RUSPER MODEL RAILWAY CLUB

Track layout

Charlwood and Smallfield Stations - Shed 2

The Sussex town of Charlwood is served by a large station with 7 roads. The operator here has just two controllers at his disposal, which can be a bit limiting at times.

There are platform loops, off the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ through lines, served by platforms 1 & 2. Stopping trains in these platform roads are often overtaken by the fast prestige expresses. The three other roads are served by two more platforms and the branch from Glovers Lane terminates here in a bay. There is a large capacity goods yard on the ‘Down’ side of the running lines and, on the ‘Up’ side a long carriage siding off the line through platform 1.

Non terminating traffic on the ‘Down’ branch joins the main line via crossovers to continue the journey to Orltons Junction. Main line to branch line and branch to main movements are a regular feature of this station as there is no route to or from Newdigate Road Station further up the line.

Timetable “surprises” also require such moves. Operational interest here includes shunting moves which block the ‘Down’ branch line, mainline train reversals and terminations requiring run rounds, detaching/attaching luggage vans and associated shunting.

Charlwood station