These three shots were taken at Walsall between 1969-1972.
Class 44 number D6 "Whernside" (later re-numbered 44006) is seen standing at the peg at the end of platform 2 with a train of coal for either Bescot or Aston Windsor Street. Surprisingly the engine was withdrawn as early as 1977 and cut up by March of that year. The 10 Class 44 "Peaks" were amongst the earliest BR diesel-electric locomotives to enter service, in the late 1950s.
Class 45 number 49 "The Manchester Regiment" (45039) is seen heading for Park Street tunnel along the middle road between platforms 1 and 2. Behind the engine is an old-fashioned brake tender wagon, these were used to generate extra train brakeforce. This loco was scrapped in April 1983.
The final photograph shows Class 45 no. 111 (great number!) with 9L18, a train of hoppers possibly for Spring Vale. This train has two brake tenders... Re-numbered to 45129 the loco survived in service until June 1987, finally being cut up at Vic Berry's scrapyard at Leicester by the end of 1988. Note the long-gone Priory Hotel in the upper background of this shot.
Copyright photo's by PP Newell.
1 comment:
Amazing photographs! Walsall Station is just a shadow of its former self.
As for the much missed Peaks, they were probably the most popular diesel for Drivers.
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