Gravesend West (also known as Gravesend West Street) was a railway station on the Gravesend West Line which served Gravesend in Kent.

It opened in 1886 and was, for some time, a regular destination for boat trains from London which linked with steamers on the station’s pier to ferry passengers to a variety of coastal towns and resorts.

The station closed in 1953 to passengers and later to freight in 1968.

The only reminder of Gravesend West which remains today is its pier, the rest having been taken over by redevelopment in the area.

The Model

Gravesend Railway Enthusiasts are building a model of Gravesend West and the adjoining pier to historical accuracy, allowing for some modelling license. The station end of the model was kindly donated to us – but this was just before lockdown so progress has been slow.

The length of the model has had to be compressed. If built to scale the distance between the back of the station and the turntable would be over 3m which is almost the current length of the layout.

Progress

Track has been re-laid and extended to what will become the tunnel under Overcliffe.
A turntable has been added.
The model has been completely rewired for DCC operation.
Points have been wired for analogue control.
The pier has been built but is not yet model ready and will include the West Street road bridge.
The track to the pier has been temporarily lifted until the pier can be aligned and securely attached.

Future Plans

To complete the model for local exhibitions reflecting operation in the 1930’s.
Model a “Batavier” line vessel at the end of the pier to show boat train operation.
Complete the pier, West Street road bridge and Stuart Road showing the slope of Stuart Road from Overcliffe to West Street.
Complete Overcliffe .
Model and install the tunnel under Overcliffe (Rosherville) which will serve a hidden entrance to a small fiddle yard.
Model a quarry and narrow-gauge railway which existed between the station and Overcliffe.
Model a rifle range which existed between the station, Stuart Road and Overcliffe.

Model Construction and Size

The model is built on standard 4’ x 2’ boards allowing for easy transportation.
Once finished the complete layout will measure 16’ x 8’ excluding operating space.
A reduced size can also be made available on request.