·  LMS  ·  GWR  ·  LNER  ·  Misc  ·  Stations  ·  What's New  ·  Video  ·  Guestbook  ·  About

LMS Routes

LMS Route: Coventry Loop Line

The Coventry Loop Line was built to divert goods traffic from Nuneaton away from the congested lines running through Coventry station. The line first opened, on 16th August 1914, with the new junction commencing from the Coventry side of Bedlam Crossing on the Nuneaton to Coventry line. The line ran from Three Spires Junction to Folley Lane Junction better known as Humber Road Junction on the Coventry to Rugby line, the latter junction not being opened until circa 1916.

Mileages

0.00 Humber Road Junction
0.59 Gosford Green
2.08 Morris sidings
2.47 Bell Green
3.44 Three Spires Junction

The goods line served Gosford Green Goods Yard, Coventry Wholesale Market, Coventry Ordnance Depot, and Bell Green Goods Yard. There were no scheduled passenger services on the route and it was only very rarely used for passenger services, primarily diversions during engineering works on the West Coast Main Line. There were also a number of passenger specials but these could be counted on one hand. The junction at Humber Road was severed on 7th October 1963 as part of the electrification of the West Coast Main Line. From this date to closure the line was worked as a long siding to Gosford Green principally for traffic destined for Chrysler's Scottish Linwood plant. Included below are various instructions British Railways enforced when the line was worked as a long siding. The line finally closed in 1981 with the loss of this traffic and was subsequently lifted. Today much of the line is now the route of a dual carriageway for vehicles destined for the M6 and Nuneaton.

Martin Kavanagh writes 'Colin Maggs in his book Branch Lines of Warwickshire quotes a Willesden-Manchester freight as being the last ever through train to traverse the Loop Line but Geoffrey Hurst in his book LNWR Branch Lines of West Leicestershire & East Warwickshire tells an interesting story around Humber Road Junction – Gosford Green closing on Sunday 7th October 1963, due to be taken out of use on Sunday 13 October 1963, however a Carlisle – Willesden goods derailment blocked the West Coast Main Line and some traffic was diverted over the Loop Line'.

Signal Cabin Closure Dates

Location Closing Date
Gosford Green 26-02-67
Ordnance Cos Siding 26-02-67
Bell Green 26-02-67

Working the Coventry Loop Line as a branch line post 1963

Method of working. The down and up goods line between Three Spires Junction and Gosford Green are under the control of the Signalman at Three Spires Junction box and Absolute conditions apply. Protection of trains stopped by accident, etc and Failure of Communications. Trains stopped by accident, failure, obstruction or other exceptional cause must be protected in accordance with the provisions of the rule book, Section M. Should there be no communication between the Signalman at Three Spires Junction box and Gosford Green, a train must not be allowed to proceed on the up goods line from Three Spires Junction until the time usually taken by the preceding train to clear the section plus an allowance for a train having been stopped and having to run at reduced speed. Should the Guard of a down train waiting to depart from Gosford Green be unable to contact the Signalman at Three Spires Junction he may authorise the train to depart after the time usually taken by the preceding train has elapsed and he has advised the Driver of the failure and instructed him to travel at caution stopping at Bell Green, if necessary.

Three Spires Junction

Three Spires Junction was situated on the Coventry to Nuneaton Line where the Coventry Loop Line branched off to avoid Coventry Station, rejoining the L & B line further south at Humber Road junction. It was also the location where sidings were located to handle the coal traffic originating from the coal fields located between Coventry & Bedworth.

View from Lythall Lane road bridge towards Foleshill gas works with the sidings and branch on the left
Ref: lnwr_3spires2090
N Todd
View from Lythall Lane road bridge towards Foleshill gas works with the sidings and branch on the left
Looking towards Three Spires junction with the loop line on the left and the Nuneaton to Coventry line on the right.
Ref: lnwr_3spires2091
N Todd
Looking towards Three Spires junction with the loop line on the left and the Nuneaton to Coventry line on the right.
View of the road bridge constructed with steel beams which carried Lythall Lane over Three Spires Junction
Ref: lnwr_3spires2092
N Todd
View of the road bridge constructed with steel beams which carried Lythall Lane over Three Spires Junction
English Electric Type 4 1Co-Co1 No D255 is seen on the diverted 3:45pm Euston to Birmingham New Street service in September 1966
Ref: lnwr_3spires2073a
M Mensing
Close up of the LNWR parachute water tank which has been provided with two 'bags', one for each track
View of Three Spires Junction signal box with the branch to Gosford Green on the left and exchange sidings on the right
Ref: lnwrcll2750
R Bristow
View of Three Spires Junction signal box with the branch to Gosford Green on the left and exchange sidings on the right

Schematic diagram showing the layout of Three Spires Junction with the Loop Line exiting off the up line
Ref: lnwr_3spires3050
C Allbright
View from Lythalls Lane bridge looking towards Foleshill with Three Spires signal cabin and the Loop Line still intact
Keresley Colliery's Sentinel 0-8-0 Diesel shunter at work at the end of the exchange sidings during the Winter of 1971
Ref: lnwr_3spires3206
C Allbright
Keresley Colliery's Sentinel
0-8-0 Diesel shunter at work at the end of the exchange sidings during 1971
View of Lythalls Lane bridge with the pub in the background during the winter of 1971
Ref: lnwr_3spires3196
C Allbright
View of Lythalls Lane bridge with the public house in the background during the winter of 1971
A close up view of Lythalls Lane bridge and the tubular bridge carrying the new North Sea gas pipe over the railway
Ref: lnwr_3spires3199
DH Allbright
A close up view of Lythalls Lane bridge and the tubular bridge carrying the new North Sea gas pipe over the railway
Looking north from Lythalls Lane bridge towards Keresley Colliery exchange sidings with the Gasometers behind
Ref: lnwr_3spires3202
C Allbright
Looking north from Lythalls Lane bridge towards Keresley Colliery exchange sidings with the Gasometers behind

Standing on the hump line looking at the rear of Three Spires Junction Signal Cabin in the 1960s
Ref: lnwr_3spires3197
DH Allbright
Standing on the hump line looking at the rear of Three Spires Junction Signal Cabin in the 1960s
Close up of Three Spires Junction Signal Cabin with the Coventry Loop Line in the background
Ref: lnwr_3spires3200
DH Allbright
Close up showing the Three Spires Junction Signal Cabin with the Coventry Loop Line in the background
View of Three Spires Junction Signal Cabin seen from above the now abandoned hump line during the Winter of 1971
Ref: lnwr_3spires3201
C Allbright
View of Three Spires Junction Signal Cabin seen from above the now abandoned hump line during the Winter of 1971
Another view of Three Spires Junction Signal Cabin with the steps from Lythalls Lane on the left
Ref: lnwr_3spires3404
C Jones
Another view of Three Spires Junction Signal Cabin with the steps from Lythalls Lane on the left

