Swindon Panel Preservation

[dscroggins]

There are seven original Western-Region "turn-push" type panels left in operation. Network Rail has plans to close most, if not all, of them within the next few years.

A small group has convened with the aim of preventing this panel design, that has been the staple panel of the Great Western since the 1960s, passing into history unpreserved.

Our examination of the feasibility of doing this has, so far, produced the following results:
* Our attention is focussed on Swindon Panel, which is in good condition and has a good number of interesting and varied infrastructure features on it. Network Rail have agreed to our obtaining the panel when it is taken out
of use in May 2014.
* The plan is to remove the panel from the current Swindon Panel building (which is to be demolished) and reconstruct in a secure location off-site.
* We have agreement for us to use a SIMSIG to build (and people with experience to program) a simulator back-end for the Panel. This will enable it to function and be operated realistically, for the interest and education of those interested in railway signalling and MAS technology.
* Our final plan, when we've achieved this, is to start 'winding the clock back' and reinstating some long-gone infrastructure on the panel fascia, back to a period in about 1982-84, when the layout was at its most interesting and most complex!

We ultimately intend to supplement the exhibit of the panel with other explanatory items such as explanations of colour light signals, junction sequences, relay interlocking, remote controls, etc. That's all a little way off though.

More information is available at the Project website: www.swindonpanel.org.uk

 

[Wikipedia]

I wish them good luck!

 

[gwr4090]

Good to hear that there are active steps being taken to preserve Swindon panel in some form.

On a related theme, parts of the former Reading panel have been acquired by the West Somerset Railway, where there are very tentative plans (not yet confirmed) to add a small panel in Bishops Lydeard Box in the longer term to control the Norton Fitzwarren area, along with contemporary 1950s/60s style colour lights. This is very much in keeping with WR signalling practice of the era where several mechanical boxes had similar small panels added.

David

 

[dscroggins]

I believe the parts of the WR panel that the WSR have is the Severn Tunnel panel from Newport.
Danny S.

 

[Tiny Tim]

It's interesting to read (via the link) that the intention is to install the former Swindon Panel in a steel container (like a site office) making it reasonably portable. Potentially, the panel could be 'toured' around various sites.

 

[Old Hill Bank]

Good luck with that team, panels from the 60s/70s are all going or gone. Having spent many years working on telecomms on the nx panels around the west midlands it would be good to see something of that ilk retained.

 

[dscroggins]

We are pleased to announce our next meeting will be on Saturday 14 September, in Swindon, and will include a visit to Swindon Panel Box.

The purpose of the project meetings is to give an opportunity for you to see and hear the progress that has been made in the preservation scheme, the research that has been conducted on the panel's history and a demonstration of the progress on the simulation software. It will also give an opportunity for discussion, sharing ideas, and general chatting about the project, how it will work, and what we'll need to do to see it through.

We are keen to engage with as many people as we can on this project, so whether you are a signal engineer, maintainer, signaller/signalman, interested person, armchair supporter, or just want a free cup of tea, we'd love to see you there!

The meeting will be in Network Rail offices, Holbrook Way, Swindon, a 5 minute walk from Swindon station, starting at 11am - tea and biscuits provided - and the panel visit will be after the meeting. There is no requirement to book ahead, but if you could let us know you intend to come then that would help us to plan the panel visit. No absolute requirement though, so turning up to the meeting on the day will be just as welcome.

We are very grateful indeed to Network Rail for their continued support in the preservation of Swindon Panel, including allowing this visit. This may be your last opportunity to visit Swindon Panel in "real" use before it closes in May next year!

Please feel free to share this far and wide. See you there!

* * *

A few notes for the Panel visit:
* If there are a large number of people wishing to visit the panel we may need to visit in smaller groups.
* You are very welcome to take photographs of the panel.
* As always, the visit is subject to there being no railway incidents or significant disruption going on at the time, in the case of which the visit may need to be postponed, curtailed or cancelled.
* The panel is accessible from the station pick up area, there is no requirement for HV clothing or anything like that.
* The operating floor is upstairs (and unfortunately there is no lift).
* Under 18s to be accompanied by an adult please.
* We are more than happy to welcome visitors whose primary interest is the panel visit, but we ask that you allow us to talk to you in the meeting about the preservation project for an hour first.... that's the deal!

 

[furlong]

The plan is to remove the panel from the current Swindon Panel building (which is to be demolished) and reconstruct in a secure location off-site.

To be housed in a new building at Didcot Railway Centre, according to the latest newsletter.

 

[furlong]

Another chance to visit on Saturday 15th March 2014:

http://www.swindonpanel.org.uk/meetings.php

 

[Muzer]

Argh, I'm busy that day! What a pain. I'll have to wait for the next one again...