Click for latest re-signalling progress.
After a long gestation period plans were finally agreed for renewal of the track layout at Horsted Keynes, obviously impinging on the Signalbox.
Left: Horsted Keynes Signalbox in the days before the work began. Photograph: Richard SalmonThe old arrangement had the former number three road up starter and the point leading to numbers two and three roads controlled by a ground frame which in turn was under the overall control of the signalman in the box. This point did not have a lock for movements into the former number three road, resulting in all down passenger trains having to use the then number two road. Although the old numbers one and two roads do join north of the station, at "Leamland Junction", this has not been an operational route and trains may only enter or leave number one road from the south. We want to have bi-directional running on all roads, so the new changes include making "Leamland Junction" operational and installing locking for movements south into what was number three road. When all of this trackwork is completed the points involved will be worked directly from the box.
Better signalling of the approach from the north (and at the same time a move further up the line for the advanced starter) creates a demand for additional capacity on the signal box's frame. When considering as well the plans for an eventual change to the layout south of the station, forty levers on their own appear to be insufficient for our needs. Several ideas were put forward to cope with this problem, only two of which were really practical. The first was to build a replica, but bigger, box to replace the existing one (whose structure is in sore need of repair), and the second to enlarge the existing box whilst at the same time repairing it.
Neither of these options is, however, now available to us as early in 1997 someone applied for, and obtained, a grade two listing for the whole Horsted Keynes station area, especially mentioning the signal box. We can knock it down in the interests of safety, but we cannot modify its fabric in the slightest way!
So, where to go next? It was decided that the best course of action is to have some functions operating remotely, as we do at present for the down distant signal at Sheffield Park. This means quite a few power-worked points and signals, a move which was not very popular but is, however, the course of action that is being instigated.
Work Progress
By clicking on the images you will be taken to a larger version, which may have more content than the smaller version on this page.
Third Quarter 2007
The work on the new mechanical locking has commenced with the locking charts prepared and the locking trays removed for grinding down in the carriage works, to allow the fitment of Stowell locks. The photograph shows the finished trays being returned by Wickham Trolley.
The Stowell locks introduced in the 1920s, are a clever mechanism to allow conditional locking, of which there is a great deal at Horsted Keynes to allow the required operational flexibility. The Stowell lock is characterised by the diamond shaped lock dog in two parts that can slide horizontally and transfer locking motion to adjacent channels in the tray. The extract of the locking chart shows four in a row.
This work will continue for a considerable period of time being a highly skilled and time consuming job. When complete there will be an extensive period of testing before signalling functions can be transferred back to the lever frame.
The finished trays on the Wickham Trolley.
Extract from the locking chart.
The lever frame with the mountings for the locking trays showing on the right.
Text and photographs: Chris Majer
Second Quarter 2007
2007 has seemed to have begun on a quiet note as far as visible signs of work are concerned, which is not to say that the S&T department has been resting on its laurels, just that work has been more 'behind the scenes'. The Ardingly branch down advanced starting signal (Nº11) now has a fixed arm which allows trains to be signalled up to it. The branch has also been track circuited to just beyond this Nº11 signal, marked by a new location case and insulated block joints.
The branch advanced starting signal with arm attached and the new location case beyond.
The lever for this signal in the frame.
The new location case and insulated block joints just beyond the signal. .
Text and photographs: Chris Majer
Fourth Quarter 2006
The levers have been painted and the lever plates giving the description of the lever function and locking added. The photographs indicate how impressive the frame now looks with the signalman making sure the levers still work even though it will be some time before the functions are transferred over from the switches!
The Signalman testing a lever!
Overview of the levers in the frame.
Close-up view of some of the levers.
Text and photographs: Chris Majer
Third Quarter 2006
A new Ardingly Branch Down Advance Starting signal post has been erected and the fixed semaphore arm will be installed soon. The branch track circuits have already been commissioned and it is the intention to be able to run passenger carrying vehicles up to the new signal in due course.
The branch siding has been extended over the new formation and new buffer stops installed. The view back towards Horsted Keynes gives an idea of just how extensive the reclaimed track bed is.
The design work for the relocking of the lever frame continues, the lever strokes have been measured to ensure they are all identical, the tappets measured for cutting the required notches and a new Annetts key mechanism has been installed at the end of the lever frame. This will, in the future, be operated by the long section token in connection with releasing the locking when Horsted Keynes 'box is switched out.
