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

ORNITHOLOGY IN AND AROUND THE MUSEUM 

One of our volunteers, who is also the membership secretary is interested in bird watching. He often gives us an update as to what's around.

A little earlier this month a male bullfinch was spotted along the canal path. No particularly rare birds have been spotted. Another of our volunteers has provided a bird feeder, which is proving very popular. It is attracting lots of finches, mainly house sparrows with the occasional chaffinch. Feeding house sparrows is important as their estimated population has dropped by 60-70% since the mid 1970s.

Just a stones throw away is Fishlake Meadows where many birds are seen. Earlier this month a bittern was seen booming over the meadow on several days.

We do have a very tame robin on the signal box site. It has been known for him to come right into the cafe to scrounge some crumbs whilst we are eating lunch. He often sits on one of the fences watching our activities.

JUST A QUICKIE! 

If anyone has any news items or anything people may be interested in then please do send it in to me at datrewern@gmail.com. I can't guarantee when or if it will be published but any donations will be gratefully received.

Dave

NEWS ODDS AND ENDS...

 Just a few snippets of information this time.

Our old sack trucks were looking the worse for wear with rotting timber and rusting metalwork.

Nursling Mens' Shed very kindly repaired the timber and the trucks have now been fully restored. They look splendid in their new paint. Young Noah has also done a great job in adding the "Romsey No 2" lettering.

Our thanks go to all involved in the restoration.

The garden is being prepared for the spring and summer.

Various flower beds have been cleared and readied for planting.

The blossom by the shed shows that spring is not too far away (he says hopefully).

2024 OPEN DAYS BEGIN... 

   This years open days are about to begin. Do come along and support us if you can.

I previously mentioned that exciting things are happening this year. When you visit please have a look around to see what has changed or is due to and chat to us to find out more.

Everyone knows that times are hard at the moment, especially with this current cold spell. The signal box site is "all electric" and therefor very expensive to heat in the winter. The entry fee is extremely reasonable and so if you can possibly spare a few extra coppers please consider throwing them in the donation bucket. It is very much appreciated.

We hope everyone enjoys the signal box site during 2024.

Very best wishes.