Railway Signalling in the East Midlands http://nickallsop.fotopic.net/ 10 rows en-gb 60 Cricklewood http://nickallsop.fotopic.net/c1161198.html Cricklewood Depot Shunting frame was opened in 1979 when the depot was rebuilt to cater for the new fleet of 317 EMU's when the Bedford - St Pancras line was electrified. The depot fell out of use when the service was extended to Brighton through Snow Hill tunnel and the 317's were replaced by dual voltage 319's; the box remained to control the Shanks & McEwan refuse trains. However, over the past couple of years Midland Mainline have stabled HST's and Meridians here and now the sidings are being refurbished to stable 319 units for First Capital Connect. Friday 29 September 2006: Cricklewood Depot Shunting frame was opened in 1979 when the depot was rebuilt to cater for the new fleet of 317 EMU's when the Bedford - St Pancras line was electrified. The depot fell out of use when the service was extended to Brighton through Snow Hill tunnel and the 317's were replaced by dual voltage 319's; the box remained to control the Shanks & McEwan refuse trains. However, over the past couple of years Midland Mainline have stabled HST's and Meridians here and now the sidings are being refurbished to stable 319 units for First Capital Connect.

Cricklewood depot panel is an CD25 and CD26 control moves from the Carriage Sidings, 8 to 20 and 1 to 7 respectively. The impressive stencil indicators exhibit Cricklewood Depot box opened on 4th November 1979. Initially it worked to Cricklewood Junction box but became a fringe box to West Hampstead under stage 5 of the resignalling from 26th April 1981.

Published in Railway Signalling in the East Midlands

]]> Fri Sep 29 2006 The Syston and Peterborough Line http://nickallsop.fotopic.net/c1097096.html Nine signal boxes signal the line from Syston to Peterborough, along with two manned level crossings. With three exceptions (constructed by the LMSR) all boxes are Midland Railway products, a variety of types with a variety of lever frames and panels. Friday 29 September 2006: Nine signal boxes signal the line from Syston to Peterborough, along with two manned level crossings. With three exceptions (constructed by the LMSR) all boxes are Midland Railway products, a variety of types with a variety of lever frames and panels.

Melton Station instrument shelf as seen in 2002. A small switch panel containing 4 switches (51-54) was added at melton upon closure of Brentingby Junction box on 25th June 1978 to control the east end of the goods loops and Wyfordby IBH. Further switches (55-56) were added when the goods loop was turned overto Pedigree Petfoods as a private siding - subsequently this has become a goods loop again. Melton Station block instruments, block switch and key token release instrument for the signle line to Asfordby Mine. The zero milepost at Manton Junction refers to the 'branch' to Peterborough. Langham Junction track diagram. Langham Junction MR tumbler frame. The box currently works AB to Ashwell and Oakham Level Crossing, and Frisby box opened on 23rd February 1941 as a block post replacing the crossing keeper that formerly attended the gates. Currently it works TCB to Leicester SCC and AB to either Melton Station or Whissendine. Whissendine contains a 20 lever REC lever frame. It works AB to Ashwell and Melton Station (or Frisby) and has an IB section at Teigh on the up line. Melton Station signal box is a fine example of a LMS 11c and was brought into use on 9th August 1942. It replaced a previous box of the same name at the opposite end of the station and Melton Sidings box situated near the bridge in the background. Manton Junction Signal Box is a MR type 4c and was brought into use on 9th November 1913. originally containing a 30 lever MR tappet frame (later extended to 35 levers) the box was provided with a Langham Junction is a MR type 2a and opened as Ketton signal box is a Midland Railway type 2b and was opened on 14th January, 1900. It is situated in a delightful spot, surrounded by trees. The station Ketton & Collyweston has long been swept away having been closed on 6-6-66. The crossing was formerly wheel worked gates, these were an early replacement by lifting barriers from 3rd March 1974. The bridge from the stairs led to the WC which was situated on the cutting side. Langham Junction Down Home Signals. The Corby line panel in Manton Jct was added in 1996 as a result of Corby North box being destroted by fire. Ketton displays a fine array of flowers tended to by one of the resident signalmen. The famous Oakham Level Crossing box, a MR type 2b brought into use from 8th October 1899. It provided the basis for a very poorly dimensioned Airfix model which could have been based on virtually any small MR box on the system... The 1988 panel in Manton Jct. Currently the box works AB to Ketton and oakham level Crossing and TCB to Leicester via Corby. 5C42 Leicester - Cricklewood empty HST emerges from Manton tunnel and heads off towards Corby. The train has crossed over at manton North Junction through the facing crossover (51 points). Melton Station Up Distant signal. Oakham Level Crossing has a 17 lever MR Tumbler frame numbered A + 1 to 16. Frisby signal box is a London Midland & Scottish Railway type 11c and is situated on the upside of the line at the site of the former Frisby-on-the-Wreake station. Whissendine box is constructed on a brick base, unusual for a MR type structure. The galvanised steps and landing and the upvc windows date from 2003 when the box was refurbished. Melton Station illuminated track diagram following alterations in 2005. Ketton has a 20 lever Midland Tumbler frame, during the time the Eastern Region were in charge, additional lever locks were added above the frame actuated by floor plungers. Uffington & Barnack is a type 4a and opened on 26th june 1909. Uffington and Barnack illuminated diagram. The box works TCB to Peterborough PSB and AB to Ketton & Collyweston. Whissendine signal box is a MR 4d opend by the LMSR on 10th November 1940. It is believed to have come second hand from Ashwell Branch Sidings where it was erected but never opened. Melton Station interior with a train signalled each way. Melton works AB to Frisby and Whissendine. Melton Station lever frame, a 45 lever REC frame installed when the box opened. Ashwell was opened by the Midland Railway on 30th June 1912 and is a type 4a. During refurbishment in 2005 Aswell gained a new set of windows. The faded maroon paint was colour matched (!) and the box subsequently repainted PINK. Ashwell has a 25 lever LMR standard frame installed in 1958 with the levers at 6 Ashwell illuminated diagram. AB is in use in both directions, to Langham Junction and Whissendine with an IB at Teigh. Ashwell, sunlit beneath a threatening sky. Frisby contained a 10 lever REC frame and gate wheel, the gate wheel was removed when lifting barriers were installedon 16th July 1978 then the lever frame was removed and replaced by the IFS panel shown here when Frisby became a fringe box to the new Leicester SCC as part of stage 2 on 13th April 1987. The view of Manton Junction from above the tunnel. The original route was to Peterborough in 1847 with the Kettering line opening in 1879 - this used to pass to the left of the signal box but was made the straight route from 4th April 1888. Just over one hundred years later the junction was again remodelled with the Peterborough line becoming the main line from 24th July 1988. Kathy - received your message but you didn't leave a return address??? 6M87 Ely Papworth Sidings to Peak Forest sweeps past Manton Jct box and into the tunnel. The train consists of empty roadstone hoppers returning to the Peak District hauled by 60034 Melton Station box looking towards Peterborough. Note the yellow ground disc in the foreground. As part of the 1988 remodelling two new ground frames were provided - this one works the trailing crossover on the Peterborough side of the box. Wyfordby Crossing is situated between Melton Mowbray and Whissendine. The crossing keeper oversees a very quiet road and must gain permission from the signalman at Whissendine before opening the gates to allow vehicles to cross. The crossing gates at Uffington are still hand operated, with forty plus trains a shift some days this certainly keeps the signalman fit. The semaphores here were all replaced by colour lights with those on the Up line being the last to go in 1977. Uffington has a 16 lever MR Tappet frame. Here the signals are off both ways, the Up train can be seen approaching. Oakham by night. This is the view from the footbridge just after midnight on a saturday evening, the signalman waits for engineering work to start and is just starting his sixteenth cup of tea... Melton Junction Ground Frame, provided concurrently with closure of the eponymously named signal box on 6th May 1973. It controls the connection onto the BRB Research Department Test Track to Edwalton. Subsequent alterations saw the ground frame renewed in connection with the short lived Asfodby Mine project whilst recent times have seen the Test Track turned over to Alsthom for four years from 2001 to commission Virgin Wests Coast Pendolino EMU's. Ketton was refurbished in 2006, it retained its original windows but gained a WC at the top of the stairs. 2Q08, Network Rails class 150 TRT prepares to record the 'No Block' goods line from Langham to Oakham. Uffington & Barnack was repainted in 2006 and now looks very smart in a fresh coat of crimson and cream. Melton Station Down Distant, formerly splitting distant for Brentingby Junction. GBRf's 66705 A remarkable survivor at Ketton, signal number 14 - the Down Starter. It is the last remaining Midland Railway lower quadrant signal on the national network, its survival is even more remarkable as it is Kettons one remaining semaphore signal since the others were abolished on 17th December 1989 when arrangements at Wards Sidings GF were altered.

