Railway Stations UK http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/ 274 rows en-gb 60 NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1627092.html Newton-le-Willows is situated on the former Liverpool and Manchester Railway which opened in 1830, and is one of the oldest working passenger railway stations in the world. It serves as a railhead for the nearby towns of Golborne, Billinge and Haydock. The original station building survives on the Manchester platform. Operated by Northern Rail and also served by Arriva Trains Wales. CRS code: NLW. Saturday 20 December 2008: Newton-le-Willows is situated on the former Liverpool and Manchester Railway which opened in 1830, and is one of the oldest working passenger railway stations in the world. It serves as a railhead for the nearby towns of Golborne, Billinge and Haydock. The original station building survives on the Manchester platform. Operated by Northern Rail and also served by Arriva Trains Wales. CRS code: NLW.

The station building seen from the platform side. 29th March 2008. The station building seen from the forecourt. 29th March 2008. Booking hall interior. 29th March 2008. Windows over the staircase leading to the Manchester platform. 29th March 2008. The basic waiting shelter on the Liverpool platform. 29th March 2008. Awining pillar capital. 29th March 2008. Fireplace inside the station building. 29th March 2008. Door detail on the station building. 29th March 2008. Door detail on the station building. 29th March 2008. Beneath the platform awning looking towards Manchester. 29th March 2008. General platform view looking towards Liverpool. 29th March 2008. The station building seen from the Manchester platform. 29th March 2008. Seating, windows and awning on the Manchester platform. 29th March 2008. General platform view looking towards Manchester. 29th March 2008. Interior of the Liverpool platform waiting shelter. 29th March 2008. Disused Victorian letterbox near the station entrance. 29th March 2008. The ticket window, set within an archway. 29th March 2008. Detail of the perspex glazing used all over the station. 29th March 2008. The subway beneath the platforms. 29th March 2008.

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]]> Sat Dec 20 2008 AYLESBURY VALE PARKWAY http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1625848.html Aylesbury Vale Parkway was opened on 12th December 2008 and is situated on the former Metropolitan and Great Central Joint Line just north of Aylesbury. It is operated by Chiltern Railways and has an hourly off-peak service to London Marylebone via Amersham. Peak services are slightly more frequent. The platform is situated on a siding which diverges off the single line Aylesbury - Claydon route, unusually making it a bay platform with no main platforms. Although the station opened on schedule it is far from finished and the permanent buildings are not due to open until May 2009. I will add further pictures as the project progresses. CRS code: AVP. Wednesday 17 December 2008: Aylesbury Vale Parkway was opened on 12th December 2008 and is situated on the former Metropolitan and Great Central Joint Line just north of Aylesbury. It is operated by Chiltern Railways and has an hourly off-peak service to London Marylebone via Amersham. Peak services are slightly more frequent. The platform is situated on a siding which diverges off the single line Aylesbury - Claydon route, unusually making it a bay platform with no main platforms. Although the station opened on schedule it is far from finished and the permanent buildings are not due to open until May 2009. I will add further pictures as the project progresses. CRS code: AVP.

Looking south towards the site of Aylesbury Vale Parkway from the rear of a train. Bridge 179 over the A41 is in the foreground. 1st April 2002. Artists impression of Aylesbury Vale Parkway, differing considerably from what is actually being built. At this stage it seems a virtual copy of the building at Warwick Parkway was being proposed. The platform and car park under construction, seen from a route learning train just over a month before the opening date. 11th November 2008. Station construction work on 11th November 2008. On the left is the new signal marking the end of the Electric Token Block section from Claydon. Satellite image of the station site before work began. I will post another satellite image of the completed station when it becomes available. (Image courtesy of Google Earth). The station building under construction. 17th December 2008. Platform view looking towards Aylesbury. The freight line to Calvert and Claydon passes behind the fence on the right. Space has been left for through platforms to be constructed here should they ever be required as part of the East-West Rail Link. 17th December 2008. The platform looking towards the buffer stops. On the left is the foundation for a waiting shelter. 17th December 2008. Running in board, placed on the non-platform side of the track. 17th December 2008. Looking towards the buffer stops from the end of the seven-car platform. 17th December 2008. The south end of the station showing an arriving train, the junction with the line from Claydon and the starter signal. 17th December 2008. The temporary booking office and other buildings in the forecourt. 17th December 2008. Interior of the temporary booking office. 17th December 2008. The car park with about 25 cars in it at 1230 on 17th December 2008. The waiting shelter, newly erected on 18th December 2008.

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]]> Wed Dec 17 2008 BARNT GREEN http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1605766.html A former Midland Railway junction station where the loop line to Ashchurch via Redditch, Alcester and Evesham left the main Birmingham - Bristol line. The branch now terminates at Redditch and forms the southernmost section of the Cross City Line from Lichfield. The main line platforms are retained for a few peak time services. Operated by London Midland. CRS code: BTG Monday 3 November 2008: A former Midland Railway junction station where the loop line to Ashchurch via Redditch, Alcester and Evesham left the main Birmingham - Bristol line. The branch now terminates at Redditch and forms the southernmost section of the Cross City Line from Lichfield. The main line platforms are retained for a few peak time services. Operated by London Midland. CRS code: BTG

The Cross City Line platforms were fitted with a water spray system to reduce flange wear and noise. The system can be seen in use in this picture taken on 16th July 2005 (Picture courtesy of Rob Grapes). Cast iron finial on the footbridge. 2nd October 2008. View over the top of the footbridge. 2nd October 2008. The Cross City Line platforms looking towards Alvechurch from the footbridge. 2nd October 2008. Footbridge staircase detail. 2nd October 2008. The main line platforms looking towards Bromsgrove. 2nd October 2008. The Cross City Line platforms looking towards Birmingham with the footbridge in the background. 2nd October 2008. The pipes for the water spray system remain on the track but appear to no longer be in use. 2nd October 2008. Foorbridge ironwork detail. 2nd October 2008. Cast iron newell post on the footbridge. 2nd October 2008. Central Trains station nameboard. 2nd October 2008. The footbridge spanning the four platforms. 2nd October 2008. The original diamond pattern platform edging bricks survive on the main line platforms. 2nd October 2008. Footbridge ironwork detail. 2nd October 2008.

