Carbis branch

The Carbis branch

Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.

Bugle - taken in July 1977. Of interest is the clearly reballasted track towards Goonbarrow signalbox, this section was formerly double track from Goonbarrow to Roache but later the former down line was used solely for the Carbis branch. In this picture the Carbis branch clearly has not seen much traffic, not only is it rusty but there are signs of other activities on the railhead. The area to the left of the station is now occupied by a housing development close to the lineside. Note also post with a notice just before Molinnis Crossing. Copyright Mike Roach

From the Maurice Dart CD Dhina Clay lines Pt 1. Available from Wheal Martyn Museum

From the highly recommended Maurice Dart CD China Clay line Pt1. With his permission.

Carbis Wharf

Carbis Wharf - how it looked on 26th June 1990 Copyright Roger Winnen

The Carbis branch from the Carbis Road bridge on 26th June 1990. Alas this picture is no longer possible as the bridge from which it was taken as been removed and the road straightened. Copyright Roger Winnen

As can be seen, a very sad day, this picture, one of many, from the Maurice Dart CD 'China Clay lines 1'. Available from the Wheal Martyn Museum. Copyright

Taking a walk along the Carbis Branch after closure.
Having noted many locals taking a stroll along the branch we followed suit some of these pictures were taken shortly after complete closure, others in 1992 when demolition was taking place, before the rails were finally lifted.

As a single car unit heads off from a rather shabby and neglected station at Bugle we take a look at the branch to Carbis seen here to the left. The passing loop at Bugle was taken out in 1964 and the signalbox converted to a ground frame. Entry to The Carbis branch was then by using the former down main of the Goonbarrow to Bugle loop. This picture 1991 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Bugle station 1991. Great Beam Clay works lay off to the left. Mike Roach takes notes. Copyright Keith Jenkin

The unit heads away towards Newquay, a fixed distant warns drivers approaching from the Newquay direction to slow for Molinnins Crossing at the Par end of Bugle station. Until 1964 a loop off from and alongside the Carbis branch served for run round purposes. This picture 1991 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Having turned through a right angle the branch made a very nearly straight path towards Carbis Wharf. 1991 Copyright Keith Jenkin

The freshly painted gates at Rosemellyn Crossing. It is said that as a matter of routine these gates were repainted after closure! 1991 Copyright Keith Jenkin In the distance lies Roach Rock.

For more information and pictures of Roche Rock click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roche,_Cornwall

A view over the crossing. 1991 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Carbis Wharf lay just beyond the road bridge, the line dipping down to pass under the bridge. The bridge has now long gone. A 1991 picture. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

A close up view of the bridge and catch point ready to catch any runaways. The milepost seems rather strange on such a short branch but nevertheless we're 289 miles from London via Bristol and Millbay. Pictured in 1991. Copyright Keith Jenkin

A view through the road bridge looking up towards the wharf, the track in a dip here was often wet and slippery, the cause of complaints by drivers. Pictures in 1991 Copyright Keith Jenkin.

A view from the road bridge looking up into the drys. One of the chimneys looks a little out of the vertical!!.

A 1991 view of the driers, rail export of the clays had ceased long before this. The material being carried away by road transport. Copyright Keith Jenkin

The railway passed up along the right hand side of the driers. Note the piles of coke brought in by road to supply the kiln which at that time had a very short life ahead. 1991 Copyright Keith Jenkin

We were made most welcome by the operators of the kiln and here is a shot of one of the fires used to dry the pans. 1991 Copyright Keith Jenkin

An old kiln 1991 Copyright Keith Jenkin

The second walk, this time in 1991/2 by Roger Winnen.

A Newquay bound HST looks somewhat lost as it passes throug an overgrown Bugle. A very rusty Carbis branch lines in the foreground. 3rd August 1991 Copyright Roger Winnen

The whole station bares a neglected look on the 3rd August 1991 as the HST passes non stop and continues its way to Newquay some 14 1/2 miles distant. Copyright Roger Winnen.

A picture of Bugle station looking towards Goonbarrow In the foreground, there is ample evidence of scrapping of the Carbis branch which seems to have been taking place at several locations at the same time - maybe this area, adjacent to an operational line by B.R. staff. The high 'platform' on the right is the site of the terminus of Treffry's Par railway. The barren area to the left of the picture, the site of the former goods yard, is now occupied by housing right up to the lineside. There was originally a 'straight run' of double track between Goonbarrow and Bugle, the down track latterly being used to serve the Carbis branch. The redundant line can still, in this view dated 2nd February 1992 be seen as the right hand of the tracks beyond Molinnis Level Crossing.. Copyright Roger Winnen

By the 2nd of February 1992 the branch has been officially closed off as can be seen by these flags. Presumably this was the limit to which the private contractors could work. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 'closure flags' were just around the corner beyond the dilapidated level crossing. 2nd February 1992 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Roche Rock beckons as we head towards the terminus though ever increasing plant life. 2nd February 1992. Copyright Roger Winnen

The crossing gates still look reasonably smart though demolition is in progress. Note the encroaching vegetation ahead. 2nd February 1992 Copyright Roger Winnen

As can be seen lifting was already in progress towards the terminus. It looks as if the lifting was being done by privat contractors who were taking away the track on road vehicles accessing along the trackbed. 2nd February 1992 Copyright Roger Winnen

From the contractors point of view - the way ahead, looking towards the main line at Bugle but for Roger looking back at the line already walked. 2nd February 1992.

A stack of sleepers lie beside the abandoned trackbed. 2nd February 1992 Copyright Roger Winnen

A small bridge crosses a watercourse, note the pile of redundant chairs on the right hand side of the trackbed. 2nd February 1992 Copyright Roger Winnen

Looking back down the branch towards Bugle from the road bridge at Carbis. As can be seen a section of track has been removed. Presumably the contractors were taking 'two bites' at the demolition at one time. 2nd February 1992. Copyright Roger Winnen

There is no smoke from the driers chimney and there appears to be no fuel stacked against the wall. The drainage of the section of track where it dipped beneath the road bridge was a problem even in operational days. The evidence of the problem is here for all to see on the 2nd February 1992. 2nd February 1992 Copyright Roger Winnen

A fresh look along the course of the line by Rupert Chalkley in August 2015

The chimneys at Great Beam Kiln, Wheal Rose 14th August 2015 Copyright Rupert Chalkley

Many thanks to Rupert Chalkley for sending the pictures above, these were taken on his visit in August 2015

The terminus at Carbis in December 1992. The scene has changed dramatically. Bridge has been demolished - the road is now level at the this point and the driers are now holiday accommodation. Copyright Sid Sponheimer