 |
| Photo: Charles Moorhen |
Rusting Relic From The Steam Days
Since steam-hauled passenger and freight trains passing through Northampton station came to an end in the 1960's, it seems virtually nothing tangible has survived in the area to testify to the existence of the 'Great Days of Steam'.
The
locomotive shed, once covering an area where part of Northampton Castle formerly stood, was cleared to make way for an ugly, metal,
two-tiered car park.
The
coaling-plant was blown-up, signal box numbers '1' and '2' were
demolished and the large semaphore signal gantries have long since
disappeared.
However,
tucked away close to the corner of a bridge truss, one relic from
that romanticised era did manage to survive pretty much intact. A
line-side UK water tower that over many decades quenched the thirst of
thousands of steam locomotives.
So, how did this example manage to escape extinction?
When
studying the tower's location, the reason for its survival becomes clear.
 |
| Northampton Station Water Tower Photo: Charles Moorhen |
Standing adjacent to the track running into the former Northampton
sidings, and close to the main running lines into and out of
Northampton station, it is logical to assume that removal of the
tower would cause major disruption to both freight and passenger rail
traffic on this busy stretch of track.
Without
doubt it would require the temporary removal of overhead power lines.
The entrance to the few remaining weed-strewn sidings, where Class 66 diesel locomotives can often be seen and Loram rail-grinding trains can sometimes be spotted, would be completely beyond use.
The entrance to the few remaining weed-strewn sidings, where Class 66 diesel locomotives can often be seen and Loram rail-grinding trains can sometimes be spotted, would be completely beyond use.
Add
to this is the fact that the water tower stands only a few metres
away from the busy Spencer Bridge Road bridge - a main artery of Northampton town - and the entry road leading to 'Martin's Yard', a
small industrial area, its removal would no doubt cause serious
traffic-flow problems in the area.
 |
| Northampton Station Water Tower Photo: Charles Moorhen |
 |
| Red asterisk identifies Water Tower location accessible to public Courtesy: Google Maps |
So,
for the time being at least - much to the delight of many rail
travellers, railway enthusiasts and railway historians alike - it
looks as though this relic from the glory days of steam will remain
where it is for the forseeable future.
Don't forget to subscribe to 'Along These Tracks' railway blog to get all new posts and updates sent directly to you.
Blog update:
Previous photo posts are now easier to find.
All blog posts are now listed alphabetically on the right side of your screen; under the heading, 'Previous Photo Posts'.
"I hope this makes your search easier".
Previous photo posts are now easier to find.
All blog posts are now listed alphabetically on the right side of your screen; under the heading, 'Previous Photo Posts'.
"I hope this makes your search easier".