Fitting LLs/Ccs to a Stevens 'knee' frame

[RailWest]

In connection with the forthcoming southwards extension of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway to Blackmoor and beyond, we shall need to upgrade the existing signalling at Woody Bay. This will require the addition of some lever-locks and circuit-controllers to a Stevens-pattern ‘knee’ frame.

 

Given the extremely cramped state of the signal-box (as you will see from the photo!) the LLs/CCs will have to go in an extension behind the frame, mounted either horizontally or (more likely) vertically. Although there are prototypes for both arrangements, in most photos the actual fixing arrangements and the drive mechanisms from the levers are either under a cover or otherwise obscured from view.

 

Is anyone able to provide some close-up photos and/or drawings of the actual arrangements please (regardless of whether a NR or heritage railway installation)?

 

Many thanks!

 

[Joseph_Pestell]

Hi Chris,

 

Might it not be better all round to leave the existing box and frame in its existing condition as a heritage/visitor attraction and set up a completely new "box/panel" elsewhere on site.? 

[tomparryharry]

Hello Chris. Have a word with the Gwilli Railway, over at Bronwydd Arms. Back in the early 80's they had a Stevens frame. The guys over there are all professional S&T engineers.  

[RailWest]

2 hours ago, Joseph_Pestell said:

Hi Chris,

 

Might it not be better all round to leave the existing box and frame in its existing condition as a heritage/visitor attraction and set up a completely new "box/panel" elsewhere on site.? 

That is an idea which dies have its merits and has been explored, but it did not find favour for various reasons....

[RailWest]

1 hour ago, tomparryharry said:

Hello Chris. Have a word with the Gwilli Railway, over at Bronwydd Arms. Back in the early 80's they had a Stevens frame. The guys over there are all professional S&T engineers.  

IIRC the Gwili did once have the 'full size' Stevens frame from Wrafton, but I'm not aware that they ever had - let alone used - a 'knee' version.

[Nick C]

Havenstreet (IOW) has a knee frame which looks like a Stevens one from photos (at least, it's got LSWR pattern lever plates) - it might be worth asking them?

[RailWest]

7 minutes ago, Nick C said:

Havenstreet (IOW) has a knee frame which looks like a Stevens one from photos (at least, it's got LSWR pattern lever plates) - it might be worth asking them?

That is in hand...:-)

[The Stationmaster]

Not exactly what you asked for but this gives you an idea of how the electric locks and circuit controllers are arranged in relation to the knee frame at Cockcrow Hill on the Great Cockcrow Railway.  This frame is 100% electrically interlocked and came from Waterloo station on the Waterloo and City although the locking is new.  The interlocking etc is housed in a separate relay room building adjacent to the signal box.

 

I will make enquiries to see if there are any drawings available or if anyone has any photos of the way the levers are connected to the locking but you need to remember that everything worked by this frame is electrically operated so there is no  need to take account of mechanical connections of any sort from the 'box to the signals and points.

 

 

Edited January 26, 2021 by The Stationmaster

[LNERGE]

It would be handy to know some dimensions.

How much space is available?

 

The stroke at sis inches from the pivot?

 

The stroke at eight inches from the pivot?

 

The stroke available at about one inch above the fully raised catch block?

 

Older boxes simply were not meant to have this gear. Here is one of my boxes..

 

https://www.eastanglianrailwayarchive.co.uk/Railways/Ely-Soham-Chippenham-Junction/i-TC7wP3L/A

 

The little boxes below the front wall are to protect the tappet ends from the elements. It got worse later on as more locks were fitted with unspeakable things done to some of the upright timbers.

[RailWest]

The short answer is "no space at all" :-)

 

As regards the other information, I don't have that yet as we're waiting for someone to be able to get to WB to take some measurements as/when restrictions permit.