The Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway was promoted by the Caledonian Railway, using the provisions of 1896 Light Railways Act.[1] It opened to traffic between Elvanfoot and Leadhills on 1 October 1901, with the remaining section to Wanlockhead on 19 September 1902.[1]
The line
It had a summit of 1,498 feet, which was the highest, for a Standard gauge line, in Great Britain.[1][2]
The line closed to passengers on 31 December 1938 and to freight shortly afterwards.[1][2]
A significant viaduct on the line (Rispin Cleugh viaduct) was built by Sir Robert McAlpine. It was built from concrete; but was clad with terracotta bricks to improve its appearance.[2] It was demolished with explosives in 1991 as the terracotta bricks were falling off.[2]
Rispin Cleugh viaduct shortly before being demolished.
Photographer:- Stewart D. Macfarlane
Date:- 11 November 1990
Reuse
The narrow gauge Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway, which is also a light railway, has been built on the track formation, west from Leadhills. Some terracotta bricks have been reused in a signal box.[2]
References
- Atterbury, Paul (2004). Branch Line Britain. Newton Abbott: David and Charles. ISBN 0-7153-2416-0.
- Awdry, Christopher (1990). Encyclopaedia of British Railway Companies. London: Guild Publishing. ISBN 1-8526-0049-7
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