Hidden Greenock/Tail O' the bank

[The_Clincher]

Having a rich industrial heritage & past, i can't help noticing many scarred landmarks relating to the now changing face of Greenock & Port Glasgow.

I'm sure there are more than a few interesting gems to dust down.

I'll start with this railway bridge that i noticed on the A8 road near to Morton's ground. It looks like it branches off the railway from Port Glasgow to Greenock, toward the shore.

Can any locals or any of our resident railway experts shed any light on this?

[james73]

Just a line down to the riverside/docks Id imagine. Surprise it's still there.



James H

[scallopboy]

I believe that was joined to the old line that went through Kilmacolm and went through a tunnel before reappearing near the docks but I'm prepared to be shot down in flames by some of the more knowledgable train folks on here.

[Sir Roger DeLodgerley]

Just a line down to the riverside/docks Id imagine. Surprise it's still there.



James H

Correct, it was a branch from the Caley Gourock line down to James Watt docks. There was substantially more to it in the past:

[Sharon]

I've a few more of this graving dock taken in 2003 that I'll post up later.

I was through Greenock on Sunday, and I was amazed at the amount of construction going on. It has changed so much - although whether its evolution into Tesco town is a great thing or not..... !!!!!!!

I also experienced the worst service and meal ever in The Point. Top tip - should you ever be tempted to try it - rethink!

[james73]

Just a line down to the riverside/docks Id imagine. Surprise it's still there.



James H

Correct, it was a branch from the Caley Gourock line down to James Watt docks. There was substantially more to it in the past:

Great pic. The single freight line from the middle left - a portion of this still exists.
It runs along the middle of a wee street on the cycle route through the area! Saw
it a few weeks ago.

The line Scallopy mentioned was further west and is shown there at the bottom
of the map. The green section to the right of 'Knocknairshill' ( ) is where the viaduct
was that's now missing, resulting in a pain-in-the-arse diversion for cyclists.



James H

[The_Clincher]

Well done chaps...thanks for the enlightenment on that one

[Sir Roger DeLodgerley]

Pic of the missing viaduct herewith James.



I understand that it was demolished by the army at the request of BR on the basis that "it might one day become a dangerous structure". One more example of BR's approach to lost lines; when we close 'em we make sure they stayed closed

cf Paisley Canal Street.

Regards,

[james73]

Great picture. Pretty sure I have one in colour of a steam train on it - the track had
been singled by the time this pic was taken. I'll try and dig it out.

Wrt the viaduct being blown up - you're right, it was blown up by 102 Squadron
on 31 October 1970. The pic below is of a plaque that was on the low level foot and
cycle bridge that I took about 4 years ago. I say 'was' cos I was down that way a
few weeks back and it looks like a new bridge is now in place sans plaque.



The plaque read:

"NINE ARCHES TO NONE ARCHES

In 1870 the Greenock Merchants built this railway, with this viaduct of nine
semi-circular arches 480 feet (146m) long and over 100 feet (30m) above
the Devol Burn.

The railway closed in 1966 and on 31 October 1970 102 Sqdn(RE) blew the
viaduct up. The debris remains on the site to this day.

In 1979, the Lithgow Y.O.P. team built a simple footbridge in the Glen below
and on 22 December 1993 the last planks were laid across the 80ft (24m) Bailey
Bridge by Sustrans four-man team.

Plaque dedicated by Sir Simpson Stevenson 27 May 1994."



James H

[cumbo]

A wee bit more of hidden Greenock

[Dexter St. Clair]

That'll make a good Past Present when the Luxury flats are built.

[The_Clincher]

I've uploaded a pic here of that area....they have built flats that are almost a replica of the buildings seen in Dex's pic.

Across the road at Kincaid's old works, There is a new development "Kincaid Gate". It's all go in that neck of the woods!

[HollowHorn]

Another view of the sheds:


The new flats:


They are an excellent new build & really blend in to the area:

[My Kitten]

Not hidden but Im sure I remember reading about these on here but can I find it!? Help me please.

What the heck are those things at Greenock Esplanade that look like speed cameras for ships?

I passed them going now, i should know what these are Ive read it somewhere

[Dave]

Another wee hidden Greenock gem is the partial line which used to serve Greenock Princes Pier Station. I drove along Inverkip Road today and it was clearly visible that the tracks and everything were still down, the only thing I didn't get to see was if the tunnel had been bricked up yet, and I can't tell from GE if there is any potential insertion zone for a wee tour. I'm back in Greenock tomorrow for my sins so I'll be sure to take my camera a post some pictures

Here's what I think I saw posted on Flickr by somebody else.

http://flickr.com/photos/15287626@N07/2704206048/