More Interesting Objects... 

This is a short section of third rail.

Pick-ups on the train run along this rail to collect the 750v DC electricity to power the train. There are gaps in these third rails at various places, such as level crossings. The train having several pick-ups ensures there is always one or more in contact with the rail.

Obviously this rail is purely for demonstration and is not connected to anything.

With the rail carrying 750v DC it would not be a good idea to get near or touch it.

Dave

SOME INTERESTING OBJECTS ON THE MUSEUM SITE...

For those who don't know, this is a railway boundry marker. 

Boundry markers like this one were used to clearly identify the limits of railway land and to mark them out from adjacent property. They were often used where installing hedges or fencing was difficult, where there was a risk of encroachment by other land owners, or where there had been a dispute over land ownership. They also marked out one railway company's territory from another's, for instance to make it clear who was responsible for maintaining a particular stretch of line.

This sign is fixed to the side gate.

Okay, own up! Who can remember signs like this. I certainly can, and it's even in pounds, shillings and pence. For the younger ones among us there were 20 shillings in a pound and so the penalty was £2. This would have been more significant in the days when these signs were produced. These days it's almost loose change.

Watch out for more interesting items soon.

Dave

SPRING IS ON THE WAY

 

The spring bulbs are starting to flower and make a nice show.

This always brightens up the site and gives us hope for the spring and summer seasons.

Fingers crossed for a fantastic year at Romsey Signal Box!

 OPEN WEEKEND

We were open on both days of this weekend, the 2nd and 3rd of March, to coincide with the model railway exhibition at Crossfield Hall in Romsey.

We had plenty of visitors. Haydon and James were busy operating Cowley Bridge.

The Discovery Centre proved very popular and was well managed by our volunteers.

Our younger visitors had great fun pulling the levers in the signal box. This always proves to be a must.

A SUBTLE CHANGE

The more observant of you will have noticed this change. The name on the icon link to get here from the main web site has changed from "NEWS" TO "BLOG" .

This now better reflects what this area is about. Although any news items will always take priority, more snippets of useful or interesting information will also be included.

OK. The latest news is that the signal box museum is open on both days of this weekend, the 2nd and 3rd of March. This coincides with the model railway exhibition taking place in Crossfield hall, just a short walk away. A great day out can be had by visiting both.

Dave