Sixties Shed Bashing In Patricroft

A nostalgia trip back to the nineteen sixties and my visits to Patricroft Loco Sheds. It's all so different now... but perhaps this film will awaken old memories for the spotters and gricers of a certain age.
Martin Zero's video about the Clifton Hall tunnel is here: • Exploring a Disused Ra...
@MartinZero
A big thank you to all the people who have generously allowed me to use their photographs, music and sounds on this video.
In no particular order, they are:
Patrick O'Brien www.flickr.com/photos/bristol...
Bill Watson www.flickr.com/photos/monkeys...
David Christie www.flickr.com/photos/david_c...
Roger Senior www.flickr.com/photos/1442481...
Granpic www.flickr.com/photos/8118630...
Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester www.flickr.com/photos/gmts/
Photo Transport PhotoTransport.com
Online Transport Archive OnlineTransportArchive.org
Ben Brooksbank commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ca...
Martin Tester www.geograph.org.uk/profile/6...
E.L. Pollock www.geograph.org.uk/profile/3...
Chris Lawton- / @chrislawtonorganist
Transport Library www.thetransportlibrary.co.uk
Mikey a.k.a. Gene Hunt www.flickr.com/people/raver_m...
Alexander P Kapp
Salford Libraries
The Science Museum
Phil Sangwell www.flickr.com/photos/onemana...
James Petts www.flickr.com/people/1473098...
Dave Hill 6gshed.co.uk/davehillpage.html
Ray Hulley www.forgottenrelics.org/tunnel...
Kitmasterbloke Steve Knight www.flickr.com/photos/5841565...
David Dixon www.geograph.org.uk/profile/4...
National Library of Scotland maps.nls.uk/
Alexandra Lanes www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~o...
Sounds:
BBC sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/
Freesound freesound.org/
Soundstripe www.soundstripe.com/

[@weaville]

That's got to be one of the best made steam era videos on this channel. Thanks for sharing it. One point however, and this always gets me - Beeching never close a railway line, only parliament could do that. So it was the politicians who acted on his report that we should blame.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much! So glad you enjoyed it. I agree with you, as history has shown, the real villain was Marples, with his shares in road building companies. He pushed the closures through. Thanks for your comment.

[@Biffo1262]

​​@@iainrobinson6566 Your geography could do with some improvement though. Patricroft is way West of Manchester.

[@annhill9766]

A pleasure, Great memories. Another highlight was the opening of the Swindon works on the the first Wednesday of every month, queues were over hundreds of yards long. One of my teacher's father in law was a train driver and he arranged for me to ride on the footplate of a local shuttle service we called "The Chalford Titch". I drove it part the way. Imagine that today! We were surrounded by trains, an embankment at the top of our street, my brother in law was a signalman who would let me go up in the box and try and pull the levers. The GWR was at the top of the street and the LMS was just over half a mile away. I went to the gathering of the remaining A4s at York some years ago, brilliant. ATB

[@iainrobinson6566]

Wow, yes, you couldn’t help but be an enthusiast! I would have loved to have gone round Swindon. What a place. 👍👍

[@timspiers6225]

My dad used to take me to look at Patricroft when I was three, l just about remember it. It must have been the Spring and early Summer of 1968. The only place that I ever saw proper steam.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Great that you remember that... a core memory. I have similar ones of Gresty Road sidings in Crewe, back in 1957. Core memories! It certainly was proper steam at Patricroft, it and Rose Grove were the real last men standing. Thanks for your comment and I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@annhill9766]

We called it bunking the shed in our day. A trip to Willesdon, Nine Elms and Kings Cross were our dream days.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Yes, we called it bunking too. Those places you mention would have been my dream days as well, especially “the Cross”! I envy you.👍

[@jkirk888]

This is a poignant masterpiece, the love of the subject shines through so clearly.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much, I’m so glad that you enjoyed the video, and yes, I’m happy that my love of the railways and Manchester shows through. Thanks for your kind comment👍

[@spud3607]

It's the commentary that lifts this way above other videos. As a collection of mostly photos it is better than a lot of others that are all film and no photos. More please.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that feedback. I will definitely keep it up, I've lots more reminiscences to go on. You'll all be bored stiff soon though :-)

[@geoffersvoiceofreason2534]

What a fantastic video! It did make me a little melancholic though; thinking of my childhood and youth. Those much simpler but happier times when children were given the freedom to be children. After this vid ended I spent a good twenty minutes reminiscing about the time myself and three best mates went, as thirteen year olds, from the old Walsall station, via New Street (then under reconstruction) to Crew. I can’t remember how we knew where to go, I assume one of use had some idea, but we ended up at the marshalling yards. We must have spent some hours there, roaming freely around, which was by then (1967) a tragic looking engine graveyard. I clearly remember sitting in an old, dilapidated , brake van, eating my egg sandwiches for lunch. Surprisingly, we came across the Sir Nigel Gresley sitting forlornly in a row of lowly Black Fives (I think). What it was doing there I have no idea. I’m sure there was also a Princess Elizabeth class, though after nigh on 60 years, my memory may be a little fuddled. We did ‘cab’ the Sir Nigel Gresley though. Not once were we challenged and to be honest, I don’t remember seeing an adult. What days; to be able to wonder around the country willy nilly as youngsters. Learning to look after ourselves and have outside interests. That is where my melancholy comes in, if only today’s young could have the same life experiences we had. Thanks again for the great reminiscences.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much for this fascinating comment. I’m really pleased you enjoyed the video, although sorry that it made you sad. I know what you mean, though. Yes, Crewe was a forlorn sight in the late sixties. One of my engine driving uncles friends said how he was so sad to see machines he’d driven, rusting away. What an adventure you and your friends had though! And to come across locomotive aristocracy too in the shape of sir Nigel Gresley! Fantastic memories. We took those freedoms for granted back then. Thanks again👍

[@johncarden1112]

I went to Patricroft around 1964. Went to all the other Manchester sheds too. The Ian Allen shed directory in hand. Also went to all sheds in London, Leeds, Scotland etc. I visited 50 sheds. Livimg in London, the trip I did most often was Willesden Junction and Old Oak Common, close to each other. Never got asked to leave. We had freedom as children. Even got lifts in the cab and go into signsl boxes. It all helped with fitness and independence.

