GWS.15

Back to Sources - Signalling Notices.

Overview

This notice describes the work to bring into use the new junction connection to 'Swindon Distribution Centre' (South Marston Euroterminal). It was planned to take place on 7 and 14 February 2000, but, due to 'construction difficulties' the work did not take place.

Detail

A new set of points was to be commissioned forming a trailing connection in the Up Main with a Goods Reception Line, curving in sharply from the north. The trailing points in the Up Main were to be 312B and the traps in the Goods Reception line were to be 312A. There was also to be a facing crossover between the main lines 311, facilitating facing access to the Euroterminal from the Down Main. The crossover would also partially split the reversible section between Swindon East and Bourton.

The existing signal spacing on the Down Main was inconvenient for the new layout, so several signals were planned to be moved closer together and an extra signal section inserted. DM.74 signal was sited in the middle of what would become the junction complex, so was planned to be abolished and a new signal installed slightly further back, SN.4 to protect the new junction. DM.74 shared its cantilever structure with SN.624RR. This signal was to be moved back in sympathy with DM.74/SN.4 and converted from an outer repeater signal to a controlled stop signal, SN.604. Both SN.4 and SN.604 were to be fitted with appropriate junction indicators for routes into the new Goods Reception and for reversible working.

The signal in rear of SN.4, DM.73, was moved 150 yards closer to Swindon, and a new signal was to be inserted to break the section in rear (between SN.20 and DM.73 - The new signal at a reincarnation of DM.72. There being insufficient braking distance between all these new signals, they were all installed as 4-aspects and the signals in rear of the re-aligned signals, SN.20, DM.70 and DM.69 were all made up to 4-aspects.

The alterations on the Up Main were not to be as significant. UM.75 was to be converted to a controlled signal, SN.81.

Only one signal was planned on the Goods Reception, SN.899, which would have protected the main lines from moves leaving the Euroterminal. This was fitted with a theatre type route indicator. The signal was planned to not be lit or brought into use initially, there being no track in rear of SN.899.

All this work was planned to take place on 7 and 14 February 2000, but, due to 'construction difficulties' the work did not take place.

It was later planned to be commissioned on 11 and 18 February 2002, as described in GWS.27, but that commissioning also encountered difficulties, and wasn't until 18 February and 4 March 2002....