Map of Steam sheds

[Chamossaire]

I have used data from http://www.brdatabase.info to produce an interactive google map of most of the sheds (pre-1997) in the UK - it is a work in progress and I will update it in the future (rather than in the past which is, unfortunately, rather tricky!). Each flag links to the shed info on brdatabase which, of course, is also a WIP. Let me know what you think.

http://goo.gl/maps/5Nj5O

[1H was 2E]

I've had a look and I have the following observations to make - this is not intended as any criticism.

The data seems to be based on the shed location that existed in BR days, but refers to dates back to 1875. In many cases, the original shed at particular location name was not at the same site as in BR days. There is a two volume publication The Directory of British Engine Sheds and Principal Locomotive Servicing Points and this details every known location for a steam shed on a main line railway, together with a thumbnail map based on the OS 25" maps. In some cases, the history of a particular shed was very complicated!

There is also reference to shed codes from 1875, which seem to be the ones applied in the Grouping era. Certainly the LNWR and MR had shed codes (both numbers except sub sheds on LNWR had no + letter) and I imagine that other pre group railways had systems, too.

So it's fine for revisiting spotting days in our youth but maybe not so useful for earlier days.

In my opinion, where there is a need is for coverage of DIESEL depots. There seems to be no record of many of these. There was a number of garage type diesel depots built in the 60's, 2-road open ended structures, concrete framed and well glazed, with refuelling. These were often built alongside steam sheds and remained in use after the steam shed had closed - and in some cases, demolished. They've all gone now (I think) but there seems to be no record of them.

[kudu]

I haven't noticed any errors in my quick look. Inevitably it is always possible to suggest additional information that could be included, but you can go for ever along that road. What I would suggest, though, following up 1H's comments to some extent, is that some of the data would benefit from explanatory notes. For example, the basis of choice of site to use for the map where shed locations have changed over years could be clarified. The basis of choice of sheds themselves could also be clearer eg if sheds closed before 1948 are not included (as appears to be the case) a note should say so. Btw, I also noticed an inconsistency in the way some sheds are listed eg Alexandra Dock (Hull), but Hull Botanic Gardens. Maybe data sources should also be listed, at least the main ones.

I also took a quick look at the Works section. I take it this is not yet complete, with many closure dates not given (yet?). I noticed here that Bow Works is omitted, which didn't close until the 1960s, but Longhedge and Nine Elms Works are both included. The locos listed as built at Longhedge is also incomplete - from memory they built over 40, not 19. And the company was of course the LCDR, not LSWR or LDCR.

Hope these quick observations are helpful. All in all, this is a valuable database, especially the depot section. Thanks to everyone involved.

Kudu

[52D]

Just a quick note Berwick was an NBR shed which closed in 1924, the locos were in the main transferred across the River to Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth had a sub at Sprouston and on the take over by the LNER of the North Sunderland Railway another at Seahouses. Tweedmouth was also responsible for the ex NBR shed at Duns for a while.