8E Railway Association – by David Hawkes

This month's talk to the 8E Railway Association meeting was given by John Hilton, who came as a late replacement for an indisposed Chris Banks. We were treated to an unexpected but fascinating view of British Railways in the 1950s and 60s. He joined BR as a Rest Day Relief Signal Box Lad. He started in East Manchester around Miles Platting, before moving to Stockport and then to Acton Bridge. He tried his hand at platform duties at Northwich and Cuddington, but preferred the life and work in the signal box. From Plumley West he experienced most of the boxes to Delamare, finally returning to Acton Bridge.

Many of the pictures shown were taken in 1960 from the signal box at Acton Bridge and from nearby vantage points. There were interesting workings, which have passed into history: passenger trains from Acton Bridge to Warrington; goods trains starting from Middlewich and Winsford. Even more interesting was the changing infrastructure. The line from Crewe to Liverpool was being electrified. The oil-fired platform lamps were soon accompanied by concrete posts for electric lighting, tubular masts to support the catenary, cross members, droppers and other necessary bits to make it all work.

The next meeting is on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 in the Gladstone Club, Northwich, when Stephen Gay will traverse the Railways of Yorkshire. For details see the website www.8erailwayassociation.org.uk or contact Paul Tench on 07790 486 735.