An article and photos by Ian Simpson in the May 2008 Steam World about the last day of steam at Heaton Mersey shed prompted me to dig out some more of mine.
Ian took a photo of the yard from the bank by the diesel shed a short time after this one. I know this because he has caught Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48356 slipping as she sets off for Newton Heath with 48319 & BR 9F 2-10-0 92118. Unfortunately I can't see myself or my mate Barry on the 9F's footplate but I know we're there!
The railwayman seems to be in conversation with a few enthusiasts while another is climbing down from the cab. Maybe they are asking where the cavalcade is headed. Someone knew because a film was made of us arriving at Guide Bridge which I have on a commercial DVD.
This is the former Midland side of the shed with the offices on the right. The Cheshire Lines Committee was originally a GNR/MR/MSLR joint railway. At Heaton Mersey the Great Central Railway had equivalent offices on the left of this view. After Grouping in 1923 it became a joint LMS & LNER operation & then on Nationalisation part of the London Midland Region.
There's another 8F steaming gently in the shadows of the otherwise empty shed. According to Ian's info 92118 had worked a Garston to Godley Junction freight earlier that day.
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