Railway Heritage

As with so many boys of his age, Peter Haddock’s interest in railways began with watching trains, which in turn led to number-collecting. However, it was the friendliness of the signalman in Birdswood signal box, just north of Weaver Junction on the West Coast Main Line, where the routes to Liverpool and Scotland diverge, that kindled a wider interest in railway signalling and operation.

In the classic tradition of railwaymen of that era, the kindly signalman invited the young trainspotter into his box, eager to pass on his knowledge to a keen member of the younger generation. Peter was taught, over his last two years at school, how to operate the signal box, and because of its location there were naturally plenty of train to deal with, including the prestigious ‘Royal Scot’, ‘Red Rose’ and ‘Merseyside Express’, among others.

On leaving school the author took employment with ICI, but maintained his links with the railway, and in particular his friend the signalman, even helping with Friday night shifts, strictly supervised by the duty signalman, of course.

As well as the story of his relationship with Birdswood box, a detailed description of the railways of north and mid-Cheshire is included, together with helpful maps, track diagrams and photographs, many never before published. It all makes for an unusual and charming railway book, combining warm human interest with fascinating technical detail, from a long-gone era of our railway history.

Peter Haddock is a former mechanical engineer and retired local government officer. He lives with his wife in a refurbished Midland Railway cottage at Westhouses, near Alfreton, Derbyshire.

ISBN: 978 1 85794 313 9
Price: £17.99

Page last updated: Wednesday, August 5, 2009. All books / items are offered subject to availability. Prices, specifications and publication dates, where given, are correct at time of writing but we reserve the right to change these without notice.

Silver Link Publishing Ltd
• The Trundle • Ringstead Road • Great Addington • Northamptonshire • NN14 4BW •
Telephone/Fax: 01536 330588 • Email: sales@nostalgiacollection.com