Horton Signal Box and the Flying Scotsman in 1968

This film from 1968 shows Diesel locomotives handling goods at the southern end of Horton-in–Ribblesdale Station which served the nearby Quarry at Horton. My brother John and I were shown how to operate the signals and points in the signal box and it was with great excitement that we saw the Diesel locomotive pass by without any great incident. In the 1950s and 1960s under stationmaster Taylor, Horton won the "Best Kept Station" award for 17 consecutive years. Even now, some 52 years on, it is a station which brings back fond memories as I cross the tracks to run up ‘Sulber Nick’ on my way to Ingleborough. (A mere 8 mile return jaunt and 500 metres of climb if anyone’s interested!) Later that year we see the Flying Scotsman pass round the curve near Lowgill viaduct. I cover my ears as she roars past. In those days it was quite a drive from home to get to the B6257 and on to Lowgill. The scene is early spring and as we wonder over to the Viaduct, my sister picks wild flowers and the bluebells are abundant. The construction of the M6 is clear to see and in a couple of years this stretch of Motorway from Lancaster to Penrith will be open. In the film my Sister and I walk along the viaduct which had been dismantled the previous year. We find a manhole near the middle and peer down to the abyss some 100 feet below. My dad continues filming despite the apparent danger. Our childlike curiosity kicks in and we are tempted to drop stones to see how far they fall! We head down below, to explore the old pack horse bridge which crosses the stream. Nowadays, I look for the viaduct as we head up north on the M6 on frequent visits to the Lakes and Scotland and think of that day in 1968. These were happy times! Hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane.