Classics on the Green in Pictures, 6th May 2012

The typical bank holiday weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of old car enthusiasts as they turned out for this year’s Classics on the Green in Croxley on Sunday.
The rain held off as members of Watford & District Classic Vehicle Club (WDCVC) were joined by vintage car-owners and visitors from Herts, Beds and Bucks to browse more than 400 classic and modern makes and visiting trade stands.

This year’s show was held over a single day to mingle the old and new cars together, giving the public the chance to see the whole range of vehicles on display all in one go. And there was a lot to look at. As well as the usual run of classics- Model As, Rollers, Rover 90s, Minis, 1100s and TR6s, there were a number of rarer sights too.

A 1999 Fiat Coupe 2L Turbo Plus; a 1959 pink Cadillac; a Ferrari Daytona worth around £250,000; a Fiat 500 with a Ferrari Boxer engine a VW 4x4 from the1960s; and a very rare aluminium-bodied Lotus, also from the ‘60s. The oldest car was a 1913 Overlander Roadster.

Drive to St. Albans Old Signal Box, 18th March 2012

The cars started from the Met Police Club’s carpark in Aldenham at 1.30pm and arrived at the St Albans signal box at 2.00 where we were met by five very enthusiastic members of the Restoration Trust. At the start of the tour we were each given a replica train ticket as a souvenir.

Starting off in the garden surrounding the signal box, one of our guides explained the use and operation of the signalling equipment which was displayed there, before going into the Museum on the ground floor of the building.

It is interesting to note the signal box is constructed entirely of wood and has no foundations, Built in 1892 it celebrates 120 years this year. In 1997 after years of neglect it was put up for sale at a £1.00 provided it was taken down and removed, However the St Albans Council stepped in and declared it to be a historic monument and had it "listed" Grade II, including the interior, which is unusual. It is painted in as near as possible to its original colours of Lemon Chrome and Venetian Red

The Museum was full of signalling memorabilia and we were given a talk on the history of the various changes seen by the box over its life up to its closure. This was followed by refreshments, and then, up the outside staircase to the signalling floor.

Our second guide explained the operation of the 44 lever Midland Railway Frame which operated the signals on the line. The operation of most of the levers called for a reasonable amount of strength to pull them “home”, but those which did not need such energy, had a lever with a shorter top to remind the signalman not to use such force. Constant contact had to be maintained with other boxes along the line, and telegraphs were used, as telephones were not available.

The talk ended with a working demonstration showing how the trains were controlled within the section covered by the signal box.

It was a very interesting and instructive visit, this being made more so, by the evident enthusiasam of all the Trust members. Peter Watson who had organised the trip made a short thank you speech and gave a donation on behalf of us all, to the Trust fund to mark our appreciation. Overall the visit lasted three hours.

Last but not least we must thank Peter for laying this on for the Club.

Vernon