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| Visiting Signalboxes 13/12/2009 at 20:44 #5032 | |
welshdragon
315 posts |
So i've got a better chance of entering England than i have a signalbox, It's a shame, as I have seen the signalling website all about the Coast signalling and signalboxes, and always been curious to see how they signalled my trains.
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| Visiting Signalboxes 13/12/2009 at 21:10 #5033 | |
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Noisynoel
989 posts |
It is not impossible, to the extent that I know of several visits that have occurred in Kent. One way is to contact Netowrk Rail Community Relations http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/633.aspx and see what they say..
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| Visiting Signalboxes 14/12/2009 at 22:09 #5067 | |
Andrew G
552 posts |
I can vouch from the earlier comments about visiting boxes on preserved lines. From my own experience as a volunteer signalman, on a couple of lines, and visiting others you are normally always assured of a friendly welcome unless there are operational problems in which case you may very occasionally may get a polite no. Obviously if the boxes require you to go on or near the running line then you'll need permission or be expected. I've just added some pics to Fotopic from a couple of the lines mentioned (SVR and GCR) that have Absolute Block in operation which may be of interest. http://andrew426.fotopic.net/c1626629.html Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 15/12/2009 at 10:05 #5075 | |
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ralphjwchadkirk
275 posts |
Certianly at my local railway visitors are welcome in Signal Boxes, unless something has gone wrong!
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| Visiting Signalboxes 21/12/2009 at 13:43 #5208 | |
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welshdragon
315 posts |
Being based in Bangor makes it difficult to get to boxes on preserved lines, but i have seen some of the systems used on the Narrow Gauge lines I've seen the Ffestiniog Railway's Signalling Centre (way back in 2002) and applied to be a volunteer signaller on the Welsh Highland Railway last year, but never heard back from them. The next preserved line is in Llanberis, that is all done via 2 way radio and the guard controlling hand worked points (no signals are used at all). I've been to the Bala Lake Railway once, a long time ago, and can't remember anything about it. The Talyllyn, Llangollen and Corris Railways are places I want to visit, but warrant a 5 hour bus journey (8 hours from my Parents), and that's the problem. I can't drive, so I'm limited to what's feasible by bus in a day, and some of the places have buses that run once a day there and back. Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 21/12/2009 at 16:49 #5212 | |
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Zoe
252 posts |
If you don't meet the medical standards to be a signalman on the mainline you are unlikely to do so on a heritage line as it is still a safety critical position.
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| Visiting Signalboxes 22/12/2009 at 10:47 #5243 | |
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kbarber
1742 posts 
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welshdragon said:Being based in Bangor makes it difficult to get to boxes on preserved lines, but i have seen some of the systems used on the Narrow Gauge linesDoes look like Crewe is your best bet to actually get your hands on the hardware then... I'm sure the Exeter West lads would welcome you. Unless your uni is nearer one of the other boxes preserved with a simulator. I know that's a long way, but I really fear there's absolutely nothing closer that you could get at officially. Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 16/02/2010 at 20:32 #6760 | |
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Essexgirl
42 posts |
I am both a NR signaller and a signalman on a very popular heritage railway. As has been mentioned before visiting a NR box is quite difficult, especially IECC's, and PSB's as they are usually very busy even on a quiet day, and visitors can be distracting. However on the heritage railway's in this country it is usually quite possible, with a polite approach to get a look in a box, but be sensible dont ask to visit when there are train movements going on. The attitude I take is that the person asking to visit may be the railway's next volunteer, and as such should be afforded every nicity when ever possible. I have only refused admission once, and that was because it was a gala weekend, with locos running round, shunting going on and a double wheeled level crosing to operate as well, ie too busy to give the required contact to the visitor, who would also have been in the way whilst i darted up and down the frame. Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 25/02/2010 at 20:24 #6951 | |
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KurtDS
49 posts |
Try preserved railways. The one I volunteer for not only allow, but actively encourage visitors to boxes which have safe access.
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| Visiting Signalboxes 26/02/2010 at 14:56 #6968 | |
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Signaller@Amsterdam
76 posts |
Ill be going to the Great Central Railway in April, are there nice boxes along the line?
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| Visiting Signalboxes 26/02/2010 at 17:06 #6969 | |
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Zoe
252 posts |
Signaller@Amsterdam said:Ill be going to the Great Central Railway in April, are there nice boxes along the line? There certainly are. I haven't been in Loughborough or Rothley box but the intermediate box at Quorn & Woodhouse is the only place on a heritage line in Great Britain where you can see absolute block working in both directions. Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 26/02/2010 at 17:16 #6970 | |
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Late Turn
699 posts |
Signaller@Amsterdam: Drop me a private message or email, and I'll do my best to sort out a proper look around the boxes. As Kurt says, there's usually no problem with a quick visit in any case, but that's always at the Signalman's discretion and some are more willing than others!
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| Visiting Signalboxes 26/02/2010 at 17:21 #6971 | |
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Zoe
252 posts |
There is a new box on the GCR also due to open at Swithland Sidings, this will include the right* type of signal (lower quadrant), not exactly sure when it is due to open but will certainly by worth a look if you can. *There are two ways to run the railway, the GWR way and the wrong way. Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 26/02/2010 at 20:43 #6974 | |
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KurtDS
49 posts |
There are very nice boxes on the Great Central and if you're lucky you find a very nice signalman in them too, yours truly. The lower quadrant signals at Swithland are not GWR style (forgive the swearing), but rather original GCR, which was far more advanced than other companies. :-) Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 26/02/2010 at 21:05 #6975 | |
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Zoe
252 posts |
KurtDS said:The lower quadrant signals at Swithland are not GWR style (forgive the swearing), but rather original GCR, which was far more advanced than other companies. :-) Are you sure about that? The GCR site at http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/About_Us/doubletrack.aspx says "A feature of the GCR/GWR Joint line was its use of GWR lower quadrant signals and the installation at Swithland Sidings will also utilise this type." Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 26/02/2010 at 21:35 #6978 | |
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Late Turn
699 posts |
I'm afraid Zoe's correct - it's definitely a GW installation. The inspiration, loosely, is the section of GC/GW Joint around Aylesbury though, so all decency is not lost!
