Bradford on Avon (Excl)
to Westbury
to Westbury
Bradford Junctions
Some two miles south of Bradford on Avon lay a triangular junction known as Bradford Junctions. The junction joins the Wilts, Somerset and Weymouth railway to Westbury (O 1848) with the Westbury to Bath line (O 1857). A link line, the Bradford on Avon Loop opened in 1895, this being an early casualty closing in March 1990. The individual junctions being named West, South and North. The North being at the junction of the lines from Bradford on Avon and those towards Melksham and Thingley. Each of these junctions had, at one time, an individual signalbox. The functions of these three boxes being taken over on the 2nd May 1933 by a single box called Bradford Junction located on the Thingley curve. It is recommended that you take a look at Google Earth at 50 deg 20' 20.49" North and 2 deg 12' 41.77 East which will bring you to the centre of the triangle and give an aerial view of no less that three trains. (Or simply 'key in' Trowbridge - the triangle is to the NW). Two passenger trains are on the Bradford Curve and one empty stone train waiting on the Thingley curve. Also visible is the empty trackbed of the Bradford on Avon Loop. The aqueduct which carries the Kennet and Avon Canal over the metals about a quarter of a mile south of the south junction provides a good observation point for some of the activities as can be seen below.
Some two miles south of Bradford on Avon lay a triangular junction known as Bradford Junctions. The junction joins the Wilts, Somerset and Weymouth railway to Westbury (O 1848) with the Westbury to Bath line (O 1857). A link line, the Bradford on Avon Loop opened in 1895, this being an early casualty closing in March 1990. The individual junctions being named West, South and North. The North being at the junction of the lines from Bradford on Avon and those towards Melksham and Thingley. Each of these junctions had, at one time, an individual signalbox. The functions of these three boxes being taken over on the 2nd May 1933 by a single box called Bradford Junction located on the Thingley curve. It is recommended that you take a look at Google Earth at 50 deg 20' 20.49" North and 2 deg 12' 41.77 East which will bring you to the centre of the triangle and give an aerial view of no less that three trains. (Or simply 'key in' Trowbridge - the triangle is to the NW). Two passenger trains are on the Bradford Curve and one empty stone train waiting on the Thingley curve. Also visible is the empty trackbed of the Bradford on Avon Loop. The aqueduct which carries the Kennet and Avon Canal over the metals about a quarter of a mile south of the south junction provides a good observation point for some of the activities as can be seen below.
For a 25" to the mile map of the junctions in 1902 - courtesy National Library of Scotland. Click below ;-
maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=51.3395&lon=-2.2122&layers=168&b=1
maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=51.3395&lon=-2.2122&layers=168&b=1
Just before Bradford West Junction
Going east from Bradford and located at the site of the former Bradford West Junction is another elderly and rare survivor. A wrought iron 'caisson' bridge that dates from around 1890 and takes the line across the river Avon and adjoining land. Similar bridges at Bradford-on-Avon and at Staverton on the Melksham line were both replaced in the 1960s but this one stubbornly hangs on!
A delightful scene. Close by the site of Bradford West Junction the River Avon Railway is crossed by this fine bridge. 8m64ch looking upstream. Copyright Guy Vincent
Bradford West Jctn; Avon Bridge MP8.111. An East View July 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent.
Bradford West Junction Twenty three and a quarter miles from BTM
Of course Bradford West Junction no longer exists but here we see a Class 33 on train to Bath & Bristol rounding the curve between Bradford South Junction and the former West Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen 810417e
Bradford South Junction Plus two chains on the west mileage
760421d Bradford South Junction on the 21st April 1976 with the line to Melksham and Thingley Junction. The 1930's signalbox alongside the Thingley line is clearly visible. The land to the right in this picture is now occupied with modern 'high rise' housing. Copyright Roger Winnen
This, over the fence view at Bradford South Junction taken on the 17th April 1981 shows a DMU approaching from the Bradford on Avon direction. Copyright Roger Winnen
Another view of Bradford South Junction looking along the then double track Thingley line on the 17th April 1981. This junction singled in 11th March 1990 Copyright Roger Winnen. (Taken with the camera held low out of the back of a train from Bristol to Westbury, it was not the signalbox on fire!!)