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]]> Mon Nov 3 2008 BOROUGH GREEN & WROTHAM http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1584074.html A former South Eastern & Chatham Railway station, opened in 1874 on the line from Swanley to Maidstone and Ashford. Operated by SouthEastern. CRS code: BRG. Wednesday 24 September 2008: A former South Eastern & Chatham Railway station, opened in 1874 on the line from Swanley to Maidstone and Ashford. Operated by SouthEastern. CRS code: BRG.

The station building seen from the forecourt. 13th June 2008. Booking hall interior. 13th June 2008. An overall view of the down platform buildings from the footbridge. 13th June 2008. The main station building seen from the platform side. 13th June 2008. The down platform looking north. 13th June 2008. Awning brackets on the station building. 13th June 2008. Looking south from beneath the down platform awning. 13th June 2008. View north showing the footbridge which has replaced a former SR concrete structure. 13th June 2008. Southern Railway drain cover on the up platform. 13th June 2008. Ramp giving access to the up platform. 13th June 2008. The up side entrance with SouthEastern information sign. 13th June 2008. General iew of the station looking north. 13th June 2008.

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]]> Wed Sep 24 2008 FALMOUTH DOCKS [Falmouth] http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1584067.html Opened by the Cornwall Railway in 1863, Falmouth station originally consisted of two platforms with an overall roof and buildings in local granite. The line was absorbed by the GWR in 1889. The overall roof was later removed and replaced by a distinctive curved platform canopy which survives to this day. The station closed in 1970 whan a new station named The Dell (later renamed Falmouth Town) was opened closer to the centre of town. The original terminus reopened in 1975 as Falmouth Docks. Post-privatisation the station was operated by Wales & West, later passing to Wessex Trains and most recently to First Great Western. CRS code: FAL Wednesday 24 September 2008: Opened by the Cornwall Railway in 1863, Falmouth station originally consisted of two platforms with an overall roof and buildings in local granite. The line was absorbed by the GWR in 1889. The overall roof was later removed and replaced by a distinctive curved platform canopy which survives to this day. The station closed in 1970 whan a new station named The Dell (later renamed Falmouth Town) was opened closer to the centre of town. The original terminus reopened in 1975 as Falmouth Docks. Post-privatisation the station was operated by Wales & West, later passing to Wessex Trains and most recently to First Great Western. CRS code: FAL

General view of the station from the buffer stops. 12th August 2008. The platform waiting area. 12th August 2008. Detail of the platform canopy. 12th August 2008. Mosaic mural on the platform. 12th August 2008. Wessex Trains route branded station nameboard modifird with First Great Western vinyls. 12th August 2008. View towards Falmouth Town from the platform end. 12th August 2008. Lines leading to the dockyard behind the passenger station. 12th August 2008. The platform canopy seen from the end. 12th August 2008. General view of the station from the platform end. 12th August 2008.

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]]> Wed Sep 24 2008 PORT SUNLIGHT http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1584055.html Port Sunlight station is situated on the former Chester & Birkenhead Railway, which opened in 1838. The station itself opened in 1888 in order to serve the so-called "model village" built for the workers of the nearby Lever Brothers soap factory. Operated by Merseyrail. CRS code: PSL Wednesday 24 September 2008: Port Sunlight station is situated on the former Chester & Birkenhead Railway, which opened in 1838. The station itself opened in 1888 in order to serve the so-called "model village" built for the workers of the nearby Lever Brothers soap factory. Operated by Merseyrail. CRS code: PSL

The south end of the platforms. 31st March 2008. General platform view looking north. 31st March 2008. Shelter over the stairway leading to the southbound platform. 31st March 2008. Interior of the passenger subway. 31st March 2008. Booking hall interior. 31st March 2008. Luggage trolley in the booking hall. 31st March 2008. Commemorative mural from 1988. 31st March 2008. Station frontage showing the entrance. 31st March 2008. General view of the station frontage. 31st March 2008. Cast iron gate post and Merseyrail sign. 31st March 2008. Station entrance detail. 31st March 2008. A disused kiosk in the booking hall. 31st March 2008. Looking up the steps leading to the southbound platform. 31st March 2008. The station building seen from platform level. 31st March 2008. General plarform view looking south. 31st March 2008. Merseyrail A view of the station in the 1960s. (Photographer unknown).

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]]> Wed Sep 24 2008 WARRINGTON CENTRAL http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1583911.html Opened in 1873 by the Cheshire Lines Committee. The original yellow brick frontage is no longer seen by the rail traveller and access is now via a modern entrance building on Horsefair Street. The station is operated by First Trainspennine Express and also served by Northern Rail and East Midlands Trains. CRS code: WAC Tuesday 23 September 2008: Opened in 1873 by the Cheshire Lines Committee. The original yellow brick frontage is no longer seen by the rail traveller and access is now via a modern entrance building on Horsefair Street. The station is operated by First Trainspennine Express and also served by Northern Rail and East Midlands Trains. CRS code: WAC

View along platform 2. 1st August 2008. General platform view looking east. 1st April 2008. The eastern end of the main building on platform 1 modified for non-railway use. 1st April 2008. General view looking west. 1st April 2008. Ironwork detail on the end of the platform 2 awning. 1st August 2008. Awning ironwork detail. 1st August 2008. A new lift tower under construction in sympathetic style. 1st August 2008. Fire bucket hooks on the westbound platfom. 1st April 2008. The warehouse in the goods yard, now part of a residential development. 1st April 2008. The names of the CLC constituent companies on the warehouse. 1st April 2008. Cheshire Lines letering on the warehouse. 1st April 2008. The long single storey facade seen from the forecourt. 1st April 2008. Window detail on the front of the station. 1st April 2008. Station facade detail. 1st April 2008. The western end of the facade. 1st April 2008. The modern booking hall. 1st April 2008. View east beneath the platform 1 awning. 1st August 2008. Window detail on platform 1. 1st April 2008. A former drinking fountain on the eastbound platform. 1st April 2008. The eastern end of platform 1. 1st April 2008.

