Station Name: MARCHWOOD [Source: Nick Catford] 63.jpg) With the black cat still sitting contentedly on the yellow box, here again the junctions on the u-p side of Marchwood level crossing during April 2013. In the distance is Tavells Lane AHB level crossing; this had been an open crossing until 19 August 1966. All such crossings under Marchwood's jurisdiction are monitored from Marchwood box. Both sets of points leading to the trap sidings are in their usual between-trains positions and are switched only when a train is due and authorised to proceed by the signalling. Everything is interlocked and it is not possible to pull a signal 'off' without the gate lock released, gates closed to road traffic and points set as required. The two rods bottom right operate the points and points lock at the end of the loop. The rods are linked to bellcranks and thence to the signal parallel to the track as can be seen centre right. Also towards the right can just be seen the signal wires. These operate the bracket signal seen here which is MW1, Marchwood Down Home and in this instance the signals also protect the level crossing. The two arms are operated by signal box levers 3 (tall dolly for the platform road) and 13 (short dolly for the loop). On one of the sleepers at the points in the foreground is a block bearing the number 15. This relates to the applicable signal box lever. The digits are on individual cast metal plates and screwed or nailed to the sleepers. Mileages are, or were, also marked in the same manner with wooden sleepers and in these cases plates also bore fractions.Photo by Paul Evans  Home Page
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