1929 Aerial Views

A 1929 aerial view looking in the direction of Nuneaton of Three Spires Junction and the Coventry Loop Line
Ref: lnwrcll4170
Britain from Above
A 1929 aerial view looking in the direction of Nuneaton of Three Spires Junction and the Coventry Loop Line
Close up of the 1929 aerial view of the sidings at Three Spires Junction and showing the open mineral wagons are empty
Ref: lnwrcll4171
Britain from Above
Close up of the 1929 aerial view of the sidings showing the numerous open mineral wagons are empty
Close up of the 1929 aerial view of the throat of the sidings at Three Spires Junction and the approach roads
Ref: lnwrcll4172
Britain from Above
Close up of the aerial view of the throat of the sidings at Three Spires Junction and the approach roads
First of three 1929 'landscape' aerial views of the sidings and the numerous Private Owner Wagons stabled at Three Spires Junction
Ref: lnwrcll4173
Britain from Above
First of three 1929 'landscape' aerial views of the sidings and Private Owner Wagons stabled at Three Spires Junction
The second of three 1929 'landscape' aerial views of the sidings and the numerous Private Owner Wagons stabled at Three Spires Junction
Ref: lnwrcll4174
Britain from Above
The second of three 1929 aerial views of the sidings and PO Wagons stabled at Three Spires Junction

The third of three 1929 'landscape' aerial views of the sidings and the numerous Private Owner Wagons stabled at Three Spires Junction
Ref: lnwrcll4175
Britain from Above
The third of three 1929 aerial views of the sidings and Private Owner Wagons stabled at Three Spires Junction
A 1929 aerial views of the sidings showing a down goods train arriving on the loop lines adjacent to the main branch lines
Ref: lnwrcll4176
Britain from Above
Another 1929 aerial view of the sidings showing a down goods train arriving on the loop line
A close up of the 1929 aerial view of the sidings showing the guards van at the rear of the down goods train arriving on the loop lines
Ref: lnwrcll4177
Britain from Above
A close up of the aerial view showing the guards van at the rear of the down goods train arriving on the loop line
An unidentified ex-LNWR 0-6-0 locomotive is seen with a goods train running tender first on the loop line at Three Spires Junction
Ref: lnwrcll4178
Britain from Above
An ex-LNWR 0-6-0 engine heads a goods train running tender first on the loop line at Three Spires Junction
An aerial view showing a goods train comprised of open wagons and vans is passing the signals at Three Spires Junction
Ref: lnwrcll4179
Britain from Above
An aerial view showing the goods train is comprised of open wagons and vans and is passing the signals

A 1929 aerial view of the Coventry Loop Line showing the extension to the Riley Motor Works being erected on the right
Ref: lnwrcll4180
Britain from Above
Another view of the Coventry Loop Line and the extension to the Riley Motor Works being erected on the right
A 1929 aerial view of the Coventry to Nuneaton branch with Bedlam Lane and Wyken Sidings in the foreground
Ref: lnwrcll4263
Britain from Above
A 1929 aerial view of the Coventry to Nuneaton branch with Bedlam Lane and Wyken Sidings in the foreground

Miscellaneous

A gang of labourers pose for the camera alongside the contractor's narrow gauge railway used to move spoil from the earthworks
Ref: lnwrcll3407
R Fox
Labourers pose alongside the contractor's narrow gauge railway used to move spoil from the earthworks
View of the rear of a Steam Shovel or 'Steam Navvy' excavating the Coventry Loop Line near to Three Spires Junction
Ref: lnwrcll4198
A Mundy
View of the rear of a 'Steam Navvy' excavating the Coventry Loop Line near to Three Spires Junction
Another view of the rear of a Steam Shovel or 'Steam Navvy' excavating the Coventry Loop Line near to Three Spires Junction
Ref: lnwrcll4199
A Mundy
Another view of the rear of a 'Steam Navvy' excavating the Coventry Loop Line near to Three Spires Junction
The contractor's standard gauge 0-6-0 Hunslet locomotive 'Uxbridge' is posed for the camera between shifts
Ref: lnwrcll3408
R Fox
The contractor's standard gauge 0-6-0 Hunslet locomotive 'Uxbridge' poses for the camera between shifts
A mineral wagon awaiting repair in the cripple siding located to the south of Three Spires Junction Signal Cabin
Ref: lnwr_3spires3198
C Allbright
A mineral wagon awaiting repair in the cripple siding located to the south of Three Spires Junction Signal Cabin

Three members of Three Spires staff pose for the camera, A Dalby, Yard Inspector J Lissaman and E Randle
Ref: lnwr_3spires3409
H Addison
Members of Three Spires staff pose for the camera, A Dalby, Yard Inspector J Lissaman and E Randle
Harry Addison poses on a five-plank open coal wagon stabled on one Three Spires Junction's exchange sidings
Ref: lnwr_3spires3410
H Addison
Harry Addison poses on a five-plank open coal wagon stabled on one Three Spires Junction's exchange sidings

Trains seen at or near Three Spires Junction

Ex-LNWR 0-8-0 'G1' No 8892 blows off steam whilst shunting at Three Spires Junction circa 1947
Ref: lnwr_3spires1477
HW Robinson©Steam Archive
Ex-LNWR 0-8-0 'G1' No 8892 blows off steam whilst shunting at Three Spires Junction circa 1947
English Electric Type 4 1Co-Co1 No D255 is seen on the diverted 3:45pm Euston to Birmingham New Street service in September 1966
Ref: lnwr_3spires2073
M Mensing
English Electric Type 4 1Co-Co1 No D255 is seen on the diverted 3:45pm Euston to New Street service
Coventry Colliery 0-6-0T No 5 is seen shunting coal wagons at the exchange sidings at Three Spires Junction on 4th October 1957
Ref: lnwr_3spires1745
AW Flowers
Coventry Colliery 0-6-0T No 5 is seen shunting coal wagons at the exchange sidings at Three Spires Junction
A Metro Cammell two car DMU is seen passing Three Spires Junction on the 1:45pm Nuneaton to Leamington Spa (Avenue) local service
Ref: lnwr_3spires2073
M Mensing
A Metro Cammell two car DMU passes Three Spires Junction on the 1:45pm Nuneaton to Leamington local service
View of Coventry Colliery 0-6-0T No 5 standing outside the shed which was located near to Three Spires Junction on 4th October 1957
Ref: lnwr_3spires1744
AW Flowers
View of Coventry Colliery 0-6-0T No 5 standing outside the shed which was located near to Three Spires Junction

