Time Capsules
Blackpool South or Central shed?
When I got this picture I was told this is Blackpool South Shed. But my friend Peter Langsdale thinks differently:
I think this is Blackpool Central shed, which was a brick-built structure with 8 tracks, a straight dead end shed. It had the shed code 24E and closed on 2 November 1964, the space now being occupied by a coach and car park.
Blackpool Tower can be seen in the background.
At the left side of the picture are at least four Stanier "Black 5" engines. In the centre, at the left is a rather clean locomotive with a number that is not quite visible but could be 45467, in which case it is another Stanier "Black 5".
To the right of this is 42711, a Hughes "Crab" 2-6-0, to the right of that some kind of tank engine, possibly a Fairburn 2-6-4T, and furthest to the right an LMS Fowler Compound 4-4-0, where the number "411XX" is visible.
Photo © The Step Back Through Time Collection
Text courtesy of Peter Langsdale
Picture added on 21 November 2008
This picture is in the following groups
Step back through Time, trains and stations
Step back through Time, trains and stations
blackpool shed, its not close enough to the tower for the station, also there is part of the old station building left on the car park now used as toilets
Added by Brian Turner on 22 July 2011
Even the toilets at central site are gone now (demolished last year I think).
At south station, top of the stairs the old toilet block does remain and is 2 small shop units, both currently out of use.
At south station, top of the stairs the old toilet block does remain and is 2 small shop units, both currently out of use.
Added by David Thompson on 03 January 2012
Is it a Jubilee? The shined up smoke-box door hinges look too wide and the buffers are painted up. Chimney looks a bit squat for a Jubilee, is it an LNER visitor? The front framing seems to be a bit cueved too. C'mon Guys, let me have it!
Added by Bill Brown on 05 January 2012
Very possibly a visitor, Bill. But have a look along the top of the boiler - the Belpaire influence seems to be there. That would rule out an LNER design, wouldn't it. Not a V2 or a B1. And have you dismissed David Atkin's comment about the piston valve cover for the middle cylinder? The shined-up smokebox door hinges appear too wide because they are untypically lighter. White or light colours make things look fatter, by contrast with darker colours
Added by Martin Bodman on 05 January 2012
Yours and David's comments are noted Martin. Yes, the Belpaire shoulders are there of course, ruling out V2 which is a bigger loco. anyway and also B1. I didn't say it wasn't a Jubilee but is it? It might be it's position that makes it look smaller. Going by the shape of the valance under the smoke-box and the position of the centre valve-spindle I would have to agree that it is a Jubilee. Anybody got any idea why the spit and polish?
Added by Bill Brown on 06 January 2012
Nah, t'ain't one of ars, Bill. It might 'ave been a B1 but not with that Belpair box. Reckon it's one them ex red'uns me'sen mate!
Added by Tony Roberts on 07 January 2012
Reeto Lad!!
Added by Bill Brown on 08 January 2012
Or should I say 'Rahto Lad' ?
Added by Bill Brown on 08 January 2012
England
middle cylinder is clearly visible between the frames. Also, the injector was closer to the handrail than on a Black 5. The tank loco on the right is a Stanier design - the Fairburn locos had a noticeable break in the running plate.