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| Preston signalbox visit 23/09/2010 at 15:26 #1805 | |
GeoffM
6376 posts |
We have secured a visit to Preston signalbox on the West Coast Main Line, for Sunday 3rd October at 11am. Spaces are limited to eight people so if you want to come you'll need to pay a deposit in the Shop. The deposit is £20 plus £1 to cover admin fees and that £20 will be returned to you on the day of the visit at the signalbox. The purpose of the deposit is to ensure that people are committed to coming. Entry to the box is not guaranteed as unforeseen events could cause the shift manager to decide that it's not appropriate for us to enter, or, if already there, may result in an early departure. We would otherwise hope to be there for an hour or two. Signalboxes are classified as safety critical environments and I will shortly be posting some guidelines on the Wiki to show what's expected of you, dos and don'ts, etc. If you pay and then cancel before the event, a refund will only be offered if a replacement can be found in time. There will be no refund for non-attendance. Turning up without paying will result in a refusal of entry as Network Rail require a name list before the event. A visit to a signalbox does not mean a simulation of that box is forthcoming. Hopefully a few of you will be able to come along to this rare opportunity to visit a signalbox, and maybe we can partake in some beverages after the event! Sign up now to avoid disappointment! SimSig Boss Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 23/09/2010 at 15:26 #11684 | |
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GeoffM
6376 posts |
We have secured a visit to Preston signalbox on the West Coast Main Line, for Sunday 3rd October at 11am. Spaces are limited to eight people so if you want to come you'll need to pay a deposit in the Shop. The deposit is £20 plus £1 to cover admin fees and that £20 will be returned to you on the day of the visit at the signalbox. The purpose of the deposit is to ensure that people are committed to coming. Entry to the box is not guaranteed as unforeseen events could cause the shift manager to decide that it's not appropriate for us to enter, or, if already there, may result in an early departure. We would otherwise hope to be there for an hour or two. Signalboxes are classified as safety critical environments and I will shortly be posting some guidelines on the Wiki to show what's expected of you, dos and don'ts, etc. If you pay and then cancel before the event, a refund will only be offered if a replacement can be found in time. There will be no refund for non-attendance. Turning up without paying will result in a refusal of entry as Network Rail require a name list before the event. A visit to a signalbox does not mean a simulation of that box is forthcoming. Hopefully a few of you will be able to come along to this rare opportunity to visit a signalbox, and maybe we can partake in some beverages after the event! Sign up now to avoid disappointment! SimSig Boss Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 23/09/2010 at 16:07 #11686 | |
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GeoffM
6376 posts |
Some rules and guidelines have been posted into the Wiki: http://www.SimSig.co.uk/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=meets:signalbox_visit_rules I don't need to know about all the people who can't come SimSig Boss Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 24/09/2010 at 20:00 #11699 | |
ajax103
1120 posts |
GeoffM said:We have secured a visit to Preston signalbox on the West Coast Main Line, for Sunday 3rd October at 11am. Spaces are limited to eight people so if you want to come you'll need to pay a deposit in the Shop. The deposit is £20 plus £1 to cover admin fees and that £20 will be returned to you on the day of the visit at the signalbox. The purpose of the deposit is to ensure that people are committed to coming.As much as I would have loved the chance to see Preston, I can't due to the location not to mention the date and the fact that I'm working later that day, IF it was the previous day then it wouldn't have been so much of a issue but still, for the guys who can go, enjoy yourselves!!!! Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 25/09/2010 at 19:39 #11710 | |
MrSuttonmann
265 posts |
Is there a minimum age limit? I'm 17. (Formerly known as manadude2) Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 25/09/2010 at 22:24 #11711 | |
UKTrainMan
1803 posts |
Might I enquire as to whereabouts is the signalbox? May sound a silly question but think about it like this, the signalbox that covers London Waterloo station is actually at Wimbledon - that's something like 20 minutes away by train from Waterloo. GeoffM said: I don't need to know about all the people who can't come Any views and / or opinions expressed by myself are from me personally and do not represent those of any company I either work for or am a consultant for. Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 26/09/2010 at 09:16 #11713 | |
Splodge
720 posts |
It's nothing like that far UKTM - by rail it's about 500m north of the station; unfortunately it doesn't look quite as easy to get to on foot. Link On the map what I think is the PSB from travelling through Preston is marked as 'Glendale Turf' for some reason; you should be able to see the station south along the tracks. There's the right way, the wrong way and the railway. Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 26/09/2010 at 12:59 #11717 | |
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GeoffM
6376 posts |
manadude2 said:Is there a minimum age limit? I'm 17That should be ok as long as your parents/guardians are happy with it. We can't take responsibility for you though. UKTrainMan said: May sound a silly question but think about it like this, the signalbox that covers London Waterloo station is actually at Wimbledon - that's something like 20 minutes away by train from Waterloo.Wimbledon signalbox (controlling Waterloo) is located at Wimbledon. A better example might have been Victoria which is situated at Clapham Junction. SimSig Boss Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 26/09/2010 at 13:43 #11718 | |
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clive
2789 posts |
Based on the Sectional Appendix, I think it's the building at 53.761264,-2.713248. That's shown as a 15 minute walk.
