Talk:Kings Cross Top Shed

Latest comment: 5 years ago by Redrose64 in topic Top Shed

Top Shed edit

In this edit it is claimed that the term "Top Shed" was self-styled with the implication that it was a statement of importance - something like "the best loco shed of them all". As I understand it, this is far from the truth. There were two locomotive depots at Kings Cross, one in the station area (accessed directly from the platforms on the western side) and one at a higher level (accessed only by a spur line from Copenhagen Junction, between Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels). The two sheds were physically quite close together, only a few minutes walk apart - but the distance by rail was relatively long - more than a mile. The term "Top Shed" refers to the higher elevation of the main depot - it was on top of the tunnel, rather than being on the same level.

The lower-level shed in the station area was where locos recently arrived could be turned, watered and perhaps coaled and given short-term stabling; it had only the most basic maintenance facilities. This shed will have been used for locos off terminating trains before they were sent out again on a return working. --Redrose64 🌹 (talk) 00:08, 17 November 2018 (UTC)Reply