Preston Station - Past & Present
PRESTON STATION REMODELLING
BY MIKE NORRIS

Mike would like to hear from anyone involved with the remodelling and resignalling of the station and surrounding area to aid historical research for future documentation, please contact via the Feedback page.

SECTION CONTENTS
1.
Background
2. Project Approval & Planning
3. The Work at Preston
4. Signalling & Power Box Commissioning
5. Electrification, Catenary & Electricity Supply
6. Delays
7. Locomotives
8. Media
9. It's Official!
6. Delays
The original plan was for the new improved services to be available for the launch of the new timetable on the 7th May, but due to industrial disputes in 1972 it was delayed, the change over of locomotives being performed at Crewe instead of Preston.

On the 23rd July 1973, 87 002 complete with mark two coaching stock, took the first electric service south from Preston, this marked the completion of the project to Preston.

Trains changed from electric to diesel traction at Preston, until May 1974 when the full electric service commenced, after which the five hour dream became a reality.

pic1In May 1972, class 50 number 402 is departing south from the current platform four (former platform six). No.3 signal box has completely disappeared by this time and the new number six platform line and goods loop are now laid visible in the background. A new colour light gantry has appeared which would form signals 112 and 113 when the power box takes over in nine months time. An overhead catenary stanchion is visible on the extreme right of the picture, the late completion of overhead wiring being the primary cause for the delayed start of the new electric services. This photograph courtesy David Ford.