Shunt at Rolvenden

My first learning turn at Rolvenden signalbox, the largest and most complex ton the line. The extra shows the lever frame, the block instrument shelf and the track circuit diagram.

This box will take some time to get used to. The basic operation of service trains is reasonably straightforward, there was only one crossing move on this service and that was easier than at Wittersham Road.

The challenges come when shed staff want to rearrange locomotives in the yard. Each move is unique to meet specific requirements. In today’s blip the Class 14 diesel is moving an number of locomotives out onto the loop line for sorting. A similar dance occurred this afternoon when the loco supervisor needed to weigh No 25.

On top of that No 25 failed with a hot axle box so had to be replaced by the Class 15 diesel which necessitated more moves in and out of the yard. Fortunately, we didn’t have to move any stock into and out of the carriage shed or yard.

It was hot too, overcast, humid and very close. A few sprinkles of rain too. We were like damp rags at the end of the day. I dread to think what it was like for the footplate crew standing adjacent to the fire and boiler.

Now, after dinner I’m sitting through an Parish Council meeting waiting for items of correspondence related to Project A to come up. The council has already accepted that a carpark extension is not required and has also dropped plans for a dementia garden and children’s garden on the grounds of cost.

What it all boils down to now from their original grandiose plans that half the allotments should be moved to accommodate two new tennis courts. If it goes ahead we will have to move so the new courts can be adjacent to the existing courts, not across the footpath.