Disused Stations: Longton Bridge Station

[Source:Tony Graham & Paul Wright]

Looking west at the west end of Longton Bridge station in August 1964 as the 5.32 pm Southport to Accrington train arrives. The train was being hauled by ex-LMS Stanier 4MT locomotive number 42455. The bridge which carried the line over Liverpool Road is clearly shown in the picture as is the curious arrangement of the platforms at the western end. A timber-built section, seen in the foreground, linked the stone-built platforms to a paved and hard surfaced section that sat on the bridge. The western ends of both platforms were beyond the bridge. Carrying Class A, Express headlamps, this class 4 2-6-4 tank engine entered service after being built at Derby works of the LMS on 29.5.1936 as number 2445, receiving the 4 prefix in 1948 whilst allocated to 1C, Watford Junction shed. Under BR, it had further six shed allocations around the North West before finally being allocated to 24C, Lostock Hall in June 1963 where it was withdrawn from on 17.10.1964 and cut up by Wards in March 1965.