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]]> Tue Sep 23 2008 GREENWICH http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1583627.html Greenwich station was built in 1878 by the South Eastern Railway. The platforms were badly damaged by wartime air raids and were later extensidely rebuilt and altered in order to accommodate the Docklands Light Railway Lewisham extension in 1999. The station is operated by SouthEastern and also served by the DLR. CRS code: GNW. Tuesday 23 September 2008: Greenwich station was built in 1878 by the South Eastern Railway. The platforms were badly damaged by wartime air raids and were later extensidely rebuilt and altered in order to accommodate the Docklands Light Railway Lewisham extension in 1999. The station is operated by SouthEastern and also served by the DLR. CRS code: GNW.

The station frontage. 4th June 2008. Detail of the rustication and cornice of the station building. 4th June 2008. Network South East logo and lettering above te station entrance. 4th June 2008. Window detail on the station frontage. 4th June 2008. Ionic pillaster detail on the station entrance. 4th June 2008. Booking hall interior. 4th June 2008. The booking office windows. 4th June 2008. The platform side of the main station building, now set back from the tracks due to the rebuilding in connection with the DLR. 4th June 2008. Platfrom awning detail. 4th June 2008. Platform awning column capital. 4th June 2008. Platform view looking west. 4th June 2008. General view looking east. 4th June 2008. The eastern end of the station General view looking west. 4th June 2008. The Docklands Light Railway platforms. 4th June 2008. The DLR route to Canary Wharf burrowing under the station building. 4th June 2008.

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]]> Tue Sep 23 2008 DRAYTON PARK http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1583615.html Opened by the Great Northern & City Railway in 1904, Drayton Park was the only non-tube station on the line from Finsbury Park to Moorgate. It was later taken over by the Metropolitan Railway and thus became part of the London Underground network, operated as part of the Northern Line. In 1975 the line was transferred to British Rail and the route north of the station was altered to allow trains to access Finsbury Park main line station rather than the Underground station below. Post-privatisation the station was operated by WAGN Railway and it has since passed to First Capital Connect. CRS code: DYP Tuesday 23 September 2008: Opened by the Great Northern & City Railway in 1904, Drayton Park was the only non-tube station on the line from Finsbury Park to Moorgate. It was later taken over by the Metropolitan Railway and thus became part of the London Underground network, operated as part of the Northern Line. In 1975 the line was transferred to British Rail and the route north of the station was altered to allow trains to access Finsbury Park main line station rather than the Underground station below. Post-privatisation the station was operated by WAGN Railway and it has since passed to First Capital Connect. CRS code: DYP

Platform view looking towards Moorgate. The bridge carrying the entrance road to the Emirates Stadium crosses the platform here. 15th September 2008. A Network South East station nameboard modified with First Capital Connect vinyls. Closer inspection reveals the previous WAGN Railway logo beneath. 15th September 2008. Looking up the same staircase which looks well in First Group's dark blue and pink colour scheme. 15th September 2008. The station building seen from the road. 15th September 2008. View down the staircase that leads to the platform. 15th September 2008. Platform view looking towards Finsbury Park. The scrub on the left marks the site of the former Underground carriage sheds. 15th September 2008. Bracket detail on the platform staircase. 15th September 2008. View south towards the tunnel mouth on the down side. The rear of the station building can be seen above. 15th September 2008. View north towards the tunnel mouth on the up side. 15th September 2008.

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]]> Tue Sep 23 2008 NEWTON FOR HYDE [Newton & Hyde, Newton] http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1519533.html Opened in 1841 by the Sheffield, Ashton-Under-Lyne and Manchester Railway. The current buildings were provided by the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway. Situated between Manchester and Dinting. Operated by Northern Rail. CRS code: NWN Friday 30 May 2008: Opened in 1841 by the Sheffield, Ashton-Under-Lyne and Manchester Railway. The current buildings were provided by the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway. Situated between Manchester and Dinting. Operated by Northern Rail. CRS code: NWN

The station building seen from the Manchester platform. 27th March 2008. The building on the Dinting platform, somewhat knocked about. 27th March 2008. General platform view looking towards Manchester. 27th March 2008. Evidence of a former bridge plate on the Manchester platform. 27th March 2008. The steps leading from the Manchester platform. 27th March 2008. Detail of the gate at the top of the steps on the Manchester platform. 27th March 2008. The gateway between the booking hall and the subway. 27th March 2008. Booking hall interior. 27th March 2008. The rear of the station building. 27th March 2008. Entrance awning detail. 27th March 2008. The station building seen from the approach road. 27th March 2008. Archway beneath the platforms. 27th March 2008. Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway initials on the station building. 27th March 2008. Gable detail on the station building. 27th March 2008. The building on the Dinting platform seen from below. 27th March 2008. The station entrance. 27th March 2008. Ironwork on the entrance awning. 27th March 2008. The stairway leading to the Dinting platform. 27th March 2008. Waiting shelter on the Manchester platform. 27th March 2008.

