Kingsbridge Branch
For more information please contact Aidan Hall on his web site Click here www.kingsbridge-branch.co.uk.
Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.
Amazing Video of the Kingsbridge Branch
Ross Griffiths writes in :-
I just stumbled across a wonderful video on YouTube which has colour footage of Brent, Gara Bridge, Loddiswell and Kingsbridge stations - I couldn't find it listed on the CRS site so thought I'd share:
https://youtu.be/7cyq0RRyENM
All the best, Ross. Many thanks Ross - excellent material
Ross Griffiths writes in :-
I just stumbled across a wonderful video on YouTube which has colour footage of Brent, Gara Bridge, Loddiswell and Kingsbridge stations - I couldn't find it listed on the CRS site so thought I'd share:
https://youtu.be/7cyq0RRyENM
All the best, Ross. Many thanks Ross - excellent material
The timetable for the last week of operation of the Kingsbridge branch. For some strange reason * it appears that although the summer timetable ceased operation for the rest of the Western Region that the branch closure was delayed by one week into the winter period and a summer service was operated for that last week! Timetable from the Mike Roach collection. * Charles Fennamore tells us that Kingsbridge failed to close at the end of the summer timetable because of problems with the bus licences.
Brent
5573 makes steam as 6829 Burmington Grange passes through Brent light engine on the up line. 6th November 1959. Both locos were shedded at Newton Abbot. Copyright Mike Roach
How charming and how interesting these stations were. Pampered passengers had a covered footbridge to cross the lines, though no thought of disabled access in those days - Summer 1963. Copyright Mike Roach
Brent on 6th November 1959 with 5573 standing at the branch platform- Copyright Mike Roach
5573 at Brent - the 12.24 to Kingsbridge 6th November 1959, consisting of one parcels van and one non-corridor coach. Copyright Mike Roach.
Two for the price of one, a bubble car leads a two car set off the Kingsbridge branch and into Brent station and at the same time a parcels train headed by 5954 gets the board to pull out of the down loop, a fascinating study of activity caught by Mike Roach. In view of the fact that the last trains ran on the Kingsbridge branch on Saturday 14th September 1963 and that the branch train has been strengthened to three coaches would appear to fix the date. Copyright.
5954 Faendre Hall, its train still coming off the down loop comes into Brent Station. 5954 was withdrawn a month later in October 1963 and went for scrap at Coopers Metals at Sharpness. This picture dated 14th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Brent to Avonwick Single Mike Roach Collection
Brent to Gara Bridge Single Mike Roach Collection
Brent to Gra Bridge return. Mike Roach Collection
Avonwick
Avonwick - picture taken in July 61 Copyright Mike Roach
Avonwick in August 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Avonwick in 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
A DMU bound for Kingsbridge approaches Avonwick in August 1963. Copyright Mike Roach
Our minibus pauses for a short while at Avonwick station,which this side looks much as it did when the line was open. 21Sep75 Copyright Roger Winnen
As can be seen, when we arrived on a minibus trip in 1975 we found Avonwick being turned into a very acceptable dwelling.
Ticket Avonwick to Loddiswell. Mike Roach Collection
ANTHACITE to AVONWICK
ANTHACITE to AVONWICK Michael L. Roach
On 12 October 1949 a wagonload of the best Welsh Anthracite was dispatched from Swansea to the little country station of Avonwick in Devon on the Kingsbridge Branch. This was quite unremarkable at the time because thousands of such wagons would have been dispatched every day from collieries all over Britain to thousands of goods yards all over the newly nationalised British Railways. Anthracite is still mined in Wales in open-cast pits, but not from deep shaft mines. We know a bit about this particular wagonload of coal because the wagon label has survived the 70 years in between 1949 and 2019. In the 1940s and 1950s coal, burnt in open grates, would have been the main form of heating your home; supplemented by an electric fire or a paraffin heater for shorter durations. The last two would have been moved around from room to room as necessary. At decimalisation in February 1971 the price of electricity was one old pence per unit (one kilowatt hour). There were 240 pence in a pound so you could use your one bar fire for 240 hours at a cost of one pound. My electrictity bill arrived today and shows a cost of 18.440p per kWh from 5 October 2019. This is 44d per unit.
