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Comment by John Jennings on April 16, 2015 at 21:07

Sorry for the delay in reply. Yes I can confirm it is the bridge over the GWR line at Stratford the signal ladder  is indeed that of the S&M Junction starting signal situated in front of the bridge on the down GW line, this same signal became No6 in the frame of the "new" Evesham Road Box after 1960. You can just make out the Stratford (SMJ) lower quadrant starting signal on the far slope that gave the final authority for west bound trains to proceed. That signal actually lasted until the end in 1960! The coach is positioned over the adjacent arched bridge constructed in Grafton stone that spans a footpath to the racecourse. The telegraph pole also lasted until the end with the same number of insulators. I agree with Barry that it is possible that the bricks were evidence of rebuilding and the 1942 activity is logical although wartime photographs were always a risky business. I  favour the LMS strengthening work of the 1920's when a number of bridges including the Avon river one were repaired or strengthened for the banana trains. By 1942 the passenger trains were normally ex MR 3F turns. The conifers in the right distance are in the grounds of the Municipal Burial Ground and they are still there.

Comment by Barry Taylor on April 7, 2015 at 13:29

I'm almost certain that this is the bridge over the GW at Stratford racecourse.

However, it's not the bridge that we know from the 1950's and 1960's shots of the line that we have, which show a lower side girder.

There's a pile of bricks laying on the embankment close by, and the left parapet seems to be missing, so I wonder if this pic was taken during a rebuilding of the bridge at some time- perhaps it was strengthened in conjunction with the new curve at Broom in 1942 so that it could carry heavier traffic?

I think that the shape running down the right of the photo is the ladder from the GW signal situated just next to the bridge.

Comment by alwyn sparrow on April 6, 2015 at 18:52

Gradient chart for Stratford section

Comment by Linton John Guise on April 6, 2015 at 18:19

Looking at the three images I have saved, if this is the bridge over the GW by the Racecourse Platform then the brickwork return at the bottom of the embankment has changed, I don't think this bridge existed long enough for many alterations(?) also I can't see the gradient post in any of the three images.
Best wishes,
Linton

Comment by Robin Cullup on April 6, 2015 at 17:46

If this is on the SMJ then my guess is that it's crossing over the GW line next to Stratford Race Course station. The gradient post is a clue as the line rises at 1 in 60 westwards from S-on-A and after crossing over the GW then falls at 1 in 100. One coach trains sufficed on the SMJ in the latter years of the passenger service. The loco is a MR "2F" 0-6-0 and from the style of cab could be 3677 or 3699.

Robin

Comment by Andy Thompson on April 6, 2015 at 17:12

Have we got a gradient chart of the line?

Comment by alwyn sparrow on April 6, 2015 at 12:28

Train approaching Stratford from Broom passing over G.W.R.

Comment by Dick Bodily on April 6, 2015 at 11:44

Judging by the gradient post it must be somewhere at a summit where there is a metal rather than the more usual for the SMJ arched brick bridge.