the station gets a new platform
When the branch and harbour were built, it
was anticipated that a steam packet would run a service to South Wales
from the harbour. A passenger service was run from County Gate using a
separate platform and run round loop. The steam packet never materialised
and the passenger service was suspended in 1914.
The track layout at County Gate was simplified
and the defunct passenger loop removed and replaced by a simple siding (New
Siding). This was fenced off from the platforms.
The scenic splendour of the Harbour branch
was not lost on the directors after a famous travel writer published in
the Times that the beauty of the line "bankrupted the English language". A summer passenger service to the harbour
was re-instated in 1928.
The train ran into the engine shed siding which was maintained in a
relatively clean condition! This service became extremely popular and a
tea room was provided on the ground floor of the Harbour Authority offices.
County Gate became the busiest intermediate station on the entire railway
during the summer months. A platform in concrete was re-instated at County
Gate at the former New Siding. As no loop was now available for running round at the harbour
two coaches were rebuilt as push pull units. The steam locomotive was
marshalled into the centre of the consist.
As the main line began its conversion to
railcar operation for much of its service, so the Harbour Authority
ordered its own diesel power car to build into its push pull consist. This
was built locally and employed two Gardner engines using mechanical
gearboxes to the axles. A complicated air operated system was employed to
control the power car from the push pull units. The creation was never as
reliable or successful as its main line counterparts and it was not
uncommon to see a steam loco being hurriedly prepared to replace the
failed power car!
I always find modifying an existing model
rather hateful as it is so hard to work without damaging other details.
Nevertheless, work began on rebuilding the platform in March 2009. The
extended platform will represent concrete, so beloved by Glenthorne
Harbour Authority! The old fence was removed along with the line of
shrubs.
The new platform was formed in Polyfilla, the
surface being lightly brushed to simulate screading.
the start of work...rather a worrying time - click on image to enlarge
the completed platform - there is still the new shelter to fit - click on
image to enlarge
the new 'pagoda style' shelter built by
the Harbour Authority - click on
image to enlarge
the small shelter built at the port - click on
image to enlarge
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