I have been asked to make a statement to clarify the rules on starting stations. My understanding, from previous precedent, is that all starting stations must have at least 1 though platform, therefore the likes of Bourne End and Bere Alston, where all trains reverse, even if continuing their journey, are not valid starting stations. Bourne End was the first such station that I am aware of to have been deamed an invalid starting station.
What I would say with starting towards the end of branchlines is that if somebody does go for a win at Whitby, to take an example given recently, after a game has started at Ruswarp, they would only gain 2 points, so there is not much incentive for the quick win. At the same time, there is nothing to stop anybody from taking the points and running.
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Farningham Road