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Preston And Wyre Railway, Dock And Harbour
All photographs of this railway in date order.
![With Blackpool North being rebuilt (again) in 2017 for electrification here is a map from a hundred years ago, when it was known as Blackpool Talbot Road. The main part of the station, shaded black, was later demolished and replaced by a new building serving the old excursion platforms, some of which are now being removed [See image 60483]. Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland http://maps.nls.uk/index.html <br><br>[Mark Bartlett //1913]](/images/60000/60514.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Extract from a 1914 map showing the area around Fleetwood. The main Fleetwood station (and associated yards) is prominent. This closed in 1966 when the line was cut back to Wyre Dock. That station was renamed Fleetwood but closed in 1970. Across the Wyre the terminus of the Knott End Railway can also be seen. The only rails that survive in this area today are those of the Blackpool and Fleetwood tramway system. Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland http://maps.nls.uk/index.html<br><br>[Mark Bartlett //1914]](/images/59000/59683.jpg "Fleetwood")
![B1 61051 stands alongside Black 5 45102 on a busy Blackpool Central shed (24E) in 1962. The 5 was a resident but the B1 looks like one of the many locomotives that visited 24E after working into Blackpool Central on excursion trains at that time, in this case probably from the Sheffield area. The shed eventually closed in 1964 along with the large station it was built to serve [see image 30284] and much of the area is now a car park.<br><br>[K A Gray 23/09/1962]](/images/28000/28650.jpg "Blackpool Central MPD")
![Much of the visiting Blackpool excursion traffic during the summer months used the stabling sidings and turntable at Bloomfield Road, which was preferred by crews, being quicker than going through the main shed procedures at Blackpool Central and thus allowing more time for <I>relaxation</I> between turns. The photograph shows Jubilee no 45710 <I>Irresistible</I> of Manchester's Newton Heath shed carrying an excursion headcode standing in Bloomfield Road sidings in 1962. The floodlights of Blackpool FC's Bloomfield Road ground can be seen in the background. [See image 30224 for the scene fifty years later].<br><br>[K A Gray 23/09/1962]](/images/30000/30063.jpg "Bloomfield Road Sidings")
![Jubilees in a siding alongside Blackpool North shed in September 1962. Nearest the camera is no 45731 <I>Persevereance</I>. The locomotive was officially withdrawn from Blackpool Central (24E) three months later.<br><br>[K A Gray 23/09/1962]](/images/38000/38171.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Britannia Pacific no 70013 <I>Oliver Cromwell</I> stands on Blackpool North shed (Talbot Road) on Boxing Day 1967 after bringing in a football excursion from Carlisle. Although officially closed in 1964, Blackpool North was used to service locomotives until almost the end of steam. The shed was finally demolished in 1975. (Note for football fans: The league division 2 match at Bloomfield Road on 26 December 1967 ended Blackpool 1 Carlisle United 1 and was watched by a crowd of 20,732.)<br><br>[Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 26/12/1967]](/images/29000/29195.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Scene on shed at Blackpool North on Boxing Day 1967 (by which time the depot had been officially closed for 3 years). In the picture are Britannia Pacific no 70013 <I>Oliver Cromwell</I> of Kingmoor, which had brought in a football excursion from Carlisle earlier that day [see image 29195], face to face with Stanier 8F 2-8-0 no 48033, latterly of Spring's Branch, Wigan, with an unidentified locomotive beyond. Blackpool North shed was eventually demolished in 1975.<br><br>[Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 26/12/1967]](/images/29000/29212.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Looking towards Blackpool North station from the locomotive shed area on 26 December 1967. [See image 29212]. Black 5 no 45353 is just leaving the platform with the 2.30pm to Leeds via Manchester, with a BRCW DMU over on the left. <br><br>[Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 26/12/1967]](/images/31000/31996.jpg "Blackpool North")
![45353 storms past Blackpool North shed with the 2.30pm to Leeds via Manchester on 26 December 1967. <br><br>[Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 26/12/1967]](/images/32000/32035.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Black 5 no 45353 leaving Blackpool North on Boxing Day 1967 with the 2.30pm to Leeds via Manchester. Photograph taken from Blackpool North shed.<br><br>[Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 26/12/1967]](/images/32000/32226.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Scene on Blackpool North shed (Talbot Road) on Boxing Day 1967 with Britannia Pacific no 70013 <I>Oliver Cromwell</I> making use of the facilities, having arrived earlier with a football special from Carlisle. (The shed had been officially closed in 1964).<br><br>[Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 26/12/1967]](/images/35000/35276.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Three years after official closure, Blackpool North shed plays host to Britannia Pacific no 70013 <I>Oliver Cromwell</I> of Carlisle Kingmoor, which had arrived in the town on Boxing Day 1967 with a football special. In the background is Stanier 8F 2-8-0 no 48033. Final demolition took place here in 1975.<br><br>[K A Gray 26/12/1967]](/images/39000/39332.jpg "Blackpool North")
![47432 passes the site of Maudland Viaduct signalbox as it leaves the bridge and nears Preston on a Blackpool to Euston service in January 1981. The train is approaching the cutting and signal shown in [See image 19011]. The three tracks at this location (formerly four) were later reduced to two and by 2017 the area was being prepared for electrification. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/01/1981]](/images/19000/19669.jpg "Maudlands Viaduct")
![Class 40 No. 40083 on a Blackpool to Euston service passes Weeton cabin, which was perched high on the cutting side to allow a view over the adjacent roadbridge. The box was switched out by this time and later demolished. View towards Singleton and Poulton-le-Fylde in March 1981. [See image 62458] for a <I>Then and Now</I> comparison. Map Ref SD 385338<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/03/1981]](/images/19000/19151.jpg "Weeton [Lancashire] Signal Box")
![40083 heading west through Salwick with a Euston to Blackpool service on 14 March 1981, before the station canopy was demolished. [Ref query 5203]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/03/1981]](/images/46000/46105.jpg "Salwick")
![A sparkling 47429 seen nearing Kirkham with a train from Euston on 24th July 1982. Despite appearances the former D1541 was withdrawn less than five years later and cut up by a contractor at Crewe in 1989. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/07/1982]](/images/59000/59495.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A Summer Saturday train from Blackpool seen between Kirkham & Wesham and Salwick stations behind Brush Type 2 31293 on 7th August 1982. The former D5826 was built in 1961 and would last in service until 1990 before being scrapped at Stratford in 1994. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 07/08/1982]](/images/60000/60619.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Swindon class 120 and BRCW Class 104 DMUs pass Salwick on a service from Blackpool North in 1982. Not the best quality photograph but it does show the now demolished station canopy to good effect. [See image 26633] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/08/1982]](/images/19000/19186.jpg "Salwick")
![The now preserved Brechin Railway Class 25 25072 heads for Blackpool North between Salwick and Kirkham on a sweltering Bank Holiday Saturday in 1982. At that time Blackpool bound loco hauled (25, 31, 37, 40, 46, 47) trains were still common on Summer Saturdays but alas no more. [see image 12351] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/08/1982]](/images/19000/19198.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Blackpool Bank Holiday traffic between Salwick and Kirkham with 40097 westbound on a passenger train on a very hot August day. 40097 was withdrawn in June the following year and cut up at Doncaster by March 1984. Map ref SD 448324 - Salwick station can just be seen in the distance.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/08/1982]](/images/20000/20389.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![40084, returning from Blackpool North between Kirkham and Salwick with yet another long Saturdays Only train on the busy August Bank Holiday weekend of 1982. This was the last summer of passenger working for 40084 as it was withdrawn the following May and cut up at Crewe a year later. Map Ref SD 446325 <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/08/1982]](/images/20000/20392.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Mixed DMU working a Blackpool (August Bank Holiday weekend) service in 1982. The seven coach train comprises a Class 105 Cravens, A Swindon Class 120 3-car and a Derby Class 108. Although I had gone to this spot to photograph the loco hauled Saturday extras I'm glad I also captured this unusual formation for posterity. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/08/1982]](/images/24000/24710.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![It's Summer Bank Holiday 1982 and a Saturdays only train from Blackpool North heads east at Kirkham behind now preserved EE Type 3 no 37215. [See image 29976].<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/08/1982]](/images/29000/29977.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Sporting the locomotive equivalent of a <I>black eye,</I> EE Class 40 no 40133, of the split headcode variety, has the throttle wide open as it leaves Kirkham. The train, heading back towards Preston from Blackpool North, is a summer Saturday extra service on the August Bank Holiday weekend 1982. The scrubland to the right of the picture marks the path of the former slow lines.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/08/1982]](/images/30000/30352.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A Blackpool (Bank Holiday) Saturday extra returns from the resort in the summer of 1982. 40197 and its seven coaches are heading east between Kirkham and Salwick stations. The Class 40 had another year to go in service before withdrawal from Crewe in September 1983 followed by cutting up at Doncaster eight months later.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/08/1982]](/images/35000/35429.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Memories of another long hot summer. 40097 is eastbound from Blackpool North on 28 August 1982 with a returning Summer Saturdays only train that has just passed through Kirkham and Wesham. [See image 20389] showing the locomotive heading for Blackpool earlier in the day. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/08/1982]](/images/43000/43789.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![37228 heads for Blackpool North with a passenger train and has just passed under the Blackpool Road bridge in Ashton, Preston. This view, taken from Haslam Park, is no longer possible as the Preston Ring Road <I>Tom Benson Way</I> has been built alongside the railway on the land in the foreground, formerly occupied by the fast lines, and a high fence installed. 37228 subsequently became 37696 and, after a long period stored at Long Marston, was scrapped by CF Booths in Rotherham in 2014. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/07/1983]](/images/24000/24149.jpg "Preston Maudlands")
![A <I>Peak</I> hauled Summer Saturday train returns from Blackpool North, with Class 46 No. 46039, along the former four track section east of Kirkham. Although the Blackpool line is still busy today these lengthy trains of holiday makers are long gone. 46039 itself had only three months of service left before withdrawal and was cut up at Swindon in 1985. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/07/1983]](/images/23000/23560.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![142046 has just arrived at Preston Maudlands with a terminating service from Blackpool on 11 March 1991. Passengers are in the process of changing onto a shuttle bus service outside the temporary station in order to complete the journey to Preston.<br><br>[John McIntyre 11/03/1991]](/images/22000/22511.jpg "Preston Maudlands")
![Is this the shortest lived station in BR history to be used by a scheduled service? Preston Maudlands was located between Blackpool and Preston and, according to the RVJ Butt directory, opened on 9 March 1991 and closed on 11 March 1991... with a note stating <I>Temporary station during bridge rebuilding</I>. The <I>station</I>, with a shuttle-bus waiting outside, is seen here looking east towards Preston on 11 March 1991, the last day of passenger services! <br><br>[John McIntyre 11/03/1991]](/images/22000/22512.jpg "Preston Maudlands")
![Westbound 150144 calls at Kirkham & Wesham in August 1994 on a Blackpool to Buxton service. Twenty three years later this Sprinter unit is still a regular visitor to the Blackpool lines on Northern services.<br><br>[Bill Roberton //1994]](/images/59000/59692.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Kirkham North Junction in 2001. The box overlooked the fast lines, slow lines, single line to Blackpool South and several engineers sidings. [See image 63639] for a post electrification view of the same location.<br><br>[Ewan Crawford //2001]](/images/63000/63638.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![Kirkham North Junction in 2001. The fast and slow lines merge on the Blackpool North line whilst the single track South line swings left. [See image 62623] for the same location in early 2018. <br><br>[Ewan Crawford //2001]](/images/63000/63641.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![Kirkham North Junction, looking east towards the station in 2001. At this time there were numerous disused sidings alongside the running lines. [See image 62260] for the same location in late 2017. <br><br>[Ewan Crawford //2001]](/images/63000/63648.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![A Blackpool North service west of Kirkham on 12 September. The tracks on the right once carried trains to Blackpool Central.<br><br>[John McIntyre 12/09/2007]](/images/17000/17224.jpg "Kirkham")
![A Blackpool North to Manchester service formed by Northern 156423 heads east passed Salwick SB on 12 February 2008.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 12/02/2008]](/images/30000/30408.jpg "Salwick")
![156423 on a service from Blackpool North held at signal PN156, protecting the junction with the WCML. This cutting once contained four running lines but now has two, plus a loop that rejoins the main line by St. Mark's church (now residential apartments). As part of the 2018 electrification of the Blackpool line this signal was replaced by one located at the western end of the cutting.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/04/2008]](/images/19000/19011.jpg "Fylde Junction")
![Moss Side station was closed in 1961 but the platforms were left in situ and when the line was singled it was reopened in 1983. View across the level crossing towards Kirkham - disused down platform on the right. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/04/2008]](/images/18000/18805.jpg "Moss Side")
![156473 waits for the crossing barriers to close before leaving Moss Side for Kirkham on a Blackpool South to Colne service. Although substantially modified the house in the picture is the original station house. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/04/2008]](/images/18000/18806.jpg "Moss Side")
![150139 on a Colne to Blackpool South service passes the site of Wrea Green station. The station closed in 1961 and all trace has been swept away. Despite continuing local pressure for reopening the absence of any infrastructure will make this costly compared to neighbouring station Moss Side which reopened in 1983. View towards Moss Side and Lytham.(SD 396318) <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/04/2008]](/images/18000/18807.jpg "Wrea Green")