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| Preston signalbox visit 26/09/2010 at 13:45 #11719 | |
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Danny252
1461 posts |
Volunteered myself for this - I'm free and hardly going to pass up the chance ;-)
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| Preston signalbox visit 26/09/2010 at 14:07 #11720 | |
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Splodge
720 posts |
Me too, though I'm unsure whether to drive or get the train - first train into Preston only arrives 20 minutes before the visit, which doesn't give much of a margin for error if the train is late!
There's the right way, the wrong way and the railway. Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 26/09/2010 at 14:23 #11721 | |
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GeoffM
6376 posts |
I've got payment from you both. A 10:40am arrival is cutting it very fine considering the walk to the box. I'll email details to each of you later this week as to where to meet.
SimSig Boss Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 26/09/2010 at 14:26 #11722 | |
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Danny252
1461 posts |
I'll be travelling by train and should arrive at 09:50 (next train arrives 10:58, which would be cutting it impressively fine!) - so if anyone else is turning up early, I should be around.
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| Preston signalbox visit 26/09/2010 at 18:30 #11731 | |
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UKTrainMan
1803 posts |
clive said:Based on the Sectional Appendix, I think it's the building at 53.761264,-2.713248Definitely looks like that is it. Entered "53.761264, -2.713248" (without the quote marks) on Google Maps via the link that Splodge posted and it marks out the building. Looks like three NR vans parked outside. Also, use Street View on the Pedder Street bridge a bit further north and you can zoom in on the building using the + button then you'll see some Oompa Loompas on the tracks. Can easily see that as being the signalbox, with the signalling area being upstairs (at a guess, anyway). Any views and / or opinions expressed by myself are from me personally and do not represent those of any company I either work for or am a consultant for. Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 26/09/2010 at 18:33 #11732 | |
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Splodge
720 posts |
Yep, thats the one UKTM - it isn't particularly visible from the street view, but it has the standard-ish PSB corner windows and a 'Preston' sign on the front.
There's the right way, the wrong way and the railway. Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 26/09/2010 at 22:45 #11743 | |
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button_pusher
56 posts |
Its around a 10 minute walk from the station. Turn left outside the entrance of the station down past the Lancashire Council building. Turn right into Bow Lane and follow along to the traffic lights on ringway. Cross ringway and look for Croft St. Walk all the way up there and the gate is on the left just before the concrete bollards. I would tag along but it'd be too much like being at work! Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 27/09/2010 at 14:40 #11751 | |
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Woodhead Signalman
64 posts |
I have signed up to this.  It looks like an ideal opportunity to visit a box that I have been interested in for a long time! And living as close as I do (Blackpool), I couldn't ask for a shorter journey.  I will be arriving at Preston at 1014 (the 0950 from BPN). Looking forward to it immensely!!
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| Preston signalbox visit 28/09/2010 at 01:26 #11755 | |
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NWR
11 posts |
Is there still spaces avalible for this.
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| Preston signalbox visit 28/09/2010 at 09:21 #11757 | |
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GeoffM
6376 posts |
networkrail said:Is there still spaces avalible for this.Yes, there are a couple of places still available. SimSig Boss Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 30/09/2010 at 21:58 #11805 | |
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GeoffM
6376 posts |
Registration now closed.
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| Preston signalbox visit 30/09/2010 at 22:11 #11806 | |
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NWR
11 posts |
Have fun and enjoy yourselfs.
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| Preston signalbox visit 01/10/2010 at 14:31 #11810 | |
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UKTrainMan
1803 posts |
GeoffM said:Registration now closed.I presume registration is closed because all spaces have now been filled, not because not enough spaces were filled. Hopefully it's the former and not the latter. Assuming it is indeed the former then like 'networkrail' said above, I hope everyone does enjoy themselves and I'm looking forward to seeing the photos. That said, if there is anything I can do on the day then please do not hesitate to ask. An example of how I can help is being a 'point of contact' in-case of any delays or disruption, i.e. I could find out what is going on and perhaps provide information on any journey options. Alternatively perhaps I can provide an eMail address or mobile number to send any cameraphone photos to that I would receive and then post up almost 'live' on this website on your behalf (with full credit, of course). Just a thought/idea/offer. Any views and / or opinions expressed by myself are from me personally and do not represent those of any company I either work for or am a consultant for. Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 03/10/2010 at 17:36 #11839 | |
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Danny252
1461 posts |
An enjoyable few hours in the box today - I learnt a lot thanks to the enthusiastic signalmen on duty today, especially as I had never visited anything but lever frames before. In addition, flooding near Walsden Station provided a slightly unexpected change of events! Apologies for not being able to come out for drinks afterwards - tedious amounts of long physics questions were waiting back home... Log in to reply |
| Preston signalbox visit 03/10/2010 at 19:06 #11842 | |
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TomOF
452 posts |
I was sorry not to stay longer and get to know folk but I had a very long and tiring drive home. Really enjoyable all the same. Actually got to witness a genuine track circuit failure caused by flooding and a BR blue 47 with charter stock which was a nice touch
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| Preston signalbox visit 03/10/2010 at 19:59 #11843 | |
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Splodge
720 posts |
I'd just like to add my thanks to the staff of Preston PSB for being so friendly and approachable, as well as to Geoff for organising the visit. It was great to see all the foibles of the box, and to find out about some of the more unusual operations - plus the TC failure which added a bit of interest!
There's the right way, the wrong way and the railway. Log in to reply |