Coaling up 2678 at Rolvenden

A turn at Wittersham Road signalbox today. A lovely day, everything work well, no problems at all, trains ran to time and the day’s service finished on time. The trains were busy and people seemed to be having a good time.

The main blip is Terrier 2678 being coaled up at Rolvenden before departing light engine to Tenterden. I was at Rolvenden to collect the long section staff for Wittersham.

The extras are the Terrier at Wittersham Road. I was waiting to collect the single line token for the Rolvenden - Wittersham section from the driver. The second extra is a view of the levers and dials from the signalman’s chair.

The only downside was a visitor to the box who largely talked at me for an hour between trains. He was a former signalman and all former signalmen have a wealth of stories to tell about themselves or their colleagues. He was no exception.

He had a good time, watched me perform a faultless crossing move before reluctantly leaving. He expressed an interest in becoming a volunteer so my pain may not be in vain.

While I was out enjoying myself the others were working on Doreen’s house, cleaning, replacing bulbs and taps. I know which I enjoyed!