EDGE HILL to NEWTON LE WILLOWS (L&M Line)
Over the years, this particular line has become increasing difficult to photograph especially in the winter. In simple terms, it is about 10 years past its sell by date. The main problem concerns the amount of tree growth at many locations although 'Network Rail' have attempted over the last couple of years to combat the problem. Unfortunately, it is has not been at locations were it suits the photographer. However on the plus side there has been two new stations opened which has presented new opportunities. Generally speaking, the L&M line is best for eastbound trains..
Beginning at Bootle Branch Junction, it is possible to photograph trains to and from the Docks from Stephenson Way bridge which is part of Wavertree Technology Park (site of "8A" Edge Hill MPD). Also departures from Tuebrook Sidings. The following locations are the best for eastbound trains unless otherwise stated. Beginning with the new Wavertree Technology Park Station which offers track level shots but because of the unusual feature of this station, it has also made it almost impossible to obtain the traditional Rathbone Road bridge shot with the backdrop of the Liverpool skyline. However the bridge now gives a view of the whole station using a max 45mm focal length lens and is also good for westbound trains with Olive Mount cutting as the backdrop but it is getting more difficult year by year. The next two locations are best in high summer, the first being Mill Lane bridge which oversees Olive Mount Junction were any number of lens could be used for trains from Edge Hill and the Docks via the Bootle Branch. Unfortunately the location is not the same without the signal box. The next bridge is Sturdee Road which is mid way of the famous Olive Mount cutting and ok for westbound trains too. This bridge is probably the better of the two locations now, if only for the close proximity of the cutting wall to the line.
Broadgreen, Roby and Huyton Stations are the next three vantage points were it is possible to photograph eastbound trains at close quarters. Huyton Signal box is still operational but unfortunately it has no name boards and the old semaphore signals are now history. After Huyton Station, there are two road bridges, the first is Hall Lane which overlooks the site of Huyton Quarry station & sidings which is OK for head on shot only for Manchester bound trains. The second bridge is on Pottery Lane which is half way up the 1:96 incline to Rainhill. Bar one tree, an acceptable shot is obtainable with the Liverpool skyline as the backdrop. The next bridge is on Dragon Lane and head on shots are possible in both directions with the better being for eastbound trains. Just a short distance from this bridge is Whiston Station (which is accessible via 'Pennywood Drive') were there is some scope to use different lenses as all trains are working hard and fortunately tree growth is minimal. A step ladder is required to shot over the steel fence for westbound trains. Between Whiston and Rainhill Stations, there are four over bridges, namely Cumber Lane, Stoney Lane, Old Lane and Warrington Road (A57). Cumber Lane allows you to get the whole length of the train in the frame, Stoney Lane is one to forget as difficult in both directions, Old Lane with the aid of a small stepladder and Warrington Road (Skew Bridge) have scope in both directions. In between Stoney Lane and Old Lane Bridges there is a lattice footbridge (access from Dee Road / Stoney View) which is in a small sandstone cutting is good early morning for eastbound trains and early evening for westbound trains.
Rainhill Station is the next vantage point were the station buildings and the famous 'skew' bridge make an interesting backdrop but beware of the tall station lamp posts. Westbound trains will offer you Rainhill Signal Box in the background but only on a bright day or an early summer evening. Approx 400 yards east of the signal box, you will note a footbridge (known as 77 steps) which is accessible by a public footpath (as from the station) via Tasker Terrace & Ritherup Lane. This location was the site of the 1980 "Rainhill 150" celebrations, it is possible to photograph in both directions from this location. Within sight of the footbridge looking east, you will note the A570 expressway road over bridge. There is a good shot for eastbound trains but please be careful shooting from this location as there is no "official" walkway or car parking on the road. The next photographic location, Lea Green Road bridge is about 400yds further and providing you are careful with your composition, will be able to avoid the electricity pylons on the left. There is also potential on the bridge using a telephoto lens for westbound trains especially during the early summer evenings. This was the original site of Lea Green Station before the new station was built by Marshalls Cross Road (A569), St Helens. The new Lea Green Station has potential on the platform and from the occupation bridge at the east end of the station. However the best shot is obtained from Marshalls Cross Road bridge looking east especially around 18.30hrs. Less than a mile away, is St Helens Junction Station which is now a sad reminder of its former glories but never the less one of the better 'open' photographic locations on the line including westbound trains if you use a telephoto lens. You will be able to include the whole train in your shot and the 'Junction' is best in the morning but during the summer evenings, photographing westbound trains is possible. Broad Lane bridge (near to the Burtonwood Brewery) has got potential for east & westbound trains. Just before Earlestown, is the famous Sankey Viaduct which is a very open location on both sides, therefore it is entirely up to you how you want to interpret this location but you will not see the train bogies regardless of the angle and there is no height to overlook the viaduct.
Outside Earlestown Station is Junction Lane bridge were there is scope to photograph in both directions especially westbound trains with the station buildings making a very interesting backdrop. On Earlestown Station, photographing eastbound trains to Manchester is only possible during the early part of the day but there is scope on a bright day (or early summer evenings) to record trains approaching Earlestown West Junction to gain access to the WCML.(Although not part of the L&M line, the link line to Winwick Junction (WCML) which passes the Vulcan Foundry is an section worth recording especially for southbound trains to Warrington. Access to this line is best from Alder Lane bridge (nr Burtonwood) overlooking Winwick Junction). The section from Earlestown to Parkside Junction is under the 'wires' but midway is Newton le Willows Station which again is best for eastbound trains which includes any ex WCML trains travelling to Yorkshire etc. Although not in Merseyside, the Lowton A579 road bridge is a very good location for an eastbound train including those that come from the WCML! This location is best from approx 09.00hrs until approx 14.00hrs and generally between March and late October when the sun can access the shallow cutting.