I have recently seen a video of the operation of Cowes station on the Isle of Wight during the BR steam era. As the platform was short, an unusual method was used to run the loco round the train. The normal sequence of events (shown in the video several times) appears to have been as follows:
- Incoming train runs up to the stops to allow passengers off train.
- Loco uncouples.
- Loco propels carriages backwards to clear loco release.
- Loco halts, whilst carriages continue to move backwards (loose/fly shunted).
- Loco runs back to the stops, release points reversed and loco runs round.
- Release points reset and carriages run back to the stops by gravity, braked by the guard.
- Loco recouples at other end of the train and awaits departure