Monument Lane Shed

OK, I apologise! There aren't any pictures of the shed itself... Still, plenty of interest I hope.

58178 3E nr Monument Lane Shed - 27/7/54

This is the closest we get to a picture of the shed itself. I suspect this was taken from a train heading out of Birmingham towards Monument Lane station. Indeed, this photo on the Warwickshire Railways website confirms that it was and that the tunnel hidden in the steam is the north tunnel from New Street, now buried under the NIA. The large building occupying most of the background was a saw mill while the building to the left was a malthouse. The engine shed would have been off to the right of this view.

Class 2F 0-6-0 MR 'Johnson' 58178 was on home turf. The engine was built in 1876.

Monument Lane Sidings - 27/6/55

I first thought that this picture had been taken from Monument Road (now Ladywood Middleway) but Andy Doherty pointed out that there was a very tall signal box site adjacent to Monument Road and suggests that it was taken from there. Given my father's ability to talk his way into almost any box, I suspect he may be correct!

The view is looking towards Birmingham and shows the extensive sidings at Monument Lane. The road bridge in the centre carries St. Vincent Street and the shed was behind the large building to the right of the bridge. This building is identified as a Goods Station on a 1914 map. The houses to the left were located in Shakespeare Road, Ladywood, a road lost during the slum clearance of the area.

46155 nr Monument Lane Stn - 27/6/55

If you look to the bottom left of the picture directly above, you'll be able to see where this shot was taken from. This view shows what appears to be a roofless shed to the right.

Class 7 4-6-0 rebuilt Royal Scot 46155 was also known as 'The Lancer'.

W End of Monument Lane Stn - 27/6/55

Here we are at the west end of Monument Lane station. To the right, yet another extensive shed is visible and this is identified as a carriage shed on my 1914 map.

I wondered what the rather odd pole in the foreground was for, thinking that it was some kind of obscure piece of railway equipment. Thanks to Mark and Will for pointing out that is was just a very battered lamp post - compare with the one in the background!