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Rear of McKibbin Blacksmith’s, 1930s

This picture is taken from the rear of the McKibbin family blacksmith’s on the Comber Road. It is a particularly harsh spell in winter. A 'Track Walker' can be seen making his way towards Dundonald station, checking the line as he goes. This section of track was on a 1 in 187 gradient rising towards Belfast. Jack McKibbin in his book “Memories Under The Chestnut Tree” recalls “Often the engine of a big goods’ train skidded on the rails just opposite us and, after much puffing and chuffing, made its way slowly to the City of Belfast”.