The station was opened in 1887, as part of the Liverpool Southport and Preston junction railway. However this was integrated in to the Lancashire and Yorkshire railway in 1897 due to financial difficulties.
The line here was an early adopter of electrification in 1909, and in 1911 more train services were introduced when the Pool Hey Junction was opened, allowing services from Wigan to Southport.
Although no goods facilities were here, freight passed through the station until 1952.
Station buildings were in the form of a large timber building, situated on the island platform, which had canopies on either side. It was a large structure, being as it would be expected to serve a large number of passengers from the Southport suburbs. It contained not only a booking hall, but toilet facilities and a waiting room.
The line to Preston was earmarked for closure by the Beeching report of 1963, and so by 1964 that particular line closed. This lead to reduced services, and was the first decision that led to the decline of the station during the next thirty years.
The station building was demolished in the year 2000, being replaced with simple shelters. However, the reintroduction of a Sunday timetable in 2009, gave the station a much needed upturn in passenger numbers. A ‘friends of Meols Cop station’ group formed in 2010, and led to the station gaining floral displays, and the general upkeep of the station has continued ever since.
Below are images taken in 2022 of the station notice board :
Meols cop is an interesting station. Certainly it is well looked after by the station group, and new shelters and information boards show that it has not been a forgotten station. The lack of lift however restricts its use, and so will never be busy. The curve makes it interesting for photography, however the lack of services make interest low for the enthusiast.
Edge Hill is quite an important junction, but there is much more to the station than just that.
A station has been at Edge hill since 1930, and that station was the site of the first passenger station in the world. It had a stationary steam engine which would winch engines up from Wapping Dock.
The Edge hill station which stands here today opened in 1836, a little further to the North West than that initial station. A selection of tunnels moves away from the station to the main Liverpool lime street station. Up until the 1870’s, these trains were still moved to and from Liverpool Street by means of two brakesman going down into Lime Street, and by a rope winding engine on the uphill section.
Extensive sidings have been in use throughout the stations life, and many are still in use today.
Edge Hill’s design is that of two island platforms, both of which still have their original 1836 buildings. They are in excellent condition, and as always this is very nice to see. In fact, they are the oldest station buildings still in use and are grade 2 listed.
The two platforms are linked by a subway, and the buildings on platforms 3 and four are being used by an art studio. Unfortunately there is no step free access to these platforms.
At time of writing, stopping services to all areas are provided by class 150, 156, and 319 and 323’s on most routes, but the newer class 195 and 331’s can also be seen. Also Avanti west coast Pendolinos and Class 802 Pennine Expresses often pass through.
Edge hill has such a rich history, and a lot of it is on show. It still has important junctions and sidings, which keep it alive. Although probably not as busy as it was fifty or so years ago, the interchanges it provides for the traveller are still important. It’s a shame not all the platforms are fully accessible, but this may come in time. Obviously for the enthusiast, a vast variety of traction can be seen, and the quiet nature of the station lends itself to videography well.
Below is a video which I produced to showcase Edge Hill, lots of traffic passes in this one!
Many thanks for reading and remember :
“If you can, get out there, get on the railway, and see where it take you” (c)
The station was opened in 1844 by the South East Railway, and it was to become one of the more eye catching stations on the line, being as it nestled right next to the river Medway.
It started life however as just a dropping off point with a basic wooden platform and no facilities. This changed quite quickly however, as an imposing yet beautiful two story red brick station building was erected on newly brick built platforms on the Strood bound side. Mock Tudor in design, it certainly stands out proudly overlooking the river. A similar style building would later be built at Aylesford, however this would be made from Kentish ragstone. A station masters house was built next door, of similar but smaller design.
Freight facilities were excellent here, with a double tracked goods shed, which frequently was used by the local brewery for transportation. The yard lasted until 1963; however the time of writing, the building is still used today by Network Rail for storage, ensuring this grand building still stands.
The fine signal box was installed in 1892, manual gates being provided, and these remained until automatic barriers were installed in the 2010’s.
Another thing of interest is that the station didn’t get a footbridge until the 1960’s, when the foot crossing was deemed unsafe after the line was electrified. Also it was one of the last stations on the line to retain semaphore signals, these being replaced in 2005, as part of a re-signalling scheme.
At time of writing, passenger traffic is provided by class 375 electric multiple units.
Wateringbury is a superb station to visit. The old signal box and goods shed alone would make it interesting, but couple that with the elaborate Grade 2 listed station building, and of course the fabulous views across the river Medway, make time here a pleasure. Sight lines for the enthusiast are excellent, whether at platform or bridge level, so photography and videography will gain you great results.
