Report - Birkenhead Dock Branch Line, March '11

[Xan_Asmodi]

A few pictures from my recent wander down the old line. I couldn't find much in the way of history on this line, but I can tell it dates to 1848 at the earliest.

A little history from Wikipedia:

The branch is approximately 4.5 miles (7 km) in length and is accessible by rail from Bidston East junction. The former Mollington Street Depot was joined to the branch line. Part of the branch runs through Haymarket Tunnel and a low-level cutting. The cutting is situated in the centre of Birkenhead, visible from the road flyovers which are in the town centre. The disused Canning Street North signal box and level crossing are also situated on the branch. Level crossings are also situated across Duke Street and Wallasey Bridge Road.

The last known locomotives to have served on this stretch of track were Birkenhead North's allocation of Class 03 shunters, all of which have been preserved.​

My way of getting on to the line was very... woody. Scrambling though the over growth, I eventually made it to the first tunnel on the line, the above mentioned Haymarket tunnel.

[1]
"Roodee Iron Works
Chester 1848"

[2]
Arches

[3]
Barrel vaulted roof

[4]
Squoval? tunnel walls

[5]

[6]
Two lines out of four have been pulled up

[7]
Most recent graffiti I could find

[8]
I went to Air Cadets with this guy

[9]
I love these arches

[10]
For some idea of scale, I'm 6"1' or 1.83m

[11]
Further down the line you come to a lot of fly tipping

[12]
And other stuff

[13]
Now own up; who got chased?

Thanks for looking

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