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.
making great progress!
ReplyDeleteThanks Derek!
ReplyDeleteIt's coming along rather well at the moment...as well as working on the area I showed in this post, I've been laying out the trackwork for Shildon Yards (which is where the route terminates for the moment at its southern extent) and doing the tunnel itself.
This is however one of those areas where my lack of 3D modelling experience becomes an issue (the north portal of Shildon Tunnel is particularly distinctive, and once you've seen the real thing a pale imitation is no substitute at all) but I'm sure I can manage for now and revisit such custom assets later.
If I ever get to the end of this one, I've half a mind to do Shildon-Newport circa 1920 (complete with 1500V DC catenary). That's a good way off though!