CONVERSION TO COLOR LIGHTS AT KENDAL
Kendal was the last station on the Delmas-Ogies section to be converted to CTC controlled by Ogies. The pictures and information were all supplied by Eugene Armer from a trip there at the end of April 2007. During this time of installing the color light signals and converting to CTC, there are some odd methods of train operation. Apparently all Up (westbound) trains are admitted to the station as normal by the operation of the home signal, but have to stop to get a paper order to proceed past the starter signal at danger and the section entry signal (advance starter - colour light) which has been disconnected.
All Down (eastbound) trains stop at Arbor CTC signal ARD840, CTC notifies Kendal by telephone that a train is there, and Kendal then gives radio authorisation for the train to proceed past the signal. The distant signal is now always at danger, while the outer home and home signals are constantly pulled off for the all clear. Only the Down starter signal is operated whenever a train is passing through. Coal is being loaded at sidings that extend from the old shunting leg off the Up loop and the loads are cleared by class 38's from Ogies.
This pictures shows the starter signals for the Down main and loop at Kendal, looking towards Ogies. Note the different paint schemes on the two signal masts. Also note the base for the new colour light in front of the loop starter
Another view of the Down starters, this shot also shows the starter for the second loop, plus the signal controlling access to the headshunt. The new colour light signal is clearly visible behind
A coal train is exiting the Up loop, crossing over to the Down main towards Ogies. The Down loop starter is clearly visible, this signal also controls access to the grain silos.
This is the new gantry erected over the Down line, with starter signals for Up trains using the Down loops. The old semaphore on the right is still operational, although seldom used these days. In the background are the new colour light starters on the Up and Down main lines, as well as the semaphore Up starters. Confusing enough ?!
The Up line starters, with the new colour light replacements already in place. The semaphore on the left also controls access to a siding that goes around the curve to the left in the background and ends in a non-electrified coal loading area, the coal being trucked in from a nearby mine.
At the west end of Kendal, looking east towards Ogies. This shot shows all the Up starter signals, as well as some of the new colour lights and the gantry over the Down lines on the left. In the background, to the right of the middle starter, a blue class 10E can be seen waiting at the station for authority to proceed.
Another shot of the west end of Kendal, looking east as a pair of class 38's enter the station on the Down line.
The Down home signal at Kendal, with an Up train loaded with timber passing by.
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