Ramsbottom Signal Box Saturday 6 September 2014 This was my first solo shift operating Ramsbottom Signal Box after passing out for the box. I was expecting a busy Saturday shift to test me but the box or the system had decided that I had to have a baptism of fire . . . On arrival I noticed that Track Circuit 42 was lit up on the Track Diagram and showed occupied (see first image). On reading a note left on the desk discovered that they had had an intermittent problem with this track circuit the previous day. As the circuit was already showing occupied I new that I would not be able to pull of the Irwell Vale Down Section Signal and would have to issue a DOPSAD form to the first Down train of the day. (DOPSAD - Drivers Order to Pass Signal at Danger). The token machine was operating ok, which meant I could obtain a Token for that section, but did not give a release on the Section Signal. The first four timetabled trains of the day had to be given a DOPSAD form, which did lead to a slight delay on those trains leaving in the Down direction. Peter Duncan was informed of the issue and arrived on site at about 12 noon and within the hour had the faulty track circuit repaired. It rained all morning so I got a soaking every time going to the platform. Saturday traffic meant that it could take a while to cross the road in both directions safely . . . I now realised I should have brought a towel with me . . . On a lighter note . . . The second image attached shows a very neat stack of lever collars. This is a clear sign that Linda our very organised and tidy, Head of the Signalling Department had been in the box.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 09:28:18 +0000
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