Axminster to Lyme Regis branch
Quote from Wilkipedia The Lyme Regis branch line was a railwaybranch line connecting the seaside town of Lyme Regis with the main line railway network at Axminster, running through picturesque rural countryside on the Dorset - Devon border.
It opened in 1903; penetrating difficult topography, the line was very steeply graded and sharply curved; on summer weekends high passenger levels were carried, with through carriages from London on many services. The line achieved high levels of interest among railway enthusiasts in later years because a veteran type of steam engine, the Adams 'Radial' tank 4-4-2T locomotive, was used to handle this traffic; this engine class survived long after the type had been superseded in its original area of use in the London suburbs.
With the decline in usage of rural lines, the branch closed in 1965.
It opened in 1903; penetrating difficult topography, the line was very steeply graded and sharply curved; on summer weekends high passenger levels were carried, with through carriages from London on many services. The line achieved high levels of interest among railway enthusiasts in later years because a veteran type of steam engine, the Adams 'Radial' tank 4-4-2T locomotive, was used to handle this traffic; this engine class survived long after the type had been superseded in its original area of use in the London suburbs.
With the decline in usage of rural lines, the branch closed in 1965.
Axminster, Up Main Platform
RCTS: 25th Anniversary Special 28th June 1953
Stroudley A1X 'Terrier' 0-6-0T No. 32667 and Adams radial 4-4-2T No. 30583 at Axminster having double-headed the tour train to Lyme Regis and back. It's apparent from other photographs of this trip that the two locos had swapped positions at Lyme Regis as 30583 was the pilot engine for the outward leg. Courtesy of the Mike Morant collection
Axminster Bay Platform
Axminster bay platform 11th Sept 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Combpyne - the only intermediate station on the branch.
Combpyne railway station was the intermediate station on the Lyme Regis branch in East Devon. Serving the village of Combpyne, it was sited high on the sharp bend that changed the course of the line from south to an easterly direction
Adams Radial 4-4-2T's nos. 30584 and 30583 double-heading the 10:45 ex-Waterloo at Combpyne on 25th June 1960. Note the camping coach in the background.
30583 was sold out of service to the Bluebell Railway following withdrawal in July 1961 but 30584 had already been withdrawn in the February of that year. Courtesy of the Mike Morant collection
The East Devon Railtour passes the low platform of the desolate station at Compbyne on the 7th March 1965. Note the siding and loading dock. Copyright Mike Roach
The climb now over the lead engine eases off while 206 on the back is still pushing. 7th March 1966 Copyright Mike Roach
41206 leads the railtour on the return journey to Axminster 7th March 1965 Copyright Mike Roach
M_BR_41206_Lyme_Regis_7-3-65
L:CGB: East Devon Rail Tour 7/3/65
Ivatt 'Mickey Mouse' 2MT 2-6-2T's nos. 41206 and 41291 top and tailed this leg of the tour on the Lyme Regis branch. Here we see 41206 at Lyme Regis with 41291 visible at the rear of the consist.
[Mike Morant collection]
[Mike Morant collection]
770414c The Cannington Viaduct - Copyright Roger Winnen
Cannington Viaduct In March 2015 Mike Roach visited the viaduct locality. Here is his report and pictures.
Its made of mass concrete construction like the more famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Mass concrete means there is no steel reinforcement in the concrete. It is not immediately obvious from a distance that the strengthening arches for span 3 are only about one metre wide each side. They were added at the time of original construction. It is rumoured locally that it may have to be demolished because of deterioration.
Its made of mass concrete construction like the more famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Mass concrete means there is no steel reinforcement in the concrete. It is not immediately obvious from a distance that the strengthening arches for span 3 are only about one metre wide each side. They were added at the time of original construction. It is rumoured locally that it may have to be demolished because of deterioration.
