TWO train enthusiasts have shared their memories about working at Warrington Dallam Locomotive Shed which closed down around half a century ago.

Roy Dixon, from Great Sankey, and Colin Turton, from Widnes, were both based at the shed for many years. 

The two friends have joined forces to publish the history of the site for a train pamphlet.

Warrington was first served by a railway on July 25, 1831, when the Warrington and Newton Railway opened a four-and-a-half mile branch from the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.

“The town became even more important as a railway centre when Britain’s first trunk line, the Grand Junction Railway, opened between Newton-le-Willows and Birmingham on July 4, 1837,” said 72-year-old Roy.

“From July 16, 1846, the Grand Junction Railway became part of the London and North Western Railway who provided Warrington with a locomotive shed as early as 1850.”

But this five-road shed became inadequate for the levels of traffic and a new facility was opened in Dallam.

The new site was built to house 40 locomotives and it was later refurbished in 1957. A plaque inscribed with the year remains on the building.  

“Looking back it’s hard to believe that it is more than 50 years since Dallam closed to steam engines on October 2, 1967,” said 77-year-old Colin.

“The shed remained open for the stabling of diesel locomotives and to provide turning and water facilities for visiting steam locomotives until August 11, 1968 – the last day for the main line steam on British Railways.”

After the closure, the site remained derelict for a number of years before it was taken over for industrial use.

“Both Colin and I have made notes and kept diaries so we can piece together the history,” said Roy.

“They were happy days working at the shed. It was a pleasure to go to work each day.

“I joined the railway at the beginning of 1962 so I was there up until the shed closed in 1968.

"I have many happy memories working on the railway.

“I became a driver in later years but it was on the diesel and electric trains by then.”

If you have a story to share about the locomotive shed email lauren.hirst@nqnw.co.uk.