Then & Now: Spalding Sidings

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My photos from the early to mid-1980's illustrate the rather unsual layout at Spalding also having sidings at the front of the station. 

The first of these shows one of the sidings in use. The station can be seen in the distance on the left. Behind the train can be seen the roof of the large goods shed. The modern day comparison (Google Street View) shows the scene much altered. The main A151 runs in front of the station now, and much of the site occupied by the sidings is now part of a supermarket car park. The goods shed is also no more.
An early map shows the position of the former sidings.
Another early view with a class 08 shunter at the head of an engineering train.
During the Annual Tulip Parade, Spalding was visited by many excursion trains. Space being limited, on this occasion, one of the sidings was used to park a class 114 diesel multiple unit. The area was also used as an impromptu Coach Park, hence the unusual sight of a train parked amongst coaches!

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