[@iainrobinson6566]

That would be about the time I was at Patricroft, too. Great days! Sadly I never saw any southern English sheds, I envy you! Oh, we got asked to leave quite a few times :-) But mostly the shed staff were good natured. Thanks very much for your comment!

[@rodperrin2713]

Passed out for firing in 1961 at Patricroft. Inspector Frank Davis was the Instructor, Wonderful man and a good friend of my Father who was a driver at 26A , incidentally my home Depot. Wonderful times.

[@iainrobinson6566]

A fascinating story. You must have some great memories, even though steam was on the decline. I think Jim Carter mentioned Frank Davies in his book, I will have to check. Thanks for your comment👍

[@eliotreader8220]

@@iainrobinson6566 another great episode. it must have been very moving for you. I am guessing that coal the loco crews took home was for their living room fires. some years ago I gave a friend some lumps of coal that I had brought back from the Great Dorset steam fair that I had discovered after nearly falling over them. my friend needed it for his traction engine because he had brought a poor lot of coal.

[@iainrobinson6566]

@@eliotreader8220 Yes, I felt, like so many others, that the world was a dreary place after steam had ended. Electrics just don't do it! I reckon the coal was for their home fires. They must have seen so much wastage, so why not nick a lump or two, they must have thought. Thanks for your comment.

[@laszlofyre845]

Frank passed me out for driving many years later. 'Get him talking about horse racing, he'll forget all about rules and you'll walk it' they said. I knew nowt about nags!

[@rogerbrookes9913]

Was Patricroft a L&YR or Midland shed?

[@davidellis279]

This takes me back to my teens, I used to do exactly the same things,like someone has already said Sunday night was the best time to visit,the staff which were were making the engine’s ready for work on Monday. We got very friendly with the staff on the night shift and would often ride on the footplate with them while water and coaling them,great days we enjoyed them enormously,I used to live quite close to the Black Harry line and remembered the collapse of the the tunnel vividly,we used to walk up to the blockage in the tunnel before the entrance was blocked off never realising the danger we were in,great days they were and how I long for those days which I had at that time,I was never happier than being around steam engines and still at nearly 80 years old go to the East Lancs railway at Bury and ride the trains,went a while ago when the Flying Scotsman was visiting and went on that,my children had bought me tickets for Christmas to go on it,what a great day out that was.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I often wish that I'd concentrated my effort on one shed like that, it must have been great to have a good relationship with the staff. And get footplate rides! Great days! To my shame I have not yet visited the East Lancs Railkway, hopefully will get there this summer. They have a couple of ex-L&Y locos, don't they. Thanks for your great comment.

[@davidellis279]

@@iainrobinson6566 My dad was a boss on the railway at that time and would have gone berserk had he known what I was doing, my mum knew and said never get caught or let dad know what your doing,great days though.

[@iainrobinson6566]

@@davidellis279 Great that your Mum never let the side down, what a great Mum! My uncle always professed to not like the job (as a railwayman) yet he seemed happy enough to show me the sheds or give the occasional footplate ride.

[@davidellis279]

@@iainrobinson6566 My mum was everything to me and I still miss her,I was the youngest of four children and she spoilt me rotten and my brother ten years my senior hated me for it and never let me forget it,my sister who was the eldest was like my second mum. When she died of cancer after mum died the first thing he asked was where was the will,I was absolutely shell shocked at his attitude,heed borrowed money off my retired dad and never paid it back which really annoyed him and when he asked him about it his reply was you’ll have to wait until I’ve got it after he’d bought a car. Dad never forgave him for this but he never repaid Dad. They didn’t speak for over ten years and kept the grandchildren away as well,my mum was very upset not seeing them but my brothers wife died suddenly and my elder brother shortly after. When we found and opened the will after my sister died everything and I mean everything was left to me and in the event of me passing it was left to my children,when he read this he stormed out of the funeral meal and I’ve never seen him again. He’s now passed and it was one of his neighbours told me he had died otherwise I would never have known. I was one of the 1945 baby boom after my dad came home from the war.

[@iainrobinson6566]

What a harrowing story! How awful. Families can be the worst sometimes. My Dad's family hated me by proxy for something my Mum had done...still trying to work out the logic there!

[@John48Crocker]

I spent many happy hours around Patricroft MPD in the late 1950s before diesels came along, Happy days which your excellent video reminds me of. There was a greater variety of steam classes then with Jubilees, Scots, and Patriots on expresses hammering past at speed.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thanks for the comment. How I wish I’d seen what you saw, by the time I got there things had coalesced into 8s and 5s with BR standards. Still a very busy shed and with the odd visiting foreigner like the Brit. You must have been there when Jim Carter was a driver… great times👍

[@iancollingwood5625]

Excellent video Iain, thank you so much. I lived on Hampden Grove during the sixties and Patricroft Loco was my second home between 1962 - 1968. In fact the photo you show of a Black 5 or 8F pulling a train of empty mineral wagons tender first past Patricroft station signal box is one of mine although I'm more than happy for you to use it. I have many other photos taken on shed or in the local vicinity some of which I've published on steam enthusiast Facebook group pages. I treasure my memories of Patricroft sheds and the great times we had in the last years of working steam.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thanks, Ian, for your comment. I liked that in some of the shots, particularly of the Britannia, you can see Hampden grove in the background. I must have walked past your house! I'm sorry for inadvertently using your photo, but thank you for generously letting me keep it in. I think I must have found it on Facebook then been unable to verify it...but it was so good, fitted the spot perfectly, so thanks very much! I only visited three or four times, but it seemed like a fascinating area with a good community. I've spoken to several locals who have been incredibly helpful. Great times indeed!

