Setting the road at Crowcombe Heathfield

Introduction

The Signalman is a key part of the railway operating team. No signalman = no trains. There are signal boxes at Minehead, Blue Anchor, Williton, Crowcombe and Bishops Lydeard. The Crowcombe Box can be “switched out” to permit train running with the signal box closed. To run a train the entire length of the line requires four signal boxes to be open.

Because of the level of work and traffic supervisory element the senior and most experienced signalmen work at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. Crowcombe and to a lesser extent, Blue Anchor, are “starter signal boxes”. New signalmen are allocated here for training purposes. Some signalmen prefer to remain at one signal box, whilst others may wish, over time, to become proficient in all our signal boxes; clearly this requires a greater commitment of time.

Our Requirements

The “Safety Critical” nature of signalling work means that a medical fitness examination is necessary, so applicants must be able to pass the medical and eyesight (colour vision) examination. The nature of the work requires that applicants should be reasonably articulate and physically fit. The following are most suited:

. Age 25+; Maximum Age 65; . Preferably living within 40 miles radius of the railway and with own transport;

Available for a minimum of 15 Signalling Turns a Year; we are particularly keen to speak with candidates who have “mid week” and evening availability;

The isolated and relatively unsupervised nature of the work require that volunteers must be reliable timekeepers and capable of working on their own initiative, alone and unsupervised for long periods of time.

A good knowledge of signalling and the ability to assimilate the Signalling Rules and Regulations is required before “taking over” as a Signalman. We do provide thorough practical and theoretical training and both written and examinations need to be taken and passed before final authorisation.

A “dress code” applies and we do expect signalmen to be clean, tidy and looking like signalmen. Volunteers provide their own uniform and high visibility vest.

The more experienced Signalmen are required to assist in special duties such as hand signalling, pilot working etc. where required.

How to Join

. Selection is by interview with the District Signalling Inspector, incorporating, a simple colour vision test. . Thereafter, suitable candidates attend a two-day basic signalling course

at the signalling school. Held in the spring this covers the basic principles of both signalling and the equipment used. As part of the course there is a Half-day practical session at Crowcombe Signal Box.. . After completion of the course, trainees are allocated to a “training signal box” and are required to complete twenty four structured turns (more if necessary) with experienced signalmen. During this stage of training there will be two “mini oral examinations” with the District Signalling Inspector, plus a medical examination.

Towards the end of the twenty-four turns there will be a written “multiple choice” test. Successful completion of this examination is followed by an “observed turn” with either the District Inspector or a nominated senior signalmen who will report on suitability for final examination. An interview and oral rules examination with the District Inspector completes the process, and the successful trainee is then “certificated” and provided a satisfactory medical examination has been undertaken, can undertake signalling turns at the allocated signal box.

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Depending on the frequency of training turns this process usually takes a year from beginning to end. Following successful completion of training, signalmen are sent a “bid sheet” on a regular monthly basis so that they may indicate availability to the Roster Clerk. The Roster Clerk will then issue a copy of the Roster to all signalmen so that they may be aware of their duties for the following month.

If, having read this you are interested in joining the signalling team, then please contact:

Christopher J Thacker,

District Inspector,

Thornes Farm Cottage
Weacombe
West Quantoxhead
Taunton
TA4 4ED

Telephone: Tel: 01984 639989

Email: districtinspector@weacombe.co.uk