platform with the replacement fotbridge and lifts behind him that do little to match the architecture of the 1847 station building. Having said that, neither do the ugly cut-back canopies attached to the front no doubt installed during the electrification of the route in the mid 1970s.
Keywords: Andy Lockerbie station

Frontage, Lockerbie station
At seventy-five miles south of Glasgow Central Lockerbie station was opened in1847 by the Caledonian Railway as it headed northwards from Calisle as it continued its efforts to reach the aforementioned Glasgow. The substantial stone-built station building is in a typical style for the Caledonian Railway.
Keywords: Frontage Lockerbie station

Holywood signal box (GSW, c.1920)
This is as far north as Andy and I travelled on our epic two-day trip. This delightful structure is Holywood signal box located on the former G&SWR mainline from Carlisle to Glasgow a few miles north of Dumfries.It is a nice example of one of the few remaining G&SWR Type 7 structures built c.1920 replacing an earlier box of 1878 that was located on the same spot. Despite its replacement windows, the UPVC cladding and the adjacent personal needs building to the left it retains most of its charm in this very rural spot. The gates, which do not appear to be locked into their shoes, remain the last ones in Scotland to operated by a wheel in the box.
Keywords: Holywood signal box GSW 1920

Down home signal (HW20), looking south, Holywood level crossing
Looking south from Holywood level crossing reveals that recent trackwork has been taking place with fresh ballast and new track laid. Dominating the scene is the tall down home signal (HW20), which will only be pulled off when the gates have been closed (as in signaller parlance, which means closed to road traffic). Notice also part of the mechanism in the foreground that opens and closes the gates operated by a wheen in the signal box, the last such example remaining on the Scottish network. The remains of the former station platform (closed 26.09.49) can also be made out although almost completely overgrown now.
Keywords: Down home signal HW20 looking south Holywood level crossing

Dumfries signal box (BR ScR, 1957)
The British Railways (Scottish Region) built signal box at Dumfries is an interesting structure partially built into the bank behind. It was opened in 1957 but I know nothing about the box it replaced or the reason why...local knowledge anybody? I do know that the box is in between Annam (to the east) and Holywood (to the north) boxes and that it contains a small NX panel.
Keywords: Dumfries signal box BR ScR

Dumfries station
Dumfries station opened in 1848 being linked to Glasgow in 1850. It grew to become a very important junction for a number of lines including the Port Road that offered an alternative, but rather torturous route to Stranraer. All of these lines have gone now leaving an imposing station that has a very poor train service between Glasgow and Carlisle. In this view, the car park now occupies filled-in platforms under the impressive canopy. Since 1981 the station and the adjacent Station Hotel is Garde B listed by Historic Scotland.
Keywords: Dumfries station

Frontage, Dumfries station
The imposing frontage of Dumfries station is seen with my back to the equally impressive Station Hotel. Now, the station is served by a meagre service of assorted units that ply between Glasgow and Carlisle. It once hosted named services such as the Thames-Clyde Express and through sleeper services. Indeed, during my 1984 Scottish Railrover I passed through Dumfries at some frightful hour on the 1S72 Euston to Stranraer sleeper behind 47510 'Fair Rosamund'. Later in the week, I travelled the GSWR Carlisle to Glasgow route again but in daylight. My contemporary notes read, 'Dumfries, a very impressive station, 20201 in the yard'.
Keywords: Frontage Dumfries station

Annan signal box (GSW, 1876)
The GSWR Type 1 signal box at Annan is seen from the station's platform end. The box was built in 1876 with its heritage recognisable by its pyramidal hipped roof despite the cloak of UPVC cladding. Quite how it has remained open is a mystery as it is an outpost of mechanical signalling sandwiched between more modern colour lights controlled from Dumfries. Whatever the reason for its survival, it looks good in the morning sunshine!
Keywords: Annan signal box GSW Glasgow and South Western Railway

Annan station
Like the GSW signal box at Annan (seen in the previous photograph) the station is also Category B listed by Historic Scotland. However, from this view, the canopy on the up platform looks in need of some attention! The main station and frontage are a different matter with Historic Scotland describing in its citation (Annan station) 'a particularly fine and well-detailed, Italianate influenced, mid-19th-century railway station in the South West region of Scotland'. They go on to say 'The ordered composition and massing of the building and use of good quality sandstone ashlar and other materials mark it out as an example within its building type.'
Keywords: Annan station

Wigton signal box (BR, 1957), up starter & loading bay
My last visit to Wigton was in 1985 when I managed to get much closer to the signal box for a better photograph. Today, the box still stands and the mechanical signalling is still in full operation. The box is a standard British Railways design and dates from 1957. The short spur into the loading bay does not appear to have seen traffic for some time!

