1286

ABOVE: Brighouse & Halifax Model Engineers - battery electric Class 25 D5181 departs the station for
another run. Despite the Class 5 headcode, the train is clearly not empty stock! (Peter Scott Jul 2017)

1703] FIXTURES REPORTS; Blackpool Line Signal Box Visits, 5 May 2017 Part 1: (By John Cowburn)
The Preston to Blackpool North line is currently controlled by five traditional signal boxes between
Salwick and Blackpool, with the remainder supervised by Preston Power Signal Box (PSB). The
forthcoming electrification will finally bring about the demise of the manual boxes and, with a total
line block for re-signalling and electrification work being scheduled from 11 Nov 2017, this visit was
quickly oversubscribed. Member Andrew Gardiner has kindly provided links https://goo.gl/RVee9Y
and https://goo.gl/f5Z21M to photographs taken on earlier official visits to the boxes described.

The group of twelve members met at Blackpool North station at 10.00 and, after introductions and a
safety briefing, made their way to Blackpool North No2 box, which stands on the north side of the
station throat between the eight platforms [since reduced to four: P3, 4, 5 & 6] and still extensive
carriage sidings. It is a Lancashire and Yorkshire (L&Y) box with an L&Y frame, both dating from 1896.
While it has (as does each box on the line) replacement UPVC windows and a false ceiling, it retains
much character both internally and externally, including elderly if not original wooden name-boards on
each gable. The box is partitioned at each end but is still substantial. The original 120 lever frame now
runs only from numbers 11-90; some of these have been removed but around half remain in use. Most
of the layout is mechanically worked; all (then) 8 remaining platforms having mechanical semaphore
starting signals. The current station was originally the 'excursion platforms' so, in earlier days, the box
would only have been open during the 'season', unusual for one of this size. It still has a platform bell.

In contrast, the points and signals at the east end of the layout, where No2 box took over the role of
the former Blackpool North No1 in 2011 (the latter having been 'switched out' since 2007), are

electrically worked. The Up Main Section signal is a motor worked semaphore and Down Main Home 1
a two aspect (red and yellow) colour light. Unusually for a terminus station, these two signals have
working distant signals associated with them. Approaching Down trains are presented with a two-
aspect colour light distant (signal 21) which can be cleared if a route has been set up into the platform
using Down Main Home 1 (signal 22) and Down Main Home 2 (signal 23). Main signal 23 and calling on
arm 24 below it give access to each platform, the display on the theatre route indicator and associated
block shelf indicator being governed by the lie of the points. Departing trains from all except P1
encounter two closely spaced semaphores, the platform starting signal being closely followed by one
of the mechanically worked semaphore 'homes' (as described on the lever plates), each of which has
an electrically worked semaphore distant on the same post. The distant is for the electrically worked
Up Main Section signal (65) and has no separate lever in the frame. Note: For Down trains, the
signaller clears signal 23 before 22 (the opposite of standard practice) as once lever 22 is reversed, it is
not possible to change the route into a different platform; clearing 23 first therefore proves the route.

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/rail-uk/20170607/282127816447129 is a recent article on the line.

1704] Basingstoke SWT/NR Campus, Wed 24 May: Https://goo.gl/R9oxm1 Three members met at
the station and took the official walking route to the footbridge to cross the southwestern main line,
half a mile towards Waterloo (past Barton Mill sidings) leading to the South West Trains (SWT)/NR
campus entrance. We were met by our SWT host Keith Usher and escorted in. Three isolated track
sections (for training) were viewed, including conductor rails and crossings (NEXT PAGE TOP). On the
ground floor of the entrance is an impressive array of signals, used to demonstrate sequencing so two
sections of very rare track (NEXT PAGE LOWER). All pictures for this item are thanks to Stuart Hicks.