![156479, on the down slow line, passes the junction for Blackpool South before rejoining the main lines to Blackpool North. The fast lines are in the foreground directly in front of the signal box. In the trees immediately behind the box are the remains of the flyover from the Blackpool Central lines - now reduced to a disused siding that can be seen in the distance. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/04/2008]](/images/18000/18850.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![The feather on the green signal indicates that 156473 is heading for Blackpool South at Kirkham North Junction, which lies just beyond the overbridge. The unit has just called at Kirkham and Wesham and the fast Blackpool lines that bypass the platforms can be seen on the far right. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/04/2008]](/images/18000/18921.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A Buxton to Blackpool North service, formed of 156426, departs from Kirkham and Wesham. View of the down slow line towards Kirkham North Junction and Blackpool. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/04/2008]](/images/18000/18922.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A Blackpool North to Liverpool service, with 156426, takes the fast lines at Kirkham North Junction past the impressive signal box to avoid the station island platform and continue non stop to Preston. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/04/2008]](/images/20000/20201.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![Rare occurence at the ghost station. 150146 calls at Salwick, between Preston and Kirkham, on a Colne to Blackpool South service - one of only 3 (out of 80) trains in each direction to do so. The trackbed of the former fast lines is on the far side of the station. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/05/2008]](/images/18000/18988.jpg "Salwick")
![Salwick No.2 cabin is the fringe box with Preston signalling centre. A Lancashire and Yorkshire design it operates the colour light signals between here and Kirkham, an emergency crossover and access to a disused siding associated with the adjacent nuclear fuel facility. Viewed through the station overbridge towards Preston. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/05/2008]](/images/19000/19130.jpg "Salwick")
![The long approach ramp to Salwick leads to a very basic station with a sparse service these days. 150146, on its way to Blackpool South, forms one of only three trains a day in each direction. View towards Kirkham and Wesham through the heat haze on this former four track main line. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/05/2008]](/images/31000/31854.jpg "Salwick")
![View along the Blackpool platform with No. 3 box visible under the bridge. Poulton is in excellent condition and it was 1 o clock. The former through line passed under the left hand arch. The bracket semaphore controls the junction with the disused Burn Naze and Fleetwood line<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/05/2008]](/images/19000/19028.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![158758 passes Poulton No. 3 Box over the recently renewed junction with the disused line to Burn Naze and Fleetwood. This is the subject of preservation efforts - see www.pwrs.org. The train is a York to Blackpool North service.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/05/2008]](/images/19000/19029.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Scottish trains on the Fylde. Like every train from Blackpool on 14th May 2008, 156468 on this Buxton service was packed with Rangers fans heading for Manchester. Some services did not make their scheduled stop here because they were so full. The long platform at Poulton continues beyond the bridge in the distance and the former through line trackbed is now the car park.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/05/2008]](/images/19000/19049.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![The relaid but disused Fleetwood line junction and Poulton No. 3 cabin viewed from the Preston bound platform under the booking hall, which is at street level. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/05/2008]](/images/19000/19131.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Weeton sees Transpennine units 185109 and 185111 pass the site of the now demolished signal box on 3rd June 2008 with a Blackpool North to Manchester Airport service. This location has lost its features now compared to 1981 [See image 19151]. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/06/2008]](/images/19000/19299.jpg "Weeton [Lancashire] Signal Box")
![158758 on a Blackpool to York service passes under Wellfield Road bridge at the junction with the WCML to the north of Preston station. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/06/2008]](/images/19000/19710.jpg "Fylde Junction")
![Looking back towards the terminal building at Blackpool North along Platform 5/6 in August 2008. New signalling structures have been installed part way down each platform but not yet commissioned.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/08/2008]](/images/20000/20268.jpg "Blackpool North")
![There is still a fine array of semaphores at Blackpool North. The eight platform roads are controlled by No.2 box, just visible, behind the middle gantry, but for how much longer?<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/08/2008]](/images/20000/20269.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Blackpool North No. 2 signal box, a large Lancashire & Yorkshire structure controlling the stations semaphores and points, is not readily accessible hence this view from a train arriving at the station. Box No. 3 has long since disappeared but No. 1 still operated at the other end of the carriage sidings until it closed in January 2011. [See image 32533]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/08/2008]](/images/20000/20443.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The view across Station Rd Crossing towards Poulton-le-Fylde from the end of Thornton Up platform on the former double track Fleetwood branch, closed to passengers in 1970 with the last freight running in the 1990s. There are now early plans for reopening but a lot of work to do. Map Ref SD 344421<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/09/2008]](/images/20000/20625.jpg "Thornton-Cleveleys")
![For a long time after closure in 1970 Thornton still had its long platform canopies but then became derelict after freight traffic ceased. Now in the care of a preservation group the station is looking much better although the modern building is encroaching the down platform. View towards Fleetwood. Can anyone confirm whether the canopy components from here were used in the station at Blackpool Pleasure Beach? [See image 19426] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/09/2008]](/images/20000/20629.jpg "Thornton-Cleveleys")
![Closed station on a mothballed railway. Burn Naze lies entirely inside a secure industrial estate. It opened late, in 1908, closing with the line in 1970 and the two platforms are now very overgrown. View towards Fleetwood taken with permission of Hillhouse Estates staff. Map Ref SD340439 <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/09/2008]](/images/20000/20634.jpg "Burn Naze")
![Situated a long way from the village it was supposed to serve, Singleton station closed in 1932. Until the 1990s a small signal cabin remained as an intermediate block post here but now only the approach road survives to identify the location and that is <I>clarty</I> to say the least as can be seen in this image of a 156 heading for Blackpool North. View towards Poulton-le-Fylde at Map Reference SD368369. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/09/2008]](/images/20000/20636.jpg "Singleton")
![Hillylaid Crossing lies to the north of Thornton-Cleveleys station. The notice announces that the line from here to the station is under the care of the Poulton & Wyre Railway Society and their efforts can be appreciated here as the line north of the crossing is completely overgrown. View south at map ref SD 343427<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/09/2008]](/images/20000/20643.jpg "Thornton-Cleveleys")
![The <I>12 mile siding</I> that is the Blackpool South branch operates pretty much at capacity for most of the day. 150224 has just left the branch, which starts by the bridge, and the signal for the next service has already cleared. The train is about to call at Kirkham & Wesham on its way to Preston and Colne.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/10/2008]](/images/21000/21247.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![156452 on a Blackpool North service heads westwards away from Poulton on a day when the frost never left this shallow cutting. the line of trees in the middle distance is the closed Poulton Curve that allowed through running between Blackpool and Fleetwood.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/12/2008]](/images/21000/21670.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![View eastwards as 156471 approaches Poulton No 3 box and station from Blackpool North. The station booking office stands on the bridge, overlooking the junction with the disused Burn Naze/Fleetwood line.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 03/12/2008]](/images/21000/21671.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Low winter sun as a Blackpool to Manchester Airport service takes the Up Fast line through Kirkham and Wesham. 185129 is passing the site of Kirkham station signal box, which is the reason for the fast line deviation. The four lines become two again just round the corner. View east towards Salwick.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/01/2009]](/images/22000/22043.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![With around 80 trains in each direction every day (Monday to Saturday) there is always something happening at Kirkham and Wesham. The four tracks that run from east of the station to beyond Kirkham North Junction also give a very flexible operating layout. In this view, towards Salwick from the overbridge, 156441 on the Up Slow calls at the station with the fast lines visible in the foreground.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/01/2009]](/images/22000/22070.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Although the Transpennine Services do not stop at Kirkham, 185140 was routed through the platform road on this Manchester Airport to Blackpool North train. This view, from the overbridge outside the station entrance, is towards Kirkham North Junction with the fast lines on the right of the picture.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/01/2009]](/images/22000/22232.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![180106 at Blackpool North on 7th January 2009 waiting to form a service to Manchester Victoria. One of the latest additions to the Northern fleet, it was cascaded to Northern when First Great Western took them off lease.<br><br>[Graham Morgan 07/01/2009]](/images/22000/22062.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Blackpool North on 7th January 2008, with a mix or trains waiting their next turn of duty. <br><br>[Graham Morgan 07/01/2009]](/images/22000/22064.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Just to the Lytham side of Moss Side station is a long embankment with this low bridge over a minor road. This picture looks east on that road as 142015 approaches Moss Side on a Blackpool South to Colne service. Map Ref SD 380295<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 07/02/2009]](/images/22000/22402.jpg "Moss Side")
![The guard has operated the level crossing barriers from the platform at Moss Side and 142003 departs for Kirkham on a Colne service. In the other direction the half barriers are activated automatically by the approaching train.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 07/02/2009]](/images/22000/22407.jpg "Moss Side")
![Layton, looking east towards Poulton-le-Fylde, as 185120 hurries through on a Manchester Airport service. In the background Crossley's Bridge, a typical Blackpool design, crosses the line and the former goods yard access. The goods yard is now occupied by a car park and the flats that can be seen. The semaphore distant is operated from Carleton Crossing signal box. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/02/2009]](/images/22000/22536.jpg "Layton")
![<I>A Layton curiosity</I>. What looks like an old shop front has apparently been put in place to close off the gap between the station buildings and make the rear of the former station house private. It certainly does not appear in pictures from steam days or even the early 1990s when the station was still staffed. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/02/2009]](/images/22000/22537.jpg "Layton")
![View south from the end of the rails on the former Fleetwood line towards Burn Naze, where the industrial complex that kept the southern section of the line open for freight until the 1990s can be seen. Right up to the 1960s this then double track line saw express fish trains to London as well as a variety of other traffic. Passenger services ceased in 1970. Map Ref SD 329455<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/02/2009]](/images/22000/22544.jpg "Burn Naze")
![<I>End of the line</I>. The disused former Fleetwood line peters out about one mile north of Burn Naze and this view towards Wyre Dock and Fleetwood shows the last few yards of track, finally used by coal trains to Fleetwood Power Station in the 1980s. Long demolished Fleetwood steam shed was in the middle distance on the left hand side of the line. Photo taken from an overbridge at Map Ref <br>
SD 329455. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/02/2009]](/images/22000/22545.jpg "Burn Naze")
![Before Northern Rail finalised its livery it experimented with a number of trial schemes, including this predominantly white livery still carried by 156425 in 2009. This unit is seen pulling into Layton from Blackpool North on a Manchester Victoria service. At the far end of this long straight is the entrance to the still extensive Blackpool Carriage Sidings, which also has a fuelling point.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/02/2009]](/images/22000/22589.jpg "Layton")
![Leaving Kirkham for Preston on the former four track section is a Northern Pacer, 142047, on a Blackpool South to Colne working. In this view from Carr Lane bridge Kirkham and Wesham station is hidden by the trees directly behind the train, which is just passing the Boys' Brigade camp site. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 07/04/2009]](/images/23000/23164.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![The northern approaches to Preston in the area of Fylde Junction. Northern Rail unit 142005 has drawn to a halt in a siding outside the power box, prior to reversing back into the station. The tracks merging in the left foreground are for Lancaster while those on the right are for Blackpool. The large building directly above the Pacer is County Hall, situated close to the station itself. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/04/2009]](/images/23000/23263.jpg "Fylde Junction")
![156471, entering Preston from Blackpool with an Easter Monday evening train, crosses over Maudland Viaduct and approaches Fylde Junction in April 2009. This view was taken from the steeply graded St. Marks Rd in Preston looking towards Blackpool. [See image 19669] for a similar view in 1981.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/04/2009]](/images/23000/23385.jpg "Maudlands Viaduct")
![Blackpool Central closed in 1964, with the line being cut back to Blackpool South, and the site was quickly cleared. An amusement arcade was built on part of the station and the areas between platforms were filled in to create a huge car park but the toilet block survived, for forty five years until its recent demolition. In this view towards the old buffer stops the remains of the toilets are being cleared away in the shadow of a fairly distinctive looking local landmark.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/05/2009]](/images/23000/23570.jpg "Blackpool Central")
![For forty five years after Blackpool Central closed in 1964 the excursion platforms' toilet block continued in use alongside the car park built over the old platforms. It too was demolished however in 2009 and the last remnant is seen here being cleared prior to redevelopment.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/05/2009]](/images/23000/23571.jpg "Blackpool Central")
