Sitting on the fence

I FOUND the correspondence regarding Huddersfield Hillhouse (July, August issues) absolutely fascinating and it stirred many memories for myself. My grandfather was a driver at Hillhouse (as was his father and many of his brothers) and visits to the shed were the start of a lifelong interest in steam locomotives.

It was usual to spend as much time as I was allowed to go down Red Doles Road and climb up the embankment to observe the shed and what may be passing on the running lines. I can recall that the fence was covered in a thick coating of tar and I was often in trouble with my cousin Myra, who often took me down to see what was going on when I found myself covered in it. You can guess the reception when I got home.

One aspect I have not seen recorded was in the later 1950s and early 1960s, Farnley Junction would send over a Class 5 or 6 and occasionally a Class 7 as standby in case anything went ‘lame’ on the climb to Standedge, and could take over a Newcastle or Hull express.

Fine memories indeed, but I can still smell that tar on the fence so clearly seen in the photograph.

Ian Briggs Warwickshire