Railway – Rainham Rail Enthusiast

Halewood – Top Ten Least Used Railway Stations – Merseyside

Located on the Liverpool to Manchester line, the station is very close to Liverpool South Parkway to the west, and lies on the line which serves Warrington central. This is more commonly known as the Southern route or Cheshire line.

Halewood is a relatively new station, having been only opened in 1988. Another station was situated to slightly west, which was closed in 1951. That station utilised a triangle junction where goods trains operated. Despite being on a popular line, services at that station decreased significantly after the war, and so a decision was made to close it.

Class 195 DMU at Halewood railway station merseyside

This current station is perched above an embankment, and is reached by a combination of winding ramps and steps, ,more on these later. I cannot find any press cuttings or web pages relating to the opening of this station, so yet again if you know any further detail, please write in the comments below.

Platform information board at Halewood railway station Merseyside. Information for passengers wishing to go either to Warrington or Liverpool

Access to the Manchester bound platform is by a series of four ramps. The first two are 25 metres, then 15 metres, then 25 metres with a rest platform between each or, via the first slope and then up two separate flights of steps with 25 steps in total.

Stairs up to the platforms at Halewood Railway Station.

Access to the Liverpool bound platform is off Hollies Road via three slopes each 50 metres long with rest platforms. Or by two flights of stairs with 18 steps with an intermediate rest platform.

There is a small ticket office at road level, at time of writing staffed during morning peak hours.

Halewood railway station booking office brick built on the road below the railway station.

A video featuring the station when I visited in 2022 is below :

Eccleston Park – Top Ten Least Used Railway Stations – Merseyside

The station was opened in 1891 by the London and North Western railway, and unfortunately after research this is the only thing of note I have found about the station. If you know any more please write a comment, I am sure that myself and other readers would be interested to know.

The station lies on a slight curve and has a one story station building. Access is either a side road or ramp, the crossing of the line being done via the road bridge. Looking at the building, although old, I have a feeling that it may not be original.

There is however an older building next door, however this seems to be a pumping station.

At time of writing, passenger traffic is provided by class 331 electric multiple units, although older class 319’s may still also be seen

A quiet station with some interesting buildings is the best way to describe Eccleston Park. It a shame that there is no facts about history to be found, but I am sure someone will help us out on that. For the enthusiast sight lines are good, but there isn’t much in the way of services through the station.

I have produced a video for this railway station, which can be viewed below :

Heswall – Top Ten Least Used Railway Stations In Merseyside

The station I am covering here is the present day station on the borderlands line, and is between Neston and Upton. Heswall used to have another station on the now extinct Birkenhead railway, and this closed in 1962.

Originally named Heswall Hills and opened in 1898, it was part of a railway between Bidston and Hawarden Bridge, and was owned by the Wirral railway and the Manchester Sheffield and Lincolnshire railway. Eventually the line would be called North Wales and Liverpool joint railway.

An extensive goods yard was provided, with sidings to the South West. This was used extensively, until the diesel railcars started operation on the line in 1960. However the yard was still used until 5 years later. Many freight operations would continue to pass through the station however, these coming to and from Bidston dock, heavily laden with steel for the steelworks at Shotten.

It is said that these freight trains could be heard from miles away as they made their way up the nearby Storeton Bank. This freight service did cease though around 1980.

Heswall Hills was renamed Heswall in 1973, to reflect the fact that it was now the only station in the area. It received a refurbishment in 2008. There have been proposals to electrify the line, which would enable Merseyrail services to use it, and this would increase the service to 2 trains per hour each way, with one going to Liverpool. This sadly has not been realised at time of writing, but hopefully will happen in the future.

A small and quaint station, Heswall may seem a little boring at first glance, but the original features shine out like the underpass and what seems to be original wood holding the platforms. It also benefits from being totally accessible. Sightlines are good for the enthusiast, and generally it is quiet.

Currently (2024) passenger services are provided by a mixture of class 197 and 230 units. These replaced the Class 150 units which were filmed in 2022 in the video below :

Mossley Hill – Top Ten Least Used Railway Stations – Merseyside

The station lies on the Liverpool to Manchester Line and is the first one after leaving Edge Hill. The Alstom railway depot is on the line to the north just after the spur from or to Edge Hill.

Mossley Hill opened in 1864 as Mossley Hill for Aigburth. It and Allerton were the only stations opened on the line when the St Helens Railway extension from Speke to Edge Hill opened. The entire station including platforms were replaced in July 1891, when the Edge Hill to Speke line was quadrupled.

The station was renamed from Mossley Hill for Aigburth to Mossley Hill on 6 May 1974

To the North of the station, on the route towards Edge Hill are the sites of two former stations, that of Sefton Park and Wavertree stations.