[@annhill9766]

Yes, I was quite a regular during the school holidays. I did 2 paper rounds plus pocket money to finance it! I couldn't afford the Ian Allan combo, but I bought one online a couple of years for the nostalga. I'll never forget those sights of the Caledonian headed by a Duchess class hammering through Tamworth, the Red Dragon with a Brit at dusk, sparks flying, through Swindon and the boat trains with MNs through Basinstoke. I remember going with my brother in law to Grimsby to his parent's house and spending nearly all day watching B1s going by every 5 minutes to Cleethorpes. My big regret is I never recorded anything on camera.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Great memories! I did have a camera, but my Mum destroyed most of my negs while I was away at uni😩 Thanks for your comments👍

[@RoyKethro]

Another excellent trip down memory lane Iain. Visited once around 1967 on a trip all the way up from Bristol. We lost our steam 2 years before including from our LMR outpost at 22A Barrow Road. We probably didn't fully appreciate that steam would disappear so quickly but really pleased we made the effort to get up to the North West before the end which included Edgeley, Stoke and Buxton. Excellent commentary. Keep it coming!

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you, very pleased you enjoyed the vid! I missed out totally on any of the southern sheds...really regret I didn't see Laira as my parents always went down there on holiday in the late fifties. You were obviously very enterprising. Chester was as far south I got! Thanks for your comment👍

[@1951GL]

I visited Patricroft a month after closure - nothing there, except piles of old steam spares. A scrapman's dream. There were lots of birds twittering about in the old shed, but otherwise totally silent. Three years before, like your video, it was like a steam version of Brands Hatch - constant movement, mostly 8 and 9Fs coming off coal train duties. Unlike some sheds, the staff were all pleasant. Your videos catch a place really well.

[@iainrobinson6566]

It was really sad, seeing the shed like that. Yes, you are right, I remember the birds, little sparrows, everywhere. I wondered what had happened to the shed cat after closure. I like the idea of a steam version of Brands Hatch! Yes, apart from old Will, the staff never bothered us. Thank you very much for the comment!

[@pauldoggett7801]

I remember it well thank you for sharing

[@iainrobinson6566]

You're very welcome, glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@Blade1310]

Not sure if I was just in the right mood but this has to be one of the best videos (on any subject) I've watched on You Tube. The soothing narration brings life to all the photographs and the personal touch is the icing on the cake. Being old enough to remember steam trains in daily use puts it all into focus and without the rose tinted specs on it's plain to see now how filthy, dangerous and thankless working on the railways was. Seeing the heritage lines today with their gleaming, restored running stock paints a very different picture. Great work. Well done!

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you for such a nice comment👍 I’m really pleased you enjoyed the video. I’m always unsure about my voice, so your kind words were just perfect, thank you. Oh, the railways were a hellish working environment you had to be an enthusiast to put up with it, no h&s, terrible wages… you are right. I find preserved locos lovely, charming, but with something missing. Veracity, authenticity, I suppose. I would like to go back to the sixties, but only for an afternoon, and with a digital camera🤣 👍

[@stephensmith4480]

What an amazing glimpse into our Railway past. As a Railwayman of nearly 35 years and still serving I found this fascinating. I remember many a conversation in the Mess room with old hands who were close to retirement in those days, who had served during steam and their story's I can still remember today. I was just the new Boy who listened and learnt. Many of them are now sadly not with us 🙏

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thanks very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it. So sad that most of those stories you heard have gone with the passing of their tellers. It's hard to think about that, those working lives unremarked. It must have been fascionating listening to those old hands! Thanks for the comment!

[@stephensmith4480]

@@iainrobinson6566 You are dead right my friend and you are most welcome 🚂🚂

[@stephensmith4480]

@@iainrobinson6566 I forgot to mention, there is a fascinating series of Books from an old ex GWR Railwayman called Harold Gasson. You can get them for next to nothing and they are a brilliant example from a young mans POV From joining the Railway, until he left to go and work for MG. Half the hours and twice the pay, quite sad really but a Great read of his experiences on The Railway. I highly Recommend them 👍👍

[@iainrobinson6566]

@@stephensmith4480 Thanks very much, Sterphen, I have seen the namem, will keep a look out for his books in my local Railway, they hasve a massiver collection of secondhand books. Thanks again!👍

[@iainrobinson6566]

Is it possible to have more typos than that in a few lines of type?🤣🤣

[@annhill9766]

Although we use to bunk sheds, you could also write off for a permit. My favourite moments train spotting were watching the 'Straight throughers' at Tamworth, Swindon and Basingstoke. Seeing the Princess Royals, Kings and Merchant Navies hurtling through at 100mph, brilliant days. M

[@iainrobinson6566]

Yes, my mate Dave’s Dad used to get permits for us, it never felt as exciting though😂 I never saw any of the locos you mention… I’m green with envy. What memories! I did see plenty of Royal Scots and the odd Duchess though. I would have loved to have seen a MN in full cry! Thanks for your comment.👍

[@jimihendrix991]

4:06 Fun Fact: ''73050 was finally selected by the Rev. Richard Paten (1932-2012) to be preserved in Peterborough. Although BR demanded that it be moved by road because a steam ban was in place, it relented and allowed the engine to make a single run from Manchester via the ex L and Y Calder Valley line to Wakefield and on to New England shed (Peterborough) in steam on the night of 20 September 1968 (one full month after the end of steam on BR).

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you, that is most interesting... we heard of these "illegal" movements, but they were all hush hush, so no chance of seeing them. I didn't know about that, but so pleased that one was saved.

