LMS Route: Birmingham New Street to Nuneaton

Whitacre Junction Station: mrjiaj392

An unidentified MR 0-6-0 on what is thought to be a Hampton to Whitacre one coach train. In his excellent book 'Branch Lines of Warwickshire' Colin Maggs believes that the above photograph shows the train departing from Hampton 'Derby Junction'.

If this is the case then this view of the one-coach train cannot be taken on the main line itself as the layout would be wrong e.g. the signal box should be on the opposite side as seen, there would be four running lines. In addition the locomotive, if leaving Hampton 'Derby Junction' as viewed would be runnning in the direction of Coventry.

In the absence of a track plan, and acknowledging Colin Maggs impeccable knowledge and sources of photographs and information, we can only conclude that if Colin is correct, the above must show the train after it had just left the LNWR Coventry to Birmingham line and is on the branch itself. The 'Lee and Son', of Coalville, mineral wagons appear to be on rails at least three roads away from the locomotive.

Therefore the siding branching to the right has to be the MR yard or shed. Yet the shadows of the signal box creates some doubt as the yard and shed were to the north of the station and the shadows appear to indicate the signal box is to the south or west of the line.

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