Mile 0.0: London Industrial Area
In the 1920s, smokestacks on the skyline were a measure of progress and success for a city and also for the L&PS, who served a number of London's major industries.
S. F. Lawrason & Co produced Ammonia at this small plant near Adelaide and Nelson Street. Space was at such a premium in this area that the L&PS were only able to reach here via a short switchback siding along Trafalger Street. With no run-around siding and with both trailing and facing point spurs it must have taken some careful planning by the train crew to switch this district.
(MSTS)
McClary Manufacturing, started by John McClary in 1847, made stoves, furnaces and other cast products at its facility on Adelaide Street. Merging with General Steel Wares in 1927, the company went on to become a major supplier of kitchen appliances in Canada in the middle of the century. With all such production gone overseas now, the plant was demolished in the 70s.
(MSTS)
London Rolling Mills converted steel billets into structural metal shapes for construction and industrial manufacturing applications. This facility underwent several expansions through the 19th century and, after the decline of heavy industry in London, was eventually dismantled late in the 20th century. The only remaining evidence of all this industry is the small gray concrete crusher building (photo lower right) which still exists in dilapitated condition beside the tracks near the Thames river.
(MSTS)