To make way for the Sheffield to Manchester electrification, the diesel depot, which has been inappropriately located around the turntable for many years has been moved to a new site on the northern end of the station. This allows Deltics coming off the London trains to be refueled for the return trip whilst an electric locomotive takes the train to Manchester. The diesel refueling facilities at Sheffield have been relocated to the diesel depot, making space for the electric locomotive storage siding.
A picture of the EM2 in the electric siding (previously the diesel refueling bay) and the new diesel depot is below. The diesel depot received a significant upgrade with new brick and concrete sides to replace the Hornby printed sides. The engine shed, half a Triang northlight, which was previously located where the diesel depot now stands has been moved to the locomotive roads around the turntable and supplemented with a second engine shed kindly donated by Mick. Much to the sadness of Triang lovers, the engine shed has been modified to look more prototypical and the missing roof vents were replaced with cardboard ones. A picture of the new shed following these modifications can be seen below. It has been five years since Banbury Connections' last major extension from Wolverhampton to Birkenhead and Shrewsbury (connecting to Machynlleth).
Following a couple of years of planning, Banbury Connections is pleased to announce its latest extension plan which includes the addition of London Paddington Station and the GWR main line to Cornwall. This will be achieved by widening and lengthening the shed by another metre, enabling the addition of a second London terminus and mainline to Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance. A map of BR in 1962 with the existing and proposed lines on Banbury Connections is presented below. |
Banbury Connections General BlogThe Banbury Connections blog looks at issues of significant interest involving the railway and its staff. Archives
September 2023
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