Heysham Line
1st January 1980 to 28th October 2006

The line to Morecambe and Heysham had become a backwater, as this once important and thriving line saw its traffic decline due to the closure of the line from Wennington to Morecambe via Green Ayre, the loss of its electric trains to Lancaster and loss of its link to Belfast and with it the associated freight and passenger traffic. I had grown up in Morecambe, worked on the railway at Carnforth and experienced personally this decline in the line. So during the period 1980 to 1982, when circumstances enabled me to return to Morecambe to live, I took this golden opportunity, whenever possible, to record and photograph what I saw.

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The view from Westgate Bridge on 6 Aug 2004.
The view from Westgate Bridge on 6 Aug 2004.
2004-08-06 14:10:51
 Heysham Harbour 4 Aug 2004
Heysham Harbour 4 Aug 2004
2004-08-11 14:03:21
 Heysham Harbour 4 Aug 2004.
Heysham Harbour 4 Aug 2004.
2004-08-11 14:03:50
 Heysham Harbour 4 Aug 2004.
Heysham Harbour 4 Aug 2004.
2004-08-11 14:04:40
The nice Midland Railway Bridge looking towards Morecambe. 4 Aug 2004.
The nice Midland Railway Bridge looking towards Morecambe. 4 Aug 2004.
2004-08-11 14:05:00
 Heysham Harbour 4 Aug 2004.
Heysham Harbour 4 Aug 2004.
2004-08-11 14:06:46
 The nice Midland Railway Bridge looking towards Morecambe. 4 Aug 2004.
The nice Midland Railway Bridge looking towards Morecambe. 4 Aug 2004.
2004-08-11 14:06:59
 The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
2004-08-11 14:14:16
The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
2004-08-11 14:16:36
 The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
2004-08-11 14:18:24
 The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
2004-08-11 14:19:38
 The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
2004-08-11 14:22:08
The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
The remains of Heysham Moss Sidings taken from the Heysham by-pass road, that split the site in two when built. Taken 11 Aug 2004.
2004-08-11 14:22:26
 Looking towards Heysham Moss. The telecommunications tower is not far from where the entrance to the sidings used to be. Taken 11/08/2004.
Looking towards Heysham Moss. The telecommunications tower is not far from where the entrance to the sidings used to be. Taken 11/08/2004.
2004-08-11 14:22:53
 Taken from the by-pass bridge. Middleton Road Bridge is seen in the background. The bridge is at the exact spot where 40001 was photographed at. Taken 11/08/2004.
Taken from the by-pass bridge. Middleton Road Bridge is seen in the background. The bridge is at the exact spot where 40001 was photographed at. Taken 11/08/2004.
2004-08-11 14:27:02
 Looking the other way from the by-pass bridge is the bridge I took 40001 from. There is a footpath nearby, which will take you right to the entrance of Heysham Moss Sidings. Taken 11/08/2004.
Looking the other way from the by-pass bridge is the bridge I took 40001 from. There is a footpath nearby, which will take you right to the entrance of Heysham Moss Sidings. Taken 11/08/2004.
2004-08-11 14:28:25
Thu 26 Oct 2006. Photograph taken from the Midland Railway bridge. 6C73 Sellafield to Heysham nuclear flasks hauled by 47843 Titan Star and 47805 Talisman.
Thu 26 Oct 2006. Photograph taken from the Midland Railway bridge. 6C73 Sellafield to Heysham nuclear flasks hauled by 47843 Titan Star and 47805 Talisman.
2006-10-26 14:53:00
 Thu 26 Oct 2006. Photograph taken from the new road bridge. 6C73 Sellafield to Heysham nuclear flasks hauled by 47843 Titan Star and 47805 Talisman.
Thu 26 Oct 2006. Photograph taken from the new road bridge. 6C73 Sellafield to Heysham nuclear flasks hauled by 47843 Titan Star and 47805 Talisman.
2006-10-26 14:56:18
 Thu 26 Oct 2006 - The platelayers hut is still there!
Thu 26 Oct 2006 - The platelayers hut is still there!
2006-10-26 14:59:45
 Thu 26 Oct 2006 - where have those lovely sidings gone and the Shell Oil Distribution Centre gone!
Thu 26 Oct 2006 - where have those lovely sidings gone and the Shell Oil Distribution Centre gone!
