Hi,
I was reviewing one of Paul Bolger’s books on Scottish Region BR MPD’s and this shed caught my attention. It’s an interesting layout with a huge shed, two turntables (one at each end) and a unique building with a clock tower near the south turntable. Has anyone got some photographs of this unusual building? What was its purpose?
Any assistance would be appreciated.
Regards
Steve
Eastfield MPD 65A
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Re: Eastfield MPD 65A
Sorry I can't help with photos. I can only assume the building was the shed's main offices, though there may have been other offices along the west side, unless these were stores etc. That clock tower certainly gives Eastfield a distinctive appearance, though otherwise I'm not sure the depot layout was particularly unusual apart from having 2 turntables.
I can tell you it opened in 1904, replacing a 15-road dead-end shed at Cowlairs that was absorbed into the works. Shed turntables often changed position and I'm prepared to bet it only had one when it opened. The coaling tower came in LNER days, of course. It also lost its original NBR pagoda-style smoke vents.
For sheds with clocks the most distinctive example I'm aware of was at Nine Elms, where the 1876-1909 shed had a tower of elaborate design on the end of 2-storey offices. Like Eastfield, this was located in the yard. The shed itself was also highly unusual - indeed, unique - in being a huge 26-road part-roundhouse served by two turntables. (See Southern Sheds in Camera, OPC.)
Before this shed opened its predecessor was also unusual. It had only 7 roads yet had 2 turntables plus an avoiding road at each end. 4 tables for such a small shed seems ridiculous overkill. It only lasted 11 years before the site was taken by the works.
But back to clock towers. The only other example that springs to mind is Berwick, also NBR. This was a quite attractive 13-road part-roundhouse where the centre road was under the water tower, which had a clock. (See LNER Sheds in Camera.)
I suspect many sheds may have had clocks without towers, though. The NER and GCR may have been especially keen. But can anyone add to the list of shed clock towers?
Kudu
I can tell you it opened in 1904, replacing a 15-road dead-end shed at Cowlairs that was absorbed into the works. Shed turntables often changed position and I'm prepared to bet it only had one when it opened. The coaling tower came in LNER days, of course. It also lost its original NBR pagoda-style smoke vents.
For sheds with clocks the most distinctive example I'm aware of was at Nine Elms, where the 1876-1909 shed had a tower of elaborate design on the end of 2-storey offices. Like Eastfield, this was located in the yard. The shed itself was also highly unusual - indeed, unique - in being a huge 26-road part-roundhouse served by two turntables. (See Southern Sheds in Camera, OPC.)
Before this shed opened its predecessor was also unusual. It had only 7 roads yet had 2 turntables plus an avoiding road at each end. 4 tables for such a small shed seems ridiculous overkill. It only lasted 11 years before the site was taken by the works.
But back to clock towers. The only other example that springs to mind is Berwick, also NBR. This was a quite attractive 13-road part-roundhouse where the centre road was under the water tower, which had a clock. (See LNER Sheds in Camera.)
I suspect many sheds may have had clocks without towers, though. The NER and GCR may have been especially keen. But can anyone add to the list of shed clock towers?
Kudu
Re: Eastfield MPD 65A
Hi Kudu,
I thank you for the information it’s an interesting story…at least the cleaners could see the time from anywhere around the yard…would not want to miss tea!
The other impressive Scots design for me was Inverness. A water tank and coal stage fitted all within a grand arch, interesting. I read the roundhouse was demolished in 1963.
Regards
Steve
I thank you for the information it’s an interesting story…at least the cleaners could see the time from anywhere around the yard…would not want to miss tea!
The other impressive Scots design for me was Inverness. A water tank and coal stage fitted all within a grand arch, interesting. I read the roundhouse was demolished in 1963.
Regards
Steve
Re: Eastfield MPD 65A
Sadly I never made it to the Inverness roundhouse. I reckon that the Inverness and Nine Elms semi-roundhouses were the most architecturally distinguished sheds in Britain, though some of the smaller ones were attractive, like St Blazey. Btw, I don't think the Inverness tower held coal, only water on the top.
Kudu
Kudu
Re: Eastfield MPD 65A
I seem to remember that the building with the clock tower housed the shed master's office. I went round Eastfield a number of times in the late '60s and early '70s and always asked permission beforehand - it was never refused.
Bill
Bill