Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2010 16:33:49 GMT
Several of us far away are in need of some info. Is the Richmond Signal Box along the NLL and District line out of use? When was it's closure date? Was it ever brought back into service, especially in the last 10 years? Several driver's eye view DVDs give conflicting info. One says it is "long out of use" (purportedly filmed in 2005). Another says it is still in use (purportedly filmed in 2006!). At least one photo from 2005 show it derelict w/ graffiti - tillyweb.biz/gallery/rr/richmond1.jpg. So - is there anyone on the spot or in-the-know who can give factual details? If anyone can provide answers, it is folks on this forum or the RailUK forum (where I have also posted). Thanks in advance! |
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Post by trainopd78 on Dec 29, 2010 17:12:53 GMT
Richmond "GB" box is very much alive and Kicking. Controls the NLL (& District) from Richmond to Bollo lane.
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Oracle
In memoriam
RIP 2012
Writing is such sweet sorrow: like heck it is!
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Post by Oracle on Dec 29, 2010 18:29:33 GMT
maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Richmond&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=22.699546,53.393555&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Richmond,+Greater+London,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.463912,-0.296878&spn=0,0.003259&z=19&layer=c&cbll=51.463888,-0.297082&panoid=G9hH8xVpEY0-vxur51BzuA&cbp=12,213.63,,0,13.8 Last time I was there it was the Easter weekend in 1981ish when they removed the semaphores on the NLL up to Gunnesbury. Been a long time therefore!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2010 3:12:44 GMT
Yeah still in use. Part of the NR Anglia region!
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Post by District Dave on Dec 30, 2010 10:45:45 GMT
It occasionallty looks like that if the graffiti monsters get at it - which is not uncommon down there! The lack of a sign was *probably* when the old Network Southeast sign was taken down. In the Video 125 DVD 'East London and District' Driver's Eye View (on which I just happen to do the Richmond -> Upminster trip) the narration is wrong - IIRC it say the box is closed and that the area is controlled from Wimbledon; by the time the DVD came out it was too late for it to be corrected. Peter Middleton had said he'd submit the script for scrutiny but never did and it ended up getting confused with the Wimbledon branch. |
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Oracle
In memoriam
RIP 2012
Writing is such sweet sorrow: like heck it is!
Posts: 3,234
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Post by Oracle on Dec 30, 2010 11:44:32 GMT
Dave and I go back to when Richmond box had the SR green panel on it.
Does it control the connection to the Windsor Lines? At one stage it was an unelectrified siding and the only direct connection when the line up to Bollo Lane (?) was in the SR and not LMR yet used by NLL LMR trains and the Underground.
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Post by londonstuff on Dec 30, 2010 12:29:23 GMT
It occasionallty looks like that if the graffiti monsters get at it - which is not uncommon down there! The lack of a sign was *probably* when the old Network Southeast sign was taken down. In the Video 125 DVD 'East London and District' Driver's Eye View (on which I just happen to do the Richmond -> Upminster trip) the narration is wrong - IIRC it say the box is closed and that the area is controlled from Wimbledon; by the time the DVD came out it was too late for it to be corrected. Peter Middleton had said he'd submit the script for scrutiny but never did and it ended up getting confused with the Wimbledon branch. Wow - just watched this again - didn't realise that was you driving, Dave. Nice Top Gun-style sunglasses ;D |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2010 16:22:02 GMT
Thanks for the direct scoop, all - especially from the head man himself. [I, too, liked the movie-star sunglass effect!  You would have made a great Dr. Who, by the way!  ] I had forgotten that was you, Dave, in the cab, until I rewatched the other day and was also reminded by the original poser of the question who caught the gaff on the one V125 DEV. [The narration about the box is correct in the North London Line V125 DVD made the next year.] |
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Post by District Dave on Dec 31, 2010 16:08:56 GMT
Not sure about the 'movie star' sunglasses - they were genuine London Underground issue in the days before I had to wear my specs all the time - the advance of age!
It was an interesting experience being involved in that; I didn't just do the driving - I also helped with the planning of what we were going to do when, which trains to use and giving guidance re: the technical and commentary stuff.
It was a nightmare getting the filming done - the weather conspired against us for weeks (it was filmed late-August) and the railway was completely destroyed the day we filmed! That's why there were quite a few anxious glances at my watch.
One day I'll write the whole story from what I can recall of it!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2010 17:18:38 GMT
That would be great stuff, Dave!
