How would you get by train from Alcester to Moor Street in the late 1950s?
With difficulty but Rule 1 to the rescue, perhaps. First, the Alcester branch line would have to stay open after WWII. Next, the track layout would determine no direct link from Alcester to Moor Street so the auto train would have to do one of the following
1. Leaving Alcester the train would proceed to Wilmcote, change direction and then travel north on the North Warwickshire Line.
2. Leaving Alcester the train would travel to Stratford, then change direction and travel north on the North Warwickshire Line. The difference with (1.) above would be a longer journey time.
3. Leaving Alcester the train would proceed to Bearley, then take the north curve at Hatton Junction to gain the main line via Solihull to Moor Street. No reversal needed but a longer journey.
Another option would be for passengers to change at Stratford, Hatton or even Leamington Spa. But they also had another option, to travel New Street via Redditch. Which probably explains why the Alcester Branch closed.
But when you have nice 14xx locomotives, what the heck!
Looks like we need an autocoach!