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2010

Signalling Record Society

Some Items in Backtrack

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Issue Items
2009 December
Volume 23
Number 12
Issue 224		 Article "The Tay Bridge Disaster and the Press" includes pictures of both Tay Bridge South SBs.

Article "A Christmas Journey 1904" includes pictures of Broadstairs (LCDR 1920) and Inverness Station SB (HR c1908).

Article "Thanet's Railways" includes pictures of Margate (LCDR 1956) and Ramsgate Harbour SB (LCDR 1924).

Photo Article "On The Somerset & Dorset" includes glimpses of Midsomer Norton and Radstock North SBs (1963).

Article "Travelling Through" includes a picture of Carlisle SB (Which number?), undated but pre-grouping, an M&GN somersault signal at Caister-on-Sea, Hook Norton station and SB (GWR 1900), and an undated, but probably 19th century, picture of a bracket signal at York (NER).

Article "Masonry, Munitons and Myth" about the Box Tunnel and Corsham includes a view of Corsham SB (GWR c1910).
2009 November
Volume 23
Number 11		 Article: "Harrogate Railway Station" includes a view of a signal on a pole extended out from the platform canopy c1930.

Article: "The Swainsthorpe Bomb Train" centred on Flordon and Swainsthorpe stations (GER 1944); visible in the pictures are signals, the level crossing at Swainsthorpe (c1924 + 1963) and (lurking in an overexposed area) Flordon SB (c1924).

Article: "Blaigowrie Express" (CR), part 2, includes photos: Blairgowrie SB (1960).

Article: "Travelling Through", part 1, includes photos: signal bridges at York Racecourse platform (NER 1949), signals at Carnforth (undated, LMS period), Dawlish (GWR), Handsworth Junction (GWR), Oxford (GWR 1939), Steventon (GWR 1927), Stoke Gifford (GWR), and North of York (NER).

Article "The Great Western Railway in The News 1841-1842" includes an early picture of Bath Spa with a disc and crossbar signal clearly visible.

Photo feature: Hilton Junction (CR-NBR 1965) includes view of SB part obscured by freight train.

Photo feature: A Day at Scarborough (NER 1977) includes views of Falsgrave and Scarborough SBs and signal bridges.

Photo feature: "School Days" includes views of Bromley South (LCDR 1959), Factory Junction SB (LCDR 1958), Waterloo SB (LSWR 1962) and a signal in Folkestone Warren (SER 1960).

Photo feature: "Steam in the Valleys" includes views of signal at Blaenrhondda (RSBR 1962), Cresselly Arms LC & SB (GWR 1962), Quaker's Yard HL signal & SB (GWR 1962), and Walnut Tree Junction SB (TVR 1962).

Photo: signals either end of Towy river bridge, Carmarthen (GWR 1961) (on the back cover, repeated from previous issue, but with caption changed to the picture intended!)
2009 October
Volume 23
Number 10		 Photo Article: "Seaton for Uppingham" (LNWR) includes semaphore signal at Seaton (1964).

Article: "Blaigowrie Express" (CR), part 1, includes photos: semaphore signal at Blaigowrie Yard (1955), semaphore signal at Coupar Angus (LMS period), Ninewells Junction SB (from Scrimageour collection).

Article "The Clayton Tunnel Disaster" by Adrian Gray recalling this accident and the contribution made by the inadequacies of the "signalling" system and working preactices in use at the time. Includes some detail on John Saxby's career path.

Article "Railway Reflections", part 3, includes photos: Ashenden Junction SB (GCR-GWR 1946), signals at Aylesbury (GCR-GWR-MR 1938), Chester No.4 SB & gantry (blurred in my copy), yard signal at Glazebrook (CLC 1962), Pyewipe Junction SB (GER-GNR 1947), Reedness Junction SB (AJR 1963), Tenbury Wells SB (GWR 1960).

Photo Article: "County Champions" includes photo: splitting distants for Lapworth (GWR 1962), semaphore signals at Shrewsbury (1962), Wolverhampton Low Level (GWR 1962).

Photo article: "Lost Around Lochaber" (WHR) includes photo: well elevated ground signal at Corpach (1983).

Article: "The Bridport Branch" (GWR) includes photos: Bridport SB (the BR one 1956, 1957) and signals at Bridport (1958).

