Schematic of the layout

Story behind the layout

In the BR blue days after rationalisation this line was decidedly useful for its' freight volume, with a couple of factory sidings taking in a variety of different loads from palleted goods to road stone, steel and coal on occasion too. The yard usually gets a class 08 for the busier times and therefore has fueling facilities.

Of course with such a busy pair of sidings, the surrounding neighbourhood had plenty of life for the factory workers and families originally and is now experiencing a bit of urban growth with the advent of the commuter trains.

Indeed the local station serves passengers to the local city terminus as the line can also be used as a bypass for the mainline tracks making way for expresses and through trains. This local line also serves as the main line when engineering works are required or if the line is blocked by a disabled train.

Usually then you will see regular freight workings to and from the sidings as well as passing freight trains for important loads that can't wait the night. There are slow and semi-slow passenger trains that pass down this line usually serving this busy little hub, but not always. On rare occasions you might see diverted HSTs or even assisted electrics. This line has not yet been electrified although there is plenty of talk around the matter with major commuting lines around england being electrified.