Having been inspired by the many excellent railway related posts on here, I thought I would have a go at adding my own.
The Dumfries to Stranraer railway opened completely in 1863 and was axed by Dr Beeching in 1965, although final dismantling didn't take place until 1968/69. By the time of closure the 75 mile journey took a leisurely two and a half hours. No diesel trains (apart from the demolition trains) ever ran the route. The line was extremely busy during the Second World War.
Most traces have gone, this my attempt to capture most of what is left and also to find the memorial to a brave young pilot. I hope you enjoy these, the rest are here : https://flic.kr/s/aHskdG3zRj
I started at Loch Ken viaduct
Loch Ken Viaduct by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
Believe it or not, this bridge is still used as a private driveway to a nearby house
Loch Ken Viaduct by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
On to the lonely Loch Stroan...
Loch Stroan Viaduct by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
050 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
Only three and a bit miles to walk to the next stop..
Westwards through Galloway. by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
Next stop, Loch Skerrow halt. THis was an isolated station which was a request stop for fishing parties. For many decades after opening, there was no road access. It was an opportunity for trains to rest and take on water. Railway staff lived in small cottages nearby. Here it is in the early 1960s...
10a by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
And (nearly) the same view today..
Loch Skerrow Halt by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
058 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
Waiting for the next train?
059 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
The other platform and base of the water tower.
[url
Remains of old snow fence made from sleepers
056 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
The remains of the staff cottages, which look almost like 16th century ruins...
065 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
067 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
069 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
On to the next landmark, the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
016 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
On the 18th of March 1944, No. 440 and 439 Squadrons of the Royal Canadian Air Force were being moved from RAF Ayr to RAF Hurn, Bournemouth. A refuelling stop was to be at RAF Woodvale in Lancashire. The squadron was flying a mix of Typhoons and Hurricanes. The Squadron was prepearing for offensive operations over France in preparations for the Normandy landings. While on the first part of the trip, Typhoon JR439 flown by 22 year old P/O K O Mitchell lost control and crashed near the railway line. The wreckage was not found until the next day. The pilot was buried with full honours at Ayr.
This is the memorial cairn with a part of the planes' reduction gear at the top. The passage from the book of Solomon which reads : "Until the day break and shadows flee away" was chosen by the Pilot's family and is on his headstone at Ayr Cemetery.
005 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
004 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
I stayed here for a time and paid silent respect to the bravery of this man who was almost half my age when he died. Wreckage of the aircraft is still spread over a wide area. These are some of the pieces near the memorial.
008 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
012 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
016 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
010 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
I hope you enjoyed looking, apologies if it was a bit long.
The Dumfries to Stranraer railway opened completely in 1863 and was axed by Dr Beeching in 1965, although final dismantling didn't take place until 1968/69. By the time of closure the 75 mile journey took a leisurely two and a half hours. No diesel trains (apart from the demolition trains) ever ran the route. The line was extremely busy during the Second World War.
Most traces have gone, this my attempt to capture most of what is left and also to find the memorial to a brave young pilot. I hope you enjoy these, the rest are here : https://flic.kr/s/aHskdG3zRj
I started at Loch Ken viaduct
Loch Ken Viaduct by tumble112 explores, on FlickrBelieve it or not, this bridge is still used as a private driveway to a nearby house
Loch Ken Viaduct by tumble112 explores, on FlickrOn to the lonely Loch Stroan...
Loch Stroan Viaduct by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
050 by tumble112 explores, on FlickrOnly three and a bit miles to walk to the next stop..
Westwards through Galloway. by tumble112 explores, on FlickrNext stop, Loch Skerrow halt. THis was an isolated station which was a request stop for fishing parties. For many decades after opening, there was no road access. It was an opportunity for trains to rest and take on water. Railway staff lived in small cottages nearby. Here it is in the early 1960s...
10a by tumble112 explores, on FlickrAnd (nearly) the same view today..
Loch Skerrow Halt by tumble112 explores, on Flickr058 by tumble112 explores, on FlickrWaiting for the next train?
059 by tumble112 explores, on FlickrThe other platform and base of the water tower.
[urlRemains of old snow fence made from sleepers
056 by tumble112 explores, on FlickrThe remains of the staff cottages, which look almost like 16th century ruins...
065 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr067 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr069 by tumble112 explores, on FlickrOn to the next landmark, the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
016 by tumble112 explores, on FlickrOn the 18th of March 1944, No. 440 and 439 Squadrons of the Royal Canadian Air Force were being moved from RAF Ayr to RAF Hurn, Bournemouth. A refuelling stop was to be at RAF Woodvale in Lancashire. The squadron was flying a mix of Typhoons and Hurricanes. The Squadron was prepearing for offensive operations over France in preparations for the Normandy landings. While on the first part of the trip, Typhoon JR439 flown by 22 year old P/O K O Mitchell lost control and crashed near the railway line. The wreckage was not found until the next day. The pilot was buried with full honours at Ayr.
This is the memorial cairn with a part of the planes' reduction gear at the top. The passage from the book of Solomon which reads : "Until the day break and shadows flee away" was chosen by the Pilot's family and is on his headstone at Ayr Cemetery.
005 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr
004 by tumble112 explores, on FlickrI stayed here for a time and paid silent respect to the bravery of this man who was almost half my age when he died. Wreckage of the aircraft is still spread over a wide area. These are some of the pieces near the memorial.
008 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr012 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr016 by tumble112 explores, on Flickr010 by tumble112 explores, on FlickrI hope you enjoyed looking, apologies if it was a bit long.
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