One for the train buffs.

[CitroJim]

Back in the days when semaphore signals were lit by paraffin lamps, this was where they were maintained and readied for use. This particular station has seven signals needing to be kept lit. The two distant signals would have given the lamp-boy a fair old walk when changing lamps and in this location. In rough weather it must have been quite fun!

These days the signals on this particular railway are lit by LED lamps.

I'm not yet sure why the down line here has a 'Stop' board near the points although it may be related to the absence of the down starter signal - it's currently awaiting re-installation following overhaul - it was found to be very badly corroded around its base.

As the railway is not currently open, it's very likely the engineering trains are running 'wrong road' through the station.

[CitroJim]

A rewarding visit to Blue Anchor station yesterday:

Looking very immaculate in BR black. She was in BR green last season...

This is a rather unique locomotive. It has not always been a Mogul. Full story here:

https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk ... ul-no-9351

And a vintage DMU...

As it departed the station it was not sounding happy. A blowing exhaust or manifold gasket... Poor thing (and its passengers) had to wait a long time in the station awaiting the arrival of the Mogul so it could receive the single-line token and then proceed

[CitroJim]

More trains yesterday

All spotted whist walking around and generally playing at being a trainspotter

Today I'll be at the Diesel Gala so expect more tomorrow

[CitroJim]

A most awesome day at the West Somerset Railway Diesel Gala.

We massively enjoyed riding behind this one, visiting from The Wensleydale Railway...

Nothing quite beats the noise of a '37 hauling a long rake of coaches up a steep bank When an engine has sixteen cylinders with a 10" bore and a 12" stroke the noise it makes can only be epic

And a ride behind my all-time favourite: Hymek D7017...

Good to see a Class 26 'McRat'...

And a Class 14 'Teddy Bear' helping the DMU up the banks...

Talking to a German visitor at the Gala, I had a lot of fun explaining how all heritage diesel locomotives have nicknames. They found the notion of a small diesel locomotive being called a Teddy Bear a bit quaint. I explained they are thus called because they're cute...

The longest running-in board after that famous one in Anglesey perhaps?

This station is famous for having appeared in a few films. Not least the Beatle's Hard Days Night