An unidentified ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 locomotive propels a brake van past the Junction towards Foleshill station
Ref: lnwr_3spires3414
G Biddle
An unidentified ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 locomotive propels a brake van past the Junction towards Foleshill station
Brush Type 4 1842 with an empty cartic train comes off what became known as the Gosford Green branch on 4th August 1971
Ref: lnwr_3spires3415
R Kosys
Brush Type 4 1842 with an empty cartic train comes off what became known as the Gosford Green branch
A three car BRCW Diesel Multiple Unit, on a special working, has just passed the diminutive Bedlam Gates Signal Cabin on 23rd August 1981
Ref: lnwr_3spires3411
S Turner
A three car BRCW DMU on a special working, has just passed the diminutive Bedlam Gates Signal Cabin
British Rail Class 58017, a Co-Co class of diesel locomotive, propels empty Merry Go Round wagons forming 11:26 from Garston Docks
Ref: lnwr_3spires3413
S Turner
BR Class 58017 propels empty Merry Go Round wagons forming 11:26 from Garston Docks

Ordnance Survey Maps, Track Plans and Schematic Drawings

A 1912 Ordnance Survey map showing only the outline of the earthworks at Three Spires Junction and the Coventry Loop Line
Ref: lnwr_3spires3405
National Library of Scotland
A 1912 OS map showing only the outline of the earthworks at Three Spires Junction and the Coventry Loop Line
A 1915 Ordnance Survey map showing only the outline of the earthworks of the junction and the Coventry Loop Line
Ref: lnwr_3spires3225
National Library of Scotland
A 1915 Ordnance Survey map showing only the outline of the earthworks of the junction and the Coventry Loop Line
A 1926 Ordnance Survey map of Three Spires Junction and the exchange sidings of Coventry Colliery
Ref: lnwr_3spires3242
National Library of Scotland
A 1926 Ordnance Survey map of Three Spires Junction and the exchange sidings of Coventry Colliery
A 1928 Ordnance Survey map of Three Spires Junction and the exchange sidings of Coventry Colliery
Ref: lnwr_3spires3222
National Library of Scotland
A 1928 Ordnance Survey map of Three Spires Junction and the exchange sidings of Coventry Colliery
A 1936 Ordnance Survey map showing Three Spires Junction and the exchange sidings as well as the Coventry Loop Line
Ref: lnwr_3spires3405
National Library of Scotland
A 1936 Ordnance Survey map showing Three Spires Junction and the exchange sidings as well as the Coventry Loop Line

A 1944 Ordnance Survey map of Three Spires Junction and the exchange sidings of Coventry Colliery
Ref: lnwr_3spires3221
National Library of Scotland
A 1944 Ordnance Survey map of Three Spires Junction and the exchange sidings of Coventry Colliery
Schematic diagram showing the layout of Three Spires Junction with the Loop Line exiting off the up line
Ref: lnwrcll2758
M Christensen
Schematic diagram showing the layout of Three Spires Junction with the Loop Line exiting off the up line
A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the goods shed and two sets of sidings adjacent to Foleshill station
Ref: lnwrmap114
M Hollick
A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the goods shed and two sets of sidings adjacent to Foleshill station
A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the route between Three Spires Junction signal box and Humber Road Junction signal box
Ref: lnwrmap113
M Hollick
A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the route between Three Spires Junction and Humber Road Junction
A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the route from Nuneaton to Coventry plus the Loop Line
Ref: lnwrmap108
M Hollick
A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the route from Nuneaton to Coventry plus the Loop Line route

back to top

Bell Green

Method of working at Bell Green. Trains must not be allowed to shunt inside for other trains to pass. The trailing points on the down goods line are normally clipped and padlocked for through movements along the down goods line and the key kept in the Three Spires Junction box. The Guard of a train requiring to call at Bell Green must collect the key from the Signalman at Three Spires Junction box before departure and sign for its receipt in the Train Register. When work has been completed at Bell Green the Guard must set the points for through movements along the down goods line and clip and relock the padlock. The key must be handed to the Signalman of Three Spires Junction box upon return and an entry of the fact must be entered in the Train Register.

Martin Kavanagh writes 'The very last traffic to Bell green was some Ford car flats carrying Transit vans from Southampton, this would have been roughly 1982. Although I can’t locate it now I have seen this traffic listed in a Conditional Working Time Table, I think it was pretty short lived in nature'.

Bell Green signal box which controlled the entrance into Bell Green Goods Yard which was off Stoney Stanton Road
Ref: lnwrcll2760
RK Blencowe
Bell Green signal box which controlled the entrance into Bell Green Goods Yard which was off Stoney Stanton Road
Ex-LNWR 7F 0-8-0 G2a class No 49164 is seen travelling on the down line and about to cross over on the loop line to Three Spires junction
Ref: lnwrcll2748
R Bristow
Looking in the direction of 3 Spires Junction along the two sidings of the yard which lay adjacent to the Loop Line
Looking along Stoney Stanton Road as a tram passes under Coventry Loop Line and in front of Bell Green goods yard which is on the left on 20th August 1939
Ref: lnwrcll1741
HB Priestley
Looking along Stoney Stanton Road as a tram passes under Coventry Loop Line and in front of Bell Green goods yard
View of the bridge which carried the Loop Line over Stoney Stanton Road during February/March 1984
Ref: lnwrcll2756
R Bristow
View of the bridge which carried the Loop Line over Stoney Stanton Road during February/March 1984
Looking towards Gosford Green with the gate to the now abandoned Bell Green goods yard on the right
Ref: lnwrcll3214
R Bristow
Looking towards Gosford Green with the gate to the now abandoned Bell Green goods yard on the right

A 1930 aerial view of Bell Green Goods Yard (at the top of the photograph) and Morris Engines Sidings on the right
Ref: lnwrcll4189
Britain from Above
A 1930 aerial view of Bell Green Goods Yard (at the top of the photograph) and Morris Engines Sidings on the right
A 1930s aerial view of the Coventry Loop Line adjacent to Morris Engines Sidings and its Signal Cabin
Ref: lnwrcll4189
Britain from Above
A 1930s aerial view of the Coventry Loop Line adjacent to Morris Engines Sidings and its Signal Cabin
View of the road bridge constructed with steel beams which carried Lythall Lane over Three Spires Junction
Ref: lnwrcll3243
Scottish National Library
A 1926 OS map of Bell Green Goods Yard showing four sidings plus a goods shed accessed by a fifth siding
A 1944 Ordnance Survey map of Bell Green Goods Yard showing no change to the 1926 layout
Ref: lnwrcll3241
Scottish National Library
A 1944 Ordnance Survey map of Bell Green Goods Yard showing no change to the 1926 layout

back to top

Foleshill Railway

Nominally independent, the Foleshill Railway was opened in 1901 to serve Webster's brickwork's from a junction off the Nuneaton line. In 1905 it was extended to serve the new Courtaulds factory and Coventry Ordnance Works and in doing so it crossed on the level at Stoney Stanton Road the 3 foot 6 inch gauge Coventry Corporation Tramway system. During the Great War (First World War) of 1914-18 the line carried much heavy ordnance traffic from the Admiralty works in the form of gun barrels for the Royal Navy's Dreadnought class battleships. A new connection was made with the Coventry Loop Line in 1914 making it not only a through route but one with access to the Rugby to Coventry line as well as the Nuneaton to Coventry line. Courtaulds eventually took over the Foleshill Railway and their traffic was always steam worked, the line closing on 29th February 1972 after Courtaulds converted their boilers from coal to gas. A final steaming was staged on 8th April 1972 before some 100 enthusiasts and Courtaulds wove a silk bookmark to commemorate the event. 'Rocket', the 0-4-0ST Peckett (Works No 1722 of 1926), which was purchased new for the line, was handed over to a local RCTS member for transmission to Tyseley Museum.

