So pleased that you liked our film. I could not have made it without the valuable input from Robin. If you are interested in signal boxes then go over to the FARSAP website. Boxes some in use, some gone of the British Isles. Some I have edited for them. I am not a signal man, but I do appreciate their responsibility. I have a short film of Banbury North signal box before it was demolished on TH-cam.
Thank you Bo. It was made/produced by Robin and myself along with the Winchcombe signal box film. Part of the films are used by Robin to train Signalers at Glos Warwick Steam Railway.
Looks like lots of stamina -- physically and mentally -- is required to be a signalman. This is one of the best train videos I've seen. Well done and thanks very much!
When I worked on the railway as a lad porter in the 1960s part of my job was to take the 'orders' to the three boxes, that is; Merthyr Tydfil station box, Brandy bridge and Rhydycar box. I marveled at the way the signal men knew what leavers to pull, what bell codes to send and so on. And watching this I marvel still.
Pleased to hear that it brought back memories. You must have just caught the latter years of steam. If you wish to have a look at any other signal boxes, go to the FARSAP Web site. They are the Signalling Record Society and are friends of the National Rail Museum of York. Unfortunately they do not have a video of Merthyr. The Web site is free and you have access to written records which may list Merthyr and others in your area.
@@delbyoung Quite right delbyoung, I started in '62. Apart from the DMU's that ran every hour to Cardiff and on to Barry island all the rest were steam. The 08:25 School train, 09:20 auto to Aberdare, calling at all stations. And the Brecon train, calling at all stations. The odd 'special' and a few mystery trips - all steam, ah the good old days. There were more than thirty platform staff back then, now we have just the one. If you like go to Alan George's 'old Merthyr Tydfil' because there are plenty of photos of the railways in and around the Merthyr area. Thanks for your reply.
@@fenrichlee2867 I used to live at Ross on Wye and on many occasions we used to go to Barry Island Porthcawl and Cardiff. We had relatives in Porthcawl and friends in Cardiff. All journeys taken by steam.
@@delbyoung Small world delbyoung, Ross is one of our favorite market towns. To this day we go there at least once a month, less than an hours drive from home.
@@fenrichlee2867 I grew up and schooled Ross from 1939 until 1967 when I got married. I worked for Rank but was moved to London. We now live in Banbury but go to Ross twice a year to tend our parents graves in Ross and Walford churchyards.
I love seeing the diversity of technologies at work here! Mechanical flags and levers, electric signalling with bells, lamps, and electromechanical indicators, and there's even some LEDs. And the signalman is wearing an Apple Watch!
Well spotted. I guess that one day an Apple watch will be old technology. These old signal boxes are really Museum pieces as is so is their operation. It is good that this part of our transport history will remain for generations to come. My grandchildren love old steam trains and the technology. They both assisted in making the film on Toddington and Winchcombe.
@@delbyoung The technology might be old but its extremely clever. I don't know if a heritage railway has all the equipment in place but (in the old days) depending on the box design there will be notched interlocking bars behind each lever which slide into a tappet case that implements the logic needed to prevent conflicting signals and points being pulled. This mechanical logic is often backed up by logic at the actual signals that prevents a mechanical signal being pulled off unless an associated route is set correctly. There are numerous other mechanical and electro-mechanical devices that aid the signalman but they all have one thing in common -- they're all fail safe, they will never go to a 'clear' indication or position regardless of power or line faults. I'm more familiar with staff machines but the token's probably similar -- these must be at the apex of Victorian ingenuity, they're not just a clever design, they're also works of art that are built to last. Its easy to replace old fashioned equipment with modern logic, the tricky bit is getting the modern design to be both reliable ("has to work for decades") and fail safe.
In Australia, we tended to use train staffs (not tokens) with tickets where there were multiple trains in the one direction, while in Victoria and NSW until the 1980s we also had miniature electric staffs exchanged at up to 115kmh with automatic staff exchangers, or manual large electric staffs. Our signal boxes were naturally similar to the British pioneers' outstanding designs. This is a terrific video. Expertly filmed with good explanations. I've been on three heritage UK railways (NYMR, plus at Kidderminster and Kingswear) but G & W plus WSR are two more on my list. Hard to travel long distance at present, sadly.
Good evening, some single track museum railways in the United Kingdom are still operated with staff or token blocks although all their stations are equipped not only with home signals but also with departure signals (generally "railway semaphore signals" with arms positioned at 45º in the dial lower or in the upper quadrant to communicate to the driver that the way is clear). It is therefore not clear to me the need to have a staff or token block in the presence of starting signals. In other words, the signals that authorize the sending of trains in the opposite direction along the single track section could not be interconnected with each other in order to avoid head-on collisions as well as pile-ups as happens on double-track lines equipped with "Absolute block" ? If I remember correctly, the intermediate railway stations of the lines operated with the "Radio Electronic Token Block" do not have departure signals, except the "Stop Board". Grateful for the attention given to me, I would like to take this opportunity to extend cordial and sincere regards
I applaud all the signal boxes that were saved in the UK, not to mention those that remain in service on private lines! Here in the States, out of the thousands once in operation, a handful remain in actual service. Afew have been saved, but only a couple i know of are actually still working on private lines.
Wow fantastic video , most lever frame signal boxes here in Australia have been decommissioned so it’s great to see this video of this British signal box operating in what seems to be original condition . There is a similarity in the bell codes , our Victorian system used (1) to call attention , (2) train departure , (3) train arrival, (4) line clear . We used ‘electric staff ‘ rather than token but it worked the same way , when a train arrived from a single line the staff was placed into the instrument then the signaller would wind a magneto and tap out 3 bells to say the train has arrived in tact , wait for the sending box to reciprocate, 1 bell for attention, wait for reciprocation, then 4 bells to say the single line is cleared and available , after 3-1-4 reciprocating the magneto would wound by one box to allow the other box to draw off a staff for authorisation for the next train to use the single line
Robin seems like the kind of guy you could sit have a few cups of tea with him and chat for hours about the railway, trains and signaling and lose all time!