[@annhill9766]

You're welcome, it's been most interesting reminiscing about the past. By the way you appear to be a man of many talents. ATB

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you😊 I wish I’d been as busy on the railways as you were … afterwards it was ten years before I could look at a train again. Great talking with you, thanks for your comments👍

[@edwardwest5035]

Thank you for that super video. I visited Patricroft and most of the Manchester sheds on a trip from my home town Watford with a school friend when I was about twelve in the fifties. Sadly, I can now remember very little about it other than phoning my Mum from Gorton to tell her I would be late home, it was already 10 pm by then. We never felt unsafe and likely never were. How I envy your wonderful memory. My friend David can't even remember going. Edward.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Hi Edward, thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed the film. That sounds like quite an exploit you and your friend had! They were different times, I guess, I didn't let my own children away with a tenth of what I got up to! I am very lucky, my memory for anything connected with steam is quite keen. For anything else? Non-existent :-)

[@RoyKethro]

As a 14 year old I had no idea where these sheds were let alone how to get to them. I was fortunate in that we had a Railway Society at Bristol Grammar School. The sixth formers who ran it had a better understanding of where railways were heading with the demise of steam. They organised trips every term chasing the final steam workings including on the South Western main line out of Waterloo and along the Somerset & Dorset just before closure. Shed permits were always obtained. As time progressed, north of Birmingham into the North West became the only option which resulted in some very long days out. As a railway apprentice a few years later spending some time in Doncaster Works, I did travel across to Manchester Victoria one weekend behind a class 40. I can well imagine what an exciting location that would have been in steam days.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thanks very much for your comment, Roy. I wasn’t very enterprising and just visited sheds in a fifteen mile radius, limited by how my pocket money was lasting😂 I would have given anything to have seen the S&D before the end. Cruel really that as penniless kids we couldn’t afford cameras or film, least not every time out. But I am glad I saw the Victoria show🤓 thanks again👍

[@philyew3617]

Now that brought back memories, I lived about 6 miles away, used to go on my bike but I just liked to watch. Many happy days. Thanks for sharing this.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Glad you enjoyed the video… like you, I preferred just to watch… it never got boring! Thanks for your comment👍

[@lesleyhirst3422]

Thank you so much... I was frequently dragged down to Edge Hill yard in Liverpool by my friend Alec in the late 50s, where the workers never batted an eyelid about a girl being here. Grandma now, but I have an undying love of Black 5s, 8fs and 9fs since those days. Lovely post.

[@iainrobinson6566]

That’s a wonderful story! Edge hill in the late fifties must have been fascinating. Good for Alec, making sure you had a proper education😀 thanks for your lovely comment👍👍

[@levelcrossing150]

Great video. I used to do my spotting on the North Wales Coast mainline at Abergele and Pensarn. I particularly remember Patricroft for the many Standard Caprotti black 5's that came from there. I managed to visit Patricroft right at the end of steam and I will never forget that footbridge.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you👍 The North Wales main line in the sixties must have been fantastic. My uncle used to drive Scots and fives to Holyhead in the sixties, you probably saw him. Yes, I don’t know why Caprotti’s were so numerous at Patricroft, although it made sense I suppose to concentrate them where the drivers knew how to handle them perhaps? Thanks for your comment👍

[@levelcrossing150]

@@iainrobinson6566 Thank you, we were lucky to see a great variety of locos here. At that time they all stopped here and I probably did see your uncle. We also had Jubilees, Patriots, Coronations, Britannias and the occasional B1. I think Patricroft was well geared up for Capproti 5's and so it made sense to have a few of them. I think it was St Rollox that had a number of them also. Llandudno Junction shed (6G) had a number of George Ivatts version of the Caprotti 5. Great looking engines, they were.

[@paulbissitt4754]

Never got to Patricroft even though I lived in Salford, so discovering this excellent video was a delight.Only fault was describing the shed as being East of M/C when it was 100% West,near Eccles.Hope you don't mind me pointing this out on an otherwise superb effort.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thanks, no I don’t mind at all, I realised afterwards, but I always seem to have a problem with east and west🫢 Thanks very much for your kind comment👍

[@Geo46115]

Another classic production Iain, so sincere thanks once again. I noticed the name of Rod Perrin, I knew him from 9D after I had transferred from 9E. I also had a firing turn with Jim Carter, and he was a true gent! To close Iain, that is a most superb shot of 73125, 'perfectly posed'. Keep 'em coming please iain.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Hello George, good to hear from you. Jim Carter sounds like he was a good sort. I have been trying to purchase some of his negs...a great photographer. The shot of 73125 is a lucky one, I didn't know what I was doing! Thanks though. Thanks for your comment, and I will certainly do my best to keep em coming!

[@davedear929]

Wow . That brought some memories flooding back. I last buncked a shed about 67 years ago and got caught.. Great video many thanks from an old gricer .

[@iainrobinson6566]

Greetings from another old gricer :-) I'm so pleased that my video brought back good memories for you!

[@rmatt375]

A beautifully poetic script and a lovely reminder of days gone bye

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much, I’m very pleased that you enjoyed the vid👍

[@TheDaf95xf]

Good morning Iain. What an absolute fantastic video well narrated 👍🏻 I just missed the shed as I was 11 in 68 and was born in Urmston so I did train spot at Patricroft station as it still had endless trains passing through especially at a weekend with 12 car mix of DMUs on holiday specials 😀 What a shame we destroyed a lot of our railways 😫

[@iainrobinson6566]

Hi Stevie, thanks for your comment, I am so glad that you enjoyed the video👍 sorry you missed the shed, Salford and the NW was the last stand… but Patricroft was and still is a busy place- you must have got some good “cops” anyway. Yes, it still hurts to think what we did to our railways🥺

[@clagfest]

Wonderful. Simply wonderful. I was lucky enough to work with a few ex Patricroft Men when I started as a Guard at Manchester Victoria back in 1989. A lot of them sadly passed away now, but real gentlemen they were.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you so much- I’m really glad you enjoyed my video… sad that the old hands have passed away, but I’m pleased this made you think of them. Thanks for your comment👍

[@stephenrichards4684]

Great commentary voice Iain. Thank you. Never got to Patricroft myself, so really enjoyed it.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you! I never think my voice is good enough, so that is fantastic to read. Glad you enjoyed the video👍

[@grahamwickens8802]

Thank You! Thank you! takes me back to such happy innocent days .

[@iainrobinson6566]

Oh, my goodness, it's my pleasure! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video.

[@daystatesniper01]

Cracking video and narration, i remember Royston and other local sheds at the end they were literally derelict but still alive...just

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much! Yes, it was shocking how run down everything became, but the steamers just kept on...I'm glad we witnessed that. Thanks for your comment.

[@JR-SCOOT]

Superb historical record and excellent narration. Thanks for posting.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much! I'm really pleased you enjoyed the film👍

[@rodneycove294]

Brilliant video - I lived on London and used to visit my uncle in Davyhulme - he took me to Patricroft, Agecroft, Trafford Park etc - he waited while I bunked. I went back a few years ago to look at the locations.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Your uncle knew the best places to take you, didn’t he? I went back to Patricroft and Trafford Park… not much left at either location😢 sounds like your uncle was the same sort as my mate Dave’s Dad, thank goodness for adults like them!👍

[@allan5919]

More super memories of the 60s steam scene in the North West. I only visited Patricroft shed once (in 1967 I believe) and the most notable loco was Britannia Pacific No. 70045. A very enjoyable video and story of your experiences.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Hi Allan, thanks for your comment! It seemed that Patricroft could turn up the odd unusual loco like that Brit you saw. Fives and eights were always in strength, a great shed. Glad you enjoyed the vid.

[@TonyOldfield-ee7gh]

I started my spotting days at Patricroft early 50s bunking shed was always an experience caught by foreman who asked me to recite alphabet I left the letter P out that was running down my leg !. Years later I was Signalman at Patricroft Stn box happy days remembered. Brill video.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thanks for your memories- yes, bunking a shed was a scary but exciting experience! Lostock hall was the worst, where we were chased off by the foreman. A local man who talked to me said that he used to chat to the signalman when walking over the bridge to the shed. That must have been brilliant, being the signalman there. Cheers for the interesting comment.

[@warwickholden6332]

That footbridge you show was called "four bridges" - not sure why. I did a lot of train spotting from that bridge in the 1960's. Happy memories!

[@iainrobinson6566]

Ah, thank you, a couple of people mentioned that and I wasn’t sure what they meant. Now I know! I wonder if we met back then, I had a few good chats with lads on the bridge. Thanks very much for your comment👍

[@davidlamb9646]

Possibly because,as well as the chat moss line the bridge crossed a line through Minton and Worsley towards Bolton, as well as a marshalling yard and the exit for the engines to Manchester

[@trevley6372]

Brilliant, thank you. Brought it all back to me!!

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the film!

[@johnchild61]

Yes I really enjoyed that it was reminiscent of my day as a 10 year old in 1959 , at Southall sheds west London a similar experience, from the foot bridge by the station you could get to the sheds the step down to 😢the yard were as I recall not closed of to the public, so when the opportunity arose we would go to the sheds , where there were the 9f 2-10 -0 standing cold and sad whilst we had seen the last 9f Eveing star rush by with a fast passenger out of Paddington, we used to sit on the steps by the fast track to the west was , right where the Southall Train crash was a few years back , we never thought of the danger back then! Happy Days I am glad you posted this video thanks , sadly I didn’t have a camera, I. I used to look in Woolworths they were expensive to me then there was developing costs , a lost opportunity for me!

[@iainrobinson6566]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video, and that it brought back happy memories👍 You must have seen some interesting locos coming from Paddington! We rarely saw anything other than an 8F or a black five, or the occasional Crab, apart from on my visits to Crewe. I know what you mean about film developing costs, I used to dodge my bus fares and go without school lunch to save the pennies for film developing… then my Mum burnt most of my negs in a temper fit. Luckily I still had a few precious negs elsewhere. Thanks for your comment and reminiscences, great memories👍

[@enforcer9381]

What a Great compilation and your Narration is second to none! I lived quite close to Patricroft Sheds and remember my uncle reminiscing when he was a Fireman their. I am just 61 so missed the end of steam but remember all the lines that came from Patricroft including the line that went to Bolton through Monton and the raised station above Canal bank/Monton green. I have ridden along the Bolton line down through to Monton and it is very interesting to me as I was quite surprised as to the incline down towards Patricroft. Once again well done on this compilation and thankyou for the memories of the "Four Bridges" The Bridges you spoke about.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much👍 It seems a long time ago now, but they were happy days! Yes, the Bolton line going through Monton must have been tricky for enginemen, particularly with a heavy loose coupled freight. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the video and that it reminded you of the place👍

[@melvynnixon2374]

This is a wonderful composition of narration and photographs the likes of which I have rarely seen. It is evokes strong happy memories of shed bashing and a way of life soon to be forgotten. Thank you for the careful manner in which you have recorded and shared this.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you, Melvyn. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the video. I hadn't thought about that aspect, but you are right, I guess the era of shedbashing will be forgotten soon. Thanks very much for your comment!

[@simonbennett7679]

superbly well produced piece! Thoroughly enjoyed it well done.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Really pleased that you enjoyed it👍thank you very much for your kind words👍

[@jcmgt]

You've captured it perfectly, in voice n' pictures, fantastic.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much! Very glad you enjoyed the video👍

[@stewarthughesstewart]

My pleasure Iain. I was 10 years old in 1960 which is probably when I started trainspotting. I lived in High Wycombe, which is on the Paddington to Birmingham and Wolverhampton line. A friend and I cycled to Oxford once and to Tring once probably at the age of 12 or so. These were 60 mile round trips on main roads. I can remember going up to London a few years later and using the Ian Allen Guide to find sheds such as Nine Elms, Old Oak Common and Willesden/Camden. I do remember being shouted at occasionally but being tall and not in school uniform I got away with it. My family used to go up to Dundee every other year and my cousin and I always used to go around Dundee Taybridge shed, not that there was ever much to see there, other than the Peppercorn A2’s Blue Peter which is now rebuilt and being tested, and it’s sister loco Sayajirayo. I am to this day fond of the Reid J37s and have a weathered one on my OO layout. Judging by the spelling of your Christian name you might have Scottish roots too? Enough waffle! Best wishes, Stewart

