Picture courtesy of A. Colenutt, (Chiltern Model Railway Association webmaster). Click here to go to CMRA website

Brinkley was a small peaceful country town on the Northamptonshire/ Buckinghamshire border until, as a result of not being able to reach agreement on running rights over L.N.W.R. metals, the Midland Railway decided to build a direct link from Wellingborough to the G.W.R. at Oxford. In addition to providing lucrative cross country passenger and freight services, the line attracted business from the Northamptonshire ironstone quarries sending ore to South Wales steelworks and return traffic of Welsh coking coal to the local steelworks.

The Midland soon recognised the possibilities of Brinkley's strategic central location. A large marshalling yard was constructed just outside the town which was soon handling freight from all corners of the country. To cope with the demands of this traffic a new motive power depot was built adjacent to the station to stable and service both freight and passenger locos. Once the shed was opened, many of the trains originating from, or with destinations in the South and West were hauled by GWR locos through to and out from Brinkley, rather than changing locos at Oxford as had previously been the case. This practice continued through grouping into B.R. days. The depot was also home to the yard shunter and branch line loco working the Stratford and Midland Joint Line which linked up with the main line just South of Brinkley.

Local industry and the farming community generated enough business to keep the small goods yard busy. The yard also served as a base for the local coal merchant. The brewery next door was served by its own siding which left the main line to the North of the station. These needs were served by three trains a day, the local pick-up freight, the branch freight and a transfer working from the main marshalling yard.

NEWS FLASH: MAJOR REMODELLING OF BRINKLEY MPD UNDERWAY.

Civil Engineering and Operating Depts. have finally agreed the proposed remodelling of Brinkley's Motive Power Depot to the meet growing traffic demands and locomotive allocation. The yard in front of the shed buildings will be increased in area by 25% and new a coaling plant is to be installed. In addition the 1 in 40 gradient single line section just south of the station is to be eased considerably. Photographs of the plan and initial progress are shown below.

Scale: 4mm - P4

Description: BR (Midland) main line with WR connection. Station, goods yard and motive power depot.

Overall size: 30' (increasing to 36') x 2'6 + minimum 3'6 operating space

Operators: 6

Requirements: Table and chair 13 amp power supply

Expenses: Reimbursement of van & car hire and fuel (approx. £250-£300) Overnight accommodation if more than 50 miles from Cheltenham/Gloucester Insurance cover for show and in transit (value £25,000)

Contact: Tony Comber

s4glevum@aol.com