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TRB 01/01/2021 at 16:23 #135817 | |
Acton man
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Hi, I've been given an old TRB from 1972. Sadly there is no mention of the box it was used in but reading through it there are references to Southwaite and Wreay as fringe boxes which I believe are on the northern end of the West Coast Line an area I'm not too familiar with in regard to boxes there.. Signalmans' surnames include Graham, Harper, Culley, Coupland, Melville amongst others. As a former signalman it makes interesting reading. If anyone with family connections to these signalmen would like the book please let me know. Regards Chris. Log in to reply |
TRB 01/01/2021 at 17:36 #135825 | |
AlexRail575
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For your information (done some research): Southwaite is between Carlisle and Penrith. I'd like to help with the signal boxes, but the preview diagram from the Signalling Record Society is barely readable: I guess the two boxes are Plumpton and something numbered Carlisle box (the PSB opened in 1973 - at which time, per this notice, the loops were removed). In any case, both stations (Southwaite and Wreay) were closed before even the Beeching Axe, so I do not know why they might be referred to. TRB = Train register book? so something like this? Odd that the box would not be given anywhere in the document. Looking at Ordnance Survey maps: Wreay Station (1952, still on the OS map although supposedly closed years before) and Southwaite (1901, though this does not change my conclusion) very likely did not have a box in between considering their relative proximity. A look at other maps of the area then indicates that the most likely locations would be Calthwaite or the signal box located near "Carlisle Brick and Tile" on this map (in the south-eastern corner of it). It was possible for a box to close earlier than others and then the signallers at the two adjacent boxes would communicate with each other directly, thereby (at least, according to my hypothesis) explaining the possibility that there are references to both Southwaite and Wreay (see this ever useful page on how it would have been done). However, if the 1972 date you give is not a typo, then very likely that all of these signal boxes would have been closed by that point: the fringes would be as identified on the SRS diagram so you would have to look at that, and if track circuits blocks were used (given the profusion of signals on the diagram, and that Wreay is not mentioned, likely), then the identification of "Southwaite" and "Wreay" might just be locations of some events and not actually related directly to the signalling. Someone who is not an ocean away might provide better help. In any case, hope this helps you, Cheers (and happy new year), Alex Last edited: 01/01/2021 at 17:45 by AlexRail575 Reason: if the date is not a typo Log in to reply |
TRB 01/01/2021 at 18:03 #135829 | |
jc92
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At Closure in 1973 when Carlisle PSB took control, the Boxes were Carlisle No13 (Upperby bridge junction on the sim) then Southwaite, Plumpton, then Penrith No3 then No1 then Eden Valley Junction. The resignalling notice for Carlisle shows this as being the weekend of 17th February 1973, although it may have actually been different. I can't find my 1972 sectional appendix, however my 1960 one doesn't make any reference to Wreay being an open box, even back then. I wonder if Wreay was the site of one the two IBS sections between No13 and Southwaite box (edit - confirmed below). it's possible the reference to it is recording the time a train passes the IBS, given the length of the sections along this part of the line. Does the TRB not show the name of the box at the top of the page at all? I'm thinking this must be a book for No13 box. does it reference No12 box at all? Edit: https://signalbox.org/~SBdiagram.php?id=%20257 Box diagram for No13 Box to Illustrate the IBS arrangements. "We don't stop camborne wednesdays" Last edited: 01/01/2021 at 18:11 by jc92 Reason: None given Log in to reply |
TRB 02/01/2021 at 12:20 #135870 | |
Acton man
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Hi Thanks for the info. The number "13" is written on the front of the Train Register Book. I thought it was the sequential numbers as the books came on use but Carlisle No. 13 now makes sense. There is mention of "Wreay IB" in the book. The entries would seem to confirm Carlisle No 13 still open but its end in sight in 1973. Hopefully someone will want the book, I'll hang on to it. If no takers I may visit Carlisle museum or Cumbria county records, when allowed, and see if they want it. Happy New Year to all Chris. Log in to reply |
TRB 02/01/2021 at 12:21 #135871 | |
headshot119
![]() 4869 posts |
Acton man in post 135870 said:HiOut of interest is the "Harper" mentioned, a "K Harper"? "Passengers for New Lane, should be seated in the rear coach of the train " - Opinions are my own and not those of my employer Log in to reply |
TRB 02/01/2021 at 13:05 #135874 | |
Acton man
![]() 5 posts |
It looks like a S. Harper.
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