Rolvenden signalbox

One or two blippers have asked to see inside Rolvenden box. This view is taken from the Wittersham end of the box looking towards Tenterden.

This view shows most of the interesting stuff, from the levers, the instrument shelf with all the various indicators and repeaters. At either end of the shelf are the block bells with which we communicate with the signalboxes on either side.

At the far end, just visible are the block instruments, the bright red, domed token instrument which works with Wittersham and peeking out is the tablet instrument which works with Tenterden.

Above the frame is the track diagram which shows all the running lines, sidings, signals and their locations, track circuits which tell you where trains are as well as other indicators of which there are many.

Unusually, the frame faces away from the railway, so the lines are behind you when working the levers. There’s an excellent view from the box of the running lines and the yard. However, many of the signals (red levers) points (black) and point locks (blue) are not visible from the block hence all the repeaters and indicators on the block shelf to tell you aspect of the various bits of equipment. There are 30 levers in this box, only one, R27 is not used. That’s the white lever towards the far end.

To the right of the door is the signalman’s desk, with timetable and train register to record various times trains are accepted, arrive, depart and end.

A good days at the box on another learning turn. It’s full on from 9.00am until at least 17.45. So much to learn and to be competent with.

The extras show the track diagram and Swiftsure from the box taking water on the loop line with an up train to Tenterden.