Brown Lenox Branch - Interchange Sidings

[andrewnummelin]

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I've often wondered about the line drawn down the centre of the track in the 1908 plan showing the line that dropped down from the embankment to the Newbridge Chain & Anchor works. I thought it might have indicated cable haulage as the gradient would have been severe.

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(The branch is to the right out of the frame of the photo that is from Rowson & Wright's book on the canal.)

Now however I have read the following in Cooke's Track Plans section 45 Caerphilly:

1895 the branch had already been made. This was made with a third or centre rail in the line leading to their works, which continued right up to the stock block at the dead end of the siding. (Laid for the convenience of firm's engine travelling over our line)

Reported 1907 at the time of the alterations of interchange sidings, this company had removed on the company's property the third or centre rail in the line to their works. Now to reinstate the 3rd rail.

So, what was the purpose of the centre rail? To provide dual gauge? To be like the Fell system? Or?