"Professor" Temple in Northiam Signalbox

A day at Northiam Station manning the level crossing gates. This weekend marks the last full week of running on the railway. There are trains all week as it is half term, culminating in a couple of "Fright Night" special trains running after dark on 31st October and 1st November. After that it it is all quiet for a month before the Santa Specials begin running at weekends in December right up to 24th of the month.

I'm at Cranbrook Road crossing on Tuesday this week and Wittersham Signalbox on Friday but fortunately do not have to be on duty for the Fright Night nor do I have to lamp the signals either. That's good news as although preparing and lighting the lamps is easy enough, there are lots of lamps to put in and some of the signals are a long way from the box and involve climbing ladders to reach the lamp boxes.

But, it was a good day at Northiam, trains ran on time and the Wealden Pullman Sunday Lunch dining train was out in all its finery. Perhaps Northiam Box will be the next box I learn. Either that or Tenterden. Here the Professor illustrates some of the finer points of the box to another signalman who is learning Northiam Box. The Professor taught me everything I know about signalling as he was the training officer when I was trainee signalman.