The Anonymous Widower

What Would Brunel Have Thought?

It is being reported that the bridge at Dawlish station is being replaced by a new copy in plastic, because the steel work has corroded. You can get a measure of the conditions from this picture taken on the line through the station.

The South Devon Railway, on which Dawlish station is situated was built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

So what would he have thought about the use of plastic?

Brunel was an innovative user of the materials he had available and I believe he very much used the best material he had at his disposal for a particular job. His prefabricated timber bridges could best be described as masterpieces.

So I suspect that his ghost is right behind Network Rail’s decision.

September 30, 2012 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Bridges, Dawlish Weather Problems, Devon, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Trains