This is another photo-based topic that I’d forgotten about!
The current sign outside Hoylake train station was, I think I’m right in saying, discovered in a store room a while back, renovated and rehung on the outside wall. It’s an original sign dating back to something like the 1930’s.
Look at that old British Rail logo …many a time did I struggle to draw that in 3D in tech drawing at school !
You’ll recall that the station was refurbished in 2006 prior to the hosting of the Open Golf championships. The art deco design is much admired, especially amongst railway buffs. It was opened in 1866 as the original terminus of the Hoylake Railway and became a through station with opening of the extension to West Kirby in 1876. I understand the line was electrified in 1938 and the station was rebuilt.
Did you know? Hoylake station’s CRS (Computer Reservation System) code is HYK
Source and for additional photos of the station take a look here.
EDIT: Just found this article that clarifies the matter.
I’ve a photie of a steam train at Hoylake. There are no live rails shown, so it must be pre 1938. (How do I how it on your site?)
Hi Neil
That’d be great thanks! I did email you with contact details …maybe it went in your spam folder?
My email address (without the zz’s etc) is zzjohnzz (at) zzupthejunction.com
The sign is clearly not an art deco sign.From the picture, I would say it dates back to the 1980s. the old British Rail Logo was introduced in 1965 while the yellow on grey Merseyrail logo dates from approximately the same time. With the station being rebuilt in time for the March 1938 electriciation, the signage from that period would have been from the old London Midland and Scottish Railway wich used a Gill Sans font albeit with white print on a black background
For myself I actually have an old British Railways 1950s Totem sign for Hoylake Station dating from the 1950 in the maroon and white colours of the old British railways London Midland Region.
It was interesting to read Ian McKellar’s comments. I too have a totem from Hoylake station. It is full flange and the colours are maroon and white. For memory I bought it at Dinting some time in the earl 1970s.
I too have a station totem from Hoylake station. It is full flange in the colours of maroon and white. I bought it in the early 1970s during a visit ti Dinting.