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thanks, Stewart. I had to chuckle at your description of a sixty mile round trip on the bike… just the sort of thing my mates and I did, although I can remember going straight to bed afterwards😅 I too have always been tall, a curse I thought but now I reckon you are right, it got me out of quite a few scrapes in loco sheds. I knew Dundee and Polmaddie sheds due to visiting relatives, although could never get enough time at those places. Polmaddie was a very friendly place and I copped a Duchess there. I am very envious of your A2 cops, I would have loved to have seen Sayajirayo… legendary. I have quite a few photos from my Scottish bunks which my Mum failed to destroy, so might do a film of those. I love J37s too! Yes, although brought up in Manchester, my Dad was Scottish, and I lived in Glasgow for 35 years when I left art college.thanks again for such an interesting comment!👍

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

The risk of getting thrown off the was one of the excitements of "doing the sheds" .For me it was the early 60s in Gloucester and Philips Marsh in Bristol.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Great times! Thanks for the comment👍

[@stewarthughesstewart]

Excellent video as ever, keep up the good work and thanks for all your efforts.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you, I certainly will keep rolling the memories out… it’s such a pleasure when I get comments like yours, thank you👍

[@TonySmith-cd7jo]

Fantastic and emotional film, Ian. I am too young to have seen any of this but your film is so good I personally feel the loss. BTW I am really glad you seem to have come back to the public eye again. I followed your old blog but you suddenly seemed to have vanished. Glad I found this channel.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed the film. My Treasure Maps blog is still up, but I haven't updated it for a while... Thanks for following the old blog, sorry I went under cover, but I'm back now! Thanks for your comment!

[@mcwarrington]

Really enjoyed this. Good production. Thanks for sharing your photos and memories. Cheers from Aotearoa New Zealand!

[@iainrobinson6566]

I’m really glad you enjoyed it… thank you for your comment👍

[@paulturner9765]

Oh, I well remember sneaking into the big old shed at Patricroft with my train spotting mates in 1959. Hiding between the locos and trying not to get caught by the shed foreman. It was both terrifying and exciting as a 12 year old. I lived in Swinton close to the entrance to the Black Harry tunnel and remember the hospital train outside the entrance just after the collapse. Thanks for the memories.

[@iainrobinson6566]

You’re absolutely right, it was terrifying and exciting! The drivers and firemen didn’t seem to mind, but the shed foreman was different! A grim memory about the hospital train, but that’s a window into another time… they wouldn’t have a hospital train nowadays. It would all be too expensive. Thanks very much for your comment, I’m glad you enjoyed the video👍

[@epj900]

Thank you so much for this fabulous video, proper brought a lump to me throat. It's your great commentary that makes it really great

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you so much for your kind words- and I'm delighted that you enjoyed the video!

[@Tindallhall]

This was a pleasure to listen to and watch with some wonderful photographs - thank you!

[@iainrobinson6566]

Glad you enjoyed it! thanks for your comment.

[@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway]

Excellent. Thanks for sharing i thoroughly enjoyed listening.

[@iainrobinson6566]

I’m really pleased that you enjoyed it, that means a lot👍

[@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway]

@@iainrobinson6566 3 videos down already. Iain

[@michellebell5092]

I visited Patricroft station last year, I’d always had it in mind since i was a young railway enthusiast. I was taken with the murals along the platform wall - my favourite states “ one final run, your work is done “ Definitely a special station

[@iainrobinson6566]

I agree, I was there a couple of years ago after a gap of about twenty years. It's a shock to see how everything has changed, but the station still retains a special atmosphere. The murals are great, you're right. Thanks for your comment!

[@BJHolloway1]

Superbly narrated - please keep them coming

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much, so pleased you enjoyed it👍 I will do my best to keep it up!

[@petra.illustration]

Thanks for all your hard work. Keep it up! ❤

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you! Next time I’ll buy you a coffee😉❤️

[@johnmehaffey9953]

We’ll never get these happy days back, every day was an adventure especially during school holidays, brilliant post

[@iainrobinson6566]

Yes, you’re right… in the school hols we were practically feral😂 thanks for your comment and I’m delighted you like the post👍

[@johntait491]

Great stuff. Great content. I used to do the same "shed-bashing" in Glasgow and Edinburgh. A whole spectrum of steam.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you👍 oh, shed bashing in Edinburgh must have been quite something, I’m envious!

[@johntait491]

@@iainrobinson6566 Yes, Haymarket, St Margarets and Daley Road. Easy access and no problems with authoritarian management on most occasions. A very wide variety of steam locomotives. 😉

[@IN_THIS_DAY_AND_AGE]

Thanks for the memories. The footbridge that I remember most was high over the river into Heaton Mersey shed. The shed we went to most was Edgeley

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you for the comment! I never visited Heaton Mersey, I wish I had. I remember Edgeley though, a great place.

[@MrPete1x]

Excellent, thank you for showing this

[@iainrobinson6566]

So pleased that you enjoyed it, thanks for commenting👍

[@robertlees7528]

Went around depot in 67. Also Heaton Mersey and Bolton depot. Great days.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Definitely "must do" sheds, those! Although somehow I missed Heaton Mersey. I agree, they were great days!

[@Biffo1262]

​@@iainrobinson6566Longsight was the Holy Grail for Manchester lads. They even allowed us on the footplate and even in the sheds now and again. It much depended on who was about as some guys were pretty good with us.

[@johnmakin178]

Superb video,very well narrated.Thank you for sharing.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you, really glad you enjoyed, thank you for watching!

