There's a unique thrill in revisiting old 35mm slides. Each one is a frozen fragment of history, offering clues that can unlock the story of when and where it was taken. This particular slide, from my personal collection, instantly grabbed my attention – a serene railway scene at a station clearly labelled "Brocklesby Jn".
Let's dive in and see what we can discover about this intriguing image, starting with the all-important question of when it was captured.
The Key to Dating: The Train Itself
The most significant clue in dating this photograph lies in the train pulling into the station. This is a British Rail Class 142 "Pacer" diesel multiple unit (DMU).
Introduction: The Class 142 Pacer units were introduced into service by British Rail between 1985 and 1987.
Livery: The train is wearing the distinctive "Sprinter" livery (blue and grey with a yellow front). This livery was standard for British Rail's new generation of DMUs in the mid-to-late 1980s.
Given this information, we can confidently place the photograph sometime after 1985.
Pinpointing the Location: Brocklesby Junction
The station sign, proudly proclaiming "Brocklesby Jn", makes the location unambiguous.
Brocklesby Junction Station: Located in Lincolnshire, England, this station has a fascinating history. It's a junction where the line from Grimsby splits, with one branch heading towards Lincoln and the other towards Barton-on-Humber.
Architectural Features: The station buildings themselves are quite distinctive, with ornate gables and prominent chimneys, suggesting a Victorian era construction. They stand as a testament to the grander days of railway architecture. The building on the left, with the large multi-paned window, appears to be the main station building or perhaps a waiting room. The building on the right looks like the opposite platform's waiting room or building.
The "Pacer" Era at Brocklesby
The Pacer trains were designed as a low-cost solution for rural and branch lines, utilizing bus body technology. They became a very common sight on lines like those serving Brocklesby Junction.
Operation at Brocklesby: Class 142s regularly operated services on the Grimsby to Barton-on-Humber line and the Grimsby to Lincoln line, both of which pass through Brocklesby Junction.
Decommissioning: The Class 142 Pacers were eventually withdrawn from service between 2019 and 2020 as part of fleet modernization plans.
The "Feel" of the Image
Beyond the technical details, the photograph exudes a particular atmosphere:
Clear, Bright Day: The lighting suggests a clear day, possibly morning or late afternoon, given the shadows.
Quiet Station: There's a sense of tranquillity; no passengers are visible on the platforms, giving the impression of a quiet rural station between trains. This is very characteristic of smaller junction stations during the Pacer era, especially outside of peak commuting times.
Well-Maintained but Classic: The station buildings, though clearly older, appear well-maintained. The platforms look tidy, and the track is clear.
Putting it All Together
Based on the evidence:
Train Type: British Rail Class 142 "Pacer" DMU.
Train Livery: British Rail "Sprinter" livery.
Station: Brocklesby Junction, Lincolnshire.
This photo was almost certainly taken sometime between 1985 (when the Pacers were introduced) and the early 1990s. By the mid-90s, the privatised railway companies started to introduce new liveries, making it less likely to see a Pacer in full BR "Sprinter" colours much beyond that point, although some did last. A safer bet would be the late 1980s, perhaps 1987-1990.
It's a wonderful capture of a specific era in British railway history, showcasing both the functional, modern (for its time) rolling stock and the enduring, historical architecture of the railway network. These images truly are little time capsules!
Clicking the image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot.
