A while ago I submitted a report about exploring Waterloo Dock Goods Yard with a steam engine. This is the other part of the exploring, which is now forty years ago!
In 1971, a small industrial steam locomotive was restored in the Mersey Docks & Harbour Board's Princes Dock Old Loco Shed. Permission was granted to steam test it, prior to moving it to a preservation society, so on a Saturday morning in July, it was barred outside and steam raised.
Watched by officials, short test runs and adjustments were made, then they departed, leaving us with a deserted chunk of docks. Using the loco, we explored the British Rail Goods Yard, but then decided to go everywhere that we could! All the Dock Railway lines were closed, so there was no fear of meeting another train!
It must be true, cos here are the pics!
Raising steam
First test run (more atmospheric in B & W)
On the dock railway main line
Changing lines, shed in background
The thing in the foreground is an old sand dryer for the engines rail sanding gear, used to get a grip.
Lets have a trip to the Pier Head!
You can't park that thing there!
On Princes Dock Swing Bridge, The gangplank of the naval vessel was in our way and the captain only agreed to move it if we gave him a go on the engine, - but he wouldn't let us have a go of his boat!!!
The Engine Shed, with all the trimmings
Before demolition, after the engine had gone.
In 1971, a small industrial steam locomotive was restored in the Mersey Docks & Harbour Board's Princes Dock Old Loco Shed. Permission was granted to steam test it, prior to moving it to a preservation society, so on a Saturday morning in July, it was barred outside and steam raised.
Watched by officials, short test runs and adjustments were made, then they departed, leaving us with a deserted chunk of docks. Using the loco, we explored the British Rail Goods Yard, but then decided to go everywhere that we could! All the Dock Railway lines were closed, so there was no fear of meeting another train!
It must be true, cos here are the pics!
Raising steam
First test run (more atmospheric in B & W)
On the dock railway main line
Changing lines, shed in background
The thing in the foreground is an old sand dryer for the engines rail sanding gear, used to get a grip.
Lets have a trip to the Pier Head!
You can't park that thing there!
On Princes Dock Swing Bridge, The gangplank of the naval vessel was in our way and the captain only agreed to move it if we gave him a go on the engine, - but he wouldn't let us have a go of his boat!!!
The Engine Shed, with all the trimmings
Before demolition, after the engine had gone.