Cockmill Crossing

[RailWest]

According to a BR(S) diagram the level-crossing at Cockmill (between Pylle and West Pennard) had a ground-frame located on the Up side of the line, facing the track, positioned between the track and the crossing-keeper’s house. However a 1960s photograph shows the frame in that position, but facing away from the track, so how come this apparent discrepancy?

 

1. The lever numbers and descriptions in the BR(S) diagram are consistent with the frame facing the track; the diagram is undated, but probably circa-1950, so it would appear that the frame was altered later in the BR period. [EDIT: apparently by mid-1960 at the latest]

 

2. It is possible that the frame was replaced (damaged? worn-out?) and the decision made to re-orientate it at the same time, but why do that when it would have involved extra work and new drawings etc?

 

3. Alternatively, the original frame was re-orientated at some time because of a specific need/decision that justified the additional work.

 

It should be noted that the house was at a lower level than the trackbed, so is it possible that the crossing-keeper had an accident one day – perhaps he slipped, or a signal wire broke - while he was working the frame and so he fell backwards down the embankment, as a result of which the frame was turned around for safety reasons?

 

The alteration may well have taken place under BR(W) auspices, which would explain the lack of any later BR(S) record. Also, as such a change did not alter the actual signalling or operation of the crossing, then it may not have resulted in any official Notice anyway.

 

Can anyone throw any light on this matter please?

 

 

Edited November 9, 2018 by RailWest