STOURBRIDGE JUNCTION (page three)

Monday 19th June 2006

One of the great delights of visiting the same station over many years is to see how things have changed between visits. Sometimes these are for the better but all too often they are not. It was pleasing therefore to see that since the last visit in 2004 things have markedly improved.

The first visible sign of improvement is this impressive new pedestrian bridge that leads to a brand new car park situated on the opposite side of the road to the main station car park. This is much needed as the previous car park was often full.

The GWR built 'Middle Box' is now the only one at Stourbridge but it seems to be well maintained and retains most of its original features.

Centro livery class 150 No.52103 departs from Stourbridge Junction with the 10:54 to Shirley.

This is former Anglia Railways class 150 dmu No.57227 now leased to Central Trains in a deal financed by Centro.

Another innovation is the electronic passenger displays, here telling passengers that class 153 dmu No.57371 is shortly to depart with the 11:07 to Stourbridge Town.

Many Centro livery class 105 dmu's have been repainted in this new livery and No.57202 has also acquired No.150009 instead of No.150202.

Another new initiative has seen the us of the Parry People Mover type PPM-50 (No.999900) used on services on a Sunday.

The PPM-50 has even acquired its own engine shed complete with purple doors but no roof.

Class 150 dmu No.57102 is in charge of the 11:21 to Worcester.

It is nice to note that not everything has changed at Stourbridge. This original GWR seat is tastefully painted in chocolate and cream.

And on the other platform are a pair of seat with BR (W) emblems.

This is Centro livery class 150 dmu No.57105.

A few class 150 dmu's retained their former Centro livery as represented by No.52202 on the 11:38 to Worcester.

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