Horrocksford Junction query.

[Xenophon PCDGS]

When did trains commence using this junction and how many different types of goods trains used it?

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Think I'm right in saying that a short branch line to serve the Horrocksford Lime Company was installed/opened as long ago as mid-June 1850, at around the same time (same day?) as the passenger line from Blackburn to Chatburn also opened. So over 175 years of railway history at this particular location!

 

[Gloster]

When did trains commence using this junction and how many different types of goods trains used it?

Horrocksford Junction Signal Box opened in 1873 (source: old.signalbox.org ) and seems to have been intended to serve the Old Banks lime works, which around 1936 appears to have become a cement works. The line to the lime works appears to have opened at the same time as the line to Chatburn in 1850. It is a bit generous calling it a ‘Junction’ as it only serves a fairly short industrial siding.

I think the branch is just used by cement trains and possibly incoming coal, although I expect the latter has probably ceased. It is also used to turn round trains to Clitheroe.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

... how many different types of goods trains used it?

Have seen pics of Class 37 locos coming off the Horrocksford branch in the 1980s/1990s hauling a rake of cement tank wagons. And Class 66 more recently. Must have been numerous others over the years. Anyone able to further advise?

 

[Bevan Price]

Used to be Class 60s when EWS/DB had the contract, but GBRf now has the contract. Services run to/from Avonmouth typically once or twice a week, but used to be daily (except Su); There is alsp an "as required" service to/from Carlisle.

However the busiest use of the signal box is for the crossover where passenger trains arriving at Clitheroe reverse direction to return south to Blackburn & Manchester.

 

[thesignalman]

At one time the home of this beauty, of course.

Ribble Cement 8 (BR D8568) at Clitheroe

John