Dafydd 4

The fascinating world of signalling throws up some peculiar situations.
Whilst manually operated gates and leverframes continue in use, modern power
signalboxes such as Leeds are being closed and replaced by new signalling
systems. This scene was particularly resonant for me as when I started my
signalling career in the late 1990s, I visited Leeds PSB as part of a safety
training course. At that time it was a hive of activity and I don't mind
admitting I felt completely overwhelmed. My next visit was to record this
image on the day before the box closed.  John Ward was the only signaller on
duty and all the wall panels were dark and lifeless, already switched over
to control from the new York IECC. The Ardsley panel supervising the
Wakefield Westgate area was the last area in use to be switched over to
York. John retired with the closure of the box and gave me his old BR bag as
a momento.