LMS Route: Birmingham West Suburban Railway

Cadbury's Sidings: mrcad672

Ex-LMS 4-6-0 No 44878 heads a Birmingham bound train past Cadbury's sidings on Sunday 12th September 1954. The photograph was taken near Laburnum Road, which was part of the Bournville estate. The coaches will be painted the standard BR livery of the time, carmine and cream, often referred to humorously as blood and custard. The distant semaphore signal is raised, indicating that the route ahead of the train is clear. On the left are Cadbury's waterside warehouses, separated from the main line by the canal behind the fence. The single track disappearing into the distance towards the Cadbury factory is part of the company railway system. The bridge, seen in the distance behind the train, is carrying Maryvale Road across the main line. Between the two home signals is Bournville Lane, which passes under both canal and railway. Both are raised, so a train is due to pass the other way soon. See image 'mrb667'.

John Dews

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