Now a telephoto shot from the Canal Aqueduct bridge of Bradford South Junction including a nice view of the signalbox taken on the 17th April 1981. The route straight ahead is not normally used by HST's - this must be a time of main line diversions. Copyright Roger Winnen
Bradford South Junction - from a Bath bound train. The line was singled through to Thingley on the 16th February 1967. This picture 10th August 1990. Copyright Roger Winnen
Looking back from the site of the west junction - the line in the process of removal connected with the north junction and the line onwards to Thingley junction. This picture 10th August 1990 Copyright Roger Winnen
An autumnal picture of the current arrangement at Bradford South Junction, showing the crossover and single track connection, the main line towards Bath bearing away to the left. Copyright Chris Osment
The down service has now joined the line from Bathampton Junction and will continue via Trowbridge and Westbury. Of the two bracket signals facing the phtographer the higher one indicates a higher line speed for the route towards Thingley Junction rather than that around the sharp curve towards Bradford on Avon and Bathampton. Copyright Roger Winnen.
This service is taking the Bathampton route and is easing off for the sharp curve 17th April 1981. Copyright Roger Winnen (Enjoy the semaphores, they're long gone now)
810417f Class 47 heading south from Bradford Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen
Bradford Junction Signalbox. Approx 108 miles 23 chains from London.
This signalbox lay alongside the metals from Bradford South Junction towards Thingley Junction. The picture was taken from the window of a HST which was from London then via Chippenham, Westbury and Salisbury to Penzance. 24th April 1983 Copyright Roger Winnen - N.B The box closed 17th March 1990 six days after the singling of Bradford South Junction.
Colas Railfreight 70809 is unusually seen in the Down Trowbridge Siding at Westbury after dropping its train off on the Down Reception before making its way to the Up side holding sidings where Colas locomotives are stabled and fuelled 23rd March 2018 Copyright Alan Peters
Trowbridge Twenty four miles from BTM
A label from the Mike Morant Collection
Trowbridge, Nr Ladydown August 1964 4082 Windsor Castle (previously Bristol Castle) heading either towards Bath or , perhaps Chip via Melksham. Copyright Martin Scane
Martin writes ' Here is very poor quality (so no worries if it fails the acceptability test !) but it is interesting as it shows a pretty lengthy goods heading towards Trowbridge from Bradford on Avon. The interesting bit is that it is on the freight loop. Taken from our favourite spotting location of Black Bridge at Ladydown on the outskirts of Trowbridge.
The locomotive is 3864. My date (which is a little unreliable) is July 1964 which would fit as 3864 was a Neath engine at the time and this is likely a freight from South Wales headed for Westbury and Salisbury'. Many thanks indeed - copyright Martin Scane
Just to the east of Trowbridge station D1041 Western Prince complete with royal headcode. Photograph thought to be taken in 1964 - the goods loop in the foreground was removed in 1968. Copyright Martin Scane.
Trowbridge June 1963 4-6-0 5948 Siddington Hall entering Trowbridge station with a Cardiff to Potrsmouth train. as my two school mates (Tony & Peter) pose. 5948 was a Pontypool Road locomotive Copyright Martin Scane
A Hymek calls at Trowbridge in 1966 - you'd not recognise this station nowadays. Copyright Martin Scane
Trowbridge Station with the broad gauge goods shed. A class 33 sets out for Bath, Bristol and probably Cardiff. March the 31st 1978 was not a good day for sitting out, unless you enjoy the rain! Copyright Roger Winnen
60009 'Union of South Africa' departing Trowbridge on the last 1Z27 0800 Bristol TM-Kingswear (for Dartmouth) 'Torbay Express' of 2019. The bridge above the loco carries Stallard Street, one of the main routes to and from the town. Until the late 1980s a large cast iron GWR sign was affixed to the left side wall that read 'Engines must not stand under this bridge'. This image demonstrates a good reason why the notice was needed in steam days! 8th September 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.
