Letters to the Editor

摘要

Mike Christensen's article on tablet exchangers in Observer 351 reminded me of the installation and operation of an exchanger at the Pleasant Point Museum and Railway almost 20 years ago. I am told that the original exchanger came from Washdyke [formerly Washdyke Junction]. It sat around the Keanes Crossing site of the museum for many years and was moved occasionally when it got in the way. In 1999 the late Barry Shuker took the post and exchanger home and restored it to working order. It returned to Keanes Crossing on 13 April 1999 and was installed on the station platform there by Barry with assistance from Jim Rae and the late Keith Garth on 20 April 1999.I am not sure if it was tested at this time, but during the week before 7 September 2002 TR18 towed AB699 slowly past the exchanger to ensure everything lined up and worked.7 September 2002 was a Society members'day with a group of Ocean Beach Railway members coming up for good measure. I had advised the late Jim Dangerfield of what was planned and although he was not able to attend he did send a two-page letter with instructions on how to ensure safety while operating the exchanger. Needless to say Jim's instructions were followed to the letter and he was later pleased to learn that everything went to plan. Following a trip to Pleasant Point with AB699 and the longest train ever run by the museum, AB699 and a couple of freight wagons were backed to the end of the Keanes Crossing yard. The platform exchanger and gear of the AB were set and a successful exchange took place.This was repeated four or five times.To my knowledge this was the last time the exchangerThe pole and exchanger were placed at theTimaru end of the Keanes Crossing platform in an area not passed by carriages during a normal running day. Although the exchanger is locked in the off position at all times, if it was inadvertently put out no harm would occur to passengers - although the guard might get a fright! A sign has been attached to the pole explaining the workings of the exchanger.