On the Waterfront: Hull Town Docks trackwork remnants

[PLD]

Close to the centre of Hull, and close to the site of Hull's first railway station, two of the older docks 'Humber Dock' and 'Railway Dock' now form the Marina. Despite the 'trendified' nature of the area there are still many traces of the past railway connections to be found.

 

There are various locations where seemingly random pieces of track remain in the cobbled surface some single pieces of rails and some complete sections such as across this road junction.

 

Along Kingston St can be found this flat crossing where there were once entrances to warehouses both sides of the road.

The former doorway on the left can be seen by the change in the brickwork.

 

A close view of this crossing shows the constuction of the inset trackwork using ordinary rail and a separate plate checkrail.

 

This entranceway once took wagons into the yard behind the warehouses. Now it leads into the carpark for the flats in the warehouse next door...

 

This two section swing-bridge once carried railway wagons over the connecting channel between the two docks. Now it is permanently open and a small foot bridge carries pedesrians only...

 

This close-up shows the unusual shape of the rail on the bridge deck and the construction of the flangeway.

 

Even where the surface has been completely renewed, there are section of rails still in situ.

And even two wagon turntables! I believe these are in the original positions (they line up with doorways or gateways) but clearly at least the timberwork is new material...

 

This is the only location where there are clear remains of pointwork, hinting at the compexity of the trackwork.

Close examination of the point shows that they were formed with a short pivoted type blades.

 

Paul

[t-b-g]

Fascinating! Thanks for posting.

[clecklewyke]

Thanks for these lovely photos, Paul.

 

I remember this area well from my 1950s childhood when the tracks were still used to carry goods to and from the ships in these docks.The wagons were shunted using ordinary tractors fitted with steel buffing plates and railway couplings. Presumably horses were used before the tractors.

 

I love this area so much that I have a built a P4 model based on it - "Humber Dock", which has been around the exhibition circuit for a few years now. It was built to meet the Scalefour Society's 1883 challenge - to build a layout in less than 18.82 sq.ft., which could be carried to exhibitions in an ordinary family car. Its next outing will be at Rawtenstall on 29-30 October and if any RMWeb members are there please do have a word or two. It incorporates at least three of the features shown in your photographs - the bridge, a wagon turntable and the warehouse fed by that turntable.

 

A view across the bridge at the entrance to Humber Dock.

 

 

The far side of the dock with a Sentinel spotting a wagon beside a warehouse.

 

[Simon Lee]

Thanks for posting these bring back some memories.

 

Is there anything left inside what used to be Hull Central Good depot ? Last time I saw it seemed to be full of yachts ?

 

I seem to remember by the wagon turntable there used to be a substantial heavy lift crane on a stone plinth, pity that never survived.

 

All thats missing the the faint smell of fruit from Humber Street or the more stronger smell of fishmeal if the wind was from the west.....

 

Regards

Simon

[eastwestdivide]

In 2009, there were still rails at Alexandra Dock West Wharf. but precious little else...

[Eagle1711]

Thanks for this, That dock looks a mess, im surprised the council havent removed it unless they are hoping the tide will instead

 

You mentioned the wagon turntables.....do they still turn?