COCKSHUTE: Scale: 4mm - 1ft. Gauge 16.5mm ('00') by Allan Freer

Size: 3.2m x 0.5m (10'5" x 1'8") plus operator space.  Operators: 2. Transport: 1 car. 1 x 240volt supply required.

Cockshute is based on the DMU, Wash/Carriage sheds and diesel stabling point north of Stoke on Trent station which was built between the 25 KVA Crewe/Manchester main line and the branch line to Silverdale (modelled as removed). Cockshute opened in 1957 and closed 10 years later in 1967 when the LMR closed it as a maintenance depot. When operating the shed could accommodate two three car DMUs on each road and gave cover for 18 vehicles and had the capacity to clean up to 38 sets daily, along with provision for the periodic heavy maintenance of its allocated sets.

Cockshute did have a few shortcomings however; it had no fume extraction system, the fuel pump locations at the entrance to the depot roads (not modelled) caused operational problems and as it was primarily a DMU depot the rails weren’t strong enough for mainline locos. This weight limitation hastened its closure in the end as it prohibited mainline diesels from entering the depot. However the site continued as a Stabling Point for a further 2 decades. During this time loco allocations typically included Class 08, 20, 24, 25, 40 and 47s. All buildings remain to this day as commercial industrial units.

To give operational interest to the model the DMU shed remains in use. Fictitious fuelling/unloading/storage facilities have been added to replace the troublesome refuelling points that were located just outside the shed. All model loco's have been seen at Cockshute during the period modelled in historical photo's. All scratch built buildings are greatly reduced in scale, as is the track plan, to fit in the space available for the layout.

Contact: COCKSHUTE using Cockshute as the subject to book the layout for your show or for further details.

Overview of the busy Depot	Driver, 2nd Man & Guard chat over a cup of tea before leaving as 'Loco & Brake Van
A green liveried Class 25 takes on fuel amongst an otherwise uniform collection of blue diesels	Following a busy night of servicing and maintenance three two car DMU's await their next turn of duty

A pair of Class 101 DMU's emerge for refuelling ahead of taking up their next duties	A Class 304 EMU rattles past on the main line as a pair of Class 20's arrives for refuelling and stabling

All photos by Jonathan Newton. Copyright 2023 Hornby Magazine/Key Publishing.

This layout can be seen at the following Shows:

11th & 12th November 2023 - Hull Show.

2nd & 3rd March 2024 - Keithley Show.

6th & 7th April 2024 - Scarborough Show.

11th & 12th May 2024 - Immingham Show.

page updated: 30th July 2023