Whetstone Way, Station and the Great Central Railway

[@laurencea-b6027]

Great video and great quality. Subscribed. Looking at old ordnance survey maps from about 1902, the line appears to of always been this height over the 3 arch viaduct at Whetstone. I share your passion for these old relics. The blue engineering bricks would of come from Staffordshire ( as they are sometimes known as Stafford bricks), however the internals bricks of these structures would of been red, and more than likely locally made. Next time you come across one of these old railway bridges, check out the blue coping stones/bricks on the top of the wingwalls. You might find the odd one that is stamped with the company that produced it. Sadly many of these companies ceased operating after WW1 because of a shortage of labour due to the many casualties that occurred.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching and you comments new material will be on the channel shortly ( enforced break through illness)

[@evebeinguniquebeingme6205]

So great to find your channel and this video I live locally my dad grew up on Whetstone high street unfortunately just as the station closed as he was born in 1959 so he doesn't remember it well my grandma worked at the Leicester station in town though when they ran steam trains its such a shame they never kept the railway line going!

[@aaronyoung5797]

Great video again 👍

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you and thanks for watching

[@rodsmith3911]

I'm gradually working my way through all your GCR videos! I remember the 3 arch bridge from when I lived in Leicester in my younger days. If you look at the length of it you will see that it is really a rather large culvert running under the base of the embankment, which would be a cheaper alternative to a huge bridge that such a big embankment would require. That's why the bridge is not the full height of the embankment. If you look at the levels you will see that the line would have had a very big dip in it if it passed directly on top of the 3 arches. As far as rebuilding the line goes, I can't think why it would qualify for reinstatement now that HS2 is being built, but if there was a case for it there would be no hesitation in demolishing buildings in the way. Just look at HS2 in Rotherham it is going right through a half finished estate and demolition of new houses and even half built ones is set to take place with folk having their brand new home compulsorily purchased for demolition. That's what we call "forward planning" in modern Britain...... a total lack of any kind of plan or consultation on future projects or needs. The idea in the 1960s and 70s was to get rid of railways and build roads (to make money for the then Minister of Transport, Ernest Marples, and his road construction company for whom Dr. Beeching was just a highly paid fall guy). That's one major reason why as soon as a rail line closed it was destroyed at great pace, to prevent any plans to reopen it. The policy is now costing the nation a huge price when they inevitably need to replace some of the rail lines because road traffic cannot continue to grow with escalating fuel costs and air pollution raising attention. Please continue to make these excellent videos which draw attention to what we have lost and wantonly destroyed in the blind pursuit of "progress" which so often turns out to be disastrous rather than helping. Just look at that wonder material of the 60s called plastic!

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching and I am glad you are enjoying the videos! I never really looked at the 3 arch viaduct as a large culvert but you are right it absolutely is!! Always looked odd with all the embankment on top and before I knew better I thought it was the soil they had bulldozed from the station site, like you say it makes more sense when you look at the rest of the line. A corrupt government! Who would have thought it!! They filled their pockets at the time and didn't care two shillings about the future

[@andyblakeman1]

Another enjoyable video. We too love to walk around that area. I remember when I saw the viaduct for the first time. Like you, I couldn't quite believe I'd lived in Whetstone for so long and not known it was there! The telegraph pole is an exciting find, well done. I too am intreaged by the turreted building.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching and yes the turret buildings are a feature of a future video (hopefully) their purpose is odd as I have about 5 different stories at the moment! The viaduct area is a lovely walk and unspoilt as well.

[@nicholasswift2480]

Another fine GCR video, very enjoyable, keep them coming whenever you can, appreciated.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching and there are more videos on the GCR coming up 👍

[@sturmtigerking4263]

I've grown up in Whetstone and my dad sometimes took me around the great central, from the "3 arch bridge" to Whetstone viaduct. The 2nd 3 arch photo was during construction. Shame houses have destroyed the site of Whetstone Central.

