Whispers of Steam and the Rhythms of Rail: A Hour at Milner Royd Junction

 An Ode to a Historic West Yorkshire Rail Hub

Nestled in the lush, wooded valleys of West Yorkshire, just a stone's throw from Sowerby Bridge, lies a seemingly unassuming spot that pulses with the lifeblood of Britain’s rail network: Milner Royd Junction. This is where lines diverge, where commuter services swiftly move passengers, and where, on special days, the magnificent ghosts of the steam era roar back to life.

This visit on the 3rd November 2019, captured in a series of dramatic photographs, was a testament to the enduring allure of the railway, offering a captivating contrast between the past and the present, all within a few yards of each other.

---

The Crucible of Calderdale Rail: Milner Royd's History

The web of rails at Milner Royd is more than just a junction; it's a critical intersection whose history stretches back to the golden age of rail. It was established by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway (L&YR), the ambitious company that linked the great industrial centres of the north.

Milner Royd is the point where the main Calder Valley line (heading towards Brighouse/Wakefield/York) and the line towards Halifax diverge. This link to Halifax, opened in 1852, was crucial, providing a direct route for the important textile town to the burgeoning rail network.

• The Silent Sentinel: A fascinating piece of history is the nearby Milner Royd Junction Signal Box, which, for many years, stood as a testament to the area’s heritage. The box was of considerable historic interest, one of the last surviving examples built by a small firm named Smith & Yardley for the L&YR around 1878. While the signalling equipment inside was updated over the decades, the very structure was a relic of early railway operations, only recently succumbing to modern rationalisation schemes. When you stand here, you are standing on a piece of ground that has been governing train movements for nearly 150 years.

---

The Present: Commuters and the Northern Fleet

The first trains to sweep around the wooded curve were the modern workhorses—the Northern Rail diesel multiple units (DMUs). These brightly-liveried trains, seen in sharp focus as they traverse the intricate points, represent the daily pulse of the region:

• The Daily Grind: They carry the people of Yorkshire to work, school, and leisure, a constant, reliable rhythm that defines the contemporary railway. Their speed and efficiency are a marker of transport progress.

• The Modern Landscape: These trains navigate an environment where the old absolute block signalling has been replaced by modern control systems, yet they follow the same ancient path laid down through the valley by Victorian engineers.

---

The Past Returns: The Might of Black Five No. 44871

Then came the star of the show, a magnificent machine whose power and majesty instantly connected the present-day scene with its past: LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871.

The images perfectly capture the drama of a mainline steam locomotive in full flight:

1. The Roar: The rhythmic 'chuffing' grew into a thunderous roar as the engine tackled the curve.

2. The Smoke and Steam: A gargantuan, billowing cloud of white steam and black smoke erupts from the chimney. This plume—thick, dramatic, and indicative of the immense effort being demanded of the engine—is the visual signature of steam power that no modern diesel or electric can replicate.

3. A True Survivor: Looking closer at the number, we recognise a railway celebrity. The Black Fives (or 'Mixed Traffic' engines) were the quintessential all-purpose locomotive of the London, Midland and Scottish (LMS) railway and later British Railways. No. 44871, built in 1945, holds a special place in history, as it was one of the locomotives chosen to haul the famous "Fifteen Guinea Special" on August 11, 1968—the very last day of mainline steam operation on British Rail. Withdrawn from service the next day, it was preserved immediately, and today, owned by Ian Riley, it is a regular and powerful presence on heritage tours, often working the famed 'Jacobite' service in Scotland.

Seeing this locomotive thundering through Milner Royd Junction is not just watching a preserved engine; it is watching a living piece of history that participated in the very final chapter of the steam era.

---

More Than Tracks: A Living Heritage

Milner Royd Junction, set against the backdrop of the rugged Calder Valley, encapsulates the essence of the railway: a place of dramatic scenery, vital infrastructure, and profound history. It is a venue where the workaday reality of the modern commuter rail intersects with the thrilling, visceral nostalgia of a steam legend like No. 44871, proving that the magic of the railways is as strong today as it was over a century ago.

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!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Platform Echoes and Calder Valley History: A Love Letter to Sowerby Bridge Railway Station

The air here smells of damp stone, railway ballast, and the promise of journeys. Standing on the platform at Sowerby Bridge Railway Station, you're surrounded by more than just tracks and metal—you're immersed in the layered history of the Calder Valley. Inspired by a set of photographs I took back in 2016, I was reminded of this unassuming, yet characterful, hub in West Yorkshire.

The pictures capture the essence of a traditional, two-platform British railway station, a snapshot of its quiet utility. The deep red canopies, supported by sturdy white columns (with a matching red trim!), provide a welcome shelter, a classic regional railway look you might recognise across the north.

Looking down the lines, as seen in photos above, the twin tracks curve away, following the natural contours of the valley, a constant reminder of the engineering prowess of the Manchester and Leeds Railway which first brought the line here in 1840.

A Turbulent History of Stone and Steam

Sowerby Bridge hasn't always looked like this. The original station was situated further west, but the current site opened in 1876, built by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway. By all accounts, it was once a grand structure, even winning the "Best Kept Station" award in the 1960s.

