The Midland in Gloucestershire
Part 5
Ian Thomas
In this part, we will look at the Midland branches to the great docks complex at Gloucester on the eastern side of the docks. The Great Western also served the docks, but from the western side. Both systems were linked via the canal bridge at Hempstead in 1898.
Firstly, a few historical dates to set the scene in the Gloucester area. The first railway to arrive in the city was the Birmingham & Gloucester in 1840, followed by the broad gauge Bristol & Gloucester and Cheltenham & Great Western Union lines in 1844. The following year, the Bristol and Birmingham were bought out by the empire-building Midland Railway Company, and likewise the CGWUR became part of the GWR. Broad gauge ended on the GWR in 1872 with conversion to standard gauge (the Midland converted the Bristol line in 1854).
Both companies saw the docks as a lucrative source of income, with merchandise arriving in the city via the then-new Sharpness to Gloucester Canal, opened in 1827. The infamous High Orchard Dock branch opened in 1848, leaving the main line at California Crossing, just south of where Eastgate station was situated (opened 1896). It crossed a main road at a curious angle and then ran through Gloucester Park, over the Bristol Road and into the dock area. The line remained open as late as 1971 and was popular with railtours, including a DMU visit in 1970.
The line from Tuffley Junction, as stated, opened in 1898, and a spur served the Gloucester Gasworks, and it too closed in 1971. Gloucester’s Midland station was opened in 1898, removing the hassle of a reversal at the old station terminus and enabling trains from Birmingham to Bristol to run directly through the city and on to Tuffley Junction and Bristol. The suffix of Eastgate came about in 1951.
The pictures with this part cover the main line from Wickwar to Standish Junction and the dock branches. In steam days, up to 1961, Jubilees, LMS and Standard Black 5s dominated the scene, and later Royal Scots and Patriots appeared. 3F, 4F and other Midland variants worked the local services. Summer Saturday trains could produce a wide variety, including LNER B1s pressed into service. BR Britannias and 9F 2-10-0s were also seen.
Locomotives from faraway sheds were noted, such as Corkerhill and Carlisle, plus depots in the North-West. Add to all this the GWR workings via the Honeybourne line, Somerset & Dorset trains, relief trains, and a trainspotter’s book was well filled by teatime on a Saturday.
As I’m sure you all know, there were a handful of titled trains: “The Devonian”, “The Cornishman”, the “Pines Express”, and of course the Cheltenham Spa Express for London.
The local stations closed in January 1965, with Saturday January 2nd being the last day: Yate, Wickwar, Charfield, Berkeley Road, Coaley and Haresfield. Frocester closed in December 1961.
I wish I was ten years older. I missed most of this, but nevertheless enjoyed Peaks and other diesel classes, all now disappeared.
Firstly, a few historical dates to set the scene in the Gloucester area. The first railway to arrive in the city was the Birmingham & Gloucester in 1840, followed by the broad gauge Bristol & Gloucester and Cheltenham & Great Western Union lines in 1844. The following year, the Bristol and Birmingham were bought out by the empire-building Midland Railway Company, and likewise the CGWUR became part of the GWR. Broad gauge ended on the GWR in 1872 with conversion to standard gauge (the Midland converted the Bristol line in 1854).
Both companies saw the docks as a lucrative source of income, with merchandise arriving in the city via the then-new Sharpness to Gloucester Canal, opened in 1827. The infamous High Orchard Dock branch opened in 1848, leaving the main line at California Crossing, just south of where Eastgate station was situated (opened 1896). It crossed a main road at a curious angle and then ran through Gloucester Park, over the Bristol Road and into the dock area. The line remained open as late as 1971 and was popular with railtours, including a DMU visit in 1970.
The line from Tuffley Junction, as stated, opened in 1898, and a spur served the Gloucester Gasworks, and it too closed in 1971. Gloucester’s Midland station was opened in 1898, removing the hassle of a reversal at the old station terminus and enabling trains from Birmingham to Bristol to run directly through the city and on to Tuffley Junction and Bristol. The suffix of Eastgate came about in 1951.
The pictures with this part cover the main line from Wickwar to Standish Junction and the dock branches. In steam days, up to 1961, Jubilees, LMS and Standard Black 5s dominated the scene, and later Royal Scots and Patriots appeared. 3F, 4F and other Midland variants worked the local services. Summer Saturday trains could produce a wide variety, including LNER B1s pressed into service. BR Britannias and 9F 2-10-0s were also seen.
Locomotives from faraway sheds were noted, such as Corkerhill and Carlisle, plus depots in the North-West. Add to all this the GWR workings via the Honeybourne line, Somerset & Dorset trains, relief trains, and a trainspotter’s book was well filled by teatime on a Saturday.
