The 21-year hunt that ended at Piccadilly Station

Mel Thorley, a dedicated railway enthusiast from Stockport, finally saw his long-awaited dream come true after 24 years of searching for the missing Manchester and Birmingham Railway plaque at Piccadilly Station. The high-quality replica from 1839 mysteriously vanished during station refurbishments in 1998, leading Mel and his mate, BTP officer Dave Smith, on a 17-year quest to track it down. Their hard work paid off when it turned up on eBay in 2019 for £3,700. After a lengthy delay, the plaque was reintegrated into Piccadilly on December 3rd, bringing joy to Mel, who described the moment as “marvellous.” He noted how significant the plaque is for showcasing the area’s rich railway history. Phil James from Network Rail praised the teamwork behind its return, highlighting the importance of preserving railway heritage. Mel’s relentless pursuit involved coordinating with various railway experts and authorities, demonstrating that sometimes love for one’s passion can lead to remarkable outcomes. Now, the plaque stands as a testament to Manchester’s railway legacy, ready for future generations to appreciate.

Read the full article at Manchester Evening News