Signalling the Swanage Branch THE EVENTS OF THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2015 COMMISSIONING THE NEW TOKEN SYSTEM BETWEEN NORDEN AND WORGRET JCT INTO SERVICE 1

2 Mike Walshaw and Dick Spencer test the Token Instrument at Norden Gates

Mike speaks to Peter Horne, Signalman at Corfe Castle Signal Box 3

Tester-in-Charge, Dave Helliwell exposes the full wording on the STOP Board at Norden 4

The new Ground Frame at Arne Road is examined 5

Dave, Mike and Dick consult at Norden. 6

At Worgret Junction, Dave exposes the “COMMENCEMENT OF TOKEN SECTION” Board 7

And the “END OF TOKEN SECTION” Board at the Stop Signal PW5750 8

At Wareham, the Token Instrument Cabinet on the UP Platform is opened. 9

Dave phones Corfe Castle to release a Token 10

The Junction Signal clears under test 11

12 Satisfied at last, Dave signs the Token System into use at 14:08, Thursday 5 February, 2015

Dave congratulates Mike, the Project Manager 13

Alan, Mike, Alan, Dick, Peter and Dave take well-earned tea-break in Corfe Castle Signal Box 14

‘Rail Minister,’ Clare Perry, MP, rides the first train to use the newly signalled link to Norden and Corfe Castle 15

16 Clare Perry’s Special Train from Poole, 1Z15, Class 158 DMU, arrives at Wareham at 15:48

Clare takes a Token for her train from the Token Instrument 17

Clare hands the Token to Driver Pete Burton 18

Clare and Gavin make speeches 19

20 At Basingstoke Signalling Control Centre, the route can then be set for the Swanage Branch

The Special Train arrives at Corfe Castle 21

22 Signalman Peter Horne releases a Token at Norden for the Minister’s Special Train to return to Wareham and Poole

Clare and Mike look really happy with their day’s work! 23

On arrival at Wareham, Clare says farewell and drives the train away! 24

Photo Credits: Andrew P.M. Wright, Mike Walshaw and Dave Fry at Basingstoke 25