The Railways of Aberdeen

Our April meeting “The Railways of Aberdeen”, was presented by Keith Jones from Aberdeen.

A photograph looking towards Aberdeen Joint Station from the roof of Union Square (built upon Guild Street goods yard) set the scene for this presentation.

Vintage plans, photographs and maps illustrated developments over numerous years. Images of the original Joint Station and its 1908-1913 redevelopment illustrated the much needed improvements. During 2022 the Joint Station is undergoing further rebuilding.

Examples of NBR Atlantics, Directors, N15s, V2, LMS and LNER Pacifics, GNSR 49 Gordon Highlander, Deltic namesake D9016 and a Britannia on Ferryhill turntable featured. Diesels included Cravens Class 105 DMUs, Class 141 on test, Classes 25, 40, 45, 46, 47, 50 & Barclay 06. Images of activity at Aberdeen gasworks, Aberdeen Corporation power station, Harbour Rails and Culter Paper Mills also featured.

Local stations included Schoolhill, Holburn Street, Waterloo goods, Persley, Bucksburn and Kittybrewster.

Recent events recorded included the 2018 redoubling between Aberdeen and Dyce, the demolition of Dyce Signal box, reopening of Kintore station and Carmont accident flower display at the Joint Station.

This was a most comprehensive and informative tour of Aberdeen’s historic railway infrastructure, prompting many memories for the attendees. Thank you to Keith Jones for an excellent afternoon.