Hopton Cutting The course of the Hoptonwood Branch constructed in the 1850s by David Wheatcroft, from the site of the junction with the main line. On the 31st July 1856 David Wheatcroft was given permission to erect a stationary engine at the side of the CHPR to haul wagons up the steeply graded line. The stationary engine was later abandoned when more powerful locomotives such as the North London Tanks could actually work down the branch unaided. Hopton cutting and tunnel are on the right of the photograph. 1975