NB on my 2024 re-visit I took a very similar image, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30056636681/wigton-signal-box-br-1957-up-starter
Keywords: Wigton signal box BR, 1957 up starter & loading bay

Wigton signal box (BR, 1957) & up starter
Both the signal (WN37) and the box are more recent replacements here at Wigton. The British Railways (London Midland) box dates from 1957 but I can find nothing about why and what it replaced....local knowledge anybody? The signal post and possibly the arm too are recent replacements. I do find the galvanized postwork rather ugly. When I process my 1985 image taken of the box I will put a link here.
Keywords: Wigton signal box BR up starter

Maryport Station signal box (LMS, 1933)
There was once a very grand station at Maryport that was built to serve the many Edwardian visitors who flocked to the quaint little seaside town on the Cumbrian coast. Today nothing remains of this station with just a meagre single platform and a waiting shelter. However, the rather grand LMS signal box remains that dates from 1933. The box has been 'modernised' with cladding, UPVC windows and modern steel steps that support a personal needs facility. I do just wonder if the nameboard is the original. If so it should be white writing on a red background, thoughts anybody?
Keywords: Maryport Station signal box LMS

Workington Main No. 3 signal box (LNW, 1886)
Nestled between the platform end and an overbridge sits Workington Main No. 3 signal box. It is a LNWR Type 4+ built in 1886 but has been considerably modernised in more recent times with replacement cladding and windows. It once contained fifty-five levers but has been much reduced in more recent years to just twenty-five.
Keywords: Workington Main no. 3 signal box LNWR 188

Workington Main No. 2 signal box (LNW, 1889)
Workington Main No. 3 signal box is a LNWR Type 4 box has 58 levers but many are now painted white and out of use with the closure of the once prolific number of sidings and the depot. The grand box dates from 1889 and is now inaccessible for a close-up photograph. The balcony is an unusual addition and looks as though it was replaced with a galvanised version when the steps were updated.
Keywords: Workington Main No. 2 signal box LNW, 1889

Down starters, Bransty signal box (LNW, 1899), Whitehaven station
Taken from the platform end of Whitehaven station the up starter signals, BY53 and BY55, dominate the scene. These semaphores are controlled by Bransty signal box which is seen in the background. The line in the foreground leads into a short bay platform that sees little use.
Keywords: Down starters Bransty signal box LNWR 1889 Whitehaven station

Bransty signal box (LNW, 1899)
Unfortunately, very badly back-lit Bransty signal box is seen in all of its LNWR glory. It was originally opened as Whitehaven Bransty in 1899 and then Barnasty No. 2 before reverting to Bransty in 1965 with the closure of No. 1 box. The box is the last LNWR box on the Cumbrian Coast route extending southwards from Carlise with the rest south from here being built by the Furness Railway.
Keywords: Bransty signal box LNWR1899

St. Bees signal box (Furness, 1891)
I first visited St. Bees back in 1985 when undertaking a survey of the Cumbrian Coast route from north to south. The box is a charming design and is in a delightful location. It's a Furness Railway Type 3 box dating from 1891 and is Grade 2 listed by Historic England so its future is secure when eventual closure comes as the line is modernised. The Historic England's citation is quite impressive and can be found at.... https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1412068?section=official-list-entry
Keywords: St. Bees signal box Furness Railway

St. Bees signal box (Furness, 1891) & level crossing
The rear view of the delightful St. Bees signal box also sees the station building in the background. It is unfortunate that the replacement footbridge is such an ugly and now rusty structure that really spoils everything else! The station building is now used as a bed and breakfast establishment, I wonder if I could persuade Mrs. On The Up fast to bok a week's stay!
Keywords: St. Bees signal box Furness 1891 level crossing

St. Bees signal box (Furness, 1891) & station
My third and final image of St. Bees signal box sees it taken from the up platform of the station. It really is a lively spot in a pleasant little village and just over a mile from the sea. When the inevitable modernisation of the Cumbrian Coast route takes place at least the signal box will remain as it is Grade II listed by Historic England.
Keywords: St. Bees signal box Furness station

Andy, Nethertown station
This mast rank as one of the remotest stations on the network? It is accessed down a very narrow, steep and partially unmade road that seems to drop off the cliff edge as you begin the descent! The station used to be a lot busier serving a nearby wartime training camp but, as can be seen now, it is a single-track affair that has a very meagre stopping service. Andy enjoys copping this station and gives me a cheery wave with the Irish Sea in the background. The promontory to the right is the bulk of St. Bees Head.

