In 1900 the Great Central Railway opened a double track branch to Banbury from their London Extension, joining at Culworth Junction. This line became the main interchange point for trains between the Great Central and the Great Western. It allowed trains from the northern cities to run to the west and south. Trains ran from such places as Sheffield, York, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, to Southampton and Bournemouth. Often these trains saw the loco and stock from different companies, such as a GCR loco hauling GWR stock.

There was also a large amount of freight passing over this line.

Although the line from Banbury (via the Oxford line) to Buckingham was GWR and there was no GCR interest at Buckingham West, it was agreed between the companies that when demands required and loco availability was stretched, the GCR (and later LNER) would be allowed to run locos to Buckingham West to relieve congestion at Banbury.

Of course all this is pure fiction, but it did allow me to purchase the new Bachmann LNER liveried ex-GCR J11 Pom Pom. Although I am not struck by layouts running mainly black locos, it is nice to have one (or maybe it will stretch to 2) black ones! The loco is a superb slow speed runner and I am very pleased with it.

Rich