Thorney Hill aggregates terminal, on the Colnbrook branch, saw its first train for six years on June 21.
GB Railfreight (GBRf) operated a test train into the reactivated facility, which is three miles to the north of Heathrow, and close to the site of the planned third runway.
Class 66 No. 66775 HMS Argyll hauled what is hoped to be the first of many trains into the sidings.

Land owner Link Park and site operator Ashville Aggregates reinstated the unloading sidings in January and February this year. They were last used in 2013 and subsequently removed.
The former sidings were retrieved from beneath a layer of compacted material, the trackwork lifted and relaid to a new layout, with replacement sleepers and rails as required.
Read more in the August 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!
Railway Reads
From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.Get The Railway Hub Weekly Round-up
Enter your e-mail address below and you will receive weekly rail news straight into your inbox...You can unsubscribe at any time.

About the Author
- Book of the Week: Railways and Recollections - 27th June 2022
- Passenger numbers as low as 12% as services disrupted by rail strikes - 23rd June 2022
- What rail services will run on Friday after the latest strike? - 23rd June 2022