The junction for Devonport Dockyard taken in the 1960's' . This is particularly interesting on several counts - the run round loop on the Dockyard branch and crossover on the main line were removed in June 1973 (Ref Tony Cookes Track Diagram Section 12) . Also Camels Head Creek, before infilling, can be seen both to the left and right of the viaduct. One can imagine the Bull Point branch running from its junction with the main line on the far bank and down almost on the shore towards the left. Also notice that smashing footpath alongside Weston Mill viaduct. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Hi Sid & Keith,
Firstly, thanks Sid for submitting this nice old photo of the Dockyard Junction. I’ll add it to my files, if you don’t mind.
I can add a small comment, that while the crossover to form a loop to the headshunt was removed in 1973, the headshunt itself remained in-situ (but unused) until about 1992, when I had it lifted as part of an upgrade to the branch. Every sleeper was rotten, and the rails in very poor condition, so I guess it hadn’t seen any maintenance for decades!
The footpath that went across “Shaky Bridge” was closed in the 1990s I think, as BR/Railtrack/NR didn’t want the liability of maintenance. It was finally removed when WMV was refurbed recently.
Cheers, Paul Many thanks to Paul Burkhalter for this extra information.
Firstly, thanks Sid for submitting this nice old photo of the Dockyard Junction. I’ll add it to my files, if you don’t mind.
I can add a small comment, that while the crossover to form a loop to the headshunt was removed in 1973, the headshunt itself remained in-situ (but unused) until about 1992, when I had it lifted as part of an upgrade to the branch. Every sleeper was rotten, and the rails in very poor condition, so I guess it hadn’t seen any maintenance for decades!
The footpath that went across “Shaky Bridge” was closed in the 1990s I think, as BR/Railtrack/NR didn’t want the liability of maintenance. It was finally removed when WMV was refurbed recently.
Cheers, Paul Many thanks to Paul Burkhalter for this extra information.
Camels Head Creek taken from the shoreline in the 1960's - this area is now totally reclaimed land with a road and the entrance to the Naval Base. 1960's The white buildings seen underneath the second span of the viaduct are at Bull Point. If it were possible to take this picture from this position nowadays the majority of properties in the background would be hidden by the Giant Waste to Energy Plant. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
However, they may be of use to add to your site being historical. They would have been 1960 shots taken on a box brownie. One is self explanatory including the dockyard line to the left and shows a small element of the creek either side of the viaduct. The other was taken from next to where the Camels Head pub would have been showing the almost full extent of the creek up to the main road and where an element of infilling has already commenced. This area is now the dockyard car park which I think extends right under the viaduct. Regards Sid Many thanks Sid