Article about Merchant Navy names includes photos: signals at Bournemouth Central (1965) and the frequently pictured signal gantry oppiste Southampton Central SB (1964).

Article "Waverley Wayfarers" includes photo: semaphore signal at Hawick (NBR 1964).

Photo: signals either end of Towy river bridge, Carmarthen (GWR 1961).
2009 September
Volume 23
Number 9		 Photo article: Bath 'Halls' (GWR) includes Bath Spa (1963), Twerton Tunnel SB (1962).

Article "Great Western Railway In The News 1841-1842" includes photos of the forerunners to Box West and Wootton Bassett Incline (policeman with disc and (low down) crossbar signal).

Photos: Agecroft Junction & SB (LYR 1968), Ashby Junction & SB, Nuneaton (LNWR 1948), Birkenhead Woodside (BJR 1967), Dunstable North (GNR 1959), Kensington North Main (GWR-LNWR 1960), Lostock Hall Junction (LYR 1968), Massingham (S&DJR 1947), Melton Mowbray (LNWR 1949), Monton Green SB (LNWR 1966), Padgate SB (CLC undated but 1948-1958 period), Sough Tunnel - distant for Entwistle (LYR 1968), South Lynn (M&GN 1958).
2009 August
Volume 23
Number 8		 Photos signals at Bournemouth West (LSWR 1965), Henwick SB (GWR 1961), Kensington Middle SB (WLL 1954), Ledbury Tunnel SB (GWR 1964), Lynemouth Colliery SB (NER 1967), signal gantry at Preston (LNWR 1967), Seaforth (LOHR 1956).

Article: automated tablet exchanges at Talerddig (CAM 1988).
2009 July Article The Helston Branch (GWR) including photos of Gwinear Road pre 1916, Helston (1934), and Nancegollan (1960) SBs; signals at Gwinear Road (1959).

Photos of Appleby (MR c1906), Belfast Great Victoria Street (GNRI 1964), Richmond (NER 1963), Strawberry Hill (LSWR 195x) and Wimbledon B (LSWR 1956) SBs; signals at Ambergate (MR 195x), Blackpool Talbot Road (1896).
2009 June Dumfries (GSW); article on the development of railways here by SRS member David Stirling; some details of signalling and various b&w views of signals around the station.

Victoria Park Junction, Eastern Region, 1977-9 and 1981-4 by Allan Patterson (NLR/GER; details of this BRLMR Type 15 box and its working; 8 colour photos, including interior views).

B&W photos of Norbiton (1970 LSWR), West Croydon (A) (LBSCR; gantry) and Wimbledon C (LBSCR-LSWR 1958) boxes; signals at Crystal Palace LL (1968 LBSCR), Spalding (M&GN 1959).

Colour photos of Bedford (MR 1977), Leicester Belgrave Road (GNR 1961), Winwick Junction/Quay (LNWR) boxes and signals; semaphore gantry at Southampton Central (LSWR).
2009 May Article “Very Elaborate Closing” – closures in Scotland 1947-1959. Includes photos: Achnasheen SB (HR), (signals at Berwick-upon-Tweed (1961), Loch Skerrow SB (P&WJt 1960s), signal at St. Boswells (1961).

Photos: Acocks Green SB (GWR 1961), signals at Coleshill (MR 1916), Folkestone Harbour SB (SER 1957), London King’s Cross SB (GNR 1963), Ledbury SB (GWR), fine semaphore gantry south of Stirling station (CalR), semaphores at Worcester Shrub Hill (GWR 1963).
2009 April Class 50s in Cornwall includes views of Penzance and St. Erth SBs.

‘Crumlin High Level and its lofty neighbour’ by Edward A Evans (describing the locality and the famous viaduct; some details of signalling, with b&w photos of Crumlin High Level and Crumlin Junction boxes, and a basic layout plan).

B&W photos of Algarkirk & Sutterton, Clifton Down (Bristol), Dogdyke, Folkestone Junction A (fine 1927 view), Manchester Central, Naburn Swing Bridge, Peterborough, Stixwould, Tattersall, and Whiteball (with GWR broad gauge tracks) boxes, LSWR tall lattice post signals in an early view at Christchurch, and signals at Blea Moor.

