Blackpool North Station

View looking towards the Station buildings

Photograph taken by P. Nettleton

BLACKPOOL NORTH

North is now the largest terminus station in the country, to be controlled exclusively by mechanical signalling. We no longer have three train operating companies serving the station, just two which are Northern and Trans Pennine Express. Trains run to Manchester Airport, Buxton, Liverpool and York. The original station, built in 1898 was demolished in 1973 to make way for a supermarket.

View inside Blackpool North station
Photograph taken by P. Nettleton

The Blackpool North of today was the excursion side of the old station, and the covered concourse is now fondly nicknamed ‘the goldfish bowl’ which has been refurbished several times. This has included colourful banners hanging down from the ceiling.

There are two mechanical signalboxes which control the approaches to the station, Blackpool North No.1, the larger one of the two, Blackpool North No.2 which is seen pictured here.

North signal box near Blackpool North station
Photograph taken by P. Nettleton

During a lull in a busy timetable, the duty signalman takes the opportunity to spruce the ‘box up by cleaning the windows.

View inside the North signal box
Photograph taken by P. Nettleton

This picture which was taken inside the ‘box was shot in November, clearly shows the large lever frame.

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