780331f A close up of Trowbridge Goods Shed. Obviously the shed has found a use for mixed gauge rubber tyred stock!! 31st March 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen
Trowbridge Goods Shed taken from a train running in to the station and bound for Westbury and beyond. 31st March 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen
Looks like a real railway station doesn't it? Covered footbridge and substantial buildings. 31st March 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen
Trowbridge Station prior to alterations on this platform. The main station building is located here nowadays with considerable passanger traffic joining here for Bath and Bristol. 31st March 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen
A Class 31 arrives at Trowbridge on a Portsmouth Harbour service. 31st March 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen
Guy Vincent writes :- I noticed the old 'Travelling Safe' on the down platform at Warminster waiting to be put onto what I think was the 1007 Bristol Temple Meads-Portsmouth Harbour train hauled by 47543 in May 1988. I remember that there used to be a train-operated bell that rang as 'down' trains passed Upton Scudamore summit approximately 2 miles away towards Westbury and this just gave the duty porter / parcels clerk time to cross from the up-side parcels office ready to deal with any items requiring loading or unloading. Prior to 1988 when the present station building was constructed on the opposite side to the original, a similar bell was used at Trowbridge for exactly the same purpose and sounded when trains passed Hawkeridge Junction soon after leaving Westbury. Many thanks Guy
Motorail train passing through Trowbridge. BR leaflet from the Guy Vincent Collection
British Rail Motorail Leaflet 1971 (Rear Cover) Guy Vincen
You recently featured some interesting Motorail publicity supplied by Roger Salter and this reminded me of a large black and white photograph that was once displayed in the booking office of the old Trowbridge station. The photo was taken from towards the front of a diverted a Motorail train north of the station on the large radius curve leading towards Bradford Junction. When the station was demolished in 1984 the picture was apparently saved for posterity by one of the booking office staff but it's current whereabouts are unknown. Quite by chance I came across a Motorail publicity brochure dating from 1971 featuring the very same image on the cover, in colour. I would guess that the photo dates from the summer of either 1970 or 1971 and features the tower of Holy Trinity church in the background. The area to the left of the running lines was occupied by sidings and a goods loop until September 1968, this has now been fenced off and given over to a public footpath that leads from the town to the Kennet and Avon canal close by Ladydown Aqueduct. Quite why Trowbridge was chosen for such a shot is open to debate. Consider the alternative locations up and down the country such as the Dawlish Sea Wall or the Devon Banks. BR cutbacks??! Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy
Trowbridge 33004 slows for a stop 6th June 1984 Bristol -Portsmouth Copyright R Kosys
A nice smart train and a nice full car park. Copyright John Cornelius
It's 1988 and the 6th of May as a Metropolitan Cammel DMU based at Cardiff pauses at Trowbridge on route to Westbury and beyond. Copyright Roger Winnen
Trowbridge in all its glory, now the station building is a shadow of this structure. We're looking towards Westbury. However better things have happened on the other platform. 2nd June 1984 Copyright Mike Roach N.B. It is pleasing to note that this footbridge has found fresh use at Williton on the West Somerset. Quote Chris Osment.
Trowbridge platform 1 on the 2nd June 1984 Copyright Keith Jenkin
The nameplate on 33027 April 1986 Copyright Keith Jenkin
The new station takes shape, platforms on this side cut back. Copyright Roger Winnen
Nest stop Westbury for this unit. There is now an extensive car park to cater for commuter traffic. Copyright Roger Winnen,
LMS Black 5 45212 eases through Trowbridge station on its way to Bath and Bristol. Here there is a 30mph speed restriction but just at the end of the platform the restriction eases to 60mph.
45212 was stabled at Swanage overnight and left there for Poole at 0550. 45212and its train (1Z87) picks up passengers at Poole at 0650 and heads to Southampton, Eastleigh and Salisbury where it takes water. It passed trowbridge a few minutes down and would stop at Bath for the Christmas Market and then onto Bristol Temple Meads.
The return trip starts at Bristol Temple Meads at 1736 returning via same route as far as Salisbury where 45212 comes off and goes back to Southall. The train returns to Poole with a 47 Class in charge. Copyright Terry Waldron
A snow scene at Trowbridge as 158952 calls on the 20th January 2013 Copyright Guy Vincent
143611 Trowbridge 5J93 1352 Bristol TM-Westbury 19th February 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent
Hawkeridge Junction
In all its glory, in lovely sunshine we see Hawkeridge Jct with six semaphores visible. The date is the 5th April 1980. The 31 approaches Westbury Station on route to Portsmouth Harbour. Copyright Roger Winnen
Track diagram kindly supplied by Guy Vincent - from his collection.
Hawkeridge Junction Detailed notes supplied by Roy Hart
Hawkeridge was a World War Two creation. The box was opened to serve a new spur from Heywood Road Junction, enabling fast, heavy wartime trains to move from the Berks and Hants to the Trowbridge line avoiding the awkwardness of the old single line through Devizes. The box had two functions: control of the junction and acess to the large war department depot which lay to the top right of the diagram. This depot was sufficiently important to have facing-point access at either end (the Trowbridge end being motor points). The Trowbridge end connections were lifted soon after ww2, but the one across from the box was retained, spiked, on a 'just in case' basis until 1962, when it was lifted.
Hawkeridge box became a very quiet place after the war: from the 1950s onwards, the box was usually 'switched out' and only opened as required. The signalling record society classifies Hawkeridge as type 12 -one of the GWRs last designs. In Cornwall we had four of these: Penzance (1938) Baldhu (1938) Trerule (1938) and Newquay (1946).
In Roger's picture (2nd June 1984) , the lever frame and other equipment can be seen dumped outside the box.
Roy Hart Many thanks Roy
Hawkeridge was a World War Two creation. The box was opened to serve a new spur from Heywood Road Junction, enabling fast, heavy wartime trains to move from the Berks and Hants to the Trowbridge line avoiding the awkwardness of the old single line through Devizes. The box had two functions: control of the junction and acess to the large war department depot which lay to the top right of the diagram. This depot was sufficiently important to have facing-point access at either end (the Trowbridge end being motor points). The Trowbridge end connections were lifted soon after ww2, but the one across from the box was retained, spiked, on a 'just in case' basis until 1962, when it was lifted.
Hawkeridge box became a very quiet place after the war: from the 1950s onwards, the box was usually 'switched out' and only opened as required. The signalling record society classifies Hawkeridge as type 12 -one of the GWRs last designs. In Cornwall we had four of these: Penzance (1938) Baldhu (1938) Trerule (1938) and Newquay (1946).
In Roger's picture (2nd June 1984) , the lever frame and other equipment can be seen dumped outside the box.
Roy Hart Many thanks Roy
This could well be captioned 'Danger Men at Work' however one can be assured that these signalling technicians have taken every care. Hawkeridge Jct Hawkridge Junction looking towards Westbury straight ahead. 10th April 1980 Copyright Roger Winnen
Hawkeridge Jct 10th April 1980 A Bristol bound service passes by - the two technicians are still at work. The lines to the left enables a service to bypass Westbury Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Hawkeridge Jct The generator train Mk3's hauled by a Class 47 rounds the curve at Hawkridge Junction. The generator in the rear vehicle provided power for air conditioning in the coaches. 17th April 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen
Diversions at Hawkridge Junctions with trains signalled on both directions on the diversion. An HST diversion was of interest. We've now moved on to 1982 - 10th April and the signalbox has about two years to go! Copyright Roger Winnen
In contrast to the HST above a train of the 'old order', a class 47 with mark one stock is seen here again on the 10th April 1982. Copyright Roger Winnen
Hawkeridge Signalbox in 1984 Copyright Chris Osment
The totally decommissioned box at Hawkeridge Junction. Seen here on the 2nd June 1984 Copyright Roger Winne
The stripped out signal box at Hawkridge Junction, a closer view. 2nd June 1984 Copyright Roger Winnen
33103 is seen at Hawkeridge Jct. with a service from Brighton. It's the 22nd April 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys
GBRF's 66777 'Annette' departing Westbury on 6M40 1156 Westbury-Stud Farm empty ballast boxes today, 16th April 2018. The area between Hawkeridge Junction and Westbury North Junction has recently been cleared of vegetation giving views that have not been possible since the 1960s. How long before nature again reclaims though?
