There is currently no formal signalling control on the Bunk Line, with the railway operating "one engine in steam" principles. This means that in normal circumstances, only one train may operate between Wallingford Station limits and the bufferstops at Cholsey. This arrangement is enhanced by use of a token, which is carried by the driver of the lead locomotive of any train leaving station limits. Four ground frames in total control the points at each station, all unlocked by a key on the token.
Various additional or amended rules, in the form of written instructions or “Traffic Special Instructions” allow for some circumstances to override the one engine in steam rule, including for example permissive working at Wallingford Station (two trains using the platform together) or carrying out shunt release at Cholsey, a complex procedure used when the locomotive is too long to run round normally.
We are working through the complex procedures and conditions so that we can bring Stoke Canon signal box to Wallingford. Due to its condition, the first stage of the work will be to reinstate the box so that it is suitable for visitors. On completion of this work, we will update the points so that they can be controlled by the box. This will allow safer working as there will be fewer people around moving trains.
With the signal box controlling the points at Wallingford, we will also introduce signalling in this area. A key component is the signal bracket, which was recovered from Oxford Station, something that has provoked keen interest from signalling enthusiasts.
The railway is one of only a few heritage lines in the country to cross a main road. The Cholsey & Wallingford Railway in preservation form pre-dates the road, and as part of the agreement to build the Wallingford By-Pass, it was agreed that Oxfordshire Highways would be responsible for all maintenance of the crossing through Oxfordshire County Council, who have a contract with Network Rail for all maintenance of the crossing.
Start your heritage railway journey today and book your tickets to travel through the countryside on "The Bunk"
Start your heritage railway journey today and book your tickets to travel through the countryside on "The Bunk"
M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | Thursday 3 | Friday 4 | Saturday 5 | Sunday 6 | |
Monday 7 | Tuesday 8 | Wednesday 9 | Thursday 10 | Friday 11 | Saturday 12
| Sunday 13 |
Monday 14 | Tuesday 15 | Wednesday 16 | Thursday 17 | Friday 18 | Saturday 19
| Sunday 20 |
Monday 21 | Tuesday 22 | Wednesday 23 | Thursday 24 | Friday 25 | Saturday 26 | Sunday 27 |
Monday 28 | Tuesday 29 | Wednesday 30 | Thursday 31 |
M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
Thursday 1 | Thursday 2
| Thursday 3 | ||||
Thursday 4 | Thursday 5 | Thursday 6 | Thursday 7 | Thursday 8
| Thursday 9 | Thursday 10 |
Thursday 11 | Thursday 12 | Thursday 13 | Thursday 14 | Thursday 15 | Thursday 16 | Thursday 17 |
Thursday 18 | Thursday 19 | Thursday 20 | Thursday 21 | Thursday 22 | Thursday 23
| Thursday 24
|
Thursday 25 | Thursday 26 | Thursday 27 | Thursday 28 | Thursday 29 | Thursday 30
|
M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
Thursday 1
| ||||||
Thursday 2 | Thursday 3 | Thursday 4 | Thursday 5 | Thursday 6 | Thursday 7
| Thursday 8
|
Thursday 9 | Thursday 10 | Thursday 11 | Thursday 12 | Thursday 13 | Thursday 14
| Thursday 15
|
Thursday 16 | Thursday 17 | Thursday 18 | Thursday 19 | Thursday 20 | Thursday 21
| Thursday 22
|
Thursday 23
| Thursday 24 | Thursday 25 | Thursday 26 | Thursday 27 | Thursday 28 | Thursday 29 |
Thursday 30 | Thursday 31 |