Hey Guys,
History
Old Warden Tunnel was built between 1853 and 1857, and is part of the Midland Railway’s route from Bedford to Hitchin. The tunnel is perfectly straight and 882yards (0.8km) long, with a slight gradient towards the north portal to allow for water to drain. The line was closed to passengers in 1962 and goods in 1964.
The tunnel had a brief appearance in the 60s film ‘Those Magnificent Men and Their Flying Machines’, when Sir Percy’s plane lands on a moving train which enters the tunnel, thus destroying the plane and Sir Percy’s chance of winning. The film is one of my favourite, so this trip was a bit of a pilgrimage.
Today
The tunnel is in sound condition and bricked off at one end and forms part of a nature reserve.
Regards
History
Old Warden Tunnel was built between 1853 and 1857, and is part of the Midland Railway’s route from Bedford to Hitchin. The tunnel is perfectly straight and 882yards (0.8km) long, with a slight gradient towards the north portal to allow for water to drain. The line was closed to passengers in 1962 and goods in 1964.
The tunnel had a brief appearance in the 60s film ‘Those Magnificent Men and Their Flying Machines’, when Sir Percy’s plane lands on a moving train which enters the tunnel, thus destroying the plane and Sir Percy’s chance of winning. The film is one of my favourite, so this trip was a bit of a pilgrimage.
Today
The tunnel is in sound condition and bricked off at one end and forms part of a nature reserve.
Regards
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