By
the summer of 2016, Banbury was one of the busiest railway locations
still using the Absolute Block method of signalling - a system that
dates back to the 19th century. Banbury also retained many
manually-operated semaphore signals, controlled by two signal boxes
standing at either end of the station. With around 250 passing
passenger and freight trains every 24 hours, the Signallers were
constantly on their feet working the levers, block instruments and
bells. Filmed inside both signal boxes in June 2016 shortly before
the route underwent a £76 million upgrade, and using cab footage
from passing trains, this programme shows how Banbury operated in
much the same way as it did a century ago.
BANBURY NORTH BOX - early shift: The bells and levers are constantly
in use as a steady stream of passenger and freight trains pass
through the station. Along with Chiltern Railways and Cross Country
passenger services are Great Western Railway empty stock workings
and a Class 57-hauled charter train to Ascot. Among the passing
freight trains are intermodal, automotive and departmental services
hauled by Freightliner, DB Cargo and Colas Class 66 and 70
locomotives. There is also a driver’s eye view of the Up Goods Loop
and its semaphore signals as seen from a Trafford Park to
Southampton container service. Also includes the detonator farewell
after the last North Box tour on the afternoon of 2nd October.
BANBURY SOUTH BOX - late shift: In addition to the manual lever
frame, South Box also has an Entry & Exit panel controlling Aynho
Junction and train movements on and off the Chiltern Line. It is
very much a case of two signal boxes in one! There are also Banbury
terminating and starting services for the Signaller to deal with –
hence it is even busier than the nearby North Box. Featured here is
the busy evening rush hour period between 17.00 and 20.00 with its
increase in passenger services, which include the Class 68-hauled
commuter trains out of London Marylebone. It includes the complex
stabling move of the loco-hauled 17.21 service from London from
platform 1 to the empty cattle road sidings. And there’s an almost
endless stream of freight trains to deal with as well! Also features
scenes from the final hours of South Box, including the handling of
the last passing freight and the historic 7-5-5 ‘box closing’ bells
to North Box in the early hours of July 29th 2016.
This DVD is introduced by Dave Penney, Managing Director of Chiltern
Railways - the biggest users of the route through Banbury. This DVD has
been produced with the full co-operation of Network Rail's signalling
staff and provides a fascinating insight into the golden age of railway
signalling. Sadly, the sound of ringing bells and clunking levers is
disappearing fast as the rail network is gradually modernised. This
programme is a historical reminder of a part of railway operation that
is gradually being consigned to history.