NB I attempted to replicate this image in our summer 2024 visit to the station, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30056636811/andy-nethertown-station
Keywords: Andy Nethertown station

156455, NT 14.20 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness, Sellafield station
This is what keeps the Cumbrian Coast viable, that and the transportation of the nuclear flasks that are processed where these people work. This busy scene is at Sellafield station taken at the end of the day shift with many staff making their way home. Those on the up platform (to the right) are heading south and east about to board 156455 working the 14.20 Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness service. Those to the left are waiting for the 13.32 Lancaster to Carlisle service.
Keywords: 156455 14.20 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness Sellafield station

153360 & 153304, NT 13.32 Lancaster-Carlisle, Sellafield station
153360 and 153304 approach Sellafield station working Northern's 13.32 Lancaster to Carlisle service. Hopefully, this train is relaitevely empty and therefore able to offer plenty of room to the masses gathered on the platform as seen in the previous picture. Notice the vintage water column in the centre foreground that was presumably fed by the substantial water tower at the far end of the station behind me. Also, notice the DRS Class 37 and 20 to the extreme left used to haul the flask trains to and from the vast repossessing facility off to the left
Keywords: 153360 153304 13.32 Lancaster-Carlisle Sellafield station Northern

153304 & 153360, NT 13.32 Lancaster-Carlisle, Sellafield station
The last few passengers squeeze on board the 13.32 Lancaster to Carlisle service at Sellafield station. With Northern knowing the shift changes at the huge reprocessing plant one might have thought that they might have strengthened certain trains beyond just coupling 153304 and 153360 together? This is an interesting photograph that seems to play tricks on the eye. Looking slightly downwards and with various horizontals it appears, looking at the train, that I have tipped the camera slightly. However, using the ultimate datum point of the sea in the background indicates that it is level on the horizontal.
Keywords: 153304 153360 13.32 Lancaster-Carlisle Sellafield station

Sellafield signal box (Furness, 1918)
With both the trains seen in the previous photographs having departed all has gone quiet at Sellafield and the signalman has returned to his seat having completed the train register. Apart from passenger workings every hour or so the other work that the signalman has is when a flask train arrives or departs from the adjacent reprocessing plant. The box at Sellafield was built by the Furness Railway in 1918. Whilst it's a functional affair it does look a little odd without its chimney stack. The surviving water column on the platform end is an interesting survivor. It was supplied by water from the large stone-built water tower seen to the extreme right beyond the bridge.
Keywords: Sellafield signal box Furness 1918

Drigg sIgnal box (Furness, 1871)
From the rear Drigg signal box is a little disappointing. Whilst the base is the original stone-built part of the structure, the top has been completely cloaked by UPVC with just the timber uprights remaining from the 1871 box. However, I suppose that given its location exposed on the Cumbrian Coast with everything that this will throw at it efforts to maintain origonality would be tricky and expensive. By way of contrast, the substantial former goods shed is seen on the opposite side of the line and appears to be largely as-built.
Keywords: Drigg sIgnal box Furness, 1871

Drigg sIgnal box (Furness, 1871)
With a dramatic skyline and the Cumbrian Fells in the background Drigg signal box is seen. The box is a Furness structure dating from 1871 that has been substantially updated utilising UPVC cladding. As well as controlling the level crossing on which I am standing it also operated the crossover seen to the left. This permits freight trains to cross over and then access the sidings into the huge adjacent Low Level Nuclear Waste Repository located between the railway and the sea to my right.
Keywords: Drigg sIgnal box Furness 1871

Ravenglass signal box (preserved) (Furness, 1874)
The unusually tall former Ravenglass signal box was built for the Furness Railway in 1874. It was built to control the goods yard and the exchange sidings with the 'Owd Ratty' three foot gauge mineral line that ran up to iron ore mines above Boot in Eskdale. Today, this former goods line is better known as the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, a popular tourist attraction in the Western Lakes. When the mineral line closed so did the box but it survived and is now owned by the R & ER. They restored it fully in 2000 and it is now open on various days for viewing.
Keywords: Ravenglass signal box preserved Furness 1874

