wrote:

Have there been any examples in recent times of LU stations temporarily
becoming terminal points (e.g. because of engineering work) but which
are virtually never used as potential terminal points at other times
even when the timetabled service falls apart for whatever reason? Do
train and platform destination signs just show "Special" or something
similar when a really oddball terminal point comes briefly into
operation?

Hornchurch on the District is occasionally used in this fashion. I believe
the train and platform destination indicators have continued to show
Upminster (from the west), backed up by PA announcements to change at
Hornchurch for alternative transport.

IIRC, during a strike day several years ago, Hornchurch became a terminal
point from the *east* - a truly token service!

Chris