Paddock Wood Station

The main line station of Paddock Wood features in the Hawkhurst Branch collection because it was the terminus of the branch. Services initially commenced to Goudhurst (then called Hope Mill) on 1 October 1892, and later reached Hawkhurst on 4 September 1893. The line was closed on 12 June 1961. Branch line trains never actually intruded on to the main line, having their own bay platform on the south side of the station and then running east on a dedicated track laid on the south side of the main line and parallel to it. After about half a mile the branch line turned south, and a curve of mature trees can still be seen from main line trains marking the former track of the now disused branch.

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Looking west from the end of Paddock Wood Station. On the left, behind the fence, is the remains of the disused track that led to the bay platform used by Hawkhurst Branch Line trains. 12.04.2004
hawkhurst branch hawkhurst line paddock wood station
The reverse of the previous view, looking east from the end of Paddock Wood station. The track layout has changed, but essentially Hawkhurst line trains departed from the bay on the right hand side of signal AD203X, and then used roughly the line of the disused siding before joining a track which led east parallel to the two track main line. After about half a mile the branch line curved south away from the main line. 12.04.2004
hawkhurst branch hawkhurst line paddock wood station
Turning the camera slightly to the left it can be seen that the eastern end of Paddock Wood station also served a line to Maidstone, which curves away to the left. 12.04.2004
hawkhurst branch hawkhurst line paddock wood station
Paddock Wood was provided with both through and stopping lines, and this shot shows 1871 in Network South East livery arriving with a London bound train, whilst on the left an unidentified rather dirty 4-VEP in Connex livery arrives at the eastbound platform. 12.04.2004
hawkhurst branch hawkhurst line paddock wood station
Another view from the footbridge looks west as the four lines join into two to pass through a road bridge. A siding is on the right beyond the bridge. 12.04.2004
hawkhurst branch hawkhurst line paddock wood station
Looking east at Paddock Wood station from platform level. 12.04.2004
hawkhurst branch hawkhurst line paddock wood station
Looking west at Paddock Wood station from platform level. A bay platform is provided for terminating Maidstone line trains behind the platform on the right. The platform has been extended for longer main line trains, but only to half the available width. Much shorter Maidstone trains fit the existing bay. 12.04.2004
hawkhurst branch hawkhurst line paddock wood station