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Loco Lads, Skinningrove

This photograph and others of the locomotive appear in the book ‘The Steam Locomotive Era of the Skinningrove Iron Company Ltd’ by David W. Husband [Published by Peter Tuffs, 2003]. The book gives the following information about the locomotive: ‘MINNIE’, built by Fox Walker of Bristol in 1878, works number 385. Entered service at Skinningrove in 1883, previously with John Waddell (of Paddy Waddell’s Railway fame!), contractor for the Loftus-Whitby railway, 1880-83. MINNIE was employed as a general use locomotive at Skinningrove and in this image is on yard and gantry duty about 1920. Over the years MINNIE was rebuilt, notably her cab and steam dome. She was the longest-serving steam locomotive at Skinningrove and probably the best-loved. In August 1965 she moved to the Kent & East Sussex Railway for preservation and was still in steam in the late 1970s. In 1980 she was presented to Dover’s Transport Museum and by 2003 was at the Mangaps Farm Railway, Essex.

Thanks to Alan Woods for the information.

Marske Station

A quiet day at Marske Station. Difficult to date this image, no people and no trains; however Andy Rush believes it could be British Rail period based on the signage. Russ Pigott tells us: ”it is probably after 1970, as there are no semaphore signals visible towards Saltburn. The Longbeck signal box took over the Marske/Saltburn area with colour light signals in 1970. The gas lights also lasted into the 1970s, I clearly remember going to the station with my Grandad and them being present and working. My Grandparents moved to Marske in 1970.” Keith Atherley tells us: ”Must have been 1972 – the year of my ‘O’ Levels – and the year when I was given my first SLR for Christmas. I developed and printed the photographs in the darkroom at school.”
Image courtesy of Keith Atherley, also thanks to Andy Rush, Russ Pigott and Keith Atherley for the updated information.

Redcar East

This is another ex-Great Central Railway Robinson A5 number 69832 with a Darlington – Saltburn train between Redcar East and Marske.

Chris Davies advised: ”Locomotive is of G. C. R. Robinson design; but this version was in modified form to work in the north east and built by Hawthorn Leslie in October 1925 and withdrawn in November 1958.”

Thanks to Chris Davies for that update.

Redcar East

A classic image of a Saltburn to Darlington train headed by a BR Standard Class 3 2-6-0 locomotive number 77013; passing the home signal approaching Redcar East Halt.

Information courtesy of ”Bald Eagle” who advised us that this is a Class 3 locomotive.

Hilda

Another of Skinningrove’s delightful little locomotives, ‘Hilda’ dumb-buffered like Minnie; built by Thomas Peckett of Bristol in 1899.  Minnie was built by Fox Walker of Bristol in 1878 – same town different works!

Information courtesy of D. W. Husband and Eric Johnson.

Boulby Potash – Now!

We’ve had a look at the old Boulby Potash – now have a look at the new! A recent image of Boulby Potash, taken from a similar viewpoint – it no longer ”sits in the landscape”!

The original image as posted had been converted to B & W to be in keeping with the other images, however this is certainly more impressive, confirming that the mine has a lessened impact on the landscape; from certain directions.
Image courtesy of Norman Patton.

Towers in Blue

A further image from the start-up of Cleveland Potash and just to show that industrial photos don’t have to be grungy and Gothic!
Image courtesy of Alan Franks.

Shaft Sinkers in Kibble

Just in case you thought we were over-glamorising the construction of Boulby Potash – here’s an image to change your mind – these boys earned their coppers! Among those identified to date are Tommy Wood, Colin Light foot and the Morgan brothers. Can anybody assist with other names? Seamus Morgan has assisted with: “At front Paddy Doyle, left of him Charlie Johnston, behind him Mick Baker ? One high up I think was a South African; right off him Tony Crawshaw.”

Image courtesy of Alan Franks, thanks to Seamus Morgan for the update.

Product Storage Hopper

The finished product storage unit at Boulby Potash – impressive eh!

Image courtesy of Alan Franks.

Not a Crop Circle

Another image of the shaft construction.
Image courtesy of Alan Franks.