A wide variety or rolling stock can be seen from this location, and at time of writing this includes Class 150, 156 158 and 195, plus passing pendolinos. When I visited in 2022 occasional Transpennine class 68 hauled services also came through the station.

Mossley Hill has a very interesting station design. All platforms are of an island design, and even from the outset these seem to have been reached by ramped walkways, which is obviously a great idea. It would be nice however to see these refurbished, as the station building does look very well looked after.

For the enthusiast, plenty of traffic and good sight lines make for good photography and videography.

Below is a video taken in 2022 when I visited the station.

Wateringbury Railway Station | Along The Railway Line | Medway Valley Line

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)

Maidstone Barracks Railway Station | Along The Railway Line | Medway Valley Line

( 2021-2022 entry / exit figures : 176 148 )

The station was opened in 1874, a little later than others on the line, and was originally named ‘barracks’ after the Invicta Parks Barracks nearby. A simple wooden platformed affair, both platforms were to be accessed by the road bridge via wooden steps.

It wouldn’t be long until a basic wooden station building was built on the Strood bound platform in 1876. This had a canopy extending along it, and toilet facilities. Goods facilities were provided a year later, running along side the paddock wood bound side, and these were further enhanced with two further sidings serving the malt houses.

Electrification arrived in the late 1930’s, and this extended to the sidings, which also gained concrete pathways. These would be used to store Electric Multiple Units. The platforms were also rebuilt in to concrete structures around the same time.

The early 1960’s saw a replacement of the wooden steps on the bridge to concrete ones, and unfortunately this is also when the Malt house sidings became disused. It was mainly downhill from here on in, as the 1980s saw the canopy reduced in length and the Multiple unit sidings closed.

The 1990s saw the buildings demolished, to be replaced only simple shelters, and little has changed since, the remaining sidings being have now gone and replaced by industrial units.

The bridge you see below carries the Kent Downs line, and can offer some good photographs if the timing is right.

Maidstone barracks railway station view towards Kent downs line bridge

At time of writing, passenger services are provided by class 375 electric multiple units, at a frequency of two per hour in each direction.

Although now quite a baron station, the fact of the two running bridges being close together, give this station a unique standing compared to others on the line. A distinct lack of parking makes this station only really accessible by foot or rail, but good, and indeed unique, views of rolling stock can be had here, however the surroundings are quite noisy so photography rather than videography is probably the best option.

Below is a video taken at the station :

Click for the Kent Community Rail Partnership

Snodland Railway Station | Along The Railway Line | Medway Valley Line

( 2021 / 2022 entry and exit figures : 214 130 )

Opened in 1856 by the South East Railway, Snodland would be part of the extension of the line already in place between Paddock wood and Maidstone.

The Strood bound platform has a wall with canopy, which was unique to the South East railway network, as no other station had such a spectacular canopy over the down platforms. This was because it was attached to the large goods shed.

Snodland did not have a main station building from the outset, this being provided around 2 years after opening, and like most along the line was of a unique configuration. A two story brick built building, was more suited to a town station, but it certainly made a statement.

Goods facilities were positioned on the Maidstone bound side, and consisted of the aforementioned goods shed. A siding was also provided on the Strood bound side, it terminated just behind the platform.

The signal box next to the level crossing appeared in 1892, and the footbridge was built two years later. A familiar clapboard design for the signal box was chosen, and an extension to this can be seen, which was completed in the 1930’s.

This arrangement continued until the 1960’s, when the goods facilities closed, however the shed was not demolished until the 1980’s, with only the retaining wall being kept utilising that opulent Maidstone side canopy. There is nothing left of the sidings in the present day.

The station and building has been well looked after since 2010, and this included upgrade works on the footbridge in 2020, and this is also when the snodland mural appeared on platform one.

The Kent Community Rail Partnership are active along the whole line, and at this station the Sunflower Mural was installed in January 2022, which aims to help raise awareness of hidden disabilities and that everyone is different. This was part of a community lead station improvement by the students of Five Acre Wood.

five acre wood mural snodland railway station

At time of writing, the majority of services are provided by Class 375 electric multiple units. However, two Class 395 Javelin electric multiple units run to St Pancras in the morning, with two returning services in the early evening.

Snodland is a great station on the line. Most of the original fabric is still here, which is great to see. Not only that, but with recent refurbishments and the murals which have been installed, it is also a very pleasant place to catch a train. For the enthusiast, it has good sight lines, and normally a few freight trains a day. I highly recommend a visit.

A video of Snodland railway station is to be seen below.

Click for the Kent Community Rail Partnership

Halling Railway Station | Along The Railway Line | Medway Valley Line

( 2019 / 2020 entry / exit figures : 92 430 )

Opened in 1890 by the South East Railway, Halling was a late addition to this section of the Medway Valley Line. And Unusually for this line, the platforms were not staggered.

As was usual, the Maidstone bound side of the line wasn’t very opulent, just having the one covered waiting shelter, and getting to this platform was via a foot crossing initially.

The station was however provided with this unique single story brick built station building on the Strood bound side. There was also a canopy attached to this, although this was removed in 1973.

The bridge you see here was installed four years after the initial opening, and a signal box at the north end of this platform, as well as two small sidings completed this side of the station.

This view from the bridge is facing south. Although Halling only had two small sidings, a spur did come off the line to the south of the station to Halling Manor Cement works. There was also a spur north of the station seen here which lead to Clinkham Lime works. Having closed years ago, it is a surprise to still see the spur still in place, however works were taking place on it when I was here, and indeed improvements to this spur now enable freight trains (currently Colas) to reverse from Halling station into the industrial area beyond.

Currently there are 2 trains per hour in both directions Monday through Sunday with extra at peak times, using class 375 EMUs.

Even though the original canopies and shelters have gone, Halling still retains some charm with both its location and brick built station building. Its proximity to new housing developments should ensure its future, which that is obviously a good thing. For the enthusiast, sight lines are excellent, especially from the bridge, although sun is a factor when facing Maidstone bound.

This video was taken on my last visit to Halling Railway Station :

Click for the Kent Community Rail Partnership

Cuxton Railway Station | Along The Railway Line | Medway Valley Line

Opened in 1856 by the South Eastern Railway, Cuxton was one of 5 stations on the northern half of the Medway Valley Line. Initially, It only had a single siding beside the line towards Strood.

The station building like many on the line was fairly unique. A mock Tudor design was chosen, similar but much smaller to that at Wateringbury. You can still see the hexagonal chimneys, and the stone window surrounds. The facilities on the Maidstone bound side were less opulent, being just a small wooden waiting shelter.

In 1931 a siding appeared beside the Maidstone bound line beyond the crossing, and a goods loop appeared just north of the station on the Strood bound side. This would be turned into a freight loop in 1961, but was eventually decommissioned in 1990, and no evidence of it remains.

The station building above sadly closed in 1989, but in recent years has been maintained and still is a fantastic building to look at, especially from platform 2.

This view from the 1961 footbridge shows the line towards Maidstone.

The lovely signal box above was opened in 1892, and is great to see still standing. However the manual barriers were replaced by automatic ones in the late 2010’s.

Freight is a regular sight on this line, mainly hauled by class 66 or 59 diesel locomotives, but you can see other classes on occasion. Railtours will also pass though at various times during the year.

I really enjoy vising Cuxton, although it is fairly quiet, the overall ambience of the station is very pleasant, and the addition of new waiting shelters and the planters give it a fresh look. For the enthusiast, sight lines are very good and usually there is good mix of freight to be enjoyed.

A video taken in 2021 is below :

Click for the Kent Community Rail Partnership

Many thanks for reading, and remember if you can

“Get out there, Get on the railway and see where it takes you” (c)

Along The Railway Line | South East Mainline | Elmstead Woods Railway Station

Opened in 1904 as just Elmstead, the station was actually quite large considering that even from the outset not many stopping services would be provided. The four track section would enter two separate tunnels on the London bound direction at the end of the platforms.

The station building on the coastbound side is very good for a quiet station, with extensive canopies either side. There was a building on the London bound side also, but this was demolished sometime in the 1960s’

All the platforms are served by a long footbridge, originally fully covered, but part of that was removed in the renovations of the 1960’s. This remaining cover has been repaired and repainted in the last few years and looks great.

On thing of note is that the station never had any goods yard, the one at nearby Chislehurst being sufficient. It did however have its own signal box, positioned on the coastbound side of the London bound platform. However this became out of use in 1960 when a new power box was installed at Chislehurst.

The station only really uses platforms 3 and 4 as stopping platforms, the other two lines being used for through traffic, although their platforms still remain.

The Elmstead Wood gardening club look after the super green areas on platforms two and three. A recently added feature to these gardens are these fantastic bear carvings by Will Lee which were provided by the Chislehurst Society, and form part of a bear trail, the website details of which I will leave below.

Elmstead Woods Railway Station Bear Trail

It is a great area to walk through, and perhaps relax a little while you wait for your train. The gardening club is always keen for volunteers so please visit their site by following the link below if you wish to help out.

Main statistics:

Elmstead Woods opened in 1904

It has four trains in both directions off-peak, with additional trains during peak hours.

the entry and exit figures for 2019-2020 were 1, 033, 002

Elmstead woods is a great place to sit and relax whether you are a railway enthusiast or not. Its recent refurbishment is fantastic and the well-tended gardens make this a very pleasant station indeed.

My video from the station is below :

Links are as follows :

Elmstead Woods Station gardening club

Chislehurst society bear trail

Will Lee Woodcarving

Many thanks for reading, and remember :

“If you can, get out there, get on the railway and see where it takes you” (c)

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