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Possible narrow gauge sewage works line in Reading

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by Reading General, Oct 26, 2014.

  1. Reading General

    Reading General Part of the furniture

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    http://www.railmaponline.com/UKIEMap.php
    If you check out the map, in the southern outskirts of Reading you will spot a line alongside the A33 in Whitley Wood.
    Any info on this?
    It seems to be associated with Manor Farm sewage works and ran from the site of the old kilns in Rose Kiln Lane, possibly to do with constructing the sewage works.

    I'm assuming it would be narrow gauge.
     
  2. ragl

    ragl Well-Known Member

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    You can see the line on this map:

    http://maps.nls.uk/view/95750035

    Cheers

    Alan
     
  3. Reading General

    Reading General Part of the furniture

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    Good map.....thanks...seems to show two lines north and south of Manor Farm itself (which became the sewage works) possibly to service two separate sections shown ....or build them.
     
  4. andrewshimmin

    andrewshimmin Well-Known Member

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    Quite a few sewage works had NG lines to transport fuel, sludge, materials, etc. around the site.
    Likewise waterworks - again fuel, sand, materials, chemicals, etc.
     
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  5. ragl

    ragl Well-Known Member

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    The National Library of Scotland map site is a wonderful resource, a pity so much of what interests us no longer exists. I use it to trace sites for future visits after a nosey on Google Earth. Here is the page that I use:

    http://maps.nls.uk/geo/find/#zoom=5&lat=55.42267&lon=-3&layers=61

    Zoom in, click on a map square then click on the map that opens on the right hand side of the screen to view it in detail. Hours, no, DAYS of fun!!

    Cheers

    Alan
     
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  6. kscanes

    kscanes Resident of Nat Pres

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    Manor Farm Sewage Works had 2ft gauge Motor Rail 21505 of 1955 from new until 1/1970 when it went to dealer M E Engineering - I assume that marks the demise of the railway. Loco still exists on one of the remaining Scottish peat bogs.
     
  7. William Shelford

    William Shelford Member

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    Reading Corporations's Manor Farm Sewage Works, did have a 2' 0" gauge narrow gauge railway. This was constructed with the sewage works in 1955 and lasted until 1970.

    It had one Simplex locomotive, MR 21505 of 1955, which was sold on when the railway closed, and has since has a number of industrial owners.
     

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