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]]> Fri May 30 2008 ELLESMERE PORT [Whitby Locks] http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1519530.html A typical small Chester and Birkenhead Railway station opened in 1863 on the line from Hooton to Helsby. Ellesmere Port became part of the Merseyrail network in 1994 when the line from Hooton was electrified. It serves as a frontier station between the Merseyrail service from Liverpool via Birkenhead and the infrequent Northern Rail service from Liverpool via Helsby. Operated by Merseyrail. CRS code: ELP Friday 30 May 2008: A typical small Chester and Birkenhead Railway station opened in 1863 on the line from Hooton to Helsby. Ellesmere Port became part of the Merseyrail network in 1994 when the line from Hooton was electrified. It serves as a frontier station between the Merseyrail service from Liverpool via Birkenhead and the infrequent Northern Rail service from Liverpool via Helsby. Operated by Merseyrail. CRS code: ELP

The Northern Rail platform with a train for the Helsby line. 31st March 2008. General view of the Northern Rail platform. 31st March 2008. The platform side of the station building. 31st March 2008. Overall view of the station looking towards Helsby. 31st March 2008. The station building seen from the forecourt. 31st March 2008. Blocked up doorway on the station building. 31st March 2008. The former goods shed. 31st March 2008. Another view of the station building. 31st March 2008. Porch on the forecourt side of the building. 31st March 2008. Waiting shelter on the Northern Rail platform. 31st March 2008. A former bay platform? 31st March 2008. Looking towards Hooton from the Merseyrail platform. 31st March 2008. A slightly Heath-Robinson pasenger information screen on the station building. 31st March 2008. Station building detail. 31st March 2008. Doorway detail. 31st March 2008. The awning on the platform side of the station building. 31st March 2008. Non-PTE area version of a Merseyrail station nameboard. 31st March 2008.

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]]> Fri May 30 2008 MATLOCK BATH http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1498016.html Opened by the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway (later part of the Midland Railway) in 1849. The station buildings are thought to date from the 1880s and are in the chalet style, a reflection of the then promotion of the area as England's Little Switzerland. Five chalet buildings were provided, three on the down platform and two on the up side. Two of the former down side buildings survive. The are grade II listed and feature exposed timber frames, brick nogging, deep bracketed eaves and Midland Railway diamond window panes. Operated by East Midlands Trains. CRS code: MTB Tuesday 22 April 2008: Opened by the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway (later part of the Midland Railway) in 1849. The station buildings are thought to date from the 1880s and are in the chalet style, a reflection of the then promotion of the area as England's Little Switzerland. Five chalet buildings were provided, three on the down platform and two on the up side. Two of the former down side buildings survive. The are grade II listed and feature exposed timber frames, brick nogging, deep bracketed eaves and Midland Railway diamond window panes. Operated by East Midlands Trains. CRS code: MTB

The northern end of the platform with the second chalet building. 27th March 2008. Lamp on the main building. 27th March 2008. Window datail on the main building. 27th March 2008. The northern end of the station with the Heights of Abraham cable car visible above. 27th March 2008. Looking south towards the main building from the platform. 27th March 2008. Brick nogging of varying patterns on the main building. 27th March 2008. The main station building seen from the forecourt. It is now used by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. 27th March 2008. The former station entrance. 27th March 2008. An example of one of the smaller windows. 27th March 2008. An overall view of the station from the foot crossing. 27th March 2008. The small waiting shelter, the only building still in railway use. 27th March 2008. The platform side of the main building. 27th March 2008. Looking along the disused up platform. 27th March 2008. The station house behind the former down platform. 27th March 2008. The second of the surviving chalet style buildings. 27th March 2008. Looking towards Matlock with the southernmost of the three High Tor Tunnels in the distance. 27th March 2008. The site of one of the chalet style buildings on the disused up platform. 27th March 2008. The foot crossing at the southern end of the station. 27th March 2008. Waiting shelter interior. 27th March 2008. The southern end of the main building. 27th March 2008. A modern triangular window on the end of the building. 27th March 2008. Beneath the eaves of the main building. 27th March 2008. Detail of the Midland Railway diamond glazing. 27th March 2008.

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]]> Tue Apr 22 2008 LIVERPOOL LIME STREET http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1497671.html Liverpool Lime Street first opened in 1836, replacing the Liverpool & Manchester Railway’s earlier terminus at Crown Street. The timber structure was rebuilt in 1849 by Sir William Tite and was provided with the the first totally innovative iron segmental-arched vault trainshed. This original trainshed was replaced by the LNWR in 1867, this being the present northern trainshed. The North Western Hotel at the station front was opened in 1871. The southern trainshed was added in 1874. Operated by Network Rail and served by East Midlands Trains, First Transpennine Express, Merseyrail, Northern Rail and Virgin Trains. CRS code: LIV. Tuesday 22 April 2008: Liverpool Lime Street first opened in 1836, replacing the Liverpool & Manchester Railway_s earlier terminus at Crown Street. The timber structure was rebuilt in 1849 by Sir William Tite and was provided with the the first totally innovative iron segmental-arched vault trainshed. This original trainshed was replaced by the LNWR in 1867, this being the present northern trainshed. The North Western Hotel at the station front was opened in 1871. The southern trainshed was added in 1874. Operated by Network Rail and served by East Midlands Trains, First Transpennine Express, Merseyrail, Northern Rail and Virgin Trains. CRS code: LIV.

Another view of the hotel building. 2nd April 2007. The former North Western Hotel, now providing student accommodation. 2nd April 2007. The main concourse beneath the northern trainshed. 2nd April 2007. Stonework and pillars on platform 1. 31st March 2008. The clock over the main concourse. 31st March 2008. An entrance to the Merseyrail station below St Georges Hall. 19th April 2008. The base of one of the lamps at the station entrance. 19th April 2008. The former hotel entrance. 19th April 2008. Railings and lamps on the hotel frontage. 19th April 2008. The main passenger entrance. 19th April 2008. The southern trainshed seen from the Lime Street end. 19th April 2008. The taxi entrance on the Skelhorne Street side of the station. 19th April 2008. Arcading inside the southern trainshed. 19th April 2008. The concourse area beneath the southern trainshed. 19th April 2008. Another view of the main concourse. 19th April 2008. Departure boards on the concourse. 19th April 2008. Looking along the southern trainshed from the buffer stops. 19th April 2008. Looking along the northern trainshed from the buffer stops. 31st March 2008. Looking towards the concourse from platform 5. 19th April 2008. Looking out of the northern trainshed from platform 5. 19th April 2008. The Merseyrail station concourse. 19th April 2008.