Colour photos of Bradford Exchange box and signals; and signals at Bradford Forster Square.
2009 March B&W photos of Llanvihangel box and GWR tubular post bracket signals at Pontypool Road.

Colour photos of Grove Junction (nr Tunbridge Wells) and Llanvihangel boxes, and Durham Ox (Pelham Street) level crossing, Lincoln, showing the fine lattice post gantry carrying protecting Up line signals.
2009 February ‘The Alyth Railway’ by Alistair F Nisbet (article on this Caledonian branch, with brief details of signalling, and some b&w views of same).

B&W photos of Corfe Castle and Swanage original LSWR boxes.

Colour photos of Wing Crossing (LNWR) and Worgret Junction (LSWR) boxes.
2009 January Article "Inverness for Hogmanay" includes photos: Aviemore North SB (1959), signal gantry at Welsh's Bridge (1953).

Article "First Lamb to Beeching Slaughter" Wetherby (NER) branches includes photos: Newton Kyme SB, signals at Spofforth, Tadcaster SB (1963), Thorner SB, Wetherby SB (1963).

Article "Railway Travel and the Public Health" provides an insight into the railway scene in 1861, including details of accidents and an engraved diagram of Saxby’s ‘simultaneous motion’ signalling system - levers controlling signals - taken from the March issue of The Engineer).

Article "Signalling Spotlight" Modernisation comes to St Pancras’ notes by Richard Foster; photos by John Edgington (the 1957 resignalling with fine colour views and details of both St Pancras Station Midland box and its BR(LMR) replacement).

Photos: Arnside SB (FR 1968), signals at Gloucester Central (GWR 1964), signals at Godalming (LSWR 1936), co-acting arm signal at Haslemere (LSWR 1936), Inchture SB (CR), signal at Liss (LSWR 1934), New Mills South Junction (MR 1966), Rayners Lane Junction SB (MetR), Sharnal Street SB (SECR 1961), Stonehouse Burdett Road SB (GWR 1964).
Issue Items
2008 December
Volume 22
Issue 12		 Article: "How Permanent is Permanent Way" by Michael Binks. incudes several photos of trackwork in both good and disaster conditions.

Article: "Bodmin & Wadebridge Line" (LSWR) by David Thrower (part 2); includes photos signal gantry at Wadebridge (1959) and Boscarne Junction SB (1959).

Photos: Signal at Acocks Green (GWR 1959), Signals at Bristol Temple Meads (GWR 1961), Signal near Carr Bridge (HR c1897), Signal at Leek (NSR 1963), Signals at Madeley Junction (GWR 1962), Newton Abbot West SB (GWR), Plymouth North Road SB (GWR 1961), Semaphores near Reading West (GWR 1964), West Drayton SB (GWR).
2008 November Article "On East Anglian lines" (GER) incudes photos: signals at Manningtree (1979), Melton SB (1974), North Walsham SB (1977), Southminster SB (1975).

Article "Bodmin & Wadebridge Line" (LSWR) by David Thrower; includes photos: signals at Bodmin General (1961), Boscarne Junction SB (1959), Nanstallon SB (1954), fine LSWR bracket upper quadrant signals at Wadebridge (1954).

Article "Great Central Position" incudes photos: Staveley South Junction SB and Horns Bridge & footpath. This latter is where the footbridge crosses over the Chesterfield loop line which runs alongside the MR embankment and both lines are crossed over by the GCR line from Lincoln.

Photos: signal at Aldgate (MetR c1902), Colwall SB (GWR 1965), Marple Viaduct SB (GCR 1953), distant signal at Oxenholme (LNWR 1965), signals at Rothley (GCR c1920), Scout Green SB (LNWR 1967), signals at Swindon Junction (GWR) in the mixed gauge era.
2008 October Article "Southport" by Michael H C Baker (includes b&w view of Roe Lane Junction box in 1964).

Article "Roads for Rails" by Alistair F Nisbet (considers 1930’s LNER proposals for conversion of the Brightlingsea and Mid-Suffolk Light Railway branches into roads; details of operating on both, including numerous level crossings; b&w photos of Stradbroke and Wilby level crossings and GER lower quadrant at Kenton - all on the latter line).

