Well I've passed it often enough, but I've never actually had any reason to use Broughty Ferry Station - so for those of you who were Ferry passengers, this batch of photos from the mid 80's will take you back.
Top one is of the level crossing & signal box at Gray Street and was taken in July 1985.
The signal box and footbridge were later dismantled and is currently in storage, perhaps to be reassembled sometime in the future.
Middle shot is a view from the other side of the structure as seen from the platform. Picture is dated February 1984.
The last image is a look inside at the station's ticket office. If you zoom into the large version you'll find plenty of BR paraphernalia to read. This was snapped in September 1984, and then a year later it became unstaffed.
The station is now operated by mission control in Dundee.
Photos by Neale Elder.
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ReplyDeleteOn the same 'local' railway tack, the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway features two local stations - Wormit and Monifieth. See "Bo'ness Station" and "Birkhill Station" at:-
http://www.srps.org.uk/railway/stations.htm
8=)
This is just how i remember it-Brilliant pictures! The Ferry station is a ruin now!I spent many a day at the gates as i was a huge diesel locomotive fan(Took many pictures from 82 onwards til 85) and was familiar with the staff at Broughty.Highlights were been given a guided tour of the signal box on many occasions and observing the signalman operating the large wheel to open/close the gates and pulling the levers which controlled the semaphore signals.It was criminal that the box and bridge were "dismantled" as The Ferry to me is just not The Ferry without the manned signalbox.
ReplyDeleteMust admit that, when it comes to trainspotting, I'm more of a fan of the film than the pastime, but what fantastic photos. I was a kid when these photos were taken, but I still expect to see some of these buildings every time I pass through the Ferry on the train.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad that so many structures have been removed in support of "progress". These days, town/village stations are simple platforms rather than proper (or even basic) facilities. Carnoustie station, for instance, used to have a wee ticket office (closed around the same time as the one in the Ferry) but, these days, you have to rely on the dodgy ticket machine which never accepts my credit card. There aren't even any toilets or a basic taxi rank for visitors which, given it's a tourist/golfing town, is a bit strange. Oh well, that's progress.
Ah, I would LOVE to see more photos of Broughty Station as I used to help out the porter with the "catalogue" parcels that came on the 4.20 DMU from Dundee and were sorted for the Rail Express Parcels Guy - Dave Henry if I remember correctly. I also spent many happy hours with some of the signalmaen who let me work the box while they read the paper. Have now worked for British Rail and Now London Underground for the past 31 years - I just hope that all the guys at Broughty Ferry know how much it all means to me now ! Thank you Willie Bruce, Wee Frank and all!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see again the film i saw at the McMANUS around 1979 of the last train to Forfar Kingsmuir (1967)Not only did the Ferry have more signals and trackwork including a small Gantry signal to the rear of McPhersons but you left the main line at Broughty Ferry Jct and signalbox(behind The Sands/Buddies and opposite Orchar Pk) and climbed up and over the mainline,over Monifieth Rd and into a rural Barnhill & with its Seven Arches viaduct.Sure this film must still exist.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, a clip of the film you're referring to is on the 'Railways of Scotland' CineRail video series, Volume 8, 'Dundee and the Tay Bridge'. Should be available on DVD.
ReplyDeleteThanks Neale,i do have that DVD and it does indeed contain clips from that film.The version i saw was the full version of the journey from Dundee to Kingsmuir & return.thanks though.PS I remember standing on the wooden footbridge below the signal box at the Ferry when a class 40 express (noisy engines!) roared through the Ferry and the whole building shook! I near "pooped myself" as the front of the engine looked like it was going to hit you-Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI used Bro'ty station for the first time a few months back and it fascinated me because I vaguely remember what it used to look like with the footbridge.
ReplyDeleteI never remember it being staffed though. Whereabouts was the ticket office with respect to the current layout of the station?
Anon, the ticket office faced you coming up the covered passage from Gray Street. Round on the platform side was the parcels counter.
ReplyDeleteThere was always a touch of the Will Hay (Oh, Mr Porter!) about the station when it was staffed.
Glad to hear you've used the station though. Quite a lot of people still want to, but there are only four trains a day. Over to you, Transport Scotland!