To start today’s mix, an interesting picture of London Victoria, around 1920 (photo Richard Meager.)  Some details here that would look good on a pre-grouping layout.

First off, why is there a loading gauge at the platform ends?  Possibly to check that the horse drawn carriages that were loaded onto carriage trucks, or even CCT’s (covered carriage trucks) were within gauge once the train was on the main line.

Which also answers the H&S question.  Why is there no barrier or fence at the end of the tracks?  Presumably, the wooden decking over the buffer stops allowed loading of said CCT’s.  Put this in your layout and wait for the critique at the next exhibition!

There’s the line of small boys, mostly in cloth caps.  And what appears to be an LBSCR H1 Atlantic at the head of the train, that consists of later Brighton bogie carriages.

Some 35 years later, a U Class 2-6-0 simmers another Victoria platform end.  Any reader remember, or even travel on, British United Airways?

Another U class, on shed, and the very similar 2-cylinder N class.  Both photos taken at Guildford shed.

Last Southern picture for today.  A King Arthur emerges from Knockholt tunnel in Southern days.  This ‘Scotch Arthur’ was one of a batch built by the North British Locomotive Company in 1924.  It’s an early photo, too, as the engine hasn’t acquired smoke deflectors yet.

A couple of American photos.  First, Allentown, PA, in steam days, with the Lehigh Valley ‘John Wilkes’ named train at the platform.  A wonderful livery for both loco and carriages.  Also interesting in this photo is the extensive use of concrete on platform and river retaining wall.  There’s the river closely adjacent to the railway, and once again in pre-H&S days, just a flimsy railing to stop you falling in.  Very few lights on the platform that I can see, too….

The steam locos would soon be replaced by the almost as attractive Alco PA diesels…

A second photo of interest for modelling detail is this more modern photo taken in New Jersey during Conrail.  A switcher is undertaking some rapid moves at a passing place on a singled main line.  All complicated by the facing and trailing sidings serving the industries.  And some rapid work was needed, as there were other freights scheduled, plus an RDC passenger service passing through at 80 mph.  Modelling points are the run-down track in the industry, the variety of cars in the train, the dwarf telegraph poles, and the encroaching vegetation.

And to finish, an F-unit with a more leisurely bit of switching….