‘High Wycombe South Signal Box in 1987’ by Allan Patterson. Detailed description of working with many excellent colour exterior and interior views.

Photos: Alton Towers SB (NSR 1961), signal at Ansdell (PWR c1911-1922), Dalton Junction (FR) layout and SB (FR 1966), distant signal at Hinton Admiral (LSWR 1955), Rugby No 4 (close-up details) SB (LNWR 1961), signals by Quarry Intermediate (LBSCR 1928), signals at Surbiton (LSWR 1926).
2008 September b&w photos of Barnby Dunn, Sheffield No 4 (GC) and Twyford boxes.

colour photos of Forres South, Lolham and Parbold boxes, semaphores at various locations on the Chester - Holyhead line in 1963/4 and gated level crossings at Kirkbank (Jedburgh branch), Lolham, Myreside (Caledonian, near Forfar) and Parbold.
2008 August ‘Hellifield station collision - 22/12/1955’ by Andrew Wilson (caused by signalling irregularities; b&w photo of Hellifield South Junction box and plan of from the official Accident Report).

‘The changing scene at Vitriol Works’ by Jeffrey Wells (brief history of this once-busy industrial location on the L&YR main line, with some signalling/box details; b&w views of Vitriol Works BRLMR box).

‘Chorlton Junction - meeting point of the Midland and Great Central lines into Manchester (Pt2)’ by E M Johnson (conclusion, including more b&w views of Chorlton Junction box and CLC signals).

‘The Benton Curves’ by Roger J Kell (some signalling details and b&w distant box views).

B&W photos of East Grinstead East (LBSC) and Selsdon (LBSC) boxes.

colour photos of Clapham Junction A (overhead), Kingswear and Torquay boxes, and a fine arrangement of LMS bracket signals for the Up Main at the south end of Carnforth station (17/7/1968).
2008 July Article "Auchtermuchty and the Fife & Kinross Railway (Pt2)" by Alistair F Nisbet (with details of signalling and accidents).

Article "Chorlton Junction" (CLC) - meeting point of the Midland and Great Central lines into Manchester (Pt1)’ by E M Johnson (includes signalling details and b&w exterior and interior views of Chorlton Junction SB), also various CLC signals).

Article "Stop! Proceed with caution" (Pt3) by Michael J Smith (the collision at Victoria (District Line) on 22/11/1962).

Photos: Beattock Summit SB (CR 1964), signals at Brentingby Junction (MR 1955), signal gantries at Falsgrave (Scarborough) (NER 1959), Gasworks (Scarborough) SB NER 1961), Grosmont (NER 1977) SB, Lechlade SB (GWR 1962), signals at Ratcliffe-on-Soar (MR 1957).
2008 June Article "Stop! Proceed with caution" (Pt2) by Michael J Smith (examines the collisions at Edgware Road (Bakerloo Line) on 26/1/1972 and Leyton (Central Line) on 17/1/1979).

Photo: signals at Ambergate (MR), Auchtermuchty SB (NBR 1938), signals at Blackheath (SER 1926), Charwelton SB (GCR 1963), signals at Clifton & Lowther (LNWR 1939), Milnathort SB (NBR 1955), Selby Swing Bridge SB (NER 1949).
2008 May Article "The Falmouth Branch" (GWR) by Alan Bennet. Includes photos: Penryn SB (1957), Perranwell SB (1959), Truro West SB (1959).

Article "Mitre Bridge Junction Signal Box in 1985-6" by Allan Patterson. Signalmen’s recollections of working this busy West London LNWR box, including details of bell signals; colour exterior and interior views).

Article "Stop! Proceed with caution" - the story of five collisions on London’s Underground (Pt1) by Michael J Smith (as resulting from the incorrect application of the ‘Stop and Proceed Rule’ by Motorman when passing signals at red; the collisions at Northwood (Met) on 31/12/1945 at Stratford (Central Line) on 8/4/1953 are described).

