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Railway accident at Little Salkeld, 1933

Remains of 0-6-0 goods engine number 4091 following a railway accident at Little Salkeld station on the Settle to Carlisle line, 10 July 1933. The London, Midland & Scottish Railway's Carlisle to London express was derailed when it hit three wagons which had been mistakenly shunted across its path. The driver of the freight train was killed and 35 passengers and staff injured. This locomotive was hit by the derailed express train.

© Copyright A National Railway Museum / Science & Society Picture Libr

Patrolling the permanent way, Manningtree, Essex, May 1948

A ganger patrolling the permanent way, Manningtree, Essex, May 1948. Maintanence of the permanent way was essential for the safe running of the railway. The ganger checks the sleepers, the fastenings of the chairs holding the rails, the tightness of fishplates and the size of the gap between the rails. He carries a hammer for knocking in loose keys securing the rails in their chairs. Photographer Cyril Herbert was one of the few enthusiasts who produced studies of railwaymen. Herbert worked on the railway himself and took this photograph while on duty.

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, c 1927

Passengers waiting for a train, at Eskdale Green station on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, by HGW Household, about 1927. The R & E R opened in 1875 between Dalegarth and Ravenglass. It was used for the transportation of iron ore, as well as for carrying passengers. The line closed in 1913 when the iron mine closed, due to a flood. The line later re-opened on a 15 gauge, again to carry passengers and ores. It has been preserved as miniature railway.

© Copyright National Railway Museum / Science & Society Picture Libr