An unusual London Overground trip is possible during Betwixmas

"Thanks to engineering works on the London Overground over the Christmas period, there's a chance to travel over a bit of railway that doesn't usually see passengers. Over Christmas, engineers will need to close the Mildmay line between Brondesbury Park and Willesden Junction to replace 10 sets of points that are currently in poor condition and held in place by deteriorating timber sleepers. Because of that closure, the Overground service between Willesden Junction and Stratford will be diverted via South Hampstead."

"And to get from South Hampstead to Camden Road is a short length of railway built by London and North Western Railway (LNWR) in the 1850s, to serve Primrose Hill station. The station closed in 1992, but the tracks provide a convenient link for train movements and charter trains to swap railway lines. That means for a few days, rail fans can ride over that otherwise rarely used railway line."

"The diversion will take place from 27th December to 4th January, and again over the weekends of 10th/11th January, 31st Jan/1st Feb and 14th/15th February. On those days, there's also a chance to pass by the remains of a disused station that used to be at Primrose Hill - look for the tracks diverting just to the west of the Camden Roundhouse, where the station's island platform used to be."

Engineers will close the Mildmay line between Brondesbury Park and Willesden Junction to replace ten sets of worn points and deteriorating timber sleepers. Overground services between Willesden Junction and Stratford will be diverted via South Hampstead using a short LNWR-built link to Camden Road originally serving Primrose Hill station. Primrose Hill station closed in 1992, but the tracks remain a convenient link for train movements and charter trains. Diversions run 27 December to 4 January and on specified January–February weekends. Passengers can view the disused island platform site and the Camden Lock railway bridge. TfL confirmed the shuttle will be displayed and announced as a Mildmay service.

Read at ianVisits