I missed the best of Birkenhead Docks by only a couple of years. In the 1950s both ex LMS and GWR tank locomotives shunted various yards and dockside firms used steam locomotives hired from private contractors. In the 1960s the main provider was REA who handled the ore traffic at Bidston Dock on its way to the steelworks at Shotton. They used a variety of diesels while the 'mainline' was represented by a single '03' shunter
I also include some shots of the 'Birkenhead Docker' railtour in which used two preserved industrial locomotives which were stored in the docks at that time.