Description
LYRS 3615 - Ripponden Tunnel under Scarr Head - West portal viewed from Watson Crossing. The Branch from Sowerby Bridge to Ripponden opened in 1878 and on to Rishworth in 1881. The original intention had been to tunnel under Blackstone Edge and re-join the Manchester line near Smithy Bridge so as to reduce journey time between Manchester and Leeds but this was abandoned. Railmotors, short tank engines with a carriage attached, seen here, were introduced on the Rishworth Branch in 1907 in response to competition from electric trams. As a result of further competition from motor buses the Branch closed to passengers in 1929 and fully in 1958. Although built double track only one was ever used.