Think this will be an interesting discussion on (in your experience) how accurate are large scale maps?
In one recent discussion regarding another topic @Sir Felix Pole sent me a link to a large scale 1956 map. This map and others that I have viewed in the last few days turn out to be very enlightening...
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I must mention the maps covering the branch line that I have been researching over the past eight years as this is the only one I've studied.
The first map of interest is this one (curtesy of the Nation Library of Scotland) from June 1966:
I was told a confusing phrase a few years ago about the tracks at Gt. Harwood Junction (Blackburn). The phrase was "No tracks past points after 1965". Now if you look at the bottom right of this map sheet where MP 9 is noted you will see no track beyond the points (which are still there) going down the branch line. I knew the down line had completely gone but was very surprised to see the up line track at this location gone as well.
The next one from March 1966 shows an occupation under bridge has gone as we approach the 8.5 MP with still no sign of the up line. This up line I know from personal experience was still intact all the way from Rose Grove and past the former station site at Harwood.
Moving to the other end of the branch, the sheet from April 1968 shows some surprises:
This map was partially revised April 1968, however it does fit with what I know of Padiham station. A reliable newspaper article from 2007 notes the 40th anniversary of the station's demolition (19/8/1967). Once I found this article I thought that was that, the station has gone but that's not exactly the case... For some unknown reason the up platform building is still there as are both platforms? which is a surprise, the booking office / station master's house is gone as is the down platform building. I also wondered about the goods shed, but there it is still standing. This map was revised just about six weeks before the goods yard closed and for me it's a very timely map.
The upshot for me, based on my personal knowledge, eye witness accounts, newspaper articles and photos I've found the large scale maps very accurate indeed... what's your experience?
In one recent discussion regarding another topic @Sir Felix Pole sent me a link to a large scale 1956 map. This map and others that I have viewed in the last few days turn out to be very enlightening...
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I must mention the maps covering the branch line that I have been researching over the past eight years as this is the only one I've studied.
The first map of interest is this one (curtesy of the Nation Library of Scotland) from June 1966:
I was told a confusing phrase a few years ago about the tracks at Gt. Harwood Junction (Blackburn). The phrase was "No tracks past points after 1965". Now if you look at the bottom right of this map sheet where MP 9 is noted you will see no track beyond the points (which are still there) going down the branch line. I knew the down line had completely gone but was very surprised to see the up line track at this location gone as well.
The next one from March 1966 shows an occupation under bridge has gone as we approach the 8.5 MP with still no sign of the up line. This up line I know from personal experience was still intact all the way from Rose Grove and past the former station site at Harwood.
Moving to the other end of the branch, the sheet from April 1968 shows some surprises:
This map was partially revised April 1968, however it does fit with what I know of Padiham station. A reliable newspaper article from 2007 notes the 40th anniversary of the station's demolition (19/8/1967). Once I found this article I thought that was that, the station has gone but that's not exactly the case... For some unknown reason the up platform building is still there as are both platforms? which is a surprise, the booking office / station master's house is gone as is the down platform building. I also wondered about the goods shed, but there it is still standing. This map was revised just about six weeks before the goods yard closed and for me it's a very timely map.
The upshot for me, based on my personal knowledge, eye witness accounts, newspaper articles and photos I've found the large scale maps very accurate indeed... what's your experience?
