Mixed Gauge

[Postman Prat]

 

Hi All

 

I've just read a thread on another site discussing the difficulty of operating Mixed Gauge track. Like most of us on here I'm aware of the GWR, prior to 1892, and even the 3 gauges used at Crewe in the early days. However, I was amazed when passing reference was made to mixed gauge on the LCDR on the approaches to Victoria

 

Can anyone throw any light on this as it's totally a 'new one' to me

[LCDR]

 All you have to do is ask!

Victoria station was opened in 1860. The bridge over the Thames, station and railway was built and owned by the Victoria Station and Pimlico Railway. This was the first railway bridge over the Thames in London. Three railways used the bridge and station. These were the London Brighton and South Coast, London Chatham & Dover, and Great Western Railways, the Great Northern, Midland, and London & North Western Railways also had running powers!

 

Only the Great Western used Broad Gauge, but because they were a major partner they had an extra rail incorporated into the track layout to accommodate their 7’ 0¼” rolling stock. This arrangement lasted until 1892. Because the GWR needed another bridge over the Thames at Chelsea their services did not start until 1863. GW services also ran into Clapham Junction, where broad gauge rails were also provided.

 

Grosvenor Bridge as the new bridge was known was progressively widened to accommodate all these companies who ran intensive train services into Victoria. The Great Western and London & North Western Railways arrived over the West London Extension Railway via Kensington, the Midland & Great Northern Railways arrived over the Widened Lines via Farringdon and Elephant & Castle.

 

However in 1915 as the result of War, and the new Underground and ‘bus competition, many of these services were discontinued, never to resume.

 

The London Chatham & Dover Railway (nee East Kent Railway) arrived via a series of running agreements over small railway schemes and a circuitous journey. The largest of these schemes was the West End and Crystal Palace Railway from Beckenham to Pimlico via Crystel Palace and Streatham. This was later absorbed by the LB&SCR. To get from St. Mary Cray to Beckenham the LC&DR used the Mid Kent Railway who turned right at Beckenham Junction to gain London  via the Ravensbourne valley to Lewisham and then over the LC&DR's deadly rival the South Eastern. However they built their own direct route later via a long tunnel at Penge and a long viaduct from Herne Hill opening this in 1863. 

 

The Victoria Station and Pimlico Railway continued to exist until it was absorbed by the Southern Railway at Grouping in 1923. It was more of a property company surviving on rents from the others, a bit like Network Rail does today.

[Postman Prat]

Hi LC&DR

 

 One day, I'll find something that you don't know!!!

 

Seriously, that's a fascinating bit of information. I knew of the LNWR link via Clapham and the GNR via Farringdon but I didn't know they included links into Victoria. I was also unaware of the aspirations of the GW in that direction.

 

It has got to be said however, that my knowledge of the general geography of South London is a bit limited - the railway geography even more so.

 

Thanks for the info. I thought you'd have the answer.

 

[LCDR]

 Having been born & brought up in 'Sarf Lunnun' I have kept a keen interest in the history of that area, despite having spent most of my adult life in Yorkshire and further north.