Trivia: stations where a reversal is required to access the rest of the network

[SteelWeelApeal]

What stations require a reversal to access the rest of the uk rail network? I can think of some examples on branch lines (such as the St Ives line (reverse between St Erth and Penzance), and Fort William to Mallaig (reverse at Fort William)), but so far the only examples I can find on a line connected at both ends are London Road (Brighton), Moulscoomb and Falmer (reverse at Brighton or between Lewes and Eastbourne). Are stations on the Looe line the only ones requiring two reversals (near Combe Junction Halt and between Liskeard and Penzance)? Also, between which two stations require the most reversals?

 

[Ianno87]

Stourbridge Town
Marlow
Sheringham

 

[iantherev]

Any station on the Ebbw Vale branch if continuing via Newport (reverse Cardiff Central)

 

[Esker-pades]

Thurso.

 

[johnnychips]

Battersby.

 

[306024]

Stourbridge Town
Marlow
Sheringham

I'm sure you meant Cromer not Sheringham, so I'll give you Colchester Town for free, even though I'm not sure I understand the question fully.

 

[73001]

Southport. You used to be able to bypass the station but I think you need to enter the station now and reverse if you want to change lines.

 

[Mag_seven]

Any station on the Ebbw Vale branch if continuing via Newport (reverse Cardiff Central)

Not so, there is short link from Park Junction to Gaer Junction which means you can access Newport directly from the Ebbw Vale branch.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Bradford Interchange

 

[Ianno87]

I'm sure you meant Cromer not Sheringham, so I'll give you Colchester Town for free, even though I'm not sure I understand the question fully.

From Sheringham you need to reverse at Cromer to get anywhere else (apart from Roughton Road), which I think was the question?

 

[dazzler]

From Sheringham you need to reverse at Cromer to get anywhere else (apart from Roughton Road), which I think was the question?

It's West Runton that's between Sheringham and Cromer. Roughton Road is on the way to Norwich from Cromer.

Additions to the list include anywhere between Whitby and Battersby (Junction) and Gunnerslake to Bere Alston.

 

[TheSel]

Southport. You used to be able to bypass the station but I think you need to enter the station now and reverse if you want to change lines.

Indeed - and then only by using platform 3 (of 6, for those unfamiliar with the staton), as platform 3 is the only one with access to both the Liverpool and Wigan lines.

 

[Revilo]

Bere Alston

 

[Andyjs247]

Cardiff Bay

 

[306024]

From Sheringham you need to reverse at Cromer to get anywhere else (apart from Roughton Road), which I think was the question?

Fair point, (apart from the West Runton issue) still don't understand the question then, but won't waste the rest of my life on it

 

[SteelWeelApeal]

I think there is some confusion with the question. What I mean is stations from where a reversal is required to access the main body of the network. You could use Crewe as a test, for example. If a reversal is required to access Crewe, then it will also be required to access 95+% of stations. Sheringham is a good example: you can get to West Runton and Cromer, but for anywhere else, you need to reverse.

 

[iantherev]

Not so, there is short link from Park Junction to Gaer Junction which means you can access Newport directly from the Ebbw Vale branch.

True in theory but that section is not in regular passenger use so for practical purposes a reversal is needed.

 

[The Albion]

At Upminster, from Romford.

 

[yorksrob]

Barton upon Humber.

 

[philthetube]

Morecambe from Heysham port.

 

[Cherry_Picker]

Do you mean if you arrive at such a station then you need to reverse to access the rest of the network? If so, I'll offer London Waterloo.

 

[vlad]

If I understand the question then anywhere on the Conwy Valley Line. Unless you want Llandudno, Bangor or Holyhead then you need to reverse at Llandudno Junction (or Blaenau Ffestiniog).

(How come my browser spell checker recognises "Blaenau" but not "Ffestiniog"?)

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Barton upon Humber.

I thought that was a terminus station. ?

 

[yorksrob]

I thought that was a terminus station. ?

Surely it has to be a terminus station, otherwise you wouldn't have to reverse to get to 98% of the network ?

 

[Ianno87]

Barton upon Humber.

The junction at Brocklesby is a triangle, so you can run directly from Barton-on-Humber to the rest of the network.

 

[yorksrob]

The junction at Brocklesby is a triangle, so you can run directly from Barton-on-Humber to the rest of the network.

Ah, well that definitely scuppers that one !

 

[Mag_seven]

True in theory but that section is not in regular passenger use so for practical purposes a reversal is needed.

I'd argue that the fact that it is not in regular passenger use is irrelevant - the capability is there and that's what counts for the purposes of this thread?

 

[Quakers Yard]

Swansea

 

[matt_world2004]

Romford on the Romford and Upminster line.

 

[Mag_seven]

Swansea

I don't think so - on leaving Swansea you turn right towards Neath and you have access to the rest of the network - no reversal required.

Romford on the Romford and Upminster line.

Already mentioned in post #18.