West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Yes it is. But no barriers

Sent from my SM-A300FU using Tapatalk

 

Thanks.

 

It is important to differentiate between:

Dunster Sea Lane: AOCL (lights but no barriers), and

Dunster West: Open (neither lights nor barriers)

Meanwhile the search for a photo of Nelson & Llancaiach East signal box continues......

Robin

 

Please could you explain why the two are different? Is it a question of visibility or are other factors involved? TIA

 

Traffic levels.

One is well used, leading to the Beach and chalets, the other is largely used by the Railway's own staff to access the yard and the fencing contractors.

Robin

 

Thank you.

 

Also remember to look for the photo of the signal box when at Hallen Marsh on the Avonmouth to Filton line where it was first put to use in 1917, and so it is in its 4th home now. Is this the most moved signal box ever.

 

Thanks

I didn't know that. Hallen Mardh was a bit bigger when I knew the box there.

Delighted to see photos if anyone has them.

Incidentally, Minehead box may yet move again. The level crossing equipment is at the end of its design life and will need to be renewed in the not too distant future. Given the growth in road traffic and the tightening of conditions, it is likely that it will have to be upgraded to full barriers which will either require CCTV or a box adjacent to the crossing.....

Robin

 

No- that's N & L West box in the picture, which was brick and existed from 1912 to 1968. The present MD box was originally N & L East, opened 1918 and closed 1932, so photos of it are likely to be quite rare.

 

Would that bring the crossing under the control of the MD signalman? My understanding was (is) that it is controlled by the movement of trains currently.

Sent from my SM-A300FU using Tapatalk

 

I have been hunting for a photo of Nelson and Llancaiach East for a few years now. It was situated on the Vale of Neath line at the east corner of a triangle, the east side of which was never fully opened. The whole triangle closed in 1932 There was no station immediately nearby - hence possibly the reason for no pictures ?

 

Seaward Way at Minehead is a relatively rare beast - an ABCL within a signalled area.

In the up direction the signal man pulls off the platform starters or the siding exit signals but the crossing does not activate until the train strikes the relevant track circuit.

In the down direction two conditions are required for crossing activation: (1) occupancy of the track circuit in rear of the up inner home and (2) a lever for a route from that signal into the station being reversed.

So in both cases the signal man's involvement is currently required.

Robin

 

Interesting thanks. Would the proposal you mentioned mean full control handed over to the 'box?
Doesn't seem like the LX has been there very long to require overhaul but I suspect it's probably 20 years+ now?

Sent from my SM-A300FU using Tapatalk

 

Full barriers either require a box by the crossing or CCTV to the existing box.

The l/c has been there since 1990, so 27 years now...

Robin

 

If the box has to be moved again, can it be moved in one piece, or will it have to be completely dismantled and rebuilt in its new position? In any case, I expect that the County Council will opt for the CCTV, it sounds a lot less expensive.

 

Time will tell.

Robin

 

Guess the man in orange jacket on Saturday afternoon hammering bits of wood under the windows was doing the initial preparation work and annoying the life out of Robin. We tried to get your attention Robin for the promised wave, but I think you were distracted enough! Will post a picture of the 2 x Derby 4's passing on the Gala thread, P/M us if you want an original, thanks.

 

A perceptive post.

He was installing the new webcam. Now, I am very supportive of webcams, social media and the like to promote heritage Railways, but on a day a signalman / line Controller I was dealing with the Gala service, Kilmersdon shuttles, a sheep strike, late running and a loco failure, the added 'music' could have been better timed!

Still, the new drop wire to the microphone on the barrier store comes in handy...

Robin

 

I hope that when the work is done two roads will be laid so that if they are needed in future they can be connected without extra disruption of traffic both road and rail.

 

I cannot conceive of a position where the expense of a two-road crossing is justified.

Much more likely / useful is the plan which has floated around for some time of a passenger loop the Dunster side of the crossing. This would, in effect, provide Minehead with a third platform and also provide a place to stable long charter trains without tying up the main platform.

Robin