The LNER Encyclopedia

Since I now live next to it, I would to research more about this line. I have the usual general sources (Tomlinson, Hoole etc) and I think that the Line Diagram may be on David Wilkinson's list for NERA future publication. Disused-Stations.org.uk is also helpful. However, I'm sure I've seen some other material published, and would be grateful if anyone could point me in the right direction.

It would also be most interesting to find any pictures/drawings of the now demolished Deerness Viaduct (the Bishop Auckland one - not the ECML which now looks very smart in green paint!). It's absence means that there is a very steep slope on the cycle path which may provide excellent cardio-vascular exercise but is a real nuisance when trying to get home after a long ride!

DCC has provided a nice alternative route on the north side of the river, but a nice high-level viaduct would provide a lovely view!

DCC has provided a nice alternative route

You have a DCC pushbike?

Hi,

The North Eastern Railway Association is a valuable source of information and has copies of the line diagrams and many photographs, including a nice colour image of Deerness Viaduct on the Bishop Auckland Branch. Incidentally, this was the second viaduct to be built at this location as the original viaduct, unlike the substantial masonry viaducts at Brasside, Durham and Newton Cap, was of wooden construction. The replacement brick viaduct was built alongside the original structure, on its eastern side, as is evident from photographs taken looking south from Deerness Valley Junction where the line can be seen to deviate to the left over the new viaduct before turning right again to re-join the original alignment.

A PDF file of the Engineering Drawings of the North Eastern Railway/LNER can be downloaded from the National Railway Museum website. I made a quick search of the site but nothing was revealed for 'Deerness Viaduct' but if there is a drawing it could be described as bridge No.? Bishop Auckland-Durham or something similar but with over 300 pages to wade through I will leave that to you!

It is a pity that the viaduct was demolished as I have also struggled up and down the steep slopes with my mountain bike. I would like to know why this one was chosen for destruction when Brasside and Newton Cap were allowed to remain in place. Its not as if it contained valuable metals which could be recycled. Perhaps it was subsidence from underlying mine workings.

Tom.

Is this of interest?
http://www.durham.gov.uk/media/4401/Rai ... Bishop.pdf

markindurham wrote:Is this of interest?
http://www.durham.gov.uk/media/4401/Rai ... Bishop.pdf

Thank you. I think it's been updated since I last looked at it. I tend to rely on the (old?) OS Pathfinder maps.

There are some nice pix here http://www.ushawmoor.host-ed.me/history/railways1.htm

drmditch wrote:

markindurham wrote:Is this of interest?
http://www.durham.gov.uk/media/4401/Rai ... Bishop.pdf

Thank you. I think it's been updated since I last looked at it. I tend to rely on the (old?) OS Pathfinder maps.

My pleasure

Yes, the whole site appears to have had a makeover. There's guides for many of the Durham railway paths now.

Railway World magazine for December 1962 has a 7 page article by M C Reed on the route.

Ernie