As I’m sure you all know, there were a handful of titled trains: “The Devonian”, “The Cornishman”, the “Pines Express”, and of course the Cheltenham Spa Express for London.
The local stations closed in January 1965, with Saturday January 2nd being the last day: Yate, Wickwar, Charfield, Berkeley Road, Coaley and Haresfield. Frocester closed in December 1961.
I wish I was ten years older. I missed most of this, but nevertheless enjoyed Peaks and other diesel classes, all now disappeared.
Please click any image below to obtain an enlargement. Images are copyright the Ian Thomas collection.
Many thanks Ian - another well-researched and interesting article, very much appreciated.
Cornish Railfreight
Richard Davies
I have long been an avid admirer of your website. Lots of historical interest as well as up to date coverage of the rail scene.
I was moved by the photo of 66168 at Par on March 31st taken by Jon Hird. It struck me as the end of an era. Have followed the Cornish freight scene for over 50 years and have watched its steady decline over the those years.
Attached please find a few of my photos over the years. In the 1980/1990s at least 2 visits a year were made to the Duchy and with much help from the local rail staff much was accomplished but sadly I was too late for the D63xx as well as some of the branches such as Meledor Mill. In particular the late Ivor Trudgeon at Drinnick was a fountain of knowledge, a real gent, and always happy to help.
I was moved by the photo of 66168 at Par on March 31st taken by Jon Hird. It struck me as the end of an era. Have followed the Cornish freight scene for over 50 years and have watched its steady decline over the those years.
Attached please find a few of my photos over the years. In the 1980/1990s at least 2 visits a year were made to the Duchy and with much help from the local rail staff much was accomplished but sadly I was too late for the D63xx as well as some of the branches such as Meledor Mill. In particular the late Ivor Trudgeon at Drinnick was a fountain of knowledge, a real gent, and always happy to help.
25207 St Blazey Yard October 11th 1978. Copyright Richard Davies.
37413 Parkandillack to St Blazey trip Treviscoe March 30th 1993. Copyright Richard Davies.
37670 Heathfield to St Blazey trip crossing Largin. Copyright Richard Davies.
50047 Marazion June 20th 1979. Copyright Richard Davies.
67010 and 67020 Moorswater May 31st 2002. Copyright Richard Davies.
Many thanks indeed Richard for both your kind words and these fantastic photographs. Glad you enjoy the website. I think all eyes are on GBRf at present, hopefully they can work some magic on the local freight flows.
The Plain Line Pattern Recognition Train
David Tozer, Jon Hird, Sam Sheldrick, Mark Lynam, Mick House & Andrew Triggs
Colas power car cars 43257 and 43277 pass Cockwood Harbour with the 0543 1Q18 Reading Triangle to Paignton via Penzance. 03.04.2026, copyright David Tozer.
43257 approaching Lostwithiel with 1Q18 and the PLPR. 03.04.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
43257 passing Lostwithiel in the rain. 03.04.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
43277 on the rear at Lostwithiel. 03.04.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
43257 leads 1Q18 through the reverse curves in the village of Coombe St. Stephens. 03.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
We're now in West Cornwall where we see 43257 passing through Redruth Station. 03.04.2026, copyright Mick House.
Tail-gunner 43277 on the rear at Redruth. 03.04.2026, copyright Mick House.
43257 with 43277 'Storm Force' passing Ponsandane working 1Q18 05.43 Reading Triangle Sidings-Paignton PLPR run. 03.04.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
43257 with 43277 'Storm Force' passing Ponsandane working 1Q18 05.43 Reading Triangle Sidings-Paignton PLPR run. 03.04.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
43277 now leading 1Q18 passing and clearing Marazion heading for Paignton. 03.04.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
43277 now leading 1Q18 passing and clearing Marazion heading for Paignton. 03.04.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Following an up Crosscountry Service, 43277 leads 1Q18 through St. Erth. 03.04.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
43257 trailing past the St. Erth semaphores. 03.04.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
43277 enters the colourful cutting at Brea. 03.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
43257 on the rear at Brea. 03.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
43277 slowly dropping down the gradient towards Milltown with the Penzance - Paignton leg of its journey. 03.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks everyone. The second HST into Cornwall in 2026, a rather dramatic drop-off from previous years.
April 1976
Part 4
Roger Winnen
The 09.20 Liverpool to Penzance at Marazion. 10.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1023 Western Fusilier brings stock out of Ponsandane Sidings on 10th April 1976. 10.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Ponsandane Goods Depot. 10.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Western hauls the 11.00 from Penzance. 10.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Class 50 at Ponsandane. 10.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Freightliner wagons at Ponsandane Goods. 10.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Motive Power at Long Rock Class 25 52 and a 50. 10.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.