It's one of the best films I've seen about the workings of a signal box . When on the tracks I used to tend a block on occasion at Aldershot and with the signalman permission I'd sit in the box awaiting instructions fascinated by the way the signalman moved around the box .
Very informative - thanks! I'm a volunteer signalman at Consall on the Churnet Valley Line, where my (simpler!) box controls a passing loop in the station. It;s as yet the only box on the line (though there are several ground frames) so no bell codes, unfortunately.
Thank you Vince. Good luck with your signalling experience. I have edited some videos for FARSAP. Friends of National Rail Museum. There are quite a few signal boxes from up and down the country.
Good evening, some single track museum railways in the United Kingdom are still operated with staff or token blocks although all their stations are equipped not only with home signals but also with departure signals (generally "railway semaphore signals" with arms positioned at 45º in the dial lower or in the upper quadrant to communicate to the driver that the way is clear). It is therefore not clear to me the need to have a staff or token block in the presence of starting signals. In other words, the signals that authorize the sending of trains in the opposite direction along the single track section could not be interconnected with each other in order to avoid head-on collisions as well as pile-ups as happens on double-track lines equipped with "Absolute block" ? If I remember correctly, the intermediate railway stations of the lines operated with the "Radio Electronic Token Block" do not have departure signals, except the "Stop Board". Grateful for the attention given to me, I would like to take this opportunity to extend cordial and sincere regards
Thank you James. I enjoyed filming and editing it but the film would not have turned out as it has without the help and advice of Robin. Have you viewed our second film of Winchcombe signal box, again with Robin?
Well there you have it. A signalman who is up to date with modern technology but working a railway signal box that dates back decades. I have travelled on that line when I was a lad in the 1950's and it still looks the same thanks to a band of volunteers like Robin.
delbyoung that’s absolutely fantastic, he and his workplace are living history, always glad to see that some things aren’t torn down in the name of progress.
@@delbyoung Only that it's my favourite loco and can't wait to receive my Dapol Dinmore Manor 7820 sound locomotive to ride the rails of my layout Dinmore Junction. 🚂🚃🚃🚃
@@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway My son is sometimes fireman on Dynmore Manor. He oversaw its visit to the Severn Valley Railway and, as a birthday present, he arranged for me to travel Broadway to Cheltenham and back to Toddington on the foot plate. A great experience never to be forgotten.
@@delbyoung How nice to be able to enjoy a round trip on the footplate of such an iconic loco. Can't wait to receive my Dapol 7820 sound model locomotive. 🚂🚃🚃🚃
Is there a list meaning the amount of bells being rung (bells' code)? Thanks for the video!!!!!👏👏👏👏 😣I would've liked to be a signalman but was turned down by RR due to age; now I'm 64 Saludos = cheers Buenos Aires, 🇦🇷Argentina
I spent the day on this railway last year. A wonderful railway and great route from Broadway to Cheltenham. Outstanding facilities. Is that the Faremarke Hall in service?
Switches (Points) are mechanically locked in position outside The blue levers are the ones that operate the mechanical lock. When motor points are used the lever is blue at the top and black at the bottom to show it is both moving and locking the points.
Red = Signal Black = Point (or switch if your American I suppose) Blue = Facing Point Lock (FPL), which lock points in place Red with white stripe = Signal which has to be “released” by another signalbox (this stops you clearing a train to the next signalbox without them knowing) Yellow (or occasionally green) = Distant Signal (gives advanced warning of regular signals to the driver, usually this will be placed at the start of a section) White = Spare (lever not in use, doesn’t do anything) Half blue half black = combined point and FPL Less common ones include: Black & white chevrons = Detonators (creates an audible warning using a small explosive device which tells the driver to immediately stop, only really used at busy junctions) Brown = Locks (e.g. locks a turntable, crossing gates, swing bridge etc in place) Half blue half brown = Release lever (unlocks a ground frame for example) Brown/white striped = “King” lever (used to “switch out” the signalbox when not in use) Half red half yellow = combined home & distant Half red half red & white chevrons = signal with detonators in place (detonators will be put in place when the signal is at stop) Thats the only ones your likely to see
Spent many a happy hour in ‘Throstles Nest south junction’ box ( illegally ,with my 10 years older brother) It was in a cutting, and was all filled in in the 80s. Now at street level ,it is home to a 2 acre parking lot.
Yes it does have the typical GWR stove including a GWR coal scuttle with genuine GWR logo. The stoves used to get red hot and generate a massive amount of heat which was welcome as boxes were generally wooden roves.
Hi Kevin. The thing with the key is a token machine and is quite a complicated piece of safety kit. It electrically connects with the next signal box down the line. The key is a 'token' which is a 1 off and allows the train safe passage on the track to the next station. It ensures that there is only one train on the track at one time. A safety precaution. If you go to the FARSAP web site you will see a range of videos on signalboxes. If memory serves me right, there is one on Tenterdon which I edited for them which shows the token machine and explains what goes on inside.
The key is a token that represents permission to enter a section of track. It's used to prevent more than one train from entering the same section. The driver with the token is the one with permission. No token means stop until a token can be obtained. Prevents more than one train from occupying the same track.