![With the demolition of the old station toilets the only surviving remnants of Blackpool Central are a brick wall on Central Drive, where the old excursion platforms were sited, and this low blue brick retaining wall overlooking Bonney St Market. This wall and path follow the line of the former Platform 1 at Central looking towards the old station <I>throat</I> and Blackpool South. The large building is Blackpool Police Station, part of which is built on former railway land. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/05/2009]](/images/23000/23682.jpg "Blackpool Central")
![Between Blackpool and Poulton, just east of Layton station, is the block post signal box at Carleton, which also covers a very busy level crossing. The signals at Carleton Crossing are still semaphores, one of which can just be seen alongside 185129 working a Transpennine Blackpool North to Manchester Airport service.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/05/2009]](/images/23000/23697.jpg "Carleton Crossing")
![Still mothballed, it is hard to believe that the Fleetwood branch was formerly a double track main line carrying through express fish trains to London. Passenger trains finally petered out in 1970 but freight continued for many years to both Fleetwood Power Station and the ICI Hillhouse complex at Burn Naze. The last goods train ran in 1999. This view is to the north from School Road crossing and, before vegetation took hold, Thornton Cleveleys station would have been visible from here. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/05/2009]](/images/23000/23932.jpg "Thornton-Cleveleys")
![The Fleetwood line slumbers on, ten years after the last goods train ran. This is School Road crossing, just south of Thornton Cleveleys station looking towards Poulton, showing the former crossing keeper's cottage. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/05/2009]](/images/23000/23933.jpg "Thornton-Cleveleys")
![<I>Hot in there mate?</I> The driver of Northern Pacer 142053 has the window open as he waits in the cutting for signal PN156 to clear on a scorching Sunday. The train, from Blackpool South, is waiting to clear Fylde Junction and join the main line to run into Preston station on its way to Colne.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 31/05/2009]](/images/23000/23920.jpg "Fylde Junction")
![<I>Next train in quite a while</I>. The 1209 to Blackpool South, formed by 142013, stops at Salwick. The other westbound trans are at 0707, 0809 and 1609. The sparse Preston bound service comprises the 0713, 0813 and 1615 trains. Until the station became unstaffed in the early 70s Salwick was locally famous for its wishing well on the platform.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/06/2009]](/images/23000/23997.jpg "Salwick")
![142013 pulls away from a stop at Salwick, past the disused western end of the platform. Although the station opened in the 1840s it has a distinctive L&YR island platform that I suspect was built when the Preston to Kirkham line was quadrupled.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/06/2009]](/images/23000/23998.jpg "Salwick")
![Originally a full vehicle crossing, but for many years restricted to pedestrians only, this is New Road on the mothballed Fleetwood Branch just south of Thornton-Cleveleys station. New Road is shown in Quails Track Diagrams as <I>Tarn Gate</I>. The crossing keeper's cottage is in private ownership and at the time of this photograph was <I>For Sale</I>. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/06/2009]](/images/24000/24055.jpg "Thornton-Cleveleys")
![<I>Perchance it is not dead but only sleeping</I>, which was originally said about the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway closure but might equally apply to the Fleetwood Branch as it waits patiently for preservation efforts to bear fruit. This is the view south from New Road crossing. The bridge in the foreground carries the A 585 Fleetwood link road and immediately beyond it is the former junction with the long closed Poulton avoiding line. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/06/2009]](/images/24000/24056.jpg "Thornton-Cleveleys")
![The Fleetwood branch is one of those identified by the Train Operating Companies as suitable for reopening as part of the national network. This is the view south from Thornton-Cleveleys platform showing the level crossing and an area cleared by the local railway society, who have also made a feature of the former signal box foundations, just in front of the garden bench. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/06/2009]](/images/24000/24127.jpg "Thornton-Cleveleys")
![View north towards Fleetwood from the end of the double track section 600 yards north of Poulton-le-Fylde Junction [See image 19029]. The line is classed as 'not in regular use' - an understatement in view of the pallisade fence that crosses the trackbed below the bridge from which the photograph was taken. That said, signals and trackside cabinets are still in place, but vegetation is now taking hold.<br><br>[John McIntyre 28/09/2009]](/images/27000/27344.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![The site of Fleetwood station (closed 1966) in 2009, with all railway traces long demolished to create space for the port facilities. The <I>Stena Leader</I> is at the loading point on a Larne sailing. The last ship to use Fleetwood was the <I>Stena Seafarer</I> on 24th December 2010 following which sailings were diverted to Heysham and Fleetwood was closed. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/10/2009]](/images/54000/54761.jpg "Fleetwood [3rd]")
![Northern Rail <I>Adelante</I> unit 180103 passes Salwick (No.2) signal box, immediately east of Salwick station, on a Blackpool North to Manchester Victoria service. Approaching from the east is 158752 running from York to Blackpool. Salwick is a 'fringe box' for Preston signalling centre and retains an emergency crossover and a disused siding alongside the Springfields nuclear fuel plant, part of which can be seen above the train. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/12/2009]](/images/26000/26589.jpg "Salwick")
![158910 hurries through Salwick en route from Blackpool to York. [See image 19186] for an earlier picture of this station with its Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway canopy still in place. The bare trackbed to the right of the train carried the long lifted fast lines. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/12/2009]](/images/26000/26633.jpg "Salwick")
![Just to the east of long closed Lea Road station, the Blackpool line crosses the Savick Brook, which in 2002 was canalised to provide a four mile link from the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble. The bridge is made of red brick on the south side as seen here but the north side is blue brick dating from the line's quadrupling. A Northern Class 150 Sprinter heads for Blackpool. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/02/2010]](/images/27000/27564.jpg "Lea Road")
![The staircase locks of the Lancaster Canal's Ribble Link, opened in 2002 and therefore one of the newest stretches of canal in the country, are passed by a Blackpool North to Manchester Airport TPE 185 unit. At the foot of the locks, boats join the Savick Brook and turn sharp right to pass under the railway. [See image 27564]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 08/02/2010]](/images/27000/27704.jpg "Lea Road")
![St Mark's church in Preston, now converted into apartments, forms an impressive backdrop as 142039 heads for Kirkham and Blackpool South. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/02/2010]](/images/27000/27963.jpg "Fylde Junction")
![Maudland viaduct shows clear evidence that it was built, in red brick, to carry two tracks but the Blackpool line was later quadrupled by adding a blue brick extension on either side. The bridge still carries Blackpool trains [See image 23385] over Water Lane in Preston but in the 1960s the tracks were reduced back to two. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 21/03/2010]](/images/28000/28260.jpg "Maudlands Viaduct")
![The 309' spire of St Walburge's Church, Preston (the third highest in the country) was a feature of many steam age photos of trains approaching Preston station from the north or from Blackpool. The lineside is far less accessible these days and the full spire can only really be included in pictures of the Blackpool line. In this view from St. Mark's Rd, Northern Pacer 142046 is approaching the junction with the WCML on a Blackpool South to Colne service.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/03/2010]](/images/28000/28232.jpg "Fylde Junction")
![Pendolino for Blackpool? Well not yet although electrification is planned. 390041 is seen on layover on an electrified siding outside Preston Power Box because the WCML line north of Preston was closed for weekend engineering. Northern 158909, in promotional livery, slows for the red signal as it approaches the junction on a Blackpool to York service.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/03/2010]](/images/28000/28283.jpg "Fylde Junction")
![Pendolino 390012 is stabled on an electrified siding outside Preston power box (built on the site of Preston steam shed) in between London trips. The line to Lancaster (going off to the right) was closed for weekend engineering so Virgin services turned back here. TPE 185142 leaves the Blackpool line to run into Preston station on its way to Manchester Airport. The ramshackle looking fence posts in the foreground have been replaced by a substantial fence a few feet further away from the line.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/03/2010]](/images/28000/28366.jpg "Fylde Junction")
![Just beyond the deep cutting at Weeton the line to Blackpool North runs onto a low embankment covered with reeds. These are lit by the evening sun as Sprinter 156487 heads east with a Northern Rail service for Liverpool. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 07/04/2010]](/images/28000/28414.jpg "Weeton [Lancashire] Signal Box")
![A Blackpool to Liverpool service, formed by Northern Sprinter 156468, approaches Preston and runs through the cutting immediately east of Maudlands Viaduct. If the Blackpool electrification plans are implemented the mast in the foreground will no longer mark the end of the wires on this line. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/04/2010]](/images/28000/28524.jpg "Fylde Junction")
![Significant building work at Poulton has seen the very long island platform drastically shortened and refurbished. Because the area under the canopy is also under renovation it is also fenced off leaving only a limited area for trains to use. Northern Adelante 180103 calls on a Manchester to Blackpool service on 27 April but only four of its five coaches fit the available area of platform. View towards Blackpool. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/04/2010]](/images/28000/28706.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![The eastern approach to Poulton-le-Fylde. Semaphore signals still control the trains here although the former through lines have been taken out of use. In the foreground are the remains of the eastern end of the island platform, recently removed as part of a refurbishment [See image 28706]. Adelante 180103 is heading for Blackpool North while 158817 is going to York. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/04/2010]](/images/28000/28793.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![6233 <I>Duchess of Sutherland</I>, in gleaming LMS black livery, heads for Blackpool North with an excursion from Derby and Crewe. The loco is seen here accelerating its twelve coaches along the avoiding lines at Kirkham as seen from the station's island platform.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/06/2010]](/images/29000/29245.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A Northern service from Blackpool North slows for the first <br>
stop on the journey to Manchester Victoria at Layton on 5 June 2010. The station building on the up platform still stands but is no longer in railway use.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 05/06/2010]](/images/32000/32584.jpg "Layton")
![A York - Blackpool North service passes through Layton station in Blackpool's north eastern suburbs on the afternoon of 5 June 2010 as 158753 approaches its ultimate destination.<br><br>[John McIntyre 05/06/2010]](/images/37000/37224.jpg "Layton")
![Ex LMS Stanier pacific, no.6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' runs tender first through Layton in June 2010 heading to Farington to turn. The loco had earlier hauled a railtour to Blackpool [See image 29245] and later the same day hauled the return journey as far as Derby.<br><br>[John McIntyre 05/06/2010]](/images/62000/62627.jpg "Layton")
![Although much of the once lengthy island platform at Poulton has recently been removed [See image 28793] the infill material has not been taken away and a staff access walkway now seems to be being created. 158816 passes the site as it approaches the station on a York to Blackpool North working. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/06/2010]](/images/29000/29502.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![A Northern class 180 <I>Adelante</I> arrival at Blackpool North on 4 August 2010.<br><br>[John Yellowlees 04/08/2010]](/images/30000/30111.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The large expanse of railway sidings that serviced Blackpool Central station until 1964 had long been known as Europe's largest car park, but in recent years has been improved and landscaped. This picture looks towards Central at the point where Bloomfield Road sidings were situated. The traffic lights mark the site of the former Bloomfield Road bridge that spanned the tracks and was only removed a few years ago. The white building is the home of Blackpool Football Club, back in the top flight in 2010/11 for the first time since 1971. [See image 30063] for a direct Then and Now comparison at the same location half a century earlier.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/08/2010]](/images/30000/30224.jpg "Bloomfield Road Sidings")
![The steam shed at Blackpool Central was quickly demolished and turned into a coach park soon after closure in 1964, although for many years it was just a compacted ash surface. More recently the whole area has been improved and there are no clues as to its former role. This picture looks north towards the site of the station itself from what would have been the depot yard, with the shed building located where the lorry is parked. Blackpool football ground is immediately behind the camera. Since this photograph was taken the car park has closed with houses built on the site.[See image 28650] showing the shed in its heyday servicing visiting locomotives from far and wide.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/08/2010]](/images/30000/30284.jpg "Blackpool Central MPD")
![156468 arriving at Blackpool North amongst a fine display of semaphores on 9 September 2010 <br><br>[Graham Morgan 09/09/2010]](/images/30000/30661.jpg "Blackpool North")
![185122 at Platform 7 of Blackpool North waiting it's next turn of duty on 9th September 2010<br><br>[Graham Morgan 09/09/2010]](/images/30000/30667.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Kirkham North Junction Signal Box, looking North, on 9th September 2010. It is at this point that the line from Preston splits, the route to Blackpool North heads West and the route to Blackpool South goes off to the South West<br><br>[Graham Morgan 09/09/2010]](/images/31000/31330.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![Blackpool North No.1 Signal Box as seen from a train departing for Manchester Victoria on 9th September 2010. The SB was switched out on 30 April 2007, and recently had it's crossover and yard access pointwork removed. The box will abolished in March 2011 and demolished with a slight reworking of the approach signalling (With thanks to Darren Hunt for supplying the information).<br><br>[Graham Morgan 09/09/2010]](/images/31000/31335.jpg "Blackpool North")
