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Signalling at Severn Stoke |
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TIP: Hover your mouse over the underlined text for accompanying images |
The signalbox at
Severn Stoke
2
represents a GWR timber structure, built in the 1920s or 30s. It is supposed to
have replaced two smaller McKenzie & Holland boxes from the 1880s, situated at
each end of the station. One survives intact as an
S&T store
2, the other, by the
goods yard level crossing survives in use as a PWay hut
2, but with the top
removed. Such centralisation schemes were common in the 1920s and 30s, when
economy measures were being pursued by the company.
The layout is a crossing loop on a single line, with facing trap points at each
end of the up and down loops, to permit running in from both directions at the
same time. This was a standard feature of most GWR crossing place designs by the
1930s. There is an extra platform intended mainly for longer excursion trains,
signalled for bi-directional running and there is a bay for trains off the
branch from Great Malvern (the junction being at the next box towards Worcester)
This has no run-round facilities as the branch is worked by auto trains or
railcars. A small shed for the branch engines and goods sidings complete the
layout.
By the mid 1950s, in which period the layout is set, some of the GWR wooden post signals have been replaced with BR WR tubular steel post types.
It is intended that eventually the full rodding runs 2 will be completed, but
these are very time consuming. The interior of the box is detailed with a Springside kit, featuring lever frame & block shelf, single line instruments and furniture. It is
illuminated so that the inside can be seen in the dark.
The signals (including four working discs) are worked by the Ratio system of miniature levers 2 connected to the
signal by string 2 3 4
so are fully mechanical. Points are worked by Peco motors, but from adapted
Ratio levers so that the lever frame looks uniform. The frame is 49 levers, but
with some of these being spaces.
FPL levers are included and have been wired to
act so that when reversed they cut off power to the points, thus preventing
movement under trains as in the prototype. This clever idea and the construction
and wiring of the frame were the work of Andy Christie.
The signalbox diagram, which hangs above the layout for use by the 'signalman,' is drawn to GWR 1930's style.
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to Severn Stoke signalbox!
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