Haverfordwest: Have a goods yard?…

On today’s railway it’s unusual to find much ‘traditional’ infrastructure left in situ. In fact, the two ends of the railway here in North Pembrokeshire end in single track platform terminus, shorn of all ‘unnecessary’ track work… 

When travelling to Milford Haven a few weeks ago I had enough time before our train arrived to take a look beyond Platform 2 at the remains of the goods yard at Haverfordwest. Pleasantly surprised to find it almost intact, certainly no sign of rationalisation in the last 35 years, even the goods shed remains. 

37215 in August 1988, just some 35 years ago but even then the yard is being used for permanent way duties rather than revenue freight.

Goods shed, slowly decaying but still in place. James Hilton photo - August 2023.

After the closure of Trecwn I believe the sidings are used occasionally to load and unload MOD trains (evidence even of use this year: https://flic.kr/p/2oRs4bj) but I’ve found little else suggested for their retention. The arrangement sees a pair of tracks immediately behind the platform connected to the main at each end that form a run around, with a further three long sidings accessed only from the Milford Haven direction.

Looking towards Milford Haven direction, James Hilton photo, August 2023.

With the oil trains still running from Robeston, regular passenger service and occasional MOD trains, plus rail head treatment trains or Network Rail test trains stabled in the yard, such a station would be an interesting model of ‘today’ that felt like yesterday. The station lacks much modernisation, and it’s overall size could be scenically compressed without too much compromise. An overbridge at the Clarbeston Road direction and a heavily wooded cutting provide scenic breaks. Perhaps viewed with the goods yard at the front of the scene to allow the front of the station to be viewed? Class 150 and soon 158 and 175 are all available in N but the former two would need repainted for TFW. Class 60 are regulars on the oil trains, Farish do the locomotives and Revolution have offered the tank wagons. The ‘Network Rail’ and MOD trains would allow for some kit and scratchbuilding. 

In 1998 a train of tanks from near Southampton destined for Haverfordwest (https://flic.kr/p/2kSxZmn)

Whilst perhaps until recently I had lamented the lack of variety on today’s railway I now find my eyes open to the possibilities - as well as the importance of capturing a little bit of now, for soon it will be yesterday.

Platform 1 (right) sees most service, Platform 2 is rarely used for passenger trains although the oil trains seem to use it. Photo James Hilton, August 2023.

It strikes me that schemes like this work better in N, when the stock is readily available (which it is), as in OO everything would perhaps feel a little cramped or you’d need a cathedral to house it all! That said, perhaps there is opportunity for the cropped cameo, something I will explore in the future. For now though, enjoy the bank. Until next time more soon..,

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