OLD PLYMOUTH . UK
Plus parts of the South Hams and West Devon
www.oldplymouth.uk
 

©  Brian Moseley, Plymouth
Webpage created: September 03, 2018
Webpage updated: September 03, 2018

        

RAILWAYS IN OLD PLYMOUTH  |  LAUNCESTON BRANCH
BRANCH LINE, PLYMOUTH STATION (MILLBAY) TO LAUNCESTON STATION

PITT'S CLEAVE QUARRY SIDINGS

Pitts Cleave Quarry Sidings, at 14 miles 33 chains mile post mileage from Tavistock Junction on the Launceston Branch, were on the Up side of the line, with a facing connection from the Tavistock direction.  The ruling gradients on the main branch line at this point were 1 in 89 rising in the Down direction and 1 in 66 falling in the Up direction.  The Quarry was accessed by road from a private occupational level crossing at 14 miles 17 chains.

The first of four sidings was brought in to use on March 30th 1922.  The second one was added soon after and then two more in June 1922, the points being worked from a key on the Tavistock to Lydford section Electric Train Staff.

Roadstone from the Quarry was supplied to local highway authorities and the Great Western Railway Company, the latter using it as ballast.  The Quarry was operated by Messrs Hoare Brothers Limited, tarmacadam manufacturers, whose works were on the Up side of Marsh Mills Station.  Roadstone was transported between the Quarry and the works in private 20-ton hopper wagons, and from there by Engineer's Department special trains and ordinary freight services to destinations all over Devon and Cornwall.