Preston - Ormskirk

[61653 HTAFC]

Perhaps the Pacer the OP travelled in had "square wheels" (wheel flats), a condition more common during the leaf fall season which we are now entering.

Must've been the one that went to Canada* then...

*=joke for fans of South Park only.

 

[Camden]

It was your good self who brought the Class 230 (D78) units into this thread and all I asked was how the suspension of that unit would cope with the type of track that is found on the line between Croston and Rufford. Nothing more. Nothing less.

As your response states "infinitely superior to ride", I take it that your answer actually refers to the question raised by me between on the existing track condition between Croston and Rufford.

I recall you have previously talked about D78s in not especially warm terms, have you not?

My answer about it being an "infinitely superior to ride" relates to having ridden both Pacers and D78 trains and knowing that the ride a Pacer gives has little to do with the condition of the track and is more to do with the number of wheels it has and the fact it is a railbus. To even out the rodeo ride giving by a Pacer a suspension system would need segway (or perhaps Star Trek) style technology to determine which way it is lurching and compensate adequately enough. A D78 will just behave like a train.

I apologise for assuming you wouldn't lower yourself to travel this route. My first preference would be for it to be converted to Merseyrail and get the decent quality of service that goes along with that. Failing that, however, a D78 will be warmly received (even if only by me the next time I have to go to Preston from Liverpool) and a great improvement.

 

[Pyreneenguy]

I don't suppose you ever took any photos prior to the end of the regular service in October 1969?

Do you recall as to which way the trains ran towards the end? Was it out of Preston East Lancs and through Lostock Hall, or directly down the WCML as now?

I spent many a weekend travelling around the area on a Merseyrover ( early 70's ).

I think, if I remember correctly, until 1972, trains were routed into the East Lancs platforms via Todd Lane Jnc.I can remember taking this route and shortly afterwards, following closure of the East Lance platforms walking the partially lifted trackbed from Preston to Bamber Bridge. The track was double from Midge Hall on both routes into Preston. There was a signal box at Midge Hall controlling the level-crossing and I've photos showing the track double at least until 1976.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Failing that, however, a D78 will be warmly received (even if only by me the next time I have to go to Preston from Liverpool) and a great improvement.

Noting the franchises that operate in this area, which is the one you assume would be leasing the D78 units and where is their statement of intent that confirms this will happen?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I spent many a weekend travelling around the area on a Merseyrover ( early 70's ). I think, if I remember correctly, until 1972, trains were routed into the East Lancs platforms via Todd Lane Jnc.I can remember taking this route and shortly afterwards, following closure of the East Lance platforms walking the partially lifted trackbed from Preston to Bamber Bridge. The track was double from Midge Hall on both routes into Preston. There was a signal box at Midge Hall controlling the level-crossing and I've photos showing the track double at least until 1976.

Good to see one of my generation recalling such matters that were familiar to both of us in those "black and white photograph" days.

 

[L+Y]

I spent many a weekend travelling around the area on a Merseyrover ( early 70's ).

I think, if I remember correctly, until 1972, trains were routed into the East Lancs platforms via Todd Lane Jnc.I can remember taking this route and shortly afterwards, following closure of the East Lance platforms walking the partially lifted trackbed from Preston to Bamber Bridge. The track was double from Midge Hall on both routes into Preston. There was a signal box at Midge Hall controlling the level-crossing and I've photos showing the track double at least until 1976.

I had wondered, so thanks for that semi-confirmation. I know Moss Lane Junction box remained open until 1972, so presumably one of the two routes (either Moss Lane Junction - Lostock Hall or MLJ - Farington Curve Junction) must have been largely abandoned in the 1970-72 period.

There was indeed a signal box at Midge Hall: a L&Y one on the north side of the level crossing until 1972, which was replaced by the current BR box as part of the Preston re signalling. Double track was abolished in, I think, 1983 between Midge Hall and Preston, though it wasn't lifted until about 1990, and the chairs and sleepers are still down between the site of Moss Lane Junction and Farington Curve Junction.

Don't suppose you have any photos of the line at the time...?