Frank S Ross at Rolvenden

An interesting day on the KESR as the Sunday lunch Pullman ran for only the second time this season. Fully booked and both the service trains were well loaded too.

This shot is of the USA Tank named Frank S Ross which has been shunted onto the loop line in order to get other locos out if the yard. It looks very fine framed by the signalbox window with some of the old bakerlite phones in the foreground.

Towards the end of the day the Signal and Telegraph Manager appeared at the box with a device to measure the force used to work some of the signals and points furthest away from the box. It seems they have a magic material to reduce friction on the wires, rods, pulleys and chains. It’s a form of Teflon and it worked.

A couple of signals which are 660 yards from the box required a force of over 55kg to pull. After treatment that was down to 35kg. All very good for ageing signalmen!

Barbara and David arrived safely after their long drive from Edinburgh. We’re looking forward to travelling up to Edinburgh next Sunday for that R&R. Meanwhile, we’re hoping to put together a workable plan for Doreen’s care over the coming days as we can’t continue like we are as her needs are becoming all consuming.