Foleshill Railway - The Great War

An unidentified 0-4-0ST is seen moving a large naval gun through Coventry Ordance Works to be moved to Scotoun in Glasgow where it would be married to its mountings
Ref: miscfr001
Coventry City Libraries
An unidentified 0-4-0ST locomotive is seen moving a large naval gun through Coventry Ordance Works
Another naval gun is seen mounted on Midland Railway trucks whilst standing in the exchange sidings adjacent to the LNWR's Coventry Loop Line
Ref: miscfr002
Coventry City Libraries
Another naval gun, mounted on MR trucks, stands in the exchange sidings adjacent to the Coventry Loop Line
View of inside the Shell Shop at White & Poppe's factory in Holbrooks as workers are seen loading shell cases into wagons ready to be transported to be filled with explosive
Ref: miscfr003
Coventry City Libraries
Inside the Shell Shop at White & Poppe's factory in Holbrooks as workers load shell cases into wagons
Another photograph taken at the exchange sidings with what is thought to be a 15 inch gun barrel for one of the Royal Navy's Dreadnought class battleships
Ref: miscfr004
Coventry City Libraries
Another view at the exchange sidings showing a 15 inch gun barrel for one of the Dreadnought class battleships
View of an unidentified 0-6-0ST as it hauls a gun barrel through the boundary fence between the Foleshill Railway and the LNWR's Coventry Loop Line
Ref: miscfr005
Coventry City Libraries
The 0-4-0ST hauls a barrel through the boundary fence between the Foleshill Railway and the Coventry Loop Line

View of the unidentified 0-6-0ST hauling the 15 inch gun barrel along the Foleshill Railway as it passes alongside the Coventry Canal
Ref: miscfr006
Coventry City Libraries
The 0-4-0ST hauls a 15 inch gun barrel along the Foleshill Railway as it passes alongside the Coventry Canal
Close up showing the 0-4-0ST at the head of the short train carrying the 15 inch gun barrel and the special four-bogie wagon attached at this end
Ref: miscfr006a
Coventry City Libraries
Close up of the 0-4-0ST and the 15 inch gun barrel and the special four-bogie wagon attached at this end
Close up showing the opposite end of the short train which because the barrel was lighter at this end only needed to be carried by a special two-bogie wagon
Ref: miscfr006b
Coventry City Libraries
Close up of the opposite end of the short train showing this end only needed a special two-bogie wagon
View of the short train carrying the 15 inch gun barrel which is sandwiched between two 0-4-0ST locomotives as it passes over an unknown road
Ref: miscfr007
Coventry City Libraries
View of the short train carrying the 15 inch gun barrel between two 0-4-0STs passing over Pridmore Road
Close up showing the 0-4-0ST which is working hard as it crosses over the bridge at the head of the short train
Ref: miscfr007a
Coventry City Libraries
Close up showing the 0-4-0ST which is working hard as it crosses over the bridge at the head of the short train

Close up of the short train carrying the 15 inch gun barrel which shows breech end of the gun barrel and the the length of these giant guns
Ref: miscfr007b
Coventry City Libraries
Close up of the short train carrying the 15 inch gun barrel showing the breech end of the gun barrel
View of one of the 15 inch gun barrels being transported on the Foleshill Railway as it crosses Stoney Stanton Road
Ref: miscfr010
Coventry City Libraries
View of one of the 15 inch gun barrels being transported on the Foleshill Railway as it crosses Stoney Stanton Road
Another view of one of the 15 inch gun barrels being moved on the Foleshill Railway crossing Stoney Stanton Rd
Ref: lnwrfr2080
Coventry City Libraries
Another view of one of the 15 inch gun barrels being moved on the Foleshill Railway crossing Stoney Stanton Rd
A 1931 aerial view of the Daimler Work's sidings with the Nuneaton branch's junction with the Foleshill Railway beyond
Ref: lnwrcll4190
Britain from Above
A 1931 aerial view of the Daimler Work's sidings & Nuneaton branch's junction with the Foleshill Railway
Another aerial view of the Nuneaton branch's junction with the Foleshill railway with the Daimler Work's sidings on the left
Ref: lnwrcll4191
Britain from Above
Another aerial view of the junction with the Foleshill railway with the Daimler Work's sidings on the left

Foleshill Railway - The last two decades of steam

Peckett Class OY1 Special 0-4-0ST Works No 2085 is seen standing cold outside of Courtauld's shed on the Foleshill Railway
Ref: miscfr015
RA Fox
Peckett Class OY1 Special 0-4-0ST Works No 2085 is seen standing cold outside of Courtauld's shed
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST 'Nellie' Works No 2053 built in 1938 is seen standing within the confines of Courtaulds factory on 6th March 1955
Ref: miscfr016
TJ Edgington
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST 'Nellie' built in 1938 stands within Courtauld's factory on 6th March 1955
Peckett 0-4-0ST Works No 1722 'Rocket' is seen working a train of coal wagons through Courtaulds factory in March 1969
Ref: miscfr017
TJ Edgington
Peckett 0-4-0ST 'Rocket' is seen working a train of coal wagons through Courtaulds factory in March 1969
Manning Wardle 0-6-0ST 'Netherton' was built in 1903 and moved to Coventry in 1916 to build the Holbrooks Lane munitions factory
Ref: miscfr018
J Ryan
Manning Wardle 0-6-0ST 'Netherton' moved to Coventry in 1916 to build the Holbrooks Lane munitions factory
Peckett locomotive 0-4-0ST No 2085 waiting with empty mineral wagons on the Kingfield Road overbridge in December 1970
Ref: miscfr304
R Carr
Peckett locomotive 0-4-0ST No 2085 waiting with empty mineral wagons on the Kingfield Road

