History of BR Standard Bakelite (Penguin) Block Instruments.

[Ashley Hill]

The history and development of many block instruments is well known, the Bakelite block (IMO) less so. We’ve heard of Preece,Fletcher etc but who designed the Bakelite and when?
(edited due to finding a previous thread)

 

[John Webb]

..... Being modular Bakelites could vary by use. Some have Train on Line,Normal and Line Clear whilst some the other way round.....

I understand this provision was to match the way round the older instruments were when they were replaced.

 

[Ashley Hill]

I understand this provision was to match the way round the older instruments were when they were replaced.

That makes sense.

 

[Clarence Yard]

The first few of the BR Standard Block Instruments were actually made of wood.

 

[Ashley Hill]

The first few of the BR Standard Block Instruments were actually made of wood.

Was that the ER black boxes? Or did they resemble the Bakelites.

 

[Belperpete]

Where were the bakelite modules made? Did BR produce or assemble them in-house at one of its S&T workshops, or did they buy them in ready-made from a supplier?

For the bakelite illuminated block-shelf indicators, there seem to have been two types. One with a large coloured glass dome, that was interchangeable with those on K and L frames, so I assume was made by Westinghouse. The stencil version had a flush face to the box. Then there was the type that had the indication in a tube protruding from the front of the bakelite box. Were these from a different supplier? The bakelite boxes all seem to have been about the same size, so was there a BR spec for these?

 

[Ashley Hill]

According to David Sterling’ book on the development of absolute block signalling the Bakelite instruments were introduced in 1956. No designer mentioned. Here’s a photo of some of my instruments to show some examples.

 

[4069]

Here's one of the early wooden prototypes:

 

[Ashley Hill]

Here's one of the early wooden prototypes:
View attachment 192563

That must be quite a unique survivor. Even this has a slightly lighter wood for the top module.

 

[MadMac]

That must be quite a unique survivor.

Holywood has this one at the opposite end of the shelf from a G&SW one.

 

[Gonzoiku]

The first few of the BR Standard Block Instruments were actually made of wood.

I had for many years the wooden block instruments from Sale box (MSJ&A) which was decommissioned in 1968.

Aside from the bases, outwardly they were essentially identical.

One was marked, impressed on the inside brass hinge:
L.N.W.R.
T.D.
with handwritten paper labels giving the resistances on each needle and bell, dated 20/12/01 and 15.2.32 and additionally, impressed into the wood on the side:
L&NWRY TELE.DEPT
STOCKPORT No 1048

The other had impressed on the inside brass hinge:
B.R.
JONES&FOSTER LD
With no other markings or labels.

The technology and design did not change in the 50 years and three different owners separating the two instruments.

GZ

 

[rower40]

Here's one of the early wooden prototypes:
View attachment 192563

That is just wonderful. But important to find a brand of furniture polish that doesn't react with or degrade the Bakelite top and pegger.