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]]> Tue Apr 22 2008 HOYLAKE http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1497652.html Hoylake, though often overlooked, is an absolute gem of railway architecture. Opened in 1866 as the original terminus of the Hoylake Railway, it became a through station with opening of the extension to West Kirby in 1876. When the LMS electrified the line in 1938 it rebuilt most of the intermediate stations in the art deco style of the period. Of these rebuilt stations Hoylake is the finest and most elaborate. It was extensively and sensitively refurbished in 2006. Operated by Merseyrail. CRS code: HYK Tuesday 22 April 2008: Hoylake, though often overlooked, is an absolute gem of railway architecture. Opened in 1866 as the original terminus of the Hoylake Railway, it became a through station with opening of the extension to West Kirby in 1876. When the LMS electrified the line in 1938 it rebuilt most of the intermediate stations in the art deco style of the period. Of these rebuilt stations Hoylake is the finest and most elaborate. It was extensively and sensitively refurbished in 2006. Operated by Merseyrail. CRS code: HYK

Overall view of the main buildings on the Liverpool platform. 19th April 2008. Waiting room interior, West Kirby platform. 19th April 2008. The booking hall doors and ticket collector's booth. 19th April 2008. Looking towards Liverpool from the footbridge. The supports for the heavy concrete platform awning can be seen above the main building. 19th April 2008. The circular clerestory over the booking hall and the beams supporting the awnings. 19th April 2008. The station frontage. 19th April 2008. The station seen from the roadside. 19th April 2008. The impressive art deco concrete awning at the station front. 19th April 2008. The footbridge and level crossing. 19th April 2008. The booking hall entrance. 19th April 2008. The light fitting over the booking hall. 19th April 2008. Ticket inspector's booth by the platform entrance. 19th April 2008. Booking hall interior showing the clerestory windows. 19th April 2008. Interior of the ticket inspetor's booth. 19th April 2008. The building on the West Kirby platform. 19th April 2008. Bench on the Liverpool platform 19th April 2008. Beneath the awning on the Liverpool platform. 19th April 2008. Waiting room interior, Liverpool platform. 19th April 2008. Waiting room interior, Liverpool platform. 19th April 2008. General platform view looking towards Liverpool. 19th April 2008. Booking hall interior. 19th April 2008. The modern ticket window with period clock above it. 19th April 2008. The forecourt awning showing the support beams on the upper surface. 19th April 2008. The booking hall seen from the platform side. 19th April 2008. Looking towards Liverpool along the West Kirby platform. 19th April 2008. Platform building detail. 19th April 2008. The West Kirby end of the platforms. 19th April 2008.

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]]> Tue Apr 22 2008 BROADBOTTOM [Mottram, Mottram & Broadbottom] http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1497406.html A former Sheffield, Ashton-Under-Lyne & Mancester Railway station dating from 1842 on what later became the Great Central Railway’s main line between Manchester and Sheffield. The station building was damaged by fire in 1984 but was restored and converted into a restaurant – sadly no longer trading. Operated by Northern Rail. CRS code: BDB Monday 21 April 2008: A former Sheffield, Ashton-Under-Lyne & Mancester Railway station dating from 1842 on what later became the Great Central Railway_s main line between Manchester and Sheffield. The station building was damaged by fire in 1984 but was restored and converted into a restaurant _ sadly no longer trading. Operated by Northern Rail. CRS code: BDB

The station building seen from the footbridge. 27th March 2008. The former restaurant entrance. 27th March 2008. The station entrance. 27th March 2008. Balustrade detail. 27th March 2008. Looking up the pathway that gives access to the station from road level. 27th March 2008. The cobbled car park and the goods shed. 27th March 2008. The waiting shelter on the Manchester platform. 27th March 2008. The footbridge. 27th March 2008. Windows and clock on the station building. 27th March 2008. Detail of one of the footbridge staircases. 27th March 2008. Interior of the waiting shelter. 27th March 2008. General view looking towards Dinting. 27th March 2008. The goods shed. 27th March 2008.

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]]> Mon Apr 21 2008 MANCHESTER OXFORD ROAD http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1496829.html Opened by the Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway in 1849. The present structure dates from 1960 and was designed by architects W. R. Headley, Max Glendinning. The grade II listed buildings, constructed in concrete and wood, are particularly fine and absolutely unique on the UK railway network. Operated by Northern Rail and also served by Arriva Trains Wales, East Midlands Trains and First Transpennine Express. CRS code: MCO Sunday 20 April 2008: Opened by the Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway in 1849. The present structure dates from 1960 and was designed by architects W. R. Headley, Max Glendinning. The grade II listed buildings, constructed in concrete and wood, are particularly fine and absolutely unique on the UK railway network. Operated by Northern Rail and also served by Arriva Trains Wales, East Midlands Trains and First Transpennine Express. CRS code: MCO

The ticket windows, before the automatic gates were installed. 30th June 2005. The station frontage. (Picture courtesy of ATOC). The end of the platform 2 awning. 29th March 2008. Detail of the platform 2 awning showing the laminated timber construction. 29th March 2008. The shelter on platform 1. This platform was added in 1969. 29th March 2008. 1960s light carrying the station name. 29th March 2008. Spiral staircase on the rear of the goods bridge lift. 29th March 2008. General view of platforms 3 and 4. 1st April 2008. The awning over platforms 2 & 3. 1st April 2008. Bench on island platform 2 & 3. 1st April 2008. A view over the footbridge. 1st April 2008. Bay platform 5 with the second, disused bay platform behind. 1st April 2008. General concourse view. 1st April 2008. The station frontage and forecourt. 1st April 2008. The forecourt seen from the entrance on Oxford Road. 1st April 2008. Ticket machines at the station entrance. 1st April 2008. The passenger entrance. 1st April 2008. Telephone booth on the concourse. 1st April 2008. Former Finlays newsagent by the station entrance. 1st April 2008. Curved seat on the concourse. 1st April 2008. The concourse roof. 1st April 2008. The buffet. 1st April 2008. Awning and roof supports on platform 4. 1st April 2008. Platform awning detail. 1st April 2008. Platform 4 with the concourse roof behind. The 1980s canopy over the gateway plays havoc with the 1960 design. 1st April 2008. The eastern station throat, squeezed between buildings. 1st April 2008.