Here is a video of the station, filmed by myself in 2022 :
Thanks for reading, come back soon and remember:
“If you can, get out there, get on the railway, and see where it takes you” (c)
A railway line had been going through this site from 1868, but it would not be until after the electrification of the line in the 1920’s, that a station would be built in this new commuter town.
Petts Wood station building
Petts Wood opened in 1928, initially with only a single island platform, but a second would be added some 5 years later. The station building is unique, likened by some to resemble a signal box.
A small goods and coal yard was added on the coastbound side, however no goods shed was ever built on the site, and this facility lasted until 1968.
Petts Wood railway station
In 1962, signalling was transferred to the new box at Chislehurst, and over the next 40 years, shelters and other platform buildings and furniture was either removed or replaced. Today it is a station of function rather than elegance, however the station building does still retain some charm.
At time of writing, passenger services are provided by class 376, 465, 466 and 700 Electric Multiple Units.
Class 376
There are 6 trains per hour in both directions on weekdays, with a slightly reduced service at the weekends.
The entry and exit figures for 2019 / 2020 were 2 215 876
As I have previously noted, Petts Wood is a station which is more function over style. However, the quirky station building still exits and it has good passenger facilities, its only let down being it has no step free access. For the enthusiast, fantastic views of all lines are too be had, especially from the connecting footbridge.
Petts Wood railway station from footbridge
Below is a video that was shot in 2021:
Thanks for reading, I’ll leave you with my tagline :
The station was opened in 1868 by the South Eastern Railway Company, and originally had a familiar staggered platform arrangement with clapboard construction buildings and a lattice footbridge, which was installed from the start, negating the need for a passenger foot crossing.
A goods siding would not appear until 1871, this was placed behind the coast bound platform. However, by the end of the 19th century, this had increased to three more. Two of these were on the London bound side and were coal sidings. All were controlled by a two-story signal box placed at the south of the coast bound platform.
By 1935, electrification of the route required the platforms to be extended, and an electric substation was installed just behind the coast bound platform. By 1957 the staggered platform arrangement was all but lost, this was to help accommodate 12-car trains. All goods services were removed by the end of 1964.
Unfortunately, the signal box was destroyed by fire in 1971, and all operations were switched to Orpington. In 1973 the station building suffered the same fate, and after consultation a new modern glazed building was erected in its place, and still stands today. The photo below shows that the glass acts as a shell for the main ticket office inside.
Chelsfield station buildingChelsfield railway station ticket officeChelsfield railway station ticket office
The view below is from the south end of platform 2, shows an impressive sweeping curve into Chelsfield tunnel, which (like Knockholt) is said to be an inspiration for the tunnel in the book ‘The Railway Children’.
Chelsfield tunnel
Below is the view of the station as taken from the impressive road bridge. Note the electric substation on the left.
Chelsfield railway station
Passenger services at time of recording are provided by either class 466 465 or 376 electric multiple units
Chelsfield has two trains per hour in each direction off-peak, with many additional services during the peak times, and at those peak times these run to Cannon Street and not to Charing Cross.
The 2019 2020 exit and entry figures were 973 208
Chelsfield road bridge
Chelsfield was a surprisingly good station to visit, not least for the excellent sweeping views down the line towards the Chelsfield tunnel. The ticket office is a good example of 1970’s architecture, and although not to everyone’s taste, does show the style of the time. For the enthusiast, the aforementioned tunnel is a bonus, but also the variety in traffic, including freight, will give you a good deal of photographic and video opportunities.
Here is a video of the station, filmed in 2021
Thanks for reading, I’ll leave you with my tagline :
Dunton Green was opened in 1868 by the South Eastern Railway Company, and it had a familiar clapboard station building similar to that of the one at Hildenborough. It also had a single siding on the London bound side, and this was incorporated into a proper running line when a branch line to Westerham was opened in 1881.
This branch line had its own station building as well as a three-story high signal box. As this new branch line cut through access to the village, a subway was constructed to gain access, but more on this later.
Three new goods sidings were also constructed at this time on the branch line section. The signal box had a short life however, as a signal modernization scheme in the early 1900s had it demolished in favour of a two-story design. By 1934 the newly formed southern region began the electrification program and Dunton Green had its platforms lengthened, with the first electric train running through the station from 1935.
