In my previous entry, The Blackbow Line History, I described the imaginary line that led to the development of Little Scrumpton. Once the layout was completed I wanted to develop a suitable timetable for the stock movements based on the activity on the line. Following my map of the line, I developed a timing structure for the journey times between stations for standard passenger journeys and also a semi fast service (XP). As a result, and some slightly loose maths, I developed the table seen underneath the map below. I cannot vouch for its realism, but I wanted to give a rough idea of what may be happening off stage and where the services serving Little Scrumpton may arrive or depart from/to. In the timings and the addition of the stopping details I wanted to develop an idea of the importance of the individual locations along the line, the most important being Magnerton Junction, but also the towns of Tipplebridge and Strongthorn. In total I assumed that the rough 22 miles of the full line would be journeyed in approximately 50 minutes to an hour.

Having developed this structure I began to look at the timetable for the layout itself. In addition to the timing, I developed a list of movements that I felt would make the most of my resources:

All my stock was used in one “day†run of the timetable.

Passenger stock should be seen at least twice.

Each engine pulling at least one passenger and one goods train.

At least 2 engines should go on shed at some point.

Deliveries of domestic coal, Loco coal, morning milk/parcels, Fuel/Oil and livestock.

Most arrivals to Platform 1, departures from platform 2.

Stock on scene should start and end in the same positions so that the end of one day started the next.

I started with the passenger services which are comprised of:

An early morning workman’s service to Blackbow Cyder Distillery.

4 morning/4 afternoon/3 evening stopping services using B Set, Railcar and Autotrain.

An evening town service using Corridor Stock rake.

An early afternoon semi fast service using Corridor Stock rake.

Here modellers licence comes into effect as I am certain that a station the size of Little Scrumpton would never have had 14 passenger departure services in a day! In addition, mixed into the passenger services, are a selection of goods services and the resulting shunting opportunities. Busy day in the village! I have developed this timetable over a couple of versions, and as a result have developed a list of starting positions in the fiddle yard to limit the amount of handling needed. I haven’t specified individual wagons to be used, merely their type, and so each session results in a different set of wagons starting and finishing on the layout at the end of the day. Below is the finished timetable: