So You Want To Be ... a Signalman
Here is a message for those who harbour ambition to be a Signalman or woman (oh yes
there were and yes we have!). Increasing commitments mean that a few more names need
to be added to the roster. The Operating Department extends this opportunity to become
a trainee 'Bobby' -
You will need to be at least 18, fit, and responsible. Full instruction will be given but you will need to demonstrate an aptitude for the job, and swot to pass the Rules and Regulations exam. It all sounds very formal, and it is; but that's only part of it. Let me explain.
I'm retired now (early, with the pension), but, since short trousers and the ABCs, have been fascinated by signalling. Knowing I now had a little time to spare, a wily member invited me to spend the day with him 'in the box'; end of story really. Once you have experienced operating from the inside, chances are you too will be hooked. Enter a world of 'distant' signals, bell codes and tokens!
Once qualified, you will be put on the roster and work in those boxes for which you have been 'passed out', perhaps once or twice a month, or more if you are able to spare the time. We would especially like to hear from any of you available midweek on a regular basis.
Everything up to now has been aimed at would-
Signalboxes
To whet your appetite, here are brief descriptions of the signalboxes along our line.
Llangollen Station. The Duttons lever frame came from Borth, the original having
been removed by another preserved railway society before the station was ours. It
controls arrivals, departures, and run-
Llangollen Goods Junction is sited to control movements to / from the engine shed and Pentrefelin yard; it is also a passing place. The original structure has long gone, the present one being built by Society volunteers in 1988. The frame came from Ruabon. It is open on timetable C days and galas.
Deeside Halt. The G.W. had a loop here to divide the long section between Goods Junction
and Glyndyfrdwy, but it was only open as traffic demanded. This entirely new box
is based on a Cheshire Lines design -
Glyndyfrdwy's combination of upper and lower quadrants lends an air of Joint Lines. For a period, the this was our Western terminus, but now an occasional passing place and typical country station. The level crossing adds interest to the operations; the box and frame came from Leaton. In G.W. days the box was on the up platform. Due to the level crossing and token exchange, the box must be manned every operating day.
Carrog's signalling is now operational. This installation, planned by the late John Stowell, is to strict G.W. practice, using components from Weston Rhyn.
Various systems of single line control operate between Llangollen Station S.B. and Carrog. On busy days, electric token block working is used between boxes , giving three electric token block sections. For quieter days, 'one engine in steam' or 'staff and ticket' working are used. Internal and omnibus telephone circuits link the boxes.
Original article by Eddie Frangleton, published in Steam at Llangollen Summer 1997.
Transferred 29th June 2007 by John Rutter -
Glyndyfrdwy Box with 46010 exchanging the token
Pic John Rutter
Goods Junction Box on a sunny afternoon
Picture John Rutter
Llangollen Box which sits on the East End of Llangollen Station Platform and is used to control the movements in Llangollen Station Area
Pic John Rutter