The magnificent 22-arch River Mersey viaduct, dating from 1840 is on the approach to Stockport Station from Manchester. Built using some 11 million bricks it is still one of the world's largest brick-built structures. It has 25kv electrification to thank for the jungle of bespoiling overhead catenary only too evident in this July 1962 photograph. The approaching train has BR 'Class AL1' (later 'Class 81') Bo-Bo Electric No. E3002 at its helm. It was built at Crewe in January 1960 but only had nine pitifully short years of service before being withdrawn in January 1969.

© Steve Armitage Archive