[@davebutterworth7414]

Fabulous content !! Absolutely love it 🥰

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you so much, Dave, very kind of you to say, and thanks for the comment, really glad you like the vid👍

[@baileysbritain]

Lovely video

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thanks very much!👍

[@peterjhillier7659]

Excellent, thank you so much for sharing.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Really glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the comment!

[@jetmec]

One of my neighbours worked there

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thanks for watching👍

[@mrgrantlovett]

Great video and commentary thank you

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much, really glad that you enjoyed it👍

[@no.7593]

Super!

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you!🥰

[@rodericfindlay4147]

Excellent photographs and video. Your commentary is pure poetry. Thank you.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you👍

[@cedarcam]

Great memories I wish I had seen a shed like this, it was all diesel by the time I was old enough to go out exploring, even then a lot of sheds had not changed much, It's saddening to see where all the goods yard and sidings were it is now a parcels depot, a lot of that could be carried by rail if so many lines had not been closed.

[@iainrobinson6566]

I'm sorry you didn't get to see steam in the wild, but at least that means you're younger than me :-) It was strange to see diesels inside a steam shed, it looked wrong somehow. And yes, I agree with you about the closures and the switch to roads. Thanks very much for your comment!

[@cedarcam]

@@iainrobinson6566 A bit younger yes. I do feel lucky I remember the end of steam and lived in London 3 years where I saw A4's at Kings Cross in what would of been their last year. My memories of steam in Yorkshire are of locomotives as you show here filthy and run down. I wish a heritage line would let one get like that as long as in mechanically sound condition. There are a few diesels and coaches in work a day condition, highly polished gleaming steam does not look right to me.

[@iainrobinson6566]

@@cedarcam I agree, steam doesn't look quite right in pristine condition, although I admire the effort required to keep it like that! Like you, I remember steam in either filthy condition or in grubby but "oily rag wiped over". I suppose those who didn't see the end of steam see things differently!

[@cedarcam]

@@iainrobinson6566 I think those younger than us who have only seen steam in preservation do see it in a different way to us yes. The effort to keep them running is admirable and good to see a few younger people get involved with that. By the way yes Footplate Cameraman is an excellent book and one I still enjoy looking through. If you got the books by Colin T Gifford they are also excellent

[@Richard47484]

Nicely narrated.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you kindly! Really pleased you liked it👍

[@Mercmad]

Both my Grandfathers ,my dad, myself and several uncles were all railwaymen in New Zealand .As a little kid I could wander the shunting yard ,especially on the weekends when there was nothing happening. often ,I would see one of the uncles as he waited in the cab,,drinking tea. One big thrill the local kids got was standing on the over bridge as a a steam loco came barrelling through and i see someone standing on the Patri croft Bridge doing the same... ha ha

[@iainrobinson6566]

How marvellous to have relatives on the railway. It must have given you confidence and an even greater sense of belonging. Yes, overbridges were fun! Thanks for your comment👍

[@matthewmerrill1807]

Fantastic ❤

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you, Matthew, and thanks for the sub too👍

[@alanwarren2861]

Excellent, well produced video. Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to make this video.

[@iainrobinson6566]

I'm really delighted that you enjoyed it. Thanks for your kind comment!

[@Unkidi]

Living In Salford As A Youngster' This Was My Local Shed' Visited At Least Every Fortnight. Thank You So Much For An Excellent Video. x

[@iainrobinson6566]

You’re so welcome! Very pleased that it struck a chord. I wished I’d lived nearer, it was a trek from Stalybridge on my pocket money! Thanks for your comment👍

[@leswall3061]

Great video and talk over

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thanks a lot, I’m really pleased that you enjoyed the video👍

[@richardnewman2728]

Excellent video, thank you. 🙂👍

[@iainrobinson6566]

You are very welcome, I’m really pleased that you enjoyed it👍

[@Biffo1262]

Unless Patricroft was in a different place back then it is West of Manchester, in fact it is even West of Eccles. 😂

[@iainrobinson6566]

So true! Just my hopeless sense of direction😂😂

[@flippop101]

Fantastic video and excellent narrative. Thank you!

[@iainrobinson6566]

Really pleased that you enjoyed it, thanks for the comment!

[@user-lt9py2pu6u]

My sixties trips to loco sheds revolved around my local sheds of Mold Junction and Chester with occasional trips to Crewe South. Mold Junction closed in '66 with the other two following within the next two years. Locos bearing Patricroft shed plates were often seen in the area. Mold Junction shed still stands and is incorporated into a scrap yard, the concrete coaling tower has long since gone though. Chester had had three sheds at one time though two had closed before I was old enough to visit them. The LNWR shed, which lasted the longest and is the one I visited, is now a housing estate. A nearby pub called the Engine has also gone. The old GWR depot site is still in existence for it's intended purpose though it is unrecognisable and is currently operated by Alstom. The Cheshire Lines Committee shed has also long gone along with Chester Northgate station which it served, the area now being occupied by a leisure centre and fire station among other things. Thank you for that very interesting and atmospheric video, it really did take me back to my childhood in the mid nineteen sixties. How things have changed, these days no one would be allowed anywhere near a locomotive depot.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Wow, I don't think that I managed to get round any of the sheds you mention there, fantastic places and no doubt some unusual locomotives. Ironic that Mold junction is now a scrap yard. Housing estates and retail parks swallow everything up, it's quite sad. I'm glad I was able to evoke some good memories from your childhood- in that case, my work is done :-) Yes, I can't imagine fourteen year olds being allowed any where near a railway yard these days. Thanks very much for your comment.

[@boyfromblackstuff7859]

Very interesting,many thanks for posting.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Very pleased that you enjoyed the film, thank you!

[@updistant]

Wonderfully evocative commentary, often think of the place when sampling a fabled eccles cake. Keep up the good work, you're developing a fan base.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you very much! It was a surprise to me as a teenager when I found out about Eccles cakes, I thought my Dad was kidding me :-) Thanks for the comment.

