Solved What, where, when No. 184 – Negative Number 27894

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Answer for WWW 184 - Originally printed on page 147 of Journal 900 (July/August 2016). Negative No. 27894.

The photograph is just west of Ellesmere station with a train departing for Wrexham Central. The train is on a double track section where the line nearer the photographer is signalled for ‘wrong-line’ running.  The two tracks merge into a single line which immediately splits into two single track routes, that to the right being of lesser importance.  Ellesmere was on the Cambrian main line between Oswestry and Whitchurch and with a junction with the branch from Wrexham Central.  trains from the Wrexham line terminated at Ellesmere and were regularly operated by auto trains with 14xx locos.  The facility for auto trains to return to Wrexham out of the same platform after arrival would have been useful.

The Wrexham – Ellesmere service was withdrawn on 10 September 1962.  Ellesmere station was closed to passengers on withdrawal of services between Welshpool and Whitchurch on 18 January 1965.  Ellesmere continued to handle freight (from the Whitchurch direction only) until 29 March 1965.  Although the station building (behind the photographer) still survives in a somewhat neglected state, the area in the photograph is now largely built up and unrecognisable.

The photograph was taken by W.A. Camwell.  The photograph is undated but is thought to have been taken in the final months of passenger services.

Information from Robert Darlaston, Brain Lewis and R .Wood is acknowledged with thanks.

The driveway and frontage of Ellesmere station; 24 July 2010.

Ellesmere station building from the now cleared railway side showing the platform canopy still in place to this elegant building; 24 July 2010.

Both photographs: Brian Dotson

Members who can provide further details about the above picture should e-mail: slsphotocollect@btinternet.com or write to K. Greenwood, Bradstones, Charlton Road, Holcombe, Bath, Somerset, BA3 5ER.