The Vicarstown Bridge, also known as The Vicarstown Rolling Bridge, is a double tracked Schertzer Rolling Lift Bridge of some 120ft span which is situated at Vicarstown. It connects Sodor to The Mainland crossing the Walney Channel. The bridge was designed by Sir Topham Hatt I and was erected in 1915. Since 1925, the NWR has rights to run trains over the bridge to Barrow-in-Furness. Also since that year, the Other Railway is allowed to operate the joint LMS/BR/NWR service over the bridge to Norramby.
In the television series, it was introduced in King of the Railway. It is frequently used by all the engines, especially Connor and Caitlin, who transport tourists from the Mainland to Ulfstead Castle on a regular basis, as well as Spencer and Hiro. The bridge was closed overnight in the seventeenth season episode, Calm Down Caitlin whilst it underwent some maintenance, it was blocked in the nineteenth season episode, The Beast of Sodor and also was under repair in the nineteenth season episode, Salty All At Sea.
When Gordon underwent an overhaul to be streamlined temporarily for the Great Railway Show, he refused to undergo the final safety checks and his safety valve was never reinstalled. Thomas, who had been badly damaged in a crash with Norman, was informed of this while he was being repaired at the Steamworks. Victor was unable to go, so Thomas, not fully repaired but in working condition, rushed to the mainland to give Gordon his safety valve. Unfortunately, the bridge was being raised to let a ferry pass under it. Thomas, having no time to lose, ran up the raised bridge and jumped over the canal. He landed the jump, though he nearly derailed and he landed on the wrong track, having to avoid head-on collisions with Connor, Hiro and Sidney.
Trivia
- The gates at either end of the bridge appear to change between yellow and red.
- The television series presents both the bridge and the channel it crosses as being smaller than they ought to be; the distance between Sodor and England is far larger than an average river, and bridging it was an enormous undertaking.
- While not structurally based off of it, the concept and location for the bridge was inspired by The Walney Bridge, its official title being Jubilee Bridge, which originates in Barrow-in-Furness and spans over The Walney Channel connecting The Mainland to Walney Island.
- In the Golden Book adaption of The Great Race , it strongly resembles a green painted version of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with rails.
Merchandise
- Motorized Railway (Thomas' Racing Bridge Jump)
- TrackMaster (Sky-High Bridge Jump)
- Wooden Railway (Race Day Relay Set)
Gallery