Foleshill Railway Open Day - Marking the closure of the line

Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1722 'Rocket' approaches Foleshill shed and the photographer on 8th April 1972
Ref: miscfr302
R Carr
Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1722 'Rocket' approaches Foleshill shed and the photographer on 8th April 1972
Peckett 0-4-0ST, Works No 2085, is seen standing in front of the locomotive shed on 8th April 1972
Ref: miscfr303
R Carr
Peckett 0-4-0ST, Works No 2085, is seen standing in front of the locomotive shed on 8th April 1972
The 'Foleshill Railway Company' flag flutters above railway enthusiasts inspecting the locomotive shed
Ref: miscfr307
R Carr
The 'Foleshill Railway Company' flag flutters above railway enthusiasts inspecting the locomotive shed
Railway enthusiasts on a platform watch Peckett 0-4-ST, Works No 1722, 'Rocket', steam by on 8th April 1972
Ref: miscfr307
R Carr
Railway enthusiasts on a platform watch Peckett 0-4-ST, Works No 1722, 'Rocket', steam
Manning Wardle 0-6-0ST 'Netherton' was built in 1903 and moved to Coventry in 1916 to build the Holbrooks Lane munitions factory
Ref: miscfr305
R Carr
View of the sandbox fitted to Peckett, Works No 2085, with its BTC registration plate fixed to its side

Ordnance Survey Maps

An 1888 Ordnance Survey map showing mainly countryside where the Foleshill Railway was later to be built
Ref: lnwrcll3234
Scottish National Library
An 1888 Ordnance Survey map showing mainly countryside where the Foleshill Railway was later to be built
A 1915 Ordnance Survey map showing the line of Foleshill Railway and the various factories it served
Ref: lnwrcll3231
Scottish National Library
A 1915 Ordnance Survey map showing the line of Foleshill Railway and the various factories it served
Close up of the 1912 OS map showing the junction of line of the Foleshill Railway at Webster's Sidings
Ref: lnwrcll3232
Scottish National Library
Close up of the 1912 OS map showing the junction of line of the Foleshill Railway at Webster's Sidings
A 1926 Ordnance Survey map showing the line of Foleshill Railway and the various factories it served
Ref: lnwrcll3230
Scottish National Library
A 1926 Ordnance Survey map showing the line of Foleshill Railway and the various factories it served
A 1944 Ordnance Survey map showing the line of Foleshill Railway and the various factories it served
Ref: lnwrcll3229
Scottish National Library
A 1944 Ordnance Survey map showing the line of Foleshill Railway and the various factories it served

back to top

Lineside Views

The following images show the different elements of the Coventry Loop line ranging from bridges and sidings to locomotives and signal boxes.

Working at Morris Sidings. Trains must not be allowed to shunt inside for other trains to pass. The trailing points in the up goods line are clipped and padlocked for through movements along the down goods line and the key kept in the Three Spires Junction box. The Guard of a train requiring to call at these sidings must collect the key from the Signalman at Three Spires Junction box before departure and sign for its receipt in the Train Register. When work has been completed at the sidings the Guard must set the points for through movements along the up goods line and clip and relock the padlock. The key must be handed to the Signalman of Three Spires Junction box upon return and an entry of the fact must be entered in the Train Register.

View of Coventry Loop Line under construction with the over bridges complete but still with the contractor's temporary track in place
Ref: lnwrcll1743
C Maggs
View of Coventry Loop Line with the over bridges built but still with the contractor's temporary track in place
View of Bridge No 9 situated on the Coventry Loop Line built in 1912 to the drawing 'lnwrcll2754'
Ref: lnwrcll2755
BR/OPC
View of Bridge No 9 situated on the Coventry Loop Line built in 1912 to the drawing 'lnwrcll2754'
View of Heath Road bridge with Bridge No 9 seen in the distance during February/March 1984
Ref: lnwrcll2751
R Bristow
View of Heath Road bridge with Bridge No 9 seen in the distance during February/March 1984
The remains of the pointwork and trackwork located outside the Morris Engines sidings seen in February/March 1984
Ref: lnwrcll2757
R Bristow
The remains of the pointwork and trackwork located outside the Morris Engines sidings seen in February/March 1984
Binley Road bridge which carried the railway to Gosford Green sidings which was to the left of the camera
Ref: lnwrcll2747
R Bristow
Binley Road bridge which carried the railway to Gosford Green sidings which was to the left of the camera

View from Mercer Avenue bridge looking north with the old GEC works on the left in March 1984
Ref: lnwrcll2753
R Bristow
View from Mercer Avenue bridge looking north with the old GEC works on the left in March 1984
Ordnance Sidings signal box, its purpose being to control the sidings to Morris Engines and the Ordnance works
Ref: lnwrcll2746
Anon
Ordnance Sidings signal box, its purpose being to control the sidings to Morris Engines and the Ordnance works
The abutments on the Coventry Canal which carried the Foleshill Railway into Admiralty works on Red Lane
Ref: lnwrcll2749
R Bristow
The abutments on the Coventry Canal which carried the Foleshill Railway into Admiralty works on Red Lane
A LNWR drawing showing the side elevation of Bridge No 9 located on the Coventry Loop Line
Ref: lnwrcll2754
LNWR
A LNWR drawing showing the side elevation of Bridge No 9 located on the Coventry Loop Line
Courtaulds 0-4-0ST 'Rocket' is seen shunting in the exchange sidings adjacent to the LNWR's Nuneaton to Coventry line
Ref: lnwrcll1742
Rev A Newman
Courtaulds 0-4-0ST 'Rocket' shunts the exchange sidings adjacent to the LNWR's Nuneaton to Coventry line

View looking south from Caludon Road bridge along the part lifted line towards Gosford Green
Ref: lnwrcll3209
R Bristow
View looking south from Caludon Road bridge along the part lifted line towards Gosford Green
View looking south from Foleshill Road bridge along the disused branch towards Gosford Green
Ref: lnwrcll3210
R Bristow
View looking south from Foleshill Road bridge along the disused branch towards Gosford Green
View looking north from Foleshill Road bridge along the disused branch towards Three Spires Junction
Ref: lnwrcll3211
R Bristow
View looking north from Foleshill Road bridge along the disused branch towards Three Spires Junction
Looking north from Beresford footbridge along the disused line towards Three Spires Junction and Nuneaton
Ref: lnwrcll3212
R Bristow
Looking north from Beresford footbridge along the disused line towards Three Spires Junction and Nuneaton
Looking south from Beresford footbridge towards Foleshill Road and Bell Green and Gosford Green goods yards
Ref: lnwrcll3213
R Bristow
Looking south from Beresford footbridge towards Foleshill Road and Bell Green and Gosford Green goods yards

