RUSPER MODEL RAILWAY CLUB

The run in to Orltons Junction station consists of ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ main lines with a single line branch from Smallfields adjacent to the ‘Up’ main. There is a large goods yard on the ‘Down’ side which includes cattle pens for the nearby meat factory.

Platform 4 serves the ‘Down’ main whilst platform 1 hosts branch trains terminating here. Terminating trains occupy the first short stretch of the road which extends to the far end of the station where the meat factory perishables stock is stored. The ‘Up’ main line is doubled through platforms 2 and 3 and both lines are bi-directional facilitating empty stock and freight movements to or from the branch.

A duty here is very busy with two controllers and signal bells from Charlwood and Smallfields plus verbal advice of oncoming ‘Up’ trains from Hookwood. Simultaneous call attention bells are fairly regular, and the operator needs to pay close attention to the signal lamps on the control panel to avoid head on collisions on the single line to and from Smallfields!

Orltons Junction station

Driver’s eye view entering Orltons Junction from Hookwood