Please help me find info, Charing station...

[Fishplate]

Hi Folks,

I am interested in finding any information relating to Charing station (Kent) in the 50's and 60's I know it was electrified in 1961 and that the signal box not used after 1984. I would like to see a trackplan of the station and yard at that time as well as plans of any buildings, huts and so on. I would also be grateful for any information of freight movement etc. Can anybody recommend any books that contain any information on this subject?

Having never modelled the SR before I am starting from scratch with this project - I might have to buy some new paint !

Any help will be most appreciated - Many thanks!

Ralph.

[Rod Cameron]

Ralph

I have some track diagrams at home somewhere which will have siding lengths etc but you will have to wait until next week as I am away at the mo. I'm sure there is a Middleton Press book that deals with the Maidstone East to Ashford line, also try the library at Ashford where they have a large railway-related collection.

PS you might want to edit your topic title to include 'Charing station' or similar - as it stands it's all a bit vague and people might miss what it is you are asking for.

[Fishplate]

Thanks Rod,

I will make a point of visiting Ashford library and having a look, good idea. If you do have some plans at home I would like to see a copy of them when you get a chance to dig them out.

… I edited the subject line!

Ralph.

[smyles]

See photos and information about Charing at www.kentrail.co.uk
Hope this helps.
Mike

[Rod Cameron]

Ralph

Here is a track diagram from 1965. Ignore the stub-end to the right, that is associated with Hothfield not Charing. The military siding is intriguing!

Also the RCH Handbook of Stations 1956 (no changes in the 1962 supplement) shows no details except that the yard crane is of 1 ton 15 cwt capacity.

HTH

charing.jpg

[Fishplate]

Great stuff!

Thanks Mike for the link top the Kent Rail site there was a lot of good stuff there…

Rod, That’s is great just what I was looking for the measurements are a bonus! The military siding is interesting indeed. Can’t imagine what that was used for??

The puzzle is slotting together, next a trip to Ashford library is in order. If anybody has any other information or knows the reason for a Military siding please jump in and let us know…

…Thanks for the help.

Ralph

[Fishplate]

Well, it's been a while but I have been looking for information on Charing station on and off. I recently re-joined the MRC of which I was a member of 30 years ago. In their library I found a MP book that has a track plan of Charring station and yard. Diligent viewing of Google maps has enabled me to work out an approximate scale. The next job is to do a site survey and take a look at some of the other stations on the line where original building survive.

Setting the proposed model in 1961 should allow for steam and electric running as well as a full goods yard. Now all I have to do is research what sort of goods were being handled, what stock would have been around... and what locos would have been used in the yard and where they came from...

Lots to do, All good fun.

Ralph