The rail bridge carrying the loop line over the Coventry Canal located between Bell Green and the Foleshill Road
Ref: lnwrcll3215
R Bristow
The rail bridge carrying the loop line over the Coventry Canal located between Bell Green and the Foleshill Road
Looking towards Walsgrave Road bridge and Ball Hill which can be seen in the distance
Ref: lnwrcll3216
R Bristow
Looking towards Walsgrave Road bridge and Ball Hill which can be seen in the distance
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 'Black 5' No 44773 is seen at the head of an empty parcels train as it  transits the Coventry Loop Line
Ref: lnwrcll1746
AW Flowers
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 'Black 5' No 44773 is seen at the head of an empty parcels train as it transits the Loop Line
Ex-LNWR 7F 0-8-0 G2a class No 49164 is seen travelling on the down line and about to cross over on the loop line to Three Spires junction
Ref: lnwrcll2741
AW Flowers
BR built 2MT 2-6-0 No 46445 is seen at Little Heath shortly after it was transferred to Coventry in 1957

back to top

Gosford Green

Gosford Green Goods yard was located off the Binley Road in the district of Stoke in Coventry. Opened on 10th August 1914 as one of two goods yards on the Coventry Loop Line its location close to an industrial district of Coventry meant that it would be in much use for many years. In fact its closeness to the car factory in Humber Road operated by the Rootes Group, later the Chrysler Corporation, to move cars between Linwood near Paisley in Scotland meant that it remained open until the 1970s. The yard had six sidings arranged in three pairs and handled a wide variety of goods with machined products outward and materials inward. After approximately six years in service the facility at Gosford Green was taken out of use when Avenger production at Ryton ceased on July 1st 1976. Much of the plant was then shipped to Linwood by rail! With the loss of this traffic the Gosford Green branch was worked on an 'as required' basis twice weekly using a Class 25 stabled at Coventry. This was the T41 working on Tuesday & Thursday only calling at the Morris Siding and Gosford Green.

Method of working. A train must not pass the 'Stop' board situated on the up goods line and enter or leave the sidings until the Guard has ensured the sidings are clear and that it safe to do so. When the person in charge of the freight liner terminal is on duty, a movement must not be made into the terminal until permission of the Person in charge has been obtained. When the person in charge of the Freight Liner Terminal is not on duty, the Guard, before authorising the driver to make a movement into the terminal, must ensure that it is safe to do so. Propelling movements of Carflat, Bocar, and/or Freightliner vehicles, loaded or empty, must not be made in either direction through the crossover connecting the yard shunting neck with the down goods line. Such movements must be made via the up goods line. Departing trains must be formed on the down goods line and incoming trains split on the up goods line.

On arrival of an up train at Gosford Green, The Guard must advise the Signalman at Three Spires Junction box when the train with tail lamp attached is inside the 'Stop and carry out instructions' board situated opposite the goods office. Before a down train requiring to leave Gosford Green is allowed to pass the 'Stop and obtain permission to proceed' board situated opposite the Freightliner Terminal office, the permission of the Signalman at Three Spires Junction box must be obtained by means of the telephone in the Shunter's cabin. All movements working on these lines must be drawn by a locomotive and carry a tail lamp on the rear vehicle. A brake van must always be the rear vehicle on Class 7 to 9 trains inclusive.

Richard Brierley writes after pointing out an error regarding the sidings adjacent to the BOC Depot, 'The British Oxygen Co. depot was not rail connected as indicated. It was in fact located on the opposite side of Clyde Road, later part of Terry Road, the main buildings being the hatched block in that position on the maps. The storage yard extended to the railway embankment and along towards the Folly Lane pedestrian tunnel but was about 20 feet below rail level. The private sidings and buildings opposite the yard belonged to Smiths Stamping Works, as visible on one of the maps and the signal box diagram.

I attended the nearby Gosford Park School (Folly Lane School in my father's time there) in the early 1950s. In my final two years there (1953-5), I would cross the footbridge after school and watch the afternoon general goods shunt from the bank just inside the pedestrian entrance to the yard. The shunt covered Roads 1-3 and was usually worked by a Leicester 2F (e.g. 58218, 58290) or a Nuneaton Super D (e.g. 49293, 49415). Roads 2 and 3 were usually loose shunted, the loads being mainly timber for the depot at the Binley Road end of the yard. Stock for the goods shed was more carefully handled , resulting in the locomotive having to pass our vantage point. Roads 4 and 5, next to the avoiding line embankment, were the preserve of the Rootes Group traffic. This usually consisted of rakes of curtain sided covered bogie wagons. Inward loads were mainly car body shells and Commer lorry cabs from the Pressed Steel works at Oxford.

Outbound were often cased up vehicles for export. Smiths Stamping Works was on the opposite side of the avoiding line and the sidings were visible from the footbridge. In addition to wagon loads of materials, there were usually one or two rectangular tank wagons with fuel for the furnaces. The sidings were also home to a couple of Grafton steam cranes, one eventually being dismantled and its remains scattered along the embankment towards Terry Road. After the shunt, the made up train was drawn towards Humber Road Junction. Here, in a gap in main line traffic, the locomotive ran round via the crossover on the main line and propelled the train on to the up main line, then taking the crossover to the down line and onwards towards Coventry. Fortunately my mother got used to me turning up late after school – Unthinkable these days!'

View of the throat of Gosford Green goods yard during construction and the footbridge provided for pedestrians
Ref: lnwrcll117
Coventry Local Studies
The throat of Gosford Green goods yard seen during construction with the pedestrian footbridge
Close up of the left-hand side of Gosford Green goods yard and Holme & King Ltd's equipment and materials
Ref: lnwrcll117a
Coventry Local Studies
Close up of the left-hand side of Gosford Green goods yard and Holme & King Ltd's equipment and materials
Close up of the right hand side of the goods yard showing the gas lampposts and the hand-operated fixed crane located in the centre of the goods yard
Ref: lnwrcll117b
Coventry Local Studies
Close up of the gas lamp posts and the hand-operated fixed crane located in the centre of the goods yard
View of Gosford Green goods yard's entrance taken from the road bridge that crossed Binley Road in Stoke, a district of Coventry
Ref: lnwrcll106
BR-OPC
View of Gosford Green goods yard's entrance taken from the bridge which carried the railway over Binley Road
Close up of Walker's timber yard situated behind the two sidings and also occupied the goods shed in the distance
Ref: lnwrcll106a
BR-OPC
Close up of Walker's timber yard situated behind the two sidings and also occupied the goods shed in the distance

Close up of Gosford Green goods yard's weighbridge and office which was sited at the entrance to the yard
Ref: lnwrcll106b
BR-OPC
Close up of Gosford Green goods yard's weighbridge and office which was sited at the entrance to the yard
View from inside the yard of the entrance from Binley Rd into Gosford Green yard with the weighbridge on the left
Ref: lnwrcll107
BR-OPC
View from inside the yard of the entrance from Binley Rd into Gosford Green yard with the weighbridge on the left
An elevated view of the yard's entrance with weighbridge on the left and the yard manager's house behind
Ref: lnwrcll108
BR-OPC
An elevated view of the yard's entrance with weighbridge on the left and the yard manager's house behind
Close up of Gosford Green's pit mounted weighbridge and the office within which was the scale indicator
Ref: lnwrcll108a
BR-OPC
Close up of Gosford Green's pit mounted weighbridge and the office within which was the scale indicator
An unidentified LNWR 2-4-2T locomotive is seen at an incomplete Gosford Green yard at the head of a train of fourteen wagons
Ref: lnwrcll3218
J Alsop
A LNWR 2-4-2T locomotive is seen at Gosford Green yard at the head of a train of fourteen wagons c1914

