Page Updated
28 December 2011

Signalling Record Society

Some Items in Back Track

Back Track is published by Pendragon Publishing. Follow this link to visit their web site.

Issue Items
2012 January
Volume 26
Number 1
Issue 249		 Article: “The Blackburn to Preston Railway” by Jeffrey Wells describes the line as built. Included from a later era are pictures of Bamber Bridge SB (LY220).

Photos including SBs: Broad Street (NW020), Lewes Main (LB120 1951), Llanfyllin (CM012 1963).

Photos including signals: Basingstoke East (SW060 1960), Bishopsgate Middle (GE001), Bournemouth Central (SW100 1960), Didcot East Junction (GW080 1960)
Issue Items
2011 December
Volume 25
Number 12
Issue 248		 Article: “The Railways of Ayr” by SRS member David Stirling includes a track layout diagram of Ayr in 1906 and the SBs at Ayr No.1 (GS110), Ayr No.2 (GS110 c1928).

Article: “The One Puff Railway” by Alistair Nisbet is an account of the Eye Branch (GE285) and includes pictures of Mellis Junction (GE280 c1924).

Article: “The Youngest Signalman” by Ted Cook & Anthony Vent is a further showcase for the book Sussex Signalman and describes Ted's time at Amberley SB / Booking Office / Post Office (LB080). Included is an interior picture of the lever frame and instruments.

Photos including SBs: Balham Intermediate (LB001 c1910), Bolton East Junction (LY080 1968), Hellifield North (MR890 1966), Radcliffe South Junction (LY060 1965).
2011 November
Volume 25
Number 11
Issue 247		 Article: “The Berwickshire Railway” by Alistair F Nisbet is a continuation on from his article in issue 244. It includes views of Greenlaw (NB063), St Boswells (NB060 pre-grouping).

Photo including SB: Baynards (LB081 1963), Bramley & Wonersh (LB081 1963), Colnbrook (GW068 1958), Hastings (SE041 1893), Highbridge (SD010 1966), Mistley (GE250 1977), Newton Heath (LY001 1963).

Photo including signals: Lossiemouth (GO024 1852).
2011 October
Volume 25
Number 10
Issue 246		 Photos including SBs: Blackpool Central (PY004 1964), Bletchley No.5 (NW116 1964), Leamington Spa (GW730 1961), Mountain Ash Oxford Street (TV010 1960), Norwich Thorpe (GE120 1985), Norwich Thorpe Junction (GE120 1981), Slade Green (SE020 195x).
2011 September
Volume 25
Number 9
Issue 245		 Article: The final part of “The Great Central Railway's Entry Into The Capital” manages just one short paragraph on signalling!

Article: “Mr Wheatley's Railway” by A J Mullay tells the story of the Wigtownshire Railway and how it operated and includes a view of Millisle (PW002).

Photos including SBs: Beattock (CA030 1964), Kensington North Main (WL001 1971), Langley Green (GW751 1977), Lapworth (GW730 1961), Sutton Coldfield (NW344 1977), Radyr (TV040 1982), Wisbech St Mary (MG001 1954).
2011 August
Volume 25
Number 8
Issue 244		 Article: “From Reston to Duns” by AListair F. Nisbet has views including SBs at Chirnside (NB063 1958), Duns (NB063 1963), Reston Junction (NB001).

Photos including SBs: Arundel (LB080 192x), Blackpool Central interior (PY004 1922), Fowey (GW306 1962), Hellifield (MR890 1976), Lavenham (GE220 1959), Wilpshire (LY273 1968).

Photo with prominent signals: Epsom (LB067 195x).
2011 July
Volume 25
Number 7
Issue 243		 Photos including SBs: Evercreech Junction (S&DJR 1965), Helmshore (LYR), Inverness Rose Street (HR 1962), Meldon Quarry (LSWR 1961), Midhurst East (wrongly captioned South)(LBSCR 1960), Petworth (LBSCR 1960).
2011 June
Volume 25
Number 6
Issue 242		 Article: “Junior Porter at Arundel” by Ted Cook & Anthony Vent includes a picture of Arundel (LB080 1966) SB.

Article: “Triangulation Point” part 1 by Michael J Smith describes the workings at Denham, Greenford and West Ealing whilst failing to picture any of the SBs involved!.

“Signalling Spotlight” by Richard Foster features Brough East (NE040) and Crabley Creek (NE040).

Photos including SBs: Andsell & Fairhaven (P&WR 1964), Blackpool Central (P&WR 1964), Silecroft (FN050).

