Preparing to instruct the driver of the 10.20TN

Interesting departure today as the block system between Tenterden and Rolvenden was down meaning no tokens could be obtained or a release on the section signal. This meant the appointment of a pilotman to act as a human token authorised by the signalman to instruct the driver to pass the section signal at danger and obey all other signals.

Usually the pilotman would travel on the footplate with the driver but as the next train was also a down train he gave the driver a ticket to authorise the move meaning the pilotman would travel on the next down train in the cab and be at Rolvenden for the first up working.


All clear?

I was at Tenterden for my railway medical so I was able to observe the pilotman process with interest. What added further interest was that the Tenterden signalman had learner with her and the pilotman was originally on a learning turn at Rolvenden.

You’ll be pleased to learn that I was passed fit for another year despite being poorly last week. I’d already given up tomorrow’s turn in case I wasn’t well enough. The nurse said it was a sensible decision.

Going to meet a chap who was a friend 50 years ago when we were at college together. Not seen him since then. It’ll be interesting