A little railway puzzle

John · Post by **John** » Thu 28 Jun, 2007 10:28 am

With reference to the Pool Quarry Railway, I did a fair bit of research on the line in the late 1960s, from memory. I did an article for the NERA Express but I'm blessed if I can find it at the moment.I was lucky enough at the time to find people who actually remembered the railway, including the engine driver, Joe Roundhill.When tracing the incline today, though it's a while since I've been, it should be borne in mind that approximately half way up, the incline was diverted to emerge behind the cottages. The first route emerged in front of them. Both routes were perfectly walkable.When I find my article I'll pass on anyadditional information. Bill Smith used it in his book.John.

big s · Post by **big s** » Thu 28 Jun, 2007 5:58 pm

John wrote: Still with hospital railways, a siding was put in 500 yards on the Ilkley side of Burley-in-Wharfedale station for the building of Scalebor Park hospital.It was inspected by the BoT in June 1899 but the steepness of the gradient incurred the Inspecting Officer's displeasure and opening was postponed until 28-7-1899. Known as Gould's Siding, after the builder, it was closed in June 1903.I haven't been up to have a look but I understand there are very few remains visible.John. i used to work at scalebor and before it closed and houses were built there there was a trace of the route that the siding took.as it came off the main line it curved up towards where ward 9 was,it then had a siding and went along to the hospital boiler house.the wooden building which was the "station"come builders office was still used up to 15 years ago as the gardeners mess hut.

simonm · Post by **simonm** » Thu 28 Jun, 2007 8:06 pm

OK, so all that falls into place, especially with the tunnel air duct further along the road in Bramhope. Now, further towards the airport, on Otley old road there is another of those big tower air shaft thingies. Is that one part of the same railway as well. Apologies, but I'm new to this railway stuff, but it fascinates the cack out of me!!

rikj · Post by **rikj** » Thu 28 Jun, 2007 8:53 pm

Simon, the shaft by the road in Bramhope is from the current Leeds-Harrogate line. A vent shaft for the Bramhope tunnel.The one you've seen on the Otley Old Road (in the photo) is also from the same tunnel, but I think it was possibly a construction shaft. It's easy to get to, in fact you walk through the spoil heaps from the tunnel construction to get to the shaft. Its top is sealed, hence no barbed wire like the one at Bramhope. There's also a little brick plinth nearby that looks like it might have held a pulley or crane.I believe the other taller, slimmer tower on the outskirts of Bramhope was a sighting tower used in the construction of the tunnel.

simonm · Post by **simonm** » Thu 28 Jun, 2007 9:14 pm

Cheers for that. For years I have always wondered what those things were. Passed them so many times!

John · Post by **John** » Thu 12 Jul, 2007 6:06 pm

With reference to the Poole Quarry railway, I attach my article on the line. As you can see, this was written thirty years ago, but I think most of it is still relevant.If anybody can't read pdf files, let me know and I will post a txt file.John.

John · Post by **John** » Thu 12 Jul, 2007 6:10 pm

Sorry all, neither a pdf nor a txt file would load. I shall have to experiment.John.

John · Post by **John** » Mon 16 Jul, 2007 8:57 am

Trying again with page one of the Poole Quarry raiwlay.Here's hoping.John.

John · Post by **John** » Mon 16 Jul, 2007 9:57 am

It seems I need a new I-load.I'll try again later.John.

John · Post by **John** » Sat 28 Jul, 2007 9:54 am

Poole Quarry railway.Trying again with page 1.John.