![All clear for 158905, on the last leg of its York to Blackpool North journey, as it calls at Poulton-le-Fylde. The bracket junction signal is fully functional but, although the left semaphore is raised over sixty times a day, that on the right (Fleetwood line) hasn't been used for around twenty years. View towards Kirkham from the overbridge outside the main station entrance and booking hall.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/09/2010]](/images/31000/31314.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Poulton rarely sees anything other than DMUs these days but West Coast locos 37685 and 47760 are seen here running light engine following directly behind 5690 <I>Leander</I> and the <I>Severn Valley Limited</I> excursion [See image 30890]. At Blackpool North the diesels released the steam loco and later hauled the eleven coach train back to Kidderminster while 5690 made its way to the East Lancashire Railway. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/10/2010]](/images/30000/30887.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Steam to Blackpool. 5690 <I>Leander</I> hauls the eleven coach <I>Severn Valley Limited</I> through Poulton on its way from Bridgnorth to Blackpool. The train is passing the recently removed section of the island platform and also a long disused section of rail that is a reminder that Poulton once had four tracks.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/10/2010]](/images/30000/30890.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Poulton west to north curve opened in 1896 to provide a double track direct link from Blackpool to Fleetwood. In 1908 a station was opened, and officially named Poulton Curve Halt. It closed in 1952, although passenger trains passed through for a further 12 years. 58 years after closure these are the remains of the east side platform looking south along the old trackbed towards Blackpool. Map Ref SD 345397. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/10/2010]](/images/30000/30898.jpg "Poulton Curve Halt")
![Pictures of Poulton Curve Halt when open show a neat little station with a shelter on each platform. It closed in 1952 and 58 years later these are the remains of the shelter on the Blackpool bound platform looking north towards Fleetwood with the trackbed to the left of the picture. The old Fleetwood bound platform has been lost under a playground. Map Ref SD 345397. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/10/2010]](/images/30000/30902.jpg "Poulton Curve Halt")
![West Coast diesels 37685 and 47760 swing left towards Layton and Blackpool at Poulton where the disused tracks of the Burn Naze and Fleetwood line can be seen on the right. The light engines were heading for Blackpool North behind a steam hauled (5690 Leander) special from Bridgnorth that was to be diesel hauled back to Kidderminster. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/10/2010]](/images/30000/30943.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![The view along what remains of the island platform at Poulton-le-Fylde as 158755 calls on a Blackpool North to York service. The junction semaphore is also 'off' for the Blackpool line, with the signalbox visible under the bridge, but the enthusiasts on the platform are not stirring as <I>Leander</I> is not due yet [See image 30890].<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/10/2010]](/images/31000/31612.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![158815 leaves Blackpool North on 19 October, passing some of the semaphore signals which will be replaced when the line is electrified.<br>
<br><br>[Bill Roberton 19/10/2010]](/images/31000/31249.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The site of Blackpool Central MPD, as seen from the top floor of nearby Blackpool FC stadium looking towards Blackpool Central station in 2010. Prior to the 1964 closure there were 19 tracks from left to right at this point including a four track mainline, eight road shed and other associated sidings in between. Since the image was taken the car park has closed with housing built on the old shed site. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/10/2010]](/images/31000/31389.jpg "Blackpool Central MPD")
![Lea Road station, on the outskirts of Preston, closed in 1938 and little remains. The site, by the bend in the distance of this picture, is also inaccessible. 158909 is heading for Blackpool North and will soon pass Salwick, which also closed in 1938 but reopened in 1940 for munitions workers at the nearby plant and still has a limited service today. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/01/2011]](/images/32000/32309.jpg "Lea Road")
![Semaphores out of use. Blackpool North No.1 signal box closed recently leaving just No.2, seen here, and then Carleton Crossing controlling the line to Poulton-le-Fylde. The semaphore distants here have large crosses on the arms indicating they are not in use as the home signal(s) they protect are also out of use. View towards Blackpool carriage sidings from a point alongside the end of Blackpool North platforms. [See image 34138] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/01/2011]](/images/32000/32514.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Blackpool No. 1 signal box, situated at the eastern end of the carriage depot, formally closed at the end of 2010. This picture was taken after closure and the box was completely demolished soon afterwards. The lines in the foreground are part of the sidings while those in front of the box are the running lines. The block now extends from Blackpool North station to Carleton Crossing. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/01/2011]](/images/32000/32533.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The carriage sidings at Blackpool North normally stand empty during the day, although many DMUs are serviced there overnight between duties. 158754 is about to enter Blackpool North station with a service from York on 27 January, passing the deserted sidings and carriage washing plant.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/01/2011]](/images/32000/32554.jpg "Blackpool North")
![A Northern local service arrives at Blackpool North. 156486 runs in past the bracket semaphores on the ends of the platforms. Resignalling has been proposed for years now but the planned electrification will probably see these signals, and Blackpool North No. 2 box, finally replaced. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/01/2011]](/images/32000/32614.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The entrance to Blackpool Train Maintenance Depot (TOPS Depot Code BP) is not particularly imposing. It is in the middle of a residential area of Blackpool and the depot accommodation comprises the two low roof buildings seen here at the top of the ramp. The depot rarely sees stock during the daytime but a number of DMUs are serviced here overnight and the overhead lighting of the carriage sidings can be seen behind the buildings. The sidings themselves are directly alongside the main running lines just outside Blackpool North station [See image 32554].<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/01/2011]](/images/32000/32675.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Double Donkeys call at Kirkham & Wesham on their way west to <br>
Blackpool North (a few hundred yards from the beach!) on 9 March 2011. Unit 142007 is on the front and 142028 on the rear, the destination board on the latter still showing Manchester Victoria. <br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 09/03/2011]](/images/33000/33236.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Arriving at Kirkham & Wesham is 150150 on its way from Blackpool North to Manchester Victoria on 9 March 2011. The station building is receiving some refurbishment at present and temporary steps (under the white sheeting) have been installed while work is carried out on the normal stairway leading from the ticket office. The tracks on the right are the fast lines that bypass the station.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 09/03/2011]](/images/33000/33247.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Brush Type 2 locos were once a fairly regular sight at Blackpool North but not these days and on 11th May 2011 31602 was a most unusual visitor with a Network Rail train. The loco is seen in Platform 1 with one of the (soon to be replaced) Northern Class 180 Adelante units alongside. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/05/2011]](/images/34000/34032.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Although their stay with 'Northern' was extended until May 2011 the three Adelante units are due to go to 'East Coast' with the summer timetable change. Manchester - Blackpool passengers will miss these 5-car express units and are unlikely to view cascaded London Midland 150 sets as an improvement. Roll on electrification. 180106 pulls away from a stop at Kirkham on 13 May heading for Blackpool.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/05/2011]](/images/34000/34088.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![The distant semaphores shown here were temporarily out of use in January 2011 [See image 32514] as Blackpool No. 1 signal box was being demolished. It is good to see them working again (at least until electrification) and I presume the home signal they protect is now operated from No. 2 box seen here but local information would be welcome. 150277 leaves the station on 18 May heading for Manchester Victoria. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/05/2011]](/images/34000/34138.jpg "Blackpool North")
![A York to Blackpool North service is only a few miles from its final destination as it approaches Carleton level crossing on 6 July 2011. The crossing is locally controlled from a signal box behind the camera.<br><br>[John McIntyre 06/07/2011]](/images/34000/34784.jpg "Carleton Crossing")
![Looking north towards Fleetwood from the level crossing, this view <br>
of Thornton station on 6 July 2011 shows the work carried out by the Poulton & Wyre Railway Society in tidying up and restoring the station area. Bottom right are the foundations of the former signalbox which, according to the society website, they hope can be rebuilt. <br><br>[John McIntyre 06/07/2011]](/images/34000/34851.jpg "Thornton-Cleveleys")
![<I>'Looks like more rain on the way.'</I> Under a heavy sky on 6 July, Carleton Crossing signalbox stands alongside the line to Blackpool North. [Shortly after taking the photograph the heavens opened!]<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 06/07/2011]](/images/34000/34880.jpg "Carleton Crossing")
![Bearing left to take the Blackpool line at Fylde Junction on 27 October is TPE 185115, as seen from a northbound Pendolino taking the line to Lancaster. To the right is St Walburgh's church, a prominent feature in many steam age photographs. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/10/2011]](/images/36000/36209.jpg "Fylde Junction")
![A York to Blackpool North service, formed by Northern 158754, is on the last few yards of its 3 hour journey. It is passing the entrance to Blackpool maintenance depot sidings, and Blackpool No.2 signal box, as it approaches the platforms that are just out of picture to the left. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/11/2011]](/images/54000/54400.jpg "Blackpool North")
![A Class 156/142 double act heads west from the station stop at Kirkham and Wesham en-route to Blackpool North on 14 January 2012. The train is about to cross Kirkham North Jct where the line to Blackpool South diverges and, once upon a time, the direct line to Blackpool Central.<br><br>[John McIntyre 14/01/2012]](/images/37000/37239.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Another semaphore on borrowed time. Centro liveried 150119 and a Northern sister unit approach Poulton from Preston on a Blackpool North service in March 2012. Colour lights will replace this signal and others on the Fylde as part of the electrification and modernisation of the Manchester to Blackpool line.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/03/2012]](/images/37000/37950.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Passing under the street level L&YR booking office to run non-stop through Poulton-le-Fylde station is a Blackpool North to Liverpool service, formed by 156489. In the foreground the old through line trackbed can be seen, now used for car parking. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/05/2012]](/images/38000/38883.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![TPE 185128 leaves Poulton heading for Preston and, ultimately, Manchester Airport. The train is just passing the site of the former junction with the long closed line to Poulton goods station, originally part of a direct line to Fleetwood. Several overbridges on the Blackpool line are now being raised as part of the preparations for the long awaited electrification scheme.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/05/2012]](/images/40000/40514.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Many trains pass Salwick but few actually stop. Here a Northern Class 158 is seen on a Blackpool - York service as a First Trans Pennine unit appears on the left on its way from Manchester Airport to Blackpool.<br><br>[John McIntyre 22/05/2012]](/images/38000/38981.jpg "Salwick")
![View west along the deserted platform at Salwick on 22 May 2012 as 142035 passes through heading for Blackpool North.<br><br>[John McIntyre 22/05/2012]](/images/40000/40713.jpg "Salwick")
![A Northern service from Blackpool South to Colne rushes through Salwick towards Preston on 22 May 2012. Today there are only 2 tracks here but at one time there were two more on the right running between Preston and Kirkham.<br><br>[John McIntyre 22/05/2012]](/images/40000/40727.jpg "Salwick")
![A York to Blackpool service, formed by 158909, approaches Salwick station on 22 May 2012. On the left is Salwick No 2 SB which is scheduled for closure with the electrification of the line from Preston to Blackpool North. On the right the loop remains, along with the ground frame and point leading to the former sidings in the Westinghouse, Springfields industrial complex.<br><br>[John McIntyre 22/05/2012]](/images/45000/45862.jpg "Salwick")
![With electrification now approved this might be the last steam excursion to Blackpool to run under semaphores and without overhead wires. On 16th June 2012, 46233 slows through Poulton station for the 20 mph junction before the last leg of its run to Blackpool North.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/06/2012]](/images/39000/39235.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Another Poulton view that will change with the forthcoming Blackpool electrification. Green Duchess 46233 passes the junction for Fleetwood as it heads for Blackpool North with the <I>Fylde Coast Express</I> from Sheffield on a wet and windy June day.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/06/2012]](/images/39000/39240.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![A Blackpool - York service makes the first stop on its journey east on 16 June 2012. The attractive (even on a dull day) station of Poulton-Le-Fylde receives much attention from the Friends group and a replica station nameboard has now appeared there.<br><br>[John McIntyre 16/06/2012]](/images/39000/39267.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![A First TransPennine service to Manchester Airport is about to depart from Poulton-le-Fylde on 16 June 2012.<br><br>[John McIntyre 16/06/2012]](/images/41000/41762.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Looking west from the platform at Poulton-le-Fylde with a Northern service taking the sharp left curve towards Blackpool North on 16 June 2012. The line to the right disappearing into the grass is the former Fleetwood line. Although track is in place as far as Burn Naze, the whole line is officially 'out of use' and there are several fences across the overgrown trackbed.<br><br>[John McIntyre 16/06/2012]](/images/41000/41766.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![A Northern service to Blackpool North photographed in June 2012 calling at Poulton-le-Fylde station. The platform decoration includes bunting and a very tidy flower bed.<br><br>[John McIntyre 16/06/2012]](/images/45000/45839.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Although very busy with overnight servicing the Blackpool North carriage sidings are usually empty during the day time. However, the Christmas closedown of the network means that for two days trains are stabled there. This was the scene on Boxing Day 2012 when many units of classes 142, 150, 156, 158 and 185 were present under a threatening sky.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/12/2012]](/images/41000/41495.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Blackpool North is deserted on Boxing Day 2012 and only 158903 is stabled in the station area. In the background, the tower is once again covered in scaffolding for another repair.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/12/2012]](/images/41000/41516.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Boxing Day 2012 sees a line up of trains in the depot sidings at Blackpool North. Visible are Classes 185, 158, 142 and 156 with Class 150 Sprinters also present. Blackpool North station, and the depot, will close during 2016 for electrification work and the maintenance and fuelling facility will temporarily move to Farington Junction near Leyland [See image 55237]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/12/2012]](/images/55000/55364.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Peeping under the road bridge carrying the A583 to Blackpool, a Class 142 has just left the junction at Kirkham as it heads to Blackpool South on 2 February 2015. In the background the Bowland fells have a light covering of snow. [Ref query 6878]<br><br>[John McIntyre 02/02/2013]](/images/50000/50293.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Pre-electrification works on the Blackpool line at Salwick in May 2013 saw a new bridge installed at the station, one of several on this line. 156426 passes the unfinished bridge over the down line in pouring rain on a Manchester Victoria to Blackpool North service. [See image 19130] for an earlier view at the same location.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/05/2013]](/images/43000/43048.jpg "Salwick")
