Porthgain in 009: old maps...

So there are some wonderful resources on the internet these days. I searched for some old maps of Pembrokeshire and found these through an open access site which allowed you to download small sections - perfect for my requirements...

So these maps show Porthgain through the ages...

1887

Fairly basic operations but plenty of tramway tracks on the top of the cliffs, that show the first of the tips in use, and may explain the later earthworks more readily when viewed today with the later brick buildings. The quarry (St Bride's) was worked as a pit, and material brought up either by Blondin or incline - waste being tipped north, and the material for use taken over to the east and the harbour at Porthgain. The tramway, which was only ever horse worked, to Abereiddi is also shown dissappearing south from the village. In the harbour area it is clear that is is not quite so developed and the brick kiln and storage hoppers do not appear to have been built.

1907

So by 1907 operations have expanded somewhat, and the 'TRAMWAY' is clearly marked in the centre crossing the corner of the field and reaching 'Porth-gain Quarries' at Pen Clegyr. This shows just one level of the quarry, and no engine shed. This is because at this stage the tramway was horse worked because the first loco (Porthgain, Andrew Barclay) was not built until 1909! The tunnel has been built through from the harbour to the old quarry.

1948
By 1948 the track has been removed - the line was closed in 1931 - but the routes are still clearly marked by the earthworks.

So another useful addition to the project. I have also ordered what looks like a good book, that I'm hoping has some good quality, higher resolution and previously unseen images of the line.

The more I research the more I wonder if really I should model the line to it's potential, and build the engines to scale, and use 3ft gauge track. For now I'm still planning on using 009, and scaling the locos down to look right on the narrower gauge. More soon...