First day of operation of the new signalbox at Swanage - Tuesday 28th Jan 2003

Photo Report from Andrew P.M. Wright dated 2nd Feb 2003
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
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Because of the historic importance of this development on the Swanage Railway we have decided to create a number of photo reports in addition to the Press Release page which should be read for further detail.

Andrew P.M. Wright has sent us these photographs of the first operational day of the new Swanage signal box - Tuesday 28th January, 2003. This was the first day that the signal box was in operation after being handed over from the S&T Dept to the Operations Department. This first photgraph shows a token being handed over from the Class 33 diesel loco to the signalman, Mike Whitwam.

Andrew's photo shows Mike Whitwam (right) shaking hands with Alan Greatbatch who is congratulating Mike on being the first signalman to be passed out for using the new signalbox at Swanage. Alan is Swanage Railway's signalling inspector and Railtrack Bournemouth area Deputy Signalling Manager. We also see signalman Phil Eakins being given the long section staff by Mike. Also seen in other photos is Swanage signalman Keith Watson who is ex-Railtrack.

So that the passing out of the first signalman could be carried out - Mike Whitwam in the morning and Keith Watson in the afternoon - Swanage Railway operations manager Paul McDonald, assisted by second man and assistant operations manager Mike Standhaft, repeatedly drove the Class 33 diesel loco hauling a Mark One brake coach between Swanage and Harman's Cross. The Class 33 guard was Ian Robinson. This photograph shows the first operational handover of a token from Paul McDonald to Mike Whitwam at the new Swanage signalbox.

Andrew's photos begin by showing Mike Whitwam climbing the stairs to unlock the signal box for its first day in service.