It can be seen from the attached scan that this is not a standard BR or GWR wagon label but came from someone or some firm called Rose Richards Ltd of Swansea. This suggests to me that when the wagon left the colliery no-one knew exactly where the coal was destined for and that the wagon was probably tripped to holding sidings in the Swansea area until a buyer was found for the coal. The wagon was sent to Hawke & Hawke at Avonwick Station. Although I have many wagon labels from Avonwick this is the only wagon destined for Hawke & Hawke. I do have other wagons of coal arriving at the station but they are destined for the Station Master to heat the station buildings, and they came from a different colliery every time, which was about twice a year. The Kelly's Directory for 1930 lists Hawke & Hawke as coal merchants under the village of Avonwick. In 1939 there was a Frederick Hawke (born 9 June 1891) living at Rock Park, South Brent who gave his occupation as Miller and coal & corn merchant; was he one half of Hawke & Hawke ?
The coal in the wagon came from Yniscu Anthracite Colliery which was situated at grid reference SN 7753 0838. The site was alongside the former Swansea Vale and Neath & Brecon Junction Railway branch from Colbren Junction to Ynysgeinon Junction which carried Midland Railway and later LMS passenger trains between Swansea and Hereford until the passenger trains were diverted to an alternative route in 1932 and operated by the Great Western Railway from then on. The colliery previously went by various names including Daren Colliery which can be found on old Ordnance Survey maps just east of the Ystalyfera Iron & Tinplate Works. The firm of T P Rose Richards were coal exporters and coal factors matching loads with buyers, and its interesting to note that the wagon was numbered NE 224440 which means it possibly dated to before 1923. The label is an interesting survivor from the days when coal was king.
Scan attached: 2820
MLR/10 October 2019
On 12 October 1949 a wagonload of the best Welsh Anthracite was dispatched from Swansea to the little country station of Avonwick in Devon on the Kingsbridge Branch. This was quite unremarkable at the time because thousands of such wagons would have been dispatched every day from collieries all over Britain to thousands of goods yards all over the newly nationalised British Railways. Anthracite is still mined in Wales in open-cast pits, but not from deep shaft mines. We know a bit about this particular wagonload of coal because the wagon label has survived the 70 years in between 1949 and 2019. In the 1940s and 1950s coal, burnt in open grates, would have been the main form of heating your home; supplemented by an electric fire or a paraffin heater for shorter durations. The last two would have been moved around from room to room as necessary. At decimalisation in February 1971 the price of electricity was one old pence per unit (one kilowatt hour). There were 240 pence in a pound so you could use your one bar fire for 240 hours at a cost of one pound. My electrictity bill arrived today and shows a cost of 18.440p per kWh from 5 October 2019. This is 44d per unit.
It can be seen from the attached scan that this is not a standard BR or GWR wagon label but came from someone or some firm called Rose Richards Ltd of Swansea. This suggests to me that when the wagon left the colliery no-one knew exactly where the coal was destined for and that the wagon was probably tripped to holding sidings in the Swansea area until a buyer was found for the coal. The wagon was sent to Hawke & Hawke at Avonwick Station. Although I have many wagon labels from Avonwick this is the only wagon destined for Hawke & Hawke. I do have other wagons of coal arriving at the station but they are destined for the Station Master to heat the station buildings, and they came from a different colliery every time, which was about twice a year. The Kelly's Directory for 1930 lists Hawke & Hawke as coal merchants under the village of Avonwick. In 1939 there was a Frederick Hawke (born 9 June 1891) living at Rock Park, South Brent who gave his occupation as Miller and coal & corn merchant; was he one half of Hawke & Hawke ?
The coal in the wagon came from Yniscu Anthracite Colliery which was situated at grid reference SN 7753 0838. The site was alongside the former Swansea Vale and Neath & Brecon Junction Railway branch from Colbren Junction to Ynysgeinon Junction which carried Midland Railway and later LMS passenger trains between Swansea and Hereford until the passenger trains were diverted to an alternative route in 1932 and operated by the Great Western Railway from then on. The colliery previously went by various names including Daren Colliery which can be found on old Ordnance Survey maps just east of the Ystalyfera Iron & Tinplate Works. The firm of T P Rose Richards were coal exporters and coal factors matching loads with buyers, and its interesting to note that the wagon was numbered NE 224440 which means it possibly dated to before 1923. The label is an interesting survivor from the days when coal was king.