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]]> Sun Apr 20 2008 RAINHILL http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1495499.html Rainhill was opened in 1830 by the Liverpool & Manchester Railway and holds an important place in railway history as the location of the Rainhill Trials of 1829. The station is now operated by Northern Rail on behalf of Merseyside PTE. Sadly on the day of my visit the station lived up to its name and the weather was inclement to say the least! CRS code: RNH Friday 18 April 2008: Rainhill was opened in 1830 by the Liverpool & Manchester Railway and holds an important place in railway history as the location of the Rainhill Trials of 1829. The station is now operated by Northern Rail on behalf of Merseyside PTE. Sadly on the day of my visit the station lived up to its name and the weather was inclement to say the least! CRS code: RNH

The station building seen from the Manchester platform. 29th March 2008. Interior of the Manchester platform shelter. 29th March 2008. Detail of the top of one of the shelter columns. 29th March 2008. General view looking towards Liverpool from the Manchester platform. 29th March 2008. Looking towards Manchester from the same position. 29th March 2008. Awning ironwork detail. 29th March 2008. View beneath the awning of the main building. 29th March 2008. The shelter on the Manchester platform. 29th March 2008. The station building seen from the roadside. 29th March 2008. Monument commemorating the Rainhill Trials near the station entrance. 29th March 2008. The skew bridge at the Liverpool end of the station. Of the 15 skew bridges on the L&M Railway this one crossed the line at the most acute angle: 34 degrees. 29th March 2008. Merseytravel station nameboard. 29th March 2008. View towards Manchester from the Liverpool platform with the footbridge in the foreground. 29th March 2008. Awning bracket detail. 29th March 2008. Ironwork detail at the end of the awning. 29th March 2008. An engraving of the same skew bridge in 1831.

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]]> Fri Apr 18 2008 NEW BRIGHTON http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1492790.html Opened in 1888 as the terminus of the Wirral Railway route from Birkenhead Park. Through services to Liverpool via the Mersey Railway tunnel started in 1938 when the LMS electrified the line. Now part of the Merseyrail network. CRS code: NBN Sunday 13 April 2008: Opened in 1888 as the terminus of the Wirral Railway route from Birkenhead Park. Through services to Liverpool via the Mersey Railway tunnel started in 1938 when the LMS electrified the line. Now part of the Merseyrail network. CRS code: NBN

Platform view looking towards Wallasey. 1st April 2008. The platform is covered by a concrete canopy. 1st April 2008. Booking hall doorway detail. 1st April 2008. The ticket gate at the platform entrance. 1st April 2008. Door and window detail on the station building. 1st April 2008. The platform side of the station building. 1st April 2008. Another view of the station front. 1st April 2008. The station frontage seen from the road. 1st April 2008. Detail of the entrance awning ahowing the turned wooden pillars. 1st April 2008. The panelled booking hall. 1st April 2008. Another booking hall interior shot showing the ticket window. 1st April 2008. An old view of the station. (Picture courtesy of John Law).

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]]> Sun Apr 13 2008 FLINT / Y FFLINT http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1489662.html Opened by the Chester & Holyhead Railway in 1848, Flint station was designed by Francis Thompson. By the time it was opened it had become part of the growing LNWR network. Unlike many other former Chester & Holyhead stations traffic never increased to the level where enlargement was necessary so the original buildings have survived. The station underwent a substantial refurbishment in 2006. Operated by Arriva Trains Wales and also served by Virgin Trains. CRS code: FLN Tuesday 8 April 2008: Opened by the Chester & Holyhead Railway in 1848, Flint station was designed by Francis Thompson. By the time it was opened it had become part of the growing LNWR network. Unlike many other former Chester & Holyhead stations traffic never increased to the level where enlargement was necessary so the original buildings have survived. The station underwent a substantial refurbishment in 2006. Operated by Arriva Trains Wales and also served by Virgin Trains. CRS code: FLN

Plaque commemorating the 2006 station refurbishment. 31st March 2008. Ironwork detail beneath the entrance awning. 31st March 2008. The station frontage. 31st March 2008. The former goods shed. 31st March 2008. Sculpture of a foot outside the station. 31st March 2008. The up platform building. 31st March 2008. General platform view looking east. 31st March 2008. General view looking west. 31st March 2008. The waiting room has been refurbished to a very high standard. Inexplicably, the fabric used on the seats is identical to that used in the Chiltern Railways class 168 units! 31st March 2008. Booking hall interior. 31st March 2008. Coat of arms on the station front. 31st March 2008. The main station building seen from the platform side. 31st March 2008. Balustrade detail on the station footbridge - a typical LNWR design. 31st March 2008. The main station building seen from the footbridge. 31st March 2008. Window detail on the main building. 31st March 2008. Platform view looking west showing the public footbridge. 31st March 2008. Moving away from the usual practice of using bilingual nameboards, Arriva Trains Wales have used alternate English and Welsh language signs. This is the English version. 31st March 2008. Finial detail on a fence post. 31st March 2008.

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]]> Tue Apr 8 2008 HUNTS CROSS http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1489655.html A Merseyside suburban station built in 1879 by Cheshire Lines Committee. The station building is grade II listed and is now used as a pub. The station is the terminus of the Merseyrail Northern Line and the electric service commenced in 1983. It once formed the junction for the North Liverpool Extension Line. Operated by Merseyrail and also served by Northern Rail. A few peak time East Midlands Trains and First Transpennine Express services also serve the station. CRS code: HNX Tuesday 8 April 2008: A Merseyside suburban station built in 1879 by Cheshire Lines Committee. The station building is grade II listed and is now used as a pub. The station is the terminus of the Merseyrail Northern Line and the electric service commenced in 1983. It once formed the junction for the North Liverpool Extension Line. Operated by Merseyrail and also served by Northern Rail. A few peak time East Midlands Trains and First Transpennine Express services also serve the station. CRS code: HNX

General view looking towards Warrington. The main line platforms are in the foreground and the Merseyrail platform is on the left. 1st April 2008. The former platform entrance from the main building. Note the ornate balustrades. 1st April 2008. The station frontage showing the peaked dormers. Prominent in the foreground is the extension that was added when the building was converted into a pub. 1st April 2008. The modern entrance building which houses the ticket office. 1st April 2008. The station building seen from the forecourt side. 1st April 2008. Range in the former station master's accommodation, now part of the pub. 1st April 2008. The platform building which houses a shop and a disabled toilet. 1st April 2008. General platform view looking towards Liverpool and showing the footbridge. 1st April 2008. The platform side of the station building showing the full four storey height. 1st April 2008.

