Where do freight trains passing through Bedford station originate from?

[JohnNada]

I'm currently writing a novel, and as part of my research I need to know—if possible, and for the sake of accuracy—where do the freight trains passing through Bedford station originate from?

I live in Bedford and have seen plenty of freight trains passing through, but I have no idea where they start their journey...

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Tomnick]

Quite a few loaded stone trains, heading south through Bedford, originate at Mountsorrel, Bardon Hill, Stud Farm or Croft quarries. Loads of other freight trains too though.

 

[High Dyke]

Stone traffic as Tomnick mentioned. Other workings include the Ketton - St Pancras and return Cement tanks and Oil traffic from Colnbrook - Lindsey.

 

[STANDISH]

Just for the record there are also cement trains from Tunstead and Earls in Derbyshire go south through Bedford.

 

[JohnNada]

Thanks for the replies!

How about freight trains heading north?

 

[Twoonthebuzzer]

As mentioned above really. Various workings throughout the day and night including services to/from;

Earles Sidings - West Thurrock
Bow Depot - Bardon Hill
Elstow Redland - Mountsorrel
Mountsorrel - Radlett
Churchyard Sidings - Ketton
Acton Yard/Ferme Park - Wellingborough
Chelmsford - Mountsorrel
Theale - Earles Sidings
Thorney Mill - Bardon Hill
Bardon Hill - Angerstein
Mountsorrel - Luton
Colnbrook - Lindsey
Tunstead - West Thurrock
Hayes & Harlington - Cliffe Hill Stud Farm

 

[Freightmaster]

The Colnbrook train is aviation fuel for Heathrow airport.

Apart from that, as has been said, the vast majority of trains
are conveying construction materials (stone/cement) from the
Peak District and East Midlands to various terminals around London
and the Home counties.

The current (printed) edition of Freightmaster:

http://www.freightmasterpublishing.co.uk/zen/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=66

...has an article on freight traffic in the Bedford area,
featuring maps, photographs, and a 24 hour Bedford timetable!

How about freight trains heading north?

Empties going back to collect more stone/cement/aviation fuel!!


MARK

 

[westcoaster]

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sea...0/11/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=freight&order=wtt

All freight through Bedford today in the above link.

 

[JohnNada]

Wow, thanks for being so helpful guys. Much appreciated.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Apart from that, as has been said, the vast majority of trains
are conveying construction materials (stone/cement) from the
Peak District and East Midlands to various terminals around London
and the Home counties.

What are some of the terminals around London? Are there any in East London?

Thanks

 

[DarloRich]

Let us not forget the trains that start from Bletchley stone terminal, trundle along the Marston Vale line and return to Peak Forrest

 

[W230]

What are some of the terminals around London? Are there any in East London?

I don't know where half these depots are but I do know that Bow Depot is in East London!

 

[John Webb]

.....What are some of the terminals around London? Are there any in East London?

Thanks

Angerstein Wharf is SE London on the bank of the Thames near Charlton.
West Thurrock is a few miles from East London by the M25 river crossings.

 

[CockneySparrow]

Some of these go through Corby and Melton Mowbray i believe

 

[Freightmaster]

Some of these go through Corby and Melton Mowbray i believe

Correct - there are not enough paths via Leicester these days
to fit all the freight services in!

MARK