Rolvenden Yard

A grand day on the railway at Wittersham Road signalbox. A lovely spring day with sun and a gentle breeze. Train service went well and apart from a technical problem with the block instrument, everything worked well.

Opened the box with a train in the platform which I’d not done before, neither had the driver who appeared bemused to be handing me the token. All part of the fun of the day which worked out just fine.

Had the signalling inspector with me for a few hours in the afternoon, not a formal assessment visit, more of a courtesy call to keep in touch. A very enjoyable time as I was able to clarify a few points with him which was useful too. And I had him working the gates to save me the effort of doing so.

The trains ran on time so all too soon the last train was given out of section and it was time to switch out the box and return the token back to Rolvenden. The Yard at Rolvenden is always a good bet for a blip and today was no exception. Today’s two service engines can be seen in the company of a Rowntree diesel locomotive. The tender engine, Norwegian, is 100 years old this year, it’ll be her last year of service for a while as her boiler certificate expires this year. The other engine in No 25, affectionately known as The Bucket, which is an industrial locomotive not too different in age to me but looking rather more resplendent.