What is the history behind the sidings that are just before Reading
station (4a/b). They look very much in disrepair, was this a post
privatision thing? I guess they made it to the NSE era as the lamposts
are still red.

Likewise, the siding south of Wokingham, is it just there for times of
trouble so a failed unit can be disposed of?

Big Dave wrote:

> What is the history behind the sidings that are just before Reading
> station (4a/b). They look very much in disrepair, was this a post
> privatision thing? I guess they made it to the NSE era as the lamposts
> are still red.
>
> Likewise, the siding south of Wokingham, is it just there for times of
> trouble so a failed unit can be disposed of?


Back in my earlier career at Reading Police Station(1977-88 ) they used
to stable several sets of 4CIG/4VEP stock overnight at this location
for the early morning services to Waterloo. During my probationary
period as the foot patrol police officer on nights covering the station
area, I was sometimes called to assist staff with evicting various
characters who had chosen these trains to kip in. Access for staff was
via a lockable gate from the Metal Box office car park but easier
access was available from the post office van car park due to their
habit of backing into the fence posts!

Big Dave wrote:


> What is the history behind the sidings that are just before Reading
> station (4a/b). They look very much in disrepair, was this a post
> privatision thing? I guess they made it to the NSE era as the lamposts
> are still red.


I believe they were put in when Reading Southern was taken out in the
sixties. Probably for cleaning/servicing of units. They weren't that
overgrown when I was spotting at Reading most Saturdays in the mid 90s.
I was shocked at the undergrowth/overgrowth that happened in 10 years
when I went past yesterday!


> Likewise, the siding south of Wokingham, is it just there for times of
> trouble so a failed unit can be disposed of?


Probably. According to Branch Lines of Berkshire its an old WD siding.
It was only juiced in 2000 IIRC though.

Right, when was the Earley oil terminal taken out of use?
AE