Photos: signals at Aberbeeg (GWR 1959), Abersychan LL SB (GWR c1916), signals at Blaenavon LL (GWR 1960), signals at Brymawr (GWR 1957), Drigg SB (FR 2001), Kirkby Stephen (MR 1967), London Fenchurch Street overhead SB (original GER seen in 8/1911), Newport Mill Street South SB (GW 1958), signals at Panteg & Griffithstown (GWR 1960), Radstock SB (S&DR 1960), Ravenglass SB (FR 1959).
2008 April ‘Stop her, back her and keep clear’ by L F E Coombs (historical review of reading of signals by Driver’s, and associated hazards.

b&w photos of Waterloo A overhead box and lofty semaphore gantry, CLC semaphore at Chester Northgate, GNR somersault at Spilsby, splendid LYR semaphore gantry at Blackpool Central, MR semaphore at Wennington.

colour photo of MR crossbar signal at Bournville).

B&W photos of Firsby South Junction, Louth South and North Thoresby boxes; Fotherby Gate Box (GNR); Firsby South Junction LC, with its overlapping gates.

colour photo of Dundee (Tay Bridge) West box and semaphores.
2008 March ‘Radcliffe’s stations and structures’ by Jeffrey Wells (examination of stations in the area with limited information on signalling; b&w views include Bradley Fold and Radcliffe South Junction boxes).
b&w photo of LMSR semaphore gantry north of Tring station.

colour photos of Colwyn Bay No 1 and Throsk boxes.
2008 February ‘Ardler Junction - a sideways glance’ by Alistair Nisbet (collision on the Caledonian main line here, 17/7/1948, b&w photos of box exterior and interior by Ian Scrimgeour, from the SRS collection).
b&w photo of Torside box.
colour photos of Bredbury Junction (CLC), Clapham Junction A (overhead), Sudbury Hill (Harrow), Throsk and Wooler boxes.

CLC co-acting signals at Bredbury Junction.
2008 January ‘Secrets of the Log Books’ by Alan Wells (as discovered in Occurrence Books for Newsham North and Hirst Junction boxes on the former Blyth & Tyne system.

B&W photo of Newsham North box).

B&W photos of Blandford (S&DJt Type 1 and its 1893 replacement) and Tresmeer boxes.

colour photos of Ashby Junction (Nuneaton), Dalton Junction (Furness), Ledbury and Plumpton Junction (Furness) boxes.
Issue Items
2007 December ‘Custom House’ by Allan Patterson (author’s reminiscences of working Custom House Station box in 1981/2.

colour exterior and interior views).

colour photos of Culworth Junction, Eydon Road and Witham Junction (GER elevated) boxes.
2007 November

Article "‘Pontypool Road as I knew it" by Edward A Evans - detailed recollections of the area, including signalling, compiled with assistance from SRS member Ray Caston. Includes photos: of Little Mill Junction SB and Pontypool Road Station South SB, and a variety of signals).

Article "The Bombing of Britain’s Railways" - a War Diary Round Two: 1939-1945 (Pt4) by John W E Helm (conclusion, including V1 and V2 raids). Includes photos: Somers Town Goods SB (MR), West Brompton SB (WLR).

Photos: signal at Barry Junction (BR-B&MR 1962), signal at Bridge of Allen (CR 1963), Epsom East (LBSCR 1926) SB/signals, Gomshall & Shere SB (SER 1968), Ketton & Collyweston SB (MR 1957), Quakers Yard HL SB (GW 1961), Richmond (NER 1963) box.
2007 October ‘The Bombing of Britain’s Railways - a war diary round two: 1939-1945 (Pt3)’ by John W E Helm (details of damage to signalling/boxes).
‘The Bridgend incident’ by Charles Methven (NBR head-on collision, 25/1/1879, caused by signalling irregularities.

B&W photos of Avenuehead/Muckcroft ground level boxes).

colour photo of Waterford Central overhead box.;
2007 September ‘The Bombing of Britain’s Railways - a war diary round two: 1939-1945 (Pt2)’ by John W E Helm (more details of damage to signalling/boxes).

b&w photos of Portskewett box (pre-1886 view).

London Bridge North overhead box and signals (c1910).

colour photos of Evercreech Junction and Exeter St Davids West boxes.
2007 August ‘The Bombing of Britain’s Railways - a war diary round two: 1939-1945 (Pt1)’ by John W E Helm (includes some details of damage to signalling/boxes).

colour photo of Trevor box.
2007 July ‘Liverpool Exchange’ by Tom Wray (includes details of signalling; b&w photos and layout plan).

