Left school at 15 in 1981, joining BR in 1982 on the YOP (forerunner to YTS). Managed to get kept on in 1983 and went signalling until 1989. A career in station & Ops supervision, and then Control followed.
Photographed lots 1982-84 and then lapsed. As a mobile supervisor covering the NW between 1991 and 1995 I barely took any pictures - which is ridiculous when I look at the access I had to things! Pilotworking class 31s on the Folly Lane branch, riding in cabs of 37s and 56s on Stanlow to Ravenhead trains when operating the ground frame, unrestricted lineside access to photograph the 20s, 31, and 37s that were all working in the area on passenger and freight at the time, signalbox visits - yep, I recorded nothing!!
So since around 2014 I've been recording whatever I can, mainly signalling locations and semaphores before they all go.
All done in the industry now, as retirement called in September 2024!
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- JoinedJanuary 2009
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John's railway photos from the 1980s are quite an extraordinary collection. Images are sharp, well-composed and intriguing so I usually find myself bringing them up to full size to find out more. I just hope there are lots more still to come.