Completing the Train Register

My second turn at Wittersham Road since passing out as a signalman at that box. A wet start to the day but it brightened up later. An uneventful day where everything happened as it should, no delays, cancellations or other service disruptions which is exactly how I wanted it. I don't want things too much out of the ordinary while gaining experience and confidence in the box on my own.

Nothing like a bit of pressure though as there were two experienced signalmen in the boxes either side - the Signalling Inspector at Rolvenden and one of the Assistant Signalling Inspectors at Northiam.

I've shown shots of the signalbox before, usually of the levers and instrument shelf. This time it's looking the other way towards the back of the box taking in the desk and all the paraphernalia on the walls and surfaces. Here I'm completing the train register, recording train times at specific points on their journey between boxes. The walls are covered with notices as well as lots of telephones to contact other boxes and locations on the railway.

Prominent are the two locking charts, one for mechanical locks and the other for electrical locks - both these charts show the signal and locking arrangements for different routes arranged to prevent conflicting movements onto a single line. I'm gradually understanding more and more of the hieroglyphics on these sheets.


Just in the bottom left corner you can see a bag of roast pototoes handed over from the Wealden Pullman as it passed. That was to add to the soup which had been delivered before that, a bit like the travelling post office, as the train made its way down earlier as empty carriage stock to pick up the Sunday lunch diners at Northiam.

Although the box has electric power, gas fittings are still in place and all work. Can just see the bottom of the lamp globe at the top of the shot and of course, the kettle on the gas ring.