Penmanshiel tunnel

[Kentp]

Apologies if this is in the wrong area. I'm still quite new to posting. I was wondering if there are any maps showing the ECML pre vs. post tunnel collapse? I can't find any online. Also, are there any points while travelling around the Grantshouse area where you can see where the old route used to run.
I'm writing this looking out of the window of the cross-country heading north, and it has got me wondering.

 

[bramling]

Apologies if this is in the wrong area. I'm still quite new to posting. I was wondering if there are any maps showing the ECML pre vs. post tunnel collapse? I can't find any online. Also, are there any points while travelling around the Grantshouse area where you can see where the old route used to run.
I'm writing this looking out of the window of the cross-country heading north, and it has got me wondering.

If you look on the NLS Maps website and select the side-by-side option, you can choose an older map alongside a modern aerial photo.

It is just about possible to work out the old alignments at both ends of the tunnel, and there’s also a road bridge remaining at the south end, from where a view can be had of where the southern portal used to be. The whole area is very heavily overgrown now, so it’s hard to visualise. The most significant landmark is the memorial, which is located above the tunnel.

 

[Razorblades]

What 'bramling' said is spot on. When passing by train, it's practically impossible to note signs of the old alignment at either end, although it's fairly evident when you are on the new alignment. If you visit the area on the A1, remnants of the old arrangement can be discerned, but most notable is the very poignant memorial to the men killed and entombed, a sobering spot to say the least. R.I.P.

 

[norbitonflyer]

There are a couple of photographs on the Wikipedia page taken from the old alignment of the A1 which, together with Google Earth, give a general idea of how it all fits. It appears that there is a disused bridge which used to carry the original alignment of the A1 over the railway just south of the beginning of the deviation. However, the approach cuttings to the tunnel were filled in, and after nearly half a century nature has done a good job of obscuring the alignment.
The memorial is more or less above the point the tunnel collapsed, and not close to either portal.

 

[ian1944]

Just widening this, I think that the National Library of Scotland map site is the best resource for large-scale old maps of anywhere, railway-wise you can see the precise track layout and location of such as signal posts and water towers, not cats, churns or seats though.

 

[swt_passenger]

Here’s a link to the National Library of Scotland (NLS) side by side maps if the OP isn’t familiar with that website:

Side by side georeferenced maps viewer - Map images - National Library of Scotland

maps.nls.uk

 

[Kentp]

Thank you all for your response. I've found them very helpful in working out the old vs new route. I really appreciate your help.