Scan attached: 2820
MLR/10 October 2019
Colin Burges adds a further interesting note ref the Wagon Label above.
The large "1" in red superimposed on Mike Roach's wagon label was part of the Great Western's simplified method of reckoning up train loads based on equivalence, not tonnage.
Class 1 traffic weighed 16 tons; class 2, 13 tons, class 3, 10 tons and empties, 6 tons. Never having used the system, and never having found much written about it, I am not sure how it worked. If the load for a particular class of engine over a route were say 15 of mineral (class 1), then it would be capable of taking a correspondingly greater number of the lighter traffics. Quite how this was done with a mix of classes and non-standard wagons, I do not know. I must search out the answer. Or perhaps a member can inform us.
This rough and ready system contrasted with that adopted in the 1970s based on the principle that still for some reason is stuck in my mind, although I confess I am here quoting it from the "Working Manual for Rail Staff," the contents of which governed the operation of a general purpose railway that has now ceased to exist, and instructed for example how to fold a sheet, tie a clove hitch and use chain shackles.
"Large heavily-loaded wagons when in motion generate little more wind-resistance and friction than small lightly-loaded ones. A locomotive is therefore capable of hauling a heavier train than the basic if its load is concentrated."
Basic and maximum loads were issued for every loco and route. Between the two, a diminishing number of wagons could be taken, concentrating the load. The simplest example is a load of 250/280 tonnes. The lower could be taken in 15 wagons or more; the higher in 10 wagons or fewer. The return clay empties with 50 or so on would be limited by length, not weight, even if the loops had greater capacity. It was all highly theoretical and was long ago dropped in favour of plain tonnage, suited to the high capacity vehicles with roller bearings of today.
It all went out of the window, anyway, when the driver booked to work the last two trains of the day from Meldon with a thousand, would ask if he could bring them both at once so he could knock off early. The only rise, at North Tawton, could be easily topped, and the only other limitation was the length of Cowley Loop. Or was it Crediton?
A driver once insisted that he could ask for a heavier train than permitted. Actually, the rule is that a driver can insist upon taking less if he feels that his engine is not capable for some reason of hauling a full load, but never more.
Cheers, Colin Many thanks Colin
The large "1" in red superimposed on Mike Roach's wagon label was part of the Great Western's simplified method of reckoning up train loads based on equivalence, not tonnage.
Class 1 traffic weighed 16 tons; class 2, 13 tons, class 3, 10 tons and empties, 6 tons. Never having used the system, and never having found much written about it, I am not sure how it worked. If the load for a particular class of engine over a route were say 15 of mineral (class 1), then it would be capable of taking a correspondingly greater number of the lighter traffics. Quite how this was done with a mix of classes and non-standard wagons, I do not know. I must search out the answer. Or perhaps a member can inform us.
This rough and ready system contrasted with that adopted in the 1970s based on the principle that still for some reason is stuck in my mind, although I confess I am here quoting it from the "Working Manual for Rail Staff," the contents of which governed the operation of a general purpose railway that has now ceased to exist, and instructed for example how to fold a sheet, tie a clove hitch and use chain shackles.
"Large heavily-loaded wagons when in motion generate little more wind-resistance and friction than small lightly-loaded ones. A locomotive is therefore capable of hauling a heavier train than the basic if its load is concentrated."
Basic and maximum loads were issued for every loco and route. Between the two, a diminishing number of wagons could be taken, concentrating the load. The simplest example is a load of 250/280 tonnes. The lower could be taken in 15 wagons or more; the higher in 10 wagons or fewer. The return clay empties with 50 or so on would be limited by length, not weight, even if the loops had greater capacity. It was all highly theoretical and was long ago dropped in favour of plain tonnage, suited to the high capacity vehicles with roller bearings of today.
It all went out of the window, anyway, when the driver booked to work the last two trains of the day from Meldon with a thousand, would ask if he could bring them both at once so he could knock off early. The only rise, at North Tawton, could be easily topped, and the only other limitation was the length of Cowley Loop. Or was it Crediton?
A driver once insisted that he could ask for a heavier train than permitted. Actually, the rule is that a driver can insist upon taking less if he feels that his engine is not capable for some reason of hauling a full load, but never more.
Cheers, Colin Many thanks Colin
2812 - Avonmouth to Avonwick on 10 May 1949. This was part of a regular flow a couple of days a week. Wagon 227762 was an LMS open wagon. From the Mike Roach Collection - Copyright.
