Closed Railways & Lines
The Penrhyn Quarry Railway
It has been reported (14th July 2017) that apparently / allegedly the Penrhyn Quarry Railway at Bethesda, one of the most historic narrow gauge railway sites in North Wales is very sadly to close. I do so hope this is not true. I understand that after 5 years of extensive restoration and recreation, the railway based at Penrhyn Quarries Ltd at Bethesda are allegedly in the process of having to vacate the site as the landlord has given them notice to quit, after repeated break ins and thefts. This allegedly has forced their hand and the collection of stock is to be dispersed to other narrow gauge heritage sites, until a more permanent site can be found. If these apparent reports are true, it is truly heart-breaking, with such historic items as two open quarrymen's carriages, two closed carriages and various works wagons, plus two restored slate wagons. In happier times, (and its on these occasions I am so glad I filmed it!) we visit the railway during a 30742 Photo Charter organised by Martin Creese, where we see three traditional slate engines, Avonside (Bristol) 0-4-0T Marchlyn, Hunslet 'Quarry' class 0-4-0ST Winifred and Kerr Stuart 0-4-2ST Stanhope as they re-enact a variety of slate duties between Felin Fawr and St Anns Halt. A wonderful historic and iconic narrow gauge railway, tragically now lost forever after all the hard work by the volunteers.
Fort August & Invergarry Railway
The Fort Augustus & Invergarry Railway was a 23 mile branch that ran from Spean Bridge to Fort Augustus and was once part of a projected ambition by the North British to reach Inverness. Opened in 1903 and closed to passengers in 1933, we see Invergloy Viaduct and its remarkable intact trackbed on 30th August 2000. Note how the viaduct was built using concrete that McAlpine had employed on the West Highland extension. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=093OyAr3QkM
The Launceston Branch
The GWR's line from Tavistock Junction at Marsh Mills, Plymouth, to Launceston opened as a broad gauge line in 1865 and closed on 30th December 1962. In its final year of operation, we enjoy a wonderful nostalgic photographic trip between Marsh Mills and Tavistock South (as seen through the lens of Ron Andrews). Featured are GWR auto trains, GWR 45xx / 55xx 2-6-2T Prairies such as 4555, 4561 and 4591 with the BR (WR) Inspection saloon. We see George Tallon, Signalman at Horrabridge, but my personal favourite is of a GWR 45xx Prairie on the breakdown train at Horrabridge, an image that could easily have been taken in 1910! Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgkN5V4y9cY
Tavistock South (GWR)
Photographed in late 1967, we see the derelict remains of Tavistock South Station on the former GWR branch to Launceston, which opened to Tavistock on 22nd June 1859, extending to Launceston in 1865, closing to passengers under the Beeching cuts on 31st December 1962. Today, a section of the line survives in preservation under the auspices of the Plym Valley Railway. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsdUeh7419g