Copyright Guy Vincent. Many thanks Guy.
Hawkeridge Junction. Within the triangle at Hawkeridge lies the Compound used for material storage by Network Rail. 16th April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent
Remember the stone trains to and from Wootten Basset.
56040 Hawkeridge Jn 22nd April 1988 Wooten Bassett - Merehead. Copyright Ron Kosys
Report sightings at Hawkeridge on the 5th June 2018 Guy Vincent
Today around lunchtime I happened by chance to get news of an extremely rare and unusual working through Westbury and was able to get out for an hour to record it. Rail Operations Group 47813, formerly owned by Direct Rail Services and named 'Solent', also once operated by Great Western Trains for many years and named 'SS Great Britain', came through at 1420 with a rake of JSA wagons running as 6O86 0900 Long Marston-Eastleigh Arlington. These wagons were converted in 1996 by Marcroft at Stoke-on-Trent for use between Shotton and Llanwern, before that they were iron-ore bogie tippler wagons used on Ravenscraig steelworks traffic. The '47' may have once been a common sight but the wagons were quite possibly making their debut here.
Shortly after that train had departed GBRF 66701 came through on 6M46 1218 Marchwood-Bicester MOD stores train which runs 'as required' via Westbury, Melksham and Oxford. Waiting on the 'down Trowbridge' for it to pass through Westbury North Junction was recently-arrived 'Turbo' 166214 on 2C18 1242 Gloucester-Frome.
Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy
Today around lunchtime I happened by chance to get news of an extremely rare and unusual working through Westbury and was able to get out for an hour to record it. Rail Operations Group 47813, formerly owned by Direct Rail Services and named 'Solent', also once operated by Great Western Trains for many years and named 'SS Great Britain', came through at 1420 with a rake of JSA wagons running as 6O86 0900 Long Marston-Eastleigh Arlington. These wagons were converted in 1996 by Marcroft at Stoke-on-Trent for use between Shotton and Llanwern, before that they were iron-ore bogie tippler wagons used on Ravenscraig steelworks traffic. The '47' may have once been a common sight but the wagons were quite possibly making their debut here.
Shortly after that train had departed GBRF 66701 came through on 6M46 1218 Marchwood-Bicester MOD stores train which runs 'as required' via Westbury, Melksham and Oxford. Waiting on the 'down Trowbridge' for it to pass through Westbury North Junction was recently-arrived 'Turbo' 166214 on 2C18 1242 Gloucester-Frome.
Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy
Hawkeridge 47813 6O86 0900 Long Marston to Eastleigh Arlington JSA's 5th June 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent
Hawkeridge 66701 6M46 1218 Marchwood-Bicester MOD 5th June 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent
Hawkeridge Road overbridge looking north. Built between 1846-8 this bridge remains in almost as-built condition and follows the same pattern as the majority of overbridges built for the Wilts Somerset and Weymouth Railway between Thingley Junction and Frome. The bridge beyond is known as Shallow Wagon Lane overbridge and takes a bridleway path down to some fields. Both parapet walls were rebuilt in 1980-1.
Copyright Guy Vincent.
More on Hawkeridge Junction - Chris Bellett
Hi Keith,
Looking at the recent photographs of the track relaying work at Hawkeridge (near Westbury) reminded me of a visit I made to there in 1970 to record the signalling arrangements. I have attached some photographs for you.
Hawkeridge signalbox was opened on 14 July 1942 to control the new Loop Lines to Heywood Road Junction and a set of extensive War Department sidings (the latter being completed on 02 November 1943). The sidings didn’t last long as they were instructed to be removed by the War Department on 17 March 1949. Some of the connections, however, remained in situ until c1962. Hawkeridge signalbox was closed on 14 May 1984 and the area became controlled by Westbury Panel signalbox, as it is to this day.
