Cradley Heath Railway Station

[Mark Tooze]

Cradley Heath Station was originally opened in 1863. The photos here were taken in the late 1970's to mid 1980's before, during and after the station was rebuilt.
The platforms were originally staggered - one either of the side of the level crossing and signal box. When it was rebuilt, both platforms went south of the level crossing.

Here are a few general views of the station showing the original layout:-



On this shot of the northbound platform, its replacement can be seen under construction in the distance:-

Could you find a more "Black Country" factory name than the one on the opposite wall?

 

[Mark Tooze]

Now I know that folk on this site bemoan the loss of old buildings - but it would be VERY hard to make a case for keeping the original Cradley Heath station building - straight out of a Dickens novel.....

 

[Mark Tooze]

I would like to tell you it looked better platform-side - but I can't because it doesn't.......

 

[Mark Tooze]

In the booking office it did get a bit more interesting:-




There was a special excursion running to Torquay however:-

And as far as the old station building is concerned - the writing is literally on the wall (well the door...)


Not surprised when you see the state of the waiting room.....

 

[Pedrocut]

I think those Waiting Rooms were all designed the same !
Went to Cradley Heath Dogs a few times.

 

[Mark Tooze]

The station signal box also controlled the level crossing:-

 

[Mark Tooze]

The station was (and still is) very busy:-

 

[Mark Tooze]

As ever on these old stations, there were plenty of old artifacts around if you went looking for them:-

 

[Mark Tooze]

Soon however the new station took over:-





New level crossing barriers are now installed:-


And a new footbridge to replace the old one:-


The old station is now nearing its end:-

 

[Mark Tooze]

The old station is no longer needed:-





Finally - 2 colour shots of the signal box:-



And one of the road outside the station - note the Vine and Railway pub is now closed:-

 

[Enel]

Crikey this takes me back. In 1981, I moved to Cradley, and rather than drive to work In Birmingham city centre, I decided to travel in by train. A 15 minute walk got me to Cradley Heath station, and I probably did the journey into Brum for around four years or thereabouts. The old station looked a bit grim at first, but I saw its gradual transformation as I made my daily commute. I particularly remember seeing the copper roof being constructed on the new ticket office. Fascinating.

 

[Astoness]

great photos mark...pity the old station could not have been used for something else ..has the signal box also gone

lyn

 

[Mark Tooze]

Hi Lyn; Someone once told me that the station was dismantled and moved to storage at the Black Country Museum for possible reassembly later. I have no idea if this was true - does anyone know?

 

[Lloyd]

Hi Lyn; Someone once told me that the station was dismantled and moved to storage at the Black Country Museum for possible reassembly later. I have no idea if this was true - does anyone know?

The clock has gone to the transport museum at Aldridge (not the Black Country Museum as the video title implies!)

 

[Astoness]

Hi Lyn; Someone once told me that the station was dismantled and moved to storage at the Black Country Museum for possible reassembly later. I have no idea if this was true - does anyone know?

thanks mark..thanks to lloyd we know where the clock is but as for the actual station ive no idea...it certainly has not been reassembled at the black country museum...

lyn