It is sad to see that having escaped the Beeching cull of the 1960s, the line from Barnstaple to Ilfracombe should have closed in 1970. A preservation group subsequently failed to secure funding and the whole line was later demolished.

This is the view of the signal box, with station beyond, in 1972.

Scanned from an Agfachrome slide taken by the late Roy Dixon, now in my collection.

Tags:   Ilfracombe Devon Signal box tsbg British Rail SR LSWR Closed Derelict 1972 Roy Dixon

© All Rights Reserved

A 1960s view of Daley Dale station, with NWRCC AEC Reliance 738 crossing the former Midland main line to Manchester. Although the bus is no more, the station survives, having been reopened as part of Peak Rail. The signal box was demolished at closure, the replacement here now coming from Bamford, positioned on the opposite side of the line.

Scanned from an acquired Afgachrome slide, photographer unknown.

Tags:   Darley Dale Derbyshire North Western Road Car NWRCC AEC Reliance Weymann 738 LDB 738 Signal box tsbg British Railways 1960s

© All Rights Reserved

31.183 (D5604) approaches Farringdon from Moorgate, working the 18.07 to Welwyn Garden City, on 18 August 1976. These were the last workings by non-corridor stock on BR. This line is now closed and services at Farringdon have been transformed by Thameslink. This all seems a long time ago!!

Pentax SP1000/105mm
Ilford FP4 rated @ 200 ASA

Tags:   31.183 D5604 Farringdon British Rail LNER GNR Widened Lines Pentax 1976

© All Rights Reserved

31.248 draws into Farringdon with the 17.32 from Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City. 31 July 1975.

Fujica ST701/50mm
Ilford FP4 rated @ 200ASA

Tags:   31.248 British Rail Commute Suburban Widened Lines Farringdon London Black & white

© All Rights Reserved

On the last day of 1972, a six-car train heads out towards the pier head. These 3ft 6in gauge units were built in 1949 by motor manufacturer AC Cars, running until closure in 1978. The line was re-gauged to 3ft and re-opened in 1986.

Scanned from a Kodachrome slide taken by the late Lyndon Rowe, now in my collection.

Tags:   Southend Pier Essex AC Cars Narrow gauge Lyndon Rowe Kodachrome 1972

© All Rights Reserved