[@ChrisLawtonorganist]

Excellent video and glad I was able to assist with this

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thanks very much, Chris, your steam footage really put the cherry on top! 👍

[@michaelnaisbitt1590]

this is me a 13 yr old dodging among the remaining steam sheds in 1967 It was great fun the engine men where in a whole friendly to us kids as we scribbled down as many numbers as we could NO HEALTH AND SAFETY getting in the way the only sad part was seening locomotives 10--12 years old being withdrawn WHAT A WASTE

[@iainrobinson6566]

Great days, eh? Yes, it was criminal seeing the waste of good locomotives, it still upsets me today. That and Beeching. Thanks for your comment!

[@reach90002c5]

thank you amazing story

[@iainrobinson6566]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment.

[@reach90002c5]

@@iainrobinson6566 hi Ian that's ok I'm watching your other one now about Manchester Victoria , wonderful I just missed steam I'm 61 started spotting in 1972 but your stories are just like me and my mates , thank you so much for sharing

[@iandunning8342]

Monday to Friday I was in Trafford Park shed as it was across the road from the entrance to my school , But Saturday was Patricroft day , even saw a Clan or two there , my all time favourite shed. If time allowed would go over to Agecroft too

[@iainrobinson6566]

I loved Trafford Park shed, although only visited twice. You were lucky to be so near! Yes, I loved Patricroft, a great atmosphere there. Thanks for your comment!

[@Bucina62]

I went to Stretford Grammar, 1964-1969 and me and my mate Mike Ziolo used to go to Trafford Park shed every afternoon after school. Wonderful days. I'm still a spotter now mostly doing freight and a lot in central europe as my wife is from Prague.

[@iainrobinson6566]

@@Bucina62 wow, you were super handy for Trafford Park. It was a bit of a trek for me on my pocket money🤣 we had a railway at the bottom of our school playing fields though. Not quite the same though👍

[@paulbissitt4754]

I keep looking, especially after viewing this superb video,if there is one out there of Trafford Park shed? It was the only one I could reach by walking (1/2 an hour plus). No bike, no bus fare,no camera.Times were hard, especially when Dad died.Can anyone help a clapped out old spotter before it's too late?

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you, Paul. I’m researching a video on Trafford Park, one of my favourite sheds. I’ve got the script, just collecting the photos and music now. Probably be two months away as I’m doing one about Bolton just now, which will be up in just over a week. It was always a struggle to get the money for bus or train fares, wasn’t it. Sorry that times were rough for you. I hope the 9E satisfies when I’ve finished! Thanks for the comment👍

[@azuma892]

What would you deem as an "exotic" loco? The LMS Crabs are pretty exotic in my book.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Ha ha! What would I deem as an exotic loco? I agree with you, the Crabs were pretty darned exotic, and are one of my favourite classes. By the mid sixties, I suppose I would have been ecstatic to find a Duchess or a "Flying Pig" at Patricroft, but yes, Crabs were getting scarce by then. I had to go to Scotland to find those....hint- another video in preparation :-)

[@KarenCahill-cc9sv]

👍❤️😊

[@iainrobinson6566]

👍👍👍

[@tremensdelirious]

Thanks

[@iainrobinson6566]

You're very welcome!

[@danielholden-storey5107]

04.59 84014 the only Standard Class 2 tank to go to Eastleigh shed for possible use on the Isle of Wight. Sadly it never happened and instead she went to Cashmore's Newport.

[@iainrobinson6566]

Thank you Daniel for that interesting information. That is sad, not many locos, if any, came out of Cashmore’s unscathed😢. I was reading last night that in the long term plans, the standard fives at Patricroft were supposed to work until the late seventies. Cue Marples and the clean air act. The latter had to happen, the former not so much😂 thanks for your interesting comment👍

[@davidseale8252]

I only went to Patricroft once but I wasn't impressed, no "Namers". My nearest was Agecroft and there was always a few Eastern Region loco's in there. Trafford Sheds was really Bountiful for the more powerful Loco's, I bagged "Royal Scot" and "Britannia" there!

[@iainrobinson6566]

I know what you mean, but Patricroft had a certain charm🤓 I have a video about Agecroft in preparation… soon! And yes, I agree, old trafford was my favourite, loved the place. Thanks for your comment!👍

[@davidseale8252]

@@iainrobinson6566 Thank you Iain, I look forward to it.

[@barrytipton1179]

Had you and Dave gone to school instead of bunking off might have worked out Salford and Patricroft are west of Manchester

[@iainrobinson6566]

😂😂I’ve always had problems with east and west… as you can imagine, it’s got me into some scrapes! Didn’t do Dave any harm, he went to Cambridge to study Maths👍thanks for your comment!

[@ccjelley2390]

I thought Patricroft was west of Manchester....

[@iainrobinson6566]

You’re absolutely right… I often get my compass points mixed up, thanks for the correction.

[@daffyduk77]

Is the Vulcan works marked on the map at 13:33 *THE* loco manufacturer ?

[@iainrobinson6566]

I think the Vulcan foundry was at Newton le Willows, which is near St Helens, but there were a lot of places called Vulcan this or that back in Victorian times. Thanks for the comment👍

[@daffyduk77]

@@iainrobinson6566 Oh, yeah, I guess you're right

[@nigelsabin1713]

Another good, nostalgic video. Oh what happy times, not like this woke world we live in now!!!

[@iainrobinson6566]

Glad you enjoyed it...yes, they were happy times alright. Still not sure how all that history was swept away. Thanks for your comment!

[@rsqyoung]

It don't get much better than a Crab. Me I'm 42909 67c

[@iainrobinson6566]

Yes, I loved the crabs, such interesting locos. Thanks for your comment.

[@levelcrossing150]

@@iainrobinson6566 The crab was a strange looking engine, but somehow I had a certain amount of respect for them. They seemed good engines.

[@iainrobinson6566]

@@levelcrossing150 I agree, and they were useful too, the enginemen respected them. Fun fact: E.S.Cox was the draughtsman on them. He later went on to pencil the BR Standards.