Spotted, on the way to Germany, in the Coal Drops Yard, behind Kings Cross - an ornamental shunting bollard and wagon turntable.
Now, I'm assuming the track has been relaid as there isn't a flangeway alongside it, but these "ornaments" actually look pretty convincing. OK, the turntable is now glass, not wood, but it's in the right place, and pays homage to the history of the yard.
The shunting capstan is on an access cover - possibly because it was a powered version, so you'd need access underneath? I'm not sure why it's there otherwise.
I bet most people haven't a clue about either, but readers of this blog are so much better educated...
3 comments:
A quick look on the invaluable NLS site suggests track and a wagon turntabole were in the right area at least https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/#zoom=17.0&lat=51.53615&lon=-0.12714&layers=10&right=ESRIWorld
Many years ago, I was shown round this area by an industrial archaeologist. From somewhat distant memory, there were small cranes as well as wagon turntables and haulage bollards. I was told that they had been all water powered hence the need for access. Apparently there was a commercial high pressure pipeline system which serviced goods yards here and at Liverpool Street (as was, before the major rebuild).
When I was there I thought something looked a bit awry with this. Seems it may have been lifted and relaid during the redevelopment and the gauge is a bit suspect in places. But it does help with defining an earlier period. Waitrose there is also worth a visit from a heritage aspect.
Post a Comment