 Helmsley and Kirbymoorside stations were the only ones to have passing loops with two platforms (although Nawton did possess a non-platformed loop which was described as an 'open siding').The loops would only be used if trains needed to pass each other; if there was no requirement for trains to pass, then the westernmost track at Helmsley and the northernmost track at Kirkbymoorside (which were adjacent to the main station buildings at both stations) would be used instead regardless of the direction that the train was travelling in.Signal boxes were located at (west to east); Gilling, Helmsley, Kirbymoorside and Goslip Bridge (Pickering).