Gauxholme Viaduct (No. 1) - Bridge 101 (The Shade)
Gauxhome Viaduct is one of the well-known Stephenson structures on the approaches to Todmorden. The site consists of two structures; a canal bridge and viaduct (Bridge 101) and then the famous skew bridge that crosses the canal again (Bridge 102). This page is concerned with Bridge 101. Access to the underside was precluded due to extensive repairs required to the towpath following extensive flooding after Christmas 2015.
Copyright: J K Wallace, all rights reserved 2020
An unidentified Stanier 8F 2-8-0 heads towards Manchester with a loaded mineral working. The photo is thought to be taken late on in the age of steam, with a date of July 1968, although this cannot be confirmed, as the noted location accompanying the original is clearly incorrect (Buxworth in the Peak District). The train has already crossed over Gauxholme Viaduct (bridge 102) and is on the stone viaduct connecting it with the bridge over the canal (bridge 101). At this time, the train will have been assembled at the new Healey Mills hump marshalling yard that was commissioned in the first half of 1963. The train itself is relatively short at some 18 wagons. At this point in the proceedings the Eastern Region of British Railways had formally abandoned steam, and steam locos arriving at Healey Mills from the London Midland Region were returned immediately.
Copyright: J K Wallace, all rights reserved 2013
Peak Class 45 45130 crosses Gauxholme Viaduct with the empty Red Bank parcels train returning to Manchester on 28 September 1983
Bridge 100 as photographed on Friday 25 March 2016.
Photographer Graham Roose, copyright JK Wallace
Gauxhole viaduct with BR Class 60 60056 passing over it light engine on 20 July 1991 heading towards Todmorden.
Photographer Graham Roose, copyright JK Wallace
Gauxholme viaduct with BR Class 40 40058 heading a train of oil tankers over it towards Todmorden on 22 August 1983.
Copyright JK Wallace
Looking towards Walsden and Manchester, with bridge 101 behind the photographer, a Stanier Black 5 approaches with a freight train in 1967/68. Copperas House Terrace is immediately to the left, with Pellon Street and Stones Terrace beyond. The roadbridge leading to Mona's Terrace, Elder Bank, and Gauxholme Stones is can be seen beyond the train. The eastern exit from Walsden goods yard was at one time the other side of the bridge.
The Rochdale Model Railway Group back in 1982 completed a model of the viaduct, and it spent some time on the exhibition circuit before being retired. It was known to still be in existence in 2015. although its current status and whereabouts are unknown. The layout was featured in the January 1988 issue of the 'Railway Modeller'.
I am very grateful to Andy Cooper of the Group for permission to reproduce the following images of the layout in its prime. Note the roof of house of 281 Rochdale Road on the far side of the viaduct in the above image. The buildings were completed by the late Harry Maden.
Copyright J K Wallace, t/a 'Hall Royd Junction' 2013-2023 email: Hall Royd Junction
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