![Electrification preparations at Salwick have also seen the Up side bridge being removed. This used to span three tracks and although its replacement is shorter it has still left space for two tracks should these be required in the future. Pacer 142014 hurrying through on a Blackpool North to Manchester Victoria service is a reminder that the wires can't come soon enough for this line.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/05/2013]](/images/43000/43056.jpg "Salwick")
![Originating in Kilmarnock the <I>Fylde Coast Express</I> was steam hauled over the S&C and on to Blackpool on 22 May 2013 by Black 5 44932. It is seen here on the approach to Poulton-le-Fylde, just a few minutes away from its destination. Relatively few steam excursions use the Blackpool line and the return leg of this charter retraced the route but was diesel hauled throughout. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/05/2013]](/images/43000/43175.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![185112 heads west from Kirkham on 27 July 2013 on its way from Manchester Airport to Blackpool North. In the background 185117 on the reverse service has just crossed from the through line in order to call at Kirkham and Wesham station. Above the nearer 185 is a surviving abuttment of the flyover that once carried the line from Blackpool Central. Beyond that Kirkham signal box can just be seen.<br><br>[John McIntyre 27/07/2013]](/images/43000/43976.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Northern 156464 on a Blackpool North to Manchester Victoria service heads east towards Kirkham on 27 July. In the left background is the hazy outline of Blackpool Tower, which overlooks the site of the former Blackpool Central station. The direct line to Central was on the left here and ran through the hillside in front of the tower in a cutting. In the undergrowth on the left rails from the former engineers tip still survive.<br><br>[John McIntyre 27/07/2013]](/images/44000/44011.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![150218 on a Blackpool to Liverpool service passes Poulton No.3 signal box and the junction for Fleetwood, a location that will soon change significantly as electrification of the Blackpool line proceeds. The bridge in the background was previously a vantage point [See image 21671] but has now had very high parapets fitted ahead of the OLE being installed. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/08/2013]](/images/44000/44186.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Another view of Poulton station that may not be possible when the catenary masts are erected. Unit 158905, calling on a Blackpool to York service, photographed on 10th August 2013 from alongside the street level booking office.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/08/2013]](/images/44000/44330.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![The last surviving Blackpool signal box, L&YR built North No.2, is looking decidedly shabby but will disappear with the forthcoming electrification and so is unlikely to be spruced up. Northern <I>Movember embellished</I> Sprinter 150206 approaches the platforms at Blackpool North on a sunny morning in November 2013. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/11/2013]](/images/45000/45312.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Six of the eight semaphore signals that control departures from the platforms at Blackpool North are seen here on 13th November 2013. They will not survive electrification, due for completion in May 2016. TPE 185107 leaves Platform 7 with the hourly Manchester Airport service.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/11/2013]](/images/45000/45399.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Bridge work is taking place along the Preston to Blackpool line ahead of electrification. The deck of the bridge at Kirkham station has been raised recently - seen here with 158860 passing beneath. The <I>Movember embellished</I> unit is on a Burnley Manchester Rd to Blackpool working, York services being operated in two halves between November and March due to the rebuilding of Holme Tunnel (See recent news item).<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 15/11/2013]](/images/45000/45336.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Elevated view of Blackpool North from the new municipal buildings that now overlook the station. A 150 Sprinter is in Platform 2, while a 158 waits in Platform 6 on a York service. The taxi rank and land beyond were once occupied by the main station platforms which extended back beyond the area now covered by the road.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 15/09/2014]](/images/48000/48711.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Typical motive power line up at Blackpool North in September 2014, with a TransPennine 185 alongside a Northern 158 and a 156 also in the station. Behind, on the hill, the new buildings overlooking the station are part of the town centre regeneration. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 15/09/2014]](/images/48000/48733.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The soon to change scene at Blackpool North station where Network Rail has announced that during electrification and resignalling they are taking the opportunity to simplify the track layout too. 158842 departs for York towards the array of semaphores on 15 September, while another Class 158 from York waits to take its place in Platform 6. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 15/09/2014]](/images/48000/48993.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The 0921 Northern service to Huddersfield waits to leave Blackpool North on 24 September 2014. In the right background 31465 is at the adjacent platform with a Network Rail test train. <br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 24/09/2014]](/images/48000/48863.jpg "Blackpool North")
![31465 stands in the sunshine at Blackpool North on 24 September 2014 with the Network Rail test train.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 24/09/2014]](/images/48000/48889.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Platform 1 at Blackpool North on 24 September playing host to 31465 and the Network Rail test train.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 24/09/2014]](/images/48000/48949.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The 1417 Northern arrival from York stands at Blackpool North on 24 September alongside the 1440 TransPennine departure for Manchester Airport.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 24/09/2014]](/images/48000/48972.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Darkinson Lane bridge near Lea Road (closed 1938) is one of many rebuilt and raised prior to electrification of the Blackpool line. A steel girder bridge previously stood here. Sprinter 156427 passes under the new bridge on a Blackpool to Huddersfield working on 2nd October 2014. [Ref query 420] The cottage on the right is part of a terrace of old railway houses.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/10/2014]](/images/49000/49015.jpg "Lea Road")
![Rebuilding of bridges on the Blackpool line has opened up some new vantage points but they may be short lived as the catenary wires will be installed before long. 142030, on a Colne to Blackpool South working, has just passed under the bridge at Lea Town on 2 October. The bridge once had high plate girder sides but now has brick parapets. The train is passing the nuclear fuel complex with Salwick station visible in the distance. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/10/2014]](/images/49000/49025.jpg "Salwick")
![Rebuilding the Blackpool line bridges for electrification has created some new (but probably temporary) vantage points, including this one at Darkinson Lane near Lea Road. 142047 heads west on a Manchester Victoria to Blackpool North service on 2nd October. The white structure beyond the trees is part of the nuclear fuel complex at Salwick. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/10/2014]](/images/49000/49137.jpg "Lea Road")
![150269 pulls away from Lytham on a Northern service for Colne. The train is just passing the site of Lytham's first station, terminus of a branch from Kirkham. It closed in 1874 when the through line to Blackpool was opened but remained open for goods until 1963. Booths car park and Lytham Fire Station now occupy the site of the old station and yard. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/11/2014]](/images/49000/49497.jpg "Lytham")
![The first visit of a Class 221 Voyager to Blackpool North. Voyager 221105 stands at platform 1 (left) on 25 November 2014 with a proving run from Preston in advance of the daily service to London, due to commence on 15 December 2014. With Blackpool Tower illuminated in the background, Northern Class 142, 150 and 156 units await their next turns.<br><br>[John McIntyre 25/11/2014]](/images/49000/49564.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Virgin Voyager 221105 waits in platform 1 at Blackpool North on 25 November 2014 with a test run from Preston in preparation for the re-introduction of a daily Virgin service to London from 15 December 2014.<br><br>[John McIntyre 25/11/2014]](/images/49000/49569.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Northern 150138 slows for the stop at Layton station, the first of many on its journey from Blackpool North to Huddersfield via Manchester Victoria on a sunny 10th January 2015. [Ref query 6876] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/01/2015]](/images/50000/50035.jpg "Layton")
![A brand new footbridge has been erected at Layton ahead of the electrification of the line. [See image 37224]. 158757 passes through on a Sunday service to Blackpool North that had started at Church Fenton. The more substantial Crossley's Bridge in the background will also be rebuilt during 2016/17. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/01/2015]](/images/50000/50069.jpg "Layton")
![A train for Blackpool South nears Lytham on 31 January 2015. 150269 has just passed the site of Warton Junction, where a short branch ran down to Lytham Dock. The branch closed to passengers in 1874 but lingered on for goods traffic until the 1930s. [Ref query 6891] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 31/01/2015]](/images/50000/50227.jpg "Lytham")
![In preparation for electrification to Blackpool North, various overbridges along the route are being raised. These include the bridge at Kirkham, seen here on 2 February 2015 as a Northern service to Blackpool North arrives at the platform.<br><br>[John McIntyre 02/02/2015]](/images/50000/50255.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A Blackpool South to Colne service departs from Moss-Side station on 2 February 2015. The level crossing sequence is initiated by depressing a plunger on the platform before the train departs. In the other direction the sequence is initiated by a wheel flange depressing a treadle on the approach, like most AHB crossings.<br><br>[John McIntyre 02/02/2015]](/images/50000/50342.jpg "Moss Side")
![A York - Blackpool North service has just passed through Kirkham station non-stop as it heads west on 2 February 2015.<br><br>[John McIntyre 02/02/2015]](/images/50000/50353.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A Blackpool South to Colne service passes the site of the former Wrea Green station on 2 February 2015. The station closed to passengers in 1961 and has since been demolished. [Ref query 6930]<br><br>[John McIntyre 02/02/2015]](/images/50000/50444.jpg "Wrea Green")
![142012 crosses the B5259 and slows for the Moss Side stop on a Colne to Blackpool South working on 16th May 2015.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/05/2015]](/images/51000/51307.jpg "Moss Side")
![Blackpool Central station site as seen from the Tower in January 2016. It is over fifty years since it closed in 1964 but, from above, the former railway land can still be identified. The white building in the foreground is Coral Island, which occupies the site of the old terminus building. The car parks are laid over the fourteen platforms and the M55 link road goes south along the old formation through Bloomfield Road towards the still open Blackpool South. The tall red brick building at the far left of the car park is the old railwaymen's lodging house, now holiday flats. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/01/2016]](/images/53000/53938.jpg "Blackpool Central")
![The old Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway lodging house at Blackpool Central. This was probably used by railway men on lodging turns right up to the station's closure in 1964. It has since been turned into holiday flats with a lift shaft/staircase and extra floor added but otherwise little changed from its railways days. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/01/2016]](/images/53000/53942.jpg "Blackpool Central")
![Panorama of Blackpool North station, as seen from the Tower in January 2016. In the foreground the grey car park with the <I>Wilko</I> sign occupies the site of the old Blackpool Talbot Road station and will be replaced by the new tram terminus (See recent news item). The present day station uses the old excursion platforms and beyond them, and Blackpool No.2 signal box, the maintenance depot sidings can be seen with a trio of Northern DMUs present. The prominent landmark is the Warbreck water tower whilst upper left Heysham Power Station can also be seen, illustrating what an amazing viewpoint the Tower provides on a clear day.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/01/2016]](/images/54000/54079.jpg "Blackpool North")
![To the south of Blackpool Tower the course of the old line can still be seen if you know where to look. The old steam shed was just to the north of Blackpool football ground and for many years the site was used as a lorry and coach park but recently the multi-coloured housing scheme seen here has been built. To the right of the old formation at this point is Rigby Rd bus and tram depot. South of the shed, alongside the football ground and beyond, were the Bloomfield Rd carriage sidings, now covered by car parks. The bridge in the far distance marks the point where railway use resumes at Blackpool South station. The line to St. Annes swings right out of picture but the old <I>Marton Line</I> direct to Kirkham is now a link road to the M55 and can be made out curving left alongside a school playing field. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/01/2016]](/images/54000/54208.jpg "Blackpool Central MPD")