What would help if the operation of the corresponding points and signal were filmed and synchronised with the corresponding lever actions. Just a suggestion. 👍👍
A good suggestion Malcolm. I had considered showing some points and signal arms but alas I only had one day to film Toddington and one day to film Winchcombe and I was the only crew member. I used a couple of additional cameras that were 'locked off' as I was not keen on missing any of the action and as it was an operational signal box I did not have the luxury of asking Robin to repeat the action. Have you viewed the Winchcombe film? You may be interested in viewing the FARSAP (signal record society) they have films of signal boxes some filmed by signal men. Some of the films I have edited for them.
delbyoung : I was fascinated by the video , but I didn’t know the different levers colours/ function etc . It would have been great to have had a ‘mimic’ diagram showing the change in route of say a point lever operation changing the routing of that point. That way I could have understood the series of consequences of the actions of the signalman 👍!! Keep in touch , I am a railway enthusiast but no way an expert! Keep up the good work👍👍
Nice video he could do a little bit more explaining of levers and such but its still well done. Funny how the signalman is all done up in vintage attire but has a apple watch instead of a pocket watch😬😂😂😂
Glad that you enjoyed the film. Have you viewed my other one on Winchcombe? If you are interested in signal boxes try FARSAP web site. They are Signalling Record Society and associated with the National Rail Museum in York.
@@delbyoung thanks for the tips. As far as signaling goes I'm very interested in Midland, LNWR, L&YR, & GWR signaling. I've been looking for signaling rule books lately for said railways.
Are there any active efforts to keep a rail system, or part of one that is still being run with the manual signal boxes? Also, what is the reason for the short levers?
Hi Nathan. The shorter leavers are motorised and need less effort. Some of the signals/points can be up to a mile away. All signals and points are connected by wire. This can stretch or shrink with the weather so have to be regularly adjusted. There is a control for this in the signal box Re mechanical signal boxes remaining. Some will, but most are being fazed out as they cannot cope with faster train services. A lot of signal boxes were sited a short distance from each other and they had to communicate with each other. Watching my two films - Toddington and Winchcombe give you an idea of how slow trains can be. I have another film about Banbury North signal box which was a very busy box controlled by one signal man. Heritage railways will always have mechanical boxes. I am sure that eventually the next generation of signal control will appear in Heritage lines. Have a look at the FARESAP web site as they have videos of signal boxes up and down the country.
This is because the engine driver has to return the token for the next train to use that stretch of line. If he had to return it to the signal box, he would have to walk some distance. Tokens are essential for the safety of the railway especially when there is only one track.
Sure they were, you’re just seeing a small period of time in the course of 24 hours. I can guarantee there are plenty of off peak times when the trains have long intervals between runs down the tracks there.
@@andyelliott8027 other signal boxes either side. Line side telephones. Connection to station master office. Platform staff - notification of platform change. Departments such as Steam Department.
Hi Ray. Indeed, such a lovely railway with friendly volunteers. Lockdown? We are steadily coming out of it but GWSR have addressed it and the railway is safe. Look up their timetable. Trains are running and with covid restrictions in place.
all railroads in the usa used to have a lot of those in the usa for a long time they were called interlocking towers or Armstrong machines all of them are now gone due to new tech computer things as ya know everything changes noting stays the same. but why use a rag to throw the handles i could never figure that out?
It is for a couple of reasons. If You spend your day throwing points you will get tired, sore and blistered. The towel gives you better leverage. Some levers require your full body weight because you aren't just throwing the lever, it is attached to up to several hundred metres of cable, rodding and the points which adds weight and friction to the whole setup. The towel lets you pull the lever from each side with both hands spread. The strongest pull a human has is with your arms out in front gripping either side, not one on top of the other. If you have ever been water skiing or towed up a ski slope, you don't hold your bar vertical for a reason. If you have greasy hands from inspecting or maintaining the equipment you can grip the towel. The towel also stops you from spreading grease onto the lever (or the other way). The towel will also prevent your hands from sticking to the freezing metal in a northern winter.
It is for a couple of reasons. If You spend your day throwing points you will get tired, sore and blistered. The towel gives you better leverage. Some levers require your full body weight because you aren't just throwing the lever, it is attached to up to several hundred metres of cable, rodding and the points which adds weight and friction to the whole setup. The towel lets you pull the lever from each side with both hands spread. The strongest pull a human has is with your arms out in front gripping either side, not one on top of the other. If you have ever been water skiing or towed up a ski slope, you don't hold your bar vertical for a reason. If you have greasy hands from inspecting or maintaining the equipment you can grip the towel. The towel also stops you from spreading grease onto the lever (or the other way). The towel will also prevent your hands from sticking to the freezing metal in a northern winter.
signal man doing 2 jobs switching and most of all ears and eyes what for dragging brakes pipes leaking doors not shut wheels for a flat as important as signalling been there 3 weeks ago 3 rover tickets 9-30 till 6-25 good day out
Hi Ray. I remember my son saying about the problems that day. He was fireman on one of the two trains and the diesel-last train of the day, broke down and steam had to come to the rescue at Broadway. Also with this heat he had a lineside fire between Gotherington and Winchcombe. Although the fire brigade were called, he managed to put out the fire with a water hose from the engine. A good line and always something to see. Glad that you enjoyed your day.
