Stations with just two platforms ...that could really do with three

[clagmonster]

Paignton

Paignton I think a trailing crossover would suffice, allowing trains to start northbound for the down platform. Traffic doesn't seem high enough to justify a third platform and there would still remain the option of turning back via Goodrington Sidings.

A bit of a fudge I know, but I wonder about Retford High Level on the down fast. It would allow a faster approach for northbound trains and allow any terminating trains from Sheffield more access to terminate in the down loop.

Also Adwick, although that would involve removal of a large part of the normally well used car park. I wonder if that could be relocated anywhere.

 

[MarkyT]

Paignton I think a trailing crossover would suffice, allowing trains to start northbound for the down platform. Traffic doesn't seem high enough to justify a third platform and there would still remain the option of turning back via Goodrington Sidings.

For the north end throat at Paignton to cater for three national rail platforms would require major changes to track and road layout, possibly some demolition of adjacent properties, and difficulties with access to and continued accommodation of the Dartmouth Steam Railway services. Just an extra crossover at that end to allow up departures from platform #1 however, would be a very useful intervention I agree. Although the old mechanical layout at Paignton North signal box incorporated a left-hand crossover within a scissors arrangement, up passenger departures from #1 were not routinely allowed, as the facing points involved were not equipped with FPL and only a shunt disc signal was provided for the movement.

 

[Class465pacer]

Technically doesn’t count but the Thameslink part of St Pancras could do with a 3rd north facing bay platform