The starter signal at Winchcombe undergoing refurbishment. Photo: Andy Protherough  


Restoration of various fittings in the yard at Winchcombe. Photo: Andy Protherough  

The reason for the lack of updates for S&T is that for the main part of June, July and August, we have used our time stripping down reclaimed signalling equipment. Once apart, all paint, oil and grease is removed, then a coat of red oxide, an undercoat and two coats of either gloss white or gloss black is applied. These applications have to be timed to coincide with the drier 'moments' of our british summer, as the majority of painting has to be performed outdoors as is much of our preparation / work. Many thanks to Carl, John, Richard C, Richard E, and Ron who have patiently worked their way through a mountain of fittings that have lived behind our coach in all weathers for many years.   During the coming months when train services are less frequent during the week, then many of these fittings will be used to refurbish lineside signals. The starter (W34) signal at the south end of Winchcombe platform 1 has been the first to benefit, with work starting at the beginning of September and the finishing touches applied on Wednesday 15^th.

Mike Stephenson has been busy sorting and building various items of telecommunication equipment. Much trimming and soldering of multi coloured strands of wire has taken place.

We have ventured to Toddington on occasions to install refurbished disc signal faces and to clear out the signal box battery room to ease maintenance. We have also been to Gotherington to disconnect and remove various cable runs along the run-round loop that would otherwise have been in the way of contractors working on 'the slip'.

Over the coming months, plans have been drawn up for a number of major projects that require the non-operating of trains….we require possession of the track formation.       These include;

1.            Restoration of Toddington bracket signal (pencilled in for mid-October)
2.            The moving of signal W36 on Chicken Curve to the 'Cotswold' side from the current 'Malvern' side. This will use refurbished items from store.
3.            The installation of a motor point at Toddington
4.            Installation of a ground frame at Laverton
5.            Restoration of the distant signal (W2) at the southern entrance to Greet Tunnel.