Cumbrian Railway Association field trip to Broughton Moor Armaments Depot was held on Sunday 11th November. The guide for the day was Philip Tuer who worked at Broughton Moor in the early 80s. Philip gave us a wonderful insight into the history and workings of this 1050 acre site that many people know is there but few have had the chance to visit. The visit was arranged in conjunction with Nigel Catterson of Utropia who heads up the Derwent Forest Development Consortium and are looking to develop the site over the next 10 to 15 years. The day could not have been better with clear blue sky's and wonderful views across to the lake district valleys and mountains and we stopped at 11am to remember those who have given their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. In 1873 Buckhill colliery was opened on the site and eventualy closed in 1932 with the spoil heap still there to this day. In 1938 the Royal Navy Armaments depot was opened on the site and then in 1963 the Federal Republic of Germany took over the site until 1977 when the US forces began to store munitions which was then adopted by NATO in 1981 with the depot finally closing in 1992. The site was connected from the main line at Calva junction and once the line entered the Broughton Moor site it connected with the smaller 2ft 6in gauge railway which Philip confimed had over 40 miles of track within the depot. Below are some websites with further information and also the photos I took on the day. Many thanks to Philip and Nigel for an excellent day.
Utropia
Cumbrian Railway Assocaition - Field Trips
Wikipedia - RNAD Broughton Moor
Visit Cumbria - Broughton Moor
Russell W. Barnes photos of Calva Junction and the Buckhill Line
Derby Sulzer 25142 at Calva Junction with Ammunition Train from Broughton Moor
Buckhill Colliery - Durham Mining Museum
Buckhill Colliery Aerial Ropeway
