GWR internal publications
Signalling books
The 'General Appendix to the Rule Book' contained detailed Rules and Regulations which were applicable across many areas of operation, including signalling practice, however more detailed regulations specific to signalling were also circulated to those employees responsible for signalling operations.
Synopsis of Course of Instruction
The rather long title printed on the front of this 74 page book is Synopsis of Course of Instruction on the subject of Safe Working of Railways and the Appliances Used in Connection Therewith for the use of Students of the Signalling Classes. This example is dated in October 1933 and lists other applicable books and resources. The preface states that 'This Synopsis of the Course of Instruction on the Safe Working of Railways and Appliances used in connection therewith has been compiled for the use of students attending the signalling classes, and also for the assistance of those members of staff who, although not able to attend a class, are desirous of qualifying by means of a correspondence course for the Company's certificate of proficiency. It is not intended to be regarded as a complete text-book on the subject, but must be takken rather as a guide to the source in the Rule Book or General Appendix where the required detailed information may be obtained. The importance of regularly answering in writing the questions set at the end of each section cannot be too strongly empasised, and it is hoped that every student will make a special point of doing this.'
1933 edition
Preface and Definition of Terms
Block instruments
Example Locking Table
Appendix to the Service Time Tables
The instruction on the front of this book states that Each Officer and Servant of the Company who is supplied with a copy of the No. 1 Section of the Service Time Tables must be supplied with a Copy of this Appendix, and will be responsible for reading carefully and obeying all Regulations and Notices contained therein, so far as they concern him. The area covered by No. 1 Section included the London, Reading, Didcot, Oxford, Wycombe and Banbury section. The book does not contain timetables but details precise operating procedures and other information relevant to the operation of the railway at particular locations and stations. This includes whistle codes at various stations, the locations of cross-over places, steep inclines and ground frames, and much more. Some regulations are fascinating such as Packs of Hounds on Line. A representation having been made to the Company that their servants should be required to use every care to avoid running over packs of hounds, which during the hunting season may cross the line, all servants of the Company are hereby enjoined to use every care consistent with due regard being paid to the proper working of the line and train.
1938 edition
Block Regulations
The main reference work for signalmen was the book with the rather long title 'Regulations for Train Signalling on Double and Single Lines', otherwise known as 'Block Regulations'. We have two copies of the edition which was to come into operation on August 1st, 1936. One copy is as issued, with the sole addition of an undated sheet detailing Headcodes and their corresponding Bell CodesClick or tap to see this sheet. Our second, and much abused, copy contains the same sheet and has also been updated with every amendment from B.R.1 of March 1937 right through to B.R.19 of January 1959 in British Railways days. This particular book was issued to A.Hunt and he recorded his various postings on the front cover - August 1940 Collingbourne, November 1941 Bushey Platt, May 1949 Marlborough class 2 relief, undated Swindon Town class 2 relief, and finally October 1958 Swindon Junction class 1 relief.
1936 edition
1936 record of amendments
1936 edition with multiple mendments
Fog or Falling Snow
The full title of this booklet is 'INSTRUCTIONS For Signalling Trains during FOG or FALLING SNOW and Arrangements in Frosty Weather'. There are several copies in our collection, all being broadly the same but with minor changes. They contain several pages of instructions followed by a comprehensive table detailing Distant Signals at which Fogmen are not provided, and Stop Signals at which they are. The 1936 version additionaly covers G.W. and L.M.&S. joint lines in the Shrewsbury and Hereford area, and the provision of Fogmen at permanent speed restriction indicators. The 1929 edition had a page to record the names and addresses of Fogmen and how they were to be called. This page was however replaced by additional instructions numberered 74 to 76 in the 1936 one. The booklet saw few changes when issued in 1951 for 'British Railways - Western Operating Area' but the title was subtly changed with 'Frosty Weather' becoming 'Periods of Frost'.
1929 edition
1929 Fogmen
1936 edition
1945 edition
1951 edition
Royal Trains
Royal trains are given special treatment and instructions relating to their handling are laid out in a special booklet. These instructions cover all aspects required to ensure the safe and speedy passage of such trains and a copy would have been kept in all signal boxes and station offices along any potential route. One of two special code names used to be given to a Royal Train and the instructions varied according to which train type was being handled. 'Deepdene' required the lower level of security and 'Grove', given when the train was carrying the Monarch, the highest. These instructions changed little following railway nationalisation
We have three editions of these bookets from B.R. days in our collection. They follow on from each other with each being an update of the previous one. As with the change from G.W.R. to B.R. days the rules remained essentially the same but the 1957 edition introduced a new designation of 'Deeplus' which, as the name might imply, was a slightly enhanced version of 'Deepdene'. The 1965 edition was greatly reduced in content however, and did not specify any code name for the one class of train now covered. The title reflects this change as it is now simply 'Instructions to be Observed in Connection with the Working of Royal Trains' rather than using the code names. The changing name of the issuing authority noted on the cover serves to reflect the organisational changes which were taking place. These being the Railway Executive in 1950, British Transport Commission in 1957, and British Railways Board in 1965.
1950 edition
1957 edition
1965 edition