![The site of Fleetwood station, closed in 1966, as seen across the Wyre Estuary from Knott End. The three modern buildings to the left hand side of the picture occupy the old station site and the Isle of Man steamers would tie up on the landing stage. Near the centre of the picture the <I>Wyre Rose</I> ferry is just arriving while on the right the North Euston railway hotel can be seen. [See image 54381] for the view back towards Knott End from the water. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/2016]](/images/54000/54371.jpg "Fleetwood [3rd]")
![Northern 158901, originally a dedicated WYPTE unit, takes the sweeping curve of the Up Fast line through Kirkham station with a Blackpool to York service on 14th March 2016. The wide space between the tracks originally accommodated the station signal box and may have been intended for an additional but never built island platform. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/03/2016]](/images/54000/54849.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Northern Sprinter 150110 swings west at Fylde Junction with a Hazel Grove to Blackpool North stopping service on 19th May 2016. The Lancaster lines can be seen behind the train. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 19/05/2016]](/images/55000/55236.jpg "Fylde Junction")
![Blackpool Council announced in June 2016 that Crossley's Bridge, at the east end of Layton station, is to be demolished and replaced in a £6.1m scheme due to extensive corrosion. As the bridge needed to be modified for electrification Network Rail are contributing to the cost. The bridge was built in 1931 and the road over it will close after the 2016 illuminations for several months. It is similar in style to two other bridges on the Blackpool South line at Squires Gate and Harrowside. A pair of Pacers rattle through on a Hazel Grove to Blackpool North service on 4th June 2016. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/06/2016]](/images/55000/55384.jpg "Layton")
![One of the few through services during the week from Blackpool to Liverpool departs from Kirkham and Wesham on the evening of 20 July 2016.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/07/2016]](/images/56000/56587.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A pair of Class 142s head west towards Blackpool and pass Salwick No.2 signalbox on 30 July 2016. It would appear from the steelwork that the box is in need of some support so that it can continue to signal trains for a little while longer. Under the electrification work on the line to Blackpool North, Salwick No.2 will close. At the moment it works to Preston PSB in the east and Kirkham in the west.<br><br>[John McIntyre 30/07/2016]](/images/55000/55997.jpg "Salwick")
![158757 sets off on a trans-pennine journey from Blackpool North to York on 29 October 2016. The semaphore signals will start to disappear during 2017 as Blackpool North is significantly modified as part of the electrification from Preston.<br><br>[John McIntyre 29/10/2016]](/images/57000/57499.jpg "Blackpool North")
![A Hazel Grove to Blackpool North stopping service, formed by 150132/138, approaches the Blackpool Road bridge on a gloomy 22nd November 2016. This scene is about to change with the imminent electrification of the Blackpool route.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/11/2016]](/images/57000/57258.jpg "Preston Maudlands")
![Running on the former four track section of line between Fylde Junction and Kirkham, 158908 forms a York to Blackpool North service seen leaving Preston on 22nd November 2016. The old <I>Fast Lines</I> are now occupied by the <I>Tom Benson Way</I> ring road at this point. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/11/2016]](/images/57000/57634.jpg "Preston Maudlands")
![Northern Pacer 142044 heads a Huddersfield (via Manchester) service out of Platform 2 at Blackpool North on 7th December 2016. The semaphores here are controlled from Blackpool No.2 box, scheduled to be closed in November 2016 but given a <I>stay of execution</I> until November 2017 with electric trains due to start running in 2018. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 07/12/2016]](/images/57000/57471.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The little gate box at Carleton Crossing is one of five on the Preston to Blackpool line that were originally scheduled to close in November 2016. However, there is a temporary reprieve until November 2017 for this structure and also Blackpool North No.2, Poulton No.3, Kirkham and Salwick boxes. This view taken on 7th December 2016 in a brief quiet spell on what is a very busy road. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 07/12/2016]](/images/57000/57480.jpg "Carleton Crossing")
![The Blackpool line is closed each weekend between 21st January and 2nd April 2017 for electrification work. On 28th January, 66610 stands on the Up Line by Salwick signal box while its engineering train is loaded with spoil.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 28/01/2017]](/images/57000/57957.jpg "Salwick")
![Weekend pre-electrification work is continuing on the Blackpool line in 2017. At Poulton-le-Fylde the last remains of the extended island platform have been removed as has a semaphore signal and the long disused loop where coal trains for Fleetwood could wait until the branch had cleared. 156468 leads a four coach Manchester Airport to Blackpool North service approaching Poulton on 1st March 2017. [See image 29502] for the same location in 2010. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/03/2017]](/images/58000/58363.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Pre-electrification work at Poulton-le-Fylde is taking place during winter weekends in 2017. The old Down loop has been removed along with other clearance work. 150214 leads a Hazel Grove service away from the shortened island platform on 1st March 2017. [See image 28706] for the same location in 2010. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/03/2017]](/images/58000/58373.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Looking east from the footbridge at Bradkirk one of the two direct <I>Marton Line</I> tracks from Kirkham is still partly in situ as after closure it served a Civil Engineers spoil tip. The westbound tracks split here with one line going over a flyover to Kirkham North Junction. The line of trees curving sharply right marks the old line to Wrea Green and Lytham, which finally closed in 1967 and has almost completely disappeared, as has the brickworks that occupied the field. [Ref query 1010]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/05/2017]](/images/59000/59133.jpg "Bradkirk")
![The Fleetwood line junction at Poulton, which was relaid around ten years ago but never used, has been removed prior to electrification. On 6th May 2017, 158759 passes the lifted track sections as it slows for the station stop on a York service. [See image 19029] for an earlier view from the same vantage point. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/05/2017]](/images/59000/59157.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![With the dismantling of the Fleetwood line junction at Poulton the Fleetwood starter, on the right of the bracket signal, has also been removed. [See image 31314] The remaining Poulton semaphores are also in their last year of service as a long complete closure of the Blackpool lines is planned for winter 2017/18 to complete electrification works. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/05/2017]](/images/59000/59296.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![150204, forming a Manchester Victoria to Blackpool North service, passes Bradkirk on 6th May 2017. Mast bases have been dropped off either side of the running lines in preparation for electrification. To the left of the train remnants of the Marton line to Blackpool Central (closed 1964) can be seen diverging at this point, plus of course the famous Tower above the bridge.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/05/2017]](/images/59000/59343.jpg "Bradkirk")
![150201 leaves Poulton and negotiates the 20mph curve on the last leg of a Buxton to Blackpool North service on 6th May 2017. This image shows the changing infrastructure at the station with the recently removed junction for the Fleetwood line and the associated signalling. [See image 30943] from 2010.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/05/2017]](/images/59000/59356.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![A Blackpool North to Huddersfield service passes over newly relaid tracks as it slows for the Poulton stop on 6th May 2017. The station ticket office and main entrance can be seen on top of the bridge. Catenary will be erected here during the next twelve months.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/05/2017]](/images/59000/59658.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![About midway between Kirkham & Wesham and Salwick the railway passes near to the village of Treales. A short distance to the west there had been a siding and at one time this had been a four track main line. Recent tree felling and lineside clearance in preparation for electrification has enabled photography at this location, at least until the masts go up.<br><br>[John McIntyre 25/05/2017]](/images/59000/59538.jpg "Treales")
![A Manchester Victoria to Blackpool North service is seen at the significantly reduced Kirkham North Jct on 31 May 2017. The former fast lines on the right have been lifted, as have the engineers sidings on the left. In front of the DMUs the line to South Shore can be seen curving to the left. The former route to Blackpool Central was straight ahead of the train, latterly used as the CE tip.<br><br>[John McIntyre 31/05/2017]](/images/59000/59454.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![A Blackpool North to Manchester Airport service approaches Kirkham and Wesham on 31 May 2017. The Up and Down Fast lines to the left have been lifted in preparation for a new third platform being built. This is part of the electrification works that are underway between Preston and Blackpool.<br><br>[John McIntyre 31/05/2017]](/images/59000/59456.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A pair of Class 156 DMUs with 153331 on the rear pass Salwick heading west to Blackpool North on 31 May 2017.<br><br>[John McIntyre 31/05/2017]](/images/59000/59558.jpg "Salwick")
![Transformation at Kirkham. All traffic is presently concentrated on the two platform lines as the fast lines were recently lifted. A third platform is planned here as part of the electrification work. 150150 calls on a Blackpool North to Manchester service on 16th June 2017. [See image 22070] for an earlier view from the same vantage point.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/06/2017]](/images/59000/59693.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A four car Pacer train slows for the Kirkham stop with a Blackpool North to Hazel Grove service on 16th June 2017. Alongside the surviving running lines work is taking place on the site of the recently lifted fast lines in connection with electrification and Kirkham's new third platform. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/06/2017]](/images/59000/59807.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A Blackpool to Huddersfield service arrives at Kirkham and Wesham on 05 July 2017. On the right the former fast lines have been removed and the formation levelled. A new third platform is due to be built on this area in connection with the electrification of the line from Preston to Blackpool North.<br><br>[John McIntyre 05/07/2017]](/images/60000/60064.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Catenary masts are now being erected in various places along the Preston to Blackpool North line although it will be a little while before the wiring is installed. Northern 158793, running from Blackpool to York, approaches Darkinson Lane bridge between Salwick and Lea Road on 20th July 2017. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 20/07/2017]](/images/60000/60068.jpg "Lea Road")
![A view north-eastwards from behind the station building at Blackpool North. Electrification preparation work is well underway with the closure and demolition of platforms 1, 2 (right of station), 7 and 8 (left of the building). Along the line from Preston several OHL stanchions have been erected and at Kirkham work continues with the other station rebuilding.<br><br>[John McIntyre 23/08/2017]](/images/60000/60483.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Two Class 153 single units form a Preston to Blackpool North service seen approaching Poulton station on 26th August 2017. The semaphore on the down line is in its last year of operation and a new AWS ramp can be seen on the Up line although masts have not been erected at this location yet.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/08/2017]](/images/60000/60646.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![A Preston to Blackpool North service passes the old junction for Fleetwood as it leaves Poulton on 26th Augst 2017. The signallers have put a board in the window of Poulton No.3 box displaying <I>1896 - 2017</I> for its final summer of operation. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/08/2017]](/images/60000/60684.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Blackpool North - 18th Sept 2017. Expecting crowds by any chance? Services to BPN cease on 10th November and resume in March 2018 after completion of electrification works<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 18/09/2017]](/images/61000/61682.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The view out from the circulating area to the platforms at Blackpool North in September 2017. Island Platform 1 and 2 to the right has already been removed for electrification rebuilding ahead of the ful closure in November.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 18/09/2017]](/images/61000/61753.jpg "Blackpool North")
![<I>Progress at Preston</I>. Electrification masts have appeared at Maudlands and a number of other locations ahead of complete closure of the Blackpool lines on 11th November 2017. Refurbished 156472, and a Pacer, head for Blackpool North on 27th September. [See image 57634] for the same location in 2016. This vantage point will probably be lost when the wires are strung. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/09/2017]](/images/60000/60925.jpg "Preston Maudlands")
![OLE masts have now appeared on both sides of Maudlands Viaduct in Preston but not yet on the bridge itself. Northern 150210 approaches Fylde Junction with an eastbound service on 5th October 2017. This being a RMT strike day there were limited services to the Fylde Coast and this unit was shuttling between Blackpool North and Burnley Central. [See image 23385] for the same location several years earlier. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/10/2017]](/images/61000/61039.jpg "Maudlands Viaduct")
![Blackpool North, and the line to Preston, will close completely after the last train on 10th November 2017 and reopen in March 2018 after electrification work is completed. Ahead of that closure work continues at a number of locations including Blackpool North itself, seen here on 18th October 2017. Island platform 1 & 2 and associated tracks have now been completely removed with trains concentrated onto 3, 4, 5 & 6. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/10/2017]](/images/61000/61235.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Looking east from the road bridge at Kirkham and Wesham on 27 October 2017. The former fast lines have gone and work is progressing to create a third platform linked to the existing island platform by footbridge with lifts to provide step free access. For a similar view before this work started [see image 22043] <br><br>[John McIntyre 27/10/2017]](/images/61000/61425.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![The relaying in preparation for electrification in the Kirkham area is progressing although without any masts yet. Work is concentrating on realigning the track having reduced from 4 tracks to two at the moment although a third is to be reinstated with its own platform. This view on 27th October 2017 looks west, with Kirkham North Jct SB on the right beyond the second road bridge. The Preston to Blackpool line closes w.e.f. 11 November until March 2018 to allow for significant work at several locations (although the Blackpool South line will reopen at the end of January 2018).<br><br>[John McIntyre 27/10/2017]](/images/61000/61438.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![A Northern Class 150 and Class 156 on a Blackpool to Huddersfield service pass the biscuit factory (right) in Kirkham on 27 October 2017.<br><br>[John McIntyre 27/10/2017]](/images/61000/61603.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A Northern Class 142 has just departed from Kirkham and Wesham station (behind the photographer) with a service to Blackpool South and will turn south at Kirkham North Jct a short distance away. On the right a TPE Class 185 (on contract to Northern) is on a Blackpool North to Manchester Airport service.<br><br>[John McIntyre 27/10/2017]](/images/61000/61677.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A Northern Class 142 on a Colne to Blackpool South service approaches Kirkham North Junction on 27th October 2017. The junction lies just beyond the road bridge. Visible above the leading coach, is Kirkham North Junction signal box, which will signal its last trains on 10th November 2017.<br><br>[John McIntyre 27/10/2017]](/images/61000/61717.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![A Northern Class 156 departs from Blackpool North on 04th November, less than a week before the station shuts until March 2018. In that time the semaphore signals and Blackpool North No.2 SB will disappear as the rebuild of the station moves into the next phase. In the foreground the track is in place for the new platform 1 but is not yet connected to the running lines.<br><br>[John McIntyre 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61553.jpg "Blackpool North")