Published in Railway Signalling in the East Midlands

]]> Fri Sep 29 2006 The South Leicester Line http://nickallsop.fotopic.net/c1097092.html The South Leicester line runs from Wigston at Leicester to Nuneaton. Until 31st July 2006 it was controlled from three ex LNWR signalboxes - Narborough, Croft Sidings and Hinckley. However from that date under the first phase of the East Midlands resignalling Narborough and Hinckley were abolished and the line controlled from a "Westcad" installation in a refurbished and renamed "Croft" box. Friday 29 September 2006: The South Leicester line runs from Wigston at Leicester to Nuneaton. Until 31st July 2006 it was controlled from three ex LNWR signalboxes - Narborough, Croft Sidings and Hinckley. However from that date under the first phase of the East Midlands resignalling Narborough and Hinckley were abolished and the line controlled from a "Westcad" installation in a refurbished and renamed "Croft" box.

Narborough box and level crossing. Narborough signal box is a rare survivor, a LNWR type 3 dating from 1875. Narborough IFS panel was brought into use as part of Stage 1 of the Leicester Resignalling over the weekend 27th - 30th June 1986. Note unusually that it operates semaphore signals - the Up Distant and Down Starter being motor worked. Croft Sidings track diagram - the layout remined unchanged for virtually the entire life of the box, note the absence of track circuits. Following the Westcad installation Fiskerton Junction is now the only signal box in the East Mids without track circuits. Hinckley illuminated track diagram. the box worked TCB to Nuneaton and AB to Croft Sidings or Narborough. Hinckley lever frame - a 30 lever LNWR tumbler. The VDU in the centre is the train describer to Nuneaton PSb installed when Hinckley became a fringe box following the closure of Nuneaton Midland Junction on 16th February 1992. Croft Sidings is a London & North Western Railway type 4 and dates from 1901. Hinckley Down Main Home 2 signal, no.28. Hinckley was a LNWR type 4 and was opened in 1894. It was closed with the Croft resignalling on 31st July 2006 and demolished on 8th October. Croft Sidings - a nocturnal view. The view from Hinckley box - 60063 Croft sidings - the LNWR Fletcher block instruments which remained in use right up until closure for refurbishment. Croft Sidings contained a 30 lever LNWR Tumbler frame. Croft Sidings was renamed 66526