[@MiddyExplores]

The 3 arch bridge is my favourite a real gem hidden away in plain sight! and its the relic that started my whole fascination with the subject and the channel itself.Whetstone viaduct is a sad image now as the graffiti and vandalism have completely ruined it, a real shame as it should be a centre piece for whetstone. I agree the building of the houses on the railway station is a real shame. Thank you for watching i have had a short break but new videos are coming very soon as I continue my journey onto Loughborough.

[@nickbergquist6222]

One of the fastest sections of the line on this stretch through Whetstone - speeds well into 80 - 90 mph, as it was through Loughborough Central Station. Hard to picture now.

[@MiddyExplores]

It is hard to imagine there was even a line in some sections. Such a shame that this line closed

[@nickbergquist6222]

@@MiddyExplores Very much so, yes. But once the BR Midland Region got hold of it, ran the services down and it was 'topped and tailed' to exist only between Rugby and Arkwright St. then it's fate was sealed. In microcosm, a similar 'topped and tailed' effect no doubt limits the current day GCR restricted to Birstall - Ruddington, trains to nowhere would perhaps be a little harsh. On the formation through Leicester, this was not protected and actively disposed of almost in assurance against any notions of reinstatement. What we could do with that extra north-south and cross-country rail capacity now...

[@MiddyExplores]

@@nickbergquist6222 it does look and feel like it was run down on purpose, the advent of the m1 and the government's relentless drive to car ownership are partially to blame as well

[@d220219b]

The level of the trackbed hasn't altered since closure in 1969. The telegraph pole along the lane at the side of the trackbed wasn't actually part of the pole run along the line, its been there for many years. There is still a telegraph pole lying on the west side of the embankment near to the sight of the signal box which can be clearly seen on photos of the line when open. One final point, I used to cycle the route in the mid 70,s and with regard the bridge you mention over Enderby Road it wasn't removed straight after closure but remained intact until about 1980-81 along with the bridge over station road next to the station. I could actually cycle from Peewit hollow as far as Cambridge road, Cosby which was the first bridge you came to that was removed in the mid late 70,s. Great effort with making these videos though, thank you.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching and for the information. As I always say I am on a great learning journey with these videos and I love to hear the stories of the railways and what and when things happened so this is great to read! I will go back and have a look at that again in due course and amend the video as I go along. Many thanks again and I have more videos coming up on the Great Central Railway.

[@willumwhitmore9419]

Trains spotting days; used to catch a train from Nuneaton to Blaby and walk to the crossover of the GG over the Midland railway (the end of your current walk).

[@MiddyExplores]

I bet they were incredible times! there were some great sights to see. Thank you so much for watching and I am glad it bought back some good memories

[@robertllewellyn6636]

The trackbed on the 3 arches was at the highest level. I remember it as a kid.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you that has been puzzling me for a while! Thank you for watching and for answering my question! more videos on the GCR coming up soon.

[@robertllewellyn6636]

@@MiddyExplores glad it was helpful. Really nice video, made me a bit nostalgic!

[@burniemaurins2382]

I grew up there and later worked at the English Electric/GEC factory, nice to see it again, the other comment is correct about the track bed, it was on the top high level, not lower down where you thought.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching. The track bed always looked incorrect but it was right all along! Just seemed odd over the top of the viaduct, so thank you for the confirmation. I am looking at doing a video on the English Electric factory so may come back to you for some facts! Such a massive part of Whetstone history.

[@burniemaurins2382]

@@MiddyExplores I grew up in Glen Hills and spent a lot of my childhood at Peewit Hollow and travelled on GC on occasion. Whetstone station was somewhere we went to, I walked the track from Whetstone to Aylestone on many an occasion, dodging the trains as the sped by.

[@burniemaurins2382]

@@MiddyExplores Have you seen this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5zRfnVpl9GNgbM

[@MiddyExplores]

@@burniemaurins2382 that must have been incredible. I have lived in Whetstone for 20 years and only found out last year that the GCR went through here! Hence why I started the channel! It must have been something to see trains going through this area on that line.

[@MiddyExplores]

@@burniemaurins2382 yes that's a great series of videos. I am doing something similar in my video series on the GCR but trying to find some hidden gems along the way. Filming has just finished for me in rugby and I am now going north from Whetstone to Loughborough. It's a fun experience and for me a learning journey with the advantage of meeting new people along the way via KZbin.

