long met - widnes

[widnesian]

got a problem with the date of closure of the joint GC & MR shed at Tanhouse in Widnes, the easiest way is to find out when the first Long Meg - Widnes train of anhydrate hoppers arrived in Widnes, does anyone know

Richie

[kudu]

I don't know whether you've already checked the Hawkins & Reeve "LMS Engine Sheds", which only says that a Jinty was based there until December 1941. It is listed in the section covering sheds closed before 1947 but in this case may only mean that the LMS ceased using it in the 1940s rather than that it was closed completely.

Kudu

[widnesian]

thanks Kudu, what I have found out is, the Widnes GC shed was sub-shed to Brunswick (LIV pre 48, 13E 48-50) when it became 8E in May 1950 the GC shed became sub-shed to Widnes 8D (LNW) and 8D took on the local targets, although in Harry Townley's 1951 photograph he notes 68547 as
being in residence and in Roger Griffith's photograph you can just see a tank loco inside the shed which could be 68547 or 68598, both Brunswick loco's at that time, there are no reports of any sightings after that period. my feeling is late 1953 early 54 for closure and demolition during 1954
old track lifted, ground levelled, new track laid and sidings inside the two works, USAC works and Blue Circle works ready for production to begin . on the 21st May 1955, that's my thoughts now to prove it, need the date of the first anhydrate train to make a case.

Richie