What's particularly interesting to me is that the Tunnel Branch was opened by the S&D to replace the Brusselton Inclines, so it has a real place in history in its own right. It's a real pity it's not better documented - I've not found a single contemporary photo of the branch.
As this is a "work in progress" post, the following screenshots are somewhat incomplete. In particular, you'll see areas of untextured landscape, a lack of trees etc. as I'm trying to give a flavour of this part of the route here (an area which I've not shown before) rather than show the finished article.
The view from Tunnel Branch (or Shildon North) Junction looking north towards Auckland Park and Coundon. The lines on the left form the Tunnel Branch to West Auckland, Butterknowle and Barnard Castle, whilst those on the right lead to Bishop Auckland itself.
Sadly, all that remains here today is a single line to Bishop Auckland, as an be seen in the photo at http://blackhatrailwaypics.fotopic.net/p41265262.html.
The junction where the private sidings at Auckland Park Colliery met the Shildon-Bishop Auckland branch. Although Auckland Park Colliery closed in 1946, the site remained active as a pumping station until 1961.
Looking back up towards Tunnel Branch junction from the Tunnel Branch. The line to Bishop Auckland can be seen coming in from the left.
...and back the other way.
Finally, these two shots show where the Tunnel Branch meets the West Auckland - Bishop Auckland line at Fieldon's Bridge Junction. Full landscaping here is still a little way off, but West Auckland MPD can just be seen in the background behind the large gas tank.