2813 - Sharpness Docks to Avonwick on 12 May 1949 was a much less frequent flow, more like once a month. Wagon 104044 was a GW van. Note the use of the word BLOOP which is taken to mean Berkeley road LOOP. From the Mike Roach Collection.
Mason & Baker were agricultural merchants with their main base at 96 - 100 High Street, Totnes. There was just one loop siding with headshunts each end at Avonwick Station so it probably suited Mason & Baker to have a constant flow of one or two incoming wagons each day. There was also a regular flow of one or two wagons a couple of days a week from Plymouth Cattewater Harbour. Mason & Baker were the main users of Avonwick goods yard, providing about 90% of the business in 1948 and 1949. At the time the country was recovering from World War Two, with petrol and diesel still rationed until May 1950. The goods yard closed on 11 June 1956 when the station became an un-staffed halt.
Regards, Mike. Many thanks Mike - most interesting.
Regards, Mike. Many thanks Mike - most interesting.
Broadley Farm The picture below is thought to be a former pedestrian crossing at Broadley Farm just outside (south) of Diptford. Many thanks for this information from Bob and Beryl Gale.
A pedestrian crossing thought to be at Broadley Farm near Dipford. The demolition crane moves relentlessly forward! Feb 64 Copyright Mike Roach
Gara Bridge
Putting things in perspective. A lovely, almost aerial view, of Gara Bridge station. Not a road vehicle in sight, nice isn't it! The railway followed the course of the River Avon from Avonwick to Loddiswell. The river flows from right to left between the flat field behind the station and the road in the middle distance. Gara Bridge also had a telephone exchange which can be seen in the middle of the picture at the bottom. The exchange had less than 1000 subscribers at this time because Gara Bridge telephone numbers only had three digits. August 1963. Charles Fennamore points out that the fencing bordering the goods yard had been replaced only a short time before this date. Copyright Mike Roach
Gara Bridge 5573 departs for Kingsbridge Jun61 Copyright Mike Roach
Gara Bridge - Sep61 Note the camping coaches in the sidings. An ideal holiday spot. Copyright Mike Roach
Detail of the signalbox April 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
A nice touch was the canopy of the main building on the right is matched by a smaller version on the left - the up line. April 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
A view taken on a Sunday from the Kingsbridge end of Gara Bridge. May 1961. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Detail of the main station building situated on the down side. April 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Gara Bridge in August 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Gara Bridge in August 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
A DMU approaches from Kingsbridge and runs into the up platform. Note the loading gauge in the yard beyond the station. August 1963
The same DMU heads for Brent as the signalman returns to his box. August 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
We were not made all that welcome when we crept in through the level crossing gates at the closed Gara Bridge, we explored, took a few pictures (below) then a voice in no uncertain manner told us to 'buzz off'. We did, quickly.
Gara Bridge to Totnes Single Mike Roach Collection
Topsham Bridge Level Crossing
Topsham Bridge Level Crossing Aug61. Copyright Mike Roach (Can you spot any passengers?)
Loddiswell
After closure Loddiswell station was bought for conversion to a private dwelling - click here to discover a most interesting article prepared by the Hall family on the restoration. Also check out Aidan Hall's web site Click here www.kingsbridge-branch.co.uk.
Passengers and the guard wave as the 12.24 from Brent departs its last station before arriving at Kingsbridge .Loddiswell 6th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach
With train having departed in poor light on a autumn day time to look at the station at Loddiswell. 6th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach
In this view taken on November 6th 1959 the camping coach and its attendant vehicle have been drawn out of the station bay and moved out onto the loop probably being made ready for its return for refurbishment, maybe at Swindon. Copyright Mike Roach
Prarie tank 5573 approaches Loddiswell with an train from Brent 6th November 1959 - Copyright Mike Roach
This view taken from the bay platform, normally the home of the camping coach seen here on the extreme right. A six wagon and three van train passes through on its way towards Brent - a toad brakevan brings up the rear. 6th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach
It's August 1963 and a DMU calls at Loddiswell. The goods yard looks rather overgrown. Luckily, thanks to the Hall family this station still exists. This picture taken by Mike Roach.
Some loading takes place into a car parked by the station a mother watches the operation keeping her hands on the pram. 6th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach.