I wanted to know why don’t dig a tunnel and do an extension for the main line Train so they extend the new abandoned underground stations. Why couldn’t they use the part D78 Stock train doors on the sides and also restructure the front face of the A60 and A62 stock that includes the class 313, class 314 and class 315 remix and make them all together and also redesign them an overhead line and also make them into six cars per units and also having three Accessible Toilets on that six cars per units A60 and A62 stock trains and also convert the A60 and A62 stock trains into a Scania N112, Volvo TD102KF, Volvo B10M, Gardner 6LXC, Gardner 6LXB and Gardner 8LXB Diesel Engines and also put the Loud 7-Speed Voith Gearboxes even Loud 8-Speed Leyland Hydra cyclic Gearboxes in the A60 and A62 stock, class 313, class 314, and class 315 and also modernise the A60 and A62 stock and make it into an 11 car per unit so it could have fewer doors, more tables, computers and mobile phone chargers? A Stock Train and also having 8 DisaAccessiblelets on those A stock trains. why couldn’t we refurbish and modernise the waterloo and city line Triple-Track train tunnel and make it bigger and extend it to bank station, making it into a Triple-Track Railway Line so those 4 European countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden to convert the waterloo and city line Triple-Track Train tunnel into a High-Speed train? The Third Euro tunnel Triple-Track Train line to make it 11 times better for passengers so they could go from A to B. then put the modernised 11 car per unit A Stock and put them on a bigger modernised waterloo and city line Triple-Track train tunnel so it could go to bank station to those 4 European countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden. The modernised refurbished 11 cars per unit A stock could be a High Speed The Third Triple-Track Euro Tunnel Train So it is promising and 37 times a lot more possible to do this kind of project that is OK for London Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden. Oh by the way, could they also tunnel the Triple-Track Railway Line so it will stop from Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex so that the Passengers will go to Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden and also extend the Triple-Track Railway Line from Bank to Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex Stations so that more people from there could go to Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden Easily. Why couldn't they extend the Piccadilly line and also build a brand-new underground train station so it could go even further right up to Clapton, Wood Street and also make another brand new tunnel train station in Chingford and could they extend the DLR? All of the classes 150, 155, 154, 117, 114, 105, and 106, will be replaced by all of the Scania N112, Volvo TD102KF, Volvo B10M, Gardner 6LXB, Gardner 6LXC and Gardner 8LXB Diesel Six carriages three accessible toilets are air conditioning trains including Highams Park for extended roots which is the Piccadilly line and the DLR trains. Could you also convert all of the 1973 stock trains into an air-conditioned maximum speed 78 km/hours (48 MPH) re-refurbished and make it into a 8 cars per unit if that will be alright, and also extend all of the Piccadilly train stations to create more space for all of the extended 8 car per unit 1973 stock air condition trains and can you also build another Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive Companies and they can order Every 17 Octagon and Hexagon shape LNER diagram unique minor no.13 and unique small no.11 Boilers from those Countries such as Greece, Italy, Poland, and Sweden, can they make Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive speeds by up to 117MPH so you can try and test it on the Original Mainline so it will be much more safer for the Passengers to enjoy the 117MPH speed Limit only for HS2 and Channel Tunnel mainline services, if they needed 16 Carriages Per units can they use those class 55’s, class 44’s, class 40’s and class 43HST Diesel Locomotive’s right at the Back of those 16 Carriages Per Units so they can take over at the Back to let those Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive’s have a rest for those fascinating Journeys Please!!!!!! oh, can you make all of those Coal Boxes’ 16 Tonnes for all of the 117MPH Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive’s so the Companies will Understand us, passengers!! so please make sure that the Builders can do as they are Told!! And please do something about these very important Professional ideas Please Prime Minister of England, Prime Minister of Sweden, Prime Minister of Germany, Prime Minister of Italy, Prime Minister of Poland and that Includes the Mayor of London.
Very entertaining to watch despite having on a slight clue as to what's going on. The signalman's job seems quite tedious, but with a lot of tradiotion. Otherwise, why not just automate the whole thing and oversee it from a central location?
This is a preserved railway, which is mainly intended for a family day out to look at steam trains, and they use them because thats what they used historically. In modern times these were replaced in the 1970s with panels which do (as you said) control it from a central location, though even they are being taken out now in favour of fully automated computer systems.
If you knew British Rail or its equivalent as it was back in the 1950's, you would not wish for their return. Dirty engines, carriages and waiting rooms. These Heritage lines take you back to basically pre war.
And I am not trying to be the brightest boy in the room, got it? I just know steam trains, that's all. And not all that much. I just know a pretty girl when I see her.
Brilliant film which shines a light on an activity that gets little attention but without which no railway could run.
So pleased that you liked our film. I could not have made it without the valuable input from Robin. If you are interested in signal boxes then go over to the FARSAP website. Boxes some in use, some gone of the British Isles. Some I have edited for them. I am not a signal man, but I do appreciate their responsibility. I have a short film of Banbury North signal box before it was demolished
on TH-cam.
Some of our railways in Australia don’t even have drivers or signal boxes, all run by computer
Kudos to those who produced this!
No unnecessary talkover.
Thank you Bo. It was made/produced by Robin and myself along with the Winchcombe signal box film. Part of the films are used by Robin to train Signalers at Glos Warwick Steam Railway.
Looks like lots of stamina -- physically and mentally -- is required to be a signalman. This is one of the best train videos I've seen. Well done and thanks very much!
Agree!!!!👏👏👏
When I worked on the railway as a lad porter in the 1960s part of my job was to take the 'orders' to the three boxes, that is; Merthyr Tydfil station box, Brandy bridge and Rhydycar box. I marveled at the way the signal men knew what leavers to pull, what bell codes to send and so on. And watching this I marvel still.
Pleased to hear that it brought back memories. You must have just caught the latter years of steam.
If you wish to have a look at any other signal boxes, go to the FARSAP Web site. They are the Signalling Record Society and are friends of the National Rail Museum of York. Unfortunately they do not have a video of Merthyr. The Web site is free and you have access to written records which may list Merthyr and others in your area.
@@delbyoung Quite right delbyoung, I started in '62. Apart from the DMU's that ran every hour to Cardiff and on to Barry island all the rest were steam. The 08:25 School train, 09:20 auto to Aberdare, calling at all stations. And the Brecon train, calling at all stations. The odd 'special' and a few mystery trips - all steam, ah the good old days. There were more than thirty platform staff back then, now we have just the one. If you like go to Alan George's 'old Merthyr Tydfil' because there are plenty of photos of the railways in and around the Merthyr area. Thanks for your reply.
