Idea's for a yard ?

[Will]

As some of you are aware, Im revamping the Somerset & Dorset Railway, And i've hit a brick so to speak.
I've got no idea what type of yard or depot to build at Radstock to replace the outdated one.
I've posted a image via photobucket, I'll be greateful if anybody would download it, Perhaps draw on (using PS/Paint) lines & numbers to represent track, Sheds, etc), pretty much how they think it should be best made in RW, And then attach it to thier post. I really dont have any ideas, And all my previous ideas were . or didnt fit in the area available. I'm saving my DBS in-famous Crimson Road depot for Green Park, So thats out. Anyway, I'll consider all options. The best idea in my opinion will be used in the route. Your looking at the huge grey/gravel area, Thats what im going to change, But what am i going to put there

[alexnick]

How about having the old yard still in, but long out of use, with rusted rails buried deep in vegetation? There are plenty of places still on the network where stations are accompanied by abandoned sidings.

If you're being realistic about Radstock, there's very little I could imagine people wanting to load onto a freight train there at the moment.

AN

[stuart666]

The big problem you have is Radstock in real life is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. No disrespect intended to those who live there, just that its the middle of the mendips with little in the way of industry there abouts. I cant think of anything that can justify a large freight yard there after the coal industry departed.

I suppose you could put in a big tescos store with a couple of spurs left to handle the Tesco Flyer, but that the best suggestion I can give at the moment. Ultimately the problem you have is the modern railway is set up for long distance point to point delivery. Pick up goods or small local freight has died away, at least in this country.

[Austcoop]

Hi,

Nice idea to revamp the S&D route, but I'd have to agree with Stuart666. As Stuart666 correctly points out, the modern railway is set up for long distance bulk haulage. British Rail lost out massively to road transport for short distance, low capacity freight transport. As a consequence, smaller yards closed, as did routes that depended on freight traffic. Even the bigger marshalling yards closed. Look at Tinsley as a good example. Ok, it's decline was brought about by the closure of the Woodhead route, but it still closed. One of the biggest and newest yards, only opened in 1965, was already starting to close by 1985.

Now, if you were to look at setting the route in the late 70's through to late 80's, you'd probably get away with a couple of short sidings under the guise of a 'Speedlink' yard. Either that or a small cement plant like the one at Northenden? (see below)




Otherwise, perhaps a couple of sidings for the engineers department to use? Failing that, if you are bringing the route right up to date, I'd go with a car park or a shopping centre.

Regards and good luck, James

[Will]

How about having the old yard still in, but long out of use, with rusted rails buried deep in vegetation? There are plenty of places still on the network where stations are accompanied by abandoned sidings.

If you're being realistic about Radstock, there's very little I could imagine people wanting to load onto a freight train there at the moment.

AN

Thanks for your comment Alex. I see what your saying, And i'll take it into consieration. Im wanting to do a abandoned area ta somepoint. Perhaps radstock will be a good palce to do it ?

The big problem you have is Radstock in real life is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. No disrespect intended to those who live there, just that its the middle of the mendips with little in the way of industry there abouts. I cant think of anything that can justify a large freight yard there after the coal industry departed.

I suppose you could put in a big tescos store with a couple of spurs left to handle the Tesco Flyer, but that the best suggestion I can give at the moment. Ultimately the problem you have is the modern railway is set up for long distance point to point delivery. Pick up goods or small local freight has died away, at least in this country.

Thanks for your comment too Stuart. I understand what your saying, Its true, It is in a beautiful part of the coutry, But its in the middle of nowhere. Although 'tis very nice.
I didnt want to put a huge yard, Perhaps a EWS depot or a TMD for stored locos. But i dont know, Time will tell!

And finally:

Hi,

Nice idea to revamp the S&D route, but I'd have to agree with Stuart666. As Stuart666 correctly points out, the modern railway is set up for long distance bulk haulage. British Rail lost out massively to road transport for short distance, low capacity freight transport. As a consequence, smaller yards closed, as did routes that depended on freight traffic. Even the bigger marshalling yards closed. Look at Tinsley as a good example. Ok, it's decline was brought about by the closure of the Woodhead route, but it still closed. One of the biggest and newest yards, only opened in 1965, was already starting to close by 1985.

Now, if you were to look at setting the route in the late 70's through to late 80's, you'd probably get away with a couple of short sidings under the guise of a 'Speedlink' yard. Either that or a small cement plant like the one at Northenden? (see below)
Otherwise, perhaps a couple of sidings for the engineers department to use? Failing that, if you are bringing the route right up to date, I'd go with a car park or a shopping centre.

Regards and good luck, James

Thankyou James. I've tried to write decent scenarios using modern stock for the 1950s route, But it just wanst working out. 5 car XC 221's in a 2 coach station like Masbury ? Doesnt work And i've been itching to revamp a route, So i chose this one & Am going all out on it. I do like the idea you've "pitched" me, That small freight/cement works does look good. Im completley bringing it upto date (As far as i can) so a supermarket my just go there, You never know. That is of-course, If DBS dont build thier TMD for stored locos first..

[stuart666]

Ive just had an idea, rather than use it as a yard, why not have it converted into a Steam museum? After all Didcot rail yard is based on the old engine shed and some sidings that were available in the 60s. Why not speculate someone did the same with the S and D, and set up a museum dedicated to their steam traction (this has actually happened in Midsomer Norton and another place that escapes my memory).

Even better you can put a turntable and watering facilities in, making steam railtours a bit easier to set up. Just an idea anyway.

[pjt1974]

Ive just had an idea, rather than use it as a yard, why not have it converted into a Steam museum? After all Didcot rail yard is based on the old engine shed and some sidings that were available in the 60s. Why not speculate someone did the same with the S and D, and set up a museum dedicated to their steam traction (this has actually happened in Midsomer Norton and another place that escapes my memory).

Even better you can put a turntable and watering facilities in, making steam railtours a bit easier to set up. Just an idea anyway.

Hi Stuart
I thought that myself at 6 this morning but thought 'nah, too obvious'.

good idea me thinks

phil

[Will]

I like that idea Stuart, I might try that later on once i sort the track under ground for the whole route issue. lol

[Neptune50006]

Ive just had an idea, rather than use it as a yard, why not have it converted into a Steam museum? After all Didcot rail yard is based on the old engine shed and some sidings that were available in the 60s. Why not speculate someone did the same with the S and D, and set up a museum dedicated to their steam traction (this has actually happened in Midsomer Norton and another place that escapes my memory).

Even better you can put a turntable and watering facilities in, making steam railtours a bit easier to set up. Just an idea anyway.

Great idea. Then all sorts of steamers will be able to run on the route.