Todmorden Curve first train 17 May 2016

Hall Royd Junction Box nameboard as preserved at the East Lancashire Raiway, Bury

NEW! Upper and Lower Quadrant 2mm signal transfers!

Todmorden Curve: First Train 17 May 2015

It was all over in seconds...but on 17 May 2015 the first timetabled trains carrying fare paying passengers finally ventured onto the Todmorden curve from Stansfield Hall Junction to Todmorden Viaduct Junction. The following images record the day.

Gated entrance to Blackburn Station on 17 May 2015.

Despite the sign on the gate, the 08.18 today is NOT subject to a 'bus replacement' service. This is the view that would-be travellers at Blackburn were greeted with at 07.53, although we didn't have to wait long.

Sprinter 150.137 waits for departure with the 08.18 service to Manchester Victoria

At Platform 2 stood 150.137 waiting to form the first timetabled train with fare paying passengers for Manchester Victoria via Todmorden. The last time such a train stood here it would also have been a two-car set manufactured by Cravens. The time is 07.55.17. It was a little chilly on Blackburn station at this time of the morning...the station could really do with a neat little snack bar to accompany all the other fine facilities the new station offers.

Depature board at Blackburn showing the 08.18 calling at Todmorden and Burnley Manchester Road

Good to see 'Todmorden' on the board for the first time in 50 years or more...

First train approaches the Todmodern curve from Copy Pit

150.137 edges towards Stansfield Hall Junction...

First train approaches the Todmodern curve from Copy Pit

The cross-over is in view; and the end of the footbridge can be seen in the distance.

First train approaches the Todmodern curve from Copy Pit

The two-car Sprinter swings onto the cross-over, watched by five people on the footbridge.

First train approaches the Todmodern curve from Copy Pit

Nice collection of new cabinets.

First train approaches the Todmodern curve from Copy Pit

A trackside view of the Stansfield Hall Junction footbridge abutment. Notice the greenery on the trackside face.

First train approaches the Todmodern curve from Copy Pit

And onto the curve...

First train enters the Todmodern curve from Stansfield Hall Junction

The back of Signal PN337 comes into view.

First train enters the Todmodern curve from Stansfield Hall Junction

The back of PN337 in detail.

First train enters the Todmodern curve from Stansfield Hall Junction

Access from the end of the curve onto the L&YR main line is controlled by PN318, which here is showing a clear green.

First train enters the Todmodern curve from Stansfield Hall Junction

Round the curve, and with the main line now in site, PN318 can be seen in the distance protecting the cross-over on Todmorden viaduct that we are about to use.

First train leaves the Todmodern curve at Todmorden Viaduct Junction

The viaduct and the end of the platform in Todmorden now come into view.

First train on Todmodern curve arrives at Todmorden

Having run wrong-line across the viaduct, the train now crosses to the L&Y Up line by the new cross-over.

First train on Todmodern curve arrives at Todmorden

The conductor readies to give the 'right away' as 150.137 now points towards Manchester.

Second train on Todmodern curve arrives at Todmorden formed of 4 cars, led by 150.214

The north-bound service was formed of two 2-car units, led by 150.214, with the second pair locked out of service (150.201).

Second train on Todmodern curve arrives at Blackburn formed of 150.214.

150.214 after arrival at Blackburn.

Second train to Manchester Victoria from Blackburn via Todmorden crosses Todmorden viaduct, as seen from the site of the coal drops

A quick sprint back to Todmorden by road allowed the second Manchester-bound service to be snapped as it crossed the viaduct 'wrong road', as seen from the site of the coal drops.

Click here to see how the trains are running on the Todmorden curve in real time, or look here for historical signal box diagrams provided by Chris Littleworth.

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