LMS Route: Hampton in Arden to Whitacre

Coleshill (Maxstoke) Station: mrcm388

View of Coleshill station on the left and the former down line track bed and probable remains of the down platform. As the original line was double track it would seem reasonable to expect the station to have a platform to service each line. Inspection of this photograph seems to indicate that the contour of the former down' line bank is more angular where it is opposite the higher part of the up platform than the section nearer the camera. The levers nearest the camera operated the signals as there was no need for a signal box as the line was operated with train staff without tickets. The large gas lamp on the corner appears to be to a standard MR design being very similar to the one seen in image 'mraf28a' at Arley & Fillongley Station. Note too the signal levers in foreground, five fire buckets on the wall at the end of the platform and the numerous enamel signs on the station wall. May 1916

As can be seen the rails were fitted with inside keys, which was standard MR practice although many other companies, including the LNWR, had the keys outside the rail. The MR system had the advantage that PW men could inspect the track simply by walking in the middle of the track in a single pass to view both rails. Whilst the fitting of outside keys required two passes to inspect the rails it had a safety feature. The thrust of a passing train on the rail was outwards in direction thereby forcing the rail against the key and 'tightening' the connection. With internal keys this outward thrust could, in the passing of time, loosen the key. Eventually the fitting of outside keys became the norm with its adoption by BR.

back