Ballasalla Station
Embedded Files
Ballasalla / Balley Sallagh
Saturday, 1st August 1874
Seasonally Since 1965
54°05’46’’N4°7’’49
8 Miles, 30 Chains
7 Miles, 15 Chains
Open Seasonally
Dating from the opening of the south line in 1874, the station here was for many years the main passing place for trains, being located in the middle of the line, half an hours’ journey from either terminus. The original structure was similar to that which remains in situ at Santon Station today, there also being a similar one at Colby Station which was removed in 1980 and later destroyed. The version here was removed in 1985 to make way for car parking.
The long passing loop remains today, as does one of two sidings which originally served a busy goods yard complete with long loading platform and cattle dock. At the southern end of the yard stands the former gatekeepers’ lodge, modified in 1962 to include a tower structure housing the mechanical level crossing gates, these were removed in 2001 when the crossing was fitted with automatic barriers in common with most other crossings on the line.
A water tower was added in 1902 and this remains extant today memorably carrying the station name painted on its sides following nationalisation and lasting until 1993. The new building on the opposite side of the tracks was opened in April 1986, being a brick structure with station masters’ office, shelter and patrons toilets. The station became unmanned from November 2015 with all services now passing at Castletown.
The Association established a Friends Of... group for the station in 2019 and it remains regularly manned by board members Mike Jones in the summer months, tending to the floral displays, repairing platform furniture and generally keeping the site tidy. The Association repainted the station in 2020 and provided additional directional signage, today it remains a popular station for passengers visiting the nearby Rushen Abbey and Silverdale Glen.
The station is used as a drop-off point for various events including the Teddy Bears’ Picnic and island tours of the closed lines by bus during the annual transport festivals, though it has not been used to pass trains since 2015, the up loop having been locked out of use since this time, apart from the odd fire train stowed there. Most recently the station was used as the destination for the Dino Express in April of 2023 and 2024 as well as a one-off use to pass service trains on anniversary day 2nd August 2024.
Station Building | Two Platforms | Water Tower | Level Crossing | Gatekeepers' Lodge | One Siding
The replacement station from 1985 which is now tended by the Friends Of... group organised by the Association. July 2022.
A once typical scene of trains passing at the station, the mid-way point on the south line; the station became unmanned in 2015.
The original station building which was removed to make way for a car park in 1985, and replaced the following year.
Festive lighting around the station supplied by the Association in December 2022, the seasonal dining trains pass here regularly.
The rear elevation of the original structure with the later addition of a toilet block in the spring of 1980 wearing allover green.
The modern bus shelter which served the up platform, all trains now use the down line in both directions.
Out of season in February 2019 with its modern building and full height platform complete with traditional picket fencing.
Showing the substantial loading dock and timber hut relocated from the former internment camp at Knockaloe.
The original station with a train approaching from the south, showing the wooden hut formerly at Knockaloe Camp.
Seen in the summer of 1982 in its final green and cream scheme with red roof, being slightly longer than Santon Station.
Mural erected in 2021 as part of the Creative Art Network spearheaded by Association director the late Margaret Mansfield.
After snowfall in December 2018; the near platform has been closed since the station became unmanned in November 2015.
Trains passing here was once a common sight, here is No.11 Maitland crossing the northbound service in 1974.
No.13 Kissack on banking duty, having uncoupled from her own train to the right, a typical move of the time.
Installed in the summer of 2024, headboard in tribute to the last station master, the late Jack Petri.
Period platform furning at the station has been provided and maintained by the Association and its Friends Of... volunteers.
Google Sites
Report abuse