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]]> Tue Apr 8 2008 DERBY [Derby Midland] http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1482952.html Derby was the epicentre of the Midland Railway empire. The station building was built by Francis Thompson to serve the Midland Counties, North Midland and Birmingham & Derby Junction Railways, all of which later combined to form the MR. An iron trainshed by Robert Stephenson covered the tracks. The trainshed suffered wartime bomb damage and was replaced by pre-stressed concrete canopies in the 1950s. These were recently found to be life-expired and work is currently underway (2008) to replace them. The main station building was controversially demolished in 1985 and replaced by a new structure. Operated by Midland Mainline after privatisation, the staton has now passed to East Midlands Trains and is also served by Cross Country services. CRS code: DBY Friday 28 March 2008: Derby was the epicentre of the Midland Railway empire. The station building was built by Francis Thompson to serve the Midland Counties, North Midland and Birmingham & Derby Junction Railways, all of which later combined to form the MR. An iron trainshed by Robert Stephenson covered the tracks. The trainshed suffered wartime bomb damage and was replaced by pre-stressed concrete canopies in the 1950s. These were recently found to be life-expired and work is currently underway (2008) to replace them. The main station building was controversially demolished in 1985 and replaced by a new structure. Operated by Midland Mainline after privatisation, the staton has now passed to East Midlands Trains and is also served by Cross Country services. CRS code: DBY

Window detail on platform 1. 24th November 2004. One of the ticket windows from the former first class booking office, preserved at the Midland Railway Centre. 15th July 2006. Salvaged carved stone coat of arms from old North Midland Railway offices, preserved at the Midland Railway Centre, Butterley. 15th July 2006. Salvaged stonework from the North Midland Railway offices at the Midland Railway Centre, Butterley. 15th July 2006. More architectural salvage from the North Midland Railway offices at the MRC. 15th July 2006. Sign on platform 1. Presumably any other member of ther public is allowed to pass? 27th March 2008. The main station building seen from the forecourt. 27th March 2008. The station entrance. 27th March 2008. Midland Railway coat of arms on the station front. 27th March 2008. Another view of the 1985 station building. 27th March 2008. Concourse view. 27th March 2008. Now located in the car park, the clock and MR wyvern from the original station entrance. 27th March 2008. The station frontage seen in the late 1950s or early 1960s. The buildings at the south end of platform 1 seen from the forecourt. 27th March 2008. The buildings on the south end of platform 1 seen from the platform side. 27th March 2008. The south end of platform 1. The long length of this platform is due to it having originally been the station's sole platform. 27th March 2008. View along platform 1. 27th March 2008. Pedimented window on platform 1. 27th March 2008. One of the entrances to the subway, originally for parcels use but now open to passengers 27th March 2008. General platform view showing the shored-up concrete awnings. 27th March 2008. Another platform view, looking north from platform 1. 27th March 2008. A three link coupling incorporated into the car park fence. 27th March 2008. A coupling hook incorporated into the car park fence. 27th March 2008. A chair incorporated into the car park fence. Many other items of railway ironwork can be found in the fence. 27th March 2008. Midland Mainline plaque on the car park fence in the shape of the company's former stag logo. 27th March 2008. The frontage of the Midland Hotel opposite the station. 27th March 2008. Another view of the Midland Hotel, the first ever purpose built railway hotel. 27th March 2008. The Midland Railway Institute building which also stands opposite the station. 27th March 2008. Terracotta lettering on the Midland Railway Institute. 27th March 2008. Terracotta decoration and date on the Midland Railway Institute. 27th March 2008. Midland Railway housing near the station. 27th March 2008.

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]]> Fri Mar 28 2008 STOKE ON TRENT http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1465909.html Stoke on Trent station was opened in 1848 as the headquarters of the North Staffordshire Railway. As well as the station, the NSR constructed the North Staffordshire Hotel opposite and laid out Winton Square between the two with railway owned housing filling the remaining sides of the square. The architectural style is largely Jacobean. The overall ridge & furrow roof that covers the platforms is not original and was added in 1893. Operated by Virgin Trains and also served by East Midlands Trains, Cross Country & Northern Rail. CRS code: SOT. Wednesday 27 February 2008: Stoke on Trent station was opened in 1848 as the headquarters of the North Staffordshire Railway. As well as the station, the NSR constructed the North Staffordshire Hotel opposite and laid out Winton Square between the two with railway owned housing filling the remaining sides of the square. The architectural style is largely Jacobean. The overall ridge & furrow roof that covers the platforms is not original and was added in 1893. Operated by Virgin Trains and also served by East Midlands Trains, Cross Country & Northern Rail. CRS code: SOT.

