January 2013
The original Chard Junction signal-box was a L&SWR Type 1 with a 15-lever Stevens pattern frame, situated on the Up side of the line at the Yeovil Junction end of the loop next to the level-crossing. Like most Type 1 boxes the interior space was limited and by the time that a new illuminated diagram had been provided, and an impressive array of indicators added to the instrument shelf, it acquired a decidedly cramped appearance. When the lever-frame was re-locked for the singling there were insufficient levers for the new arrangements, so both Up and Down Distant signals were worked from switches on the instrument shelf. A further switch was added later for the signals protecting Crewkerne Gates crossing. Curiously the one original spare lever in the frame was never re-used.
On 11th Sep 1982 a temporary signalbox and panel were brought into use on the opposite side of the line and the road, after which the old SB was demolished and a new structure built on the same site. (The diagram from the old signal box can be seen now in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard station on the West Somerset Railway.) The new SB and its panel were brought into use on 11th Dec 1982 and the temporary box closed. On 27th November 2009, Axminster Level Crossing control closed and Chard panel was replaced with a new one incorporating the new Axminster Loop and Axminster Barriers CCTV control. Chard Junction signalbox closed at 0115hrs on 10th March 2012.
(Details from salisburyasc where pictures of the panel in situ and much more can be seen) |
