Crafting a fictional timetable

[Sad Sprinter]

I have an idea for a 3 mile branch line in South London based on the Addiscombe branch. The branch will have two intermediate stations. I’m trying to figure out what the time timetable would be like. I imagine it’ll take about 11 real minutes to get from end to end. Assuming a train leaves on end of the branch at 10:00, it’ll reach the destination at 10:11.

How much waiting time will the train need before reversing? I assume it’ll be around 5 mins, meaning the train will arrive back at 10:27. If this branch has a half hourly service, wouldn’t one train on the branch be cutting it fine considering it’ll only have a 3 min turn around upon its return? I’m trying to work out whether it would be more realistic to have two trains operating for an half-hourly service. Perhaps more in the peak when I envision a 20 min interval with some services extended through to Victoria.

 

[jfollows]

You may find the Timetable Planning Rules at https://www.networkrail.co.uk/industry-and-commercial/information-for-operators/operational-rules/ useful reference.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Does the branch line that you're asking about only have single track (with, or without, passing loops) or is it multiple track?

 

[MaxB]

Based on the 1968 T/T, off peak trains left Addiscombe at 17 and 47, returning from Elmers End at 37 and 07. The journey was 5 minutes but only one intermediate stop (Woodside).

 

[DucksGoQuack]

You could use the Overground Romford - Upminster line as inspiration.

It's ~3 miles long - Single track, 3 stops in total, No passing loops, just a EMU shuttle service, runs every 30 min like clockwork.
Drivers gets 4 min to change ends at Upminster and 6 min at Romford, believe staff facilities are at Romford.

One trip in 10 min, Complete rounder 24 min.

 

[Sad Sprinter]

Thanks for all your help.

I've decided that all services will run through to Victoria, calling at the fictional stop of Longhedge. That should double the journey time meaning two trains will be required. Using the draft fictional timetable I've created, both trains will pass each other at Clapham Junction, which will be the physical end of the layout. If I use 2 car EMUs, I could increase the operation complexity by splitting and joining an extra 2-HAP/class 466 during peak hours.

All I need now is a house to build it all in!

 

[30907]

Belated response: on a 3-mile line with 2 stops, eg Herne Hill to Penge E or Penge E to Shortlands, you can reckon 7-8 minutes depending on era (slam door stock was that bit quicker!). It would be slightly more if linespeed was below 50mph.
Turnround time for a 2-car can be as little as 3min (still the case at Henley with 165s) but 5 would be more typical (Addiscombe/Bromley N when 20min interval).

 

[Sad Sprinter]

Bromley North was every 20 mins? If so it would make operation of my branch a little bit more interesting.

Belated response: on a 3-mile line with 2 stops, eg Herne Hill to Penge E or Penge E to Shortlands, you can reckon 7-8 minutes depending on era (slam door stock was that bit quicker!). It would be slightly more if linespeed was below 50mph.
Turnround time for a 2-car can be as little as 3min (still the case at Henley with 165s) but 5 would be more typical (Addiscombe/Bromley N when 20min interval).

 

[30907]

Bromley North was every 20 mins? If so it would make operation of my branch a little bit more interesting.

BMN is still every 20 in the peaks, so was Addiscombe when it connected with a 10-minute peak service at E.E.
Both varied over the decades, but when the "main line" is every 15min you either run every 30 or have a turnover crew at one and and attempt every 15 - ISTR they tried that at Grove Pk for a bit.