Give some careful thought to the arrangement of the lower run-round. Which traffic would prototypicaly have priority, passenger or parcels. If the upper platform is passenger then I think you will find the run-round would face the other way - thereby providing loco release without having to back up coaches into the station throat.

I would also expect a short siding off the end of the parcels to allow for the opposite as any parcels stock would now potentially be backed into the passenger platform throat.

I am not very convinced by the two additional short sidings. I think one would be better - what purpose do they have for existing?

Hi Kenton, Thanks for your comment!

I hadn't considered priority of traffic - just that parcels would need a run round, and branch passenger would be a DMU of some sort - not needing a run-round. If the branch had been operated by DMUs (or I suppose a push-pull set) only for a while by the time the station was minimised, would a run-round still be provided? The other platform at that time had a run round, so could be used for loco hauled passenger trains. Definitely something to ponder on, thank you!

The two short sidings are supposed to be industrial sidings - to allow for a some shunting interest. I agree they appear odd, even on the new plan they look artificial. I'm torn between operational potential of 2, and teh difficulty of making 2 fit and look right. I think it might be a case of less is more to look at, but not to operate. Again, more pondering required...

priority of traffic - just that parcels would need a run round, and branch passenger would be a DMU of some sort - not needing a run-round. If the branch had been operated by DMUs (or I suppose a push-pull set) only for a while by the time the station was minimised, would a run-round still be provided?

I guess it would come down to timing.

If the branch platform and the "parcels" were there in steam then the crossover would most likely be the other was - despite the "parcels" being unfavoured - as this would be just short closed vans rather than "parcels" stock and would probably be shunted into the track.

Later - or even as a late track re-alignment - the reverse may apply as you say DMU branch use would not require the run round but parcels would.

Then there is a third option with no cross-over ... parcels arrive at station platform and the leading loco released by a station pilot / local shunter and the parcels backed into the parcels bay.

As always it is your layout and your requirements should take priority.