Looking at the recent photographs of the track relaying work at Hawkeridge (near Westbury) reminded me of a visit I made to there in 1970 to record the signalling arrangements. I have attached some photographs for you.
Hawkeridge signalbox was opened on 14 July 1942 to control the new Loop Lines to Heywood Road Junction and a set of extensive War Department sidings (the latter being completed on 02 November 1943). The sidings didn’t last long as they were instructed to be removed by the War Department on 17 March 1949. Some of the connections, however, remained in situ until c1962. Hawkeridge signalbox was closed on 14 May 1984 and the area became controlled by Westbury Panel signalbox, as it is to this day.
Westbury Henstridge Jct. 1971 08 Copyright Chris Bellett
The front of the signalbox. Note the Asbestos panelled roof and signalman’s Privy to the left. The two bracket signals to the right were of the ‘all steel’ type first introduced by the GWR in early 1942, so this was one of the first such installations.
Westbury Westbury Henstridge Jct. 1971 09 Copyright Chris Bellett
Looking South towards the Junction and signalbox. Loop Lines to Heywood Road Junction to the left and Main Lines to Westbury North to the right.
Westbury Henstridge Jct 1971 10 Copyright Chris Bellett
Looking North towards the Junction and signalbox. Main Lines to Westbury North to the left and Loop Lines to Heywood Road Junction to the right. DMU just coming into view on the left on a Bristol bound service.
Westbury Henstridge Junction 1971 11 Copyright Chris Bellett.
Looking North away from the signalbox towards Trowbridge. The War Department sidings were located on the barren land to the left.
At the time of my photographs Hawkeridge signalbox was normally switched out of circuit (closed) and the Loop Lines not regularly used. In the last photograph there used to be a Westbury North distant signal No.1 under the higher signal arm but this was removed at some date yet to be determined and the stop signal arm became dual controlled (slotted in signalling terms) by Westbury North as its Outer Home signal No.1. At the foot of the right hand mast (left hand as we look at the photograph) you can see that the arm balance weight for Hawkeridge signalbox No.36 is in the OFF (cleared or raised) position, but that for Westbury North signal No.1 is in the ON (danger or normal) position and thus the signal arm itself is in the ON (danger) position. It therefore required both signalboxes to clear the signal to OFF. The distant signal on the left hand mast (right hand as we look at the photograph) was Heywood Road Junction Up Loop Line distant signal No.6 and was operated by an electric motor which is the black box that can be seen just above the signal platform.
Hope that bit of lost history is of interest.
Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
At the time of my photographs Hawkeridge signalbox was normally switched out of circuit (closed) and the Loop Lines not regularly used. In the last photograph there used to be a Westbury North distant signal No.1 under the higher signal arm but this was removed at some date yet to be determined and the stop signal arm became dual controlled (slotted in signalling terms) by Westbury North as its Outer Home signal No.1. At the foot of the right hand mast (left hand as we look at the photograph) you can see that the arm balance weight for Hawkeridge signalbox No.36 is in the OFF (cleared or raised) position, but that for Westbury North signal No.1 is in the ON (danger or normal) position and thus the signal arm itself is in the ON (danger) position. It therefore required both signalboxes to clear the signal to OFF. The distant signal on the left hand mast (right hand as we look at the photograph) was Heywood Road Junction Up Loop Line distant signal No.6 and was operated by an electric motor which is the black box that can be seen just above the signal platform.
Hope that bit of lost history is of interest.
Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
Many thanks Chris
Further to Chris Bellett's article the following from Guy Vincent.
Hawkeridge Loop Track & Signalling
A photo of the 'other' end of the Hawkeridge loop line at Westbury with DB Cargo 66113 waiting at the signal protecting Westbury East Loop Junction on 6M15 0707 Tytherington-Calvert. This was taken from the window of a class 800 approaching Westbury this morning (23rd) and shows the newly laid track on both lines that will now see increased use as demand for aggregates in the south Midlands and South East continues to grow. Also an older shot of the junction from April 2013 looking towards Westbury.
