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This is one of the UK's newest railway museums, opened in 2021. It encases an earlier building and combines a cultural centre. You can see the earlier building through the glass; it's not a reflection. Where is it?
This town has no rail service today but formerly had two competing lines, as shown in this 1950s OS map [now unmasked]. Where is it?
Answer: Wisbech. Congratulations are due to the following for their correct answers: David Goddard, Richard Maund, Dave Goodyear, Paul Hopper.
The Great Eastern opened first, in 1848, at Wisbech East station (to the south!) on their March - King's Lynn line. The Midland & Great Northern Joint followed in 1866 at Wisbech North. The river Nene is a considerable barrier in The Fenland, and neither line attempted to cross it.
The Wisbech-Upwell Tramway departed the GE line as highlighted on the above map. This quirky hybrid tramway/heavy-rail line lasted until 1964 and its traction was the inspiration for Rev. Awdrey's "Toby the Tram Engine". (He was Rector at nearby Elsworth).
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The Wisbech Canal was previously the original course of the Nene, and ran parallel to the tramway to Outwell. It has since been abandoned and built over by a dual carriageway, as shown in the modern map. The red "X"s mark the station locations.
Trackage from March to Wisbech is still in place, but out of use. A group is endeavouring to revive the Bramley Line.
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© Matthew Shaw 2023