8D ASSOCIATION

The 8D Association is dedicated to promoting the history of the railways of South Lancashire, Merseyside and North Cheshire.

LNWR Canada Dock Branch Line in pictures

(Atlantic Dock Junction to Canada Dock and Alexandra Dock)

A fascinating image taken at Canada Dock Goods Station with a MDHC shunter No 38 taking centre stage with BR Class 08, No D3361 (08291) and Class 40, No D289 (40089) looking on. The tunnel to Atlantic Dock Junction is just beyond the Class 40. 19th August 1971.

Photograph by J.A.Sommerfield.

(for further information on the Goods Station, please click this link)

Another image of BR Class 08, No D3361 (08291), this time shunting wagons within the Goods yard. To the right is the original passenger station building. 19th August 1971.

Photograph by J.A.Sommerfield.

(for further information on the Passenger Station, please click this link)

Looking towards the tunnel entrance for Atlantic Dock Junction, BR Class 08, No 08289 has done its work and now awaiting to be transported to Edge Hill by a Class 25. The area gives an impression of all is as normal but this was the last day of operation at Canada Dock Goods Station. 3rd September 1982.

Photograph by Brian Roberts.

Seven years on from the previous image and air of abandonment for Canada Dock Goods Station with all the rails lifted but the platform and station building remains. This remained like this for a number of years afterwards but was finally swept away around 2010 when the whole area was filled in to street level and industrial units built on the site. 26th April 1989.

Taken from Glendower Street footbridge, Loadhaul livery Class 60, No 60038 passes Bootle Junction and approaching Oriel Road Tunnel with 7P75 10.10hrs Liverpool Bulk Terminal to Fiddlers Ferry Power Station mgr. The lines in the foreground are to Southport with the connection to the disused North Mersey line near to Millers Bridge in the background. 2nd February 1998.

Approaching Millers Bridge and the site of Bootle Balliol Road station, Class 60 , No 60054 ‘Charles Babbage’ is on the final leg of 6Z11 Toton to Liverpool Bulk Terminal empty MBA wagons. In the background adjacent to the red signal is the portakabin Bootle Junction signal box and on the horizon are the cities two cathedrals and St Johns Tower. 18th June 1996.

Passing the site of Bootle Balliol Road station, BR Class 58, No 58005 goes light engine to Gladstone Dock to collect a loaded MGR bound for Tring. You are able to make out the former platforms of the station along with the footpath to the platform. Also only one line is in operation as the down line had been partially lifted. 27th April 1989.

(for further information on the station, please click this link)

Looking from Derby Road bridge, a good view of Alexandra Dock Goods Station with ‘Jinty’ No 47487 on a LUPTS ‘The Liverpool Suburban’ railtour (see here) awaiting to depart. In the meantime, participants of the railtour have an inspection of the surroundings. 13th June 1964.

Photograph by D.Hampson.

(for further information on the station, please click this link)

Another image of the LUPTS railtour, this one in colour and from a different angle, showing more of the yard background including the Goods Warehouses. 13th June 1964.

Photograph by David Pool

(Original image taken on Kodachrome transparency film)

Almost 30 years on from the previous image and taken from the same location, much has changed with the exception of the main running lines, everything has gone. Class 47, No 47351 commences the climb to Bootle Junction and beyond with a Seaforth CT to Crewe BH ‘freightliner’. 29th June 1993.

Alexander Dock Signal Box looks over the sidings with a BR Class 08 stabled in between duties. Two lines in the foreground are the commencement of what is now known as the Bootle Branch line. 13th August 1971.

Photograph by J.A.Sommerfield.

A 1930’s view of Alexandra Dock Passenger Station taken near to Regents Road.

Taken from the site of the passenger station, a deserted view of Alexandra Dock Signal Box and the mainline heading towards the 283 yds long Alexandra Dock Tunnel to Bootle Junction. 16th August 1971.

Photograph by J.A.Sommerfield.

Crossing Regent Road and heading into the Docks, Class 56, No 56063 ‘Bardon Hill’ heads an Arpley to Seaforth ‘Cawoods’ coal train. Behind the locomotive is the site of Alexandra Dock Goods Station and Sidings, now all gone with in the background is Derby Road bridge and the clock tower of Bootle Town Hall. 27th October 1997.