@@fenrichlee2867 I used to live at Ross on Wye and on many occasions we used to go to Barry Island Porthcawl and Cardiff. We had relatives in Porthcawl and friends in Cardiff. All journeys taken by steam.
@@delbyoung Small world delbyoung, Ross is one of our favorite market towns. To this day we go there at least once a month, less than an hours drive from home.
@@fenrichlee2867 I grew up and schooled Ross from 1939 until 1967 when I got married. I worked for Rank but was moved to London. We now live in Banbury but go to Ross twice a year to tend our parents graves in Ross and Walford churchyards.
I love seeing the diversity of technologies at work here! Mechanical flags and levers, electric signalling with bells, lamps, and electromechanical indicators, and there's even some LEDs. And the signalman is wearing an Apple Watch!
Well spotted. I guess that one day an Apple watch will be old technology.
These old signal boxes are really Museum pieces as is so is their operation. It is good that this part of our transport history will remain for generations to come.
My grandchildren love old steam trains and the technology. They both assisted in making the film on Toddington and Winchcombe.
@@delbyoung The technology might be old but its extremely clever. I don't know if a heritage railway has all the equipment in place but (in the old days) depending on the box design there will be notched interlocking bars behind each lever which slide into a tappet case that implements the logic needed to prevent conflicting signals and points being pulled. This mechanical logic is often backed up by logic at the actual signals that prevents a mechanical signal being pulled off unless an associated route is set correctly. There are numerous other mechanical and electro-mechanical devices that aid the signalman but they all have one thing in common -- they're all fail safe, they will never go to a 'clear' indication or position regardless of power or line faults. I'm more familiar with staff machines but the token's probably similar -- these must be at the apex of Victorian ingenuity, they're not just a clever design, they're also works of art that are built to last.
Its easy to replace old fashioned equipment with modern logic, the tricky bit is getting the modern design to be both reliable ("has to work for decades") and fail safe.
@@martinusher1 Great comment. The voice of experience!
@@martinusher1 The frame will have proper interlocking, it is extremely unusual, even in heritage operations, for an operating box to not have it.
What a colorful watch band 🌈
In Australia, we tended to use train staffs (not tokens) with tickets where there were multiple trains in the one direction, while in Victoria and NSW until the 1980s we also had miniature electric staffs exchanged at up to 115kmh with automatic staff exchangers, or manual large electric staffs.
Our signal boxes were naturally similar to the British pioneers' outstanding designs.
This is a terrific video. Expertly filmed with good explanations. I've been on three heritage UK railways (NYMR, plus at Kidderminster and Kingswear) but G & W plus WSR are two more on my list. Hard to travel long distance at present, sadly.
Good evening, some single track museum railways in the United Kingdom are still operated with staff or token blocks although all their stations are equipped not only with home signals but also with departure signals (generally "railway semaphore signals" with arms positioned at 45º in the dial lower or in the upper quadrant to communicate to the driver that the way is clear). It is therefore not clear to me the need to have a staff or token block in the presence of starting signals. In other words, the signals that authorize the sending of trains in the opposite direction along the single track section could not be interconnected with each other in order to avoid head-on collisions as well as pile-ups as happens on double-track lines equipped with "Absolute block" ? If I remember correctly, the intermediate railway stations of the lines operated with the "Radio Electronic Token Block" do not have departure signals, except the "Stop Board". Grateful for the attention given to me, I would like to take this opportunity to extend cordial and sincere regards
Wonderful job on the video! This was a very interesting take of being in a signal box.
I applaud all the signal boxes that were saved in the UK, not to mention those that remain in service on private lines! Here in the States, out of the thousands once in operation, a handful remain in actual service. Afew have been saved, but only a couple i know of are actually still working on private lines.
Track Ciruits are electrical Ciruits that terrorists must not know about.
Wow fantastic video , most lever frame signal boxes here in Australia have been decommissioned so it’s great to see this video of this British signal box operating in what seems to be original condition . There is a similarity in the bell codes , our Victorian system used (1) to call attention , (2) train departure , (3) train arrival, (4) line clear . We used ‘electric staff ‘ rather than token but it worked the same way , when a train arrived from a single line the staff was placed into the instrument then the signaller would wind a magneto and tap out 3 bells to say the train has arrived in tact , wait for the sending box to reciprocate, 1 bell for attention, wait for reciprocation, then 4 bells to say the single line is cleared and available , after 3-1-4 reciprocating the magneto would wound by one box to allow the other box to draw off a staff for authorisation for the next train to use the single line
Robin seems like the kind of guy you could sit have a few cups of tea with him and chat for hours about the railway, trains and signaling and lose all time!
He is. I found him a great guy to film and most helpful during editing.
It's one of the best films I've seen about the workings of a signal box . When on the tracks I used to tend a block on occasion at Aldershot and with the signalman permission I'd sit in the box awaiting instructions fascinated by the way the signalman moved around the box .
Thank you for your comment. Much appreciated. Have you viewed a similar video that I made with the help of Robin - Winchcombe?
Very informative - thanks! I'm a volunteer signalman at Consall on the Churnet Valley Line, where my (simpler!) box controls a passing loop in the station. It;s as yet the only box on the line (though there are several ground frames) so no bell codes, unfortunately.
Thank you Vince. Good luck with your signalling experience. I have edited some videos for FARSAP. Friends of National Rail Museum. There are quite a few signal boxes from up and down the country.
The AI subtitled the lever squeal as ‘music’. Good translation.
