As initially built[7] the engine shed had twelve "roads" (tracks)[8] providing facilities for 60 locomotives.

At its peak the shed had an allotment of over 120 locomotives,[16] with 12 stabling roads[17][18] – part of the building was demolished in the 1950s and a diesel depot constructed.

[13][19] Soon after opening a dormitory block was built near the turntable for use by visiting crews on lodging turns.

[27] The last steam locomotive worked from the shed was No.61058 (LNER B1) on 7 February 1966, which hauled a train of empty wagons to Markham Colliery.

[30][31] As a result of centralisation of maintenance activities by EWS to Toton TMD the shed was used only for storage of out of service locomotives.