|
Top: On
11 June 2005, members from around the country met in Weymouth to
explore the old railways and tramways of Weymouth and Portland.
The rails of the standard gauge tramway between Weymouth's town
and quay stations is clearly visible in the road surface, but recent
pronouncements by Network Rail make it unlikely that a train will
ever pass this way again. An alternative service is provided by
the local horse bus. (Stuart Pickford)
|
|
|
Above:
The way things were. This photograph was taken about half a mile
north of the picture above, but from the window of a six coach Hastings
unit visiting Weymouth Quay on a railtour on 8 August 1987
the 'Hastings Diesel Swansong'. By coincidence, this was the webmaster's
wedding day! The special train was formed of two Hastings units and
must have been quite a sight for unsuspecting summer visitors. (Stuart
Pickford) |
|
|
Above:
These
are the remains of the engine house which once hauled wagons up Comberow
Incline on the West Somerset Mineral Railway. It was known to railway
staff as the 'winding house', and had the standard gauge track running
over the top. The structure is visible from the B3224 about a mile
west of The Ralegh's Cross Inn, which once served miners who dug out
iron ore from the surrounding Brendon Hills. The incline was acquired
recently by Exmoor National Park, but should not be accessed until
it has been made safe. Meanwhile, the inn (with no 'i' in 'Ralegh')
is worth a visit to view the fine collection of period photographs.
July 2004. (Ivor Sutton) |
|
|
Above:
A view of Comberow Incline from the top. If the way ahead looks
steep, it's because it is the gradient is 1 in 4. The incline
accommodated double track, with rudimentary semaphore signals to control
train movements. Exmoor National Park plans to allow access to the
engine house at the top of the incline, but we are unsure as to whether
access will be granted to the incline itself, not least because the
land at the bottom remains in private hands. July 2004. (Ivor Sutton) |
|
|
Above:
Beyond the bottom of Comberow Incline, the local landowner has
designated the trackbed as a permissive path, and it is possible to
follow the old railway for just over two miles to Roadwater village.
This is the scene near the tiny settlement of Timwood. A little further
on at Pitt Mill, the trackbed has been tarmacced to provide road access
for locals in this remote area. Pitt Mill produces hand made paper,
which artists regard as amongst the best available in the country.
July 2004. (Ivor Sutton) |
|
|
Above:
When
the road and trackbed reach Roadwater village, the road swings sharp
left in front of Roadwater station. This view shows what remains of
the railway bridge over the stream immediately south of the station.
The stream flows from a spring about half way up Comberow Incline
and joins the Washford River nearby. Both the stream and the Washford
River were invaluable to the 19th century railway builders, since
they provided a gently graded valley along which their line could
be built. July 2004. (Ivor Sutton) |
|
|
Above: Roadwater
station. The original structure was built of stone, as can be seen
to the left and right of this view, whereas the flat-roofed, brick-built
extension jutting into the garden is relatively recent. The low
platform is clearly visible. Although the line was constructed primarily
for mineral traffic, it also carried passengers. In the 19th century,
they travelled free of charge up and down Comberow Incline, but
at their own risk. There were few health and safety regulations
in those days! N.B. The station is now private property, so please
do not trespass. July 2004. (Ivor Sutton)
|