Editor's picks
Jump right in with Greg Morse's selection of priority reads.• Laser-sharp focus
• The modern messroom
• Severn Tunnel Junction 1985
Letter from the editor
We have long considered the problems of train drivers going too far, of signals passed at danger. In this issue of Right Track, Network Rail’s Justin Willett considers signals from the signaller’s point of view.
There’s been much concern about the number of trains being sent into line blockages or possessions, prompting further investigation. Analysis has revealed that some incidents involved a signaller removing the reminder appliance or removing the wrong one if a number were in use.
So far, thankfully, no one has been injured. Mindful, however, that signallers want to do the right thing, but mindful too that no-one can remember everything, Network Rail’s Justin Willett ran a refresher on reminders and their proper use.
Reminder appliances started life as metal collars that would be put over the signal lever in a mechanical box to prevent it from being pulled. In some places, they still are. In more modern installations, they have taken an electronic or digital form.
Late notices, on the other hand, were first introduced in 1947 and are still in use today. RSSB’s Joe Wilson describes this traditional paper-based method of informing drivers about safety alerts, speed restrictions, and operational notices—and what’s being done to resolve the issues related to their use.
Meanwhile, GB Railfreight’s Bessie Matthews talks about how she uses non-technical skills to help her maintain focus. Arriva Rail London’s Scott Ive discusses the role the messroom can have in operational learning.
And Network Rail’s Tom Payne, our ‘10 minutes with’ interviewee, opens up about life as a signaller and his move to become a service delivery supervisor. You can also see Tom in RED 70, which looks at lone working. It’s well worth a watch, either alone or in company.
Greg Morse, Editor
With today’s tech, we can improve safety alertsIndustry needs a multi-channel approach to issuing late notice cases.
The modern messroom’s missing ingredientMessrooms are a far cry from the hubs of information exchange that they used to be.
Grand day out behind the wheelWhy you should seize any opportunity you have to try a train simulator.
What about my welfare?Freight driver reveals the daily struggles of having to contend with a lack of welfare facilities.
On the wrong trackWith some signallers sending trains onto the wrong line, a refresher on reminder appliances was needed.
10 minutes with…We sat down with Network Rail Signalling Manager Thom Payne, who recently appeared in RED 70 on lone working.
NewswireRound-up of overseas rail accidents and incidents between January and April 2025.
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