Dean Forest’s ’box on national awards shortlist
THE Dean Forest Railway’s renovation of Parkend signalbox and the associated signalling works have been shortlisted for a National Railway Heritage Award.
The ’box was commissioned in March, after more than eight years of work by volunteers – just in time for the first trains of the 2022 running season.
It was erected in 2000 using three-fifths of Maesmawr signalbox, which was made redundant in 1995. Then, in 2014 the DFR board decided to re-signal Parkend, and work commenced to equip the station area and ‘box and decommission the ground frame from which points were operated for many years.
December ceremony
Electronic wheel detectors and axle counters have been introduced to Parkend as the GWR sleepers had next to zero insulation for conventional track circuits, also eliminating the need for electrical insulation in points and at rail joints.
The works were tested and signed off by Network Rail employees.
The NRHA awards ceremony will be held on December 6.