Perhaps the most picturesque section of the line is from Lightmoor to Coalbrookdale Station. The line is mere metres away from world famous heritage locations such as Darby House and The Old Furnace. It is also incredibly feasible to restore with all of the track still being in place and ready to delight visitors once more.
THE ROUTEFrom Lightmoor junction, the route joins the branchline down to Ironbridge Power Station. The track continues straight as we make our way down into the valley, while passing over a series of road bridges.
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COALBROOKDALE VIADUCT PASSING THE MUSEUM OF IRON |
THE 'DOWN AND 'UP' LINE TODAY |
THE LINEWhen constructed, the line from Lightmoor to Buildwas was double tracked. This provided an 'up' and a 'down line from the power station. In 2006 the line was moved over to single track operation, with the 'up' line becoming the only active side, while the 'down' line was mostly left in place unused and has since become overgrown and covered in ballast.
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BRANCH CONNECTIONS
While the former 'down' line curves off from Lightmoor to Doseley, the 'up' line continues to Madeley Junction and connects up to the mainline railway. Should the branch become redundant TSR would like to gain access to this line from Madeley Jct to the power station site. There are several options for this, it could be via a lease from Network Rail, joint venture with local authority or an outright purchase by TSR.
Access to this line unlocks huge potential for future activities and special events. Maintaining the existing connection to Network Rail's main line also offers the opportunity to bring in rail tours from around the country or offer a limited passenger service to Ironbridge. If a car park site could be found at the north end of the line adjacent to Stafford Park, an additional park and ride facility could be introduced alongside the planned site at Lawley.
Access to this line unlocks huge potential for future activities and special events. Maintaining the existing connection to Network Rail's main line also offers the opportunity to bring in rail tours from around the country or offer a limited passenger service to Ironbridge. If a car park site could be found at the north end of the line adjacent to Stafford Park, an additional park and ride facility could be introduced alongside the planned site at Lawley.
COALBROOKDALE STATION TODAY |
COALBROOKDALE STATION
Built in 1864, Coalbrookdale station is the only surviving original station on the line. Closing to passengers in 1962, it sat dormant and watched the freight trains pass through until being renovated and becoming part of the Greenwood Centre.
The station is perfectly located for passengers to access the museums in Coalbrookdale, such as Enginuity and the Museum of Iron. Passengers will also have the option of visiting the resident Greenwood Centre which houses the New Coracle Shed, Embers Cafe and the Cruck Barn Gift Shop. There may also be the option of rebuilding the platform opposite the station building to restore the site back to its full original condition. |
THE VIADUCTThe Coalbrookdale Viaduct is a brick-built, twenty six-arched, structure that crosses through the town. It is adjoined by the remnants of Abraham Darby's original foundry where The Old Forge is preserved today.
It provides stunning views across the valley, looking directly at the historic buildings which currently house the Museum of Iron. The viaduct is overlooked by Darby House which can be viewed from the other side. In 2019 GWR steam locomotive 'Clun Castle' hauled a special farewell service over the viaduct before the line was mothballed. It showed how incredible it would be for regular steam services to return to Coalbrookdale and restore the missing element of the world heritage site. |
THE VIADUCT AND THE OLD FORGE |
