{"id":13411,"date":"2025-12-02T10:42:26","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T10:42:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teignrail.co.uk\/scouting\/?p=13411"},"modified":"2025-12-07T16:44:03","modified_gmt":"2025-12-07T16:44:03","slug":"broad-gauge-remains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teignrail.co.uk\/scouting\/broad-gauge-remains\/","title":{"rendered":"Broad Gauge Bits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The last stronghold of Brunel’s broad gauge (7 ft. \u00bc in. between the rails) west of Exeter was converted to standard over one weekend in 1892. But its marks and materials can still be found.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exeter City Basin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The later standard gauge wagon turntable pit at the corner of the Ship Canal’s City Basin has been made into a feature. It is off centre from the wall enclosure, which was built around the original turntable. The ends of the bridge rails have been chamfered by a cutting torch for safety’s sake. A single broad gauge rail can be seen to the left of the standard gauge, along with a strange cutaway which allowed axle guards and boxes to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right:<\/strong> This cover may have been part of the original turntable. Its slot has been filled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The branch passed through the original turntable on the opposite corner of the basin and terminated close to the river. The line which avoided the later standard gauge turntable, the remains of which are seen below left, may not be on the original alignment.
Until the conversion, City Basin Junction was the furthest west on the old South Devon that standard gauge trains could run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n