Trivia: There is a shop in the square called Barratt's Bargain Corner, cleverly incorporating the BBC's initials.
Trivia: As of March 2010, Adam Woodyatt remains the only cast member still in the show from its inception in Feb 85. Still a bit behind Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow in Corrie since it began in 1960.
Trivia: 23 July 2009: In this episode, Ruth Gemmell plays Debra, the mother of Ryan (Neil McDermott). In real life, Gemmell is only thirteen years older than McDermott.
Answer: Albert Square is a set in the BBC studios in Borehamwood, on the north side of London. The trains, to the best of my knowledge, are simply a bit of the old TV magic. As far as the extras go - it's not difficult to get extras in reasonable numbers through agencies.
Tailkinker