This screen grab from an IWM film shows Japanese POWs being marched out of Kowloon Wharves gates.
Of interest on the ground are the railway tracks connecting the wharves with the KCR terminus.
These tracks have been discussed previously in relation to how they were used, and for what, as they spanned a busy bus terminus
I don’t recall seeing a date after 1945 when these tracks were permanently disconnected and lifted.
Comments
IWM Film 1945
The film can be viewed here.
Kowloon Wharves Trolley Track Switch
Thanks Klaus for the film. At first look, I asked how they managed to force the wheels off the track and turn the trolley 90 degrees without causing damage. Regards, Peter
1947 Map - Railway Siding to Kowloon Wharf
Not sure of the date of the obliteration of the railway siding to Kowloon Wharf. Something to look out for.
Turntable
Hi Peter,
you can see a photo of this type of wagon turntables here. After pushing the wagon onto the turntable, you lift the handle to unlock and turn manually, just as seen in the video. Regards, Klaus
Tracks removed
It looks as if the tracks to the Kowloon Wharves have been cut. Date is given as 1953, unclear if this is correct.
Train Turntables / Roundhouse
Thanks Klaus for the collection of turntables. Very interesting!
On the trolley tracks to the Kowloon Wharves, my memory tells me they were there in 1955, also the portion that enters the iron gates and beyond was still there in 1964 but not sure between the train station and the gates. One of Andrew's 1957-1958 gallery photos show the tracks on the bus station already takn out - https://gwulo.com/atom/22086 . There might be two dates - their usage and physical removal. Regards, Peter
Kowloon Wharf track
This photo would appear to show the Taipo Belle next to the KCR Terminal on the track to Kowloon Wharf.
https://gwulo.com/atom/18780
Railway Siding to Kowloon Wharf
Discussion in the papers here on the suggested improvements in traffic flow in the circulating area outside Kowloon Star Ferry. The map provided in the article still shows the railway siding to Kowloon Wharf.
Railway track to Kowloon Wharf
Interesting article and date for the track.
I recall that only a few years ago the HK governement was still wrestling with the same problem of traffic congestion at the Star Ferry & taxi rank concourse and was proposing pedestrianising it all. But only a few bus routes were removed to terminate above TST West Rail MTR station near the Mariners Club.
Tracks
Often aerial photographs help to narrow down time spans, but not here:
Unfortunately, there are no photos available between 1949 and 1959. The tracks are still there in 1949.
The newspaper from 1947 discovered by moddsey refers to plans to restructure the access to the Star Ferry. However, it seems that it took a couple of years to start and finish the work. In the The China Mail from 1958-07-14 (see this post) the following is reported:
The new arrangements are in conjunction with the reconstruction of the new concourse which began about a week ago. The project is being carried out in stages, and will also involve drainage works and the construction of bus bays and passenger loading platforms.
This does not say anything about the tracks, but should be the latest moment for their removal.
1953 QEII Coronation
The tracks are still in evidence in 1953.
1950s Kowloon Star Ferry Bus Terminus
Appears the railway siding has been covered in white lines (crossing point ???)
Railway Siding to Kowloon Wharves
Now that http://www.hkmaps.hk/mapviewer.html is available online, the 1955 map of Kowloon was still showing the railway siding. Appears to have disappeared prior to the 1957 map.