156483, NT 15.12 Carlisle-Preston, Ravenglass station
156483 arrives at Ravenglass station working Northern's 15.12 Carlisle to Preston service. The station can be pretty busy at Ravenglass conveying tourists to and from the adjacent Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.
Keywords: 156483 15.12 Carlisle-Preston Ravenglass station Northern

156483, NT 15.12 Carlisle-Preston, Ravenglass station
156483 leaves Ravenglass station working the 15.12 Carlisle to Preston service. It is about to pass under an attractive footbridge that visitors to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway use. The footbridge is one of the reasons that the 1874 Furness signal box was built so tall in order to offer better sighting for the signalmen. The box was closed by BR in 1965 and is now occasionally open to visitors to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.
Keywords: 156483 15.12 Carlisle-Preston Ravenglass station Northern

Bootle signal box (Furness, 1871)
Viewed from the rear Bootle signal box reveals its obvious Furness heritage. The box dates from 1871 and controls a level crossing as well as a suite of semaphore signals including the down starter seen behind the signalman's car.
Keywords: Bootle signal box Furness Railway

Silecroft signal box (Furness, 1923)
Silecroft signal box is a Furness Railway Company Type 4 design fitted with a thirty-five lever Railway that was opened in 1923 by the London Midland & Scottish Railway Company replacing an earlier signal box located diagonally across the level crossing on which I am standing. I last photographed this box on a visit in 1986. Then I stood at the other end of the box in the former goods yard. The box looked considerably more decrepit then but it was a dull and cold day in early spring! Once the photograph has been scanned and uploaded, a link will be placed here.
Keywords: Silecroft signal box Furness

Millom signal box (Furness, 1891)
Unfortunately, by this time in the day Millom signal box is in deep shade so this very average photograph will have to suffice! The heritage of the Furness box dating from 1891 has been somewhat compromised by the awfull cladding and windows with only its roof giving clues to its lienage.

NB Andy and I turned up at about the same time of day during our 2024 visit so an equally disappointing picture was taken but this time from the overbridge, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30056636984/millom-signal-box-furness-1891
Keywords: Millom signal box Furness 1891

Foxfield signal box (Furness, 1879)
My first visit to Foxfiled since 1979, see... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/26718012404/m56250-m50947-14-40-barrow-furness and am delighted to see that it has not changed a great deal. The BR (London Midland) enamel nameplate that used to hang above the door has gone with a replacement replica wooden one on the face of the box. The box is a Furness. Also notice that the steps have been replaced and a small personal needs facilty added to the end of the box. What is nice, however, is that this has been blended, including the slate roof, to match the rest of the box; something that does not happen very often today.
Keywords: Foxfield signal box Furness, 1879

Askam signal box, (Furness, 1890)
Still retaining its chimney stack and pot Askham signal box is seen from the rear viewed from the station car park. It is a typical Furness Type 4 box containing a 1945 LMS lever frame. I is Grade II listed by Historic England with them siting its interesting design being partially built into the station's retaining wall and with the back wall being at an angle to give it more structural support. Unfortunately, Andy and I did not have much time to hang about this station as we still had to get to Lancaster to check in to our hotel and get out for a curry!
Keywords: Askam signal box Furness 1890

Station frontage & signal box (Furness, 1890), Askham
A wider view of the rear of Askham's Furness 1890 signal box also sees the impressive (for the size of the village) station building. I find the sandstone used for the construction of much of the Furness Railway's buildings making a solid and substantial statement about their intent situated, as they all are in the exposed and windswept north west of England.
Keywords: Station frontage signal box (Furness, 1890), Askham

156452, NT 15.29 Buxton-Barrow-in-Furness, Dalton station
Taken very much against the evening light the 15.29 Buxton to Barrow Northern service leaves Dalton station. Close to the end of this rather complexly routed service that saw it pass through Manchester from east to west, 156452 will soon pass through the relatively short Dalton tunnel.
Keywords: 156452 Northern 15.29 Buxton-Barrow-in-Furness Dalton station

Entrance & frontage, Ulverston station
The last photograph of the day and an odd one for that matter but it does have a purpose. Back in 1984 when I first visited Ulverston station I took, what I thought, was a nearly identical one to this with the family car, a Triumph Dolomite 1500 (RLJ 767X), parked in the same spot as where I have parked Andy's Nissan Micra. However, my mind has played tricks and, in fact, the Triumph was parked further down on the other side approximately where the BMW is. As soon as it is scanned I will upload the image and put a link here.
Keywords: Entrance & frontage Ulverston station

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