colin1501 wrote:I have been reading about tunnel signals and gongs on a couple of old threads on this forum (specifically in connection with the up outer distant at Blea Moor, and the down home at Dainton Tunnel), and had a couple of questions about gongs. For example, did the gongs sound continuously when the relevant signal was on, or were they 'approach controlled' in some way by the train, perhaps by activation of a treadle?
Also, I wondered just how audible gongs were, given that noise levels on a steam locomotive footplate in a tunnel must have been significant.
Grateful for any information.
Colin
I've extracted this from the 1960 LMR Midland Lines sectional appendix -
"GONGS IN TUNNELS
Gongs are fixed in the undermentioned tunnels for the purpose of warning Drivers that they are approaching the distant signal. If a Driver does not hear the gong sound, he must give information of the failure at his first stopping place, and the Station Master there must immediately wire the station nearest the gong. An examination of the gong must at once be made, and if there is any failure of the apparatus, the Signal Engineer's Department must be wired.
Totley - Down - 30 yards before reaching outer distant signal for Grindleford Station box.
St. John's Wood - Down - 75 yards before reaching Signal D.23.
Catesby - Up - 100 yards before reaching outer distant signal for Charwelton.
Victoria Street - Up - 100 yards before reaching home signals for Weekday Cross Jn.
Victoria Street - Down - 100 yards before reaching home signal for Nottingham Victoria South.
Mansfield Road - Up - 100 yards before reaching home signal for Nottingham Victoria North."
So far as I know these gongs were normally mechanically operated by treadle, regardless of the signal position/aspect.
They were to guard against drivers losing awareness of their location in possibly smoke filled tunnels.
Dave