After hot drinks while the day's 'trainees' continued their education, we started our driving experience
in the recently installed Class 707 simulators, of which there are two. Two generic routes are available,
based on Clapham Junction to St Margaret's and Surbiton to Woking. Each uses a huge amount of
computer power in the graphics. Signals and railway signs (station names, car stops etc) appear
accurately but the buildings outside the railway boundary are only approximate. My drive was down
the Windsor lines whist some others drove to Woking. I know both routes well so could identify
stations etc as they approached. This being SWT, there are guards on all trains and the instructors
'operate' the doors and send the dispatch signal for the driver to reciprocate before departure. Use of
the AWS cancellation button and Driver's Reminder Appliance equipment was required. We all had
AWS enforced stops from failing to cancel the warning in just 1.9 seconds and certainly I experienced a
signal reverting in front of me at North Sheen level crossing, although mostly it was normal driving.

As usual with such facilities, the staff can alter the season, lighting, adhesion and lots of other things to
give the trainees real practice. [Your Editor once experienced sheep on HS1 and a cracked windscreen
due monster hailstones with the 'Javelin' simulator at Ashford; the most difficult thing was stopping at
St Pancras buffer stops!] Other trains can be placed on adjacent tracks, including a German Class 181(!)
hauled freight - the software provider is German, although their primary business focus is on aircraft
matters. There are also four Class 450 simulators (covering Class 444 too), numbered 450196-199

inclusive. These date from the introduction of the
sets but were moved into the new building after
its completion. We tried two of them. Unlike the
Class 707 simulators, they use a hypothetical
route, although drivers are expected to learn it as
part of their training, a track plan being provided
for this purpose. Most of us reached the ton (all
within the permitted speed restrictions of course)
and brought our trains to a safe halt. Thanks to
Keith for a very interesting visit. (Stuart Hicks).
LEFT: Stuart Hicks reaching 100mph! (Tim Wallis)



Please mention the BLS when booking or enquiring….1286 CONNECTIONS (Paul Stewart)....All details must be checked.
[Items that may be of interest to our members but are generally not Branch Line Society activities]

1705] Railcard Offer, until 31 Aug: 10% off 16-25, Family & Friends, Two Together and Senior one
year railcards with the code AUGUST10MS online only at https://goo.gl/Bh4sjY (£27 rather than
£30). Three year Senior Railcards are £70 online long term (saving £20 at the current annual cost).

1706] Crich Tramway Village, Horse Tram Day, Tue 22 Aug 10.00-17.00: (MR p32) The 'Sheffield 15'
1874 horse tram runs 11.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.00, pulled by a shire horse; modest additional charge
to ride, reversing over the depot crossover in service. Electric tram rides available at no extra charge.

1707] Pilmoor (railway) Cottages Garden Railway: (BLN 1285.1528) Pilmoor, nr Helperby, YO61 2QQ,
(SE 467 727). A 7¼" gauge railway giving rides on three open days each year set in two acres by the
ECML. The delightful well laid out garden https://goo.gl/MbsaFR is part of the National Open Gardens
Scheme (next open Sun 27 Aug, 12.00-17.00, admission and ride £5; homemade teas available).

BELOW: The 7¼" gauge railway at Pilmoor during a recent open day. (William Ramsden)

1708] Vogrie Park Miniature Railway: (MR p28) Eskvalley Model Engineering Society, Vogrie Country
Park, Newtongrange, EH23 4NU, (NT 377 631). 2,000ft of ground level 5/7¼" track. Public running is
14.00-17.00 Sundays subject to the weather and enough volunteers being available, 07754 441211.

1709] Heritage Shunters Trust Gala, 2 & 3 Sep: Rowsey South station, DE4 2LF. Brake van rides
(different track from Peak Rail) details awaited; train connections from Matlock by Peak Rail services.

1710] Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Diesel Gala, 29/30 Sep & 1 Oct: No steam trains running (!) but
brake van trips are expected again at Havenstreet on the significant branch to the train story/yard
headshunt and a Hastings gauge Class 33 loco is also expected to run to/from Smallbrook Junction.