Excellent video! Many thanks
Good evening, some single track museum railways in the United Kingdom are still operated with staff or token blocks although all their stations are equipped not only with home signals but also with departure signals (generally "railway semaphore signals" with arms positioned at 45º in the dial lower or in the upper quadrant to communicate to the driver that the way is clear). It is therefore not clear to me the need to have a staff or token block in the presence of starting signals. In other words, the signals that authorize the sending of trains in the opposite direction along the single track section could not be interconnected with each other in order to avoid head-on collisions as well as pile-ups as happens on double-track lines equipped with "Absolute block" ? If I remember correctly, the intermediate railway stations of the lines operated with the "Radio Electronic Token Block" do not have departure signals, except the "Stop Board". Grateful for the attention given to me, I would like to take this opportunity to extend cordial and sincere regards
Outstanding video I have really enjoyed it
Thank you James. I enjoyed filming and editing it but the film would not have turned out as it has without the help and advice of Robin. Have you viewed our second film of Winchcombe signal box, again with Robin?
Brilliant! Thank you.
So glad that you enjoyed our film. Have you viewed the one on Winchcombe? Again with Robin in the signalbox.
I thought this was filmed in the 90’s, until I saw the Apple Watch he was wearing 😂
Well there you have it. A signalman who is up to date with modern technology but working a railway signal box that dates back decades. I have travelled on that line when I was a lad in the 1950's and it still looks the same thanks to a band of volunteers like Robin.
delbyoung that’s absolutely fantastic, he and his workplace are living history, always glad to see that some things aren’t torn down in the name of progress.
The passengers using their smart phones on the trains were also a dead giveaway on time period.
Congratulations on a video well produced and Informative. 🚂🚃🚃🚃
Thank you Dinmore Junction. Much appreciated. Do you have a link with Dinmore Manor based at Toddington?
@@delbyoung Only that it's my favourite loco and can't wait to receive my Dapol Dinmore Manor 7820 sound locomotive to ride the rails of my layout Dinmore Junction. 🚂🚃🚃🚃
@@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway My son is sometimes fireman on Dynmore Manor. He oversaw its visit to the Severn Valley Railway and, as a birthday present, he arranged for me to travel Broadway to Cheltenham and back to Toddington on the foot plate. A great experience never to be forgotten.
@@delbyoung How nice to be able to enjoy a round trip on the footplate of such an iconic loco. Can't wait to receive my Dapol 7820 sound model locomotive.
🚂🚃🚃🚃
This is fascinating, how it all works
Very enjoyable video. Question that has nothing to do with signalling: were King class locos allowed to use this line in BR days?
Is there a list meaning the amount of bells being rung (bells' code)?
Thanks for the video!!!!!👏👏👏👏
😣I would've liked to be a signalman but was turned down by RR due to age; now I'm 64
Saludos = cheers
Buenos Aires, 🇦🇷Argentina
That was a great video
I spent the day on this railway last year. A wonderful railway and great route from Broadway to Cheltenham. Outstanding facilities. Is that the Faremarke Hall in service?
Yes it is Foremark Hall. You can also see it 'up and pass' in my Winchcombe film.
Is it the color of the handles?
Red=signal?
Black=switch?
And what about the blue ones?
Switches (Points) are mechanically locked in position outside The blue levers are the ones that operate the mechanical lock. When motor points are used the lever is blue at the top and black at the bottom to show it is both moving and locking the points.
@@cedarcam Thanks!
Red = Signal
Black = Point (or switch if your American I suppose)
Blue = Facing Point Lock (FPL), which lock points in place
Red with white stripe = Signal which has to be “released” by another signalbox (this stops you clearing a train to the next signalbox without them knowing)
Yellow (or occasionally green) = Distant Signal (gives advanced warning of regular signals to the driver, usually this will be placed at the start of a section)
White = Spare (lever not in use, doesn’t do anything)
Half blue half black = combined point and FPL
Less common ones include:
Black & white chevrons = Detonators (creates an audible warning using a small explosive device which tells the driver to immediately stop, only really used at busy junctions)
Brown = Locks (e.g. locks a turntable, crossing gates, swing bridge etc in place)
Half blue half brown = Release lever (unlocks a ground frame for example)
Brown/white striped = “King” lever (used to “switch out” the signalbox when not in use)
Half red half yellow = combined home & distant
Half red half red & white chevrons = signal with detonators in place (detonators will be put in place when the signal is at stop)
Thats the only ones your likely to see
Great job✅
You get quite a workout 🏋️♀️ pulling levers😁
Some are harder than others due to the mechanical connection and distance to signals and points.
Spent many a happy hour in ‘Throstles Nest south junction’ box ( illegally ,with my 10 years older brother) It was in a cutting, and was all filled in in the 80s. Now at street level ,it is home to a 2 acre parking lot.
Wonderful !why do we always have to change ,is there a stove inside?
Yes it does have the typical GWR stove including a GWR coal scuttle with genuine GWR logo. The stoves used to get red hot and generate a massive amount of heat which was welcome as boxes were generally wooden roves.
Hasn't changed everywhere, I've worked over a dozen lever boxes in over 25 yrs on the railway and still going 😉 👍
Can't the levels be cleaned once and for all, so they don't need to always use that rag?
That cloth is to keep hand oils and sweat from tarnishing the levers.
The thing With the key i don’t understand... is Thére movie where they explain that?
Hi Kevin. The thing with the key is a token machine and is quite a complicated piece of safety kit. It electrically connects with the next signal box down the line. The key is a 'token' which is a 1 off and allows the train safe passage on the track to the next station. It ensures that there is only one train on the track at one time. A safety precaution. If you go to the FARSAP web site you will see a range of videos on signalboxes. If memory serves me right, there is one on Tenterdon which I edited for them which shows the token machine and explains what goes on inside.
