A Blockman’s Lot

A flask of tea, some supplies from the local bakery, a good book and a comfortable armchair are the essentials for a day as volunteer Blockman at Brynglas on the Talyllyn Railway. Handily, an Oakwood Press book fits snugly inside my TR Rules and Signalling Regs folder. From this comfortable spot I can see the rails disappear off in each direction out of two windows and out of a third I can see across the fields to the sea and the sunshine glinting off Cardigan Bay. 

The sun is shining and the Fathew Valley is looking at its best today. There’s been the occasional hiker, the Postman and the local farmer going about his business on the crossing outside disturbing the tranquility, otherwise there’s only the sounds of birdsong, the nearby stream and sheep munching on the grass in the field behind the blockpost. Until there’s a ‘ding’ on the block bell to remind me that there’s a train on its way. 

The Talyllyn’s use of Blockposts and Blockmen rather than Signal Boxes and Signalmen stems from using army railway  practices rather than mainline ones. We only have colour light signals at Wharf and Abergynolwyn where Mother Wales and dense woodland make their use a necessity. Elsewhere, it’s a very simple set up, the Blockman arrives either by road or on the first train of the day. Opening up involves putting out two stop boards and unlocking the frame with a master key. No complicated electronics to maintain (or go wrong) and when trains aren’t booked to pass each other here, there’s no need to roster anyone here as the loco crew will stop and change tokens themselves. 

Blocking is a relaxing form of volunteering. Whilst it might not have the excitement of a day on the footplate. The day is shorter and you stay a lot cleaner. What’s not to like? I’ve known a few people over the years use blocking as a relaxing antidote to the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

My last day Blocking was on Race the Train day, today is a lot quieter with just two train sets out and a couple of crossings. Not seen any red kites circling overhead yet today, but there’s still time as it’s only just gone lunchtime. 

Call attention on the block bell means there’s a train on the way down from Quarry Siding and a couple of hikers have appeared to catch it. Once despatched, it’ll be time for some more tea.