The short bay platform at the north end. 25th February 2008. A massive iron pillar supports each corner of the overall roof. 25th February 2008. Looking south from the down platform showing the overall roof. 25th February 2008. Detail of the base of one of the columns supporting the overall roof next to the bay platform. 25th February 2008. Doors and windows on the down platform. 25th February 2008. The Jacobean station facade. 25th February 2008. Former archway leading to the up platform, now converted into a first class lounge. 25th February 2008. The northern wing of the main building. 25th February 2008. The plainer buildings at the south end of the station frontage, now no longer in railway use. 25th February 2008. North Staffordshire Railway administrative offices. 25th February 2008. Stoke Town Centre Heritage Trail sign in Winton Square. 25th February 2008. The collonade at the station front. 25th February 2008. Door at the end of the entrance collonade. 25th February 2008. Cast iron fire notice on the station frontage. 25th February 2008. Winton Square looking south with the former railway houses and the North Staffordshire Hotel on the left. 25th February 2008. An external shot of the screen wall that supports the overall roof. 25th February 2008. The station frontage seen from the north end. 25th February 2008. One of the windows in the collonade with radial glazing. 25th February 2008. The heavily mullioned board room window above the station entrance. It was inspired by a similar window at Charlton House in Wiltshire. 25th February 2008. Interior of the entrance collonade. 25th February 2008. Interior of the entrance collonade. 25th February 2008. Booking hall interior, as refurbished by Virgin Trains. 25th February 2008. The southern end of the up platform. 25th February 2008. General view looking north from the up platform. 25th February 2008. Makers plate on the base of one of the main supporting columns of the overall roof. 25th February 2008.25th February 2008. Doorway detail on the up platform. 25th February 2008. The platform side of the main building. 25th February 2008. The platform entrance archway which forms the North Staffordshire Railway's war memorial. 25th February 2008. Plaque and railings on the war memorial. 25th February 2008. Tiled mural in the passenger subway. 25th February 2008. Large sculpture of a hand at the south end of the down platform. 25th February 2008. Detail of the sign. 25th February 2008. Doorway and sign on the up platform. 25th February 2008. The footbridge, originally for goods but now in passenger use. 25th February 2008. View across the footbridge. 25th February 2008. The platforms seen from the footbridge. 25th February 2008. The up platform seen from the opposite side. 27th March 2008. General platform view looking south. 27th March 2008. The smaller buildings around Winton Square were originally company residences. 27th March 2008. The North Staffordshire Hotel which stands immediately opposite the station front. 7th December 2008. Statue of Josiah Wedgwood in the centre of Winton Square. 7th December 2008. Maker's plate on another part of the station ironwork. 7th December 2008. Chimneys on one of the NSR buildings at Winton Square. 7th December 2008. Bay window on one of the NSR buildings at Winton Square. 7th December 2008.

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]]> Wed Feb 27 2008 LONGPORT [Longport Junction, Burslem] http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1465294.html A North Staffordshire Railway station dating from 1848 and constructed in Jacobean style. The grade II listed buildings have been shorn of their awnings and are no longer in use. Operated by East Midlands Trains and also served by peak time Northern Rail services. CRS code: LPT Monday 25 February 2008: A North Staffordshire Railway station dating from 1848 and constructed in Jacobean style. The grade II listed buildings have been shorn of their awnings and are no longer in use. Operated by East Midlands Trains and also served by peak time Northern Rail services. CRS code: LPT

The disused station building seen from the forecourt side. The original station entrance is fenced off and the auctioneer's sign would suggest Network Rail are trying to dispose of the building. 25th February 2008. The southern end of the main building seen from the footbridge. Most of the chimneys have been capped off. 25th February 2008. General view of the up platform with the concrete footbridge in the distance. 25th February 2008. Jacobean gable detail on the main building. 25th February 2008. Part of the main building. The building is boarded up but a fairly successful attempt at trompe-l'oeil disguises this. 25th February 2008. Overall view of the main building, partly obscured by catenary. 25th February 2008. The down platform building, somewhat altered from how it was intended to look. 25th February 2008. Ironwork detail on the down platform. 25th February 2008.

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]]> Mon Feb 25 2008 STONE CROSSING (Stone Crossing Halt) http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1459033.html Stone Crossing Halt was opened by the South Eastern & Chatham Railway in 1908 on the line between Dartford and Gravesend. It was rebuilt and enlarged by British Railways in 1954. The road crossing is still manually operated and until recently the crossing keeper's building doubled as a booking office. Operated by Southeastern. CRS code: SCG Friday 15 February 2008: Stone Crossing Halt was opened by the South Eastern & Chatham Railway in 1908 on the line between Dartford and Gravesend. It was rebuilt and enlarged by British Railways in 1954. The road crossing is still manually operated and until recently the crossing keeper's building doubled as a booking office. Operated by Southeastern. CRS code: SCG

The concrete waiting shelter on the up platform. 13th February 2008. General view of the platforms looking towards Dartford. 13th February 2008. The level crossing and crossing keeper's building. 13th February 2008. The level crossing. 13th February 2008. The crossing keeper's building, formerly a signal box. Note the former ticket window and NSE sign. 13th February 2008. The station seen from the level crossing. 13th February 2008. The waiting shelter on the down platform. 13th February 2008. Inside the up platform waiting shelter. 13th February 2008. Looking east towards Gravesend from the up platform with the crossing and building visible. 13th February 2008.

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]]> Fri Feb 15 2008 BEXLEY http://railwaystations.fpic.co.uk/c1459026.html Bexley is a former South Eastern & Chatham Railway station, situated on the line from Dartford to London via Sidcup. It was opened in 1866. The buildings are original and are of timber clapboard construction. Operated by Southeastern. CRS code: BXY Friday 15 February 2008: Bexley is a former South Eastern & Chatham Railway station, situated on the line from Dartford to London via Sidcup. It was opened in 1866. The buildings are original and are of timber clapboard construction. Operated by Southeastern. CRS code: BXY

One of several brackets fashioned from old rail that can be found on the up platform. Presumably they carried lamps. 13th February 2008. The eastern end of the platforms looking towards Dartford. 13th February 2008. General view of the station looking west. from the up platform. 13th February 2008. The station building seen from the eastern end. 13th February 2008. The up platform waiting shelter. 13th February 2008. The entrance to the subway on the down platform. 13th February 2008. Pillar capital on the up side waiting shelter. 13th February 2008. The western end of the platforms looking towards London. 13th February 2008. Ticket collector's booth on the up platform. 13th February 2008. Timber column within the up side shelter. 13th February 2008. The main station building, situated on the down platform. The awning is in a poor state and is supported by scaffolding. 13th February 2008. The subway steps on the up side. 13th February 2008.