SVR S&T Dept.
SIGNALLING NOTES - Chris. Hall
In the last few months we have been working behind the scenes, planning and preparing for some future work. Ill describe some of these projects but it may be a little while before any tangible signs of the work appear.
KidderminsterExtension of the island platform has long been on the agenda and the bracket signal from Radyr Junction was obtained some years ago with the assistance of the SVRA South East branch so that the existing platform starting signals could be replaced by it. The fouling point on no. 2 platform would need to line up approximately with that of platform 1 and this would require facing point no. 42B and running disc 40 to move closer to the footbridge. The detail of how and when this would happen is not our concern but it is clear that location cabinet (Loc) 60, which is sited hard up to the track boundary fence on the car park side would be in the way of such work.
On 18 and 25 January we managed to undo the bolts securing the right-angle brackets to the lattice girders and to move the brackets using a JCB to the compound. This is in preparation for shot blasting and repainting of the steelwork for the new signal.
An artistists view of the shortened Radyr bracket signal, with dolls positioned suitably for platforms 1 and 2. [Diagram: Paul Marshall]
The original bracket signal in situ at Radyr Junction. [Photo: Rob Daniels]
Whilst the railway is closed Loc 60 has been moved to a more central site between the running lines in advance of the temporary platform 1 home signal No 62/58. This not only involves moving the Loc itself, along with its foundations, but also re-routing all of the cables which connect the Loc to the signal box, the signal lamps and various track circuits. Existing cables were reused where possible but some renewals were necessary to complete the job.
The mid-week team comprising Matt, Dan, Brian, Steve, Simon, Geoff and Ollie tackled this job, starting preparatory work w/c 20th January, and then doing the actual relocation w/c 27th January with the use of the roadrailer driven by Dave Evans for the heavy lifting and digging. We completed all the work in seven days.
Getting ready for the lift: digging out around the base and disconnecting cables. [Photo: B. Graystone
Lifting to one side. [Photo: B. Graystone
Preparing the ground for the new site of this cupboard. [Photo: B. Graystone
The new location in its new location. As always lots of work but it looks like it has been there forever! [Photo: C. K. Hall]
The new location cabinet at Foley Park ground frame mentioned in the last issue of SVR News has now been partially commissioned. At this stage it provides the operator with positive indication that the points have been correctly detected as being returned to normal and locked after use.
The changes required to the relay interlocking in Kidderminster Signal Box to operate the new ground frame key release instrument at Foley Park are complex. Design work for the modifications is well under way and is subject to independent checking and verification. Work has commenced on running in some of the wiring to the block shelf and lever frame electric locks in preparation. The scheme will be implemented in several carefully managed stages to maintain safe operation and to minimise disruption. Even during the close season Kidderminster SB sees much use for engineering trains, shunting and movements on and off Network Rail.
BewdleyOn 25 January a group of MPD volunteers, including some of our S&T helpers who work in both departments, helped Dan and Matt clear a huge amount around the S&T shed behind the Rock Siding. Scrap was removed and spares tidied. Vegetation was removed from the cliff and many many wheelbarrows full of sand and debris removed from behind the shed so we can access it for repair and painting. This is an original S&T linesmans hut over 100 years old.
ArleyFunding for the new wooden post for the Up Distant is not yet secured although a sizeable donation has been received. Consideration is being given to the provision of a Starting signal for Up trains from the Down Loop (one was provided at Hampton Loade so that terminating Up trains could turn back when the line first opened).
Waterworks CuttingThe telecomms cable through waterworks cutting has given us some challenges recently but the cable tester was put to good use and we discovered an area of damage and a hidden distribution box that had been damaged by a machine some time ago. Replacement sections have been put in temporarily awaiting a big renewal when time and hardware permit. We are investigating an attachment for the RRV to cut cable trenches. The cable trolley for the RRV is intended for this job and has been given some TLC by Tony Neath and myself. Separating some parts that had not been apart for many decades takes a lot of heat and brute force and we had accumulated quite a few bits and pieces including parts for the disc signals to be used on the Radyr bracket as well as the cable drum platform for the trolley. The assistance of 1501 group for this work is much appreciated.
BridgnorthThe signal (BH7) reading from platform 2 to the Hollybush Siding could be moved closer to the Boiler Shop to accommodate longer trains in platform 2. The insulated rail joint (IRJ) has been moved closer to the fouling point and all the track circuit cable ends extended in readiness for a new location cupboard (Loc 3) which has already been built. This is therefore work in progress.
Other itemsThe Down Main Home signal by the Goods Shed at Bewdley (BN36) has been retimbered, the handrail uprights restored and repainting started, which will be finished once the weather warms up a bit and the MEWP is back in the county.
The maintenance team have flown through the annual maintenance this year thanks to greater numbers of regular volunteers, so we are nearly at the stage that every loc has been visited and every (available) TC has been tested which isnt bad for January!
An LED lamp fitting prototype has been made by Andy. We will do some trials with it very soon.
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