CASE STUDY
Hammerton Lever Frame
SigTech Rail collaborated with Network Rail to replace the heavily worn 1914 lever frame at Kirk Hammerton Station with a renovated frame from Barden Mill.
We handled the disconnection and re-termination of electrical components, ensuring the frame was tested and operational for the first train on Monday morning.
SigTech Rail are proud to announce that over the weekend of the 12th – 15th August, we worked alongside the specialist Locking Fitters from Network Rail to renew the Lever Frame at Kirk Hammerton Station to the West of York.
Hammerton is an intermediate station on the York to Harrogate route which is a real oasis of traditional branch line signalling sandwiched between the electronic signalling of York and Leeds. This small but beautiful station still retains its very old form of signalling box which is still in use today.
The lever frame is thought to date from the signalling of the line in the 1880s, although little definite information has been traced. An 1895 survey records eight “signal boxes” on the line as being “Wood Cover on Platform”.
In 1914 a new McKenzie and Holland No.16 lever frame was provided and it was this frame that was being replaced over the weekend. This frame has now been retired after completing 108 years of solid service and due to its Class 2 Heritage will now be kept in storage.
Unfortunately, a renewal of the existing Hammerton frame was required as it was so heavily worn with salt and grit which had acquired over the many years from the Signallers’ boots after walking to and from the gated road crossing.
A replica frame was built offsite in York, then transported to site where it was installed in place of the existing worn frame on a like for like basis, then tested in to service by SigTech Rail.
How did we help?
The role of the team provided by SigTech Rail, was to disconnect all the electrical lever locks and circuit controllers which were attached to the frame.
After the frame was replaced by the teams of locking fitters, the SigTech installers re-terminated the wiring under the control of the SigTech lead tester.
Following installation it was then handed over to the joint test team of SigTech & Network Rail for them to undertake rigorous testing before handing back the lever frame ready for the first train on Monday morning.
We have to say that working on the Hammerton Lever Frame was one of the most enjoyable projects that we’ve undertaken.
It’s not everyday a lever frame is installed, in fact the last frame that was installed on the main rail network, was back in around 1981.
Delivery:
Liaised with Network Rail Locking Fitter Supervisor for the North, as well as the Senior Asset Engineer (Signalling) for the North & East who had vast array of mechanical knowledge.
Helped define the limits of our and their responsibilities of the disconnection, installation and testing of the assets. Network rail Locking fitters were responsible for all the mechanical, SigTech Rail were responsible for the electrical, with SigTech being overall responsible for the signing back into service of the full frame.
Knowing the limitations of the work and assets involved, helped ensure we knew the skillset required to undertake our part of the project.
Testimonial
“ I would personally like to thank everyone who has been involved and dedicated to the Hammerton Lever Frame Renewal. There has certainly been many tense moments and issues to overcome however, as a team we have conquered and succeeded!
The renewal of the frame is a fantastic achievement which should be celebrated by everyone, bearing in mind the last time a lever frame renewal on this scale was conducted was by BR back in 1981.
In my eyes this is an accomplishment that we should all be proud of! “
Joe Young
Mechanical & Electrical Locking Supervisor
Network Rail North
Why Choose SigTech Rail?
- Verified & Audited By RISQS
- Full members of CIRAS, RIA, Rail Alliance.
- Accredited to ISO 9001.
- Accredited to Constructionline (Gold), Builders Profile.
- Projects delivered safely, on time and to budget.
- Expertise and experience that you can depend upon.
- Qualified & trusted signalling engineers delivering value for money
