GWR Route: Birmingham and Henley in Arden Railway Company

Lapworth to Henley in Arden Branch Line: gwrha2814

Looking south from the platforms at Henley-in-Arden sometime after 1964. The down starter semaphore signal and down advanced starter semaphore signal have both been cleared for a train to leave for Stratford. An advanced starter signal is placed a goods train's length in advance of the starter signal at places where there is a trailing siding connection or crossover road in advance of the starter signal. This signal has the same uses as the starter signal and allows the signalman to lower the starter signal to allow the train to go forward sufficient to then reverse either into the siding or crossover, but prevents the train from going forward into the next section until the line ahead is clear. Henley-in-Arden had both; a trailing down siding and a trailing crossover, at this southern end of the station (see image 'sig-diag-henley'), although by the time this photograph was taken both had been removed.

This location was the scene of the Mafeking accident in 1911 (see image 'gwrha759'). The express had been mistakenly diverted onto the bay line, which is behind the island platform on the right. This line is connected to the parallel loop line (to allow a locomotive to be released), but does not reconnect to either of the main lines, instead it terminates at a set of buffers visible near to the up home signal post.

This photograph is displayed courtesy of the HMRS (Historical Model Railway Society) and copies can be ordered directly from them using the link HERE, quoting reference AEX909.

Robert Ferris

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