Photos including prominent signals: Loudon Road (LNWR c1896)
2011 May
Volume 25
Number 5
Issue 241		 Article: “Norman Clark, Porter Signalman” by A J Ludlam is a short account of the career of Norman Clark on the GNR section of the LNER from 1925. The SBs at Firsby East Junction (interior 1962), Firsby South Junction (1962), Five Mile House (1950).

Article: “The Leslie Railway” (NBR) by Alistair Nisbet includes a useful section on the operations and signalling of the branch. Picture of Leslie SB (c1875) shows how rural the station area was initially.

Article: “Rails to Grassington” (MR) by David Joy includes a useful section on the operations and signalling of the branch. Pictures of Embsay Junction (1963) and Grassington (1959, 1960) SBs.

Photos including SBs: Aberbeeg (GWR 1962), Chatham (LCDR pre1923, 1959), Douglas (IoMSR 1999), Dover Priory (LCDR c1960), Hollinwood (LYR 1961), Newington (LCDR 1900), Royton Junction (LYR 1966).
2011 April
Volume 25
Number 4
Issue 240		 Article: “The Cockermouth, Keswick & Penrith Railway Company” by Michael Binks tells the story of this line and describes the working arrangements. Keswick No.1 (1960), Penrith No.1 (LNWR 1956), Penrudduck (1964), Troutbeck (1966) SBs creep into the pictures. There is an excellent view of a double arm (one for each direction) wooden post signal at Braithwaite.

Photos including SBs: Didcot East (GWR 1892), Didcot West End (GWR 1959), Hest Bank (LNWR 1967), Inverkeithing North Junction (NBR 1965), Meldon Quarry (LSWR 1960), New Malden (LSWR 1959), Taunton West (GWR 1954).

Photos including signals: Wembley (GCR 1918) together with interesting and unusual, but unauthorised, track geometry.
2011 March
Volume 25
Number 3
Issue 239		 Article: “The King's Lynn Docks & Railway Company” (GER) by Mike Fell includes a useful plan of the dock railways.

Photo of SB: Etchingham (SER).

Photo including SB: Carnforth (late LMSR period).

Photo including prominent signals: Aberthaw (BR 1961), Finsbury Park (GNR 1948) somersault signals, High Wycombe (GWR 1987).
2011 February
Volume 25
Number 2
Issue 238		 Article: “Exchange Platform Only” by SRS Treasurer David Stirling describing how some of these remote locations came to be and how they operated. Includes pictures of Cairnie Junction SB (GNSR 196x) and Methven Junction SB (CR) and location plans of Holehouse Junction and Killin Junction as well.

Article: “The Kirriemuir Branch” (CR) by Alistair E Nesbit. Includes are picture of Kirriemuir Junction SB and a section on signalling arrangements.

Article: “The Early Years of a Single-Sided Station” by Paul Joyce describes the early days at Reading (GWR) and includes a description of the signalling arrangements.

Photos of SBs: Axbridge (GWR 1963), Bangor No.2 (LNWR 1996), Gatwick Airport (LBSCR 1958), Kensington Middle (WLR c1939), North Camp (SER 1959), Ripley Junction (NER c195x).
2011 January
Volume 25
Number 1
Issue 237		 Article: “Snow and Disaster”, an illustrated account of the Abbots Ripton (GNR) Disaster of 1876 by Adrian Gray. The Official Report can be purchased here.

Photos of SBs: Achnasheen (HR 1973), Clachnaharry (HR 1974), Luddendenfoot (LYR c1900), Masons Arms Crossing (NER), Neasden Junction (GCR 1963), Shildon (NER), Strathcarron (HR 1980).

Photos of Signals: Blea Moor (MR 1966), Dent Station (MR 1964), Earley (GWR 1961), Goring (GWR), Loughborough (GCR 1966), Stoulton (GWR 1963), Wigston Magna (MR 1951), Woodford Halse (GCR 1966).
Issue Items
2010 December
Volume 24
Number 12
Issue 236		 Photos of SBs: Langstone Crossing (LBSCR 1963), Wragby (GNR 1953).

Photos of Signals: Cardiff Queen Street (TVR 1963), Culworth Junction (GCR), Merthyr (GWR c1951), Morebath Junction (GWR 1962).
2010 November
Volume 24
Number 11
Issue 235		 Article: “The Foxhall Junction Accident 1967” by Greg Morse sets out a detailed analysis of the derailment on 27 September. It includes a photo of the SB at Foxhall Junction and a signalling plan plus site plan.

Article “Edward Davy Block Signalling Pioneer” by SRS member Chris Cock.