Published in Railway Signalling in the East Midlands

]]> Fri Sep 29 2006 Shunting Frames http://nickallsop.fotopic.net/c1097079.html In 1969 with the introduction of the Power Schemes at Derby and Trent, a number of mechanical boxes were retained to control level crossings or complex pointwork in a concentrated area thus saving money on point machines - these became "Shunting Frames". With the increaSe in technology, CCTV crossings eliminated quite a number, plus dwindling freight traffic rendered more redundant. Thus in 2006 only three are regularly used and plans are well advanced for their demise. Friday 29 September 2006: In 1969 with the introduction of the Power Schemes at Derby and Trent, a number of mechanical boxes were retained to control level crossings or complex pointwork in a concentrated area thus saving money on point machines - these became "Shunting Frames". With the increaSe in technology, CCTV crossings eliminated quite a number, plus dwindling freight traffic rendered more redundant. Thus in 2006 only three are regularly used and plans are well advanced for their demise.

The illuminated diagram in Stanton Gate. The lever frame in Stapleford and Sandiacre is released by Trent PSB for movements that affect the main lines. An unusual pairing of 60002 Sneinton Junction is a Midland Railway type 4c and opened on July 26th 1914. It became a Shunting Frame during stage 3 of the Trent Power Scheme from7th December 1969. Stapleford and Sandiacre signal 114 Having become rather delapidated Lock Lane was completely refurbished in 2005 and now looks very smart. new windows were installed in sympathy with the original style. Stapleford and Sandiacre SF contains a 115 lever LMR Standard lever frame. Here the road is set for a loco to leave Toton shed and cross to the Down HL Goods. 47805 accelerates past Lock Lane with barrier vehicles forming 6Z76 Old Dalby - Longsight after delivering a Pendolino set to the test track at Melton Mowbray. Empty steel coil wagons are seen passing Lock Lane being hauled by 60059 as 6V92 Corby BSC - Margam. Normally running via Leicester and Hinckley the train was diverted because of a points failure. Lock Lane signal box opened in 1957 replacing a Midland structure. It is a LMR type 15 and was the wonder of the modern age when built as it contained an inside toilet.... It became a shunting frame with Stage 1 of the Trent resignalling scheme. Originally a 20 lever LMR Standard frame, it was shortened to 10 levers with just 5 working when changed to a Shunting frame. Curiously the first five levers are unnumbered with the second five numbered 1-5. Stanton Gate box was constructed in connection with the Trent Resignalling scheme and opened as part of stage 2b on 19th October 1969. Originally classed as a block post it contained the Tyers No.6 tablet instrument for the Mapperley branch working to Stanton New Works. The box finally closed on 24th June 2006 having been out of use for the previous four years. Stapleford and Sandiacre signalbox was opened on September 4th 1949. In connection with the Trent Power Scheme it was downgraded to Shunting Frame status as part of stage 2b on 19th October 1969. The illuminated track diagram in Sandiacre showing Toton New and old Bank Sidings, the loco arrival and departure lines and Sandiacre ballast sidings. These three Trent signals protect Sandiacre Sf and must be at danger before trent can give the releases. Although they are plated as Trent signals and Trent controls the SPT's, Sandiacre can actually set routes from all three. Sandiacres Up Goods protecting signal - TT164 - note the original number plate.

Published in Railway Signalling in the East Midlands

]]> Fri Sep 29 2006 The "Robin Hood" Line http://nickallsop.fotopic.net/c1097076.html The Robin Hood line links Nottingham with Worksop. There are three signal boxes left, Elmton & Cresswell, Shirebrook Jct and Kirkby Summit - the remainder of the line into Nottingham is signalled from a new panel in Trent PSB which controls trains and the NET trams. The branch line from Kirkby Lane End Jct to Pye Bridge Jct was signalled from two MR boxes, Pinxton and Sleights East. These two were however abolished in Stage 1A of the East Midlands Signalling Renewals which commenced on 9th June 2007. This will eventually see the abolition of virtually all boxes shown on this site. Friday 29 September 2006: The Robin Hood line links Nottingham with Worksop. There are three signal boxes left, Elmton & Cresswell, Shirebrook Jct and Kirkby Summit - the remainder of the line into Nottingham is signalled from a new panel in Trent PSB which controls trains and the NET trams. The branch line from Kirkby Lane End Jct to Pye Bridge Jct was signalled from two MR boxes, Pinxton and Sleights East. These two were however abolished in Stage 1A of the East Midlands Signalling Renewals which commenced on 9th June 2007. This will eventually see the abolition of virtually all boxes shown on this site.

Pinxton - the non illuminated diagram. The remains of the Bentinck Colliery branch remain, used as a siding. Pinxton is a MR 2B and was opened on 24th January 1897. Currently it works AB to Kirkby Summit and Sleights Sidings East. The illuminated track diagram in Shirebrook Junction, this impresseive layout dates from 1998. Pinxton box and the Up Starting signal (No.3) with Sleight Sidings East colour light distant (SE1R) beneath - this is a very unusual signal these days and is the only one of its type in the East Midlands. the box was abolished at 14:42 on 9th June, 2007. Kirkby Summit Kirkby Lane End Junction was created as part of stage 2 of the Robin Hood Line and was brought into use in september 1995. Here 66135 is seen taking the line to Pye Bridge with 7A23 Thoresby Colliery - Ratcliffe Power Station. Kirkby Summit box opened on 11th September 1995 to control stage 2 of the Robin Hood line. It stands on the site of the fomer LMR type 15 of the same name provided when BR diverted the existing line onto the formation of the former GNR to avoid Kirkby-in-Ashfield town centre and eliminate two level crossings. Shirebrook Jct opened on New Years day 1899 and is a Midland Railway type 2B. Orignally containing a 16 lever tumbler frame the box was extended in 1929 with type 3a components to the size shown here. This was in connection with the opening of the MR Welbeck Colliery branch. Pinxton box cat, Sasha. She adopted the box as her home for the last year of her life, initially scared by lever movements and bells she soon became used to them and lived trouble free with the signalmen. Despite her grand old age [around 15] she managed expertly to climb the mesh style metal box steps and landing. Sleights Sidings East is a MR type 2A and was opened on 3rd April 1892. It contained a 16 lever MR tumbler frame and gate wheel, both of which were removed when lifting barriers and a new IFS panel were commissioned on 29th June 1980. The original nameboard was stolen some years ago, the box now has a replacement made by one of the signalmen, the talented Mr Gee. The box signalled its final train (5W00) and closed at 14:07 on June 9th 2007. Pinxton showing the Up Starting signal and replacement box nameboard. Unusually for a type 2, Pinxton has deeper windows at the Pye Bridge end of the box to provide a better view of the level crossing. The level crossing gates were replaced by full lifting barriers on 16th December 1979. Sleights East works AB to Pinxton and TCB to Trent. Here the illuminated diagram is shown, it dates from 13th October 1969 when Sleights became a fringe box. Sleights IFS panel, just two switches. The signals are cleared for an up train. A reminder appliance is provided over the switch for the Down Section signal as there is no The sun sets over Sleights East.... 1892 - 2007 R.I.P. Pinxton has a 28 lever MR tumbler frame. The box was severely damaged by fire following an arson attack over Christmas 1996 but was repaired to a high standard including the new block shelf seen here. Shirebrook Jn contains a 40 lever MR tappet frame. Considerable alterations have taken place over the years with equipment being added - the addition of Shirebrook East and South Junctions in 1974 and closure of Warsop Junction box in 1983 gave the box control of a triangular layout. Closure of Shirebrook Station box in January 1998 saw the frame end up as shown with just one spare lever. Sleights East is seen in the snow following a refurbishment and repaint into LMS crimson lake. Shirebrook Jct clearly showing the 1929 extension. The box works AB to Kirkby Summit and Elmton and Creswell [or Worksop when switched out] and TCB to Clipstone. At last Shirebrook Junction has received a lick of paint, the first in around eighteen years! Tastefully restored with new windows, this is probably the best view as the majority of the front windows have now been blanked off.

Published in Railway Signalling in the East Midlands

]]> Fri Sep 29 2006 The Lincoln Line http://nickallsop.fotopic.net/c1097073.html From Nottingham, the Lincoln line is controlled from six signal boxes, although one is of ground frame status. The outskirts of Nottingham, including the IBS at Burton Joyce are controlled by Netherfield Junction, although the signalman doesn't see Lincoln line trains - see the Grantham Line gallery for details. The other boxes are Lowdham, Fiskerton Junction, Fiskerton Station GF, Staythorpe Crossing and Newark Castle. All are of Midland Railway origin with the exception of Staythorpe Crossing, a LMS 11c design erected in BR days. Friday 29 September 2006: From Nottingham, the Lincoln line is controlled from six signal boxes, although one is of ground frame status. The outskirts of Nottingham, including the IBS at Burton Joyce are controlled by Netherfield Junction, although the signalman doesn't see Lincoln line trains - see the Grantham Line gallery for details. The other boxes are Lowdham, Fiskerton Junction, Fiskerton Station GF, Staythorpe Crossing and Newark Castle. All are of Midland Railway origin with the exception of Staythorpe Crossing, a LMS 11c design erected in BR days.

Lowdham - Midland Railway tumbler frame of 16 levers. Fiskerton Station GF contains a 16 lever MR tumbler frame. The box has developed something of a lean over recent years.... Fiskerton Junction, a Midland Railway 4e opened 7th April 1929. Fiskerton Station signal box opened on 6th July 1902, it is a MR type 3a. Its role as a block post was however fairly short and it was reduced to Ground Frame status on 2nd December 1934. The lever frame in Fiskerton Junction - a 30 lever REC frame with gate wheel. The signals are cleared for a Down train that can be seen approaching in the distance. Staythorpe was built with a 20 lever REC frame, this was replaced with the current REC frame of 35 levers when the box was extended. Lowdham - a very presentable Midland Railway 2b opened on 14th June 1896. Newark signal box is a Midland Railway type 4a. Staythorpe Crossing illuminated diagram. The sidings to serve Stythorpe A were on the Up side and removed on 2nd February 1986, the remaining sidings served Staythorpe B now also closed. The box works AB to Fiskerton Junction and Newark. Additionally it supervises the manned crossings at Rolleston and Fiskerton Station. Staythorpe Crossing signal box was opened to serve the new coal fired Staythorpe Power Station (later Staythorpe Lowdham - the illuminated diagram and block instruments. The diagram dates from 16th May 1988 when lifting barriers replaced the level crossing gates and associated wickets. Sunlit beneath a threatening sky - Netherfield Junction Down Midland IB Home signal - NJ6 - situated on the platform of Burton Joyce Station. Staythorpe was extended by 5' and reframed on 27th March 1960 to control further sidings serving Staythorpe B power station. Note the distinct 'sag' across the front of the box. Lifting barriers replaced the level crossing gates here on 22nd October 1978. The view of Lowdham station and signal box looking towards Fiskerton and Newark.

Published in Railway Signalling in the East Midlands

]]> Fri Sep 29 2006 The North Staffs Line http://nickallsop.fotopic.net/c1097015.html The former North Staffordshire Railway line from Stoke-on-Trent to Willington (North Stafford Junction) runs for thirty miles through the Staffordshire and Derbyshire countryside. It is signalled from seven signal boxes including the few remaining from the North Staffs Railway, and British Rail LMR's final mechanical box at Uttoxeter, opened as recently as 1981. Friday 29 September 2006: The former North Staffordshire Railway line from Stoke-on-Trent to Willington (North Stafford Junction) runs for thirty miles through the Staffordshire and Derbyshire countryside. It is signalled from seven signal boxes including the few remaining from the North Staffs Railway, and British Rail LMR's final mechanical box at Uttoxeter, opened as recently as 1981.

Uttoxeter box is a LMR type 15 and opened on 9th January 1981. It was constructed second hand from Carlton Road Junction at Kentish Town and also used parts from Harpenden Junction. It contains a 40 lever LMR standard frame with the levers set at 4 1/2 Tutbury Crossing was reframed in 1897 with a 26 lever 1886 pat McKenzie & Holland lever frame, 26 being the gate wheel. In 1972 levers 1 to 17 were removed and 18 to 26 renumbered 1 to 9. in the process, the McKenzie & Holland interlocking was removed and the frame relocked with an ex Cheshire Lines Committee locking box seen behind the levers. Sudbury Station signal box is situated on the down side of the line adjacent to the level crossing on the A515 road. It is a NSR type 1 and was opened in 1884. McKenzie & Holland, signal contractors of Worcester charged the North Staffordshire Railway Co £685 for all the new works. Egginton Junction seen from the Tutbury side of the box. Hilton Crossing can be seen in the distance. Egginton works AB to Tutbury Crossing and TCB as a fringe box to Derby PSB. Under the original plans Tutbury should have been the fringe box but following the closure of the Melton - Nottingham route and diversion of trains via Trent there was doubt as to whether the route from Egginton through Friargate to Bagthorpe could also be dispensed with thus diverting even more trains via Trent. In the event Egginton was retained as fringe box although the route beyond Friargate was closed. Tutbury Crossing is one of the oldest signalboxes still in use, it is a McKenzie & Holland type 1 and dates from 1872. Currently it works AB to Scropton Crossing and Egginton Junction. Scropton Crossing box is a North Staffs type 2. It is one of the most delightful NSR boxes still open and is situated against a very quiet road in the picturesque Derbyshire village. Still working a full set of semaphore signals it has hand operated gates keeping the signalman fit ! Caverswall interior showing the 35 lever REC 4 ½” lever frame and instrument shelf. Originally as a wartime economy the levers were all painted grey with just the bakerlite number plates showing the relevant colour. Post war the levers were painted in conventional fashion. Following many alterations over the years, the colours of the plates did not match the levers, however a diligent young signalman addressed this problem in the late 1980’s which means everything matches nicely again. Caverswall opened in 1942 to control new up and down goods loops provided as part of the war effort. The box is a LMS 11c with wartime 14 Sudbury contains a 26 lever Mckenzie & Holland 1873 pat frame with hook and cam locking. Only four levers now work, controlling 2 aspect home and distant signals protecting the level crossing. This arrangement was brought into use on 5th August 1990 when lifting barriers replaced the wheel worked gates. Caverswall by night. The illuminated diagram at Egginton Junction, seen here during an engineers possession hence the large number of TC's lit... It was installed here on 24th February 1980 in connection with a project to provide a ground frame at Marston Crossing. Egginton Junction is seen here in the morning sun. It is a North Staffordshire Railway type 1 and opened in 1876. It is located on the Down side of the Derby - Stoke line just west of Hilton Crossing. Foley Crossing, situated on the down side of the line at Longton is fringe box to Stoke SCC. It opened in 1892 and contains a 37 lever McKenzie & Holland frame. Uttoxeter up distant signal, No.40, seen from 1Z56 Uttoxeter replaced Pinfold Crossing and Hockley Crossing and was fully commissioned on 28th January 1981. A rarity in 1981, with just three motor worked signals and two sets of clamp-lock points everything else is mechanical and until the abolition of Leigh the box controlled a full set od semaphores. Currently it works AB to Sudbury and Caverswall (with a Down IBH at Church Leigh) A somewhat fuzzy instamatic picture, the NSR Pinfold Crossing box is seen with its replacement, the BR LMR type 15 under construction. The front view of the 1872 vintage Tutbury Crossing box. Originally named The signalmans view of 2P10 Crewe - Derby as it slows to stop in Tutbury & Hatton station. Hilton Crossing is operated by a crossing keeper and controlled by a ground frame released by Egginton Junction. The end elevation of Egginton Junction. The box has lost its decorative barge boards altering the appearance somewhat - see Sudbury for how they should look. The lever frame in Egginton Junction is a McKenzie & Holland 1873 pat frame with the levers a 6 Tutbury Crossing Down Home signal was brought into use on 11th September 1955 and is 27'6 A further view of the lever frame in Egginton Junction box. Originally containing 47 levers with no spares, by the late 1960's when the box became a fringe to DY PSB only a handful were still working. the opportunity was taken to shorten the frame with the first 14 being retained and the rest removed above floor level to make the box less draughty. The arm of Uttoxeter Down Home 1. Tutbury Crossing Up Home signal. Ex TPE 158 no 158799 approaches Marston-on-Dove AHB Crossing whilst working 2K57 16:31 Derby - Crewe service. Uttoxeter Down Home 1. worked by lever no2. This signal was erected by the LMSR in the late 1930's and as was company policy at the time it was a lattice post as it was over 30 feet tall - the longevity of the design is apparent. Originally carrying Uttoxeter West Down Starting with Pinfold Crossing Down Distant beneath the signal also had co acting arms low down on the post to assist sighting under the station footbridge. A further 'shunt ahead' arm was added in 1971 with remodelling work. The signal went on to become Pinfold Crossing Down Home with Hockley Crossing Down Outer Distant beneath [initially fixed at caution but made motor operated in 1978] then finally became the Uttoxeter Down Home 1 in January 1981. This signal is due to be replaced over the weekend of 3rd November, 2007. Tutbury Crossing Down Home signal was declared life expired and replaced by this delightful creation on 4th November 2007 Well, here is the replacement for the elegant lattice structure... At least the old signal has entered preservation. The new signal was brought into use on 4th November 2007. Scropton Crossing seen from the footpath crossing to the rear of the Forresters Arms. A perfect example of a little country signal box. Sudbury has recently been repainted and very nice it looks too.

Published in Railway Signalling in the East Midlands

]]> Fri Sep 29 2006 The Grantham Line http://nickallsop.fotopic.net/c1096981.html Five signal boxes remain on the former GNR Nottingham - Grantham line. Netherfield Junction - a 1960's ER structure; Rectory Junction, Bingham, Bottesford West Junction - all GNR structures and Allington Junction - a Network Rail structure dating from 2005. Friday 29 September 2006: Five signal boxes remain on the former GNR Nottingham - Grantham line. Netherfield Junction - a 1960's ER structure; Rectory Junction, Bingham, Bottesford West Junction - all GNR structures and Allington Junction - a Network Rail structure dating from 2005.

Bottesford West Junction is a Great Northern type 1 and was opened in May 1876. It was subsequently extended at both ends as can be quite plainly seen. By this time the box had been partially refurbished by RAiltrack but the work was never finished. Bottesford West Up Second Home signal, a grand old LNER bracket signal formerly carrying arms for the Newark branch and line to Stathern. Floowing a severe gale the signal developed a distinct lean towards the field and was eventually renewed as a conventional straight post signal also seen in this gallery. Netherfield Junction. Rectory Junction. Rectory Junction. Bingham lever frame, a McKenzie & Holland cam & tappet frame of 40 levers. The Saxby & Farmer rocker frame and gate wheel in Allington Jct box. Note the GN block instruments still in use to Barkeston East. The illuminated track diagram in Allington jct box. Allington worked TCB to Doncaster PSB ans AB to Bottesford west Jct and Barkeston East Jct or Ancaster with Barkeston switched out. Allington Junction, a GNR type 1 box, opened in 1875. It was abolished in connection with the construction of a new chord line to eliminate the need for Skegness trains stopping at Grantham to use the ECML. Allington old box closed after the last train on the evening of 30th September 2005. Bottesford West new Up Second Home signal BW31 as installed August 2003. Bingham is a GNR type 1 box dating from 1875. During the closure of Ipswich tunnel, one of the freightliner services diverted via the East Midlands was 4L89. It is sen here hauled by 57010 running 96 minutes late passing Netherfield junction signal box. An afternoon view of Bottesford West in December 2004. The line is perfectly straight here and Elton and Orston station can be seen in the far distance. Bottesford West - part of the 38 lever S&F rocker frame. All down signals are off with the exception of the distant. Note lever The relocked Saxby & Farmer Bottesford - 60082 passes the box with 6E82 Colwick (Rectory jn) - Lindsey empty tanks. The train will run round at Grantham to proceed North. Allington Jct old and new boxes. Rectory Junction illuminated track diagram. Bingham - the illuminated track diagram. Bingham works AB to Bottesford West Jct and Rectory Jct. Bottesford West ER style illuminated diagram. Netherfield Junction illuminated track diagram. A Skegness - Nottingham service formed of a 153 and 158 unit arrives in Bingham station. Bottesford West is seen here in 2006 following its tasteful refurbishment by Network Rail. After some years of destroying original features, now these are enhanced and the true character of the buildings retained.

Published in Railway Signalling in the East Midlands

]]> Fri Sep 29 2006 The Leicester and Burton line - "The KSL" http://nickallsop.fotopic.net/c1096726.html The 26 mile long freight only line from Knighton South Junction to Burton Leicester junction used to carry vast tonnages of coal. However since wholesale closure of the collieries in the area and the abandonment of the last opencast the remaining traffic is stone from the quarries at Bardon Hill [Aggregate Industries] and Cliffe Hill Stud farm [Midland Quarry Products]. Back in 1960, there were twenty five signalboxes on the line - in 2006 the line is controlled from just three - Bardon Hill, Mantle Lane and Moira West. Track Circuit Block and colour lights are provided throughout, proof of just how busy the line used to be. Friday 29 September 2006: The 26 mile long freight only line from Knighton South Junction to Burton Leicester junction used to carry vast tonnages of coal. However since wholesale closure of the collieries in the area and the abandonment of the last opencast the remaining traffic is stone from the quarries at Bardon Hill [Aggregate Industries] and Cliffe Hill Stud farm [Midland Quarry Products]. Back in 1960, there were twenty five signalboxes on the line - in 2006 the line is controlled from just three - Bardon Hill, Mantle Lane and Moira West. Track Circuit Block and colour lights are provided throughout, proof of just how busy the line used to be.

Bardon Hill GF is a 3 lever LNW SK80 style frame and controls the connection into the quarry sidings. It is electrically released by switch 28 in Bardon Hill box. Activity at Bagworth junction. 66513 working 6F08 Basford Hall - Stud Farm has cleared the single line and backed into the refuge siding. It was followed on the single line by 6G52 Leicester - bardon Hill, seen disappearing in the distance. 66508 then has the road to proceed wit 6P27 Stud Farm - basford Hall leaving 66513 to then make its way into the quarry. The current layout at Bardon Hill. The switches were added in connection with the closure of Bagworth box from 26/08/1979 at which time Bagworth Colliery gained new loading facilities. The box then worked AB to Coalville Crossing and TCB to Desford Colliery Sidings. The majority of equipment was then controlled from the switches beneath the diagram, the lever frame remained controlling the up home 1 and 2 signals and the points and ground disc on the front road. Further alterations from 29/06/1986 saw the lever frame removed and the line from Bagworth Junction singled. From that date the box worked TCB to Leicester SCC and Mantle Lane. Signal BH6 at Bagworth Junction controls the entry to the single line to Knighton South Jn (slotted by Leicester SCC) or with the position light routes into the refuge siding. 1986 saw major changes on the KSL. in connection with the M42 motorway a bridge was constructed to carry the line over the new road, built to single track formation the line was singled from a new location known as The track layout outside Bardon Hill box has remained the same for virtually the entire life of the box, now worked by clamp-locks the points are controlled by switches that even bear the same numbers as the levers before removal of the frame. Mantle Lane East signal box was opened by the Midland Railway on 27th February 1910 and is a MR type 4c. originally controlling a very busy level crossing this was abolished in 1912 and replaced by an underpass. Opened on 14th June 1896, the MR Weekly Notice announced - Moira West MW1150 signal - this was first commissioned over the weekend of 14th June 1969 when Moira became a fringe box to the new Derby PSB. Originally the signal was numbered MW23 and also possessed a position 4 route indicator applying to moves to the Up Branch towards Market Bosworth and Nuneaton (controlled by lever 20). The position light signal was added in 1978 when the connection to Rawdon Colliery was remodelled. With the closure of the truncated branch to Donisthorpe and Measham, and the subsequent closure of Overseal Sidings the position 4 indicator was removed during 1985. With the introduction of the panel in Moira the signal was renumbered MW1150. Ballast for the virtual quarry at Crewe is sent from Bardon Hill. Here 6P02 10.21 Bardon Hill - Basford Hall passes Moira West box with stone loaded in Network Rail Mantle Lane has a 28 lever MR Tappet frame, here the road is set for an up train. Mantle Lane is seen from signal ML16. This signal was erected as a semaphore signal in connection with the provision of the Down Goods No2 from Coalville Crossing as part of the Coalfields Farm opencast scheme from 14th June 1976. It was converted to a colour light during work to abolish Mantle Lane West GF which involved the provision of IFS switches 29 - 31 on the block shelf, this ocurred on 16th December 1981. A busy scene at Mantle Lane. The early running 6P02 10.35 Bardon Hill - Basford Hall headed by 66951 waits at ML16 for 66249 and 6G52 08.21 Toton - Bardon empties to clear the single line from Lount before resuming its journey to Crewe via Branston Junction and Lichfield TV Junction. The afternoon sees three trains of empties return to Bardon Hill off the nocturnal departures to Harlow Mill, Angerstein Wharf and Thorney Mill. Here the Thorney Mill empties (6M54) pass the box with 66617 in charge. Making its six monthly trip over the line is the Network Rail class 150 track recording unit - 950001. The working was 2Z08 Derby to Derby via Matlock, Burton and Knighton South Jct. It is seen here leaving the single line from Lount at Mantle Lane East. Reinstated into service two days before, 60091 Passing an autumnal Moira West box is 66232 with 6G52 08.17 Toton Up Side - Bardon Hill Quarry empty MEA's. The loaded train returned to Gascoigne Wood in connection with a widening scheme on the A1. Mantle Lane lies beneath a scatterring of snow, winter 2005. The signalman at Mantle lane enters the times in the TRB for the passing of 6G52 from Toton. Whilst appearing to be an NX panel, Moira West actually has an IFS panel. The points are set on the switches then the route called by pressing what would be the 'entrance' button. During a period on loan to Freightliner, 66407 of DRS arrives at bardon with the empties from Angerstein Wharf - 6M79. 66509 passes Moira West with 6P02 - unusually the train was formed of EWS MHA and MTA wagons. Bardon Hill - 6M54 arrives back from Thorney Mill hauled by 66605, it passes 66621 stabled on the front road which had arrived earlier from Harlow Mill with 6M14. Once the train has been shunted, the two locos will couple and return light to Rugby. 47145 Moira West Junction box is seen in the summer sun with the signalmans Commer Cob van parked outside. Fragonsets 33103 is seen in the summer sun sorting PGA's for FMR's Daw Mill to Rugeley coal train trial. During the brief time FM Rail used Mantle Lane yard, 31454 is seen here shunting PGA's. Bardon Hill was opened by the Midland Railway Co on 27th August, 1899. It is a MR type 2b and originally contained a 16 lever MR tumbler frame and gate wheel. 60007 waits for its train of HAA's to be loaded before running-round and departing as 7A15 Swains Park - Ratcliffe Power Station. The Thought to be a first on the KSL, DRS 37's 37606 and 612 top and tail the UTU running as 4Z10 09:23 Derby RTC ~ Derby RTC via Leicester Junction, Knighton Loop, Derby and Stoke-on-Trent. Soon after joining the single line at Bagworth Jct, GBRf's 'Medite' liveried 66709 Mantle Lane East box just after opening at 22:00 for the night shift. The only movement that night was 66617 running round 6Z59 Bardon Hill Quarry - Theale. Its days speeding round the countryside on mail trains at an end, 67015 finds itself pottering sedately onto the single line to Lount past Mantle Lane box with 6Z90 Bardon Hill - Sandiacre engineers ballast train. Bardon Hill Quarry is currently sending out two trains per day with ballast for the Manchester Metrolink relaying project. Here, 66136 sits outside Moira box waiting a relief driver with 6Z78 16:44 Bardon Hill - Arpley stone conveyed in a mix of MTA's, MHA's, MFA's and ZCA's. Unlike the sun, good luck did not shine on the train which sat for two hours at Alrewas trapped by a points failure at Lichfield TV. Having emerged from the 623yd Gresley Tunnel, 66178 at the head of 6F78 09:34 Toton - Bardon Quarry stands at Moira West Up Home signal (MW1152) whilst waiting for a T3 possession to be given up following the removal of a rail defect. 60024 ambles past Gresley with its load of MOA's forming 6D76 14:21 Bardon Hill - Toton, the ballast is destined for Doncaster Wood Yard. 6F76 06:58 Toton - Bardon Hill ballast empties are seen passing Mantle Lane East in the morning sun. the loco is 60089 The trees around Moira West box are looking particularly autumnal in this November 2007 view. The box was open waiting for 66051 on the late running 6D76 14:21 Bardon Quarry - Toton Up Side conveying ballast for the HOBC. Mantle Lane Yards longest serving resident (apart from Mr Hill) HEA 361026 is craned out for its final journey to C.F.Booths scrapyard in Rotherham. First photograph of 2008... 60094 FLHH have begun to use Mantle Lane Down Reception to stable a set of box wagons inbetween turns. here 6Z79 from Luton Crescent Road enters the reception line hauled by 66564. The loco departed light via the west end to Bardon Hill FP. 5th march 2008.