![A short distance from Blackpool North station, at the start of the journey to York, a Northern Class 158 passes (on the left) the carriage sidings on 4th November 2017. The new washer plant (to the left of the leading carriage) and the sand and gravel piles for the rebuild of the station can be seen.<br><br>[John McIntyre 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61555.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Northern 150272 arrives at Blackpool North on 04 November 2017. No.2 SB and the semaphore signals have only a week to go before the station closes for an extended period and they are swept away.<br><br>[John McIntyre 04/11/2017]](/images/61000/61615.jpg "Blackpool North")
![<I>Last shift - Poulton No.3 signal box</I>. Five signal boxes between Preston and Blackpool closed w.e.f 11th November 2017. Salwick, Kirkham North Junction, Blackpool North No.2, Carleton Crossing and Poulton No.3. The last named box is seen here during the last evening shift before closure of the line for 19 weeks of electrification work. [See image 44186]. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/11/2017]](/images/61000/61646.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![<I>Last shift - Carleton Crossing</I>. The 16 lever LNWR box at Carleton Crossing, between Layton and Poulton, signalled its last trains and closed w.e.f. 11th November 2017. Seen here during the final shift prior to the Blackpool North line closing for electrification. The box nameboard had already been removed [See image 57480]. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/11/2017]](/images/61000/61647.jpg "Carleton Crossing")
![<I>Last shift Blackpool North</I>. Blackpool No.2, a L&YR signal box, controlled its last trains and closed with effect from 11th November 2017. Seen here during the final evening shift, after the name board had already been removed. [See image 45312]. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/11/2017]](/images/61000/61648.jpg "Blackpool North")
![An evening view of Blackpool North on Friday 10th November 2017, its last full day of services before a nineteen week closure for electrification modernisation. Work continues in the foreground on the new Platforms 1 & 2. Tracks on the surviving Platforms 3-6 were lifted immediately after the closure period commenced. Signalling on the electrfied line to Preston will be controlled from Manchester. <br>
<br>
<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/11/2017]](/images/61000/61660.jpg "Blackpool North")
![<I>Last train from London</I>. Virgin Voyager 221113 makes the penultimate stop at Poulton on the evening of 10th November 2017 with a Euston to Blackpool North service. With the line closing that night for nineteen weeks electrification work the next Euston to Blackpool service (a Pendolino?) will run entirely under the wires and with colour light signalling.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/11/2017]](/images/61000/61773.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![The scene at Salwick on 15th November 2017, five days into the Blackpool line closure. This has been an electrification work site for some time now. The signal box is still in place, although it will be demolished in due course, and the masts have now been erected. [See image 45862] for an earlier view of the same location. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 15/11/2017]](/images/61000/61728.jpg "Salwick")
![<I>Progress has a sad side.</I> The little gate box at Carleton Crossing is dismantled by contractors on 21st November 2017, ten days after it signalled its last train. It is believed the roof section was removed to allow the small lever frame to be lifted out and the various instruments have been recovered for use elsewhere. Blackpool No.2 was the first box to be demolished and the contractors are expected to move on to Poulton No.3 after this task.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 21/11/2017]](/images/61000/61825.jpg "Carleton Crossing")
![A new Platform 1/2, taking shape at Blackpool North on 21st November 2017. This looks like it will be capable of taking Pendolinos. Much still to do during the nineteen week closure but clearance work has been rapid in the ten days since closure. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 21/11/2017]](/images/61000/61830.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Rather symbolically, a bulldozer trundles past the site of Blackpool No. 2 on 21st November 2017. The old L&Y box had been swept away a few days previously and trackwork quickly lifted as a new layout is planned. Smaller instruments were removed for further use but the rest of the structure and the lever frame were broken up on site. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 21/11/2017]](/images/61000/61831.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Electrification work at Blackpool North carriage sidings where a new washing plant can be seen on 21st November 2017. A single track is in place on the main line for materials removal and Freightliner 66597 is at the head of a spoil train. The first point has been laid and it looks like the severe speed restriction at the old station throat is going to be eased considerably. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 21/11/2017]](/images/61000/61832.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The new third platform taking shape at Kirkham on 21st November 2017. This station will reopen at the end of January 2018, but only for trains to Blackpool South until the rest of the Fylde lines electrification project is complete. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 21/11/2017]](/images/61000/61833.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![The rebuilt Crossleys Bridge at Layton station has reopened to road traffic but it will be late March 2018 before trains are regularly passing underneath it again. This photo taken on 21st November 2017 shows the Carleton Crossing distant still standing defiantly, although the signal box was being dismantled. [See image 55384] showing the old bridge before demolition. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 21/11/2017]](/images/61000/61927.jpg "Layton")
![A self-propelled rail crane positions track panels for the workforce in the new station throat at Blackpool North. 9th December 2017. The panels were being unloaded from a nearby road vehicle.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/12/2017]](/images/62000/62062.jpg "Blackpool North")
![New main line tracks have been laid alongside Blackpool Depot, as seen here on 9th December 2017. The rail vehicles in the foreground are the <I>match wagon</I> for the self propelled crane working in the station throat and another support vehicle. [See image 61832] for the same location less than three weeks earlier, since when the gantries on the depot sidings have also advanced considerably. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/12/2017]](/images/62000/62065.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The new layout at Kirkham North Jct can be seen in this view to the west on 09 December 2017. On the right is the Up Blackpool, then the Down Blackpool with track plant. The Up South Shore joins this line beyond the road bridge. Next is the Down South Shore and finally what appears to be a single engineers siding to replace several that have been removed. Now the track is in place perhaps the OHL masts will start to appear.<br><br>[John McIntyre 09/12/2017]](/images/62000/62067.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![Site update Kirkham and Wesham 09 December 2017 - Work has started on the renewal of the platform walls on the original island platform while the wall has appeared for the new platform 3. The track has now been positioned through platform 3 as well.<br><br>[John McIntyre 09/12/2017]](/images/62000/62069.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Sparks flying at Blackpool North as a member of the <I>Orange Army</I> trims the reinforcing panels for the new platforms. One month on from closure significant progress is being made in the transformation of this station. 9th December 2017.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/12/2017]](/images/62000/62097.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Refurbishment work underway on the island platform at Poulton-le-Fylde on a very dull 9th December 2017. The station will remain closed until March 2018 but the tracks must be kept clear for the numerous engineering trains passing through during the electrification closure. [See image 44330] taken a few years earlier from the same spot. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/12/2017]](/images/62000/62114.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![The disconnected semaphore at Poulton still stands over the Down Line but not for much longer. This was the scene on 9th December 2017 with refurbishment work continuing on the island platform but no masts in the station area yet. [See image 39235] for the same location five years earlier. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/12/2017]](/images/62000/62146.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![The little gate box at Carleton Crossing was quickly demolished soon after the photo on the left was taken on 21st November and there is now just a space alongside the barriers. [See image 34880] taken from the same position in operational days. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/12/2017]](/images/62000/62147.jpg "Carleton Crossing")
![All quiet at Kirkham North Junction on Christmas Day 2017. The L&YR signal box did not survive to Christmas as the small pile of bricks in the foreground shows. The layout here has been greatly simplified. [See image 18850] for an earlier view. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/12/2017]](/images/62000/62259.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![Looking east towards Kirkham station from the overbridge at North Junction on Christmas Day 2017. The new crossover, allowing trains from Blackpool South to access the Up Line, can be seen. [See image 63648] for the same location in 2001. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/12/2017]](/images/62000/62260.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![The <I>Orange Army</I> at work on Christmas Day 2017 at Salwick. The small signal box did not survive December but this location will still be the point where signalling is handed over, from Preston PSB to the Manchester Control Centre which will cover the line west of this point. [See image 61728] for the same view a month earlier. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/12/2017]](/images/62000/62261.jpg "Salwick")
![Still plenty of work to do at Kirkham before it reopens for Blackpool South trains on 28th January 2018. This was the view on Christmas Day 2017 showing work in progress on the island platform and the new third platform being constructed beyond. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/12/2017]](/images/62000/62262.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Another vantage point that is going to be trickier after the Blackpool electrification is completed. This view at Salwick on 25th December 2017 looks west towards Kirkham. [See image 18988] from pre-electrification days. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/12/2017]](/images/62000/62346.jpg "Salwick")
![<I>Next train in.......about a month</I>. Moss Side on 29th December 2017, with the platform padlocked off (but lights on) and a stop light on the tracks on both sides of the level crossing. Blackpool South branch services are scheduled to resume on 29th January 2018 when the Preston to Kirkham line also reopens. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/12/2017]](/images/62000/62371.jpg "Moss Side")
![Electrification progress at Weeton, viewed from the over bridge by the site of the signal box on 9th January 2018. The line is scheduled to be reopened at the end of March. [See image 19299] for an earlier view from the same spot. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/01/2018]](/images/62000/62458.jpg "Weeton [Lancashire] Signal Box")
![Continuing progress at Blackpool North. Since my last visit one month previously [See image 62097] the side walls of all three island platforms have been installed, as have the other five tracks. The platform in the foreground is particularly long and will be able to accommodate Pendolinos. 9th January 2018.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/01/2018]](/images/62000/62469.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Poulton station is closed to trains for a five month electrification period but the booking office is open and there is a frequent service of Rail Replacement buses calling while running between Blackpool North and Preston. This view taken on 9th January 2018 with rail services due to resume for Easter 2018. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/01/2018]](/images/62000/62482.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![The new island platform 1/2 at Blackpool North, stretching out towards the relocated (and remodelled) station throat on 9th January 2018. Significant progress has been made here in the past month [See image 61831]. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/01/2018]](/images/62000/62489.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Vegetation clearance at Poulton-le-Fylde on 9th January 2018, prior to the electrification masts being erected. The bracket signal for the Fleetwood junction has finally been dismantled but the signal cabin can still be seen through the bridge arch. The line is scheduled to reopen at the end of March. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/01/2018]](/images/62000/62495.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![At the end of 2017 four of the five surviving mechanical signal boxes on the Fylde lines had been demolished, leaving only Poulton No.3. Here it is seen on 9th January 2018 next to the simplified track layout. Catenary masts are appearing on all sides, and lying in the foreground waiting to be erected when it is finally demolished. [See image 44186] taken from the same spot in 2013. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/01/2018]](/images/62000/62516.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Looking east from the Station Road over bridge in Poulton-le-Fylde at electrification progress in January 2018. [See image 58363] for the same view in March 2017. Masts are now appearing and the semaphores have been removed. Station Road is confusing for the uninitiated as it leads to the site of the original station on the direct route to Fleetwood, which closed in 1896. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/01/2018]](/images/62000/62644.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![The footbridge for the new third platform at Kirkham being installed, with the help of a huge Ainscough crane, on 18th January 2018. The main bridge span was installed that same evening but the station is scheduled to reopen for Blackpool South line services on 29th January 2018 so there is still plenty for the <I>Orange Army</I> to do. [See image 59693] taken six months earlier showing the transformation of this location. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/01/2018]](/images/62000/62548.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![A German registered lorry passes through Platform 1 at Kirkham on 18th January 2018 as round-the-clock work continues to get the station ready for reopening on 29th January. When complete Platform 1 will be used solely by trains heading for the Blackpool South branch and will not be electrified. Platform 2 will usually be used by trains heading towards Blackpool North, but occasional trains coming off the Blackpool South branch will be able to reverse there. The new Platform 3, under construction, will be for all trains heading towards Preston. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/01/2018]](/images/62000/62549.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![The catenary over Maudlands viaduct was fully in place on 18th January 2018 and signal PN158 has been replaced. View towards Blackpool. [See image 61039] for the same location in October 2017. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/01/2018]](/images/62000/62607.jpg "Maudlands Viaduct")
