What on earth is this?

[James]

Clicky

On my OS map, this branch is shown as ending at the bridge over the A48, with no features beyond, and I always wondered why a dead-end branch to nowhere had been constructed when so many massive engineering structures were needed on it! Until recently, Multimap had the same dead-end on the line, and the aerial photograph said "not available". Is it a recently declassified military depot or what? It's certainly a massive complex!

[James]

I found out for myself

http://www.soffa.dabsol.co.uk/sub/caerwent/

Of course it's the railway that interests me most...

Look at this track!



Even more intriguing is this photograph: Abandoned inside the derelict, overgrown engine shed is what looks like a small diesel shunter!!!



Perhaps you/we could sort out a visit?

Edit: a more detailed history
http://www.caerwentcom.com/rnpf01.htm

[jules]

What a facsinating discovery

I might well take a wander over there myself ... reckon we'd be able to get in?

[James]

I dunno...there's contradicting information about this place! One site says that part of the site is used by local farmers to graze livestock, another says it's an "Airsoft" site (next step up from paintball...shooting each other with BB guns ), and yet another says site security is so strict (and heavy-handed), despite it being abandoned, that the place has developed an Area 51-style mystique!

The truth is out there!

[madhattie]

This is the site (I believe) where the 'scrapper' trains have been running to, and will be the future destination of the Class 87s that started the other thread!

There is a similar rail-connected explosives factory near Bridgwater that used to always be left off maps.

clicky again...

I was under the impression that Caerwent was a definate 'no-go' area. (one of the reasons the scrappers go there)

[James]

Oh yeah, I know about Puriton munitions factory, the number of times I've been under the bridge over the motorway! You can see the buildings from the M5 too. The track's still there I think, but very overgrown...there's a gate to the old branch alongside the main line as well, but the junction has been removed and I can't see track at that end.

Strange how things link up...we're discussing the withdrawl and scrapping of the old MK1 EMU slamdoors on the Southern E-mail Group! I didn't know this was where they were ending up but now I've had a look around I've found lots of info and pics!

I wonder what type the shunter is...and what the MOD plans to do with it? Maybe you could rescue it or something, it'll make up for missing out on those Wickham trolleys all that time ago!

Talking of rescuing diesels from MOD property...here's one I'd like to see saved: http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/nuc ... nel10.html

[madhattie]

I wonder what type the shunter is...and what the MOD plans to do with it? Maybe you could rescue it or something, it'll make up for missing out on those Wickham trolleys all that time ago!

If I was going to buy a shunter (looks in pockets... nowt in there 'cept little 'uns biscuit crumbs) it would have to be Western Pride, especially knowing it's out there awaiting my love and attention...

Talking of rescuing diesels from MOD property...here's one I'd like to see saved: http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/nuc ... nel10.html

I like those Rustons. When I was little, and they were building the humungous storm-water tunnel under Bedminster, I used to go down to Dean Lane Park, which was the entrance to the works, and watch their Rustons being lifted in and out of the pipe. I always wanted one after that. Would be handy in the back garden with a couple of tipper trucks behind them too

[Mike]

It's an Army training site. For decent view go to Gray Hil, with your Bins.

Regs,

MIke

http://www.mountainbike.jediknights.co. ... before.jpg

and

http://www.mountainbike.jediknights.co. ... /after.jpg