If you do, I will print it off and file the document inside the DVD cover.
It would kind of be like liner notes from old LPs and some CDs!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2010 19:10:38 GMT
Does it control the connection to the Windsor Lines? At one stage it was an unelectrified siding and the only direct connection when the line up to Bollo Lane (?) was in the SR and not LMR yet used by NLL LMR trains and the Underground. After Feltham Area Signalling Centre (ASC) took over about 1975 the through lines at Richmond and the original double junction had been removed. Richmond then lost control of the through lines with the only connection being the unelectried Middle Siding which had no signalling with the trailing points at both ends clipped and padlocked. The bay platform (No.3) was only connected to the through lines at that time and used by the daily parcels train, the vans of which were left for most of the day to load. During 1980 a two stage resignalling saw first the Richmond area put onto a new panel and the lever frame removed and still working to Gunnersbury box. The second stage a month later saw the Gunnersbury area resignalled and put on to the panel at the box now working to Bollo Lane Junction and Earls Court Regulating Room. The box at that time only worked platforms 4 to 7 and the Middle Siding was still there. Platform 3 eventually gained the extra points to the North London route and the Middle Siding was removed about the same time. The signal in platform 3 gained a route indicator and was replated GB26 having been F2 since 1974 and was for a time during the mid to late 1980's used to transfer 2-EPB units to and from maintenance on the Southern when they worked the North London for a time. EDIT: Norbitonflyer is quite right below they were 2-EPB memory dims with age young man.................... |
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Post by londonstuff on Dec 31, 2010 19:46:49 GMT
+1 for the write-up, Dave  |
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Post by norbitonflyer on Jan 1, 2011 0:39:03 GMT
. The signal in platform 3 gained a route indicator and was replated GB26 having been F2 since 1974 and was for a time during the mid to late 1980's used to transfer 2-HAP units to and from maintenance on the Southern when they worked the North London for a time. The units used on the NLL were 2EPB, not 2HAP. Although the DM cars were identical in both types, they differed in the Driving trailers, the 2HAPs having toilets and 1st Class. |
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roythebus
Pleased to say the restoration of BEA coach MLL738 is as complete as it can be, now restoring MLL721
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Post by roythebus on Jan 11, 2011 18:18:55 GMT
There's a similar thread on the RMweb, hidden in a bit on EMU identification. thanks to lnwrelectric for clarifying the dates.
I remember the layout well as I used to park a couple of my preserved buses at Pioneer's yard on the old goods yard. Remember too there were 2 electrified sidings there.
An interesting tale, one day when working as a guard on the DR, on platform 5(?) the far left platform, in semaphore days, the guard couldn't see the starter so had to use the Loudaphone to ask the motorman if the signal was off. I phoned Charlie, my m/m, who said, yes, the flippin' thing's off, you'd better come and have a look. Lo and behold, there was the arm dangling down the post as it had literally fallen off!!
Remember too the intermediate block section signals between Kew and Richmond, ISTR the only ones on the underground system.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2011 20:53:46 GMT
I'd love to see a write up!
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mrfs42
71E25683904T 172E6538094T
Big Hair Day
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Post by mrfs42 on Jan 16, 2011 2:47:00 GMT
Remember too the intermediate block section signals between Kew and Richmond, ISTR the only ones on the underground system. Yes - can't think of any IBS anywhere else! |
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Ben
fotopic... whats that?
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Post by Ben on Jan 16, 2011 4:22:04 GMT
modratec.com/ss4/ss4_doc05.htm#ibsThe only IBS I'd heard of was the one I take mebeverine for  so this is a link to a concise signalling discription for any others similarly unaware!
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Post by pbaran on Jan 19, 2011 15:40:18 GMT
Does the connection between the Windsor lines and the track at platform 3 still see any use?
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roythebus
Pleased to say the restoration of BEA coach MLL738 is as complete as it can be, now restoring MLL721
Posts: 1,275
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Post by roythebus on Jan 19, 2011 23:33:28 GMT
Just remembered, the other IBS used by LT trains was at Revelstoke Road on the Wimbledon branch. I was between Southfields and Wimbledon Park, and on the down line had a distant arm for Wimbledon Park.
This of course was taken out of service when the line was resignalled in about 1971. BTW, I worked the very first DR train over the remodelled and resignalled line!
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You would have made a great Dr. Who, by the way! 
]
so this is a link to a concise signalling discription for any others similarly unaware!