The key is a token that represents permission to enter a section of track. It's used to prevent more than one train from entering the same section. The driver with the token is the one with permission. No token means stop until a token can be obtained. Prevents more than one train from occupying the same track.
Well that was really cool to see !
Glad you enjoyed it.
What would help if the operation of the corresponding points and signal were filmed and synchronised with the corresponding lever actions. Just a suggestion. 👍👍
A good suggestion Malcolm. I had considered showing some points and signal arms but alas I only had one day to film Toddington and one day to film Winchcombe and I was the only crew member. I used a couple of additional cameras that were 'locked off' as I was not keen on missing any of the action and as it was an operational signal box I did not have the luxury of asking Robin to repeat the action. Have you viewed the Winchcombe film? You may be interested in viewing the FARSAP (signal record society) they have films of signal boxes some filmed by signal men. Some of the films I have edited for them.
delbyoung : I was fascinated by the video , but I didn’t know the different levers colours/ function etc . It would have been great to have had a ‘mimic’ diagram showing the change in route of say a point lever operation changing the routing of that point. That way I could have understood the series of consequences of the actions of the signalman 👍!! Keep in touch , I am a railway enthusiast but no way an expert! Keep up the good work👍👍
Nice video he could do a little bit more explaining of levers and such but its still well done. Funny how the signalman is all done up in vintage attire but has a apple watch instead of a pocket watch😬😂😂😂
Glad that you enjoyed the film. Have you viewed my other one on Winchcombe? If you are interested in signal boxes try FARSAP web site. They are Signalling Record Society and associated with the National Rail Museum in York.
@@delbyoung thanks for the tips. As far as signaling goes I'm very interested in Midland, LNWR, L&YR, & GWR signaling. I've been looking for signaling rule books lately for said railways.
Are there any active efforts to keep a rail system, or part of one that is still being run with the manual signal boxes? Also, what is the reason for the short levers?
Hi Nathan. The shorter leavers are motorised and need less effort. Some of the signals/points can be up to a mile away. All signals and points are connected by wire. This can stretch or shrink with the weather so have to be regularly adjusted. There is a control for this in the signal box
Re mechanical signal boxes remaining. Some will, but most are being fazed out as they cannot cope with faster train services. A lot of signal boxes were sited a short distance from each other and they had to communicate with each other. Watching my two films - Toddington and Winchcombe give you an idea of how slow trains can be. I have another film about Banbury North signal box which was a very busy box controlled by one signal man. Heritage railways will always have mechanical boxes. I am sure that eventually the next generation of signal control will appear in Heritage lines. Have a look at the FARESAP web site as they have videos of signal boxes up and down the country.
Fascinating!
Why is the other token machine on the platform and not in the signal box?
This is because the engine driver has to return the token for the next train to use that stretch of line. If he had to return it to the signal box, he would have to walk some distance. Tokens are essential for the safety of the railway especially when there is only one track.
What a physical job this must have been and dance almost. You have to wonder what the armchairs were for...never used.
Sure they were, you’re just seeing a small period of time in the course of 24 hours. I can guarantee there are plenty of off peak times when the trains have long intervals between runs down the tracks there.
Is the class 20 now operational?
I am not sure. I suggest that you look on their web site - gloucester warwickshire steam railway.
Lovely box to operate. It’s nice when people take an interest in the signalling side of the railway.
@@sauljones7748 i agree
@@delbyoung Who does he speak to on all the different telephones?
@@andyelliott8027 other signal boxes either side. Line side telephones. Connection to station master office. Platform staff - notification of platform change. Departments such as Steam Department.
I'd never make it. I'm too stupid. Or at least, I could never remain sober enough. I mean really now, there's so much to know!
my favorite railway have shares with it hop to go one day when i can escape this virus lock down.
Hi Ray. Indeed, such a lovely railway with friendly volunteers. Lockdown? We are steadily coming out of it but GWSR have addressed it and the railway is safe. Look up their timetable. Trains are running and with covid restrictions in place.
all railroads in the usa used to have a lot of those in the usa for a long time they were called interlocking towers or Armstrong machines all of them are now gone due to new tech computer things as ya know everything changes noting stays the same. but why use a rag to throw the handles i could never figure that out?
It is for a couple of reasons.
If You spend your day throwing points you will get tired, sore and blistered. The towel gives you better leverage. Some levers require your full body weight because you aren't just throwing the lever, it is attached to up to several hundred metres of cable, rodding and the points which adds weight and friction to the whole setup.
The towel lets you pull the lever from each side with both hands spread. The strongest pull a human has is with your arms out in front gripping either side, not one on top of the other. If you have ever been water skiing or towed up a ski slope, you don't hold your bar vertical for a reason.
If you have greasy hands from inspecting or maintaining the equipment you can grip the towel. The towel also stops you from spreading grease onto the lever (or the other way). The towel will also prevent your hands from sticking to the freezing metal in a northern winter.
@@Pitcairn2 It's also a matter of pride amoungst signallers to keep all the brightwork polished
I don't get the using a rag pulling the levers
Keeps them from getting rusty
It is for a couple of reasons.
If You spend your day throwing points you will get tired, sore and blistered. The towel gives you better leverage. Some levers require your full body weight because you aren't just throwing the lever, it is attached to up to several hundred metres of cable, rodding and the points which adds weight and friction to the whole setup.
The towel lets you pull the lever from each side with both hands spread. The strongest pull a human has is with your arms out in front gripping either side, not one on top of the other. If you have ever been water skiing or towed up a ski slope, you don't hold your bar vertical for a reason.
If you have greasy hands from inspecting or maintaining the equipment you can grip the towel. The towel also stops you from spreading grease onto the lever (or the other way). The towel will also prevent your hands from sticking to the freezing metal in a northern winter.
Two line any kaizan
Interesting.
