Ashton Moss north junction tank train for ICI

Image: © roger geach Taken: 25 Jun 1983

The view has no doubt changed rather a lot here. The class 40 and its tank train are long gone as is the signal box.This was a Runcorn to Haverton Hill ICI tank train seen passing the signal box at Ashton Moss north junction at Ashton-under-Lyne on the Down Main line. Ashton Moss Junction signal box was a Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Standard design fitted with a 56 lever Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Tappet frame which opened in 1911 in connection with the new cord line to the Oldham, Ashton and Guide Bridge Joint Railway at Ashton Moss South Junction. It was renamed Ashton Moss North Junction on ? (quoted as in 1926 but is not renamed on 1928 Railway Clearing House map. Not renamed in LNER sectional appendix supplement dated 06/1956, but is renamed in LMSR sectional appendix supplement dated 09/1956) The train is passing 2 signal (down main home) with Ashton O.A. & G.B. Junction signal box 2 signal (down main distant) below which is carried on a two-doll right-hand bracket tubular post signal. Behind the signal box is 14 signal (down goods home) and in the distance in 50 signal (up starting) which are both carried on a tubular post. When Ashton Moss South Junction signal box closed on 22nd September 1991 the Goods lines were renamed the Branch lines. There were playing fields or sports fields on the right just out of view of the picture. Despite the dull picture it was quite warm that day. It would be interesting to see the now view.

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