Old Rails

Well actually not! This replica cast-iron plateway, found on the Laigh Milton Viaduct, show the 3 ft rails pinned together at each end by an iron spike driven into a wooden plug within a stone block support. The curved upstands next to the wheel track act as guides and add strength.

World's Oldest...........

..... surviving public railway viaduct. Laigh Milton Viaduct, formerly called Milton Bridge, was built between 1809 and 1811 and opened in 1812 carrying the Kilmarnock - Troon Railway. This bridge was used until 1846 and the line carried both coal and passengers. Circa 1816, George Stephenson's steam engine, The Duke, owned by the Duke of Portland who was also the Chairman of the railway, hauled coal on the line - predating the Rocket by some years.

The above view is from the North, with the bridge carrying the current Kilmarnock - Troon line visible beyond; the view below is from the South.

The railings and the coping stones are modern, approximated to the correct period style, but have no real basis for existence apart from current Health and Safety rules. The bridge was saved from collapse and preserved in 1995-1996.