Regarding Chris Bellett's photos of Hawkeridge taken in 1970. The 'missing' distant signal on the right-hand post for trains running towards Westbury was later reinstated, possibly around 1978 when the south end of the station was resignalled with MAS. I remember it having a large white 'out of use' cross placed upon it for some time prior to being brought into service. (Photo by Bob Taylor dated 29.04.1984, train signalled for the loop line). The crossover seen here was removed along with the semaphores just two weeks later when the area was transferred to Westbury Panel box. In later years the telegraph poles (right) ran from Hawkeridge 'box as far as Trowbridge station from where cables took over as far as Bradford Junction signal box. These were replaced by the white concrete MAS ducting (left) and removed later in 1984.
Guy Vincent
A photo of the 'other' end of the Hawkeridge loop line at Westbury with DB Cargo 66113 waiting at the signal protecting Westbury East Loop Junction on 6M15 0707 Tytherington-Calvert. This was taken from the window of a class 800 approaching Westbury this morning (23rd) and shows the newly laid track on both lines that will now see increased use as demand for aggregates in the south Midlands and South East continues to grow. Also an older shot of the junction from April 2013 looking towards Westbury.
Regarding Chris Bellett's photos of Hawkeridge taken in 1970. The 'missing' distant signal on the right-hand post for trains running towards Westbury was later reinstated, possibly around 1978 when the south end of the station was resignalled with MAS. I remember it having a large white 'out of use' cross placed upon it for some time prior to being brought into service. (Photo by Bob Taylor dated 29.04.1984, train signalled for the loop line). The crossover seen here was removed along with the semaphores just two weeks later when the area was transferred to Westbury Panel box. In later years the telegraph poles (right) ran from Hawkeridge 'box as far as Trowbridge station from where cables took over as far as Bradford Junction signal box. These were replaced by the white concrete MAS ducting (left) and removed later in 1984.
Guy Vincent
In response to Guy Vincents comment on my 1970 photographs of Hawkeridge concerning the distant signal for Westbury North. Guy is indeed correct that the distant arm was 'reinstated' as part of the scheme to close Westbury South signalbox and control that area from a mini-panel in Westbury North signalbox (renamed plain Westbury). The 'new' distant arm was controlled by an electric motor. The work was shown in WR Signalling Notice 31/W/2746 and was commissioned on 09/10/1978.
From the notice:
"An additiional distant arm will be provided below the Down Main Home signal at Hawkeridge acting as the Down Trowbridge distant signal to signals W102 and W302, the lower arm beneath the Westbury Down Home becoming the Intermediate distant"
It should also be noted that the Hawkeridge Down Main Home signal was also slotted (dual controlled) by Westbury (North as was) and so that signalbox controlled both the Home signal arm and Lower Distant signal arm on the same post. That was quite a rare, but not unique arrangement.
Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
From the notice:
"An additiional distant arm will be provided below the Down Main Home signal at Hawkeridge acting as the Down Trowbridge distant signal to signals W102 and W302, the lower arm beneath the Westbury Down Home becoming the Intermediate distant"
It should also be noted that the Hawkeridge Down Main Home signal was also slotted (dual controlled) by Westbury (North as was) and so that signalbox controlled both the Home signal arm and Lower Distant signal arm on the same post. That was quite a rare, but not unique arrangement.
Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
Westbury East Loop Junction (Up) 66113 6M15 07.07 Tytherington-Calvert 23rd April 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent
Westbury East Loop Junction 7th April 2013 looking 'down'. Copyright Guy Vincent
Hawkeridge Junction Signals 29th April 1984. The late Bob Taylor collection - Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks Guy.
Westbury Twenty eight miles from BTM
Westbury 43272 & 43251 Colas Test Train. 3rd November 2021 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent
The modern image of the time as class 59 Yeoman Enterprise coming in from Heywood Road Junction passes the new signalling centre. 6th May 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen
What a colourful array. Semaphores at Westbury. Lines to the left go to Hawheridge Junction and thence to Trowbridge and Bath. Those to the right go to Heywood Road Junction and thence to Reading and London. 21st April 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen