I only recently found out about this railway tunnel called Whiteball Tunnel when it made the news because of a £15 million project to maintain it's use. http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/News-Releases/-15m-to-improve-the-railway-at-Whiteball-tunnel-1f47.aspx
The tunnel, named after the nearby village of White Ball, was built by Brunel. The 1,000-metre-long Victorian brick-arch structure, opened in 1844, straddles the Somerset/Devon border. It provides a path for trains to travel under the white sandstone of the Blackdown Hills located between Taunton and Exeter.
The clay used for the millions of bricks used for the tunnel lining came from local pits. The engineering bricks produced were of a good quality but, over the years, weathering, chemical reaction from the sulphurous steam trains, voiding behind the brick lining and the degradation of the mortar joints, has meant that there has been a rolling programme of repairs to the lining throughout most of the 20th century, right up to the present day.
The structure gauge within Whiteball tunnel is very generous, due to Brunel’s ‘broad’ track gauge of 2,140mm. As a consequence, past generations of engineers have been able to carry out substantial repairs, turning new brick arch rings within the existing lining using shields to support the brickwork and workers during construction.
The railway line is the main South West line from London and I wonder how many people actually appreciate the engineering that was required to build it.
This cache is located at a great place to view this tunnel. It is a popular spot on steam days as the engines really have to work to get up the slope.
This section of track was where the (contested by some) first train recorded over 100MPH was City Of Truro on 9th May 1904. The train is now preserved at the Museum of the GWR in Swindon. More information about the record and the debate about if it was the first here GWR 3700 Class 3440 City of Truro - Wikipedia
The suggested parking is the original A38 - not many people realise it is still here. The entrance to the farm by the parking was a notorious accident black spot!
Rating is based on walking from suggested parking - if c&d is a quick easy walk.
If going from suggested parking can be muddy so walking boots or wellies recommended - not suitable for pushchairs. There are a couple of stiles to cross.
Cache is a clip and lock box - big enough for swaps and TBs - in a cammo bag.
FTF prize is a certificate made by my 6 year old daugher!