The end of 1962
Michael L. Roach
Michael L. Roach
THE END of 1962 – PART 6
The Coaling Line at Laira Shed
The coaling line appeared busy on Sunday 23 December 1962. There would probably have been extra Christmas trains running into Plymouth but a contributory factor may have been the gradual reduction in the number of coaling stage workers as steam declined with each loco spending far longer on the coaling line going through the various stages of having the boiler and firebox cleaned etc. In earlier times there would have been an older driver, approaching retirement, dedicated to moving locos up the line and into the roundhouse but by now the coaling stage workers may have had to go off and find a driver each time they needed a loco moved up the line.
PHOTOGRAPHS
5865 View east of the coaling line on the right and the coaling line loop on the left. At the head of the line on the left is 5934 “Kneller Hall” of St. Phillips Marsh Shed.
MLR / 05 December 2022
The Coaling Line at Laira Shed
The coaling line appeared busy on Sunday 23 December 1962. There would probably have been extra Christmas trains running into Plymouth but a contributory factor may have been the gradual reduction in the number of coaling stage workers as steam declined with each loco spending far longer on the coaling line going through the various stages of having the boiler and firebox cleaned etc. In earlier times there would have been an older driver, approaching retirement, dedicated to moving locos up the line and into the roundhouse but by now the coaling stage workers may have had to go off and find a driver each time they needed a loco moved up the line.
PHOTOGRAPHS
5865 View east of the coaling line on the right and the coaling line loop on the left. At the head of the line on the left is 5934 “Kneller Hall” of St. Phillips Marsh Shed.
MLR / 05 December 2022
5865 View east of the coaling line on the right and the coaling line loop on the left. At the head of the line on the left is 5934 “Kneller Hall” of St. Phillips Marsh Shed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
5868 The opposite end of the coaling line with three interesting main line locos in view. On the left is Laira's own 7022 “Hereford Castle” while on the right is 5988 “Bostock Hall” of Old Oak Common Shed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
5869 The most interesting of the trio was 8F 48475. There were periods in the 1950s when 8Fs were not uncommon at Laira - generally from Bristol Sheds. Indeed 48475 was at 82B Bristol SPM Shed until March 1962 when it moved to 84F Stourbridge Shed. It was the first and only Stourbridge loco I had ever knowingly seen until going around Stourbridge Shed in September 1965. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
As usual masses of detail - very much appeciated.
Penzance
Stephen Widdowson
50011 Centurian at Penzance. 1st July 1985. Copyright Stephen Widdowson
Many thanks Stephen.
Taunton 82
Paul Barlow
Paul Barlow
45111 Grenadier Guardsman 09.40 Wolverhampton to Penzance relief speeds through Taunton. 2nd January 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul the good old days.