SUNDAY. Tewitfield, Lancaster canal
The 2008 trip thus far: 330 Locks; 641 Miles; 65 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 27
We went for another, albeit shorter walk today; the Ordnance survey map showed a model railway some two miles up the line of the truncated section, above Tewitfield, of the Lancaster canal.
The building of the M6 motorway in the 1960’s across the line of the canal caused the upper reaches to be abandoned. This section had the only locks, 8 in number, of the whole canal. An interesting walk along the locks is marred by the constant noise from the adjoining Motorway; the disused lock walls are in very good condition and certainly better than a lot that we have used this year!
The Lancaster and Morecambe Model Engineering society have a mixed gauge
(3, 5 and 7 ¼ inch) double track layout which encircles the Yealand picnic site.
They have a manned level crossing for access to the centrally located car park, with a signal box next to it. The track layout enables four trains to be in use, with a platform on each circuit. The upper quadrant semaphore signals are interlocked with the points and have LED lamps showing through the spectacle glasses.
An impressive display of high standard model engineering with two freelance narrow gauge 0-4-0 tank engines in steam hauling the trains. Also, the first outing and test runs for a very powerful 0-6-0 tank based on a German O&K design. The builder was driving it around the track wearing a smile from ear to ear; rightly so, he had made a beautiful engine.
As we walked back alongside the canal, we wondered if it would be completed to Kendal. Part of us would hope not, as the system is crying out already for maintenance; spread even thinner would the budget allow all of the canals to remain open for navigation?
On our return to Martlet, the cabin temperature was 28 degrees C, could today have been summer 2008?
Weather – Sunny, with a few scattered clouds.
