GREAT CENTRAL SIGNALMAN

Surprising really that the Signalman was not seen as the most highly sort after job - it carries huge responsibility, needs meticulous attention to detail and even in steam days a level of physical fitness akin to a fireman!

This is the book that really takes the reader into the world of the steam age signalman - although concentrating on The Great Central route, this is fully representative of the signalman's lot throughout the railway network. We are taken into the detailed operation of the busy signalbox, the mysteries of bell codes, interlocking, level crossing operation, train staffs, sections and even the legendary cloth or signalman's rag are fully explained.

The signalmans relationships with the other railway jobs both above and below in the pecking order are fully reviewed and the level of responsibility and the effects examined. The signalman's life could be a rich mix between periods of intense activity and the silent and tranquil times in between trains when on astill day you could hear a pin drop! Contrast that with a lonely signalbox in the dead of night with a howling gale and shrill whistling in the wires that deterirates into a blizzard and freezing temeratures and all you have to do is keep the trains running! etails to follow

CONTENTS:

Introduction 7

1 ‘One on the top’ 11
2 An introduction to signal boxes 16
3 The bicycle rides begin 27
Clifton Mill 27
Newbold 28
Kilsby North 30
4 The Great Central 32
Shawell 34
Rugby Station 35
Rugby Cattle Sidings 46
Lutterworth 47
Ashby Magna 47
Staverton Road 47
Other GC boxes visited 49
5 Back to the ‘Midland’ 59
Kilsby Tunnel South End 59
Welton 60
Dunchurch 61
Rugby No 1 62
The other Rugby boxes 63
6 Starting work 69
Engine cleaner at Woodford 69
Passed Cleaner 71
Woodford West Junction 73
7 Signalling School 75
8 Signalman at Braunston & Willoughby 79
9 Working Braunston & Willoughby box 84
10 Life at Braunston & Willoughby 90
11 Barby Sidings 96
12 Braunston & Willoughby: night-time,
fog and phones 99
13 Requiem to the Great Central Railway 105
14 The Great Central: notes and jottings 107
15 Postscript: an abiding passion 116

Appendix 1 Local whistle codes 121
Appendix 2 Some signalling basics 123

Glossary 143
Index 143