Recent content by Tony Whittaker

Railway stations and other facilities needed a ready supply of water, not only for water columns but cleaning activities and public toilets. How did this fit in with waste water and sewage disposal. For instance, a case in point: Chinley new station (1902) had its own water supply from a water...

Thanks so much. The closeup is very helpful, and the spigots to handle the mould are clearly shown! 1753106433 Thanks so much. And the larger view confirms this too. So, unconnected with the water scheme! 1753106749 Thanks everyone for clearing this one up. It was an interesting working, and...

I am still learning my way round the excellent Midland Railway Study Group site. And was pleased to find this photo. It is captioned: Midland Railway, Chinley, December 1906. Right to left: 6 wheel 15 ton goods brake No. 1624; 40 ton bogie trolley wagon No. 10018 followed by single bolsters and...

Thanks, and yes, the chimney suggests some sort of steam powered pump. The blue tower is unique, and presumably beautifully precise, fast and controllable.

Thanks for much for very helpful comments. I notice by the way that the water tower is described as a pump house on the MR 2-chain map (available on the Midland Railway Study Centre website): Re the source for the water, virtually no smaller towns and villages had mains water before about...

Please does anyone know details of the history of Barrow Hill roundhouse. I do have several questions: Is the old MR water tower part of the small original shed, or only installed when it was dramatically expanded? There is a masonry building close to the water tower in the same style. Was...

Please does anyone know the answer to this question. In 1927, the stationmaster of Burton on Trent, Harry I'Anson, was transfered to a post in Bristol. Having been in a senior stationmaster post for a large station, it seems likely that his role in Bristol was to look after the interests, staff...

Thanks so much. Although I can see the preview pictures as thumbnails, if I click the links, I'm getting a 'content not available right now' page. The thumbnails look like just what I'd love to see. 1743031434 1743031483 Thanks so much. Amazing the goods shed has survived. Must be well built...

Hi, please does anyone know of a photo of Kinnersley Station (Herefordshire). Even the Disused Stations site does not have one.

Thanks Ian, great idea!

Thanks, yes indeed, I did already ask them. I am guessing that Keighley and Settle are the only Midland Railway tanks left now.

Thanks again, happily it is on YouTube at The film shows a great deal of the construction design.

Thanks so much, that would certainl show stuff!

Thans so much, guys. Very helpful

Please does anyone know about the construction of MR water tanks. I see the sides appear to be cast panels of about 4' x 3', bolted together and stayed from the inside. Were the bases of the same modular panels? They were presumably strengthened by lying on cross-members? And what were the...