Signalling
The points and lights are all worked from Longleat Junction Signal Box. The groundframe was installed in 1976, when the single line became a loop. The groundframe is an original GWR frame and was used at Pyle Hill in Bristol.
There are signal lights installed that show the position of the points when entering and leaving the station, also when the engine is 'running around'. The semaphore signals were made at Longleat in the 1980's, but are non functioning.
Below is an excerpt of details concerning changes to the signals, given to me by our consultant signalling engineer, Kevin Weston MIRSE.
About 1981. The lever frame
for the signal box was installed. This is a rough date but
I believe it was in use by that year.
Note: It has since been established
that the frame was installed in 1976.
August 1987. First two
signals installed, identified as 'A' and 'B'. These are
the ones now numbered 1 and 2. Signals worked automatically
depending on the position of the points. Simple interlocking
using two, 12 volt DC "Post Office" type relays
and 12 volt DC signals.
Between 1987 and 1992. The "out of
use" section of the run-round line was brought into
use.
During 1992. During the early part of 1992
the full signalling was brought into use. Signals 1 and
2 were the first to be connected, the others were later.
The frame was designed so that it could be worked either
as a normal signal box (all levers must be operated) or
in "switched-out" mode (signals work automatically
depending on point position). The interlocking was by an
additional ten, 12 volt DC "Post Office" type
relays. Signals were converted to 12 volt AC working.
Summer 1994. Minor changes were made to
some of the indications in the signal box. The "points
free" lights were changed to an indicator which proved
more reliable. The facing point lock plungers were also
moved to their current position.
February 2006. New signalling to be brought
into use. All existing signals will now act as point indicators,
but will continue to be identified by the levers number
that use to work them. The electric lever lock on no.6 will
be removed. All other redundant equipment will be recovered.
The "Post Office" relays were replaced by eight,
12 volt DC 11-pin enclosed relays.
Below is a signalbox diagram and a diagram
showing the history of the signalling, again supplied by
Kevin Weston MIRSE
AND FINALLY..... The man himself !!
