Station Name: BALLOCH CENTRAL

 

[Source: Mike Bennett]




Date opened: Line opened 1850
Location: On the north side of Balloch Road
Company on opening: Dumbarton & Balloch Joint
Date closed to passengers: 24.4.1988
Date closed completely: 24.4.1988
Company on closing: British Rail (Scottish Region)
Present state: The former station building is now a Tourist Information Centre and the signal box has been demolished.
County: Dumbartonshire
OS Grid Ref: NS390820
Date of visit: 1988

Notes: Originally, the branch line from Dalreoch continued through Balloch Central to Balloch Pier. Initially timetables just showed Balloch. The first specific reference to Balloch Pier was in September 1858 timetable, when mileage's suggest the line had been extended and Pier added. But steamer connections had always been given and it may be that the Pier section was assumed - it was early regular practice not to give town and pier stations separately. Town Station became Balloch Central on 30.6.1952. It was electrified with the rest of the Glasgow North Bank system in the early 1960's and the steam locomotive shed closed at that time, although there were still (electrified) stabling sidings and a small train crew depot in the station building. If you knew where to look, the concrete turntable pit could still be identified. The goods service was withdrawn on 10.10.1866.

Balloch Pier and Balloch Central closed in the 1980s and a new station, simply called 'Balloch', was opened immediately to the south of the former level crossing which led into Balloch Central.

The platform at Balloch Pier still exists and the 'Maid of the Loch' – a former BTC vessel, and the last paddle steamer to be built in Scotland – is berthed alongside it

Balloch Central after closure - E. Crawford

 

Balloch central Station in May 1973
Copyright photo by Nigel Mundy



Balloch Central Station in early 1980's
P
hoto by Mike Bennett

Click on thumbnail to enlarge



 

 

 

[Source: Mike Bennett]


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