View of Gosford Green goods yard and shed after Freightliner operations ceased as seen in March 1984
Ref: lnwrcll2752
R Bristow
View of Gosford Green goods yard and shed after Freightliner operations ceased as seen in March 1984
View of the contractor's crawler crane being used to lift the track within Gosford Green goods yard
Ref: lnwrcll2744
P Myhill
View of the contractor's crawler crane being used to lift the track within Gosford Green goods yard
View of the throat of Gosford Green goods yard and its connection to the former Coventry Loop Line
Ref: lnwrcll2743
P Myhill
View of the throat of Gosford Green goods yard and its connection to the former Coventry Loop Line
Two unknown ex-LMS locomotives, wreathed in smoke, stand at the entrance to Gosford Green goods yard
Ref: lnwrcll2745
P Myhill
Two unknown ex-LMS locomotives, wreathed in smoke, stand at the entrance to Gosford Green goods yard
An unknown ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 locomotive stands beneath the footbridge crossing Gosford Green goods yard
Ref: lnwrcll2740
P Myhill
An unknown ex-LMS 8F 2-8-0 locomotive stands beneath the footbridge crossing Gosford Green goods yard

Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 45091 is seen passing Gosford Green goods yard on a RCTS special, 'The Mercian' on 2nd June 1957
Ref: lnwrcll3219
HF Wheeler
Ex-LMS 5MT 4-6-0 No 45091 passing Gosford Green goods yard on a RCTS special, 'The Mercian' on 2nd June 1957
Schematic diagram showing the layout of Three Spires Junction with the Loop Line exiting off the up line
Ref: lnwrcll3219a
HF Wheeler
Close up of Gosford Green goods yard now being used to store old mineral wagons constructed of timber
Ex-LMS 2-6-0 'Stanier Crab' No 42976 at the head of a Type 8 through freight near Gosford Green in the early 1960s
Ref: lnwrcll3217
J Kirby
Ex-LMS 2-6-0 No 42976 at the head of a Type 8 through freight near Gosford Green in the early 1960s
A model of Humber Motors & Cycles L&NWR CCT Van painted in the company's 1905 to 1909 livery
Ref: lnwrcll4458
E Schoon
A model of Humber Motors & Cycles L&NWR CCT Van painted in the company's 1905 to 1909 livery

First of two 1920 aerial views of Gosford Green Goods Yard and T Smiths Stamping Work's sidings
Ref: lnwrcll4184
Britain from Above
First of two 1920 aerial views of Gosford Green Goods Yard and T Smiths Stamping Work's sidings
Second of two 1920 aerial views of Gosford Green Goods Yard and T Smiths Stamping Work's sidings
Ref: lnwrcll4186
Britain from Above
Second of two 1920 aerial views of Gosford Green Goods Yard and T Smiths Stamping Work's sidings
First of three 1924 aerial views of Gosford Green Goods Yard and T Smiths Stamping Work's sidings
Ref: lnwrcll4181
Britain from Above
First of three 1924 aerial views of Gosford Green Goods Yard and T Smiths Stamping Work's sidings
Second of three 1924 aerial views of Gosford Green Goods Yard and T Smiths Stamping Work's sidings
Ref: lnwrcll4182
Britain from Above
Second of three 1924 aerial views of Gosford Green Goods Yard and T Smiths Stamping Work's sidings
Third of three 1924 aerial views of Gosford Green Goods Yard and T Smiths Stamping Work's sidings
Ref: lnwrcll4183
Britain from Above
Third of three 1924 aerial views of Gosford Green Goods Yard and T Smiths Stamping Work's sidings

A 1920 view of the Loop Line passing British Oxgen Corporation's building and Terry Road bridge
Ref: lnwrcll4188
Britain from Above
A 1920 view of the Loop Line passing British Oxgen Corporation's building and Terry Road bridge
Another 1920 view of the Loop Line passing British Oxgen Corporation's building and Terry Road bridge
Ref: lnwrcll4187
Britain from Above
Another 1920 view of the Loop Line passing British Oxgen Corporation's building and Terry Road bridge

A 1919 Ordnance Survey map of Humber Road Junction and Gosford Green goods yard in course of construction
Ref: lnwrcll3245
Scottish National Library
A 1919 Ordnance Survey map of Humber Road Junction and Gosford Green goods yard in course of construction
A 1923 OS map of Gosford Green goods yard and the sidings adjacent to the British Oxygen Company
Ref: lnwrcll3240
Scottish National Library
A 1923 OS map of Gosford Green goods yard and the sidings adjacent to the British Oxygen Company
A 1944 OS map of Gosford Green goods yard and the sidings adjacent to the British Oxygen Company
Ref: lnwrcll3246
Scottish National Library
A 1944 OS map of Gosford Green goods yard and the sidings adjacent to the British Oxygen Company
A 1944 Ordnance Survey map showing the line of Foleshill Railway and the various factories it served
Ref: lnwrcll3247
Scottish National Library
A 1947 OS map of Gosford Green goods yard and the sidings adjacent to the British Oxygen Company
An undated 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey map of Smiths Stamping Works and Gosford Green goods yard
Ref: lnwrcll4200
Ordnance Survey
An undated 25 inch to the mile Ordnance Survey map of Smiths Stamping Works and Gosford Green goods yard

Schematic of Gosford Green signal box's diagram showing the sidings and points within the block
Ref: lnwrcll2759
M Christensen
Schematic of Gosford Green signal box's diagram showing the sidings and points within the block

back to top

Humber Road Junction

Opened in 1916 when the Coventry Loop Line was finally completed, the junction was originally named Pinley Junction after the lane which crossed the railway at this point. The change of name occurred after the lane was renamed following the construction of the Humber factory owned by the Rootes Group. The junction was removed as part of the electrification work to the West Coast main line although the importance of the Loop Line providing an alternative route for goods traffic around Coventry had declined with the loss of traffic to road hauliers. The junction closed on 7th October 1963.

