Swanwick junction station is well maintained
During my visit which was the week before the
real season got started the grass was being cut
in readiness for the expected visitors.
Swanwick Junction Station has been created on the former goods junction and everything here has been built by the Midland Railway Trust. The main building was rescued from Syston, in Leicestershire, and is being gradually rebuilt with the Booking Hall, Station Masters Office and Toilets having opened in 2011.
The platforms have all been built by the Trust and the footbridge linking the platforms used to serve Belle Vue Station near Manchester to gain access to the nearby zoo. The building on the island platform is a replica of that at Broom Junction, Gloucestershire, the huge station signs are based on the standard Midland Railway design.
The highlight of any visit to the Midland Railway – Butterley is a tour of the Swanwick Junction Complex. We suggest that you walk through the booking hall of the new station building, or around the building if this is not open, and into the complex itself. The former Swanwick Colliery Branch can be seen curving round into the woods and this is being refurbished for use on special occasions.
Over the unusual level crossing with both standard and narrow gauge tracks you can visit the Demonstration Signal Box. This gives some idea of the signalman’s working life and gives a great view of the area. Beyond this is the children’s play area that allows the youngsters to let off their own steam.
The main building was rescued from Syston, in Leicestershire
Many thanks to the Midland Railway Centre for the
above text and the map of the site below
The pictures of course as usual are my own
The West Shed on the map above is where you will find the brilliant Princess Royal Locomotive Trust.
No comments:
Post a Comment