10A Carnforth MPD

Some time ago a slip of paper with a list of numbers fell out of my Ian Allan spotters' book. I've just got around to reading what I had written at the top. One side is headed "Lostock Hall 2-1-68" and the other side "Carnforth 2-1-68". The lists aren't much use because the bottom half of the paper has got lost. But it has prompted me to consult my diary for that year. Therein is a brief account of a few days around New Year, which I had entirely forgotten. They included Manchester Exchange 17:47 to York behind steam, I think Oliver Cromwell. The only bit that I actually remember is the night-time view across a valley full of street lights, and I had mixed that up with another holiday up North later that year.

 

Perhaps the answer is to undertake a comprehensive Industrial Archaeology recording survey using 21st century technology. Access issues etc would be an issue as well as the question of which body would undertake it and who would fund it. Moving it elsewhere is unrealistic and any purpose it would serve is questionable.

David

 

I am pretty sure it is reinforced concrete. There is no structural steel frame, the concrete is the frame, the steel bars being bonded into the concrete matrix. The steel bars take the tensile forces, preventing the concrete from coming apart.
It is not like a skeleton, it is reinforcing fibres like the glass in fibreglass or fibres in wood.
It is basically impossible to "deconstruct". You can only demolish completely (and that is hard work). You end up with a lot of concrete rubble with twisted steel in. Absolutely no reusable parts.

 

This link shows the usual demolition method... http://www.peterboroughimages.co.uk/blog/demolition-of-spital-coaling-tower-1960/

There is a lot of concrete in there! According to a thread on RM Web the pit under the wagon lift at Carnforth has been filled in.

David

 

If the \Carnforth structure is "beyond economical repair" the kindest thing that could happen would be a nice Sunday morning demolition job.If, as some are suggesting, it is structurally unsound I'm surprised the H&S men haven't had something to say to Mr Smith.

 

In all likelihood, the towers as they stand at present, are totally sound structurally and are in no danger of collapse anytime soon, left as they are, they would be safe for many years yet. The H & S issue, I would guess, is the falling of dis-bonded concrete, this would likely be small pieces, but nonetheless this would present a hazard in the immediate area; whether suitable steps have been taken to fence off the area, I don't know. Also, are the tracks beneath and adjacent to the towers still in use?

As it is, the Towers are listed, so there is protection for them - at present. However, there may come a time when they do finally become structurally unsound and would require extensive repairs or support, or final demolition, either course of action will be expensive so we will have to wait and see, it will probably be a long wait.

Cheers

Alan

 

As far as I am aware we have no idea of the structural integrity or otherwise of the structure?

 

Which is why I said "In all likelihood..." and "There may come a time..." . Reinforced concrete structures such as the Carnforth towers don't just suddenly collapse without lots of prior warning. Whether structural surveys have been completed or are planned is anyone's guess. If a survey was required, who would initiate it? The owners? English Heritage? The Health and Safety Executive? If the owners have done so already, the chances of us finding out the results are slim - we know the owners views on information dissemination, however, if either of the other two agencies were involved, It would likely become public knowledge.

As it is, I myself look forward to many more visits to Carnforth station and to look across the wasteland of detritus and junk that was once the Furness sidings - ( a H & S issue surely) - to see the towers still standing proud, they will probably outlive me and the majority of members of this forum, well I hope so anyway.

Cheers

Alan

 

Indeed, all the junk laying about is a terrible eyesore. Needs a scrappy in there with a gas axe.

 

I think this an appropriate place to but this in (rather than create a new thread)...

On Quest (the TV channel) at 8 pm (or 9 pm on +1) there is a repeat of Wednesday's new episode of 'Salvage Hunters' where they pay a visit to WCR. On demand here: http://www.questtv.co.uk/video/salvage-hunters-10-episode-6/.

I suspect that there was an element of agreed filming locations for most of the shots. I think it was filmed around the start of November last year as l thought l spotted a small part of Mayflower.

-SC-

 

Shortcut to the WCR bit -

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=717736575060304