12q2 Phoenix - Robertsbridge Junction Station Plans

We had the pleasure at the AGM of a presentation by Mike Hart of the new plans for the development of Robertsbridge Station, on behalf of the RVR Heritage Trust. Detailed drawings have been drawn up for submission to the local authority, and a number of these are now on view in our mess van, pending completion of the visitor centre refurbishment. These are mostly too detailed to reproduce successfully in this small magazine, but a sketch showing the proposed general layout of track and buildings has been prepared (opposite –not to scale). We hope to be able to get the full plans on display soon, and perhaps more into the next Phoenix.

As the sketch indicates, and as widely anticipated, developments include a long new platform to accommodate K&ESR-length trains, and a long carriage shed opposite the platform. A water crane (currently stored at Rolvenden) will be placed at the southern end of the platform, fed from a new water tower to be built south of the carriage shed. There is space for a signal box (non-functioning) south of the platform.

The new station will have a run-round for locomotives. Coaling of locos will take place near the small loco shed to be built on the outer edge of the curve heading towards Bridge 1. The headshunt for this shed will be capable of being extended into the mainline station’s bay platform, should the opportunity arise at a future date. This could be useful for stock transfers, for example. A lever frame will be installed to control the turnouts at this northern end of the new track layout.

In terms of construction, preparation for the track layout changes should be starting later this year, once it’s possible to move the existing collection of railway vehicles further up towards Bridge 1. This is expected to happen this summer once new trackwork reaches the loading pad area. Stores and workshops also have to be relocated. Levels need to be improved on the track bed to remove the current slope towards the southern end, and the bed needs to be moved eastwards to give room for the platform to be built alongside the existing main station car park.

Under the plans, the VSOE building will be retained until after the new station building is completed, which is not envisaged to be for several years yet. However, everything else at the existing station site is either being moved or demolished to make way for the new scheme.

Workshops, stores, staff facilities including parking, and loco fuel etc will be distributed between the loco shed and carriage shed areas.