Cartographer, author, railway historian, former train driver, current transport manager, LGBTQ+ network leader 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ Visit Crecy Publishing for my titles
Joe Brown
#OnThisDay 19 years ago the DLR terminus platform 4 at Stratford closed, replaced by today's 4a (4b followed on 9 December), allowing longer and more frequent trains. Platform 4 was originally built for a BR shuttle to Fenchurch Street that never happened. buff.ly/MtErVgZ
#OnThisDay 185 years ago the Bristol & Exeter Railway opened from Bristol to Bridgwater, it was engineered by IK Brunel with 7ft broad gauge and leased to the GWR from the outset. Bridgwater's fine station building dates back to the line's opening: Google buff.ly/rKKsRp9
EDIT: this was originally written expecting Earl's Court Control Room to have signalled its last train early this morning but this doesn’t appear to now be the case (short notice cancellation of engineering works!). I think the room may have had a reprieve therefore?
#OnThisDay 162 years ago the Hammersmith & City Railway - a Metropolitan and Great Western Railways joint venture - opened between Paddington and Hammersmith with two intermediate stations at Notting Hill (now Ladbroke Grove) and Shepherd's Bush. @ltmuseum buff.ly/AcM285U
#OnThisDay 59 years ago saw the last 'Tyneside electric'. Since 1904 the Newcastle suburban system was 3rd rail DC but it was de-electrified in 1967, the newish 2EPB units like these sent south. 13 years later much was converted to Tyne & Wear Metro. buff.ly/5ttdvn5
#OnThisDay 139 years ago Sheringham was opened by the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway on its extension from Holt to Cromer. The station survives on the North Norfolk Railway (pictured: Tour Norfolk buff.ly/oVGt9Tv), with the National Rail station over the road.
#OnThisDay 163 years ago the LNWR opened its station in Buxton, alongside the Midland terminus that opened a fortnight beforehand. This is the surviving station in the town, although it lost its roof leaving just this lovely listed fan window. Alan Padley buff.ly/ZMyiUvm
#OnThisDay Earl's Court Control Room signals its last train. In its heyday the room controlled most of the District & Piccadilly Lines; a hive of activity. Latterly it has only controlled Fulham Broadway to Putney Bridge, I was lucky to return last month on a @BLSfixtures tour
#OnThisDay 120 years ago the short-lived Bandon Halt between Wallington and Waddon was opened by the LB&SCR. As can be seen in this image taken from Plough Lane it was very rural, it closed 7th June 1914 before the UK entered World War 1. buff.ly/Mak4WsP
#OnThisDay 65 years ago the first A60 Stock train - built for the Metropolitan Line electrification to Amersham (hence the 'A') - ran in passenger service. They bowed out in September 2012, having provided 51 years service. Image: LT Museum collection buff.ly/sxNtsrI