Dunton Green railway station
Unfortunately Dunton Green’s recent history is less illustrious. In 1961 the branch line closed, and over the next 35 years the station went into rapid decline, culminating in the complete removal of the station in the mid-1990s and at time of writing, a new station building has never been rebuilt at this location.
Dunton Green railway station
This picture is of the subway which still connects the station to Dunton Green village (credit for these are below as I was unable to photograph on the day of my visit)
At time of writing passenger traffic is provided by class 465 or class 376 electric multiple units.
Class 465Class 376
The statistics for Dunton Green are that it opened in 1868, it has two trains per hour in both directions off-peak and Saturdays, with additional trains at peak times (this is reduced to only one train per hour in both directions on Sundays).
The entry and exit figures for 2019-2020 were 258 682.
The absence of a station building (at time of writing) really makes a visit to this station unappealing if you are a casual enthusiast. However, the location and relatively good frequency of service makes the stations survival a must. Photography and videography are ok, but I would advise that perhaps a visit to another railway station on the line nearby could wield better and more atmospheric results.
Below is a video filmed in 2021:
Thanks for reading, I’ll leave you with my tagline :
I visited Canary Wharf and surrounding area in late 2021, as it has more than its fair share of railway transport systems. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR), Overground, Underground and soon Elizabeth line all serve this or the very immediate area. Her in this blog is a short overview of these. It is by no where a comprehensive look, but hopefully will get you the reader to perhaps go and explore these for yourself.
DOCKLANDS LIGHT RAILWAY (DLR)
The concept of the DLR was first discussed around 1982 when the docklands area were being readied for redevelopment.
Construction of the first two lines, one from Tower Gateway to Island Gardens and from Stratford to Island Gardens were started in 1985. They both opened in 1987, and over the next 20 years more lines were added as the docklands expanded.
The railway is entirely automated, enabling those at the front or rear of the train to get an unobstructed view of the track, which can be quite entertaining. There is however a control desk at either end of the train, so that the train can be driven manually in the event of a automation failure.
New trains are due to be in service by 2023, and look the same as the current stock, albeit with a more streamlined look and less boxy.
ELIZABETH LINE
Located on the Abbey Wood branch of the Elizabeth line, the station has been built on the West India North dock. This has been achieved using a cofferdam, which is an enclosure built in the water and then pumped out to create a dry space for construction below the waterline. This picture, taken before official opening and therefore not of the actual station concourse, show that it is a great feat of engineering and very pleasing to the eye.
The excellent roof garden on top of the station building is a very clam place to spend some time, and it is amazing that such a structure should have such a pleasant area sitting on top of it. I recommend a visit to here, it really is something special.
Connecting one half of the station is a walkway (pictures below). The geometric shapes on the walls of this were added in 2020, and designed by French artist Camille WALALA. It is intended to be a permanent installation, and certainly makes what would otherwise be a plain steel walkway into something Instagram worthy.
This is to be one of two entrances to the Elizabeth line, one either side of the dock, and alongside it are many bars, restaurants and cafes for you to enjoy.
Walking through this walkway and shopping centre will get you to the area called Middle dock. A fantastic space, and one where you can gain excellent views of the buildings, and of course the DLR.
JUBILEE LINE UNDERGROUND STATION
In Middle dock, you cannot fail to see the spectacular entrance to the London Underground Jubilee line. Covered in grass, it is almost impossible to see from the air. The escalators move you down into a cavernous space, very unique across the London underground network.
The concourse is huge, and is certainly able to take the large amount of passengers using the station at peak times. The high ceilings all around add to the sense of space.
Moving down to the platforms, and you will find these are also a very good size, and the overall feel is that of a safe and very efficient underground station.
If we now hop on a train and go one stop westbound, you will get to Canada Water station.
LONDON OVERGROUND
At Canada Water you will find a sub level platform for the Overground line. This will take you North and South in London, and as such complements the East/West alignment of the Jubilee line.
Both stations, like most on the jubilee line, are spacious and industrial in feel, with steel everywhere, and I personally like it very much, although I get it is not to everyone’s taste. My personal favourite of the Jubilee line stations is Westminster, but that is for another blog!
NIGHTIME
As spectacular as it is during the daytime, the Canary wharf area dazzles at night. Fantastic photography can be had, and here are a few of my favourites that I took on this trip:
Canary Wharf and immediate area is well worth a visit. It certainly is looks the part with its many high rise buildings, and getting here is no problem with the amount of rail travel routes you can take. I would recommend coming late afternoon so that you will get the benefit of day and night time views, i am sure that you will not be disappointed.
