Carnforth Steam Train Depot. The Coal & Ash Towers. Editorial Photo

Plant for the mechanically refueling steam locomotives with coal, 1939 for the London Midland Scottish Railway.MATERIALS: reinforced concrete, chutes and mechanisms mainly of steel.DESIGN: the plant is of mass concrete in the form of a tower which spans a standard gauge line and is flanked by two further lines to east and west. The main body of the tower forms two 75 ton capacity hoppers connected to chutes which remain in situ and were designed to discharge into locomotive tenders placed either on the line directly below or to the west of the tower. Rising up the east face of the tower, covered by a large projecting hood towards the top, is the winch mechanism for raising fully laden 15 ton coal wagons. The plant`s control cabin forms the top of the tower, accessed via ladders and walkways on the western face.