1711] JOHN EDWARD ROBINSON

…… …4 March 1948 - 8 July 2017

It is with great sadness that the Society has
learned of the death of our former
Committee member and fixtures organiser,
John Robinson, on 8th July. John was born in
Horsforth, Leeds and spent his early
childhood there before his family moved to
Loughborough in 1962. After finishing his
schooling at Loughborough College School,
John studied Chemistry at Manchester
University, where his fascination with
railways soon led him to join the University's
Railway Society, and meet several BLS
members whose names would be familiar to many members today. John joined the Society in May
1968 while still at university and soon became an active member. He joined the Committee in
November 1971 and was primarily involved on the fixtures side as an organiser of brake van trips
and a number of railtours, the first being the Welbeck Railtour also in the autumn of 1971. Initially
working for a West Midlands electroplating firm, he soon moved to Kent to join the Central
Electricity Generating Board. During his time in Kent John had a spell as Assistant Distribution
Officer as well as being on the team representing BLS in the (then) annual 'Railbrains' quiz.

In 1988 John took advantage of the 'north-south divide' in property prices to return to his native
Yorkshire and buy a house in Keighley where he was to spend most of the rest of his life. This helped
him to realise his ambition to pursue steam locomotives virtually worldwide, visiting South America,
Southern Africa, India, China, Pakistan, North Korea, Vietnam, The Philippines, the USSR and a
number of Eastern European countries. An easy going and kind man, with the encyclopaedic
knowledge of railways and memory for detail that characterises many BLS members, in later life
John became active in more local organisations, notably the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and
the Campaign for Real Ale. In 1988 he met his future wife, Christine, and they married in 2001.
In 2015 John suffered minor strokes, which preceded the onset of vascular dementia and he was
eventually admitted to full time care in March 2017. He was accompanied by a library of railway
literature which kept him entertained throughout his time at the home, which ended suddenly with
a stroke suffered shortly after his return from a day out with Christine. John was one of seven
children and is survived by four older brothers, one sister and his younger brother Philip, also a
former BLS member. John's funeral was at Oakworth Crematorium on Friday 21st July 2017. (DSC)

Fixtures Secretary: Kev Adlam, 53 Kemble Close, Wistaston, CREWE CW2 6XN. [email protected] Twitter: @BLSGeneralSec
SALES: Mark Gomm, 84 Mornington Road, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST1 6EL. [email protected] 01782 769960 (daytime).
Bookings Officer: Jill Everitt, 4 Barnside Way, Moulton, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8PT. [email protected]
E-BLN problems: [email protected] MAPS: By permission of the National Library of Scotland http://maps.nls.uk/index.html
NEWS TEAM: East Midlands: John Cameron, 10 Friar Gate Court, Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1HE. [email protected]
London: Geoff Brockett, 155 Onslow Gardens, South Woodford, LONDON, E18 1NA. [email protected]
North East England/NER Area: Geoff Blyth, 26 Trafalgar Way, Queens Park, BILLERICAY, CM12 0UT. [email protected]
North West, Yorkshire, Humberside, & IOM: Graeme Jolley, 3 Laurel Cottages, Rencell Hill, LAXEY, IOM, IM4 7BJ. [email protected]
South East England, East Anglia: Julian James, 58 Nelson Road, WORTHING, BN12 6EN. [email protected]
South West: Darren Garnon, 3 Reader Drive, Marden, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 9FD [email protected]
West Midlands: Brian Schindler, 15 Sudeley, Dosthill, TAMWORTH, B77 1JR. [email protected]
Ireland: Martin Baumann, 42 Northland Road, Londonderry, BT48 7ND. [email protected]
Scotland: Mike McCabe, Lawrenceholme Barn, Oulton, WIGTON, CA7 0PH. [email protected]
Wales: Paul Jeffries, 54 Heol Erwin, CARDIFF, CF14 6QR. [email protected]
Minor Railways (British Isles): Peter Scott, 93 Josephine Court, Southcote Rd, READING, RG30 2DQ. [email protected]
Editor/Head Lines: Paul Stewart, 4 Clarence Close, MALVERN, WR14 3HX [email protected] 01684562862 07790652351.
Branch Line Email Service: Nick Garnham, [email protected] Subscribe: [email protected]

Published by the Branch Line Society, 10 Sandringham Road, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8NP. ISSN 1354-0947.