An illuminating article

Having visited the Blackpool North No 2 box as part of my driver training in 2002, and been along the Blackpool North line many times subsequently, I found the article on Fylde signalling very enlightening ( RAIL 828).

After passing out, the quirky signalling in this area proved a pleasant contrast to the less charismatic colour light signals (KM49-51).

They were also a novelty to rookie drivers, while the installation of a new PT69 semaphore signal, arising from a resiting issue in recent years, gave this signal a novel claim to fame.

Corrosion has sadly taken its toll on some of the illustrated semaphore signals of late, with the signal post controlling departure from Platforms 3 and 4 at Blackpool North today being formed of replacement grey square steel section.

The BN2 23 signal has suffered a more ignominious fate, having to be supported by scaffolding for a number of years after failing to withstand a winter gale.

My association with the Fylde lines is now as a passenger. Having overtaken many a train at Kirkham in my time, where the vestigial fast lines acted as the only passing loops between Preston and Blackpool, it was somewhat disheartening to note their absence on a recent visit.

I would hope this is merely a temporary measure to aid the preparatory work for electrification, especially if Blackpool still aspires to track more long-distance trains and benefit from regular steam excursions (as Scarborough does).