West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Give it time!

 

And no doubt these reasons are also responsible for the end of line side passes. Again discussion would be good but will it be possible?

 

I wonder if, instead of "off the shelf" modern warning signs, it might be possible to fashion somethin akin to the old cast iron signs?

I suspect it would not be too difficult to cast some from resin, and if a mould and selection of letters were obtained, any number of signs could be made.

 

Steve is, as usual, quite right.

Communication is the key. Regrettably, here, some part of the WSR plc acted without any communication (let alone consultation) with the rest of the Railway and the result was (at least partially) daft. The lack of consultation gave great offence to the stations.

I had some small input to the derogation from normal 'hot work' European regulations that prevented the 'hot bits' of steam loco cab interiors having to be painted yellow and black chevrons which they would have to be if normal 'plant'.

It is all too easy to swallow modern standards.

I think that is enough said publicly, but I would value the assistance requested of heritage signage photos from elsewhere.

Robin

 

I was involved in signage as part of the remit for our recent extension. (Gwili). Some signs were imposed on us (the spec for the signs for the level crossings were clearly stated in our LRO) and most of these (both rail and road) had to be the reflective type due to night-time visibility. Thus we have the (post 1967) open crossing approach sign for example - black cross on white background.

We were able to install a number of heritage signs, chiefly the "SW" signs and a "beware of trains" sign.

Remembering that a duty of care is owed to trespassers as well, and considering night-time use, I can well understand the use of more modern day signs. No it isn't ideal or authentic and yes the RSSB signs are not mandatory but of course those responsible for the work have to justify the decision in the event of....

Regards

Matt

 

The IOWSR makes use of modern signs in quite a few locations - WIBN if these were changed to heritage signs!

Personally I think that adopting the current warning signs (or heritage styled variants of same) as many of us had to learn to obtain our PTS cards on the National Network is no bad thing especially on restricted clearances on bridges etc.

FS stalled in section. Banker allowed into section to rescue. Guard walks back over restricted bridges whilst getting the distance to put down detonators to protect his train. Banker approaching at anytime/at any moment. The old signs I dont think cope with this situation whereas the Network Rail signs do this.

Cheers,
Julian

 

I don't think this is an issue that can be "monkeyed around" with and it is one area that the C21st. cannot be kept at bay. Like it or not people, be they in vehicles or on foot, can be invincibly stupid and notices that talk about "40 shilling" penalties or "light locomotives" just mean nothing to them. Especially if the gricers have nicked the cast iron signs, modern replacements have to be provided.

Specifically, the IOWSR has no level crossings over public roads. It does have several over private rights of way some of which have been known to be used irregularly by incompetent learners who have run into and damaged railway gates! The whole issue is being looked into at present.

Paul H

 

That comment raises the spectre of the incident on an occupation crossing involving "Green Goddess" on the RH&DR a while back. Thankfully, only metal suffered serious damage on that occasion, but the loco still remains out of service. I'm in full agreement with Paul on this one. The quest for 100% yesteryear has practical limits. Safety signage is one of those limits.

 

No Julian, that is not what happened: I was there. I am not going to get into a discussion of WSR operational matters, beyond saying that what you describe would obviously be highly dangerous: that is why we would not allow it to happen.

The only other point I would make is that the recent provision of new warning signs was not related to the Flying Scotsman event: the timing of their installation was co-incidental.

Frank

 

Howard and Paul,

I am not disagreeing with either of you except that as per Robin there are a number of modern signs at Havenstreet that are superfluous; end of platform Wootton end an example. I held a PTS card for many years for the national network plus was an RMT Health and Safety Rep.

Cheers,
Julian

 

Hi Frank,

I was using an example based on what 'might' have happened the other week exemplifying safety notices in a potential scenario, but which is of great importance for anyone on the line side and guarding trains and doing protection under the rule book etc.

Surely that isn't a bad point to make?

Cheers,
Julian

 

Whilst I maintain safety signage has to conform to (as close as possible to) universal currency, I'm one of those who wonders whether every last sign is necessary. There comes a point when excessive signage becomes counter-productive. The human mind can only properly simultaneously identify and act on a small number of imperatives, suddenly thrust before the eyes at any one time. The inevitable point that cluttered signage is also downright bl**dy unsightly is secondary, but noteworthy!

 

No, I take your point Julian, but I didn't want it intrepreted by anyone as what actually happened.
Frank

 

This is awkward and in some respects I understand the IOWSR approach except on Havenstreet platform. They have used modern type signs where in many situations an original or replica SR type sign might get stolen. But I dont think this would happen on Havenstreet platform!

My point remains in respect of conforming to restricted clearances for safety signs as per the current National rule book.

I also agree with Robin.

Cheers,
Julian

 

You could not be more wrong about Wootton PTS card or no PTS card. The replica "retro" IWCR notice (still there) had to be supplemented by something which set out present day penalty levels. In at least one case, the offenders were not photographing gricers but a family group looking for a picnic area. Needless to say a safe picnic area has been provided but, as I said before, some people are invincibly stupid.

PH

 

Thanks Frank. I will reflect that to Stogumber.

However, that is not the perception of the stations, formed, at least in part, by the chaps doing the work saying that they had been told to get it done before the public runs of FS.

Robin

 

West Somerset Railway - Then and Now # 69

Watchet 1972 / 2017

A view west down the trackbed from the end of the station. Only two years of closure but nature's fingers are creeping over the WSR.

The 'now' shot shows a number of 'wet beds' where clay is coming through the formation. This is an area where maintenance will always be important.

Copyright N.Jones / Robin White

1972


2017

 

Are they wet beds or where a loco generally stands when the train stops? They look a bit oily from the photo. Looking at Google Earth, the platform is about 600 ft so it is quite possible. Just wondering.

 

My last visit suggested that there were a number of 'wet beds' on the WSR

 

With respect, a well trained guard should be aware when the assisting loco may be approaching and instinctively act accordingly. A 'limited clearance' notice is unlikely to affect this!

However, my recollection of the rules when I was a guard was that confirmation protection was in place was neededI the assisting engine could enter section, although the guard may well then need to walk back to the protection after giving that confirmation. Nevertheless, by then the assisting engine would at worst be moving under caution because it had already hit the dets.

Steven