But time, and tragedy, changed things. The late 1970s saw a period of decline, culminating in a serious fire in 1978. Much of the original building was subsequently demolished in 1980, despite local campaigns. The station you see today, with its simplified, yet functional, platforms and canopies, is the result of that rebuilding effort in the early 1980s.

It’s a phoenix, of sorts—one that retained a vital connection to its past.

The Charm of the Underground Passage

Perhaps the most atmospheric part of the station, and beautifully captured in the photos above, is the entrance and the subway connecting the platforms. The deep stone staircase, flanked by lush greenery, plunges into a cool, arched underpass. This pedestrian tunnel, with its whitewashed brick walls and classic red handrails, is a timeless feature.

Look closely at the walls inside the subway and you see the colourful, slightly faded signage for Sowerby Bridge, a simple yet effective mix of red, white, and green on a dark background. It's an enclosed piece of transit history, a brief retreat from the light and sound of the tracks before you emerge onto the platforms.

Details and Dedication

While the station is unstaffed today (the original ticket office survives and now houses a popular independent bar, the Jubilee Refreshment Rooms), its platforms show signs of local pride.

The picture above shows a simple yet effective planted area next to the seating—bright red metal chairs contrasting against the dark slatted fence and the vibrant green foliage. It’s a touch of unexpected beauty, a sign of the care poured into the station environment, likely the work of the Friends of Sowerby Bridge Railway Station volunteer group. These small acts of gardening and tidying bring life to the functional space, echoing the dedication of those who maintained the station in its 'Best Kept' glory days.

Sowerby Bridge Railway Station, serving the Caldervale Line, remains a crucial transport link. It’s a gateway to Halifax, Bradford, Leeds, and Manchester, and the wider world beyond. But it's also a destination in itself. It is a place where every train whistle carries a whisper of the past, and every quiet moment on the platform feels like a connection to the enduring spirit of the Calder Valley. It’s not flashy, but it is authentically Sowerby Bridge.

Clicking any of the pictures above 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!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Glaisdale Railway Station, North Yorkshire

Glaisdale Railway Station is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors, offering a glimpse into the region's rich railway heritage. This charming station, with its quaint architecture and scenic surroundings, provides a captivating experience for visitors and railway enthusiasts alike.

A Brief History

Glaisdale Station was opened on the 2nd October 1865 by the North Eastern Railway Company. It served as a vital stop for passengers and goods traveling through the picturesque North Yorkshire Moors. The station's unique location, surrounded by rolling hills and lush countryside, made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

A Picturesque Setting

The station's beauty lies not only in its historic architecture but also in its idyllic setting. Nestled amidst the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, Glaisdale Station offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby fields, or simply relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Exploring the Station

Glaisdale Station is a treasure trove for railway enthusiasts. The station buildings feature waiting rooms, toilets and a signal box closed in 1989, as well as one of the two passing loops remaining on the Esk Valley railway. The station is served by 6 trains per day towards Whitby, and another 6 per day towards Middlesborough.

A Gateway to Adventure

Glaisdale Station serves as a gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors. From here, visitors can embark on scenic train journeys, hike through the stunning countryside, or explore the charming villages and towns in the area. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which operates from Glaisdale Station, offers a nostalgic journey through the region's picturesque landscapes.

A Must-Visit Destination

Whether you're a railway enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Glaisdale Railway Station is a must-visit destination. Its combination of historical charm, natural beauty, and scenic train journeys makes it a truly unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey back in time to this hidden gem in the heart of North Yorkshire.

I took the pictures below with a Nikon d3300 on the 27th August 2022, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The railway viaduct to the east of the station. Beggar's Bridge and the River Esk are just beyond the arch.

The disused signal box, closed in 1989

Inside the very clean and well kept waiting room.

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!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Smithy Bridge: A Tale of Two Stations and Enduring Connectivity

Nestled on the Caldervale Line, midway between the bustling metropolises of Leeds and Manchester, lies Smithy Bridge Railway Station. While it might appear, at first glance, to be a modest, unstaffed two-platform stop, its history is anything but ordinary, a testament to the evolving needs of a community and the enduring importance of rail travel.

A Modern Yet Modest Hub

Today, Smithy Bridge Station serves as a vital link for the local community, evidenced by its impressive passenger numbers – 167,000 in 2017/18, equating to over 3,200 journeys per week. Despite its unstaffed status, the station offers essential facilities. Small shelters on both platforms provide respite from the elements, while information boards keep passengers informed. For convenience, ticket machines are available for both purchasing and collecting tickets prior to travel.

Accessibility is a key feature, with both platforms reachable via ramps, ensuring that the station is usable by all. A small car park sits between the station and the picturesque Rochdale Canal, though passengers are advised this is not station property. A defining characteristic of Smithy Bridge is its proximity to the level crossing that carries Smithy Bridge Road, a route leading up to the scenic Hollingworth Lake – a popular local attraction.

