NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 88
Walkham Viaduct Again
Michael L. Roach
In this article I take a third, and possibly final, look at Walkham Viaduct on the Plymouth to Tavistock South branch line. The previous articles were numbered 1964 Parts 48 and 59. To recap Walkham was an original Brunel timber superstructure on stone piers dating from 1859 and was arguably the best example of the genre anywhere. It was rebuilt in 1910 with the piers extended upwards in brickwork to support underslung steel trusses. Since writing the first two parts I have come across the attached photo (image one) showing how this was done and the trains kept running most of the time. I had no qualms about copying it because it is long out-of-copyright. The original does not record where the photo was taken, but there is a clue in the terrace of houses at low level and the double track. Very few of Brunel's timber viaduct were rebuilt in this way – can a reader identify the location?
The next image shows a Plymouth to Tavistock auto-train crossing the viaduct from a location that was difficult to reach and access. Next a couple from the north end during demolition and then a couple at the end of the partially demolished decking showing the battle deck steel troughing with the concrete slab above it.
Finally a couple of pics supplied by Pendon Museum showing their magnificent model of Walkham Viaduct. My thanks to the Museum for supplying these photos. So, the viaduct lives on in model form and can be seen at this wonderful museum in Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire OX14 4QD. The museum is well worth a visit if you are a fan of all things Great Western.
The next image shows a Plymouth to Tavistock auto-train crossing the viaduct from a location that was difficult to reach and access. Next a couple from the north end during demolition and then a couple at the end of the partially demolished decking showing the battle deck steel troughing with the concrete slab above it.
Finally a couple of pics supplied by Pendon Museum showing their magnificent model of Walkham Viaduct. My thanks to the Museum for supplying these photos. So, the viaduct lives on in model form and can be seen at this wonderful museum in Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire OX14 4QD. The museum is well worth a visit if you are a fan of all things Great Western.
A Brunel timber viaduct being rebuilt in similar fashion to Walkham; but this is not Wallkham for two reasons. At Walkham there is no terrace of houses at ground level and at Walkham the outside timber supports have a pronounced batter to them. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
6400 crosses Walkham Viaduct with two auto coaches on the 2.10pm Plymouth to Tavistock on Saturday 21 October 1961. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Looking along the viaduct during demolition in October 1964 showing how there are just two trusses on the outside and two plate girders between. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Looking along the viaduct during demolition in October 1964 showing how there are just two trusses on the outside and two plate girders between. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The end of the partially demolished viaduct, in February 1965, showing the composite floor of an unreinforced concrete slab sitting on profiled steel sheets which cantilever out from the main truss on the right, and similarly on the left. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The first stage of removing the deck was to break up the concrete slab. It must have been a major logistical exercise to mix and place the huge volume of concrete needed when the viaduct was rebuilt by the GWR's own men. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The model of a Brunel timber viaduct at Pendon Museum based on Walkham Viaduct. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
A side view of the model viaduct, with Dartmoor in the background – a bit closer than in real life. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Many thanks as always Mike. A lovely structure, a crime to demolish it, really.
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
WESTERNS AT LARGE - 1976
Part 4
Ian Thomas
D1001 Western Pathfinder awaits departure from Exeter St. Davids with the 1230 Paddington - Paignton. 03.07.1976, copyright Ian Thomas.
Another great 'Western' photo Ian, many thanks once again. Another tomorrow.
Van Trains
Part 4
Roger Geach
On a Saturday there was normally an afternoon van train to Bristol.
Here is 47521 with one such Penzance to Bristol van train on Sat 26.08.1989 at Bolitho, Liskeard. I recorded it as a 1406 departure from Penzance - it passed me at Bolitho at 1551.
47613 was the next hauled service on the up, with the Penzance to Milton Keynes service.
Here is 47521 with one such Penzance to Bristol van train on Sat 26.08.1989 at Bolitho, Liskeard. I recorded it as a 1406 departure from Penzance - it passed me at Bolitho at 1551.
47613 was the next hauled service on the up, with the Penzance to Milton Keynes service.
47521 Leading the Penzance - Bristol vans past Bolitho, Liskeard. Saturday 26.08.1989, copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks indeed Roger, a great photograph and information.
A question on Van Trains
Simon Howard / Roger Geach
There are plenty of pictures of 4M05 and plenty of tales about the huge range of vans (especially when it was lengthened in the daffodil season). However, I would love to know what the corresponding down working was. I can’t remember it being in daylight hours – and I wonder if it was responsible for Lickey banker D7022 appearing on the up Liverpool in April 1969??
I forwarded this email to Roger Geach who replied:
The vans most probably have come off the 2008 Paddington - Penzance brute, that was the only down van train that ran to get them to Penzance on time .
Van trains into plymouth were:
4b10 1557 Bristol - Plymouth
4v03 2125 Birmingham Curzon Street - Plymouth
4v46 2054 Bradford - Plymouth vans
1b78 0630 Bristol - Plymouth conveyed some vans
1b58 2110 Bristol - Plymouth conveyed some vans
Probably some quite complex shunting and transfer - there must be someone who reads CRS who may have been involved in shunting these trains?
While 4m05 went to crewe I suspect many of the vans did not. Manchester and Birmingham being destinations. I think 4m05 was shunted at Bristol.
All interesting stuff.
The only down van train in daylight was 3B10/4B08 - 1050 ex. Plymouth, and I think that ran from 1973.
I forwarded this email to Roger Geach who replied:
The vans most probably have come off the 2008 Paddington - Penzance brute, that was the only down van train that ran to get them to Penzance on time .
Van trains into plymouth were:
4b10 1557 Bristol - Plymouth
4v03 2125 Birmingham Curzon Street - Plymouth
4v46 2054 Bradford - Plymouth vans
1b78 0630 Bristol - Plymouth conveyed some vans
1b58 2110 Bristol - Plymouth conveyed some vans
Probably some quite complex shunting and transfer - there must be someone who reads CRS who may have been involved in shunting these trains?
While 4m05 went to crewe I suspect many of the vans did not. Manchester and Birmingham being destinations. I think 4m05 was shunted at Bristol.
All interesting stuff.
The only down van train in daylight was 3B10/4B08 - 1050 ex. Plymouth, and I think that ran from 1973.
An interesting question Simon and our thanks to Roger for the reply.
If anybody knows any more, please do get in touch - [email protected]
If anybody knows any more, please do get in touch - [email protected]