View of Folly Lane, later named Humber Road, junction signal box prior to it being opened and before the lever frame was installed
Ref: lnwrcll116
Coventry Local Studies
View of Folly Lane junction signal cabin prior to it being opened and before the lever frame was installed
Looking north towards Coventry from Folley Lane, later renamed Humber Road, bridge with the branch line to Three Spires junction still to be opened to traffic
Ref: lnwrcll103
Coventry Local Studies
Looking north to Coventry with the branch line to Three Spires Junction on the right still to be opened to traffic
Close up showing the junction and signal box with open wagons loaded with ballast standing alongside the signal controlling access to the main line
Ref: lnwrcll103a
Coventry Local Studies
Close up of the junction and signal box with open wagons loaded with ballast standing alongside the signal
Looking through Folley Lane tunnels towards the tunnel under the Coventry to Rugby main line  during construction of the loop line
Ref: lnwrcll1740
Coventry Local Studies
Looking through Folley Lane tunnels towards the Coventry to Rugby main line during construction of the loop line
An unidentified LNWR 4-4-0 George Fifth class locomotive is seen at the head of a Birmingham to Euston express train passing the junction with the loop line
Ref: lnwrcll110
Coventry Local Studies
An unidentified LNWR 4-4-0 George Fifth class locomotive at the head of a Birmingham to Euston express train

Close up showing the unidentified LNWR 4-4-0 George Fifth class locomotive as it passes over the junction with the loop line
Ref: lnwrcll110a
Coventry Local Studies
Close up of the unidentified LNWR 4-4-0 George Fifth class locomotive as it passes over the junction with the loop line
LNWR 0-8-0 No 1279 is running fast on a down empty mineral train south of Folley Lane bridge circa 1910
Ref: lnwrcll4167
G Barwick
LNWR 0-8-0 No 1279 is running fast on a down empty mineral train south of Folley Lane bridge circa 1910
An unidentified LNWR 0-8-0 locomotive is being re-railed after hitting the buffer stops at Folley junction
Ref: lnwrcll2372
J Alsop
An unidentified LNWR 0-8-0 locomotive is being re-railed after hitting the buffer stops at Folley junction
View across the junction showing the rear of the unidentified locomotive's tender being hoisted into the air
Ref: lnwrcll2374
E Lloyd
View across the junction showing the rear of the unknown locomotive's tender being hoisted into the air
View of the front end of the 0-8-0 locomotive as the breakdown crew prepare to re-rail the engine
Ref: lnwrcll2375
E Lloyd
View of the front end of the 0-8-0 locomotive as the breakdown crew prepare to re-rail the engine

View of two unidentified ex-LMS 2-8-0 8F locomotives being employed during electrification and track renewal operations at Humber Road junction
Ref: lnwrcll114
Anon
Two unknown ex-LMS 2-8-0 8F locomotives employed during electrification and track renewal operations
An unidentified ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 Jubilee class locomotive is seen at the head of a named up express train as it crosses over Humber Road junction
Ref: lnwrcll113
Anon
An unknown ex-LMS 4-6-0 Jubilee class locomotive heads a named up express as it crosses the junction
Ex-LMS 5MT 2-6-0 No 42953 on a empty stock working to Rugby as it passes through Humber Road junction
Ref: lnwrcll111
Anon
Ex-LMS 5MT 2-6-0 No 42953 on a empty stock working to Rugby as it passes through Humber Road junction
Ex-LNWR 7F 0-8-0 G2a class No 49164 is seen travelling on the down line and about to cross over on the loop line to Three Spires junction
Ref: lnwrcll112
Anon
Ex-LNWR 7F 0-8-0 No 49164 travels on the down line as it crosses over on the loop line to Three Spires junction
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 No 44771 passes Humber Road junction on 9th November 1963 with an up Type 8 freight train
Ref: lnwrcll2373
M Mensing
Ex-LMS 4-6-0 No 44771 passes Humber Road junction on 9th November 1963 with an up Type 8 freight train

An unidentified 0-6-0 Diesel shunter approaches Humber Road junction on its way from Rugby to Coventry
Ref: lnwrcll115
Anon
An unidentified 0-6-0 Diesel shunter approaches Humber Road junction on its way from Rugby to Coventry
Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 No 45625 'Sarawak' passes Humber Road Junction signal box during the late 1950s
Ref: lnwrcll2742
P Myhill
Ex-LMS 5XP 4-6-0 No 45625 'Sarawak' passes Humber Road Junction signal box during the late 1950s
A 1920 aerial view of the Coventry Loop Line taken above Folley Lane tunnels with Hillman Motor Car Works in the background
Ref: lnwrcll4168
Britain from Above
A 1920 aerial view taken above Folley Lane tunnels with Hillman Motor Car Works in the background
A 1920 aerial view of Folley Lane Tunnel passing beneath the Coventry Loop Line with Humber Road on the right
Ref: lnwrcll4169
Britain from Above
A 1920 aerial view of Folley Lane Tunnel passing beneath the Coventry Loop Line with Humber Road on the right

An 1888 Ordnance Survey map of Folly Lane showing the area prior to the Coventry Loop Line being built
Ref: lnwrcll3226
Scottish National Library
An 1888 Ordnance Survey map of Folly Lane showing the area prior to the Coventry Loop Line being built
A 1919 Ordnance Survey map of Humber Road Junction and Gosford Green goods yard in course of construction
Ref: lnwrcll3245
Scottish National Library
A 1919 Ordnance Survey map of Humber Road Junction and Gosford Green goods yard in course of construction
A 1926 Ordnance Survey map showing Humber Road Junction some eight years after the line opened
Ref: lnwrcll3227
Scottish National Library
A 1926 Ordnance Survey map showing Humber Road Junction some eight years after the line opened
A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the route between Three Spires Junction signal box and Humber Road Junction signal box
Ref: lnwrmap113
M Hollick
A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the route between Three Spires Junction and Humber Road Junction
A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the route from Nuneaton to Coventry plus the Loop Line
Ref: lnwrmap108
M Hollick
A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the route from Nuneaton to Coventry plus the Loop Line

A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the route between Coventry and Rugby No 7 Signal Box
Ref: lnwrmap103
M Hollick
A 1930s LMS Control strip map showing the route between Coventry and Rugby No 7 Signal Box

Mr RA Walford writes, 'I hope the following will be of help. When I was a boy in the 1940s & 1950s I lived near the Coventry Loop line. In the 1940s I lived near the Bell Green good yard and from my bedroom I could watch the shunting engines working there. I recall there being various 0-6-0s and 0-8-0s, being used as the main engines. During the war, when Coventry was being subjected to regular bombings, I remember seeing a train going regularly along the line with a large anti-aircraft gun mounted on a long flat wagon. I think it was being used to defend the large factories in the area, (e.g. Alfred Herbert, Morris Engines, etc). During the above time I recall that every lunchtime, a small freight train used to leave the Bell Green yard and head to Gosford Green yard. On route it would stop at the Morris Engines factory to shunt wagons into the factory and collect wagons from there.

The Morris factory had a small 0-4-0 diesel to marshal the wagons around the factory. There would also be a pickup and exchange of wagons at this stop from sidings on the other side of the main line which were used by the Royal Ordinance factory. Their factory was about half a mile from the main line and they had a spur line from the sidings to the factory. There main motive power was provided by a small 0-4-0 steam tank engine. If I recall correctly the line went right through the factory, across the Stoney Stanton Road, via a level crossing, to a large scrap yard at Priestly Bridge. After this round of shunting the freight train continued onto Gosford Green Yard. I am sorry if the above is a bit vague but it is now my memory trying to drag back events from 60 years ago!'