GLOUCESTER RC&W RAILCAR TO MUCH WENLOCK

The service

The single line across rural Shropshire from Wellington to Craven arms had been cut back to Wellington-much Wenlock in 1951. Diesel railcars took over around 1959 and continued until the branch closed in July 1962. a photograph of Much Wenlock station, published to mark the closure, first attracted my attention. But by the time I visited, the track had already been lifted. The station building at Much Wenlock was similar to other surviving buildings on the Severn valley Railway at arley, and Highley, but embellished with stone quoins and fancy cast iron ridge tiles. The branch crossed the Severn valley line at Buildwas Junction and then climbed steeply through the picturesque Darley Dale.

The trains

GWR steam railmotors were used initially, the shed at Much Wenlock being long enough to accommodate one. However, the 1-in-40 ruling gradient taxed them severely and ‘44XX’ 2‑6‑2Ts and ‘57XX’ 0‑6‑0PTS replaced them. In turn, they were replaced by the GRCW railcars in the W55000‑19 series.

The models

a Gloucester RC&W railcar (Class 122) in ‘oo’ is under development by Dapol. The Dapol range already features an ‘N’ gauge version. Tower Brass produced an ‘o’ gauge model. Further references for Much Wenlock station appear in my book, GWR Country Stations which includes a fine drawing by adrian Knowles reproduced in 2mm:1ft scale. Canopy brackets and ridge tiles in 4mm:1ft scale were included in my range of cast/etched parts, now held by Dart Castings.

Best atmosphere

Much Wenlock station.

Present status

Much Wenlock station is now private housing. The other buildings have been demolished. Several Class 122s are preserved.

A picturesque station in an idyllic setting, Much Wenlock impressed me so much that I considered buying it! It was a derelict building at the time. I settled for modelling it instead. An unrecorded Gloucester RC&W railcar stands at the platform, some...