Is this bluebell railway?
No. This is the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway based near Cheltenham Gloucestershire. The Bluebell Railway is in Sussex.
@@delbyoung ok sir thank you for 👍👍👍
cant read captions or forgot easier to ask i suppose.
Omg I’m worn out watching that plus the weight of the responsibility - I need a lie down! 😅 😆😆
signal man
doing 2 jobs
switching
and most of all ears and eyes
what for dragging brakes pipes leaking doors not shut wheels for a flat
as important as signalling
been there 3 weeks ago
3 rover tickets
9-30 till 6-25
good day out
Hi Ray. I remember my son saying about the problems that day. He was fireman on one of the two trains and the diesel-last train of the day, broke down and steam had to come to the rescue at Broadway. Also with this heat he had a lineside fire between Gotherington and Winchcombe. Although the fire brigade were called, he managed to put out the fire with a water hose from the engine. A good line and always something to see. Glad that you enjoyed your day.
It is a science I don't understand and never will ...
I wanted to know why don’t dig a tunnel and do an extension for the main line Train so they extend the new abandoned underground stations.
Why couldn’t they use the part D78 Stock train doors on the sides and also restructure the front face of the A60 and A62 stock that includes the class 313, class 314 and class 315 remix and make them all together and also redesign them an overhead line and also make them into six cars per units and also having three Accessible Toilets on that six cars per units A60 and A62 stock trains and also convert the A60 and A62 stock trains into a Scania N112, Volvo TD102KF, Volvo B10M, Gardner 6LXC, Gardner 6LXB and Gardner 8LXB Diesel Engines and also put the Loud 7-Speed Voith Gearboxes even Loud 8-Speed Leyland Hydra cyclic Gearboxes in the A60 and A62 stock, class 313, class 314, and class 315 and also modernise the A60 and A62 stock and make it into an 11 car per unit so it could have fewer doors, more tables, computers and mobile phone chargers?
A Stock Train and also having 8 DisaAccessiblelets on those A stock trains. why couldn’t we refurbish and modernise the waterloo and city line Triple-Track train tunnel and make it bigger and extend it to bank station, making it into a Triple-Track Railway Line so those 4 European countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden to convert the waterloo and city line Triple-Track Train tunnel into a High-Speed train?
The Third Euro tunnel Triple-Track Train line to make it 11 times better for passengers so they could go from A to B. then put the modernised 11 car per unit A Stock and put them on a bigger modernised waterloo and city line Triple-Track train tunnel so it could go to bank station to those 4 European countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden. The modernised refurbished 11 cars per unit A stock could be a High Speed The Third Triple-Track Euro Tunnel Train So it is promising and 37 times a lot more possible to do this kind of project that is OK for London Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden. Oh by the way, could they also tunnel the Triple-Track Railway Line so it will stop from Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex so that the Passengers will go to Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden and also extend the Triple-Track Railway Line from Bank to Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex Stations so that more people from there could go to Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden Easily.
Why couldn't they extend the Piccadilly line and also build a brand-new underground train station so it could go even further right up to Clapton, Wood Street and also make another brand new tunnel train station in Chingford and could they extend the DLR?
All of the classes 150, 155, 154, 117, 114, 105, and 106, will be replaced by all of the Scania N112, Volvo TD102KF, Volvo B10M, Gardner 6LXB, Gardner 6LXC and Gardner 8LXB Diesel Six carriages three accessible toilets are air conditioning trains including Highams Park for extended roots which is the Piccadilly line and the DLR trains.
Could you also convert all of the 1973 stock trains into an air-conditioned maximum speed 78 km/hours (48 MPH) re-refurbished and make it into a 8 cars per unit if that will be alright, and also extend all of the Piccadilly train stations to create more space for all of the extended 8 car per unit 1973 stock air condition trains and can you also build another Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive Companies and they can order Every 17 Octagon and Hexagon shape LNER diagram unique minor no.13 and unique small no.11 Boilers from those Countries such as Greece, Italy, Poland, and Sweden, can they make Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive speeds by up to 117MPH so you can try and test it on the Original Mainline so it will be much more safer for the Passengers to enjoy the 117MPH speed Limit only for HS2 and Channel Tunnel mainline services, if they needed 16 Carriages Per units can they use those class 55’s, class 44’s, class 40’s and class 43HST Diesel Locomotive’s right at the Back of those 16 Carriages Per Units so they can take over at the Back to let those Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive’s have a rest for those fascinating Journeys Please!!!!!! oh, can you make all of those Coal Boxes’ 16 Tonnes for all of the 117MPH Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive’s so the Companies will Understand us, passengers!! so please make sure that the Builders can do as they are Told!! And please do something about these very important Professional ideas Please Prime Minister of England, Prime Minister of Sweden, Prime Minister of Germany, Prime Minister of Italy, Prime Minister of Poland and that Includes the Mayor of London.
Very entertaining to watch despite having on a slight clue as to what's going on. The signalman's job seems quite tedious, but with a lot of tradiotion. Otherwise, why not just automate the whole thing and oversee it from a central location?
This is a preserved railway, which is mainly intended for a family day out to look at steam trains, and they use them because thats what they used historically. In modern times these were replaced in the 1970s with panels which do (as you said) control it from a central location, though even they are being taken out now in favour of fully automated computer systems.
Terrorists must not know about Track Ciruits.
Shah. Don't tell them!
British Rail!
Bye-bye!
If you knew British Rail or its equivalent as it was back in the 1950's, you would not wish for their return. Dirty engines, carriages and waiting rooms. These Heritage lines take you back to basically pre war.
Oh yeah? How about steam?
And I am not trying to be the brightest boy in the room, got it?
I just know steam trains, that's all. And not all that much.
I just know a pretty girl when I see her.