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Bowesfield Lane and Urlay Nook crossing

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Bowesfield Lane and Urlay Nook crossing 08/03/2019 at 17:18 #116259
northroad
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I understand that the York ROC Bowesfield work station is to be commissioned this weekend leading to the closing of the Bowesfield signal box. This will now control Bishopton Lane, Bowesfield and Eaglescliffe RI's and I further understand that the existing Urlay Nook MCG crossing will be converted to an MCB-OD crossing over the next two weeks.

I have fond memories of this area especially Urlay Nook where British Chrome and Chemicals had one of the factories. Working with raw chrome ore was a dangerous undertaking with many of the workers suffering burns and injuries as a result of working there. The crossing gates were known to break down especially at times of wild windy and monsoon rain weather. The gates were one of the last remaining (if not the last) types with the motors being mounted on the half height gates.

In the steam days there were regular workings to here and occasionally to the MOD distribution stores at Eaglescliffe all regulated by Urlay Nook box.

Geoff

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Bowesfield Lane and Urlay Nook crossing 08/03/2019 at 20:17 #116269
norman B
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Memories, covered by a morning trip from Thornaby which dealt with Eaglescliffe traffic then worked to the Urlay Nook facilities.The MOD had its own shunter after we had dropped off at the exchange sidings.

I once worked this trip with about 12ins of snow on the ground!

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The following user said thank you: northroad
Bowesfield Lane and Urlay Nook crossing 08/03/2019 at 23:03 #116278
northroad
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norman B in post 116269 said:
Memories, covered by a morning trip from Thornaby which dealt with Eaglescliffe traffic then worked to the Urlay Nook facilities.The MOD had its own shunter after we had dropped off at the exchange sidings.

I once worked this trip with about 12ins of snow on the ground!
I seem to remember that the traffic that came from Thornaby had to pass over the level crossing before reversing back into the MOD sidings or British Chrome. The big yellow heap of ore outside was a good indicator of where you were if it was dark.
I also remember standing on Eaglescliffe station some mornings waiting for the DMU into Middlesbrough and seeing the coastal portion of the sleeper that had come up from the Cross that morning. There was also some sidings there which were often used to hold freight in order to get a path into Thornaby and beyond.

Happy days.........

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Bowesfield Lane and Urlay Nook crossing 09/03/2019 at 10:51 #116294
norman B
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Yes up to the crossing,set back and go about your jobs then back around to Eaglescliffe and pick up any other wagons for the return trip.

All fitted in with the Saltburn - Darlington DMU services.

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