Handing Back The Token

[Ryewolf]

Class 24 24054/D5054 'PHIL SOUTHERN' at Ramsbottom

For a long time I didn't know what was going one when they swapped this bag type thing at Ramsbottom, it apparently contains a token and is given to someone on the train when it leaves Ramsbottom and is returned when the train comes back. Without the token trains can't leave for Rawtenstall, it stops two trains being on the same line travelling in opposite directions.

 

[morfis]

The 'token' is effectively a key...in some cases it really is a key (and that's where a pouch is used) without which a switch can't be operated or line can't be worked.
Years ago my dad told me that the original token was a policemans truncheon but my memory could be playing tricks and he might have said 'like a'.

An example from a frame at Wirksworth. No idea about the tehnical stuff but the left lever is the points and the right lever is for the signal (which can't be set until the points are due to the blue cross piece.

 

[Ryewolf]

Thanks for that info Iain