Photos of SBs: Bath Spa (GWR 1964), Blandford (Forum) (S&DJR late 19th century, 1965), Corfe Mullen Junction (S&DJR 1960), Dent (MR 1907), Evesham (MR 1962), Exeter South (GWR 1965), Tyseley South (GWR 1964).

Photos of Signals: Birmingham New Street (LNWR 1962), Eastleigh (LSWR 1968), Holbeck HL (GNR 1961), Shepton Mallet (S&DJR 1962). Spetisbury (S&DJR 1900 disc and crossbar signal), Thingley Junction (GWR 1958).
2010 October
Volume 24
Number 10
Issue 234		 Article: "Restoration and Innovation in 1919" by Jeffrey Wells includes a photo of Langley (GWR) Up Relief Home Signal. This was to a design based on the Marriott system of reinforced concrete signal post.

Article: "Reading to Redhill" Part 2 (SER) by Jeremy Clarke includes photos of SBs Betchworth (1932), Blackwater (1962), Crowthorne (1964), Farnborough North (1956), Reading East (GWR 1938); and signals at Wokingham (1958).

Photos of SBs: High Shields (NER 1954), North Camp (SER 1964).

Photos of signals: Chalk Farm [Primrose Hill] (LNWR 1919), Eridge (LBSCR 1985), Feltham Yard (LSWR 1919), Hornsey (GNR 1958).
2010 September
Volume 24
Number 9
Issue 233		 Article: "Past Barnetby's Signals" by Gavin Morrison. Photgraphic essay on the signals and signal boxes at Barnetby and Wrawby Junction (GCR) in the 1991-1995 period; plus one from 1988 on the back cover.

Article: "Willie Gow and the Selkirk Branch" by Alistair F Nisbet includes a section describing the signalling arrangements but fails to include any illustrations of signals or signal boxes.

Photos of SBs: Finsbury Park (GNR 1963), Hirst (NER 1965), Laira Junction (GWR 1961), Little Somerford (GWR 1962), Oldham Werneth (LYR 1957), Portobello East (NBR 1956).

Photos of signals: Ashington Colliery (NER & NCB 1965), Bletchley (LNWR 1964), Havant (LBSCR 1961), Southampton Terminus (LSWR 1957), Wakefield Westgate (GNR 1961), Wandsworth Road (LBSCR 1909).
2010 August
Volume 24
Number 8
Issue 232		 Article: "The Heathfield Trip Goods" (GW) by Rory Wilson includes references to signalling arrangements and photos of Heathfield and Trusham SBs.

Article: "Bad Day at Pontypridd" describes the consequences of not carrying out Rule 55 promptly coupled with conversation in the signal box.

Article: "From Redhill to Reading" Part 1 (SER) by Jeremy Clarke includes photos of SBs Dorking Town (1964), Gomshall (1964), Reigate (1926, 1964).

Article: "Track Renewals of Yesteryear" Part 1 by Michael Binks includes photo of Barking East SB (LTSR 1950s).

Photos including SBs: Backworth (NER 1962), Chester No.4 (LNWR 1967), Neasden South Junction (GCR), Northolt East Junction (GCR), Sudbury Hill (GCR).

Photos: Signals at Bishops Stortford (GER 1938), Bredbury Junction (CLC 1966), Clutton (GWR 1959), Haydon Square Goods Branch Junction (GER 1911), Leeds Central (GNR-LYR-LNWR-NER 1939), Ruislip (GCR) splitting distants, Yeovil Pen Mill (GWR 1967).
2010 July
Volume 24
Number 7
Issue 231		 Article "The Bankfoot Light Railway" (CR) by Alistair Nisbet is a brief history of the branch, including a description of some of the signalling arrangements. Pictures include a track layout of Bankfoot and an interior view of Strathord SB.

Article "Lanky Influence At Goole" by Mike Fell describes the interface with the railway and includes track plans of the Port of Goole in 1858 and Goole Docks in 1962.

Photo article "Country Signal Boxes on the Salisbury to Southampton Line" (LSWR) with notes by Richard Foster (aided by Martin Elms and Chris Osment) features Dean SB exterior, interior and locking room and an exterior view of Dunbridge SB.

Article "Catastrophe at Kiltimagh" (GSWR) has details of the signalling there including a track and signalling diagram dated 1916.

Photos featuring SBs: Abington (LNWR 1965), Dean (LSWR 1935).