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| Visiting Signalboxes 26/02/2010 at 22:23 #6979 | |
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Essexgirl
42 posts |
Signaller@Amsterdam if you are ever in North Yorkshire let me know, and I will arrange a visit to the boxes on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Grosmont Crossing is a 52 lever frame (although only about 30 are used, as the installation is a long term work in progress at one end of the station), this box works electric token to Goathland, and also controls, in conjuction with the NR box at Nunthorpe, a Ground Frame connection onto the Middlesbrough-Whitby line which is a Signaller not present single line, and Grosmont is an intermediate 'siding'. Goathland SB then works, at present, staff and ticket to Levisham or when Levisham is switched out to New Bridge (about 1 mile north of Pickering). New Bridge SB controls the Pickering area as Track Circuit Block. As a signalman who signs Grosmont Crossing, Goathland and New Bridge boxes, as well as being a NR signaller, it takes some getting used to but it does eventually become to an extent second nature. The only box on The Moors you may have a problem with is Goathland, as technically you need a PTS as it is off the end of the platform. Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 27/02/2010 at 01:53 #6986 | |
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deanbean10
36 posts |
I know some1 on the South Devon Raiway. As i've never really been in a signal box/got a good lok round then will thoroughly enjoy it. The closest thing I have gotten to go into a signal box is looking through my local panel's window lmao everytime i go past on a train(well that calls at that station). As some of the others have said it depends who it is and if they want to. Network Rail just dont ike visitors in general lol Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 27/02/2010 at 18:13 #7008 | |
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pilotman
189 posts |
Same invitation goes for Sussex Signaller@Amsterdam. I am sure you would be welcome to visit the 3 boxes on the Bluebell Railway under normal circumstances. Horsted Keynes is a 40 lever frame, however only 4 connected at the moment but will be 37 I think when re-signalling is complete.
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| Visiting Signalboxes 28/02/2010 at 23:13 #7018 | |
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KurtDS
49 posts |
Zoe said:KurtDS said:You're no doubt right, but I couldn't resist a pop at anyone who thinks GWR was the best. I best return to obscurityThe lower quadrant signals at Swithland are not GWR style (forgive the swearing), but rather original GCR, which was far more advanced than other companies. :-) Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 01/03/2010 at 10:09 #7025 | |
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kbarber
1742 posts
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KurtDS said:Zoe said:KurtDS said:You're no doubt right, but I couldn't resist a pop at anyone who thinks GWR was the best. I best return to obscurityThe lower quadrant signals at Swithland are not GWR style (forgive the swearing), but rather original GCR, which was far more advanced than other companies. :-) Quite right Kurt... their frames were nice to work & their locking fitters were OK but apart from that...!!! They didn't even adopt proper multi-aspect colour light signalling, insisted on everything simply reproducing semaphore aspects & kept absolute block everywhere when others had long since twigged the advantages of TCB. Funny lot at Padd... (Ducks incoming copper-capped missiles) Log in to reply |
| Visiting Signalboxes 01/03/2010 at 21:34 #7043 | |
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Adrian the Rock
111 posts |
kbarber said:Quite right Kurt... their frames were nice to work & their locking fitters were OK but apart from that...!!! They didn't even adopt proper multi-aspect colour light signalling, insisted on everything simply reproducing semaphore aspects & kept absolute block everywhere when others had long since twigged the advantages of TCB. Funny lot at Padd... Bet we had fewer delays caused by track circuit failures! Quote: (Ducks incoming copper-capped missiles) <hurl <cap type ="copper">/> 
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| Visiting Signalboxes 02/03/2010 at 12:28 #7053 | |
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Signaller@Amsterdam
76 posts |
pilotman said:Same invitation goes for Sussex Signaller@Amsterdam. I am sure you would be welcome to visit the 3 boxes on the Bluebell Railway under normal circumstances. Horsted Keynes is a 40 lever frame, however only 4 connected at the moment but will be 37 I think when re-signalling is complete.I'm sure the Bluebell Railway will have its benefits and probably has beautifull features. But no diesel means I probably won't visit the line any time soon. If you'd just operated a Thumper.... Anyway... Thursday 18th I'll do a Doncaster PSB visit. 
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| Visiting Signalboxes 02/03/2010 at 18:55 #7058 | |
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pilotman
189 posts |
Well we have operated diesels, although not on scheduled servces - and we don't have a Thumper to operate. Also of course the unreliable 08 shunter. Anyway true signalmen just signal whatever. Sometimes people ask me what is running to which I respond "Dunno - they're all just 3-1 to me mate, whatever they are!"
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| Visiting Signalboxes 02/03/2010 at 21:32 #7061 | |
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Signaller@Amsterdam
76 posts |
pilotman said:Anyway true signalmen just signal whatever.Normally yes... but even I have my favaurs sometimes. But they can't be wors than this can they [img width=200px height=150px]http://www.parool.nl/static/FOTO/pe/4/7/4/media_xl_182689.jpg[/img] Log in to reply |