Coaling stage

Coal arrived on trains, the wagons were shunted up the coal stage. When inside the coal satge the coal was emptied put in to smaller tubbs, these were then put on to ramps over the engine an tipped in, just as it still is today. On top of the caol stage is a 72,500 gallon water tank to supply the water columns in front of the engine shed.

Along side the coaling stage is the ash pit, and ash siding. During the war an ash shelter was errected over the pit so that enemy bombers couldn't see the glowing ash. The ash siding is where wagons were parked for filling with ash from the pit.

All photographs ©Mark Baldry