Question about freight "platforms" at Acton Main Line

[London Anorak]

Hi everyone,

Perhaps someone can help me with a question. I enjoy photographing freight trains and noticed recently that trains passing through Acton Main Line are allocated a "platform" on RealTimeTrains. The platforms are: GL, DG, URL, RL.

My question is: what do these letters actually mean - I presume something to do with "Goods Line", "Relief Line" etc., and do they actually correspond to the specific track/line/road the trains run on? Thanks in advance!

 

[takno]

UR = Up Relief (Platform 4),
RL = Down Relief (Plat 3),
GL appears to be the poplar lines (the ones to Canal Wharf that run north of the station). I'd guess DG would be the down line of this pair, although I'm not seeing that on any trains.

 

[JN114]

RL is either Relief Line- not specifically Down Relief. DRL exists as an option in timetable planning software.

Usual caveat of platforms in RTT are what are planned and may differ from what actually happens.

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

I believe the line codes exist in the timetable for the benefit of ARS routing. RTT just regurgitates the information.

 

[The Planner]

I believe the line codes exist in the timetable for the benefit of ARS routing. RTT just regurgitates the information.

In the case here or in general? Line codes are used pretty much anywhere where there are more than two tracks.