Until the formation of the South Downs Light Railway there was no signalling on the railway, although there was a signal box, which was painted in rather unusual style (pink & black). All has now changed though, with the 'box being resplendent in SR Green & Cream externally, while inside the building is lined and insulated and complete with "pot bellied" stove.
The main component within the signal box is an ex British Railways 16 lever frame which controls the signalling system and the points on the main line. A relay panel provides the interlocking between signals, points and track circuits, the instrument shelf has the repeaters for signals not visible from the box and the track circuit diagram shows the position of trains on the track.
The signals within the Garden Centre are all upper quadrant semaphore and are electrically operated by solenoids directly from the box. A colour light signal is situated on the extension and protects the barriered level crossing. It will not change from danger unless the barrier is down, the track circuit ahead is clear, the signal controlling the exit from the loop just inside the Centre is at danger and that the train has reached the colour light. Apart from ensuring that it is safe for the train to proceed, this system also brings trains to a halt just before they enter the Centre where there is a strict speed limit. The signal can be switched to automatic when there is only one train in operation and the signal box is not manned.
The points that route trains either to the extension or the loop are controlled electrically from the box and those giving access to the sheds are manual and can only be operated by using a key which is released by a lever in the box. Point blade detectors give indication on the instrument shelf, provide interlocks for the signals and operate the route indicator.
There is also an internal telephone system with phones in the signal box, the lobby, the engine shed and the station. This system can be extended to other locations as and when required.
SR Queen Mary style, BRAKE VAN
These photos taken during the construction of the new SR Queen Mary style brake van show:-
1. A close up of the complex air brake operating system on the underside of the chassis.
2. The “works” (which will be hidden from view), comprising 12v compressor & battery. The operating console with the brake valve lever & two pressure gauges is in the background.
3. The rear of the operating console showing the complex plumbing.
AFTER MANY MONTHS HARD WORK AT THE ‘FARM WORKSHOP’ BY PAUL, JERRY, CHRIS AND MALCOLM, AIDED BY NICK KINGSHOTT, (WHO ALSO SUPPLIED THE METALWORK FOR THE CHASSIS), THE BRAKE VAN IS NOW READY FOR SIGN-WRITING BY JERRY. ALSO OF COURSE, NOT FORGETTING GILES FAVELL, WHO MADE AND SUPPLIED THE BOGIES. THE VAN IS BASED ON THE S.R. QUEEN MARY STYLE, AND (as mentioned above ), CONTAINS A CONCEALED SECTION FOR THE BATTERIES, 12v COMPRESSOR AND A RESERVOIR FOR THE AIR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS CURRENTLY OPERATES THE BRAKES ON THE BRAKE VAN AND WILL EVENTUALLY BE PIPED THROUGH THE TRAIN TO OPERATE BRAKES ON ALL COACHES.
AT LAST THE NEW SDLR BRAKE VAN IS READY FOR TESTING.