[@NWP_EXPLORING]

Enjoyed this one mate. When things get better, this is one area I’m gonna come and see! As you know I’m a big GC fan , Would be good to catch you on an explore 👍

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you and thanks for watching. Hopefully times are getting better and it would be great to meet up on an explore, look forward to it.

[@NWP_EXPLORING]

@@MiddyExplores let’s hope so. Will keep in touch .

[@only1hawky]

Great to have you back, and another interesting presentation on local railway history. Already looking forward to the next new video, whatever it may be (Whetstone Viaduct?).

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching and I am glad you enjoyed it👍

[@richardpettet9996]

The bridge on enderby rd over Leicester to Birmingham line was replaced and raised about 15yrs ago to accommodate container traffic from Felixstowe to Nuneaton. Also near the station site there is a bridle way which crosses the line and goes to enderby road.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching yes the bridleway is going on another video . Thanks for the info on the bridge 👍

[@logotrikes]

The seeming permanence of railways is one of the attractions of the railway system, but a certain doctor with a rather large axe put paid to that romantic notion. We're lucky to have what we do have, because Marples would have got rid of the lot if he'd had his way....

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching. I totally agree even though Beeching is the face of the cuts the whole thing was driven by others as is always the case!

[@burniemaurins2382]

The gasometer was close to the track with the "trackweld" factory right next to the embankment next to it, there's a book called "Mainline lament" by Colin Walker that has a couple of photos of the area you are looking at.

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you again for the help! I will check that book out. Its amazing how much Whetstone has changed over the last 50 years, its hard to imagine it today but there was a lot more going on back then.

[@scot4u]

Great vids .Have you thought of doing the GCR bridge over the M1 lol Difficult to get to but i did it years ago from the golf corse .

[@MiddyExplores]

Thanks for watching. Yes its on my to do list. very overgrown at both ends so somewhat of a challenge but it will be on the channel soon.

[@scot4u]

@@MiddyExplores I could get through from the ind side only the top of the golf corse .Take a strong walking stick If your on FB gcr remembered my pics are on there from the other year.

[@grahamhall8249]

Whetstone viaduct is further north, just after the railway. The river Sence runs under it. Your viaduct is in very good condition though, I must say.

[@MiddyExplores]

Yes I have filmed Whetstone viaduct it is just over the enderby road after the small.industrial estate. I think my 3 arch was just known locally as the 3 arches or Whetstone brook. The big viaduct isn't in great condition due to vandalism and graffiti unfortunately. Thank you for watching 👍

[@michael42158]

Great work. I am from East Leake which has a similar station accesed from below. Is there nothing remaining of Whetstone Sation or the acess? Was that the demolished bridge you showed?

[@MiddyExplores]

Yes unfortunately there is nothing left of Whetstone station at all. And the trackbed had been destroyed by a housing estate which is really sad. Thank you for watching more videos coming soon on the GCR including a visit to east leake!

[@michael42158]

@@MiddyExplores Great! I will look forward to that.

[@MM0IMC]

I love the old railway architecture, but also hate the graffiti and vandalism!

[@MiddyExplores]

Thank you for watching. I totally agree. I just don't understand it. Loads more beautiful architecture on the way! Loads of videos planned for this year👍

[@andrewb9790]

"They couldn't rebuild the GCR, it's terminal due to these houses". Trust me, railway staff don't give a flying f**k about houses; HS2 is smashing through my village.

[@MiddyExplores]

I was using it in the context of I had heard comments that it could just be put back without any disturbance along the old trackbed. In the context of HS2 some of the planning decisions have been questionable to say the least... I am planning to do a video on HS2 and how it is to move past my old home town of Ashby de la zouch in the future.thank you for watching.

[@thekeypresser]

Are you using a DJI Osmo camera?

[@MiddyExplores]

Hi I use the dsi gimble head with a Huawei p30 pro to film and Nikon camera for stills. The head can sometimes develop a life of its own but is generally really good. Thanks for watching.

[@MiddyExplores]

*DJI