I filmed a vlog for this visit, and this can be seen below :
Brampton was opened in 1854 by the East Suffolk Railway, on the same day the rest of the East Suffolk line opened. The railway station and indeed line was absorbed into the Great Eastern Railway in 1862
It serves not only Brampton, but other villages nearby like Redisham.
Finding out any history for this station has proved extremely difficult, both in paper and internet form. So if anyone has anything to add, please comment down below, it will be most appreciated.
It used to be a request stop, but on the day of my visit in 2021 it was not, and a check of the timetables seem to confirm that, for the time being at least, it is now a regular stop on the line.
A good set of walks in the local area get to this point, and there is even a circular walk from the station via Shadingfield, which is contained within a free walks booklet.
Passenger services at time of writing are provided by class 755 Bi-Mode units.
Passenger exit and entry figures for 2019 / 2020 were 9, 858
In conclusion, Brampton is a charming and very quiet station along this line. It is also very well maintained. The fact that it is no longer a request stop gives hope that it will remain so for a many years to come. For the enthusiast sight lines are excellent, a visit when an engineering train is due would be recommended.
Below is a video taken in 2021 as part of this series.
Somerleyton was opened in 1847 by the Norfolk Railway. This was taken over, like all on the surrounding lines, in the mid 1800’s by the Great Eastern Railway. The village which it serves is around 1 mile from here.
As well as Somerleyton hall, which has featured in many films and tv shows including the crown as a replica for Sandringham, the village has another claim to fame. It was home to the first testing of the hovercraft, which was built by Sir Christopher Cockerell.
The line moves towards Norwich over the river Waveney via the Somerleyton swing bridge, pictured below. This can yield some pretty good photos and video of trains coming to and from the station.
Even after extensive research , I could not find any documentation of sidings at this location, however there used to be a major brickworks nearby, so I would assume that they would have had a siding or two. If anyone knows anymore, please comment below.
In fact, details about the station history are extremely sparse, I would welcome more information to flesh out this Blog, but unfortunately after a lot of looking this is all the history I could find.
At time of writing , passenger services are provided by class 755 Bi-Mode Units. Other movements are very rare, with just an occasional engineering, measurement or rail head treatment train.
The entry and exit figures for 2019 / 2020 were 10, 898.
Somerleyton is a very picturesque station, plenty of flowers and trees, plus good sweeping views of the track make it ideal for photography and videography; just check to see if an engineering train is due and it should yield a superb and unique photo. The original station building is a bonus, albeit now in private hands. Overall a superb little station which hopefully will remain open in the future.
Oh and also comment about pronunciation of this station, I am unsure of it, and wary of getting it wrong!
Below is my Vlog which I filmed during a visit in 2021 :
Westerfield was opened by the East Suffolk railway in 1859, but a few years later like the rest of the stations on the line, it was taken over by the Great Eastern Railway.
At this time the branch to Felixstowe was not here, but this was added in 1877.
Bay platforms were included for trains running to and from Felixstowe from the opening of the branch line. This continued until 1879, when most trains continued on towards Ipswich, the bays then being used for storage.
From the 1880’s, the station had sidings which served the Westerfield steam brewery, as well as a coal merchant. During the second world war, these would also be used for storing engines, including the Polish armour train.
After the war, they were used as stabling for the Pullman camping coaches during the winter, these being moved to Felixstowe for use during the summer months.
Unfortunately like most other stations, these sidings were closed un 1964, and the booking office closed soon after, the station becoming a “Pay-Train” station, where you bought your ticket from the guard on the train.
View towards Lowestoft, the spur to the Felixstowe branch is to the right. Freight from Ipswich crosses to the right line just before the level crossing.
Modernisation of the track layout, including the addition of automatic barriers have taken place, and although not terribly busy with passengers, the line here sees much freight to and from the port, as well as the occasional nuclear flask train from Sizewell.
The original station building remains, although this is now a private residence.
As well as an electronic ticket machine, posters, bike rack and new style service information boards, the station has recently been enhanced with an extensive wildflower garden on platform one. Created by East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership, Suffolk Butterfly Conservation Trust, Friends of the Earth and Greater Anglia, it certainly brightens up the station.
At time of writing, passenger traffic is provided by class 755 Bi-Mode units, with most of the passing freight hauled by class 66 locomotives.
A video is below, taken during a visit in 2021 :
Below is a link to the East Suffolk Lines Community Partnership :
Rainham Rail Enthusiast 