It's late afternoon with longer shadows and a Stanier 2-6-4T sits at platform 2 possibly with a train that is about to depart towards Southport Lord Street station.
In the centre of the photo a WD 2-8-0 is blowing off while possibly awaiting access into Aintree Sefton Arms station.
A goods train has just passed through Sefton Arms station and is heading towards Liverpool.
Another goods train can be seen on the horizon track between Fazackerley and Bootle and has just passed the signal box.

A true heaven for trainspotters in the 50's.