A new book, Alnmouth to Berwick by Roger Darsley and Dennis Lovette, charts the history of the railway in north Northumberland.
The book includes information on several intermediate stations that were closed during the 1950s, while The Seahouses and Tweed Dock branches provide interesting studies of lines serving East Coast harbours.
This 96-page book, complete with 120 photographs, makes an important contribution to local transport history and will be available from local bookshops at £18.95 or from publishers from January 30.
Available direct from Middleton Press (post-free, UK): 01730 813169, www.middletonpress.co.uk
This 96-page book, complete with 120 photographs, makes an important contribution to local transport history and will be available from local bookshops at £18.95 or from publishers from January 30.
5. Alnmouth Engine Shed
Alnmouth Engine Shed: On 18th September 1955, Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0 no. 43016 from Heaton (52B) and class J39 0-6-0 no. 64941 were on shed. Servicing was done here. Ash from the loco fires was dropped between the rails and then hand-carted away: like coaling, another mucky job! The turntable was at the Alnwick branch junction, outside the shed bounds and necessitated inefficient light engine movements. (G.W.Morrison)
Photo: supplied
6. Tweedmouth
The interior of the roundhouse at Tweedmouth in 1961 was home to four class J39 0-6-0 locos, all too grimy to identify. In 1961, Tweedmouth and Alnmouth were allocated nos 64869, 64897 and 64917. All the J39 class had been withdrawn by the end of 1962. The wagon with the stripes is a shock absorber wagon for fragile loads. (Colour-Rail.com)
Photo: supplied
7. Racing pigeons
A pigeon special shows another lost railway scene. Racing pigeons were collected and taken to a station and released for the race from the race station. This pigeon special was in the loop by the goods shed at Belford. Now pigeon racers have specially designed articulated lorries (but they retain the wicker baskets!). (ARPT)
Photo: supplied
8. Alnmouth Railway Station
Alnmouth Railway Station as it looks today.
Photo: Jane Coltman