2006-10-26 15:00:00
Thu 26 Oct 2006. The site of that nice signal box, sidings and Shell Petroleum Distribution Centre, but just look what those nasty men are doing - they are laying a hard-standing and changing it into a lorry park!
Thu 26 Oct 2006. The site of that nice signal box, sidings and Shell Petroleum Distribution Centre, but just look what those nasty men are doing - they are laying a hard-standing and changing it into a lorry park!
2006-10-26 15:00:00
 On Saturday 23 Jan 1982, 25064 and 25191 travel light to Carnforth after working the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas field pipe train. They are seen passing King George V playing fields at Oxcliffe.
On Saturday 23 Jan 1982, 25064 and 25191 travel light to Carnforth after working the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas field pipe train. They are seen passing King George V playing fields at Oxcliffe.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Saturday 00 Feb 1982, 25064 and 25191 travel light to Carnforth after working the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas field pipe train. They are seen passing King George V playing fields at Oxcliffe.
On Saturday 00 Feb 1982, 25064 and 25191 travel light to Carnforth after working the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas field pipe train. They are seen passing King George V playing fields at Oxcliffe.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW). Seen propelling its train towards Heysham from Oxcliffe Road Bridge.
On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW). Seen propelling its train towards Heysham from Oxcliffe Road Bridge.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast passes the site of Torrisholme Junction on the Heysham Line. Note the signal gantry above the roof of the brake van. The signal on the left hand post used to be for the line to Green Ayre, whilst the right hand post bore the signal for Morecambe Promenade Station.
On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast passes the site of Torrisholme Junction on the Heysham Line. Note the signal gantry above the roof of the brake van. The signal on the left hand post used to be for the line to Green Ayre, whilst the right hand post bore the signal for Morecambe Promenade Station.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Monday 10 May 1982, the local platelayers gang work on the line at Westgate Bridge, picking up surplus railway sleepers. The train was the Carnforth Ballast, which could be sent anywhere locally to work. (The trailer in the garden belongs to Lindbergh – High Fire Diver. He used to travel performing in shows in the UK and the USA, diving off his high diving board through flames of fire into a small pool of water below).
On Monday 10 May 1982, the local platelayers gang work on the line at Westgate Bridge, picking up surplus railway sleepers. The train was the Carnforth Ballast, which could be sent anywhere locally to work. (The trailer in the garden belongs to Lindbergh – High Fire Diver. He used to travel performing in shows in the UK and the USA, diving off his high diving board through flames of fire into a small pool of water below).
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast. This photograph was taken from the occupation bridge at the end of Albert Road. The bridge has long since been demolished.
On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast. This photograph was taken from the occupation bridge at the end of Albert Road. The bridge has long since been demolished.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Monday 10 May 1982, the local platelayers gang work on the line at Westgate Bridge, picking up surplus railway sleepers. The train was the Carnforth Ballast, which could be sent anywhere locally to work. (The trailer in the garden belongs to Lindbergh – High Fire Diver. He used to travel performing in shows in the UK and the USA, diving off his high diving board through flames of fire into a small pool of water below).
On Monday 10 May 1982, the local platelayers gang work on the line at Westgate Bridge, picking up surplus railway sleepers. The train was the Carnforth Ballast, which could be sent anywhere locally to work. (The trailer in the garden belongs to Lindbergh – High Fire Diver. He used to travel performing in shows in the UK and the USA, diving off his high diving board through flames of fire into a small pool of water below).
1980-01-01 00:00:00
On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast
On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast at Westgate. A nice washing day! You can see the milepost in front of the loco (1 mile from Morecambe Promenade), and also the starter for Heysham Moss.
On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast at Westgate. A nice washing day! You can see the milepost in front of the loco (1 mile from Morecambe Promenade), and also the starter for Heysham Moss.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast
On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast and you can see (the now demolished) occupation bridge.
On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW) on the Carnforth ballast and you can see (the now demolished) occupation bridge.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW). Seen propelling its train towards Heysham from Oxcliffe Road Bridge. (Photo taken looking towards Morecambe.
On Mon 10/05/1982 25093(CW). Seen propelling its train towards Heysham from Oxcliffe Road Bridge. (Photo taken looking towards Morecambe.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 Luck was with me on Mon 10/05/1982. I went to Oxcliffe Road Bridge to photograph the Heysham Moss to Haverton Hill (seen in this picture looking towards the Morecambe direction), when 25093(CW) appeared on the Carnforth Ballast. It is seen here propelling its train to Heysham passing the Heysham Moss to Haverton Hill, hauled by 40082. (See photo below).
