Trelissick GWR BLT

[Benjamin Brady]

Trelissick (GWR Branch Line) O Gauge

 

If any of you have been to Cornwall you may have come across the Trelissick estate, located in Feock on the banks of Carrick Roads, the estuary for the River Fal. In our world here is the history of Trelissick.

The GWR had wanted to build a railway to St Mawes however this was never constructed and instead to tap into the trade in this area they decided to build a small spur off the Truro to Falmouth branch to connect with the King Harry Ferry at Trelissick. All services originally had to run into Falmouth before accessing the Trelissick branch. However like many railway enhancements during the second world war the junction at Perranwell North was turned into triangle, allowing trains could not run direct from Truro.

 

The branch line junction is just on the Truro side of Perranwell & runs through two intermediate stations Carron Downs and Playing Place, one has to wonder why both towns required a station when one would of adequality served the needs of the community. The railway then swings in a long arch around towards Trelissick.

 

The railway passes close to Roundwood Quay, where there is a ground frame to access a small quay. Unlike the real history of the quay, our quay has thrived and expanded and sees costal vessels using it weekly, ensuring a steady flow of railway traffic to and from the quay. (The rails have yet to be laid on the model) The quay is depicted on the right hand side of the layout hiding the fiddle yards. Moored alongside is a small coaster, based on one which used to be based at Hayle Wharfs.

 

Trelissick is a typical branch line station. One platform face is provided and can accommodate 2 coach trains along with two sidings. Most of the goods received in the yard here are usually transferred for onward travel to St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula, this does however also bring in a steady supply of goods from the numerous farms. Coal traffic is handled in the yard for the surrounded villages and estate house. The traffic is not high enough to merit the whole station yard and to tap into the holiday market the GWR [BR(W)] has had a camping coach on the site during the summer since the 1930s.

 

The only real interesting feature in the yard is the concrete buffers. This again was a wartime addition. Prior to the D-day landings there was a large build up of the allied forces in this area. Trelissick with its access to Carrick Road was chosen as an ideal location to load the infrastructure and men onto the ships. This is the reason the triangular junction was constructed to avoid the need for a second run around at Falmouth and to keep wartime traffic away from the docks.

 

The model is set around the late 1950’s to early 1960s. To the left of the model is a small village scene with a few fishermans cottages and the local shop. The road that separates the cottages from the railway leads down to the King Harry Ferry. Road traffic is the real way to travel and the cars soon back up waiting to cross on the ferry.

 

[Benjamin Brady]

Slightly back dated photos using the Dapol 45xx

[Halvarras]

As a former resident of Playing Place (with a primary school best friend who lived in Carnon Downs, up the hill from the Devoran HQ of the former Redruth & Chasewater (sic) Railway, 1824-1915) the idea of railway stations at both locations is intriguing! The King Harry Ferry was within walking distance although a bike was faster - mine also took me to Roundwood Quay a few times too, although the last stretch of lane to reach it was bone-shaking! I wonder if you could squeeze in a halt at Penelewey - my parents were living there when I was born 😊

 

Although time has dimmed the memory I believe the Bishop of Truro's residence was (is) at Trelissick - my father worked on renovations there not long before his untimely passing in 1969.

 

Your layout is a lovely piece of work in a small space - thanks for posting the pics!