Sutton Harbour                   and North Quay branches

North Quay, Sutton Harbour, and Cattewater branches. Section of map drawn by Peter Butt. Our appreciation to Peter.

The following pictures are a collection of photographs taken, mostly, many years ago by Messrs Winnen and Jenkin but even then the line had fallen into disuse.  The track layouts of the Sutton Harbour and North Quay branches changed many times during their lieftime with new sections added and some closed.  
Our appreciation to Peter Bragg who has put this collection in some order - it is hoped to add his comments and tales as the collection expands. The pictures have been put in some order starting from the extremity of the branches. If you have any more information or pictures these would be much appreciated and credited.

The North Quay branch

01 Plymouth Kathleen & May at North Quay February 1974 Copyright K. Jenkin (This picture is taken at the extreme end of the branch. There was a turntable at the previous corner giving access to both this and to a line, not shown on the map, which continued out onto a timber wharf at which cement was the traffic. This wharf is in the background in this picture).

Victoria Wharf with ship. This picture taken in June 1977 Copyright Mike Roach

A Cornish Registration car stands guard over a very short section of broad gauge track still in position on North Quay. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

An interesting study of a turn plate, wagon turntable, call it what you may, at North Quay. Sid's Honda 90 sits ready for turning. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

4 As can be seen from the map the North Quay branch was served by both the G.W. and Southern Railways. The Southern connection came down from Friary through this tunnel. During the war this tunnel was used as an air raid shelter and those taking refuge were none too happy when they were joined by an ammunition train put down there 'out of harms way'! Quite strange that 2 stations in Plymouth, Plymouth Friary and Devonport Kings Road (and both LSWR) had freight-only branches disappearing down a steep gradient and into a tunnel, right in the middle of the goods yard. This picture Feb 1974 Copyright K Jenkin

The same location as above either before or after it was used as a sold fuel store. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Before we leave the area this wonderful view of the LSWR parcels office on Plymouth's Barbican is seen in August 1959. What a wonderful display of 1950s cars Copyright Mike Roach

An enlargement of the wording on the offices. Taken by Mike Roach in August 1959. Copyright Mike Roach.

The Sutton Harbour branch

A view of the Sutton Harbour area taken from the Civic Centre on 12th December 1961 Copyright Mike Roach. Note the coal wagons seen on the wharfside at the centre of this view. It is understood that these wagons only traversed the metals to and from the gas works, just a quarter of a mile away. The retort house and gas-holder can be seen. Coal gas was produced, and the works was obsolete, and closed, when the country switched to natural gas. (The wharf track is not shown on the map but lay at a right angle to the line of the Sutton Harbour branch)

The North Quay Branch, Plymouth. 1650 shunts Pearce's Scrap Yard. The branch is actually out of sight on the right behind the mineral trucks. 1650 was a Laira engine from new in January 1955, for most of its short life. It was the only one of its class at Laira. The date is Monday 7th September 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

Sutton Harbour North Quay Junction - some permanent way work in progress. How many men can you see - possibly 13 - labour intensive! 7th September 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

Sutton Harbour North Quay Junction - some permanent way work in progress. The same location maybe earlier or later the same day. Looks like it is the same gentleman coing out of the hut as is talking to the PW men above. 7th September 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

A most interesting 'Then and Now' picture taken by Sid Sponheimer at the junction where the North Quay branch departed the Sutton Harbour line. The scrapyard on the bank at the divide stills seems to be in use. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Sutton Harbour branch looking east from Cattedown Rd Bridge towards Mount Gould. February 1974 Copyright K Jenkin N.B. This route now forms Gardinia Way, the houses now back on to a very busy and noisy road.

More double deckers seem to be resting between duties in this view which must predate the shot above as the rails seem well polished. The sign indicates the pedigree of the railway. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

In this view the former road over rail bridge in background of the previous picture has been swept away along with the peace which residents near this location previously enjoyed. The bus fleet looks a little more modern. This view courtesy of Sid Sponheimer, Copyright.