Cannington viaduct. N.B. The sign is to Shapwick Dorset as opposed to Shapwick on the Somerset levels. Copyright Mike Roach
A closer view of Cannington viaduct. Copyright Mike Roach
Cannington viaduct. Copyright Mike Roach
A nice view of the reinforced arch. Note the intentional lines near the top of the arch, however, could the lines stemming from the vertical line and making their way left and right be stress cracks? Copyright Mike Roach
Detail on another pier. Copyright Mike Roach
And finally another look back at this impressive structure - it would be a great shame if this monument to the Lyme Regis branch has to be demolished. Copyright Mike Roach
Lyme Regis
S_BR_30583_Lyme_Regis-1
Former LSWR Adams Radial 4-4-2T no. 30583 on the approach to Lyme Regis. This loco was sold out of service to the Bluebell Railway following withdrawal in July 1961. The Bluebell restored 30583 as LSWR 488 and I remember it well as the Bluebell was not a great distance from home in the 1960's and early 70's.
[Mike Morant collection]
[Mike Morant collection]
Former LSWR Adams designed 0415 class 4-4-2 radial tank no. 0125 at Lyme Regis in September 1933. 0125 had been built by Robert Stephenson & Co. and entered LSWR service in September 1885 as its no. 125. The zero prefix to indicate a duplicated stock number was applied in July 1911. In November 1933, shortly after this shot was taken, futher renumbering to 3125 occurred. March 1949 saw the application of its BR number 30582. Withdrawal came at Exmouth Junction in July 1961.
[Mike Morant collection]
S_BR_30583_Lyme_Regis-2
Former LSWR Adams Radial 4-4-2T no. 30583 at Lyme Regis station. This loco was sold out of service to the Bluebell Railway following withdrawal in July 1961. The Bluebell restored 30583 as LSWR 488 and I remember it well as the Bluebell was not a great distance from home in the 1960's and early 70's.
[Mike Morant collection]
[Mike Morant collection]
Mike Morant writes :- My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I got my hands on this negative as it features the rarely photographed LSWR Adams radial 4-4-2T No. 3488 which, thankfully, is still with us today at the Bluebell Railway in Sussex. 3488 was the member of this class that was sold to the government in 1917 and then to the East Kent Railway as their No. 5 in 1919 but subsequently bought back by the Southern in 1946 as emergency cover for the other two survivors. This loco deserves to be in a record book for the ultimates in recycling and is a remarkable survivor. This shot was, of course, taken at Lyme Regis which is conveniently chalked on the hand barrow. The livery is plain black and the picture was taken after November 1946 but before its BR number 30583 and lined black livery were applied in October 1949. Withdrawal from BR service was in 1961. Courtesy of the Mike Morant collection
M_BR_41206_Lyme_Regis_7-3-65
L:CGB: East Devon Rail Tour 7/3/65
Ivatt 'Mickey Mouse' 2MT 2-6-2T's nos. 41206 and 41291 top and tailed this leg of the tour on the Lyme Regis branch. Here we see 41206 at Lyme Regis with 41291 visible at the rear of the consist.
[Mike Morant collection]
Lyme Regis 41206 runs round in 1961 Copyright the late Dr Frank Richards
Lyme Regis in 1961, passengers move up along the platform to meet the incoming train. 1961. Copyright Steve Richards
Lyme Regis 41204 arrives on 11th September 1963 and the train crew and guard, or is it station staff have a chat. Is the man in the yard helping himself to a lump or two of coal one wonders? Copyright Mike Roach
Lyme Regis 41204 arrives on 11th September 1963 Note platform trolley with the large wheels - typical Southern. Copyright Mike Roach
Lyme Regis 41204 has now run round ready for the return journey 11th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Lyme Regis station Here is the platform face on 14th April 1977 The station closed to goods on 3rd February 1964 and to passengers on the 29th November 1965 Copyright Roger Winnen
The outside of Lyme Regis station 14th April 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen
The utter ruin of the station area. 14th April 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen A close inspection of the nameboard shows it to have been vandalised.