Loddiswell - the train enters from Kingsbridge. Passengers ready. Aug61 Copyright Mike Roach Note the Camping Coach in the bay.
Loddiswell - a train for Brent. Aug61 Copyright Mike Roach
A close up of 5525 Aug61 Copyright Mike Roach
Loddiswell, date unknown. Captured on a Sunday in May 1961. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Loddiswell, August 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Loddiswell in August 1963. Weeds are starting to encroach on the platform - even a flower has survived at the platform edge. Copyright Mike Roach.
Loddiswell seen trackless. Copyright Mike Roach
Loddiswell to Kingsbridge Return. Mike Roach Collection
Loddiswell to Kingsbridge single Mike Roach Collection
A visit to Loddiswell station on the 20th September 2014. The property is now owned by Richard and Nikki Curzon and a very many thanks is offered to them for allowing our visit and permission to take photographs of their remarkable station.
THe green lawn now occupies the former trackbed, what a pleasant scene looking towards Brent. 20th September 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen
Just beyond the station building lies the former goods dock. 20th September 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen
Turning about we now look along the platform in the Kingsbridge direction - the well kemp appearance is a credit to the current owners. 20th September 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen
An excellent reconstruction of the signalbox lies at the Kingsbridge end of the platform. 20th September 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen
The visit over the party, very much impressed by what they have seen, return to their half cab transport. 20th September 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Also, don't forget to take a look at the early days of restoration of this station - a feature prepared by Aidan and Sally Hall make very interesting viewing.
Click here to view this section.
Click here to view this section.
Sorley Tunnel 638 yards
4561 emerges from Sorley Tunnel. July 61 Copyright Mike Roach
Kingsbridge 12 1/2 miles
Kingsbridge on the 6th November 1959. The signalbox and goods shed. From the polished wheels the 'flat wagon' has seen recent use. Copyright Mike Roach
Kingsbridge as 5558 brings in the 2.30 pm from Brent 6th November 1959 - Copyright Mike Roach
5558 has run round its train. 6th November 2014 Copyright Mike Roach
Evidence of a steam leak as 5558 prepares to leave Kingsbridge for Brent. 6th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach
Kingsbridge. The 16.05 to Brent is ready to depart 6th November 1959
Kingsbridge from the buffer stops. May 1961. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Kingsbridge - a view along the platform. May 1961. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Kingsbridge - a nice view of the loco shed and bay platform. May 1961. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Shadows are lengthening for the branch and the day, Mike Roach, rarely seen on camera includes his own shadow in this one on the last day 14th September 1963. Copyright Mike Roach
Kingsbridge Station 21st September 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen
Minehead to Kingsbridge SingleMike Roach Collection
Paddington to Kingsbridge single (Privilege ticket) Mike Roach Collection
Below, more views taken along this delightful line.
Kingsbridge in 2013
Acting on a 'tip off' our roaming photographer, Roger Winnen, took a trip to Kingsbridge on 1st June 2013 to make a record of a very attractive display set up by the 'Primrose Line Volunteers in memory of the Kingsbridge branch. As can be seen the track is not heavy rail, and the signals are not old B.R. items so one hopes that there is less chance of trophy hunters or vandals visiting the site. The display is alongside and under the first bridge over the former line out of Kingsbridge towards Brent. The bridge formerly carried Plymouth Road, the A379. but this has been diverted to pass alongside the narrow road bridge. A good effort, congratulations to those involved.
As can be seen by the bottom right of the smaller pictures very little remains of the original station, just a few cut stones.
Acting on a 'tip off' our roaming photographer, Roger Winnen, took a trip to Kingsbridge on 1st June 2013 to make a record of a very attractive display set up by the 'Primrose Line Volunteers in memory of the Kingsbridge branch. As can be seen the track is not heavy rail, and the signals are not old B.R. items so one hopes that there is less chance of trophy hunters or vandals visiting the site. The display is alongside and under the first bridge over the former line out of Kingsbridge towards Brent. The bridge formerly carried Plymouth Road, the A379. but this has been diverted to pass alongside the narrow road bridge. A good effort, congratulations to those involved.
As can be seen by the bottom right of the smaller pictures very little remains of the original station, just a few cut stones.
The Primrose Line Memorial. Kingsbridge. 1Jun13 Copyright Roger Winnen