‘Signalling Spotlight - GWR boxes of the 1920s and 1930s’ photos by I S Beckey; notes by Richard D Foster (colour views of Exminster, Penzance and Tiverton Junction boxes).

colour photos of Bolton West (LYR) and Droylsden Station Junction (BRLMR) boxes.

Ventnor signals and box.

West Hampstead MR goods signals.
2007 June ‘Willesden freight’ by Keith Miles (some details of operations at the Willesden Yards in the 1930/40s; includes layout plan).

B&W photo of Bourne End Junction LNWR signals/box.

colour photo of Dore & Totley South Junction box.
2007 May ‘Mirfield’ by Jeffrey Wells (includes signalling details and b&w photos of Mirfield No 1 box and LMSR colour light ‘speed signals’).

b&w photos of Newstead Abbey and Woodhall Spa boxes.

GNR signals and ground frame at Horncastle.

colour photos of Claydon L&NE Junction and Hornsey (including gantries) boxes.

Isle of Man Railway signals at Douglas
2007 April Photo article "Way Out West" showing various Cornish locations in semaphore days (GWR 1976-1977). Locations are Hayle, Lostwithiel, Par, and Penzance.

Article "Permanent Way - An Art and a Science" by Michael B Binks. Includes pictures of junction layouts at Cannon Street (SER) and another unnamed location in thrid rail territory. Also pictures with good track detail at Braintree (GER), Brayton (NER 1945), Fairwood Junction (GWR), Fenchurch Street (GER 1911), Leeman Street (GER 1911)

Article "I Remember Merton Park" by Alistair Nisbet. Includes good photographs of Dundonald Road Crossing, and Merton Park SBs.

"Esholt Junction" by Allan Paterson (author’s recollections of working the former MR box in 1975/6; colour exterior and interior views).

Several colour photos of Carr Bridge (HR 1950s) and one of Talyllyn Junction (B&M 1962) boxes.

Article "The Lambourn Valley Railway" includes a picture of Welford Park (GWR 1952) SB.

Article "Some Reflections on the Narrow Gauge" includes part of Hythe (RHDR 1949) SB in view.
2007 March B&W photo of Kelvinhaugh box; colour photos of Billingshurst and Clink Road Junction boxes; Billingshurst, Hartlebury and Whixley (York - Harrogate line) level crossings.
2007 February ‘Cherwell Valley Signalling’ by Graeme Elgar (describes boxes on the Aynho Junction - Leamington Spa line; colour exterior and interior views).

B&W photos of Broomside, Dundalk, Durham Elvet, East Holmes, Knockmore and Lincoln Station (MR) boxes.

Colour photos of Canning Street North and Edale boxes.
2007 January colour photos of Ludgershall, Melton Mowbray (LNWR overhead) and Ravenglass (R&ER) boxes.
Change of Publisher from Atlantic to Pendragon.
Issue Items
2002 October
Volume 16
Number 10		 Article: "The Jedburgh Railway" by Alistair Nisbet, Part 3 (NBR). Includes photo Jedburgh SB (1964), an unusual signal arrangement at Nisbet (1963) and signals at Roxburgh Junction (1959).

Photos of SBs: Alnwick (NER 1966), Mount Pleasant Crossing (LSWR 1966), Tunbridge Wells West A & B.

Photos of signals: Chadwell Heath (GER 1929), Penallta Junction (GWR 1957).
Issue Items
2001 October
Volume 15
Number 10		 Article: Finedon Road, Wellingborough by Paul Bartlett & Richard Foster.
Issue Items
2000 May
Volume 14
Number 5		 Photos of SBs: Earls Court (MDR 1875), Louth South (GNR 1946).

Photos of signals: Basingstoke semaphore Up Starters with Colour lights waiting commissioning (LSWR 1966), Fareham (LSWR 1957), Preston (LNWR 1937), Southampton Terminus (LSWR 1949), Winchcombe (GWR 1964).
2000 March
Volume 14
Number 3		 Photos of SBs: Angmering (LBSCR 1936), Llanfyllin (CR 1953), Ryde St Johns Road IoWR 1988), Uppermill (LNWR 1950s), Yarm (NER c1912 1950 1955).

Photos of signals: Longmoor Downs (LMR 1960s).

Track Layout Plan: Yarm 1926/1927.

Continue to earlier years