CURRENT PROJECTS
West Ground Frame - Embsay
For a long time now, the groundframe has been deteriorating past economic repair so the decision was taken some time ago to
replace it, and at the smae time to alter the arrangement from being mechanical points, to being motor-operated. This will
enable it to be controlled from the signalbox directly in the not-too-distant future. We have removed the old ground frame
components, overhauled and installed the new 3-lever LNER pattern groundframe, overhauled two Westinghouse M2 point machines,
fitted out the location cabinet, and are currently connecting everything up and bonding through the points for the track
circuit, to prevent the points being moved whilst the line is occupied. This installation also incorporates route-holding
interlocking. All being well, another week of work shoud see it complete, ahead of schedule!
Telephones
Work has recently centred on providing an internal telephone system at Embsay to better serve the needs of the site and
improve communication. Much help and assisstance has been provided by Derrick from the Nene Valley, and we are incredibly
greatful for his generous efforts!
Derrick has also managed to have fibre optic cable donated to the Railway, so that we can link the two sites together for
the telephone exchanges and also, possibly, the signalling. Now we've got to dig a very long trench and install some ducting!
Sleights Sidings East signalbox
A demonstration signalbox for Bolton Abbey
In 2007 we were told that the aforementioned signalbox had been demolished, only to find it advertised for sale!
It is now ours and is due to be moved imminently to Bolton Abbey station where it will be placed in the original's location,
and fitted out as a demonstration signalbox for the public to make use of. It originates from Pinxton, and is a 2A box which
was built in 1892 and came out of use in June 2007. Although it is a 15' box, rather than a 20' box like Bolton Abbey's
original, it is in good condition and will be a real attraction when complete. So far we have inspected the box, cut it into
two, moved it to Bolton Abbey, put it back together and are now carrying out repairs. Photos of all the work can be found
HERE
Groundframe for Bolton Abbey
Work on this project took a turn for the better with the acquisition of the two groundframes from Houghton's emergency
crossover which has been decommissioned. These were in excellent condition and the decision was taken to use these components
and keep the former Stoneacre groundframe levers as spares. Consequently the project has flown along with Rob doing most of
the work on the locking and preparing the wooden structure for further use and adapting it to take 6 levers instead of 3. A
small model signalman also made an appearance when work really kicked off!
The frame has now been dismantled, painted and transported to Bolton Abbey for final assembly and connecting up. In the
meantime, the re-useable concrete legs were recovered from both ex-Houghton groundframes and additional legs were made from
steel. Other than assembling the components, holes need digging for the legs, and there is plenty of tea to drink in between
connecting up the rodding! The digging for the groundframe has been completed - seen just beyond the components in the
photograph. The main structure was installed without too much hassle under the (very efficient) military instruction (!) of
Charlie, and Rob has subsequently bolted everything together and is working on the next stages, planting rodding stools and
completing the lead out bench. The drive onto the air machine for the loop points has been made, using the remains of a dead
cylinder.
Guiseley Repairs
The ex-Guiseley signalbox repaint was started some time ago and to assist this, the windowsill at the East
end was replaced just after Easter 2008. This was a complicated job, as the windowsill seems to have been one of the first
components of a Midland Railway signalbox to have been constructed! As a result of this, the replacement had to be made in
two halves, then joined back together at the end. The old one had gradually rotted away, and whilst it was being replaced
the time was taken to sort out the windows at that end which have also suffered from the effects of the weather. The
painting we also intended to complete at the same time has had to be delayed AGAIN owing to the poor weather
during along with the department's operating roles. The final window has been put back in, and the East end of the
signalbox has seen a lot of time and effort involved in its repaint. This is not yet complete, but is making good progress.
The porch has also seen significant work this year.
M.R. bracket signal for Embsay
We designed and built a new bracket signal to a Midland Railway design. This replaced the previous structure at Embsay which
is of L&Y origins, and suffered terribly through age! The main post for the new signal was originally installed at Embsay
Junction in 1902 when the Grassignton Branch was opened, but was in excellent condition.
Work was completed at the start of 2010 to install it, but it was a little later that it was commissioned and the old
structure removed.
The drawing to the right is not complete (or entirely accurate!), as handrails and ladders will have to be added, but gives
some impression of the top of the signal. The main post is 32' tall...