Luck was with me on Mon 10/05/1982. I went to Oxcliffe Road Bridge to photograph the Heysham Moss to Haverton Hill (seen in this picture looking towards the Morecambe direction), when 25093(CW) appeared on the Carnforth Ballast. It is seen here propelling its train to Heysham passing the Heysham Moss to Haverton Hill, hauled by 40082. (See photo below).
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 25196, is seen passing King George V playing fields Oxcliffe
25196, is seen passing King George V playing fields Oxcliffe
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Thu 29/10/1981 25200 and 25199 run round the gas pipe train from Leith at Heysham Harbour to marshal it for unloading.
On Thu 29/10/1981 25200 and 25199 run round the gas pipe train from Leith at Heysham Harbour to marshal it for unloading.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
On Thu 29/10/1981 25200 and 25199 run round the gas pipe train from Leith at Heysham Harbour to marshal it for unloading. (Heysham Golf Club is on the right of the loco's.
On Thu 29/10/1981 25200 and 25199 run round the gas pipe train from Leith at Heysham Harbour to marshal it for unloading. (Heysham Golf Club is on the right of the loco's.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Thu 29/10/1981 25200 and 25199 run round the gas pipe train from Leith at Heysham Harbour to marshal it for unloading. The nice Heysham Harbour box is boarded up and locked out of use, although all the signalling equipment is still connected.
On Thu 29/10/1981 25200 and 25199 run round the gas pipe train from Leith at Heysham Harbour to marshal it for unloading. The nice Heysham Harbour box is boarded up and locked out of use, although all the signalling equipment is still connected.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Thu 29/10/1981 25200 and 25199 run round the gas pipe train from Leith at Heysham Harbour to marshal it for unloading.
On Thu 29/10/1981 25200 and 25199 run round the gas pipe train from Leith at Heysham Harbour to marshal it for unloading.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Thu 29/10/1981 25200 and 25199 run round the gas pipe train from Leith at Heysham Harbour to marshal it for unloading.
On Thu 29/10/1981 25200 and 25199 run round the gas pipe train from Leith at Heysham Harbour to marshal it for unloading.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
On Sat 31 Oct 81, after working the Leith - Heysham Harbour gas pipe train the crew of 25200 and 25201, changed crews with 47252, and are seen departing Heysham Mossgate back light to Carnforth.
On Sat 31 Oct 81, after working the Leith - Heysham Harbour gas pipe train the crew of 25200 and 25201, changed crews with 47252, and are seen departing Heysham Mossgate back light to Carnforth.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Sat 31/10/1981 25200 and 25201 propel the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas pipes train to position it for unloading. Heysham Golf Course is to the right of the locos.
On Sat 31/10/1981 25200 and 25201 propel the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas pipes train to position it for unloading. Heysham Golf Course is to the right of the locos.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Sat 31/10/1981 25200 and 25201 propel the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas pipes train to position it for unloading.
On Sat 31/10/1981 25200 and 25201 propel the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas pipes train to position it for unloading.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Sat 31/10/1981 25200 and 25201 propel the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas pipes train to position it for unloading.
On Sat 31/10/1981 25200 and 25201 propel the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas pipes train to position it for unloading.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
On Sat 31 Oct 81, after working the Leith - Heysham Harbour gas pipe train the crew of 25200 and 25201, changed crews with 47252, and are seen departing Heysham Mossgate back light to Carnforth.
On Sat 31 Oct 81, after working the Leith - Heysham Harbour gas pipe train the crew of 25200 and 25201, changed crews with 47252, and are seen departing Heysham Mossgate back light to Carnforth.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 Details to follow.
Details to follow.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 25207 and 25213 travel back light to Carnforth after working the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas pipe train.
25207 and 25213 travel back light to Carnforth after working the Leith to Heysham Harbour gas pipe train.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
 On Friday 27 Nov 81, 25207 and 25213 work the Heysham Harbour to Leith gas pipe empties past King George V playing fields Oxcliffe.
On Friday 27 Nov 81, 25207 and 25213 work the Heysham Harbour to Leith gas pipe empties past King George V playing fields Oxcliffe.
1980-01-01 00:00:00
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