The down train leaves Wittersham Road

A busy Sunday at Wittersham Road signalbox as in addition to the usual 5 train service we had the Sunday Lunch Pullman running too. Scorchingly hot too despite all the windows and doors being open.

Owing to the dry weather there was a severe risk of lineside fires especially pulling away from Wittersham station up Hexden Bank and approaching the station on the return journey.

The possibility of fires usually happens when trains are being crossed and the up train arrives at the home signal before the down train is in the station. The up then has to restart on the bank and can throw hot cinders into the air and shed ash and clinker from the firebox.

In these circumstances we have to bring the up in first and hope nobody tries to get off the train at the station as there is no platform that side! No such manoeuvres were required today as there was sufficient time for the crossing to be made without delaying the up.

I had a visitor for the afternoon, a prospective volunteer on a taster day, who is thinking of joining the next signalman’s training course. He was very good, quick to learn and inquisitive and willing to do a lot of work in the heat! Good chap.

Today’s blip is of one of our iconic Terriers in charge of the Victorian Set leaving the station after a crossing move with the fireman casually preparing to accept the token from my afternoon assistant.