[3] The depot is approximately 6+1⁄2 mi (10.5 km) from London Fenchurch Street station, and just west of the River Roding.

A more direct route from Barking to Fenchurch Street was opened in 1858 to avoid the congestion on the ECR main line through Stratford station.

Some sidings were opened on 31 May 1902 to allow for overnight stabling of three District Line train sets which at this time were operated by steam locomotives.

The new District Railway services saw a big down turn on LT&SR train performance and with long-distance traffic rising, the decision was made to quadruple the line between Bromley and Barking.

The Northern Sidings were for goods exchange traffic between the Great Eastern and Midland Railways and the LT&SR.

The carriage wash road (outside the shed's inlet and exit toads) can hold 24 coaches, and is 6.35 miles from London Fenchurch Street.

[10] This led to FM Rail choosing it as a base to clean and maintain its Mark 2 Blue Pullman train for a 12-month trial with an option to extend its stay indefinitely.

Class 86 electric locomotive 86212 was based at the depot to pre-heat the Mark 2 coaches of the Blue Pullman rake.