NEW SLEEPERS BEING INSTALLED...

Work on installing the FPL (Facing point lock) progresses.

Ballast was moved out of the way and the rails lifted clear of the rotten sleepers.

Old sleepers removed and new ones installed.

Progress is definitely being made and it's no mean feat. Rails and sleepers are extremely heavy objects, and all this work is being carried out manually.

Well done team!

A NEW BOOK WRITTEN BY COLIN VARNEY

Colin is a valued member of the Friends of Romsey Signal Box. He is regularly there on open days and working days. He spent several decades as a signalman and is therefore full of useful knowledge.

Colin has published this book which promises to be an excellent read. It is 285 pages long and no doubt packed with interesting facts and stories. He has also very kindly donated many copies to the signal box. The profit from these books goes directly towards the signal box funds.

My British Rail Life normally sells for £13.99 but is a bargain at just £10.00 at the signal box.

The queue of volunteers for a signed copy at the open day on 2nd June.

If you would like a copy please ask on your next visit, or contact us on info@romseysignalbox.org.uk.

If you would like it signed I am sure this could be arranged. 

Your support is always greatly appreciated.

DISCOVERY CENTRE DEDICATED TO AUDREY GEBBIE

Dick showing Audrey the temporary new sign.

For those who perhaps are not aware Audrey Gebbie was the headmistress of the school on what is now the housing estate adjacent to the museum. It is thanks to her that the signal box was saved all those years ago. The discovery centre, being our main education building is the obvious place to dedicate to this lovely lady. 

 

Audrey showing Colin and Chris how it's done in the signal box.

COWLEY BRIDGE IS ON THE MOVE... 

Haydon and James working Cowley Bridge on an open day.

Our "mobile" Cowley Bridge junction exhibit has not been out for a long time, but is now about to have a weekend away at Southampton Solent Sky museum. The date is the 8th and 9th June, which coincides with the Southampton Tram Society open weekend at the same museum.

Do come along. The museum itself is a hidden gem with plenty to see, and the weekend has the added bonuses of Cowley Bridge and the trams. Well worth a visit!

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!