An invaluable reference resource for goods sheds.
When modelling locomotive sheds, I invariably turn to Industrial Railway Locomotive Sheds but I’d yet to find a similar book for goods sheds. The closest I’d come is this overview but it’s more of general guide to them and good as it is, its doesn’t help when modelling and scratch building.
This is a shame because goods sheds played a hugely significant role in just about every railway and main stations and are fascinating buildings to model yet lacking a comprehensive guide and photos I feel my pint-sized renditions lack the detail they deserve.

One the useful illustrations and plans in the book.
Well at last I’ve found a resource for them.
It’s a book, also available as PDF download, from Historic England and it’s a superbly informative guide to these essential, interesting, buildings.
Cunningly titled The Railway Goods Shed and Warehouse in England it’s a comprehensive look at the structures around England. In addition to approx. 80 photos there are also sections on how goods sheds functioned, internal plans and designs of sheds used by the principal railway companies, including LB&SCR, LSW, GWR, LNWR, Midland, GER, GNR.
If you’re modelling a goods shed is an invaluable aid, especially if you’re making one from scratch and want photos of the materials and designs used.
The Railway Goods Shed and Warehouse in England can be viewed on the Historic England website. Alternatively, if you’re like me and want it in printed form for your bookshelf, a paperback version can be purchased here.
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Thanks for highlighting the Historic England book – very handy!
Glad you found it useful Mike. Andy
Hi Andy – many thanks for identifying “The Railway Goods Shed and Warehouse in England” – it’s full of superb pictures which are ideal for the scratch-builder (as well as a mine of information to catch up on as the evenings start to set in!).
Hi David, yes, it’s a great book, wish I’d known about it earlier. Would like to see some photos of your models, do you have any you could send over?
Cheers, Andy