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.
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In
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. |
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