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View of Gwinear Road station looking west, Cornwall. Possibly at the opening of the Helston branch line on 9th May 1887

View of Gwinear Road station looking west, Cornwall. Possibly at the opening of the Helston branch line on 9th May 1887


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Filename: TRURI-RYgwr-1.tiff

Size: 8016 x 6237 (50MB)

Date: 30th August 2016

Source: Royal Cornwall Museum

County: Cornwall

Location Name: 50.187582, -5.370383

© From the collection of the RIC

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View of Gwinear Road station looking west, Cornwall. Possibly at the opening of the Helston branch line on 9th May 1887

This photograph was probably taken on 9th May 1887, the opening day of the Helston branch line. Every part of the railway infrastructure in view is in almost perfect condition, having been newly installed for the creation of the new junction station. The stone work to the platforms and the locking room has obviously only recently been laid. Even the staff are well turned out. The main line retains the mixed gauge, albeit relaid with cross-sleepered track, whilst the branch line bay has been laid in narrow gauge only. The bay continues beyond the station, to a buffer stop built against the newly cut back end of the original cutting side. The branch line engine is in attendance, almost certainly a 517 class 0-4-2T, complete with polished brass dome. The contrasting painting schemes of the Signal & Telegraph department, responsible for the signal box next to the crossing, and that of the station buildings are clearly evident. In particular the signal box windows sashes are white, whereas those on the station are darker, probably brown. The signal box barge boards are relatively dark when compared with the wall boarding, whilst those on the station appear considerably lighter. The signals are the standard G.W.R. type which was to survive for many years, although at this period only single red spectacle plates were fitted, " all right" being indicated simply by the white light" Information from: The Broad Gauge In Cornwall. M. Jolly & P. Garnsworthy. Gwinear Road station with a locomotive on the Helston branch line with her crew and members of the station staff. Advertising on the station includes The Angel Hotel, Helston, W & A Gilbey and Moon & Sons

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TRURI : RYgwr.1

Media ID 12491604

© From the collection of the RIC

Advertising Great Platform Railway Track Train Victorian Western Signal


EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a historic moment in Cornwall's railway history. Taken on May 9th, 1887, the opening day of the Helston branch line, it showcases Gwinear Road station in all its pristine glory. Every aspect of the newly installed railway infrastructure is impeccably maintained, from the freshly laid stone platforms to the polished brass dome of the branch line engine. The attention to detail extends beyond just the physical elements. The well-dressed staff and crew add an air of professionalism and pride to this snapshot in time. The contrasting painting schemes between the Signal & Telegraph department's signal box and the station buildings are also evident, with white window sashes on one and darker tones on another. As we delve deeper into this image, advertising signs catch our eye. Prominently displayed are advertisements for The Angel Hotel in Helston, W & A Gilbey wines and spirits company, as well as Moon & Sons (not specified which company). These glimpses into local businesses remind us that railways not only connected communities but also served as conduits for commerce. Overall, this photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era when rail travel was still relatively new and exciting. It serves as a testament to both human ingenuity in creating such intricate railway systems and their commitment to maintaining them with utmost care.

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