From Victorian Origins to Modern Revival

The story of Smithy Bridge Station is a fascinating journey through time, a narrative of closure and triumphant re-opening. The original station, a product of the Victorian railway boom, was opened by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in October 1868. This was nearly three decades after the initial line through Smithy Bridge had been laid, extending to Littleborough. For over 90 years, this initial incarnation of Smithy Bridge Station served its purpose, connecting the community to the wider rail network.

However, the mid-20th century saw significant changes in the railway landscape. British Rail, undergoing rationalisation, made the difficult decision to close Smithy Bridge Station in May 1960, a common fate for many smaller stations during this era. For 25 years, the tracks through Smithy Bridge lay silent, at least in terms of passenger services.

But the story didn't end there. Thanks to the foresight and financial backing of Greater Manchester PTE (Passenger Transport Executive), a new chapter began. On August 19th, 1985, a new Smithy Bridge Station, built on the very site of its predecessor, was officially opened. This revival underscored a renewed understanding of the importance of local rail connections and the role they play in sustainable transport and community development.

Echoes of the Past: The Signal Box

Just to the east of the current station, a level crossing marks a spot with a more recent historical footnote. Until 2014, a signal box stood proudly on the opposite side of the road to the station, diligently controlling the crossing. These iconic structures, once ubiquitous along railway lines, are now a rare sight, gradually being replaced by modern signalling systems. The Smithy Bridge signal box, a silent sentinel for many years, was ultimately taken out of use and subsequently demolished, another sign of the ever-evolving nature of the railway infrastructure.

A Snapshot in Time

The accompanying images, captured on a Nikon D3300 SLR camera on a crisp December day in 2019, offer a contemporary glimpse of Smithy Bridge Station. They show a station that, while unstaffed, is clearly well-used and continues to serve its community effectively. They are a visual reminder of the station's present-day function, a testament to its successful rebirth.

Smithy Bridge Railway Station is more than just a stop on the Caldervale Line. It's a living piece of railway history, a testament to the ebb and flow of rail travel, and a vital link for the people it serves. Its journey from Victorian origins to modern revival highlights the enduring value of accessible and well-connected public transport, a story that continues to unfold with every passing train.

Clicking any of the images 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 Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below. Your Support means a lot!

The following is taken from my YouTube channel.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Halifax Station: A Journey Through Time, Tracks, and Transformations

Halifax. A town steeped in industrial history, and like many northern towns, its story is inextricably linked to the railways. But the tale of Halifax Station is more than just tracks and timetables; it's a fascinating journey through Victorian ambition, wartime adjustments, and modern-day revitalization hopes.

Let's rewind to 1844. Imagine a single track, snaking its way to the edge of Halifax, terminating at a humble spot called Shaw Syke, near where the roar of the Shay's football and rugby crowds echo today. This was Halifax's first taste of the railway age. A rudimentary connection, but a connection nonetheless.

Fast forward to 1855, and a significant upgrade. The line connecting Halifax to the burgeoning industrial powerhouse of Bradford was established, and a new station was built in its current location. Shaw Syke, the original terminus, transitioned into a goods yard. And here's a delightful twist: the original 1855 station building still stands, a proud relic of Victorian engineering, now cleverly incorporated into the vibrant Eureka! Children's Museum, a testament to how history can be repurposed for modern enjoyment.

But the station's story doesn't stop there. The following decades witnessed a flurry of development. A new road bridge provided a higher entrance, reflecting the town's growing prominence. Platforms multiplied, reaching a peak of seven, buzzing with activity. A restaurant and even a pub catered to the bustling crowds of travellers. This was a station at its zenith, a hub of commerce and connection.

And then, the names began to change, mirroring the shifting tides of the times. From the simple "Halifax," it became "Halifax Old Station" in 1890, perhaps to distinguish it from other railway developments. In 1951, it was christened "Halifax Town," reflecting a sense of civic pride. Finally, in 1961, it reverted to "Halifax," a return to simplicity.

However, this final name change coincided with a gradual decline in services. Platforms were decommissioned, leaving only the island platform to serve the reduced traffic. The grand station, once a symbol of progress, began to shrink.

But the story isn't over. There's a spark of hope, a plan to breathe new life into this historic space. A proposed £40 million project aims to bring the platform adjacent to the 1855 building back into use and remove the bridge access, returning the station to a more pedestrian-friendly configuration. Will this ambitious plan come to fruition? Only time will tell.

Halifax Station's journey is a microcosm of British railway history, reflecting the ebb and flow of progress, decline, and potential renewal. It's a reminder that even the most solid structures are subject to change, and that history, like a railway line, is a continuous journey. Whether the planned revitalization takes place or not, the station remains a fascinating chapter in Halifax's rich tapestry.

Clicking any picture should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The picture above was taken on the 1st June 2014 with a Polaroid is2132 from Beacon Hill, the following 5 pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 3rd October 2017.

The signal box has closed since I took this picture.

The next 5 pictures were taken on the 27th May 2018 with a Nikon d3300.

The bridge may be demolished under current plans being discussed. The spire is all that remains of Square Church.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my portfolio's on Photo4Me and ClickAsnap via the links below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.