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| Looe branch. 26/09/2011 at 10:56 #21306 | |
Peter Bennet
5362 posts 
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Just wondering if anyone knew how this branch works? As far as I'm aware Liskard box controls the access to the branch and effectively there is normally one train shut in which toddles back and forth all day (not specifically checked the timetable): so that seems ok. However, according to Quail the points at Coombe are worked by ground frame, so presumably there is member of train crew who work that- is that correct? If so what is the procedure? Second, although the passenger train may be locked in - there is a goods line too North from Coombe so it must be possible to have more than one train on the branch at any one time- so how does that work. Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| Re: Looe branch. 26/09/2011 at 11:09 #21307 | |
GeoffM
6287 posts
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I vaguely recall the operation being described in one of the rail magazines years ago. The driver (or conductor?) operated the points from a ground frame hut. Can't remember much more than that I'm afraid!
SimSig Boss Log in to reply |
| Re: Looe branch. 26/09/2011 at 11:27 #21309 | |
postal
5190 posts |
I have just been given a copy of "On The Slow Train Again" by Michael Williams (Preface Publishing, 2011, ISBN 978 1 84809 285 3) which includes a description of a recent journey on the branch. Describing the events at Coombe, Williams writes: "By the time we have edged our way round the circuit to the valley floor, our train is facing north again. So we must reverse before our journey to the coast gets properly under way. In a well-rehearsed ritual, the driver changes ends; the conductor picks up the ancient metal token that will allow us to pass on our way and pulls the lever to change the points." “In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe Log in to reply |
| Re: Looe branch. 26/09/2011 at 12:43 #21310 | |
Late Turn
696 posts |
The photos on Danny Scroggins' website (specifically here) give a couple of clues. Firstly, the tokens shown in the instrument are enscribed "Liskeard - Coombe Jn" - so there must be a further (OTW) staff for the Coombe Jn - Looe section, presumably kept normally at Coombe Jn. Thus the passenger unit can be 'shut inside' the latter section, surrendering the Liskeard - Coombe Jn token once clear of the ground frame (and the points have been restored to normal). Whether they're authorised to retain the Liskeard - Coombe Jn token whilst they pootle down to Looe and back, I don't know - I doubt it though. The other point worthy of note is the stop board shown at the end of the branch platform at Liskeard. There could possibly be a further token instrument there, to allow the passenger unit to be 'shut inside' there too (unless the Driver brings it back to the box to achieve the same effect). Log in to reply |
| Re: Looe branch. 26/09/2011 at 13:30 #21317 | |
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TRC666
135 posts |
There are two electrically interlocked token machines, one at Liskeard signal box and one at Coombe No. 1 Ground Frame, which only allow one token to be removed at a time. Looe to Coombe Junction is operated under the authority of a wooden staff which has a key attached that unlocks the No. 1 ground frame to change the points that allow access to and from the Looe branch. Coombe to Moorswater is operated by another wooden staff which has a key that unlocks Coombe No. 2 Ground Frame to switch the trap points. There is a gap between the three sections at Coombe, but as the two ground frames and the station are visible from each other, this section is regarded as being within the station limits. All movements are made under the authority of the train's guard or shunter depending on the type of train as he/she is effectively acting as the signalman for the line. There is a more detailed explanation HERE. Last edited: 26/09/2011 at 14:32 by TRC666 Log in to reply |
| Re: Looe branch. 26/09/2011 at 15:27 #21337 | |
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Late Turn
696 posts |
Thanks, an interesting read. I'm not convinced by the 'gap' between the three token sections - to me, it seems that, in theory and in practice, the Liskeard to Coombe Jn section extends right through to Coombe Jn No.2 GF. Is Coombe Jn No.1 GF released by both the Liskeard section token and Looe section staff? Otherwise the Driver of the unit back from Looe could happily reverse the points to come off the branch whilst a freight train, with possession of the Liskeard token, approached from there. A final thought - the fact that the Guard (Shunter?) needs to be in possession of the Moorswater staff to work Coombe Jn No.2 GF certainly doesn't make it staff and ticket working, or any variant of staff and ticket. The train's not actually proceeding through the section without the staff, it's just drawing clear of the trap points off the branch. Log in to reply |
| Re: Looe branch. 26/09/2011 at 16:00 #21341 | |
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Danny252
1461 posts |
" said:Is Coombe Jn No.1 GF released by both the Liskeard section token and Looe section staff? Otherwise the Driver of the unit back from Looe could happily reverse the points to come off the branch whilst a freight train, with possession of the Liskeard token, approached from there.I don't see any way to have a GF unlockable by either token or a key - possibly both, yes, but one or the other seems very far-fetched. Also, why the Looe train would be reversing the mainline points without possession of a token is beyond me. Log in to reply |
| Re: Looe branch. 26/09/2011 at 17:36 #21343 | |
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Late Turn
696 posts |
The Wiki article suggests that Coombe Jn No.1 GF is released solely by the Looe staff. I suggested that it might be released by both that and the Liskeard token (not 'one of the two'). Obviously you wouldn't want the Looe unit's Driver reversing the points at No.1 without possession of the token - which is why a control to enforce it makes sense to me!
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| Re: Looe branch. 26/09/2011 at 20:13 #21347 | |
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Sam Tugwell
493 posts |
I think my Stepdad signed the route as a Wessex Driver back in the day. Ill ask him and will report back tomorrow. Sam "Signalman Exeter" Log in to reply |