The new Ardingly Down Advanced Signal Post.
The extended Ardingly Siding.
The Annetts Key mechanism.
Text and photographs: Chris Majer
Second Quarter 2006
On 8 April Chris Dadson paid another visit to the 'box and took these photos of the new diagram in situ, and of the continuing work on installation of the platforms 1 & 2 up starting signals.
The new diagram fitted in place above the block shelf. More than 100 manhours went into the design and manufacture of the completed diagram.
Work continues on the new platforms 1 & 2 up starting signals.
With the installation of the new diagram at Horsted Keynes, the facility to operate Kingscote lighting remotely is now operational (part of the eventual switching out arrangements). When Kingscote is switched out, and when selected by the Kingscote control box, the signal lighting there repeats that at Horsted Keynes. Eventually the reverse will also be true.
Text and photographs: Chris Dadson
On Saturday 20 May 2006, at 4:30pm, the semaphore signals (activated by signal machines) at both ends of platform 2 were commissioned. The previously installed position light shunt signal on the south end gantry was removed giving a much improved presentation to drivers. The left hand signal (Nº8A) is the main signal reading to Sheffield Park and the centre short arm signal (Nº8B) reads towards the Ardingly Branch. The right hand arm applies to platform 1 but is not commissioned at present.
The new signals as viewed from the front and below.
The reverse of the signals, with Nº8b "Off".
A driver's view, once again Nº8b is "Off".
Photographs: Chris Majer
Bill Dyer is here seen removing the redundant position light signal and route indicator.
At 4:35pm the Engine and Brake Van of Footplate Days and Ways became the first movement to be signalled by the new Signal 8A, the Down Starting Signal for Nº2 Road.
A little later, and with the weather a lot wetter, the Pullman Dining Train passes the signal on its journey back to Sheffield Park.
Photographs: Adrian Lee
Photograph: Chris Majer
At the north end of platform 2, the main running signal, Nº31, applies to trains leaving for Kingscote via the Up Loop line whilst the previously used position light shunt signal has been removed. The left hand adjacent signal, Nº30, applies to platform 1 and is proved 'On', but does not have a signal machine at present.
At the other end of the platform Signal 31, the Nº2 Road Up Starter, is seen at 7:35pm on the same day, cleared for the Golden Arrow on its way to Kingscote.
The train passing the new signals, with U Class Nº1638 in charge. To the left of Nº31 is Nº30, the Nº1 Road Up Starter, which for the time being is fixed at Danger.
Part of the new 'box diagram, with the track circuit lights indicating that numbers one and four roads are occupied.
Photograph: Adrian Lee
Photographs: Chris Majer
Most of the behind the scenes preparation work is now complete leaving the way clear to concentrate on the mechanical work required to commission the lever frame.
Text from Adrian Lee and Chris Majer.
First Quarter 2006
The Ardingly Branch continues to creep towards Haywards Heath with the line now clearly visible from the road. The new clay/sandstone embankment has now reached the remaining brick piers from the old Sherriff Mill viaduct.
Back in the signal box the latest activity centres around the wiring up of the new illuminated diagram. As can be seen from the size of the new diagram hardwood frame it is going to be rather imposing.
On 25 March the whole of the new diagram was taken into the 'box for installing above the block shelf.
The frame for the new 'box diagram.
The Ardingly siding seen from the road.
The new diagram being carried up the 'box steps.
Text: Chris Majer and Adrian Lee, Photographs: Chris Majer (1 & 2) and Chris Dadson
All photographs are © copyright. Non-accredited pictures are © Peter RichardsThe page showing the changes to the track layout at Horsted Keynes over the years may be of interest.
Updates from 1997 to 2000 are in the HK Signalling Work Archive 1,
for 2001 to 2003 in the HK Signalling Work Archive 2
and for 2004/2005 in the HK Signalling Work Archive 3
Return to Bluebell Home Page, to the Timetable or to Special Events
Signalling - Signal Boxes - The Signals - Bell Codes - Horsted Keynes Re-signalling
Signal Box Diagrams for Kingscote - Horsted Keynes - Sheffield Park
Visitor Info. - Catering - Contacts - What's New - Extension - Locos - Carriages - Signals - History - Other - Links - Search & Index - FAQ
Why not become a BRPS Member?Get more involved as a Volunteer
This page last updated 28 November 2006 by Peter Richards.
Text Copyright © . Credits and disclaimer.
