DARLINGTON'S RAILWAY HERITAGE (AND THERE'S TIME FOR A PINT!)

As we approach the town of Darlington, we come across the North Eastern Railway's locomotive works, where a 4-4-0 is lifted high into the air.. 

 

Workers not at work in the works in NER times.

64938 and others in the works yard in BR times.

An unusual visitor, diesel shunter D2700 at the works.

Darlington North Road station, on the Bishop Auckland line, visited by a V2 hauled railtour.

Part of North Road station has been converted into a museum, where "Derwent" from the Stockton & Darlington Railway is exhibited.

Some more locos on display, reflecting local industry.

In the yard outside, an ex Gas Board loco is in steam.

Before looking at the rest of Darlington's railways, as we're in the north of the town, it would be a shame to miss out on the Snooker Club (CAMRA members welcome), where a great selection of real ales are sold.

Nearby was once the County Borough pub, gone now, I'm afraid.

Just north of Darlington's main station, named Bank Top, was the loco shed, where LNER (ex H&BR) 2477 is seen in 1932

80103 looks pristine as it sits outside Darlington MPD.

Feeling rather sorry for itself ex WD 2-10-0 no. 90772 in the shed yard.

LNER 4348 photographed entering Darlington Bank Top on a semi-fast in May 1932.

A general view of Bank Top station in the 1970s, with a DMU and a class 47.

It's 1999 and a Royal Mail service calls.

A more modern photo, in 2013, but history now; as all the Pacers have gone.

The next post will see us looking at the town's public transport and its pubs.