Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past Wirral History James Street Station

Those indicator boards were in service for decades. Brilliant they were too. Simple switching connected with the automatic signalling. Not a lot to go wrong. To my knowledge, since the Loop/Link upgrades, there have been at least three different types of board. The mechanical flip-over type followed by dot matrix thingies. We'll see how long these highly expensive and sophisticated electronicrap things last !!

I noticed on the undated photo that we have not one but two 'third rails'. Here, as with the Overhead railway and a lot of London Underground, the power rail was laid central to the two running rails. As the outer power rail exsists as well, this must date it during a transition period of the rolloing stock - but I don't know when (yet).

When electrified in 1903 it was on the 4 rail system. Outer rail was positive, centre rail negative return. Centre neg. rail removed when the original Westinghouse cars were withdrawn in 1956. Since then it's been outer positive rail and running rails provide the negative return.

When the LMS electrified the Wirral Lines in 1936 they used the 3 rail system. There was a changeover system over at B'head North from 3 to 4 rail and vice versa for through running over the Mersey lines. (Earthing the frames of the cars or centre shoes)

Yes, the L.O.R. was centre positive until they wanted through running with L&Y Railway. They then changed to outer positive rail with neg. running rails.

Ive got a copy of the builder's specification for the construction of Hamilton Square station, dated November 1884. There are no drawings or photos unfortunately.
This is within a book of specifications & costings, previously the property of C.D. Fox , the principal engineer & director of the company.

Bob.

Is that scanable Bob or is it too big ? It would be great to see if at all possible. Have studied the history of the Mersey Railway for years, but never seen any builders specs.

Wasn't loco No.6 named "Fox" ??

It's a very delicate bound book. I could try it on our large scanner in work.

It also contains :-
The board of Trade letter authorising the opening of the line
Quotes for boilers & pumping engines
Full spec & side elevation plan for coaches
Hand written specs for both types of steam locos.
Signal specs & prices
Guibal fan specs

That would be great if you do it WITHOUT damaging the book. I presume the Guibal fan was the one at the fan house in Hamilton Street?

Thanks Pablo42.

The old electric departure indicators from the Mersey Railway stations made their way to the British Railways Collectors' Corner shop which was located near Euston Station.

I remember seeing them for sale in the mid 70s. Wouldn't have minded one but I was still at school and I think they wanted a fair bit for them.

Presumably they were sold and lurk in someone collection. I did buy an enamel electric live rail warning sign though. However, sold it over 10 years ago now - wish I hadn't!