Martin Shaw
Western Thunderer
Many years ago when I had a oo gauge model railway I acquired some block instruments to add veracity to the operation. Some I disposed of but a few were kept and have been stored in wholly unsuitable locations, usually damp garages, where they have been gently mouldering for the last 40 years. They were in ex railway tatty condition when I got them and time hasn't benefited them. Earlier this year I made a decision to auction off my railwayana collection but inspection of these items told me that as they stood they were worth little, I would have to accept that or commit myself to doing them up, I chose the latter but I wanted an sensible standard without completely eradicating the origins, you may judge whether I have achieved that aim from the pictures.
This is as the subject, stamped MRCo and 1897 on the base so it's 123 years old, it owes nothing to the MR, LMS, or BR, all of whom owned for less time than yours truly. It remains to have the glazing and retaining beads fitted otherwise it's complete. It is unusual in that whilst it's a non pegging instrument it still has the handle fitted from the era when the MR used the block as a telegraph instrument as well, when the indicator is at line blocked the operating the handle puts a positive or negative battery to line that will also operate the needle at accepting end of the section. If the needle is at Line Clear or Train on Line it must not be used for telegraph messages, typically train running information and the like. The LMS stopped the practice and most of the telegraph only handles were removed so this is a relatively unusual survivor.
Best wishes
Martin
This is as the subject, stamped MRCo and 1897 on the base so it's 123 years old, it owes nothing to the MR, LMS, or BR, all of whom owned for less time than yours truly. It remains to have the glazing and retaining beads fitted otherwise it's complete. It is unusual in that whilst it's a non pegging instrument it still has the handle fitted from the era when the MR used the block as a telegraph instrument as well, when the indicator is at line blocked the operating the handle puts a positive or negative battery to line that will also operate the needle at accepting end of the section. If the needle is at Line Clear or Train on Line it must not be used for telegraph messages, typically train running information and the like. The LMS stopped the practice and most of the telegraph only handles were removed so this is a relatively unusual survivor.
Best wishes
Martin