Published in Railway Signalling in the East Midlands

]]> Fri Sep 29 2006 The South Staffs Line http://nickallsop.fotopic.net/c1096615.html Two signal boxes remain between Wychnor Junction and Lichfield City, they are Alrewas and Lichfield TV Junction, both are LNWR type 4 and date from 1899 and 1897 respectively. Curiously both are fringe boxes to PSB's but have somehow survived modernisation all around them. Friday 29 September 2006: Two signal boxes remain between Wychnor Junction and Lichfield City, they are Alrewas and Lichfield TV Junction, both are LNWR type 4 and date from 1899 and 1897 respectively. Curiously both are fringe boxes to PSB's but have somehow survived modernisation all around them.

Lichfield TV Jct box is, like Alrewas a LNWR type 4. It retains a LNWR tumbler frame of 45 levers. A further view of the lever frame in Lichfield TV Jct. The red/brown lever reversed (No5) controls the extended overlap on signal TV6 and allows unrestricted approach from Astons last signal AN165. With lever 5 normal the junction is released but Aston can still clear AN165 albeit with a delayed yellow reading into the platform and a reduced overlap on TV6. During refurbishment of Ipswich Tunnel to accept 9'6 This is the second IFS panel at Alrewas. the first was installed in 1982 and was modified when the line to Wychnor Junction was singled in October 1986. Due to wear and tear a new panel was provided in 2005. The interior of Alrewas following refurbishment. A diverted Virgin railcar service approaches on the single line from Wychnor. Alrewas works AB to lichfield TV Jct and TCB to Derby PSB over the single line to Wychnor Jucntion. Dating from 1899, Alrewas is a LNWR type 4 signal box. It contained a 25 lever LNWR tumbler frame and gate wheel. The gate wheel was removed in 1972 when lifting barriers were installed whilst the lever frame was replaced by a small panel in 1982. Following a fire in October 2005 Alrewas box was totally refurbished. An inside Wc was provided along with a full set of new windows. Fortunatley the character of the box was retained. Lichfield TV Jct No.6 signal - note the interesting signal prefix The illuminated diagram at TV Jct was installed in 1992 in conection with the electrification of the Cross City line. At this time TV Jct became a fringe box to Aston SC. Currently TV Jct works TCB to Aston, AB to Alrewas and AB with direction levers over the single line to Lichfield Trent Valley No1. However, from 8th october 2007 the Spur to the WCML was taken out of use to permit work on the TV4 project, when it reopens in March 2008 the box will work to Rugby SCC. The 45 lever LNWR tumbler frame in TV Jct. Alrewas in summer 2002, still with the original LNWR style windows - and a dreadful modern portaloo..... Lichfield TV Jct No.6 signal as a semaphore. This structure was replaced by TV6 signal also seen in this gallery. In the background 25175 climbs the Lichfield Spur with 8T20 Lichfield Rom River - Toton empty steel coil carriers. Good friday 2007, hired in DRS 66 no.66419 passes Lichfield TV Jct box and descends the Lichfield Spur with the diverted 4M81 Felixstowe - Basford Hall service. 6K50 the 15:12 Toton - Crewe Basford Hall ballast working approaches Lichfield TV Jct box hauled by the just reinstated 60066 66581

Published in Railway Signalling in the East Midlands

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