Photos featuring signals: Afon Wen (CR 1964), Bletchley (LNWR 1961), Dundee (CR 1962), Dunfermline Lower (NBR 1966), Folkestone Junction (SER), Garelochhead (NBR 1959), Inverkeithing (NBR 1961), Llangybi (LNWR 1964), Norwich (GER 1967), Pantyffynon (GWR 1989), Rushton (NSR 1959), St Monance (NBR 1959).
2010 June
Volume 24
Number 6
Issue 230		 Article "The Railway To The 'Bwl" by Edward A Evans is an account of the Taff Vale Railway branch to Ynysybwl. It includes a section on the signal boxes, a map of the branch and photos of SBs at Clydach Court Junction (1958), Windsor Passing Siding (1959), Ynysybwl (1959)

Photos including SBs: Bath Green Park (S&D 1964), Berkswell (LNWR 1968), Bradford Exchange (LYR 1966), Gretna Junction (CR), Horton-in-Ribblesdale (MR 1967), Ledston (NER 1967), Leeds City (1960), Millhouses & Ecclesall (MR 1967).
2010 May
Volume 24
Number 5
Issue 229		 Article: "Chelsea Box & Chelsea Basin" (WLER) by Jonathan Jarvis. Includes a history of the area and a good deal of signalling information. Well illustrated including interior and exterior views of Chelsea & Fulham SB and a signalling diagram for that location. Also a map of the signal box locations along the WLR/WLER in 1969.

Article: "The Forth & Clyde Railway" (part 2) by Robert Campbell includes a detailed description of the route and photos of SBs at Balfron, Drymen (except that they weren't that day!).

Photos of SBs: Barrhill (GSWR 1984), Castleton (LYR 1960), Goraghwood (GNRI 1964), St Pancras (MR 1979), Seaton Junction (LSWR 1964), Stirling New Bridge (CR), Sugar Loaf Summit (LNWR 1964).

Photos of signals: Ballycarry (NCC 1968), Builth Road (LNWR), Dunblane (CR 1964), Old Hill (GWR 1963).
2010 April
Volume 24
Number 4
Issue 228		 Article "Kirkstead to Little Steeping - The New Line" by A J Ludlam (GNR). Detailed survey of this line with good description of signalling and operational practices. Photos of Signal Boxes included: Bellwater Junction (1970), Firsby South (1947), New Bolingbroke (1913 1969), Midville (1970), Spilsby Crossing (1971), Tumby Woodside (1961 1970)

Letters: Follow-ons to the Level Crossing article in the February 2010 issue.

Signal Boxes in Photos: Earlsfield (LSWR 1900).

Signals in Photos: Bishop Lydeard (GWR 1960), Dover Priory (SECR 1961), Kettering (MR 1954), London Victoria Eastern (SECR c1938), Ribblehead (MR 1966), Tonbridge (SECR 1960 1961), West Ealing (GWR 1881).
2010 March
Volume 24
Number 3
Issue 227		 Article: "The Forth & Clyde Railway" (part 1) by Robert Campbell includes a map of the area and photos of Balfron SB (NB440), Buchlyvie SB (NB440), Caldarvan SB (NB440 1949), and Kippen SB (NB440).

Photos: Oxenholme Junction SB (LNWR 193x), Sheffield South SB (MR820 1964), Stalbridge SB (S&DJR 1962), Toton South End Junction SB (MR711), Truro West SB (GW330 1959).
2010 February
Volume 24
Number 2
Issue 226		 Article "Level Crossings" by Michael B Binks. An excellent guide to the history of Level Crossings and explanation of the different types. Includes photos: Abbey Wood (SER), Bonsall LC (GC170 1989), Low Row (NER), Picton (interior & exterior) (NER 1972), Slade Green (SER)

Article "Imperial Jubilees" includes photos: Millhouses & Ecclesall SB (MR820 1966), Penrith (LNWR 1952).

Article "Out of Euston" includes photo: Kings Langley SB (LNWR 1963).

Article "A South Wales Miscellany" includes photo: British Rhondda SB (GW610 1963).

Photos: Charing Cross SB (SER 1919), Manchester London Road SB (LNWR 1923), Manningtree SB (GE240 1979).

Photo: Theddingworth SB (LNWR 1966).
2010 January
Volume 24
Number 1
Issue 225		 Article "Hall Lane Signal Box in 1976-1977" by Allan Patterson. The author was signalman at Hall Lane (GNR) in that period and sets out the working practices, well illustrated with interior and exterior views of the SB. Also included is a good picture of Bowling Junction (LYR) SB.

Photos: Aylestone Hill SB (GWR), Brecon Curve Junction (GWR 1962), Harecastle (NSR), Penshurst SB (SER 1961), Scout Green SB (LNWR 1967), interior of Watford SB (LNWR 1919).

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