The LNER Encyclopedia

My grandfather. William Evan Paul, probably known as Bill Paul, was a train driver in 1920's and thirties with LNER.He lived in Wigan from around 1905. I and several of my cousins are interested in finding out which journeys he would probably make in the course of his work. Three of my cousins are particularly interested in travelling on these same routes. Can anybody expand on this or point me in the right direction?
Tony

If he was based in Wigan, then he would have probably worked for the LNWR. In which case, compingnut, you are on the wrong forum.

Try the LMS forum. They're a good bunch and will be sure to help you out. You will need to know the shed(s) youe grandfather worked from to be able to make any sort of estimate.

To contradict the previous correspondent, there were LNER (ex Great Central Railway) lines around the Wigan area, so it is quite feasible that your relation did in fact work for the LNER. There was an ex GCR branch from St. Helens which made a junction with the ex GCR line from Wigan at Lowton St. Marys. The line then headed south where it made a triangular junction with the Cheshire Lines Committee around Glazebrook. From this Junction traffic could then work west to Liverpool or east towards Manchester.

I hope this is off some help to you.

The GCR did make it into Central Wigan as well according to the old Ian Allen map book.
It would also be possible to work to Southport from Glazebroook via the Cheshire Lines Railway.

I sit corrected, in which case.

Thanks, lads.

Thanks for your advice . I will try the other forum. PS your mention of sheds, does that mean a massive sidings where trains could be picked up. Yeah I'm a bit numb- a few in the family wrer railwaymen but I managed to keep away and trained as a teacher. You know the saying, them as can, do, them as can't.teach. Thats me!

further bit, "sheds" at Wigan wewre at Springs Branch, on SW side of the town.

Sheds mean locomotive depots or as they became known in la di da language " Motive Power Depots"

The LNER had a small engine shed at Lower Ince in the Wigan area. It was closed around 1950 and at the time had an allocation of J10 0-6-0s.