Figure 65 shows the track layout at Long Meg Sidings, from a Midland Railway survey for 1912.
Shipping of materials by rail from Long Meg Plaster and Mineral Co Ltd workings developed from 1896, when sidings, rail connections and associated signal box control were established. The facilities provided at the time are detailed in this diagram. Subsequent rationalisation resulted in removal of the connections to the ‘down’ main line, as shown in Figure 66.
Figure 66 shows the track layout of Long Meg Sidings, based upon an LMS survey dated 1927. This arrangements dated from 23 May 1915 ( the date on which the first signal box was taken out of use), movement to and from the sidings being controlled by a covered lever stage (ground frame). The three lever frame (9ft x 4ft) was closed from 3 July 1955 following the developments shown in Figure 67.
Figure 67 shows the Long Meg Sidings track layout from a BR proposal dated 1953, which was subsequently implemented with minor variations.
Figure 68 is a Long Meg Sidings signalling diagram, based upon information available for 1955. Note that the return crossover (31a-31b) is additional to the proposal in Figure 67. It can be seen between the trains in Plate 177.
Plate 176 is a view from August 1964 looking north showing the full extent of the facilities ultimately provided at this location. It is interesting to note that the siding on the extreme left, designated “cripples' on the proposal is in use for loaded wagons.