QUICK LINKS

North Kelsey

PHOTO GALLERY: MANCHESTER, SHEFFIELD & LINCOLNSHIRE RAILWAY

North Kelsey

OPENED: 1890. CLOSED: 1987

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North Kelsey could be found on the Barnetby to Lincoln line of the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway.

North Kelsey SB, 1985
John Hinson

This view shows the wooden level crossing gates, with stout iron hinges fixing them to the large concrete posts. Notice the red lamp, angled to point towards road traffic when the gates are closed. The divided red target split between the two gates was typical of crossings countrywide – this serves the same purpose as the lamp by day. Interestingly, an additional target is fitted to the right-hand gate; the reason for this is not known.

Alongside the main gates are the pedestrian “wicket” gates, which in those days would not be secured until the train was closely approaching. Two original cast-iron signs warn against the dangers of crossing the line and trespass.

Behind these signs is a stout lattice-post bracket signal, although the doll that the arm is fixed to is timber to reduce weight. Notice how the wire running to the upper quadrant arm passes round two pulleys to reach the arm, rather than the more common crank arrangement.

The box itself is of the MSL’s 1887 design, as were all along this piece of railway, for until as late as 1890 this line had no “proper” signalling. This design superseded the design illustrated at Denaby Crossing, the main difference being a change to deeper (three-pane) windows for better visibility, and horizontal weather-boarded timber. Barge boards were of a six-ring design inherited from the 1880 architecture as seen at Denaby Crossing, although those here have been renewed with plain replacements. Another example of this type is illustrated at Worksop Sidings in the Great Central pages.

North Kelsey SB
N L Cadge, 16/7/83

This is one of many boxes of this era that were provided with lever frames manufactured by the Railway Signal Company, of their standard design with levers spaced at 5½ inches.

Great Central block instruments are provided.

North Kelsey SB
N L Cadge, 16/7/83

This picture shows one of the two sets of GCR block instruments in use. They are easily identified from others of similar pattern by the thumb-operable catch on the pegging instrument (left), the off-set tapper key on the bell, and the plain-fronted non-pegger with no adornments.

A gate wheel of the MSL’s design operated the level crossing gates.

North Kelsey SB
N L Cadge, 16/7/83

From 1894, another design of box was introduced by the MSL, and an example is illustrated at Orgreaves Colliery in the Great Central pages.

The line is still operational, and many of the cabins remain in use. North Kelsey, however, was abolished in 1987.