Devonport Dockyard Railway 1963...

The extensive Royal Navy dock yard in Plymouth Devonport, continues to operate an internal railway system. Today’s network is a shadow of it’s former self, but even today it serves its purpose...

Number 18 pictured in the North Yard circa 1963, with internal wagons pictured behind.

Back in the 1960s the decline was already evident, as diesel operation began in the mid 1950s and the passenger service ended in 1965, shortly afterwards the last of the steam workings. Internal freight ended in 1982, with the closure of the tunnel and rail access to the South yard was severed. A fascinating story, and one to read about in the now out of print book by Paul Burkhalter, published by Twelveheads.

The photograph is of course actually my model of Mollington a road, a OO gauge micro, posed with a Planet Industrials cab conversion and decal set fitted to a Hattons Andrew Barclay, driven by a mini me printed by Modelu. The system was expansive, but a cameo would take less space. Either way I think it would make a wonderful model. Until next time, more soon...