![Platform resurfacing at Salwick on 18th January 2018, ahead of the station reopening to Blackpool South line trains eleven days later. Catenary wire in place on the Up (Preston) line but not yet on the Down. [See image 38981] from 2012. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/01/2018]](/images/62000/62614.jpg "Salwick")
![With one week to go the footbridge is now installed at Kirkham and the new third platform is being surfaced. [See image 62548] taken less than a week earlier. No doubt the new lifts will be a later addition to the facilities. As from Monday 29th January there will be an hourly service between Preston and Blackpool South calling here with full resumption of services in time for Easter 2018. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 22/01/2018]](/images/62000/62596.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Electrification of the Blackpool line continues at Kirkham North Junction. This is the view towards Blackpool on 24th January 2018 with masts appearing and new signals in place, one directly in front of the site of the old mechanical signal box. The Blackpool South line, curving left, reopens on 29th January. [See image 63641] for the same location in 2001.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/01/2018]](/images/62000/62623.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![Second day of operations from the new third platform at Kirkham following reopening to Blackpool South services. A Pacer/Sprinter combination calls on 30th January 2018 with an eastbound service. The new footbridge is available to passengers although the lifts have not yet been installed. There is further work to be done on the new platform and of course the masts and wires have to be erected before Easter. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 30/01/2018]](/images/62000/62689.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![The view east from the original island platform at Kirkham on 30th January 2018. Work is still in progress but services to Blackpool South had resumed the previous day. A Pacer/Sprinter combination arrives from Preston in the branch platform. The Down Blackpool North line is on the left along with the new Up line.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 30/01/2018]](/images/62000/62719.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Poulton No.3 box had still not been demolished when this photo was taken on 10th February 2018. In this view towards Blackpool an infrastructure train can be seen just beyond the bridge while work continues in the foreground. Postscript: The box was demolished ten days after this image was taken. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/02/2018]](/images/62000/62821.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![A full complement of gantries appear to be in place at Blackpool North depot sidings on 10th February 2018, although wiring has yet to take place. No masts yet on the main running lines in the foreground.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/02/2018]](/images/62000/62826.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Continuing station refurbishment work at Poulton on 10th February 2018. A large gantry has appeared on the east end of the island platform and the vegetation clearance has made good progress. [See image 59296] for a May 2017 view from the same spot. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/02/2018]](/images/62000/62835.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Some cabling work taking place at Carleton Crossing on 10th February 2018. This view looks toward Layton and Blackpool with a Class 66 hauled engineers train seen standing on the Up Line. The signal box stood on the left [See image 23697] for an earlier view.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/02/2018]](/images/62000/62884.jpg "Carleton Crossing")
![The long Pendolino platform at Blackpool North is nearing completion and is seen here on 10th February 2018 looking towards the station throat and carriage sidings. Reopening of the rebuilt station is scheduled for Easter.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/02/2018]](/images/62000/62888.jpg "Blackpool North")
![A Sprinter Pacer combination runs across Maudlands Viaduct towards Preston with a service from Blackpool South on 10th February 2018. All masts and wires are now in place here. [See image 61039] for an earlier view of this location,<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/02/2018]](/images/62000/62901.jpg "Maudlands Viaduct")
![Freightliner 66413, still in its former DRS livery, stands on the Up Line outside Poulton with an infrastructure train, one of several lined up on this stretch that day - 10th February 2018.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/02/2018]](/images/62000/62915.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Dusk at Kirkham as 150140 and a Pacer prepare to leave Platform 1 for Blackpool South on 14th February 2018. Building work is continuing at the station but the platforms are looking tidier now. [See image 62549] from one month earlier. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/2018]](/images/62000/62869.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Poulton No.3 signal box was finally demolished on 20th & 21st February 2018, the last of the five boxes on the line that survived until electrification. This was the scene two days later as an <I>Orange Platoon</I> clears away the final traces of the structure. Apparently the demolition will allow the last mast base between Preston and Blackpool to be installed. [See image 60684] taken the previous summer.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/02/2018]](/images/62000/62966.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![66512, on an electrification ballast train, stands on the Down Line to the east of Poulton station on 23rd February 2018. [See image 60646] for the same location during the previous summer. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/02/2018]](/images/63000/63009.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Masts are now appearing alongside the new Blackpool North platforms and the first colour light signals have been installed at the end of Platform 1/2. 23rd February 2018. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/02/2018]](/images/63000/63016.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Freightliner 66525, engaged on electrification work, seen at Poulton-le-Fylde station on 23rd February 2018. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/02/2018]](/images/63000/63026.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![A particularly long gantry has been erected over six tracks at Blackpool North, seen here on 2nd March 2018 with work still proceeding on the new platforms. Note the new signals on island Platform 5/6. The station reopens to DIESEL trains on 26th March but electric services will only begin with the May 2018 timetable. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/03/2018]](/images/63000/63055.jpg "Blackpool North")
![All wiring complete now at Carleton Crossing. This view looks towards Blackpool on 2nd March 2018 and this particular location now seems ready for the return of trains in just over three weeks time. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/03/2018]](/images/63000/63076.jpg "Carleton Crossing")
![The L&YR canopy has been retained at Poulton during the electrification refurbishment but new valances have had to be installed to provide the necessary clearances. Work was continuing on 2nd March 2018 with three weeks to go before reopening. [See image 19049] showing the original valance which completely hid the platform clock from this viewpoint. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/03/2018]](/images/63000/63091.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Masts, colour lights and some wiring in place at Layton on 2nd March 2018, just over three weeks before passenger services to Blackpool North resume. New waiting shelters have also been installed at this unstaffed station.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/03/2018]](/images/63000/63104.jpg "Layton")
![Gantries are now being erected around the new platforms and approach to Blackpool North station. There was no snow to interfere with work on 2nd March 2018 but there was a bitingly cold wind for the <I>Orange Army</I> to contend with.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/03/2018]](/images/63000/63147.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Under the new wires at Salwick, 150211 hurries through the refurbished station on a Preston to Blackpool South service on 7th March 2018. [See image 46105] for a similar view in 1981. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 07/03/2018]](/images/63000/63117.jpg "Salwick")
![A Network Rail engineering train made up of MPVs and trailers proceeds slowly over Kirkham North Jct as it approaches the engineering possession on the Blackpool North line on 19 March 2018. The train appears to be involved in the electrification of the line and had originated at Crewe.<br><br>[John McIntyre 19/03/2018]](/images/63000/63318.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![The station at Salwick between Preston and Kirkham has recently been refurbished whilst electrification work was taking place. A brand new waiting shelter has been erected closed in on three sides. One does hope that the icy north wind doesn't blow too often whilst passengers await their train since the shelter has no protection from that direction at all! The train is from Blackpool South to Preston, however like most, it just rushes past and doesn't stop.<br><br>[John McIntyre 19/03/2018]](/images/63000/63444.jpg "Salwick")
![The overhead wiring team out at work on a sunny but cold 19 March 2018. This view east across Singleton Bank shows a road-rail lorry on the left carrying cable drums whilst an RRV elevated platform is allowing staff to attach the contact wire to regulation arm. Further elevated platforms were at work out of shot to the right.<br><br>[John McIntyre 19/03/2018]](/images/63000/63461.jpg "Singleton")
![The former station at Thornton Cleveleys, looking north towards Fleetwood on 19th March 2018. The station is in the care and maintenance of the Poulton & Wyre Railway Society who have tidied up the site and cleared vegetation from the trackbed towards Burn Naze. Although the line has recently been severed from the National network at Poulton, the society hope to be allowed to operate a Class 108 Derby DMU in the future over at least part of the line.<br><br>[John McIntyre 19/03/2018]](/images/63000/63517.jpg "Thornton-Cleveleys")
![Nearly there. New wires and signals in place at the Blackpool North station throat on 12th April 2018, prior to reopening (for diesel trains) four days later, although driver training runs started the following morning. [See image 32514] for a similar view in 2011.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/04/2018]](/images/63000/63579.jpg "Blackpool North")
![Looking towards the buffers at Blackpool North on 12th April 2018, with final testing of newly installed equipment taking place prior to reopening of the station four days later. The station has been transformed during the November to April closure. [See image 41516] for the same location prior to the changes. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/04/2018]](/images/63000/63580.jpg "Blackpool North")
![The Rail Replacement service for the Blackpool electrification closure, using a fleet of brand new buses, has been popular and efficient. At Blackpool North a temporary route into the station forecourt has been created and a bus from Preston is seen entering on 12th April 2018. The service has been running since November 2017 but will progressively be reduced after 15th April as trains are reintroduced. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/04/2018]](/images/63000/63581.jpg "Blackpool North")
![All catenary in place at Poulton on 12th April 2018, just prior to reopening of the Blackpool North line the following Monday. The semaphore still guards the severed Fleetwood tracks but a only a pile of rubble marks the site of the box that controlled it.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/04/2018]](/images/63000/63584.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Everything appears to be in place at Poulton station on 12th April 2018 with just a little tidying to do ahead of reopening the following Monday. The character of this fine L&YR station is still evident after the electrification work. [See image 19049] taken from the same spot ten years earlier. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/04/2018]](/images/63000/63585.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![A maintenance team was just adjusting the final few connectors at Poulton on 12th April 2018 but the line from Preston to Blackpool North is completely wired now and ready for reopening (initially to diesel trains) on the 16th. Electric services will start with the May 2018 timetable. [See image 19029] for the view from this overbridge ten years earlier. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/04/2018]](/images/63000/63586.jpg "Poulton-le-Fylde")
![Still some work to do at Kirkham station to complete the passenger lifts but all the overhead wiring was in place on 12th April 2018.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/04/2018]](/images/63000/63589.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![All overhead catenary in place on the Blackpool North lines at Kirkham on 12th April 2018 as a service from Blackpool South to Preston passes. The Down Blackpool South line is not being wired but has been resignalled. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/04/2018]](/images/63000/63590.jpg "Kirkham and Wesham")
![Services to Blackpool North resumed again on 16th April 2018, although initially these were limited to an hourly Manchester Airport service while driver training and some bustitution continued. 156455, travelling over the revised track layout under the newly installed catenary, passes the site of the demolished signal box at Kirkham North Junction. [See image 63638] for the same location in 2001.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/04/2018]](/images/63000/63639.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![In the new railway age it seems that every set of points is a junction. A Pacer bound for Blackpool South on 16th April 2018 slows on the new down line waiting for a train to come off the single track branch at the new Kirkham West Junction. [See image 62623] for the same location just three months earlier. New raised parapets on the bridge now prevent a direct comparison.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/04/2018]](/images/63000/63642.jpg "Kirkham North Junction")
![Blackpool North reopened to trains on 16th April 2018 with an hourly DMU service to Manchester Airport, and the daily London Virgin Voyager service. Further trains will be introduced as the new systems bed in and driver training is completed. This was the scene in the concourse at North station on 17th April. <br>
<br><br>[John Yellowlees 17/04/2018]](/images/63000/63650.jpg "Blackpool North")
