LMS Route: Birmingham New Street to Nuneaton

Forge Mills Station: mrforg1845

A Class 104 Diesel Multiple Unit has just departed Coleshill station for Birmingham New Street in late 1960s. Considering this was very much a rural station with primarily only local services between Nuneaton and Birmingham being provided, there are a number of different types of porter's barrows and carts in evidence. On the platform next to the gable end is the almost obligatory timber three-riser steps for use by passengers not able to climb in to the train unaided. This was because the platforms of stations built early in the development of the railway in the country were configured for coaching stock based on road vehicles. The floor of these carriages were not just lower but were entered from ground level by using steps built in to the body. As carriages became longer they required a more substantial chassis which with bogie wheel sets raised the carriage floor substantially. Until, if ever, the platforms on stations were rebuilt to a greater height then steps such as these were provided.

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