What would this wheel at Neath station have been for?

[Western 52]

The photo shows a wheel embedded in the platform wall at Neath Station. It's of the type used for semaphore signal wires, but it's in a strange place. It also appears to not be level, although that may be due to age. Hard to see how it could have been for a signal in that position, but what could it's purpose have been? Was there ever a signal mid way along the down platform?

 

[robert thomas]

The photo shows a wheel embedded in the platform wall at Neath Station. It's of the type used for semaphore signal wires, but it's in a strange place. It also appears to not be level, although that may be due to age. Hard to see how it could have been for a signal in that position, but what could it's purpose have been? Was there ever a signal mid way along the down platform?

There was a disc signal controlling the centre road on which the Vale of Neath trains were stabled. The centre road was lifted post 1964 when the Vale of Neath closed. There was also a signal midway down the platform controlling the exit from the centre road. This was suspended from the platform canopy.

 

[Western 52]

Sounds like that wheel must be a relic from that signal then. I don't remember semaphore days at Neath. I knew there had been a centre line though and of course it would have been signalled.

 

[edwin_m]

I'm guessing that the signal wire went along the front edge of this platform (as is common), then turned via this wheel to go through a duct in the platform behind it, then via one or more wheels up to the signal in the canopy.

 

[Western 52]

I was there just now but of course no sign of any of the rest of that arrangement as the canopies have been renewed. It must have been an interesting signal to maintain though.

 

[Rescars]

The GWR had these types of arrangements at various locations. Are there still main line disc signals suspended from the canopy at Worcester Shrub Hill? IIRC these related to a scissors crossover between the platform and a centre road.

 

[Western 52]

There was a larger than usual disc at Worcester Shrub Hill, known as the banjo I think? I've not been there recently so no idea if it's still there.

 

[robert thomas]

The GWR had these types of arrangements at various locations. Are there still main line disc signals suspended from the canopy at Worcester Shrub Hill? IIRC these related to a scissors crossover between the platform and a centre road.

The suspended signal at Neath was a conventional signal arm. In earlier times there was a signal box half way down the platform but I think this was removed before the war.

 

[edwin_m]

In earlier times there was a signal box half way down the platform but I think this was removed before the war.

This would also have needed some arrangement to get the rods and cables out past the platform, possibly something that was later adapted into what the OP has seen.

 

[Rescars]

There was a larger than usual disc at Worcester Shrub Hill, known as the banjo I think? I've not been there recently so no idea if it's still there.

It used to make a most satisfying "clunk" sound when it was put back to danger!

 

[robert thomas]

This would also have needed some arrangement to get the rods and cables out past the platform, possibly something that was later adapted into what the OP has seen.

No. There was quite a wide tunnel under the platform for that.