| Network Rail have recently announced that the Tramway to the Quay is to be lifted in preparation for the 2012 Olympic events that will take place in the Weymouth area. Opened by the GWR in 1865, the line first saw passenger traffic in 1889 for connections to the Channel Islands. The line last saw regular use in 1987 with the last train to traverse the Tramway being a Pathfinders Railtour in May 1999 with 73138 and 73106 Top and Tailing. Even 10 years on, the line remains in good condition but another part of our Heritage is soon to dissapear |
A view of the Tramway looking towards Weymouth station Buy Print |
One set of Level crossing gates still exist where the line crosses King Street. DR196 signal can be seen still showing a Red aspect which it has done for nearly 10 years now Buy Print |
This view from the Crossing at King Street looks up towards where the Tramway connects to the main line Buy Print |
Crossing gates at King Street looking back towards Weymouth Town centre |
This view down Commercial Road shows a busy main road which would be subject to major congestion if trains still ran Buy Print |
The tracks pass Weymouth Marina in Commercial Road Buy Print |
The line has now left Commercial Road and follows the waterway all the way round to the Quay station Buy Print |
A view back towards where the line crosses Commercial Road Buy Print |
Views like this show why it would be a logistical nightmare to run trains today, especially with White Van man blocking the way. This area is now for 'Permit' holders only as displayed by the sign Buy Print |
The line nears journeys end and now runs along Custom House Quay and here dives under Town Bridge Buy Print |
Aptly named Ferry's corner, you could sit outside the Sailor's Return pub with a pint and watch a Crompton rumble past with a Boat train!! Nice Buy Print |
A stream of cars now drive along the Tramway Buy Print |
Journeys end for thousands of people, the platform in the background is the Quay station where passengers would leave one mode of Transport and get on to another for their trip to the Channel Islands. The sidings give evidence of a prosperous past at the Terminus Buy Print |
On the left can be seen a Cargo Loading stage where goods would be transferred onto Rail and vice versa on to ships. The track has been removed leading to the loading pad Buy Print |
Final view of the Terminus with a Tall ship docked at the Quayside. You can almost imagine Tea or Coffee being unloaded and transferred to 4 wheeled wagons with a Tank engine at the head. Buy Print |
