David Tozer
Clive Smith
Andrew jones
This month I have included the start of the, I suppose, lengthy siding just south of Dunmere Platform, to Wenford.
The locked gate in the foreground, of this October 1980 photograph, provided secure protection to the branch and performed faultlessly throughout its lifetime.
The branch to Bodmin North had been lifted many years before, but regular freight trains were still evident, with the rails well polished.
There is a permanent way trolley, adjacent the original concrete post fence and the building to the right of the gate, once housed the original gangers trolley.
Unusually the railway continued past the gate on a shared access with the houses and for the most part, caused very little inconvenience to the owners or railway.
I was surprised to see how the view has changed in 37 years. As you can see in the second photograph, taken on the 28th October 2017, vegetation has encroached from all sides, bushes have now become trees and the busy Camel trail now utilises the Bodmin North Branch, the land beyond the gate is now a private access lane.
Cyclist now regain access to the Wenford branch by a path a few metres north beyond Dunmere Platform, thus avoiding the original level crossing and busy main road.
I am preparing a number of Now and then photographs of the Wenfordbridge branch and will forward them over the coming months. I have a complete pictorial record of the branch taken just before closure and if anyone needs a particular section I am sure I can assist.
Many thanks indeed Andrew - we look forward to your comparisons.
Roger Winnen
John Cornelius