Image ID: 15151

Retford North Junction, 1959

Retford North junction
Retford
England

This view shows Retford North junction from Whisker Hill, with a B1 class engine no. 61377 on the down (i.e. northbound) freight train along the East Coast Main Line. The curving line in the foreground was known as the Worksop Branch. Observing the signals' in front of Retford North signal box: those which are conventionally positioned near the top of the signal posts' have their configuration copied precisely just above ground level. The reason for this arrangement is as an aid to visibility, as trains' approach the station on a very tight curve, eastbound from the Worksop direction. Note that each post is topped by a finial, a decorative feature not found on all signals. Northwards (i.e. off the photograph to the left) the next signal box is approximately 750 yards away, at Babworth. The lower of the 2 signals in the 'off' position, at 45 degrees, (a fish-tailed 'Distant' signal, showing the 'fitted-freight' train's driver that there is a clear road ahead) is operated from here. The distinctive, flat-roofed building beside the telegraph pole on the right, is a platelayers' hut, used by the track maintenance workers. With 'vans' (i.e. covered waggons) marshalled next to the engine, the train northbound on the main line may have been a 'fitted freight'. This was a railway term meaning vacuum brakes were in use on at least some of the train's waggons.

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Keywordstrainlocomotivesteamenginetrackrailslineyardcarriagessemaphoresignalboxtelegraph poleladdergantry

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