What does T.C. stand for?

[HullSimplibus]

I was wondering what T.C. stands for. Today there was a train that went from Driffield to Ferryhill T.C. Old Yard, and I am not sure what it stands for.

 

[TimboM]

Usually "Terminal Complex"

 

[HullSimplibus]

Usually "Terminal Complex"

Ahh. Thank you.

 

[Highlandspring]

Sorry it has taken me a couple of weeks to dig out my copy of “The approved standard terminology and abbreviations for railway locations” but better late than never I suppose..

Freight train working locations
Name Std Abbreviation Department

Network Yard NY Commercial
Sidings, the major function of which is to form and break down network wagonload trains to or from other Network Yards in order to service by local network wagonload trains, Section Sidings. May also perform a terminal servicing function in respect of local terminals, sidings etc..

Section Sidings SS Commercial
Sidings, the function of which is to form or break down local wagonload trains to or from one or more Network Yards in order to service by trips, Terminal Complexes, Terminals, Sidings or Departmental Depots in the area.

Terminal Complexes TC Commercial
Sidings tied exclusively to the shunting requirements essential to service sidings at a major terminal or group of terminals. May also perform a marshalling function for Speedlink trains or sections of trains.

Recessing Sidings RS Commercial
Sidings where trains are recessed for the control and regulation of traffic flow or train working, other than brief stops for changing locos/men, but not involving alterations to formations. N.B. Weekend ‘line of route’ recessing not included.

Exchange Sidings ES Commercial
Sidings to which both BR and other undertakings have access for the purpose of exchanging wagons between private sidings and the BR system.

Reception Sidings RECP Commercial
Sidings where trains are recieved pending further handling at the associate location

This list dates from July 1981 and there are lots and lots more! Note that a single location or group of sidings may have a number of different designations for different purposes, though there’s a big explanation at the back of the book about how you select which one is most appropriate and the order of precedence. The designations survive in TOPS into the 21st century but have little relevance to the privatised railway these days, where you’re more likely to find locations divided up by TOC or FOC. And if you don’t believe that even the ever bureaucratic BR would bother to make such a pedantic publication, here’s a picture!

 

[pdeaves]

Is this small enough to scan? I would be interested in putting it (or extracts) on my website if that's OK.

(Sorry, I couldn't find how to instigate a personal message.)

 

[TimboM]

Thanks @Highlandspring - very interesting.

Of course to confuse matters you then end up with things like “Carlisle N.Y.” which I believe is New Yard rather than Network Yard...

 

[takno]

Thanks @Highlandspring - very interesting.

Of course to confuse matters you then end up with things like “Carlisle N.Y.” which I believe is New Yard rather than Network Yard...

The name fields tend to be either 16 or 32 characters long, since is not necessarily a good fit for some of the actual names. Victorian rail yards certainly seem to have been conceived in an age when sign-writing was cheap.

 

[E_Reeves]

Thanks @Highlandspring - very interesting.

Of course to confuse matters you then end up with things like “Carlisle N.Y.” which I believe is New Yard rather than Network Yard...

I was just thinking about Exeter

 

[Highlandspring]

Is this small enough to scan? I would be interested in putting it (or extracts) on my website if that's OK.

(Sorry, I couldn't find how to instigate a personal message.)

I have sent you a personal message.